Capital at Play February 2015 Edition

Ray Russell’s

Weather Center p.54

Ken Hughes:

Sponge for Leadership p.70

The Free Spirit Of Enterprise

New Taste Thirsty Town BRINGING A

TO A

Blue Kudzu Sake p.12 2014 year in review

Real Estate p.24

Valentine’s Day Inspirations p.43 In the Company of Climbers p.82 Volume V - Edition II complimentary edition

capitalatplay.com

February 2015

• • • •

cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes Peripheral vascular disease Poor exercise tolerance A diagnosis that does not qualify for Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab, but may improve from regular participation in a supervised exercise program Previously completed Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab and wish to continue exercising in a safe, supervised environment

TO A HEALTHIER HEART TO A inHEALTHIER Participation the program is self-pay andHEART will require a referral by an appropriate medical provider.

Pardee Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Wellness at Mission Pardee Health is a long-term, medically supervised program PardeeCampus Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Wellness at exercise Mission Pardee designed for those may have one orsupervised more of the following: Health Campus is awho long-term, medically exercise program designed for those who may have one or more of the following: • A desire to improve their overall health, cardiovascular fitness and • muscle A desire to improve their overall health, cardiovascular fitness and strength muscle cardiovascular strength • Known disease • Known cardiovascular disease • Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and high • cholesterol, Risk factorsafor cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and high sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes • Peripheral vascular disease Peripheral vascular disease • • Poor exercise tolerance • Poor exercise tolerance • A diagnosis that does not qualify for Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab, but may • improve A diagnosis that does participation not qualify forinPhase 2 Cardiacexercise Rehab, but may from regular a supervised program improve from regular participation in a supervised exercise program • Previously completed Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab and wish to continue • Previously completed Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab and wish to continue exercising in a safe, supervised environment exercising in a safe, supervised environment

Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Wellness at Mission Pardee Health Campus

2775 Hendersonvil e Road, Arden, NC 28704 (828) 209-0932

Participation is self-pay self-payand andwill willrequire requirea a Participation in in the the program program is referral by an appropriate medical provider. referral by an appropriate medical provider.

CardiovascularRehabilitation Rehabilitation Wellness Cardiovascular andand Wellness at Mission Pardee Health Campus at Mission Pardee Health Campus

2775Hendersonville Hendersonville Road, Arden, 28704 2775 Road, Arden, NCNC 28704 (828) 209-0932 (828) 209-0932 2

| February 2015

the

Amethyst FEBRUARY BIRTHSTONE

symbolizing DEEP LOVE HAPPINESS HUMILIT Y SINCERIT Y W E A LT H

B I LT M O R E P A R K T O W N SQUARE , A SHE VILLE , NC M ARTHALERJE WELERS .COM 8 2 8 - 676 - 1 62 5 February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

3

ily Ray Fam

The es, People Stay Advanc Technology

e the Sam

LAY L A T I CA nd e KirklaMaw ’s Produc Susan Life at

A Simpler

Way of

Enterprise Spirit Of The Fre e

Horace Adell

20 years, 20 hours & 200 miles

g Somethin

a day

Kevin & Lucia Barnes Cool, Sweet, Ultimate

ickoemeds W this way c ED - W ICK

W EED

BR EW

The Free Spirit Of Enterprise

ING -

Publisher’s Thoughts

A town

submerged,

CA ITAL LAY

t p.84 the Fores Friars inr’s encounter with tures One hike woodland crea some rare ars p.39 Your Fe this Face sele ctions for day Scary nted holi year’s hau

X - Edition Volume IV EDITIO N COMP LIMEN

TARY

Annual Man a sail unfurled. ufacturing Edition WATAU GA L A K E 2014 October

FE AT U R

y.com capitalatpla

The Free Spir it Of Ente rpris e

N E SSEE NORT H C A ROL INA - T EN

An Abingdon Excursion

p.37

History, culture, and recreation collide in Southwest Virginia

p.66 The Accidental Gardener at a time

Oriole Mill ING

Debbie Woods, one flowerpot

THE

Volume IV - Edition IX

September 2014

COMPLIMENTARY EDITION

capitalatplay.com

Bringing new dying industry life to a p.10

Knock Out! Undergarmen ts p.30 Mist y Mountain Threadworks p.60 Deltec Hom es p.76

MID -W I

NT

ER RET Georgetown County, Sout R E A T h Carolina > The City p.42 > The Beach p.48 > The Outdoors

Volume V Edition

I COMPLI MENTAR Y EDITION

capitalatplay.co m

p.86

Januar y 2015

Give the Gift of Inspiration

$13.

12 month subscription

95

subscribe online at

C APITALATPLAY.COM

CA ITALat LAY THE FREE SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE

W E S T E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A' S

Business Lifestyle MA G A Z I N E L

4

W

inter is still here (though maybe in name only for much of last month), and the holiday season and its subsequent hangover (emotional or otherwise) long gone. Hopefully you’re ahead at work enough to sit back comfortably with this edition, as you may be doing at this very moment, allowing a relaxing review of some local entrepreneurs and their varied backgrounds that we’ve curated for you this February.

| February 2015

Among those we had the privilege of learning from is Ken Hughes, one of the founders of Dixon Hughes Financial and also a Western Carolina University graduate. Ken shares some thoughts on leadership, which he is well versed in with over 1,800 employees. Also contributing to the wealth of information found in this edition are the four inspirational owners of Blue Kudzu Sake (p.12), who introduce us to the ancient (yet very new to our brewing mecca) art of sake production. Of course, I was very excited to talk with Ray Russell (p.54) of the locally renowned Ray’s Weather. Selfishly, I wanted personal insight into this year’s weather, but there’s little he could tell me that he doesn’t already give away for free at raysweather.com and its subsequent URL’s.

To some folks, Virginia is for lovers, but this month so is our corner of North Carolina. This has been made clear by the various offerings displayed in the Leisure & Libations section (p.43). Between the Puppygram offered by Brother Wolf in Asheville and the “twelve aphrodisiac” dinner at Phoenix in Brevard, you’ll be out of excuses should your romantic display not get you seriously kissed. And if you’re not the romantic type or are in need of some exercise to boost your confidence with those you wish to woo, you might look into some indoor climbing activity on p.82.

Whatever the case, there’s no shortage of actionable ideas this month—whatever the weather may bring.

Sincerely,

Oby Morgan

retr action : Last month, we goofed. The Oriole Mill was referred to as Oriole Mills on the cover and on pg.10.

We have corrected it in all places digital and apologize for any confusion.

