In today’s episode, host Tony Ubertaccio highlights the new 1% for Asheville campaign, an inspiring initiative where Asheville businesses pledge 1% of their sales for November and December to support local hurricane relief efforts. Spearheaded by Eric Fabian of Sour House, this campaign unites businesses across sectors in giving back directly to the community.

Key topics covered:

• 1% for Asheville Campaign (00:55) A breakdown of how this initiative works, the importance of contributing 1% of sales versus profits, and the impact this has on local businesses and community resilience.

• Opportunities for Business Owners (03:08) Insights into how local businesses can get involved in 1% for Asheville and leverage the campaign for community connection and customer engagement.

• Grant Funding for Asheville (05:01) Updates on available grants from Visit Asheville, Mountain BizWorks, and the Asheville Chamber, with details on the Chamber’s upcoming Craft Your Commerce program for Western North Carolina businesses.

Tune in to learn more about supporting Asheville’s recovery efforts and hear the latest on community resources and upcoming events for business owners.

For full show notes, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily.

In today’s Halloween episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Bertaccio explores two decision-making frameworks to help local business owners navigate choices in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Tony shares practical tools to weigh options, from financial moves to new business strategies.

Key topics covered:

• Expected Value: Tony explains how business owners can apply this mathematical approach to estimate the potential success of different strategic options by calculating the expected outcomes and likelihood of success.
• Collateral Benefit: Introducing a new concept, Tony discusses the idea of “collateral benefit”—how certain actions, especially those done in public or collaborative ways, can create ripple effects and unexpected advantages for both your brand and the community.
• Getting into Action: Emphasizing the importance of momentum, Tony encourages listeners to use these tools as a guide to take meaningful steps forward and invites feedback from the Asheville community on what support they need.

For full show notes and more resources, visit: https://makingitinasheville.com/daily.

Links:

• Reach out to Tony with questions and ideas at hello@makingitinasheville.com

In today’s episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio dives into one of the most valuable yet underused tools for local businesses—email marketing. As Asheville rebuilds, Tony shares why building and nurturing an email list is critical for customer communication and business recovery.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Power of Email Over Social Media: With platforms like Meta controlling visibility, Tony explains why email offers a near 100% delivery rate, making it essential for connecting with your audience without interference.
• Crafting Effective Emails: Tips for writing clear, actionable messages that focus on one call to action, whether it’s buying a gift card, sharing a business update, or announcing new offerings.
• Cross-Promotion with Other Local Businesses: Tony highlights the “Mountain Magic Gift Guide” by Botanical Bones, an excellent example of businesses collaborating to expand their reach and foster community support.
• Getting Started & Growing Your List: Tony shares resources for those ready to start or grow their email lists and offers guidance on creating a strategy that engages Asheville’s community directly.

For full show notes and more resources, visit https://makingitinasheville.com/daily.

Links:

• Mountain Magic Gift Guide – Created by Botanical Bones, featuring women-owned, local businesses in Asheville (https://www.instagram.com/p/DBrLFu9pQv7/)

In this episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio dives into the powerful ways Asheville’s music community is stepping up for post-Hurricane Helene recovery. From major benefit concerts to local collaborations, Asheville’s musicians are making an impact where it counts. Key topics covered:

• Big Concert Fundraiser: LUKE COMBS, ERIC CHURCH, BILLY STRINGS, and JAMES TAYLOR raised $24 million for Western North Carolina, providing essential funds for the region’s recovery.
• “Cardinals at the Window” Compilation: This special benefit album, featuring over 130 artists, including Tyler Ramsey and John Charles Dwyer, showcases Asheville’s collective spirit. All proceeds support flood relief in Western North Carolina.
• John Charles Dwyer’s "Heavy Feathers": Although he recently moved from Asheville, Dwyer’s heartfelt music and fundraising efforts continue to support the community, with songs that capture the resilience and soul of the region.
• Watch a Live performance of "Heavy Feathers": https://youtu.be/S3UYxdepB_w?si=QdGZkAZm8KZlm6q0
• How to Support Local Artists: For listeners looking to aid Asheville’s creative community, Tony highlights stories and artists to follow, inviting listeners to share more about their favorite local musicians. Email hello@makingitinasheville.com

For full show notes and more resources, visit: https://makingitinasheville.com/daily

In this episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio continues the conversation on Asheville’s progress post-Hurricane Helene. He covers which businesses are open, which resources are available for visitors, and practical advice for business owners looking to get back on track.

Key topics covered:

Exploring What’s Open: From the Asheville Airport to Wrong Way River Lodge, Tony shares key updates on businesses, parks, and restaurants open to visitors and locals. He highlights Explore Asheville’s comprehensive list of open and closed spots, perfect for planning a visit.

