News
Fly Fishing on the Local Waters
Matt Evans grew up fishing with his father on the local rivers of McDowell County and quickly fell in love with the sport. He along with friends, family, and local dignitaries gathered in the waters of Mill Creek in Old Fort for a one-of-a-kind Ribbon Cutting celebrating the opening of his business, The Catawba Angler. You can say his passion for fishing and the outdoors spawned at an early age. Matt and his team offer diverse guided fishing adventures throughout the rivers and streams of McDowell
Action Coach's Bill Gilliland Featured on Influential Entrepreneurs
Bill Gilliland, one of the top business coaches in the world, has been there done that. He Has owned businesses in industries ranging from automation to coaching to poultry to business brokerage. He has worked with hundreds of business owners to achieve EPIC business results while also helping them reach their personal goals. Bill was recently the featured guest on Influential Entrepreneur podcast with Mike Saunders, MBA. Hear Bill's story and how childhood lessons from his father helped shape his
New NC Tax Law Changes
The North Carolina General Assembly recently passed Senate Bill 557, Various Finance Law Changes, and the governor signed it into law on November 8, 2019. The bill includes several changes affecting NC taxes, including the following: • A 7.5% increase to NC’s standard deduction for individual taxpayers, effective for the 2020 tax year. • Enactment of market-based sourcing for companies selling products, services or intangibles to customers in multiple states, effective for tax years starting January 1,
The Sweet Sound of Success
Who says old is out of style? Not the judges at the 2019 Asheville Food & Wine Festival who awarded Marion’s Keeper’s Cut Meadery with Double Gold, Gold, and Silver awards for their exquisite, flavorsome honey wines. The winning meads, 2016 Amarena (Double Gold), 2016 Anann Te (Gold), and their 2016 Autumn (Silver) stood out at the awards table rising to the top with other regional winemakers. Vintners such as DeTerra out of Tennessee, Jones von Drehle Vineyards in North Carolina, and Whitebarrel out of
Shoe Sensation Hosts Socks for Troops
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/24/2019 Taylor McAdams 253 America Place Jeffersonville, IN 47130 tmcadams@shoesensation.com (812) 288-7659 Ext. 303 SHOE SENSATION HOSTS 4th ANNUAL SOCKS FOR TROOPS FUNDRAISERShoe Sensation is collecting socks for active Military and local Veterans NOVEMBER 1-DECEMBER 31, 2019. Shoe Sensation, a regional chain of name brand family shoe stores, is hosting its 4th annual “Socks for Troops” fundraiser company-wide. Last year, Shoe Sensation collected over 30,000 pairs of socks
Falling for The Pond at Laurel Cove
The sun rested on the tops of the trees before descending over the mountain. Blazing streaks of reds, yellows, and oranges stretched across the water bathing the resident ducks in color. They clustered at the far corner of the pond shying away from the crowds at the grand farmhouse-turned wedding venue, The Pond at Laurel Cove. Old Fort residents and owners Lisa and Patrick Ellis were excited to host local dignitaries, Chamber staff, friends, and family for the official Ribbon Cutting held Tuesday,
Twisted Rod Tire Opens in Old Fort
You might say Nathan Jones runs on RPMs and motor oil. At his recent Ribbon Cutting with the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, Jones proudly introduced his staff and family to the crowd gathered at Twisted Rod Tire Co.—his second family-owned automotive service and repair shop in Old Fort. An admitted motorhead, Jones loves working on and customizing cars. The tire shop, located at 109 E. Main Street in Old Fort, sells tires, does inspections, transmission work, brakes, and oil changes. For larger jobs, Jones
New Address, New Look for Burkes Outlet
The line of eager shoppers flowed into the parking lot at the recent grand Re-Opening of the Burkes Outlet store on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 9 a.m. Even Bigfoot attended the festive event. Store Manager Charlotte Hawley was thrilled to welcome guests along with city and county officials at the Chamber Ribbon Cutting. "It's great to see so many people from the community here to support us and we are thrilled to continue serving McDowell County residents with even better brands and pricing in our new
Putting Their Best Foot Forward
The Chamber board and staff joined city and county officials to welcome Shoe Sensation to the community at an official Ribbon Cutting on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 10 a.m. The new shoe shop, located in the Food Lion Center next to Harbor Freight, carries popular brands such as Keds, Clarks, Columbia, Converse, Crocs, CAT, Echo Bat, Easy Street, and more. This is the fourth location in North Carolina for the Indiana-based company. Since 1984, Shoe Sensation has focused on bringing America's top footwear