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

5

The Free Spirit Of Enterprise

publisher & editor

Oby Morgan associate publisher

Step up to the stand

Jeffrey Green

with the A400 Xcel‌

contributing editors

Leslee Kulba, Dasha O. Morgan, Brenda Murphy contributing writers & photogr aphers

Emily Ballard, Bill Fishburne, Mandy Gardner, Ellen Gwin, Anthony Harden, John Kerr, Roger McCredie, Jim Murphy, Toni Sherwood gr aphic designer

Hanna Trussler

and they know

you are serious.

marketing & advertising Kathryn Dillow, David Morgan, Katrina Morgan, Pat Starnes

Information & Inquiries gener al advertising inquiries

A400 Xcel Competition shotgun

e-mail advertising@capitalatplay.com or call 828.274.7305 high country inquiries

e-mail jeffrey@capitalatplay.com or call 828.320.6152

828-633-1806 www.wingsnclays.com

for subscription information

subscribe online at www.capitalatplay.com or call 828.274.7305

Your Beretta dealer in asheville:

for editorial inquiries

M

U

e-mail editor@capitalatplay.com This magazine is printed with soy based ink on recycled paper. Please recycle. l

rs al

M

ed

UM

M

M

ed

rs a

Un ive

UM

ive

Un ive rs a

Un i

ia ia Copyright Š 2014, Universal Media Inc. All rights reserved.

ia

Un ia

ed

M

M

| February 2015

M

6

M

UM UniversalMedia

UM Universal

Media

course description & schedule under training on our website

Published by Universal Media Inc. PO Box 5615, Asheville, NC. 28813 l

offering introduction to sporting clays classes monthly

ed

U

trident program

ve rs al

Capital At Play is a trademark of Universal Media, Inc.

Capital At Play is protec ted through Tr ademar k Regis tr ation in the United States.

The content found within this publication does not necessar ily ref lec t the views of Univer sal Media , Inc. and its companies. Univer sal Media , Inc. and its employees are not liable for any adver tising or editor ial content found in Capital At Play. The ar ticles, photogr aphy, and illus tr ations found in Capital at Play may not be reproduced or used in any fashion without express wr it ten consent by Univer sal Media , Inc.

U

U

ASHEVILLE

Historic Biltmore Village 9 Kitchin Place 828-274-2630

STORE HOURS

Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-7pm Sat. 9:30am-6pm Sun. 12pm-5pm

VIP VOYAGER LEATHER BOMBER JACKET The soft, supple feel and naturally distressed look of this leather provides a relaxed, comfortable jacket. The finish is created by brushing the surface and then applying an oil finish. Professional leather clean. Imported.

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

7

8

| February 2015

Mitch Fortune sprinkling koji spores over freshly steamed and briefly cooled rice p.12 Photo by Anthony Harden

F E AT U R E S vol. v

12

BLUE KUDZU SAKE:

NEW TASTE TO A THIRSTY TOWN

ed. ii

54

RAY RUSSELL’S WEATHER CENTER

70

KEN HUGHES:

SPONGE FOR LEADERSHIP

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

9

C ON T EN T S L

f e b r u a r y 2 015 bouldering at The Mountain Goat indoor climbing gym Photo by Cam Hill

24

43

82

eal Estate R Year in Review

Valentine’s Day Inspirations

I n the Company of Climbers

colu m ns

briefs

events

lo c a l i n d u s t r y

The market recovered but will it keep growing?

36 F inding the wine that’s best for your love Written by John Kerr

62 S torytelling, Content Marketing, & You

Written by Mandy Gardner

l e i s u r e & l i b at i o n

Go the extra mile with these romantic suggestions

38 Carolina in the West 66 The Old North State 78 National & World News on the cover :

c a p i ta l a d v e n t u r i s t

Indoor climbing and bouldering in the Western Carolinas

90 T he days are finally getting

longer and that means more time for events and activities—there are plenty this February. In case you were wondering, you don’t get that extra day until next year…

Mary Taylor seen cooling rice for koji inoculation. Photo by Anthony Harden 10

| February 2015

SAY GOODBYE TO SAY GOODBYE TO SAY GOODBYE TO E TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR STAFFING YOUR STAFFING SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR STAFFING NG YOUR STAFFING WOES AND HELLO YOUR STAFFING WOES AND HELLO WOES AND HELLO ELLO WOES AND HELLO TO YOUR NEW WOES AND HELLO TO YOUR NEW TO YOUR NEW W TO YOUR NEW TO YOUR NEW SUPPORT TEAM. SUPPORT TEAM. SUPPORT TEAM. SUPPORT TEAM. AM. SUPPORT TEAM. (828) 654-8101

(828) 654-8101 (828) 654-8101 1979 Hendersonville Road 1979 Hendersonville 1979 Hendersonville Road Road Suite B BB Suite Suite (828) 654-8101 Asheville, NC 28803

Asheville, NC 28803 28803 Asheville, NC (828) 654-8101 Jobs.AshevilleNC@expresspros.com 1979 Hendersonville Road Jobs.AshevilleNC@expresspros.com Jobs.AshevilleNC@expresspros.com 1979 Suite B Hendersonville Road

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

11

Sake bottles from around Japan on display in the brewery.

12

| February 2015

New BR I N GI N G A

Taste TO A

Thirsty

Town Blue Kudzu Sake written by emily ball ard photos by anthony harden

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

13

I

t all started over a dinner party, as so many great ideas do.

In a town submerged in the growing craft beer industry, as well as being the hometown for two major beer labels and dozens of smaller breweries, a group of four friends dared to be different.

Born out of curiosity and experimentation, Blue Kudzu Sake opened its doors in early September of last year offering eclectic food and an alternative rice beverage, sake.

The River Arts District on the outskirts of downtown Asheville has undergone a transformation that only an artsy town can. Old warehouses and nearly dilapidated buildings have been restored into artist studios and trendy restaurants. You will find the Wedge brewery packed with people, dogs, and children on sunny afternoons. Driving along the train tracks that parallel the French Broad River you are greeted by rainbow colored buildings, artful graffiti, and open doorways beckoning the passersby into the artist’s realm. Near the end of this row you will find tall glass windows with a simple kudzu leaf emblazoned on the reflective door and an arrow directing you toward the main entrance of the sake brewery tasting room and cafÊ.

Upon entering the establishment you are greeted by a large mural of Godzilla and paper lanterns dangling from the ceiling. Booths and high top tables are arranged around the centerpiece bar. The bar is a reclaimed antique from a local seed shop, and the seeds have been replaced with rice, showcasing

14

| February 2015

Mitch Fortune on top of a scaffold & Mary Taylor on ladder getting ready to add cooled Koji Rice to the fermentation tank.

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

15

the main ingredient used to brew this specialty beverage.

There are over 60 bottles of sake that they offer, and after a long road of permitting and red tape, the other half of the building houses their brewing equipment and kitchen. Mitch Fortune, co-owner and head brewer, explains that brewing was always their passion, but when they were delayed in obtaining their permits they opened as just a restaurant and have enjoyed success in what they originally dubbed as Appal-asian cuisine.

The food is a mix of Southern Appalachian staples and Pan Asian influences. They have recently hired a new head chef from New York with hopes of escalating the restaurant side of the business into a more influential role in this foodie town, while maintaining the booming sake distribution side as well.

The Zu Crew Mitch Fortune, Cat Ford-Coates, Mary Taylor, and Preston Coleman are the masterminds behind the Blue Kudzu operation.

The idea to venture into sake all started at a cooking club dinner party. Mitch wanted to try his hand at rolling sushi and invited Cat and Mary over. The cooking club rules were that the host makes the food and the attendees provide the alcohol.

Several bottles and tastings of sake later, Mary turned one of 16

| February 2015

above : Cat Ford-Coates & Mary Taylor

seen cooling rice for koji inoculation.

lower right : Mitch taking a temperature reading

of freshly steamed rice to make sure it is at proper temp for inoculation with koji spores. far right : Mary Taylor cleaning freshly

steamed rice off of a steaming mat.

the bottles over to look at the label and was surprised to find that it was brewed in Portland, Oregon. During this time Asheville was at the height of the competition for the title of Beer City with none other than Portland.

