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 role of campus as a positive and supportive partner for the High Country community.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the snow sports industry has provided a much needed boost to our region's economic recovery. Talia Freeman, Director of Marketing at Beech Mountain Resort, talks about the impact of cold weather on the success of the slopes, and what she hears from visitors as they return to the mountains. Talia also details the upcoming Runs for Buns fundraising weekend, and gives some inspiration for those businesses looking to find their philanthropic cause.

We also have information about the third round of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Hope for the High Country: Business Resiliency Disaster Grant program.

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.

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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 this week's Mind Your Business, we will hear directly from Governor Stein about this program and we will break down eligibility criteria in great detail. We will also hear from other involved with the program as they explain how small businesses in our region can benefit from these available funds.

Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. It is made possible each week thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Support the show

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 the NC School of Banking. Dr. Davis recaps 2024, discusses the economic impact of hot topics like housing and inflation, and breaks down the impact of Hurricane Helene on the local economy. He also delivers his forecast for Watauga County, Western North Carolina, and the entire State for 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