News

The Ultimate Camp Guide To Reopen Safely

MAY 21, 2020--The American Camp Association (ACA) and the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) announce the release of Camp Operations Guide--Summer 2020, a groundbreaking educational resource developed to support day and overnight summer camp operations this summer.CA and Y-USA engaged Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc. (EH&E), a Boston-based consulting firm specializing in environmental health, to convene an independent expert panel of specialists to create this educational resource. The panel included support

NC Moves to a Safer at Home Phase 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2020 Phone: 919-814-2100 Email: govpress@nc.govAs Key Indicators Remain Stable, North Carolina Moves to Safer At Home Phase 2 Phase 2, Safer At Home, begins Friday, May 22 at 5 pmBars, indoor entertainment venues, gyms, and public playgrounds remain closed; Restaurants, personal care businesses, and pools open with limitations & safety requirementsRALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen today announced

SBA Releases Loan Forgiveness Application & Tools

SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.  The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).  SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance

NC Rapid Recovery Loan - Update

Dear Rural Partners, As you may know, the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program was launched by the NC Rural Center on March 24 with an initial allocation of $15 million provided by the Golden LEAF Foundation. The goal of the program was to provide emergency bridge loans to our state's small-business owners who were being affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19. As soon as we launched the Rapid Recovery program, we quickly received applications in excess of that initial funding provided by our

How Loan Forgiveness Works in PPP Loans

On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act or the Act). Of the $2.2 trillion in stimulus, $349 billion was allocated for Paycheck Protection Program loans (PPP). On April 24, 2020, the President signed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which amends the CARES Act. Among other things, the Amendment increased the funding for PPP loans from $349 billion to $659 billion. Now that the first

NC Unemployment Insurance Information Update

April 27, 2020 MARION NC—The North Carolina Division of Employment Security is providing the following guidance to help people understand the impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus on unemployment insurance benefits.  Before you file a claim …The fastest and most efficient way to apply for unemployment benefits is to create an online account and file online at des.nc.gov.  If you’re temporarily out of work or your working hours have been reduced due to COVID-19, choose ‘coronavirus’ as your reason for

Employers Can Defer Payroll Taxes UNTIL PPP Loan Is Forgiven

Under the CARES Act, employers of all sizes can defer the remittance of the employer’s Social Security tax due between March 27 and December 31, 2020. Instead of remitting this tax along with other payroll taxes when normally due, employers can remit half of their Social Security tax by December 31, 2021, and the other half by December 31, 2022. Note that this does not apply to the employer’s Medicare tax or to any federal taxes withheld from employees... READ MORE

Payroll Protection Program And Health Care Enhancement Act

Congress passed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (PPP & HCE Act) last week, and on Friday President Trump signed the fourth COVID-related legislative act into law. As a result of this additional funding, the Small Business Association (SBA) will resume accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications from participating lenders today, April 27.  JPS provides an overview of the newly passed PPP & HCE Act’s $484 billion package funding... READ MORE  

Governor Extends Shelter In Place Order Details

Gov. Roy Cooper outlines plans for reopening, stay-at-home order continues through May 8  RALEIGH – Gov. Roy Cooper outlined his plans for a phased reopening of North Carolina on Thursday, which included an extension of the statewide stay-at-home order until May 8. “Through our analysis, its clear we are flattening the curve but our state is not ready to ease restrictions yet” said Cooper at the Emergency Operations Center.  The stay-at-home order includes continued closure of dine-in restaurants, bars,

Gov. Roy Cooper Outlines Plans for Reopening, Stay-at-Home Order Continues Through May 8

RALEIGH – Gov. Roy Cooper outlined his plans for a phased reopening of North Carolina on Thursday, which included an extension of the statewide stay-at-home order until May 8. “Through our analysis, its clear we are flattening the curve but our state is not ready to ease restrictions yet” said Cooper at the Emergency Operations Center.   The stay-at-home order includes continued closure of dine-in restaurants, bars, and close-contact businesses found in Executive Order 120. “We know we can’t keep staying