90 Years of Supporting McDowell County Families
It's rare in today's world of commerce for anyone to hold a job for 50 years. It not only takes a committed employee, it takes a business that is committed to the community, its product, and its family of employees. In a proud moment on Saturday, September 28, 2019 Lester Welch, WestRock's longest serving employee, cut the ribbon to commemorate the company's 90th anniversary of business in McDowell County. WestRock Marion began operations in 1929 as Etta Paper Box Company and was founded by local
Local Wins Bigfoot Dream Ride
The Chamber is proud to announce that local resident and former NC Works employee Mary Ledbetter of Pleasant Gardens won the Bigfoot Dream Ride that was auctioned off at the 2nd annual Bigfoot Festival on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Hundreds of tickets were purchased with the hope of winning the specialized golf cart, customized by Clear Creek Golf and decked out with graphics by Pressley Made Graphics Design. The Golf Cart Raffle was presented by the Chamber of Commerce to fund scholarships for its
The Blood Connection Becomes County's Primary Blood Supplier
Asheville, NC (August 16, 2019) – As the blood supplier for local hospitals in McDowell and Caldwell counties, The Blood Connection is asking community members to become loyal blood donors to maintain an adequate, local blood supply. The Blood Connection (TBC) is the primary blood supplier for Mission Hospital McDowell and Caldwell UNC Healthcare. Those are two of the eleven TBC hospital partners in Western North Carolina. When anyone in those communities needs blood, it’s available because of TBC
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Arrival
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9/17/2019 Media Contact: Sue Vousden 253 America Place Jeffersonville, IN 47130 svousden@shoesensation.com GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON-CUTTING TO CELEBRATE ARRIVALShoe Sensation has stepped its way into Marion! MARION, NORTH CAROLINA-OCTOBER 9TH - Shoe Sensation, a regional chain of name brand family shoes stores, is excited to launch its grand opening and ribbon cutting in Marion on Wednesday, October
Riverfest will Celebrate the Catawba River Basin at Lake James State Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASERIVERFEST WILL CELEBRATE THE CATAWBA RIVER BASIN AT LAKE JAMES STATE PARKIt’s the day we’ve all been waiting for; the 16th annual Catawba RiverFest will take place Sept. 21. It’s going to be a fantastic day highlighting conservation, community and our community’s businesses. Join us to celebrate the park system here in the Catawba River Basin and its critical importance to the quality of life we all enjoy. The festival will take place at the Paddy’s Creek Area at Lake James State Park
Wealth Management For The Rest Of Us
Many people mistakenly believe that the term financial planner is reserved for the 1%, the people on the Forbes 500 list, or Wall Street barons of business. For Steven Gaito of Retirement Resource Management, it's for everyone from the factory worker to the small business owner. After several years as a 'money manager' and the impact of the market crash in 2008, Steven shifted his business focus to what he really enjoyed--Helping people identify, maximize, and protect the resources they do have by creating
Simply Brilliant
Life can get hectic—We can all relate. As we are pushed to accomplish more and be the best version of ourselves, we are also inundated with messages espousing that less is more and the importance of self-care. It's contradictory and frankly can be exhausting. Enter Brittany Martin and Allie Webb. These two energetic entrepreneurs combined their individual businesses creating a calming space that invites the weary worker or petered out parent to Live Simply. At their new shop, Simply, Sweet &
Marion's Newest Pharmacy Opens on Five Lane
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion's newest pharmacy, The Prescription Pad of Marion, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, July 19th, 2019. The event was well attended with friends and family of owners, Anthony Randolph and Andy Stoker, and their team. Several dignitaries and ambassadors also took part in the celebration. Anthony and Andy are very excited for the opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact in Marion and all of McDowell County. The support they
Brandi Vetter State Farm Officially Opens in Marion
