9th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon Recap
A sold-out audience of over 300 Watauga County business leaders attended the 9th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon on Thursday, January 16, at the Grandview Ballroom on the campus of Appalachian State University.
The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce and the Watauga Economic Development Commission proudly served as co-hosts of this event. Highstreet Insurance & Financial Partners returned as the title sponsor of the High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon. Coming in as a gold sponsor is Appalachian State University, with additional event support from Allen Wealth Management, Appalachian Commerical Real Estate, DMJPS, and Skyline National Bank. Carolina Mountain Title returned as this year's Business of the Year awards sponsor.
Dr. Harry Davis, NC Bankers' Association Professor
Keynote presenter, Dr. Harry Davis, delivered his 2025 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.
Joe Stewart, VP for Government Affairs, IIANC
Joe Stewart discussed the effect of the 2024 Election and North Carolina political trends on the local and state economy.
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Watauga County Business of the Year Awards.
The annual Business of the Year Awards are sponsored by Carolina Mountain Title.
Large Business of the Year: Tar Heel Capital/Wendy's
Small Business of the Year: Speckled Trout Outfitters
Startup Business of the Year: Wonder Pelvic Therapy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR'S WINNERS
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce extends heartfelt gratitude to UNC Health Appalachian for their generous support and to Real Boone Studios for their creative expertise, which made it possible to debut our new docu-series, Messages of Hope, during the High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon.
Episode #1: Valle Crucis School
In our first episode, we hear the story of flooding at Valle Crucis Elementary school, and how local partners came together to provide a home for over 250 students and staff that were displaced from one of Watauga County's oldest and most cherished locations.
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce released its final Economic Indicators report of 2024 at this event.
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
FULL PHOTO ALBUM COMING SOON
For more information about the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact David Jackson at 828-264-2225, or by email at david@boonechamber.com.