“Why doesn’t Asheville do this?” they pondered, and the gears began turning.

Mitch already had home brewing equipment, so they found a recipe and began an experiment in his basement that would morph into something much bigger than anticipated.

“The first batch was gross, but we were so proud. So was the second. The third batch was palatable, decent, and filtered properly. Would I drink them now? No,” admits Cat. They started infusing the sake with flavors such as coconut,

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

17

The three sake in current year-round production at the brewery: Spirit of the Sky Junmai Ginjo, Thundersnow Nigori, & Snow Bunny Coconut Nigori.

Cat Ford-Coates

and began studying different techniques and practices. They would take it to dinner parties and cookouts for friends to taste, boasting the novelty of 19% alcohol.

The group realized they were onto something different and took their ideas to Mountain Bizworks, a program that helped them develop a business plan. They started a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of finding funding for their idea. They unfortunately did not reach their Kickstarter goal, but their ideas did not fizzle out. “The Kickstarter was not traditionally successful, but it is how our investor found us,� recalls Cat. This was the point that Preston entered the picture, and, with a solid business plan and the financial stability they needed to get off the ground, they found their location, opened the restaurant, worked to obtain their Certified Sake Professional (CSP) designations, and travelled down the bumpy road of permitting in order for the brewery side of the business to get up and running.

The First Year It has now been a full year since Blue Kudzu first opened its doors, and in the restaurant world that can be an accomplishment in itself. Long hours, unexpected obstacles, and growing pains have plagued this group of young entrepreneurs, but, as they give tours of the brew room and demonstrate their processes, it is apparent in their faces and their wealth of knowledge that 18

| February 2015

Preston Coleman

lef t to right :

Mitch Fortune, Cat Ford-Coates, Mary Taylor, and Preston Coleman

On any given day you can find one of them bartending, labeling bottles, busing tables, or teaching sake classes—multitasking at its best. their dream has come to fruition.

During this time period Mitch has travelled to Japan for three weeks and lived and worked in a traditional sake brewery. “I learned more about the sake process in those three weeks than I have in the past three years,� Mitch says as he tinkers with the brewing equipment.

He lifts a lid off of a large plastic canister, revealing a bubbling murky liquid that gives off a pungent odor. This is all part of what the team describes as a rice-koji dance. Koji is steamed rice that has mold spores cultivated onto it. It is an essential ingredient in the brewing process that converts the rice into sugar and eventually into alcohol.

There is an intricate schedule that February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 19

Basic Sake Brewing Process polishing :

The brewing process begins with polishing hulled rice, the main ingredient. As it passes through a special polisher, the proteins and bran that can produce off-flavors in the sake are removed.

washing , steeping , and steaming :

The polished rice is washed in water to remove the residual bran and starch powders and is left to steep in water. When the grain has absorbed 30% of its weight in water, it is steamed. About 25% of the steamed rice is used to make koji rice. koji , shubo , moromi :

Making koji: Spores of the aspergillus oryzae mold (koji-kin) are added to the steamed rice, which is then incubated to produce koji. The koji is added to the yeast starter and later the moromi mash to help convert the rice starch into glucose. preparing shubo ( ye ast starter ) :

This is made by mixing steamed rice, water, koji, and yeast. It is allowed to ferment for two weeks and when finished, it contains large amounts of yeast, which is needed for the moromi fermentation process.

preparing the moromi (primary fermentation ) :

Now for a three-step fermentation build up known as sandan shikomi.

On the first day, koji, steamed rice, and water are added to the yeast starter (this addition is called hatsuzoe). The mixture is left to stand on the following day to allow the yeast to slowly multiply (this step is called odori).

On the third day, the second batch of koji, steamed rice, and water is added to the mixture (this addition is called nakazoe). Then finally on the fourth day, the third batch of koji, steamed rice, and water is added to the mixture (this addition is called tomezoe) to complete the three-part process. The batch is then left to ferment for 28-36 days. pressing :

Once the moromi is completely fermented, it is passed through a press to separate out the sake lees (also knowns as kasu). The sake is then filtered, pasteurized, and placed in cold storage where it matures before being bottled.

20

| February 2015

All Natural & All Local above :

Rice being washed to remove the residual starches from the milling process.

DRY AGED, PASTURE-RAISED

facing page :

(top) Mitch showing a bag of imported Japanese Tane Koji, which is koji rice that has spored and is used for inoculating koji cultures. (middle) Preparing a shaker containing koji spores for inoculating rice. (lower) Sprinkling koji spores over freshly steamed and briefly cooled rice. serves as a map for this delicate and detailed process. This group is not afraid to get their hands dirty, quite literally, and each one plays a part in every step, from washing the rice to cleaning the tanks.

Over the year, they have each found their area of expertise within the company.

Mitch and Mary are in charge of the brewing, and Cat and Preston run the administration and marketing side. On any given day you can find one of them bartending, labeling bottles, busing tables, or teaching sake classes—multitasking at its best.

Both Mitch and Cat also own businesses separate from the restaurant and juggle their time. The camaraderie within the group is no doubt essential to maintaining their business and their sanity, and at this point they are hitting their stride in the restaurant and distribution industry.

“Entrepreneurs work like nobody else for years so they can live like nobody else later,” Cat quotes a saying when explaining how she handles the work load.

What keeps them motivated is their passion for what they are doing, and the excitement of being innovators, experts, and ambassadors in their field.

Asheville’s Only Whole Animal Butchery

artisan Smoked Meats, Sauces, Rubs, Charcuterie B EEF - L AMB - P ORK - C HICKEN

The Sake Culture Sake originated around 4,800 bc , and over the years there have been 10,000 different ways to make this beverage. It usually is 16% alcohol, but can contain up to 22%. It is not aged like wine, instead it is traditionally made to be consumed within a year of its bottling.

The four basic ingredients in sake are water, rice, yeast, and koji. Water quality is important in the process and can alter the taste. Asheville happens to have water

THE CHOP SHOP BUTCHERY 100 CHARLOTTE STREET, ASHEVILLE CHOPSHOPBUTCHERY.COM 828-505-3777 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

21

that is conducive for brewing, which has been a driving force for the influx of beer breweries that have scoped out this area.

The rice used to make sake is specifically milled a special way, discarding the outer shell to reveal the pure starch core without cracking. The finer the rice is milled, the better the sake will be.

Sake is sulfite free, tannin free, gluten free, and vegan.

It is low in fusel oils, which the group at Blue Kudzu says makes this alcoholic drink almost hangover free.

Mary explains that there are numerous health benefits to sake, such as containing Selenium, a mineral with antioxidant properties.

When asked what drew her to sake she says, “it is a clean alcohol. It is different and has health benefits. No two sakes are really the same.”

Mitch explains that the Japanese culture says that traditionally you never pour sake for yourself and you never drink sake by yourself.

A kura is a sake brewery. While there are currently around 1,200 kuras in Japan today, when Blue Kudzu began their

venture they were only the fourth sake kura in the United States.

Over the past year many more have been popping up and by the end of the year there may be as many as 12 new sake breweries.