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion's newest insurance office, Brandi Vetter State Farm, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, July 17th, 2019. The event was well attended with friends and family of owner, Brandi Vetter,and her team. Several dignitaries and ambassadors also took part in the celebration. Brandi Vetter, a Marion native, comes from a family of entrepreneurs. When an opportunity for Brandi to open her own State Farm location became present, Brandi
Chamber Partners with Local Business to Support Operation Backpack
When the news of McDowell County School's "Operation Backpack" reached the McDowell Chamber office, the staff quickly jumped into action to help. The Chamber contacted member and industrial supply distributor, Robertson Packaging Supply, Inc. (RPSI), for help. Owners Brandon & Sarah Whitson didn't hesitate to partner with the Chamber, and their team worked diligently to locate supplies difficult for the school to find. On Friday, July 19th, RPSI delivered $1,000 in supplies to Melanie Dunham, project
EXP Realty Moves Into Marion Market
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the Grand Opening of EXP Realty with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 11, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize business owner, Shannon Pyatt, and celebrate his new journey here in McDowell County. The ribbon cutting event was well attended, and included Shannon’s wife, Leah, and daughter, Maleia. Several dignitaries and Chamber board members were also in attendance. Shannon has a dynamic personality, and is a featured
Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood Donors
Blood Emergency: Red Cross Issues Urgent Call for Blood DonorsLess than three-day supply of most blood types; new and existing donors called to help save lives (July 9, 2019) — Following a difficult Fourth of July week for blood donations and ongoing challenges finding new blood donors, the American Red Cross now faces a blood shortage and has issued an emergency call for eligible individuals of all blood types to give now and prevent delays in medical care. About 450 fewer blood drives were organized by
Old Fort Art Gallery to Sponsor Benefit Exhibit for Museum
OLD FORT, NC – Arrowhead Artists & Artisans League (A3L) is Bringing the Beach to the Mountains with a new exhibition that will open next month at the Arrowhead Gallery & Studios in Old Fort and be a benefit for its neighbor, the Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center. Bringing the Beach to the Mountains will be a judged, public art show that will debut Saturday, August 3, for a one-month run at the Arrowhead Gallery & Studios, 78-C Catawba Avenue in Old Fort. An opening reception for the show will
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Family Fun Recreation
July 4th Family Adventures are waiting in rural WNC!!! Thrifty Adventure’s has several trips that run daily including flat water kayaking, tubing, boat rentals and several guided whitewater trips on the Toe River. Also available every weekend is guided rock climbing or rappelling at Table Rock in Linville Gorge plus waterfall rappelling in Saluda NC. Rock climbing can also be booked during the week. Advanced reservations highly recommended! Guests can easily book online and view all trip details via
4th of July Celebration Downtown Marion
Thursday, July 4 – Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks- 6.00 pm – 10:00 pm Celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Marion. The parade begins at 6:00 p.m. A special spot is reserved at the beginning of the parade for “Anything That Rolls”. Grand Marshals are McDowell County veterans. The street dance with “Gotcha Groove” begins at 7:00 PM. Fireworks at 9:45 PM.
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Peoples Home Equity Opens In Downtown
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the Grand Opening of Peoples Home Equity with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, June 14, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize new business owner, Brian Wilson, and celebrate his new journey. The ribbon cutting event was well attended, and included Brian’s wife, Sidney, and children, Andrew and Savannah. Several dignitaries and Chamber board members were also in attendance. Brian Wilson is a recent graduate of the Growing
Employee Becomes Owner at Gibbs Hardware
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of Gibb’s True Value Hardware with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 16, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize new business owners, Mike and Suzie McClure, and celebrate their new adventure. Gibb’s Hardware has been a cornerstone in downtown Old Fort since 1963, when Butch Gibb’s father originally opened the business. In 1969 the business moved to its current location on Main Street. For 55 years former
Meade - What's all the Buzz About?
