David Jackson Productions

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 guest. As expected, we will discuss the county's role in hurricane relief and we'll also update the list of projects that were in queue prior to the storm. Chairman Eggers will also address economic development priorities, school construction, and other projects that could come to the top of discussions in 2025.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

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 Street development project, and the approval and eventual rollout of Boone Next. Mind Your Business is a weekly (for the most part) production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to sponsorship from Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.  Support the show

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:Casey Gilbert, Vice President of Public Policy, Asheville Chamber of CommerceKim Effler, President/CEO, McDowell Chamber of CommerceRobin Morgan, Executive Director, Avery County Chamber of CommerceKitty Honeycutt, Executive Director, Ashe County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.Panel moderated by David Jackson, President/CEO, Boone Area Chamber of CommerceOur panel will discuss current conditions in each community, silver linings that have developed since the storm, and how can people provide impactful help at this time.Each community is working on local fundrasing initiatives for individual and business support:Asheville Chamber of Commerce:

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 Management. We'll discuss the potential economics of a second Trump Presidency, which includes a comparison to the normal influences when a Republican is in the White House. We'll also discuss impacts on tax policy along with some end of 2024 tax strategies that you may want to consider as the year comes to a close.In addition, we discuss upcoming grant deadlines, including a new grant from Lowe's Hardware.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

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 an update on the application process for the Chamber Foundation's Business Resiliency Disaster Grant program.Our guests on this week's show include a collection of FEMA team members based here in Watauga County. We'll hear about an upcoming deadline for the Individual Assistance Program, as well as answers to some frequently asked questions about the application process.Mind Your Business is produced when we don't have natural disasters by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

Latest updates from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce regarding community response needs.Support the show

NC House & SenateHouse District 93Ben Massey (D)Ray Pickett (R) (I)Support the show

Candidates for US House of RepresentativesChuck Hubbard (D)Virginia Foxx (R) (I)Support the show

Candidates for Watauga County Board of EducationMarshall Ashcraft (I)Chad ColeAdam HegeAllison IdolCharlotte Mizelle LloydTom RossSupport the show

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

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 information on where you can find archives of those important conversations.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

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 Childers and Virginia Ford from the Children's Council of Watauga County. We'll hear an update on the release of Stabilization Grant money to childcare centers across the State, as well as data on the impact instability within this industry has on businesses. We'll also hear about a special football-focused fundraiser The Children's Council has planned for later in September, offering the community a way to further support their mission.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

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 employees who don't qualify for family coverage through an employer plan, or if you don't offer health insurance to employees.We also bring a new feature into this week's episode, focused on updates on community projects and Chamber advocacy positions. Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

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 leadership topics in a digestible 90-minute format that is geared toward continuing your education.On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Dr. Jim Street, owner of Ridgeline Leadership and curriculum coordinator for the Chamber's Watauga Leadership Institute. He'd discuss the premise behind Encore, who the course is designed to reach, while also elaborating on the value of continuing education for aspiring leaders.Mind Your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

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 2024 election, along with the specifics of a ballot referendum that could have an impact on future commissioner elections. We'll also discuss a special Open House that will be held in Boone August 21st, hosted by the NC Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure elections.As a reminder, the Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce will host our annual Meet the Candidates Forum on Monday, September 16th, beginning at 5:30PM at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.Support the show

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 Allen Wealth Management. On the heels of the Fed announcement, what are the impacts on our day-to-day business and personal financial lives. We are also less than 100 days from the 2024 election, and we'll discuss the potential impacts of November's aftermath on the financial outlook moving toward 2025.This week we also provide the latest update on the Town of Boone's recent Downtown Parking Brainstorming sessions, including future timelines for more public discussion.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. Our program is made possible each week thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial R

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 about Encore, a new offering from the Watauga Leadership Institute. Tune in for all the details! Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.  The show is made possible through the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Support the show

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 Business, we highlight Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness, which opened their doors in October 2023, bringing a new service to the High Country that is prevalent in other parts of the country. We'll get the details on the practice from co-owners Erin Wonder and Tiffany Weitzen, along with an in-depth explanation into the emergence and health benefits of pelvic floor therapy. We'll also discuss how this practice is furthering the conversation about women's heathcare needs and access here in the High Country.Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The show is made possible through the sponsorship support of Ap

BONUS CONTENT ALERT!! The North Carolina General Assembly is in recess and we have a few short updates about what has transpired in Raleigh over the past few weeks and months.The main focus of this bonus installment of Mind Your Business centers around Early Childhood Education, and action taken by the NC House and Senate to extend compensation grants, or stabilization grants, to the end of the calendar year. This action saved a MAJOR disruption in early childhood services across the State, while also buying time for more conversation as the budget process continues. Halee Hartley, Owner of Kid Cove here in Watauga County, is part of a team of early childhood advocates that has spent a good deal of time in Raleigh working on this important issue. She updates us on what happened, what it means, and how we can be involved in what comes next as early childhood education remains top of mind with NC legislators.Mind Your Business is a weekly (and sometimes daily) production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. O

The Round-Up for the Greenway is an annual community-wide fundraiser partnering with local Watauga County businesses to help fund the continued construction of the Middle Fork Greenway, a project of the Blue Ridge Conservancy. During the month of July, businesses ask their customers to Round Up to the nearest dollar. Last year, 56 local businesses, plus hundreds of individual community donations, raised a total of $252,576. These funds were matched by state grants for the construction of Boone Gorge Park, which is slated to begin later this year. Once developed, Watauga County will own and maintain this park along the Middle Fork Greenway.On this week's Mind Your Business, we'll get an update on current trail development from Wendy Patoprsty, Middle Fork Greenway Director, and hear about the specific projects this year's Round Up will help fund. ** SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT** Stay tuned to the end of the episode for details on how businesses that do not have a high volume of daily transactions or ret