Mitch explains that he is frequently contacted for advice by brewers that are just starting out. Although he is happy to speak

They also offer sake 101 classes and next year plan to teach more advanced classes. These classes teach the historical significance and the evolution of sake over the years, as well as the process of brewing it.

22

| February 2015

with them, there are a few trade secrets he is not ready to give away. Much of the equipment used to brew sake is not available in the United States, and he has spent a lot of time hybridizing equipment for their needs. He created a koji incubator that is unique to only them.

“There is a fine line between keeping the trade secrets and fostering the industry,” Mitch explains.

He wants to see the industry succeed and has been excited

by the growth in such a short time. He has even seen supporting industries being created, such as a rice grower in Florida that is experimenting in cultivating and milling sake rice, a component usually only found in California and subject to droughts and environmental factors that could be avoided in a different climate.

The Future Blue Kudzu Sake is now being distributed across the state, and they are working on widening that to the entire East coast.

Locally it is found in Katuah Market, local wine and beer shops, and restaurants, and they are negotiating with Whole Foods and Harris Teeter.

“The plan for the next year is roughly 250 cases per month to distribute from here to Florida,” Cat projects.

Blue Kudzu serves traditional Japanese sake but also adds their own personal twist. The chalkboard display changes each time they brew and can list flavors such as mango, pear, coconut, or hot ginger. “I love experimenting with the flavors to make sake more approachable,” Mary says.

They also offer sake 101 classes and next year plan to teach more advanced classes. These classes teach the historical significance and the evolution of sake over the years, as well as

carolinagun.com (828)684-0063

the process of brewing it. The class culminates in a small plate tasting of their food and a flight of featured sake. The flight will demonstrate the difference between filtered and unfiltered sake, with the sample coming straight from the tank in the brewery.

It doesn’t get much fresher than that.

“If you had told me five years ago that I would be head brewer at a sake brewery, I would have thought you were crazy,” Mitch recalls.

It has been an adventure and a learning process for each of them. Asheville is a town that embraces different, and in a market saturated in beer, this alternative beverage might just be the key to success.

As Mary affixes labels to the blue bottles she says she thinks about who will be opening this bottle and what they will experience. She wonders if they will be opening it for a celebration. For her, this job is important because it enables fun and creativity.

“It’s kind of crazy to tell people I do this for a living,” she says.

The future of sake and its place in American culture may still be unknown, but this group of friends and business partners are focusing on pushing themselves to succeed, offering something new, and enjoying the ride. Kanpai! (The Japanese equivalent of Cheers!)

3106 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 Mon - Sat 10AM - 7PM Sun - 1PM - 6PM

Asheville’s Premier Firearms and Accessories Shop

CRI

E AC

SON TR M

•

• UIPPE

D

E

Q

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 23

REAL E S TA T E Year in Review 2014

The Market Recovered but will it keep growing? written by bill fishburne photo by ellen gwin

24

| February 2015

W

W local industry

hen The New York Times publishes an editorial that encourages home ownership, you’ve just got to believe it’s time to buy a house. That milestone occurred on November 29, 2014, when the Times rolled out a few facts that were overwhelmingly supportive of buying homes rather than renting. Among them was the interesting claim that the median net worth of home owners was $195,400 versus just $5,400 for renters.

The Times is certainly a credible source for financial information, but even it is behind the curve. Investor guru John Paulus said the same thing four years ago when the real estate market showed no sign of recovery. Today, well, it’s nice to have the Times on the bandwagon.

Residential real estate sales have recovered remarkably since the dark days between 2007 and 2011. Depending on where you live the market may actually have fully recovered to the sales volume and prices of 2006. (See Chart 1 below.)

Sales unit volume declined in the Zero to $100,000 category simply because of the shortage of inventory in this price range.

Many of the homes that are available in this range are manu-

Chart 2 on the next page.)

The question Realtors hear today isn’t so much the fearful ‘How’s the market?’ that has been asked incessantly since 2008, but instead it is a more optimistic ‘How’s the recovery coming along?’ The answer depends on where you live. Folks in Michigan see some improvement, despite their home values still being down 15.6 percent from the peak. The near-Western states of Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, both Dakotas, and Kentucky are back to even. Same then as now. And so is New York, of all places. North Carolina prices are still down about four percent, while Florida is still suffering at a negative 33.5 percent, all according to CoreLogic.

Coming down the pike

What’s going to be coming always depends on outside factors that I call the known, the suspected, and the feared. We know the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) taxes and costs are going to kick in later in the year. We know the geo-political situation is fragile with Muslim terrorism seeming to reach new levels of barbarism every day. We know Kim Jong-un doesn’t like our movies, and we know the price of oil reached $50 per barrel in early January with no bottom in sight. We suspect all these things will have chart i some economic impact. We also suspect the President and Congress will have to reach in thousands of dollars some agreements in the next two years to keep the government running, and we sus40% pect the Cubs won’t win the World Series. We fear there could be even more violence in the world, and we fear for the safety of our loved 30% ones who are in the military.

What we shouldn’t fear in 2015 is the real 20% estate market. It is solid because the housing supply is down, oil prices are down, and the 10% population is growing. More people, more money in their pockets, and fewer existing 0 and new homes are solid economic factors that typically control real estate markets.

-10% Now that that’s out of the way, here’s what happened last year, as well as what to 0-$100 $100-200 $200-300 $300-400 $400-500 $500-999 $1M+ expect in each of the six counties that form the heart of the Western North Carolina Regional MLS system. factured houses in the process of depreciating into the great Chart 3 (on page 27) shows the natural result of increased abyss and have, therefore, been rejected by many buyers. Stick sales. Sales up, inventory down. Every market, from widgets to built houses, also known as site built, overlap the manufactured houses, is a balance between supply and demand. The housing homes starting at about $50,000. From there on up most everymarket is said to be balanced when there is a six month supply thing in the market today is site built or modular. If you have of homes at the current absorption rate. In terms of overall any doubt about a home’s construction, ask your Realtor. (See numbers, Buncombe and Henderson counties reached that

% Change in Sales from 2013 to 2014

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 25

local industry

chart 2

% Change in Price Since the Peak Source: Corelogic

chart 4

Year-Over-Year % Change in Price by region

Source: FHFA

26

| February 2015

chart 3

Regional Summary

ANNUAL SALES

AVERAGE PER MONTH

ACTIVE LISTINGS

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

0-$100,000

1,096

91.3

372

4.1

$100-$200,000

2,772

231

1,189

5.1

$200-$300,000

1,843

153.5

1,150

7.5

$300-$400,000

776

64.7

667

10.3

$400-$500,000

339

33.3

377

11.3

$500-$750,000

313

26

431

16.6

$750-$1,000,000

105

8.7

234

26.9

$1 Million plus

71

5.9

278

47.1

Totals

7,374

614.5

4,698

7.6

In Foreclosure

31

2.5

9

3.6

Short Sale

84

7

47

6.7

REO

682

56.7

141

2.5

Totals

799

66.5

197

3.0

% of Sales

10.8

-

4.2

-

magic balance in 2014. The result is homes that are good values sell quickly and do so at or near the asking price.

