Agriculture has always been an influential contributor to Watauga County's economic performance. In its 2024 statistics report, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture reported $13.85 million in cash receipts generated by Watauga County farms, with an additional $5 million in economic impact coming from Watauga County Christmas Tree growers. T…

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watauga County Economic Development Commission see access to quality and affordable childcare as one of the top economic development priorities in our region. Western Youth Network is in the public phase of fundraising for a project that would provide a significant boost to afterschool and out-of-school ca…

Who are the two people that have the most impact on the High Country's outdoor economy? Mother Nature and Old Man Winter! Our opportunities for recreation are not only a magnet for visitors, but they are also a core component of the quality of life that makes this region so attractive to residents. On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear the lat…

Since when did the stock market start following the High Country weather pattern? If you don't like what you see, wait a few days! The economic ups and downs of today have an impact on the stability and predictability many High Country businesses. On this week's Mind Your Business, we examine the long-term impacts from the daily financial volatilit…

Boone is soon to check another long-discussed project off the list! On this week's Mind Your Business, we share the details of the Howard Street Revitalization Project, including information about the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for April 14th. Lane Moody, Director of the Downtown Boone Development Association discusses project details, commu…

We recorded this episode of Mind Your Business six-months to the day Hurricane Helene made her way through the High Country. We start the program with a message of hope to sew into our daily conversations along with some updates on where progress is emerging. Earlier this week, Cheap Joes Art Stuff announced its closing the doors on a 40-year run a…

Mind Your Business is back in your inbox this week with a breakdown of the latest Helene recovery bill passed Wednesday by the NC General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Josh Stein. We'll outline some specific local examples of how these helpful dollars will be allocated. While Helene may still be grabbing the headlines, there are many oth…

Mind Your Business is back and loaded with information this week. We start with a recap of North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's State of the State address, along with updates on Helene recovery activities working through local and State government channels. Speaking of local government, Watauga County has partnered with the U.S. Army Corps of Engin…

Mind Your Business is back with a new format and a metric ton of High Country News! We start on campus where Dr. Heather Norris was announced today as the 8th Chancellor in Appalachian State University's history. We were granted a one-on-one interview with Chancellor Norris following her appointment, where she talks about her Chamber roots and the …

Small businesses throughout Western North Carolina are closer to much needed financial relief. On Friday, January 31, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein was in Boone and announced the creation of a pool of $30M for the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative II, a grant program for eligible businesses in Helene-impacted counties. On …

On January 16, 2025, the Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce hosted the 9th annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, in front of a sold out audience at Appalachian State's Grandview Ballroom. On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear the annual High Country Economic Forecast from Dr. Harry Davis, Regional Economist and Dean of t…

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 Chambe…

We continue to fill your pre-holiday stockings with year-in-review content -- a perfect listen while you are wrapping gifts or cleaning before the in-laws arrive! This week's Mind Your Business puts the focus on the year that was for Watauga County. Newly sworn Chairman of the Watauga County Board of Commissioners, Braxton Eggers, is this week's gu…

Tis the season for year in review content, and we will not disappoint! Over the next few weeks, our Mind Your Business episodes will feature local leaders with conversation around the year in review, but also what is to come in 2025. Our first guest is Town of Boone Mayor Tim Futrelle. We will discuss Helene recovery, the recently approved Howard S…

The question continues to get asked - "What are the current needs in Western North Carolina?" We have dedicated this week's episode of Mind Your Business to answering that question, with discussion straight from the community leaders that are working in the ever-evolving trenches of Hurricane Helene recovery. This week's panel of guests include: Ca…

So, why not add an election on to the list of "things we are dealing with," in our local economy? Election transition always brings changes that impact our economy, but that is especially magnified when there is change at the top of the ticket. On this week's Mind Your Business, we have our quarterly chat with Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Managem…

Welcome back!! Thanks for staying tuned to Mind Your Business during this time of hurricane recovery. We are excited to be back on our regular recording schedule. On this week's episode, we will provide updates on the timeline for disaster recovery dollars that are being allocated to our region from Federal and State resources. We'll also provide a…

Latest updates from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce regarding community response needs. Support the showBy David Jackson

Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education Marshall Ashcraft (I) Chad Cole Adam Hege Allison Idol Charlotte Mizelle Lloyd Tom Ross Support the showBy David Jackson

Candidates for Watauga County Commissioners District 3 Braxton Eggers (R) Jon Council (U) District 4 Charlie Wallin (D) (I) Ronnie Marsh (R) District 5 Sue Sweeting (D) Todd Castle (R) Support the showBy David Jackson

NC House & Senate House District 93 Ben Massey (D) Ray Pickett (R) (I) Support the showBy David Jackson

Candidates for US House of Representatives Chuck Hubbard (D) Virginia Foxx (R) (I) Support the showBy David Jackson

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been busy over these last few weeks! On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you a recap from the 2024 Spirit of Boone Annual Membership gathering, complete with an audio tribute to our nine community award winners. We also share some post-event details on the 2024 Meet the Candidates forum, including info…

The impact of funding for childcare across North Carolina has a ripple effect that is felt across nearly every business across the State. Locally, childcare centers are trying to meet the needs of families, and the local workforce, while funding challenges still impact day-to-day operations. On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Elisha C…

This episode can't be any more "chamber," if it tried! On this week's Mind Your Business, we focus on some key timing around open enrollment for health insurance. Wayne Randall, Director of the Boone Center for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina will go over dates and details. This is helpful information for employers to share with employee…

Everyone else is going back to school -- maybe you should too! The Watauga Leadership Institute presents Encore, its latest professional development program aimed at helping people continue their journey in leadership. While this class may not keep you in school all day, or present an avenue to enjoy that tasty square pizza, it will provide leaders…

Election season is fast approaching, and more conversation about election process and integrity has become part of our daily lives than ever before. On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Matt Snyder, Director of the Watauga County Board of Elections. He will provide details on the voting process for Watauga County Commissioner in the 202…

Yesterday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that the federal funds rate will hold steady -- for now. Is a long-anticipated change to interest rates on the horizon? If so, what does that mean for us here in Northwest North Carolina? On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you are most timely quarterly check-in with Jonathan Allen of…

Been out and about this summer and feel a little detached from the goings on of Boone and the High Country? On this week's Mind Your Business, get updates on community conversations focused on parking and childcare. Plus, get the scoop on upcoming Chamber events like the Meet the Candidates Forum and Spirit of Boone. We will also share information …

Access to healthcare is one of the most important topics people consider when moving to a new area. We have been fortunate to see heathcare evolve in a positive way here in the mountains of northwest North Carolina, with new practices bringing service enhancements to our area that benefit all ages and health conditions. On this week's Mind Your Bus…