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Financial moves for women business owners
If you’re a woman who owns a business, you may have some challenges not shared by your male peers – but you also have several opportunities to help improve your financial future. You may already be taking some or all the right steps, but here are some ideas to be sure you’re considering and revisiting as your business grows: Refresh your network. Are you involved in networking with other women business owners? Many of them may have insights into the issues women face in the business world, as well as
Comic Book Store Celebrates Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, October 5, Sherry and Tim Deel welcomed the Chamber in for a ribbon cutting at All Things Geeky by 2 Nerds, a place they have lovingly dubbed “not your average comic book store.” This store has earned itself a cult following that stretches across the United States, all because Sherry and Tim took their love of Comic Con and brought it to Marion. All Things Geeky by 2 Nerds has been open for a little more than a year. Sherry and Tim are not from Marion originally, but they feel very at home
The Fruit of Her Hands Boutique Celebrates Grand Opening
On Thursday, July 29th, 2021, Kristy Smith welcomed friends, family, fellow business owners, and local officials into The Fruit of Her Hands Boutique, Marion’s newest women’s boutique in the Larry D. Miller Business Complex. Before opening her storefront, life looked very different for Kristy: when she left her job at Marion DDS, she began doing retail sales from home. When that took off, she purchased a trailer to sell clothes out of and after four years, an opportunity came up for her to open a
Member Monday: Painter's Greenhouse
By Tina M. Wolfe To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow—Audrey Hepburn Growth requires patience and great intention; just ask Dana Owen, the owner, along with her parents Deenie and Brad Owen, of Painter’s Greenhouse in Old Fort. The size alone is enough to get any greenie excited. When I learned that the Owens work year round to start, sow, and grow more than 1,000 species and varieties of plants covering more than 100K square feet of space, my respect for their knowledge, perseverance, and
Rejuvenation Destination Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, May 27th, folks gathered at Rejuvenation Destination on West Henderson St. in Marion to celebrate Samantha Keith’s business with a ribbon cutting. Rejuvenation Destination offers a variety of services including therapeutic massage, hot or cold stone massage, couples massage, and more. Owner Samantha Keith is proud to offer various massage options for customers. Located at 139 West Henderson Street, Rejuvenation Destination is a one-stop shop for relaxation and self-care. Samantha’s staff
New Medical Clinic Opens in Marion
On Tuesday, May 4, community members, local officials, and patients of Dr. Kelli Banner gathered at Marion Medical Clinic for a ribbon cutting. Located at 6 E. Medical Ct., Suite 1, in Marion, this new clinic has been a labor of love for Dr. Banner. Kelli Banner has been a nurse practitioner since 2015 and worked with Family Care for 3 years, most recently in Old Fort. Dr. Banner made the decision to move to Marion’s medical park after finding office space in Marion, rather than Old Fort as she had
SBA Receives 186,200 RRF Applications
The SBA began accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) on Monday, May 3. In the first two days of the RRF application window, the SBA has received: 186,200 applications from restaurants, bars, and other eligible businesses in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and five U.S. Territories. 97,600 applications of which came from restaurants, bars, and other eligible businesses owned and controlled by women (46,400), veterans (4,200), socially and economically disadvantaged individuals
Member Monday: Switzerland Inn
The Lure Of The Mountain Retreat by: Tina M. Wolfe The relentless rain had thankfully taken a break, giving way to glorious sunshine as I made my way up the mountain to Switzerland Inn. I was excited to visit this treasured community icon that has been hosting summer travelers for 110 years. Cresting the top of U.S Highway 221, I rolled down the windows as I turned onto the Blue Ridge Parkway soaking in the cool breeze and relaxing sounds of nature. It’s no wonder this haven in the Appalachians
Babe's Floral Design - Ribbon Cutting
On Tuesday, April 6, Babe’s Floral Design celebrated their opening in Old Fort with a ribbon cutting. Owners Lynn Lewis and Sunny Lorber were surrounded by friends, family, local officials, Chamber staff, business owners, and familiar faces in Old Fort. Lynn Lewis transformed the garage of her family home into a flower shop. The home has been a part of her family since the 1940s, and she was excited to bring a flower shop to Old Fort. One unique aspect of Babe’s Floral Design is their tuxedo rental,
Chamber Launches Podcast to Promote Members
RELEASE DATE: December 29, 2020 The McDowell County Chamber has launched its own podcast, adding another venue in which to promote its members and expand their reach. McDowell Matters Podcast launched in coordination with local business owner Onee Pressley of Pressley Made in December to highlight 10 magnanimous women entrepreneurs with Women to the Power of 10. In partnership with AuMedia, LLC the Chamber produced 5 episodes in a one-day session at Pressley Made. We wanted to create a way to share the
New Tools for Women Business Owners
Please join SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza on thursday, January 7 at 1 p.m. for the ground-breaking launch of Ascent, the online digital learning platform for women small business owners. Ascent is the first-of-its-kind online resource specifically designed to help the nearly 10 million American women entrepreneurs grow and scale their small business. This virtual event will include discussion panels with real women entrepreneurs, success stories leaders, and a take a look into how the Ascent platform
Member Monday: Lake James Antique Mall
HOSPITALITY AMONG TREASURED FINDS AT ANTIQUE MALL By Tina M. Wolfe AUGUST 2020Amid rapid-fire change and anxiety-inducing unknowns, there is something oddly comforting meandering through the aisles of Dixie Matthew's 30K-square-foot Lake James Antique Mall, located just off I-40 at exit 90. Set up in individually designed booths, 38 passionate vendors artfully display their antiques and vintage collectables. Each booth invites guests on a wistful trek through yesteryear to the comforts and smells of
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
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