Buyers and sellers should be aware, however, that the absorption rate doesn’t apply across every price range, not even in the hot Buncombe County market. Chart 3A (on the next page) shows how Buncombe County sellers are in the cat-bird seat in most price ranges up to $500,000. After that the market begins to favor buyers. But even in the highest range, $1 million and up, there is good activity with 48 houses sold in 2014. In 2011 only 24 houses sold in that range.

In the primary six counties we included in this survey (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, Polk, and Transylvania), unit sales were just about equal to 2007 and dollar volume was down just 14 percent from the 2007 high.

All in all, a good recovery except that the prices of individual homes are below the peak. Rutherford County is included in some of the figures for reference, but the numbers are not fully indicative of total sales in the county. Due to differing geography many Rutherford County homes are sold through other MLS systems.

In looking at the numbers, let’s first acknowledge that we are not back to where we were in 2007. Back at that time the average home price in our subject six counties was $283,186. In 2014 we were doing well, but the average price was just $244,816, or 86 percent of the peak value. Overall the total sales dollar

volume in 2007 was $2.01 billion versus just $1.73 billion in 2014. That’s a decline of 14 percent. (See Charts 2 and 4 on the facing page for area changes.)

Many homeowners who bought at the 2007 peak did so with loans of 90 percent or more of the purchase price. Then the bottom fell out and, despite the passage of time, many of these buyers are still upside-down. A $200,000 house bought at the peak with a 90 percent loan might sell today for $172,000. The mortgage balance would be in the range of $167,000 (30 years, six percent). With real estate fees and other closing and moving expenses the seller would net about $160,000. That would make it a short sale, where the proceeds of the sale fall short of what is owed. Fortunately, we are seeing fewer and fewer of these as prices increase. And we should be out of the woods there completely by 2019. The 4th Quarter Home Price Expectation Survey compares the forecasts from Bulls, Bears, and traditional trends to say we should have a 23.5 percent cumulative house appreciation by 2019. (See Chart 5 on page 29.)

But if you are under water and need to sell quickly there are some federal programs that might help. Readers are advised to talk to their Realtor and a mortgage broker, or one of the nonprofit financial counseling services, such as On Track Financial. It’s one thing to know there is a federal Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), but it’s quite another thing to get the paperwork done to actually use it.

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 27

local industry

chart 3a

Buncombe County*

ANNUAL SALES

AVERAGE PER MONTH

ACTIVE LISTINGS

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

0-$100,000

376

31.3

46

3.5

$100-$200,000

1,206

100.5

308

3.1

$200-$300,000

899

74.9

243

3.2

$300-$400,000

432

36

220

6.1

$400-$500,000

252

21

145

6.9

$500-$750,000

190

15.8

156

9.9

$750-$1,000,000

75

6.2

85

13.7

$1 Million plus

48

4

126

31.5

Totals

3,476

289.6

1,329

4.6

In Foreclosure

8

0.66

3

4.5

Short Sale

68

5.6

29

5.2

REO

276

23

41

1.8

Totals

340

28.3

73

2.6

% of Sales

9.8

-

4.2

-

*Preliminary MLS year-end data subject to adjustment

chart 3b

28

Haywood County

ANNUAL SALES

AVERAGE PER MONTH

ACTIVE LISTINGS

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

0-$100,000

178

14.8

100

6.8

$100-$200,000

319

26.5

365

13.8

$200-$300,000

165

13.8

261

18.9

$300-$400,000

57

4.8

120

25.0

$400-$500,000

19

1.6

50

31.3

$500-$750,000

18

1.5

74

49.3

$750-$1,000,000

6

0.5

28

56

$1 Million plus

2

0.2

18

90

Totals

764

65.4

1,016

15.5

In Foreclosure

8

0.7

1

1.4

Short Sale

8

0.8

7

8.8

REO

109

9

34

3.8

Totals

112

10.2

72

7.1

% of Sales

15.6

-

4.1

-

| February 2015

chart 5

Cumulative House Appreciation by 2019

Source: Home Price Expectation Survey 2014 4Q

32.8%

23.5%

23.7%

15.1% Pre-Bubble Trend

Bulls

All Projections

Bears

Our above-example of the underwater loan is also unlikely to occur in the very, very hot $200,000 price range. Decent houses in that range are literally selling like hotcakes. If your house is clean and priced right, depending on location and other factors, it should sell.

When pricing houses today most Realtors are not looking just at comparable houses that have sold, but also at the similar houses currently on the market. As I noted in my 2013 wrap-up column, you don’t win the Indy 500 by looking in the rear view mirror. Sellers should keep history in mind, but the competition is what’s on the market now and what’s coming. If it’s behind you, it’s just not your problem.

Buncombe County

(See Chart 3A on the facing page.)

Buncombe County has the largest and hottest real estate market in all of Western North Carolina. It is the most populous county in the region (250,000) and has the highest sales, with more than 3,475 units changing ownership in 2014. The average selling price was a region-leading $270,426, up from $259,564 in 2013. The market is so hot and the housing supply so low (only a 4.6 month supply) that the Asheville Citizen-Times recently ran a feature article on the alleged growing popularity of tiny 500-square-foot houses. There is even a local organization, the Asheville Tiny Home Association, that provides plans and encouragement to folks who want their own tiny little space. You won’t find any of them in the MLS as of yet, and few builders can afford to build them. We also suspect the fad will end when the first baby is born, but that’s yet to be seen.

Asheville has more of everything real estate related. More houses, more neighborhoods, more retail stores and restaurants, more culture, more roads, and even more pet supply stores for FiFi, FoFo, and Spike. There are more hiking trails, more bicycle paths, more YMCAs for your health, more doctors and hospitals to insure your health, and more lawyers and cardiologists. Asheville is the home of the Biltmore House and the Grove Park Inn. It has close-in $1 million+ housing in The Ramble and Reynolds Mountain, and many economical areas such as West Asheville. Asheville is a dynamic city that really opens the gateway to the Western North Carolina mountains. It provides a hub around which many of the neighboring counties spin and, in a nutshell, is a truly interesting—fascinating—place to live and work.

LEE ANN LEWIS

Sr. Mortgage Banker NMLS# 415513 Phone: 828.216.4625 leeannlewis@atlanticbay.com

Please Visit Us in the

HISTORICAL BILTMORE VILLAGE 32 All Souls Crescent Asheville, NC 28803

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 29

local industry

chart 3c

Henderson County

ANNUAL SALES

AVERAGE PER MONTH

ACTIVE LISTINGS

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

0-$100,000

226

18.3

49

2.7

$100-$200,000

748

62.3

175

2.8

$200-$300,000

488

40.7

244

6.0

$300-$400,000

168

14

111

7.9

$400-$500,000

73

6.1

58

9.5

$500-$750,000

55

4.6

78

17.0

$750-$1,000,000

8

0.67

35

52.2

$1 Million plus

6

0.5

35

70.0

Totals

1,773

149.2

785

5.3

In Foreclosure

4

0.33

2

6.1

Short Sale

14

1.2

4

3.3

REO

148

12.3

35

2.8

Totals

176

14.7

41

2.8

% of Sales

10.7

-

5.2

-

chart 3d

30

Madison County

ANNUAL SALES

AVERAGE PER MONTH

ACTIVE LISTINGS

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

0-$100,000

35

2.9

24

8.3

$100-$200,000

61

5.1

58

11.4

$200-$300,000

35

2.9

54

18.6

$300-$400,000

15

1.3

36

27.7

$400-$500,000

1

0.1

17

170.0

$500-$750,000

2

0.2

24

120.0

$750-$1,000,000

1

0.1

14

140

$1 Million plus

4

0.03

9

300.0

Totals

155

12.9

236

18.3

In Foreclosure

2

0.2

0

0.0

Short Sale

1

0.1

2

20.0

REO

32

2.7

9

3.3

Totals

35

2.9

11

3.8

% of Sales

22.6

-

4.7

-

| February 2015

Haywood County

(See Chart 3B on page 28.)