COVID-19 Email Phishing Against US Healthcare Providers

FBI Warning Following a global increase in malicious cyber activity exploiting fear derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, the FBI was notified of targeted email phishing attempts against US-based medical providers. These attempts leveraged email subject lines and content related to COVID19 to distribute malicious attachments, which exploited Microsoft Word Document files, 7-zip compressed files, Microsoft Visual Basic Script, Java, and Microsoft Executables. The FBI is providing indicators of compromise

Strength Training For Your Mental Health

While the majority of the world focuses on strengthing the physical and economic health of our country, its important to prioritize our mental health as well. Crises cause anxiety, disruption, and even fear as lives have been turned upside down during the COVID-19 epidemic.   There are two new hotlines that have been established to help North Carolinians manage the stress and anxiety of our situation. The Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) connects North Carolinians to additional mental health and

Federal Government to Pass Second Round of Funding

On April 21, the U.S. Senate passed a $484 billion relief package to support small businesses, hospitals, and expand coronavirus testing. This new relief package comes in response to the $2.2 trillion small business stimulus package that, as we all know, quickly ran out of funding. With the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), the SBA processed more than 14 years’ worth of loans in less than 14 days.  If passed, the new relief package would provide $310 billion for

It's not too Late to Consider Grad School

It’s not too late to consider starting Grad School this summer. We are planning to hold classes virtually through the summer and hoping to be back to face-to-face for the fall semester. Plus, we’ve dropped the deposit amount to secure your start to $100 through the end of April. We have students, faculty, enrollment, admissions, finance people and me—about to graduate from the MBA in Nonprofit Management in two tiny weeks—here to help you learn more, make a decision, get excited, feel prepared and start

Food Pantry Outreach

Click Here for Emergency Food Resources!   

Crisis Compensation and Beyond: Workforce Success Factors That Matter Right Now

In our #WorkSmart During COVID-19 Webinar Series, we are equipping you with the most critical, up-to-date labor facts and employer considerations so you can make the best short- and long-term decisions for your organization and navigate your workforce through these evolving times. Crisis Compensation and Beyond: Workforce Success Factors That Matter Right NowThursday, April 23, 2020 / 1:00 p.m. CST  |  45 minutes  PRESENTERS: Michael Stull, Senior Vice President of Manpower, North America Kristi

How Do Payroll Tax Credits For COVID-19 Payments Work?

Payroll tax credits available for paid sick and family medical leave associated with the coronavirus pandemic have been addressed in a previous JPS article. Since then, the Department of Labor and the IRS has provided additional guidance. JPS has also had the opportunity to work with businesses that are making these payments to employees and provides the following guidelines to ensure credits are properly claimed. The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) is one of three legislative packages

Organization Offers Mental Health Assistance During COVID-19

The McDowell County Health Coalition hosted a panel discussion on mental health and COVID-19 on 4/15/20, specifically for McDowell County residents, but lots of general information was also shared. In partnership with CareNet Counseling of Marion, VAYA Health, and The Corpening YMCA, a panel of mental health experts addressed topics such as normal feelings during this unprecedented time, how to show our loved we care from afar, and mental health care for our children and teenagers. Resilience and coping

Jeff Kincaid Insurance - Available to Assist

US Forest Service Trail Closures

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the MTA is hopeful that you are staying well and coping with this "new different." We will do our best to keep you updated on outdoor recreation closures. We also hope you are finding opportunities to get outside to enjoy the Spring weather, blooming plants and getting much-needed walks and hikes. Here are the latest closures announced by the U.S. Forest Service effective April 13.  Take care and stay well. The U. S. Forest Service closed several trails and recreation

North Carolina PPP Payouts by The Numbers

Paycheck Protection Program: NC Approved Loans and Dollars On April 3, 2020, SBA approved lenders were able to start processing loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).  The PPP is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The SBA will forgive these loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. As of April 13, 2020, more than 1

Review & Compare Loan Options With Easy Chart

We've heard the concern: There is so much information! The CARES Act is more than 800 pages long and it seems that new information comes out on loan assistance programs daily. It can be overwhelming when you are trying to decide what options are best suited to your business model.  We found this helpful guide that compares the different relief loans available to businesses during this COVID-19 crisis. Paychex, a payroll and human resource company, has put out a handy tool that presents all the options and

Mountain BizWorks, Dogwood Health Trust Partner to Provide Access to Paycheck Protection Program