Supporting Local Business from Afar: Discover “Love Asheville from Afar,” a program allowing patrons to buy gift cards and donate to over 600 Asheville businesses, along with the “Always Asheville Fund” providing emergency grants to small businesses.

Critical Website Updates for Businesses: Tony emphasizes the importance of accurate online information for businesses. He shouts out Alyssa Phillips of Amped Design, who offers website support for affected businesses to improve communication and customer engagement.

Looking Ahead: Tony teases new collaborative projects in Asheville aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing revenue opportunities as the community rebuilds. Reach out to hello@makingitinasheville.com for support.

For full show notes and more resources, visit: https://makingitinasheville.com/daily

Time Stamps and Notes: Asheville Update (00:00 - 01:54) Openings and Closures (01:54 - 02:48) Supporting Asheville Businesses (02:48 - 05:26) Importance of Online Presence (05:26 - 07:25) Call for Collaboration (07:25 - 09:22)

Asheville Daily | Episode 5: How Open is Asheville Really? Navigating Water Safety & Local Business Recovery

In this episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio explores the theme of “openness” as Asheville recovers from Hurricane Helene. Tony breaks down key questions around what it means to be “open” for business in Asheville right now and shares insights on the current state of water safety and infrastructure repair.

Key topics covered:

• Business Openings and Closures: A look into which Asheville businesses are open, how they’re adapting post-storm, and considerations for potential visitors.
• Water Quality and Testing Updates: Tony explains Asheville’s water testing process, the boil water notice, and which safety measures residents should be aware of.
• Visitor Support vs. Staying Away: Addressing the question many are asking—should people still visit Asheville? Tony explores how tourism can support local businesses and shares ways non-locals can help, even from afar.
• Upcoming Listening Session: Local business owners and community members gather today for a listening session hosted by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, Venture Asheville, and Hatch Co-Working.

For full show notes and more resources, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily.

Links:

• Water Testing Info: Asheville’s latest updates on water quality and boil water notices. Asheville.gov/service/water-quality-advisories

In this episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio reflects on the importance of listening during times of recovery and shares a beautiful quote from the West Asheville Yoga community that speaks to the tension between moving forward and taking the necessary time to heal.

Key topics covered:

• Business Listening Session: Tomorrow’s collaborative event with Venture Asheville, Asheville Chamber of Commerce, and Hatch Co-Working to hear the needs of local business owners.
• The Gift of Listening: Tony discusses how asking clarifying questions can improve how we show up for one another.
• Inbox Overload Solutions: For business owners feeling overwhelmed by post-Hurricane Helene inboxes, Tony shares two practical methods—filing “inbox bankruptcy” or filtering out marketing emails.
• Upcoming Content: Next week’s episode will dive into the community's business needs and highlight Mission Health’s response during the hurricane.

For full show notes and more resources, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily.

• Mission Health Response: Share your stories and insights by emailing hello@makingitinasheville.com and using the subject "Mission"
• General Content: Share your stories and insights by emailing hello@makingitinasheville.com and using the subject "Daily"

The Asheville Daily podcast shares daily updates and reflections on the local business community. Hosted by Tony Ubertaccio, this podcast is your go-to for stories and news that matter to Asheville.

Got a story or request? Reach out via email at hello@makingitinasheville.com or DM us on Instagram @makingitinasheville.

In today’s episode of the Asheville Daily podcast, host Tony Ubertaccio shares updates on the local business community as it continues to recover from Hurricane Helene. We dive into the story of Rockgeist, a local bikepacking gear company that experienced 5 feet of flooding. Tony shares a personal encounter with Rockgeist’s owner, Greg, and the challenges of keeping a business afloat post-disaster.

Key topics:

• Rockgeist’s Flood Recovery: How they’re handling the aftermath of 5 feet of water damage and ways you can support, including their GoFundMe campaign and gift card purchases.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): How local businesses and employees affected by Helene can file for assistance. You have 39 days left to apply for DUA. Visit des.nc.gov for more details.
• Asheville Business Recovery Center: Free workspace and resources are available at the Chamber of Commerce for displaced businesses. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Business Listening Session: Coming up this Friday to help local businesses share their needs and challenges during recovery efforts.

For full show notes, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily

• Rockgeist Flood Recovery Fund: Support Rockgeist
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Visit DES
• Business Recovery Center: Asheville Chamber of Commerce Info

About the Asheville Daily Podcast
The Asheville Daily podcast delivers local news, updates, and stories impacting the Asheville business community. Hosted by Tony Ubertaccio, this daily podcast is your go-to for all things Asheville.

Got a story to share or know a business in need? Email us at hello@makingitinasheville.com or DM us on Instagram @makingitinasheville.