Haywood County offers Realtors and buyers one of the biggest visual treats and challenges in all of Western North Carolina.

On the one hand, it is one of the most beautiful and attractive locations in the state. It has unspoiled scenic mountain vistas, excellent highways (except for I-40 through the Pigeon River Gorge which is a story all its own), excellent schools, and terrific neighborhoods in all price ranges. Downtown Waynesville is just 30 miles from the heart of Asheville and 35 miles from the Asheville airport. Business people can enjoy the best mountain lifestyle imaginable, by being able to be in Manhattan for an afternoon meeting and still making it home in time for dinner.

On the other hand, that very convenience has often made buyers choose from the broader selection of homes in the larger Buncombe County market. They can drive to Waynesville any time they want to without the perceived inconvenience of a 30 minute commute.

But it’s not the same. Life in Haywood County is special. It isn’t Asheville. It doesn’t have that up and at ’em feel every single morning. It doesn’t challenge your appreciation of the latest fad every single day. Want some culture? The traditional mountain arts and crafts are displayed in Mom and Pop stores all up and down Waynesville’s Main Street, or you can drive over to Lowe’s or even to the Wal-Mart Supercenter. If your cultural tastes beg for diversity, you’re in the right place. Waynesville also hosts the international Folkmoot Festival each summer.

This brings in performing artists from around the world for two weeks of music, dancing, parties, and cultural excitement.

The 2015 event is set for July 16-26th.

As for real estate in Haywood County, Waynesville is the county seat, but the ski slopes of the Cataloochee Ski Resort in Maggie Valley are open an average of four months each year.

Maggie, Lake Junaluska, and the year-round wooded mountains make Haywood a serious choice when big-city retirees decide to get away from it all without spending a fortune in the process. The average house price in Haywood County last year was just $187,585, with 781 houses being sold. The prices are low because Haywood ended the year with a 15.5 month supply of homes. The $200,000 to $300,000 range had 261 listings at year’s end, an 18.9 month supply. If you’re looking for the beautiful life and reasonable prices, Haywood County has it, and it’s just waiting for you.

Henderson County

(See Chart 3C on the facing page.)

If you aren’t from around here (as they say) and should you choose to compare Henderson County to Buncombe County, you might think you were going to look at fraternal twin brothers.

Well, not quite. It’s more like Esau and Jacob, and you pick the hairy one. Henderson County, with Hendersonville as the county seat and largest city, is renowned for its relaxed lifestyle February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

31

local industry

chart 3e

ANNUAL SALES

AVERAGE PER MONTH

ACTIVE LISTINGS

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

0-$100,000

37

3.1

13

4.2

$100-$200,000

99

8.3

38

4.6

$200-$300,000

48

4

44

11.0

$300-$400,000

25

2.1

37

17.6

$400-$500,000

9

0.8

18

22.5

$500-$750,000

5

0.4

22

55.0

$750-$1,000,000

3

0.3

16

53.3

$1 Million plus

4

0.3

26

86.7

Totals

230

19.2

214

11.1

In Foreclosure

1

0.1

0

0

Short Sale

2

0.2

1

5.0

REO

27

2.3

2

0.9

Totals

30

2.5

3

1.2

% of Sales

13

-

2.4

-

chart 3f

32

Polk County

Transylvania County

ANNUAL SALES

AVERAGE PER MONTH

ACTIVE LISTINGS

MONTHS OF INVENTORY

0-$100,000

83

6.9

32

4.6

$100-$200,000

165

13.8

103

7.5

$200-$300,000

116

9.7

126

13.0

$300-$400,000

47

3.9

75

19.2

$400-$500,000

36

3

53

17.7

$500-$750,000

18

1.5

59

39.3

$750-$1,000,000

8

0.7

30

42.9

$1 Million plus

9

0.8

48

60.0

Totals

482

40.2

526

13.1

In Foreclosure

4

0.4

1

2.5

Short Sale

3

0.3

3

10.0

REO

64

5.3

9

1.7

Totals

72

6

13

2.2

% of Sales

14.9

-

2.5

-

| February 2015

and excellent local government. At all levels and in all the little towns, the town councils are small, responsive, and totally in touch with their constituents. Taxes are low, the roads and schools rank from very good to excellent, and it is a joy to live there. Residents can live in neighborhoods ranging from “didn’t know it was a neighborhood” to those with resort-level amenities and with or without gates.

Henderson County real estate sales in 2014 were excellent.

The overall supply of homes dropped to a near-record 5.3 months inventory, with sales reaching nearly $410 million. The average home price at the end of 2014 was a relatively modest $216,842, an increase of just $5,000 from the year prior. The county might logically be divided into two or even three spheres of influence.

Northern Henderson, in the Fletcher and Avery’s Creek areas, is largely focused on Asheville and Buncombe County. The difference in house prices and availability of relatively flat land in the French Broad River basin has given ample opportunity for the creation of moderate-sized housing developments. Builders are building houses in the $200,000 range and buyers are gobbling them up.

In the center of Hendersonville county, the winding pedestrian-oriented Main Street is a terrific attraction. People of all ages enjoy downtown Hendersonville shops, jewelry stores, and restaurants. The Flat Rock Playhouse even has a playhouse on Main Street presenting live, professional plays four months each year. The golden domed historic Courthouse dominates the landscape with a mixture of real-life government offices and a fascinating courthouse museum. It’s worth the trip and, yes, there are condos available that overlook all this splendid, low-key activity.

Other nearby communities include the towns of Flat Rock, Horse Shoe, Etowah, and Mills River. Each has a special flavor.

The pioneers who carved out Henderson County didn’t use cookie cutters.

buyers just might find that Madison County is the right place for their new home. Mars Hill is just 19 miles from Asheville and is directly connected by both I-26 and the older main road, US 19/25. Traffic on these roads can be heavy during rush hour, but at other times it’s just a 20 minute drive.

Madison County’s average home price in 2014 was $221,875, an increase of $12,000 from 2013. Unlike the counties previously mentioned, Madison County Realtors don’t have their own Board of Realtors organization but are part of the Asheville Board of Realtors. That association insures that Realtors serving Madison County have access to the same training and support services as do Asheville-based Realtors.

Being so small also means that tiny numerical changes can create huge statistical swings. Only 173 houses were sold in the county in 2014, up from 153 the prior year. With 236 units on the market at year’s end the numbers indicate there is a 73 percent chance that any house with a for sale sign stands a decent chance of selling within 12 months.

The absorption rate, 18.3 months, pretty much verifies that, but within 18 months. The downside is that the Madison County market really is part of the Asheville-Buncombe market and most people would rather not drive up to Madison if they can find something similar in the North Buncombe area. Madison therefore is a tertiary market following Asheville, with Henderson and Haywood holding the secondary positions.