Calling All Diverse-Led Nonprofits and Women or Minority-Owned Small Businesses in WNCAsheville (April 8, 2020) – Mountain BizWorks, working with Dogwood Health Trust, announced today a targeted effort to provide increased access to the highly anticipated Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  for nonprofits and small businesses in the region, with a focus on rural and minority and women-led organizations. The PPP was created to provide loans to organizations impacted by

CARES Act: Individual Taxpayer Highlights

There are many pages in the CARES Act written about individual taxpayer provisions. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. CARES Act provides relief to individuals, businesses, nonprofits and others affected by COVID-19. JPS has summarized some of the top provisions for individual taxpayers to consider.2020 Recovery Refund Checks for Individuals The CARES Act provides eligible individuals with a refund check, which JPS has

Mountain Bizworks and Dogwood Trust Open Funding for Minority-owned Businesses in the Region

Asheville (April 8, 2020) – Mountain BizWorks, working with Dogwood Health Trust, announced today a targeted effort to provide increased access to the highly anticipated Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)  for nonprofits and small businesses in the region, with a focus on rural and minority and women-led organizations. The PPP was created to provide loans to organizations impacted by COVID-19 and are forgivable if they are used to cover payroll, mortgage, rent, and utility

Discussing PPP, EIDLs & Tax Update

Join Rollin Groseclose & Sandra Dennison For Online Meeting - Open to Public Discussing PPP, EIDLs & Tax Update Tune in on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, 2:00 - 3:00 pm to hear JPS Rollin Groseclose, VP of Taxation Services, and Sandra Dennison, Regional Director of SBTDC, present updates on issues ranging from PPP, to EIDLs, to tax implications for small businesses of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).   The webinar is free

McDowell County Urged to Comply With Stay at Home Orders

April 6, 2020 From the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: A collection of North Carolina experts today released a composite modeling forecast looking at how COVID-19 could affect North Carolina in the coming months. The models, constructed by experts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, RTI International, and others reinforced the need for limiting personal contact to slow the spread of COVID-19 and ensure that health care is there for people who need

SBA Clarifies Eligibility For Faith-Based Organizations

On April 4, 2020, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced SBA issued guidance clarifying all faith-based organizations impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) are eligible to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, without restrictions based on their religious identity or activities, to the extent they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the CARES Act that was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Trump, and implemented by the Paycheck

SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19 Launches

The U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza today launched the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion emergency loan program created last week with the President’s signing of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). The program provides forgivable loans up to $10 million to small businesses left financially distressed by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The loans, which will be administered at the local level by a national network of banks and credit

Facebook Live: Loan Options Explained

Watch the McDowell Chamber's Facebook page for a live event featuring local financial professionals presenting key points of the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program loan. We'll be covering the pros and cons of each, walk through the application process, and have a Q&A session to wrap things up.  The Facebook Live event will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2020 at https://www.facebook.com/myhometownchamber/. The City of Marion, the Marion Business Association, and the

Governor Issues Stay at Home Order Due to COVID-19 Emergency

On Friday, March 27, 2020, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121.  The Executive Order may be found at the following link:   https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO121-Stay-at-Home-Order-3.pdf.   A list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning the Executive Order may be found at the following link: https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/200327_FAQ-SAH-Order_FINAL.pdf.   The Executive Order, which took effect Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m., directs all

SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization of $349 Million

With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute FundsWASHINGTON – Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small

How You Can Help Kitsbow

HOW YOU CAN HELP Yesterday we announced that we’d begin immediate production of medical provider masks and face shields. The response — especially from those offering help — has been truly humbling. Thank you. Many want to help, some offering to make masks in their homes; and while we deeply appreciate this offer, we cannot do so for these reasons: For us to make the most protective masks possible, our design requires the use of an industrial grade sewing machine. Some of the materials (like HEPA filter

Federal Rerserve Programs Enhance Liquidity and Flow of Credit

WASHINGTON – The spread of coronavirus has disrupted economic activity and put significant liquidity pressure on U.S. businesses. To immediately enhance liquidity and support American workers, households, and businesses through this challenging period, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today authorized the expansion of two recently launched facilities and the establishment of three new facilities to provide liquidity to the financial system pursuant to section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve