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate the Grand Opening of Keeper’s Cut Meadery with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 23, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize new business owners, Charlie Meyers, Kathryn Curran and Kurt Meyers, and celebrate their new business. What started with a dream of a tasting room has turned into a two and a half year journey building one of Marion’s newest destination tasting rooms and event spaces. Keeper’s Cut Meadery, located in the
Vietnam Veteran's Photos on Exhibit at Mountain Gateway Museum
OLD FORT, NC – On Friday, May 24, the Mountain Gateway & Heritage Center in Old Fort will unveil its newest exhibit, A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans. The exhibition of 30 color and black-and-white images—taken by North Carolina soldiers and assembled by Winston-Salem photographer Martin Tucker— focuses on the human elements of war, offering visitors the chance to see how the troops themselves chose to remember their time in Southeast Asia. “Vietnam was a complex conflict, ushering in a
Scorecard Playoff Decides 2019 Chamber Golf Tournament
Sunny skies and smiling faces prevailed at the Marion Lake Club Golf Course this past Friday as golfers showed up to hit the links at The McDowell Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Spring Golf Classic. Twenty teams played in the Captain’s Choice-style tournament sponsored by Countryside Catering, Duke Energy, Holly’s Deli, Miller Realty & Development, Mountain Ridge Health & Rehab, and South McDowell Quarry. MLC Golf Pro Greg Parker and Chamber Executive Director Steve Bush sent players in two flights off on the
Mountain Gateway Museum to Host New Farmer's Market in Old Fort
OLD FORT, NC – A new farmers’ market offering fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other edible products will open for the summer at Mountain Gateway Museum (MGM) in Old Fort, beginning Thursday, May 2. Organized by the museum in conjunction with Stock Wild Kitchen and the Old Fort Community Forum, with generous support from Silver’s Specialties, TAG Contracting Inc., and Greybeard Realty, the “MGM Farmers’ Market” will be held every Thursday from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. through October 3 on the
Samir's Celebrates 30 Years of Business
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce humbly celebrated a milestone achievement of 30 years of business with local business owner, Anwer Gillani of Samir Enterprises, LLC (Samir's). On Thursday, April 11, 2019, friends, family, and local dignitaries gathered at Samir's newest location to support their emotional friend, Anwer, who spoke of his humble beginings and the love he shares for his family, employees, and community. "My employees are my family, and I can't make it without them... and Marion is my
Catawba Valley Staffing Celebrates 20 Years
It was a great day for a celebration at the Catawba Valley Staffing this week as Chamber Board Chair Walt Bagwell and city officials Freddie Killough and Ann Harkey honored the crew on its milestone of 20 years of service to McDowell County! Hope Lowman (pictured here) Owner and President, and her daughter, Wendy Lowman Ward, CEO founded Catawba Valley Staffing Inc. in 1999 with the primary goal of taking what they learned in the previous decade and creating an exceptional staffing service centered around
Marion Goes Vintage
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion’s newest retail space, Vintage Market, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, February 8, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize the new business and welcome owners Anthony Collins and Rick Letterman to the Marion business community. Vintage Market is part of an antique craze where everything is trending back to the older style, and people want stuff that has been restored or repurposed. Located upstairs in the old Belk
Bracelets, Baubles, & Bling
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion’s newest jewelry store, Bracelets, Baubles, & Bling, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 7, 2019. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize the new business and welcome owner Kevin Tucker to the Marion business community. Bracelets, Baubles, & Bling is one of those unique places where old meets new and the aroma of fresh coffee fills the air. Located upstairs next to Crooked Door Coffee House, Bracelets, Baubles, & Bling
House Passes Bill Aimed at Getting Small Business Better Shot at Federal Contracts
Jan 21, 2019 by Michael GutaAs a small business, you might’ve tried to get a federal contract at some point. If you have, you know the process can be burdensome, complicated and full of obstacles, which is putting it mildly. To overcome some of these challenges, two bills (H.R. 226 and H.R. 227) introduced by newly appointed Chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business for the 116th Congress, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D-New York) were just passed by the House of Representatives. Small
TalentForce Wins National Award
TalentForceWINS INAVERO’S 2018 BEST OF STAFFING® CLIENT AND TALENT AWARDS Earned by less than two percent of all staffing agencies in the U.S. and CanadaShelby, NC January 18, 2019 - TalentForcea leading employment agency the industrial and clerical admin industries announced today that they have won Inavero’s Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Awards for providing superior service to their clients and job seekers. Presented in partnership with CareerBuilder, Inavero’s Best of Staffing winners have proven