Oh, and did we mention that Madison County is a lovely place to live? The small community of Hot Springs is a national tourist attraction with a long history as a worldwide health spa.

Unfortunately, the darker side of the region is the Shelton Laurel Massacre that occurred during the Civil War. This was partially recounted in the book and movie Cold Mountain. The massacre of 13 or more Union sympathizers and the terrorizing of many of the local women makes a gruesome story. To his credit, when wartime North Carolina Governor Zebulon B. Vance heard about it he ordered that the perpetrators, Confederate officers and soldiers, be arrested. They were and trials were held. But in the turmoil of the war’s final years a great fog of confusion and poor decisions let the perpetrators off with minimal punishment. It is a dark but fascinating chapter of Western North Carolina history. And fortunately, we have moved on.

The change was the vision of creating a world-class International Equestrian Center in a community that already had a deep and abiding love for horses and all things equine.

Madison County

(See Chart 3D on page 30.)

With a population of just over 21,000 souls, Madison is the smallest of the six counties covered in this survey. The county seat is Marshall, but the largest town is Mars Hill, home of Mars Hill College University. (Officially it’s a university, but the natives now and forever will call it college). The terrain consists of rolling hills up to Mars Hill if you follow I-26W from Asheville, with progressively more rugged terrain up through Hot Springs to the Tennessee border.

With a small population, close proximity to Asheville, and lots of development in the Buncombe-Madison border area, home

Polk County

(See Chart 3E on the facing page.)

Five years ago there wasn’t much to talk about in Polk County, whose county seat is in the small town of Columbus. Other major communities include the county’s largest city, Tryon.

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

33

local industry

For railroad buffs, the stretch from Tryon to Saluda is hallowed ground. The Saluda Grade railroad starts near Tryon at Melrose Mountain and runs up to Saluda on the steepest standard gauge mainline tracks in the United States.

Polk County lies primarily in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountain chain and has, through the years, become something of a golf and equestrian community. In 2009 when real estate was in the absolute pits, there came some folks with ideas that have done miracles for the local markets.

The change was the vision of creating a world-class International Equestrian Center in a community that already had a deep and abiding love for horses and all things equine. The vision opened in 2014, featuring five competition arenas and an initial build of 500 horse stalls. It will be complemented by a major hotel that is being built by the Salamander Hotels and Resorts.

Other major developments in the area are being announced in the near future. Polk County’s investment and love of horses is beginning to pay off in significant economic activity.

Polk County recently merged its strong and active Board of Realtors in with the Hendersonville Board of Realtors. The combination gives the Polk-Tryon membership all the resources of the larger board while still retaining local management and control.

Since the Equestrian Center opened in July 2014, home prices have increased significantly. In 2013 the average house was sold for $212,449. At the end of 2014, the average price was $238,397

Transylvania County isn’t the home of some dark and foreboding castle in Victorian Europe. Rather it is the home of the Brevard Music Center, white squirrels, and a nascent craft brewing industry. and climbing. The Equestrian Center has placed significant demand on the region for second homes, seasonal rentals, and short-term occupancy during the competition season. The inventory of all homes on the market at year’s end was just 214 units, while sales last year were 230 units. Clearly something big is happening in Polk County.

An Education for an Inspired Life Asheville School prepares high school students for a lifetime of education. Motivated by a challenging academic experience, our students develop critical thinking skills, communicate effectively, and form strong study habits. Students learn life lessons in a nurturing, close-knit community of 285 students from 20 states and 15 countries. The majority of our recent graduates are attending colleges and universities Barron’s rates as “highly selective” and “most selective.”

Call today to request an admission packet or email admission@ashevilleschool.org.

ashevilleschool.org • 828.254.6345 • Visit ashevilleschool.org/app 34

| February 2015

Transylvania County

(See Chart 3F on page 32.)

Transylvania County isn’t the home of some dark and foreboding castle in Victorian Europe. Rather it is the home of the Brevard Music Center, white squirrels, and a nascent craft brewing industry that is capturing the hearts, minds, and wallets of beer aficionados nationwide. The population of Transylvania County is just 33,000, but it is a highly desirable retirement area, with houses ranging from modest to incredible.

Home sales in 2014 were 486 units, at an average price of $264,325. So why is the average price so high in such a small county? Because ten of the houses that sold (two percent) brought a price of more than $1 million. Buncombe County didn’t do nearly so well in that regard, having just 1.3 percent at over $1 million. The point to this is not to say no to the Brevard area because of the perception of high prices. The absorption rate tells the true story: It’s not high enough. There was a 13 month supply of modest $200,000 homes in the county at the end of 2014, with 126 houses on the market. Buyers can find some real deals there in the early spring before summer breaks out and buyers return to find their cabin by a trout stream.

We mentioned the craft beers, but must first issue a disclaimer: Asheville is the brew city of the East and maybe the entire nation. That being said, Brevard is coming along with

the Oskar Blues Brewery and the even newer Brevard Brewing Company. You can buy tickets to ride the Brew Bus to sample the wares of these two breweries as well as other delights in the downtown area. One of the nation’s largest craft brewers, Sierra Nevada, has also built a brewery just eight miles away, near the Asheville Airport.

Final Thoughts

Going back to the NY Times editorial, there has never been a better time in this century (at least) to invest in mountain real estate. No one has a crystal ball, of course, and any prediction should be recognized as just a prediction, but the outlook is terrific and for all the right reasons. More people, a shortage of new homes, some anticipated economic stimulus due to lower energy costs, and people who are desperate to get away from the (apparent) global cooling and lack of jobs (factual) in the North and Northeast.

If you’re not here already, y’all come.

Don’t Don’t be be left left out out in in the the cold... cold... Call Call Us! Us! Heat Heaton onthe theblink? blink?

Pipes Pipes

??

Electrical ElectricalIssues?

Issues?

Power Poweroff offand andno nogenerator? generator?

CALL CALL HAYNES HAYNES NOW! NOW! Repairs Repairs Service Service Installations Installations

HAYNES HAYNESElectric Electric HAYNES HAYNESPlumbing Plumbing HAYNES HAYNESHeating Heating & & Cooling Cooling HAYNES HAYNESEnergy Energy Solutions Solutions Home HomeGenerators Generators==NO NOPower PowerOutages Outages GREENEnergy EnergySource Source Solar SolarSystems Systems==GREEN --FREE FREESite SiteAssessments Assessments --2.99% 2.99%Financing FinancingAvailable Available We’re We’rehere herefor foryou, you,day dayor ornight, night,

24/7/365!

24/7/365!

www.mbhaynes.com www.mbhaynes.com S STTOOF F BBEE

20 20

14 14

WNC WNC

Two Two Years Years in in aa Row! Row! “We “Weare areproud proudto toserve serveresidential, residential,commercial, commercial, institutional institutionaland andindustrial industrialcustomers, customers,ininWNC WNCand and the thesurrounding surroundingareas.” areas.”Buzzy BuzzyCannady, Cannady,CEO CEO

Bringing Bringingyou youQuality, Quality, Commitment Commitment & & Character Charactersince since1921.

1921.

