Chamber News

WNC Open for Business Week Launches in the High Country with Statewide and National Attention

We officially kicked off WNC Open for Business Week with a celebration that highlights one of the High Country’s most powerful economic drivers: the outdoors. On Monday, we had the honor of welcoming North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein to the High Country, where she helped us host a... Continue Reading

Know Your Neighbor: Blue Ridge Acupuncture & Integrative Health

You're Invited: BrainFest 2025 A Celebration of Brain Health & Community! June 14th | 10 AM – 2 PM | Blue Ridge Brain CenterYou're invited to BrainFest—a FREE community event filled with fun, food, and a hands-on introduction to the powerful brain-based services we offer at... Continue Reading

Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers to Participate in WNC Open for Business Week

Regional effort coordinated by WNC Chamber Business Coalition to bring eyes and visitors to the area. BOONE, NC – To kick off the summer tourism season and generate visitor traffic, the Western North Carolina Chamber Business Coalition is pleased to announce #WNCOpenforBusiness week Monday,... Continue Reading

Watauga Economic Development Commission Releases April 2025 Business Snapshot Report

Stability among key indicators highlights predictability in both revenue and performance for businesses In an ongoing effort to track real-time conditions for local businesses as recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission released its... Continue Reading

Spotlighting Women in Leadership: Redefining Success on Her Terms

Watauga Women in Leadership (WWIL) continues to cultivate space for connection, growth, and shared wisdom among women across the High Country. As part of our ongoing storytelling series, we’re highlighting the voices and experiences of local women who lead with intention and inspire those... Continue Reading

Defining Today’s Skilled Labor Needs: A Recap of Vision NWNC 2025

The 6th annual Vision Northwest North Carolina summit, held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute brought together over 110 leaders from across the region for a day of cross-sector collaboration, practical solutions, and... Continue Reading

Full Agenda Announced for 2025 Vision Northwest North Carolina

Lt. Governor Rachel Hunt headlines a group of presenters highlighting career pathways for skilled labor jobs BOONE, NC – A visit and featured remarks from North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt headlines a day filled with industry-driven presentations and insightful panel... Continue Reading

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Distributes Additional $520,000 in Third Round of Grants

Hope for the High Country funds granted to an additional 61 businesses in Watauga, Ashe, & Avery Counties. With over 160 requests received through Hope for the High Country: Hurricane Helene Business Resiliency Disaster Grants, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation has recently... Continue Reading

Watauga Economic Development Commission Opens April 2025 Business Snapshot Survey

Watauga EDC will release its full report for April 2025 business performance on May 27th BOONE, NC – In a continued effort to track real-time conditions for local businesses as recovery from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission has... Continue Reading

Keeping Childcare in Focus: An Economic Development Priority

How the Boone Chamber and Watauga EDC Are Staying Engaged in Local & Regional Conversations Access to affordable, high-quality childcare continues to be a critical priority of the Watauga County Economic Development Commission. This month, we have been actively engaged in conversations... Continue Reading

2025 Q1 Economic Indicators

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce released its first Economic Indicators report of 2025. This quarterly report examines five key statistics within the Watauga County & High Country Economy: Residential Home Sales Sales Tax Occupancy Tax Unemployment Rates New Single-Family Homes ... Continue Reading

Know Your Neighbor: UNC Health Appalachian

Watauga Surgical Introduces the da Vinci 5 Surgical Robot: Advanced Technology, Close to Home BOONE, NC – For more than 40 years, Watauga Surgical has provided personalized care and innovative solutions to meet the surgical needs of patients across the High Country. That commitment... Continue Reading