Business Voices for WNC Recovery

On January 17, 2024, the Mind Your Business Podcast was on-location in Swannanoa, NC, one of the most devastated communities in Western North Carolina from the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a regionally-focused panel discussion entitled Business Voices for WNC Recovery. In addition to remarks from Chamber leaders from across the region, the overflow audience heard directly from businesses from impacted areas, about their current realities, immediate needs, and continued pain points as recovery efforts continue.

0:00 Opening Comments

Kit Cramer, President/CEO, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Mind Your Business Podcast: hosted by David Jackson, President/CEO, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

34:39 Regional Business Panelists:

Lisa Cooper, President/CEO, Mast General Store
Meredith Ellison, Founder and Chief Well-Being Officer, Quility
Sandi Garcia Boyer, Executive Director, North Carolina Youth Camp Association

1:10:11 Comments from Chamber Leadership:

Kim Effler, President/CEO, McDowell Chamber of Commerce

Bob Williford, President/CEO, Henderson County Chamber of Commerce

1:20:30 Main Street Business Panelists:

Jeffrey Burroughs, President, River Arts District Association
Michelle Bollman, General Manager, Stick Boy
Karen Caruso, Founder/Owner, Mind Your Business

2:03:58 Closing Comments:

Kit Cramer, President/CEO, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Please stay engaged with your local Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development organizations for the latest information related to business supports for storm recovery. You can help these organizations by responding to requests for data and stories, as these asks from the legislative and grant-funding communities are critical to informing future policy and funding discussions. 

Mind Your Business is a weekly podcast produced by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.