2019 Annual Banquet Features Nashville Musician!
Contact: Tina WolfeMcDowell Chamber of CommercePhone: 828.652.4240Email: twolfe@mcdowellchamber.comWeb: mcdowellchamber.com1170 W. Tate St. Marion, NC 28752 Press ReleaseSiriusXM Radio Host/Entertainer Live at the Annual Member Banquet!Blue Collar Radio & Family Comedy Channel Personality and Nashville Artist to be the first nationally-known act to perform at the Municipal Event Center FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarion, NC: January 2019 Prepare to laugh, tap your feet, and be inspired by nationally
Movies in the Mountains
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion’s newest movie theater, Mountain Marquee Cinema with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 6, 2018. The chamber staff and local dignitaries gathered to welcome co-owners Aaron Shirley & Cody Andrews to the Marion business family. Mountain Marquee is a small, locally-owned cinema that shows second-run, independent, and classic films in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere that includes a great selection of food as well as beer
Marion Gets Crafty With DIY Studio
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce was pleased to celebrate Marion’s newest DIY studio, The Makery, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, December 14, 2018. The purpose of the occasion was to recognize the new business and welcome owner Heidi Barrier to the Marion business community. The Makery is a Do-It-Yourself craft studio where you can choose from a wide variety of DIY projects that best compliment your home decor. From painting parties with the girlfriends to full blown corporate outings, The
New Audit Program Helps Employers Stay Compliant
Attention Employers! Have you discovered possible overtime violations within your company? The US Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has a new nationwide program called the Payroll Audit Independent Determination program or PAID. It facilitates the resolution of potential overtime and minimum wage violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The program’s primary objectives are to resolve such claims expeditiously and without litigation, to improve employers’ compliance with overtime
Chamber Announces Entrepreneurship Award Winners!
The holiday cheer was in full swing at Tom Johnson's Camping World where the McDowell Chamber of Commerce presented four area businesses with the coveted Tom Johnson Entrepreneurship Award at its Holiday After Hours Thursday, December 13, 2018. JC Property Professionals was a first-time winner this year while three of the businesses took home their second or third win. Ben Patton Land Surveying, Morris-Herron Heating & Cooling, and Right Way Pest Management represent our seasoned business owners that have
New Salon Brings High Fashion To Downtown Marion
High fashion, including trending hair and makeup styles, is now available at the new Studio K Salon owned by 21-year-old Katelyn Edwards. The Chamber of Commerce, county and city officials, friends and family came out to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Studio K on Wednesday, December 5 at 11 a.m. Katelyn, the county's youngest business owner to date, graduated from McDowell Technical Community College's Cosmetology School and has furthered her education through industry seminars and specialty
From Rentals to Home Sales, GreyBeard Realty Has You Covered
The cozy office overflowed with people and energy as the McDowell Chamber, the Old Fort Chamber, and local officials gathered inside the new Old Fort office of GreyBeard Realty at their official Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, November 29, 2018. GreyBeard Realty opened in 1999 as a rental management company but quickly shifted to include sales to accommodate the growing number of those relocating to the area. Owner Chip Craig expressed his excitement and gratitude at the ribbon cutting for the opportunity to
Old Fashioned Candy Shop Brings Sweets and Encouragement to Marion
Do you remember the excitement you felt rushing home from school, money in your pocket, headed to the local candy shop as quickly as you could? We all had our favorites from Dum Dum Pops and Good & Plenty to Chiclets and Snickers. Now candy-loving residents can experience that same joy with the opening of Moldz Candy Shop located at the corner of US 70 West and Hwy. 80 (where the old Little Siena was located). Along with owners Mindy Anderson and Dewey Lawson, the Chamber staff, city and county officials,
McDowell County Businesses Featured on The Matt Mittan Show
Several local, independently owned businesses in McDowell County were featured guests on Asheville BizRadio'sMatt Mittan Show this week to promote Small Business Saturday coming up Saturday, November 24 and to highlight the innovative work happening across all sectors; business, government, education, and nonprofit organizations. The Chamber membership voted on the businesses that are represented, which included a great variety and showed the diversity of our offerings and our community. From legacy
New Shop Features Appalachian Art of Wildcrafting
The art of wildcrafting (the practice of gathering native plants and botanicals for health and medicinal purposes) is a treasured tradition in the Appalachia. Nikki Chester, who recently opened her shop, Nourished By Nature on Henderson Street in downtown, fondly recalls learning the craft from her great-grandmother who grew up in nearby Yancey County. "It was what we did," she recalls. "When anyone was sick, we would call her and she would tell you what you needed." Nikki quickly took to wildcrafting and
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