News

MEMBER MONDAY-THE SCIENCE OF NATURE

By Tina M. Wolfe   The Science of Nature  In an unassuming building on U.S. Hwy. 221 N there have occurred what some call miracles. People that have entered its doors have been transformed and have become true believers. This, however, isn’t a religious organization. No, in fact, the business, Earth Heart, is all about the Science of Nature! Co-owners Debra Richardson and Cindy Conner are trained and educated in the science of natural and herbal remedies, alternative health products, and nature’s

Seven Steps to Recession-Proof Your Small Business

Blame Covid-19: the US officially entered a recession in February. I suspect that’s not news to you and your small business, as small businesses have been on the front line of this downturn, struggling to survive. In fact, since the shut-down, it’s estimated that over 100,000 small businesses have closed their doors for good. I don’t want you to be one of them, so here are ways to help "recession-proof" your small business.1.Get the word out to "shop small, shop local." In response to Covid, customers want

Our PPE Story

Grateful to Help Kitsbow was invited to Washington DC to testify in Congress on the issues of small businesses struggling to survive in the Pandemic. The House Committee on Small Business is considering policy to help small businesses and help the country be better prepared for pandemics. Our CEO David Billstrom testified on the lessons Kitsbow learned in the last 100 days making PPE, and a bit about how we did it. David stated that, "The opportunity to testify in Congress was quite meaningful to those of

New Coffee Shop Opens in Old Fort

On Monday, June 15, 2020, one of Old Fort’s newest businesses drew an intimate crowd of supporters to celebrate a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the McDowell Chamber of Commerce. The Mill Creek Mug, located in the former Parker Hosiery building, is a much desired addition to the Town of Old Fort. “We are excited to provide a hometown coffee shop,” said owner Amy Parker, who expressed gratitude to the entire group in attendance.  Local dignitaries and community supporters were on hand to express their

Revised Loan Forgiveness Application & Guidance

Last week, the SBA released a revised PPP loan forgiveness application and a new EZ application as well as provided further guidance on employee and owner compensation calculations in the PPP Flexibility Act.  Both applications allow borrowers who were assigned a loan number by the SBA on or before June 5th to choose between an 8-week or 24-week expenditure time frame to qualify for loan forgiveness. Those assigned a loan number after June 5th must use a 24-week period. EZ PPP Loan Forgiveness

Help Remains For Small Businesses

Now is the time to take action for your small business. Deadlines are nearing and opportunities will come to a close for funding to assist in recovery efforts. The time is now to take action. Consider the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL) for your recovery efforts. Please note that PPP will close on June 30th. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance application portal is now open to all eligible small businesses, non-profits, and

Member Monday: VOD Tactical

VOD TACTICAL—FRANK & RHONDA SEAMAN Tucked away in the time-worn mountains of the Blue Ridge range sits a plot of land that holds the hearts and history of Frank Seaman and his wife Rhonda. Named Manoah, the 134-acre farm stretches across the foothills of Old Fort and is home to their business, Virtue Of Defense Tactical or VOD Tactical, a not-so-typical firing range. The land has had many incarnations and has been in Rhonda’s family dating back to the original land grants from King George III. Its name

Free Help For Local Small Businesses

Opportunity for Free One-on-One Small Business Counseling Are you struggling with marketing, cash flow, personnel or employee training? The McDowell Tech Small Business Center (SBC) can provide FREE assistance to you. Call SBC to reserve a time for your business consultation. This is available for a limited time only.Click Here for More Info! Frank Silver Director of Small Business Center McDowell Technical Community College 828-652-0634

Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act

Joint Statement by SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin Regarding Enactment of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin issued the following statement today following the enactment of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act: “We want to thank President Trump for his leadership and commend Leader McConnell, Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi, and Leader McCarthy for

PPP Amendment Details

May 28, 2020, the House of Representatives near-unanimously (417-1) passed HR 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. It is uncertain if the Senate will pass these measures, though there are clear indications of bipartisan support to relax the current terms of the PPP loan program. Here are the key changes proposed in this bill: Extend the loan application deadline from June 30 to December 31, 2020.For new loans, the minimum loan term would be 5 years instead of the current 2-year term. For

House Passes Bill Amending PPP Program

May 28, 2020, the House of Representatives near-unanimously (417-1) passed HR 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. It is uncertain if the Senate will pass these measures, though there are clear indications of bipartisan support to relax the current terms of the PPP loan program. Here are the key changes proposed in this bill: Extend the loan application deadline from June 30 to December 31, 2020.For new loans, the minimum loan term would be 5 years instead of the current 2-year term. For

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

Rural Forward Uncovers Additional Assistance For Struggling Businesses

Rural Forward North Carolina has been digging to find other funding and assistance options for our small businesses struggling to stay afloat. Aside from the federal assistance provided through the EIDL and PPP monies, RFNC has come up with this list that offers grants, free legal services, and more.  GRANT: NC Local News Lab Fund Grant. “General operating grants of up to $30,000 to 501c3 public charity non-profit entities that serve North Carolina residents and their rapidly evolving information needs.

SBA Webinar On PPP

SBA North Carolina District Paycheck Protection Program Webinar On Thursday, May 7, 2020, you are invited to join us for a webinar to discuss Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources as part of SBA’s response to the COVID-19 disaster. The webinar will focus on the Paycheck Protection Program and will review eligibility, the application process, loan use, current results, and more. PPP funds are still available so be sure to join the North Carolina District Office for this presentation with a question

Employer Group Health Insurance Ending - OPTIONS AVAILABLE

If you are not eligible for subsidies through the Healthcare.gov - Thrive Insurance Solutions has many options available to consider that is affordable. Contact us at 828.442.9681 or thriveinsolutions@gmail.com We are located at the "Creekside Wellness Center"  551 Burma Road West - Marion, NC

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

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

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

SBA Loans & PPP Loans Town Hall Zoom Now Available Online

The Chamber of Commerce hosted SBA Regional Director Sharon K. Harvey in an online Town Hall Meeting for members and residents of McDowell County on Tuesday, March 30, 2020. More than 50 people attended to learn about the emergency funding options available through the SBA and any details on the new Paycheck Protection Program that was part of the recently approved CARES Act.  The SBA has been working on handling the thousands of applications coming in from every state and have a new site link and a more

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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