8th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon

Tickets for the 8th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon are now available!

The event will take place on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from 10:30AM-1:00PM in the Grandview Ballroom, located at Appalachian State's North End Zone Facility.

The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce and the Watauga Economic Development Commission proudly serve as co-hosts of this event.

Peak Insurance Group returns as the title sponsor of the High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon. Additional event support comes from Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, Allen Wealth Management, Skyline National Bank, DMJPS PLLC, Frontier Natural Gas, and 4 Forty Four.

Presenters

Dr. Harry Davis, NC Bankers' Association Professor

Keynote presenter, Dr. Harry Davis, will deliver his 2024 High Country Economic Forecast. A regionally renowned economist and banking industry legend, he serves as both Dean and Instructor for the North Carolina School of Banking. 

Dr. Davis has served as professor in the department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State's Walker College of Business since 1981. He is active in the consulting field and has presented seminars to business groups nationwide. Dr. Davis crafts feasibility plans, business plans and valuations for both financial and non-financial corporations. He has served as a consultant for numerous start-up banks in North Carolina and is presently on the Board of Directors of LifeStore Bank in West Jefferson.

Dr. Davis is the past Chairman of the Board of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve as a board member. He also serves on the advisory board for the Western Youth Network.

Gary Salamido, President/CEO, NC Chamber

With more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record representing North Carolina business interests at the State General Assembly, Gary Salamido has served as President/CEO of the NC Chamber since 2019. His leadership in advancing policy at the NC Chamber has helped propel the state to the top of a number of best-in-business rankings.

Gary and the NC Chamber engage local businesses and community leaders across the state to help inform the organization's policy platforms. Hear about current economic development trends impacting rural communities, and how the NC Chamber is working to make sure the voice of small business is heard by legislators.

Lindsey Sullivan, Health Strategist, AppHealthCare

Lindsey Sullivan works with AppHealthCare as Health Strategist and is the lead facilitator for the STABLE Workplaces initiative, a collaborative community project focused on providing staff training and business leadership to evolving workplaces. She will provide an overview of STABLE, and how businesses can engage with the effort after its planned launch, which is set for January 17, 2024.

Lindsey moved to Boone in 2008 and holds a Bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work from Appalachian State University. Lindsey began her tenure with AppHealthCare in 2018 as an MSW intern and officially joined the team in 2020. Her background includes family support services, systems level prevention, cross-sector coalition building, and health equity.

During the presentation, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will reveal the recipients for the 2023 Watauga County Business of the Year Awards, presented by Carolina Mountain Title. Business of the Year winners will be recognized in three categories: Large Business, Small Business, and Start Up Business. 

Doors open at 10:30AM for an opportunity to network with event attendees from across the High Country. A buffet-style lunch will be served beginning at 11:00AM, prior to the start of the presentation.

When: Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 10:30 am-1:00 pm

Where: Grandview Ballroom, 135 Jack Branch Drive, Boone, NC

Tickets: $40/Individual

Corporate Table: $375 - This purchase includes 8 tickets for use by your business, logo recognition on special signage at the venue, and acknowledgment from the podium. Corporate tables are limited.

For questions, contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-264-2225 or email the Chamber’s Director of Events, Carrie Henderson at carrie@boonechamber.com.