Internet Providers Roll Out Assistance Programs

McDowell County-Report submitted by Chris Revis, Connect McDowell Co-founder As we experience this unprecedented need for internet access during the COVID-19 crisis, here are the resources that we have confirmed are available for our members and the community at large.  Verizon Wireless:Verizon is offering multiple programs and accommodations for customers during the COVID-19 crisis. These include additional data allowances at no charge and other late. Please click for more

Governor Orders Shelter In Place Effective 3-30-20

Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay At Home Order beginning Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. until April 29, 2020. The Executive Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors, or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others.  The Order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social

USDA Moretorium Offers Peace of Mind From Foreclosures & Evictions In Rural America

WASHINGTON, DC-MARCH 26, 2020 The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 crisis. With so many out of work and in fear of losing their business and/or homes, this news out of the office of the USDA gives rural homeowners that are worried about their ability to pay their USDA home loans permission to breathe. Effective March 19, 2020, borrowers with the USDA single-family

Emergency Food & Meals Resource List (COVID-19)

Food & Meals Resource Guide The McDowell Local Food Advisory is providing a resource list that will be updated weekly with the latest on our food pantries' new times and operations. (If you see anything that is incorrect or missing, please use the attached contact info and inform them accordingly) . Revisions and updates to this document (living in the LFAC Assembly folder in Google Drive) will be provided by close of business each Monday. You'll be able to see the revision date in the top right hand

Golden LEAF Deploys $15M in Funding to Launch NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program

ROCKY MOUNT, NC – (March 24, 2020) – The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan. The NC COVID-19 Rapid

Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas Take new Steps to Help Customers, Communities and Employees

Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas take new steps to help customers, communities and employees in wake of COVID-19   Will waive certain payment fees $1.3 million donated to help COVID-19 relief  Some employees will receive cash payments to help offset virus-related expenses CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas today announced a comprehensive set of steps to help customers, communities and employees manage the economic hardship caused by COVID-19.  “This is an unprecedented crisis that

Preserving Cashflow In The Face of The Coronavirus

March 20, 2020 As we all continue to process and address the effects of the coronavirus, it’s clear that there has been and will continue to be a widespread and significant financial impact. It is critical to a business’s future to consider ways to preserve, limit the loss of, or, gain access to cash.Here are some tips to consider: It’s important to look ahead and project cash flow needs as much as possible. This can be done by looking at a monthly budget or historical activity. This can help you

Treasury, IRS, and Labor Announce Plan to Implement Coronavirus-related Paid Leave for Workers

WASHINGTON – This week the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act),

SBA Updates Criteria on States for Requesting Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus

Contact: Jennifer.Kelly@sba.gov, (202) 205-7036 Trump Administration’s aggressive, whole-of-government efforts to combat the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and minimize economic disruption to the nation’s 30 million small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza issued revised criteria for states or territories seeking an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The relaxed criteria will have two immediate impacts: Faster, Easier Qualification

Government Opens Alternative Filing Site For Unemployment

Unemployment Insurance Update At a recent audio briefing from the White House Opportunity Revitalization Council, the U.S. Department of Labor, the U.S. Treasury Department, and the Small Business Administration, several announcements were made to streamline assistance efforts and unemployment insurance benefits.  The main message for communities and small businesses to know is that this crisis is not a lost cause, said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza. "We're cutting as much red tape as possible," she

Watch the TSI Difference

You deserve to get paid. Since 1970, TSI has been helping businesses of all sizes with their accounts receivable management. I have been helping clients maintain cash flow since 1987. Our first party, third party, and late stage collections services provide the right solution at the right time, while our industry-leading focus on data analytics, compliance, and cyber security ensure your customers, your data, and your brand are protected.Watch our video to see theTSI Difference and how it can change the way

Eat Locally: Restaurants-New Hours, New Services

Please join us in helping support our local eateries that are affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. These great local businesses have stepped up and hustled to make quick changes to serve McDowell County and stay in business. They need our support! Below is a list put together by local community champion and volunteer Morgan Pittman. We greatly appreciate her efforts to help us keep our community in the know.  The City of Marion has a great tool to find your favorite restaurant with delivery options.

WNC Bigfoot Festival Guide

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

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

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

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