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
Visit NC Farms
Our county boasts some of the most diversified farmland in the region. We are home to a multitude of diversified small family farms, vineyards & wineries, roadside stands, farmers’ markets, and CSAs, nurseries and gardens, and eating and drinking establishments that source local ingredients. We have a rich agricultural heritage that speaks to generational farmers as well as those who are new to the agricultural sector, which further strengthens our offerings to our communities. Many day-trippers are
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
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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,
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Miller Complex Flexes Its Muscles With New Gym
Clanking weights, bass-pumping tunes, and the occasional grunt are all welcome sounds at the McDowell Fitness Center (MFC) in the Larry D. Miller Business Complex. This full-service gym, owned and operated by Misty Morris and her husband William Morris (of Morris-Herron Heating & Cooling), provides everything from weight training and state-of-the-art equipment to crossfit and TRX Training. The Chamber of Commerce recently held a Ribbon Cutting to commemorate the opening of the new business where Misty and
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
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