News
Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
By: Thomas A. Stith IIISBA North Carolina District Director Just like the economy, online shopping is booming in America. However, a prospering business can quickly become troubled should a cyber-thief cross your computer system. The U.S. Small Business Administration encourages entrepreneurs and consumers to prevent these virtual thieves by being aware of recent trends and staying alert to warning signs. The cost of cyber-crimes reached $2.7 billion in 2018, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime
Working for McDowell Small Business - Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina
Knowing what matters to small businesses Aetna Funding Advantage (AFA) makes it easy for members of any Chamber of Commerce in 27 western North Carolina counties to save money on their benefits. And now, these businesses can save on average, and additional 2% on monthly costs through Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina*. $168 per employee average annual discount for businesses that are part of Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina that enrolls in an Aetna Funding
Celebrate Black-Owned Businesses
As we celebrate Black History Month this February, we'd like to encourage our community to shop independent, black-owned business in McDowell. Visit their shops, thank them for the contributions they make to the vibrancy of our growing area. If you know of a business that is not listed here, please, reach out to the Chamber and we'll add them to the list. If you are looking to open a business but not sure where to start, visit us at the Chamber and we'll help you get started. Roots This full-service
Museum's Friends to Host Music Fundraiser March 7th
OLD FORT, NC – Have you missed the music in Old Fort? If so, you’re in for a late-winter treat. On Saturday, March 7, Friends of the Mountain Gateway Museum (FOTMGM) will host a benefit music program featuring performances by local bluegrass, gospel, and country musicians. Emcees for the event will be Pat Vess and Cynthia Moore, the popular stars of many “Maude & Ethel” shows at Old Fort Elementary School. The program, titled “The Music & Talents of Old Fort,” will begin at 6 p.m. inside the Town of Old
.jpg)
Feisty Crowd Joins in Celebrating Marion's New Retro-Arcade
On Thursday, January 30, 2020, one of Marion’s newest businesses drew a feisty crowd of supporters to celebrate in a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the McDowell Chamber of Commerce. The Feisty Goldfish, located in the Historic Depot District, is a Retro Arcade and Bar with a modern take on a classic idea. “The first month has been beyond our wildest dreams,” said co-owner Derek Poteat, who expressed gratitude to the entire community. Local dignitaries and community supporters filled the first floor
Goodwill to Open New Store in Marion
Marion, N.C. (January 28, 2020) – Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina will hold a grand opening for its first retail store in Marion, N.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Local officials and members of Goodwill’s executive management team will be on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m., after which the public is invited to browse and shop in the store. “This new store will serve a dual purpose. It’s a place where folks can come in and shop for great bargains on a wide selection of items,
Event Held to Raise Money for Foothills Food Hub
In the spirit of Christmas, emerging group McDowell Young Professionals held their first public service event, a Chili Cook-off benefiting Foothills Food Hub, on December 21st, at Mica Town Brewing. The fundraising goal of $500 was exceeded, with a total of $583, through a combination of cook-off entry fees and private donations. Winners from each category were: Best Overall - Duncan Gant Best Traditional - Misty Cox Best Restaurant - Aaron Matthews Best non-traditional - John Jaan Best Cornbread -
New Exhibit Opens at Mountain Gateway Museum
OLD FORT, NC – What can be more satisfying on a cold winter day than a nice cup of tea?Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center (MGM) in Old Fort will celebrate this centuries-old beverage with the opening on Saturday, Jan. 18, of a new traveling exhibit, Steeped in Time: Tea and Traditions. Developed by MGM’s sister museum, the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, NC, the exhibit will run through the July 4th weekend at MGM, located at 24 Water Street in Old Fort. Admission is free.Steeped in Time
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
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
Upcoming Events
Programs & Services
McDowell Linc
ACT
Playful City USA