We WeAccept AcceptChecks!

Checks!

An AnEqual EqualOpportunity OpportunityEmployer Employer

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

35

Finding the wine that’s best for your love

A

J

john is the co-owner of Metro Wines located on Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville.

by JOHN KERR

H, A MOR E! Among the holidays that honor parents or gather friends and family, there is but one that celebrates romantic love. Valentine’s Day began as a tribute to forbidden love. The day aptly celebrates the rogue Saint Valentine, who the Romans imprisoned for performing weddings banned by the Emperor.

Luckily, romantic love is not quite as dangerous today, and Valentine’s Day is now celebrated nearly worldwide.

What would Valentine’s Day be without wine? The world of wine is abundantly filled with romance. There is hardly a book or movie about love that does not include a scene where a bottle of wine plays a supporting role. Wine seems to be an essential component of love, first appearing at the anticipated big date and there when you reminisce at your twentieth anniversary.

Wine heightens the pleasure of the meal and the moment.

Whether you’re launching a budding romance, kickstarting a flagging passion, or celebrating an enduring relationship, there is a great wine that fits each occasion. Our recommendations cross the span of love. We give you bubbles to add spark to a new love, a wine to impress the most ardent chocolate lover, a wine the color of love, and one idea to celebrate the years as your love grows. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to open a special bottle of wine tailored to the both of you.

Let’s start with a wine that celebrates lasting love. In the 1940’s Elisabetta Fagiuoli and her husband Sergio settled into their picturesque farm in the hills of Tuscany. After raising their 36

| February 2015

children, Elisabetta returned to her family profession. Sergio tended the vineyards and Elisabetta made wines unique to the region using ancient methods to produce a traditional Chianti and Vernacia, an indigenous white varietal. Together, Elisabetta and Sergio have released their wines at every vintage since 1971.

And Elisabetta, now 78, is celebrated as the oldest generation in the three grand dames of Italian winemaking. If you wish to pour a wine as enduring as their love, you’ll find their Sono Montenidoli Chianti Colli Sensi at about $25, and Vernacia at about $38 in shops that specialize in Italian wines.

Never underestimate the joy of effervescence. When the occasion is truly special, bubbly is nearly always the wine of choice. For something new, look to a high end Cava for your Valentine’s Day sparkler. The best Cava now rivals the quality of fine Champagne. Our choice is a Cava that is as special, elegant, and frivolous as the day should be. For over 30 years, Agusti Torello Kripta Gran Reserva Cava was unavailable to the public—vintner Agusti Torello made this Cava exclusively for his royal and celebrity friends. The box, bottle, and even the cork are beautifully designed. And the bottle’s punt (bottom) is curved so that it can only be propped up in an ice bucket, encouraging you to leave none behind at the end of the night. A few years ago, Torello decided to make a little more for limited release. Only a few bottles make it to North Carolina each year, but it’s worth the search at $90 a bottle.

Perhaps it’s simply the color, but rosé wines are beginning to find their way on to Valentine’s Day tables. Provence produces

J JEWELRY JEWELRY crisp, light rosé ideal for the summer. However, few know that other regions of France produce rosé with the same elegance but with more texture and flavor. We recommend Harri Gorri Pierre Rosé at $30, a rose made from a Cabernet Franc blend produced by one of the best wineries in France’s Basque region. Its versatility makes it a perfect partner for just about anything you’d like to serve, including chocolate.

And it’s French—what could be more romantic than that?

Yes, chocolate is the classic sweet gift of Valentine’s Day. But I’m pulling out the best from my arsenal and telling you to skip the chocolate and pour this instead. Your secret weapon for the Day should be Bodegas Toro Albala Don PX Gran Reserva 1983, at about $44 for a half bottle. First, it’s made from the only grape I know of that has a proper first and last name, Pedro Ximinez. But more importantly, this dessert sherry is sealed in oak barrels and left for decades.

Only after 25 years are vintages selected for release and then only after they have attained classic character. Within its dense texture floats notes of smoke, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate that end in a spicy hint of curry. More people call to thank me for this recommendation than any other.

We end with an idea of how to celebrate this and future Valentine’s Days. In different parts of Europe, couples often receive a case of wine at their wedding. The couple serves one bottle at each anniversary to reminisce and celebrate how both the wine and their love have improved with age. You can use this fine custom for Valentine’s Day as well.

You don’t need a lot of fancy equipment to age wine. But to get the most from your new tradition, you’ll need to store your wine in a place without sunlight or vibration, and a temperature somewhat less than 60 degrees.

Half the fun is selecting the right wine for future Valentine’s Days. There are but a few wines that age well for one to two decades, such as Barolo and Brunello, or left bank Bordeaux, which includes the sweet wine Sauternes. For a bit of a twist, we recommend the relatively unknown Sagrantino grape from the Montefalco region in Umbria. Sagrantino is the only truly heavy red wine of Italy. And it is one of the few wines that both can be enjoyed young with an hour of decanting and improves beautifully over a decade or two. Our favorite is Tabarrini Colle Grimaldesco Sagrantino 2009. Normally this wine runs about $55 a bottle, but the importer temporarily lowered the price so that most wine shops can offer this wine at about $36 for a while.

This wine would love to join you each year as you celebrate your life together.

There is hardly a book or movie about love that does not include a scene where a bottle of wine plays a supporting role. Wine seems to be an essential component of love, first appearing at the anticipated big date and there when you reminisce at your twentieth anniversary.

FOREVER AFFORDABLE FOREVER ✔ Diamond AFFORDABLE

✔ Engagement Rings

✔ ✔✔ ✔

Wedding Bands

Large Selection of GIA Certified Diamonds

✔

Bridesmaids and

✔

Engraving Services

✔ Groomsmen Gifts ✔

Jewelry Financing Available!

Jewelry Financing Available!

AN’S WEST AL AN’S AL AN’S ALAL AN’S WEST EASTEAS 1186 Patton Avenue 736 Tunnel 1186 Patton Avenue 736 Tunnel RoadRoa

Mon–Sat & Sun Mon–Sat Sun Mon–Sat 9–79–7 & Sun 1-6 1-6Mon–Sat 9–7 &9–7 Sun&1-6

828.254.8681 828.299.4440 828.254.8681 828.299.4440 w www. n saPaw n.c wAl w.aAl n s Paw

Jewelry Financing Available!

Design Services

by Joe Cottrell ALAN’S WEST 1186 Patton Avenue - 828.254.8681 Mon-Sat 9-7 & Sun 1-6 ALAN’S EAST 736 Tunnel Road - 828.299.4440 Mon-Sat Mon-Sat 9-7 &9-7 Sun 1-6 CHEROKEE Across from Casino - 828.554.0431 Open 24 Hours

www.AlansPawn.com February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 37

T

CAROLINA in the

WEST [

news briefs

Asheville to get new substations

]

company is obligated to reliably supply uninterrupted electricity to its customers. He assures the public that the transformers won’t impose health risks, and they likely won’t cost enough to justify a rate hike. At most, they would not be pretty, but Sam Powers, speaking on behalf of the city, assures they can be buffered and screened. Asheville hasn’t had a new substation since 1975, when the one by Woodridge Apartments on Bingham Road was installed.

director of laboratory services for the hospital, said the change was based on resource availability, and there was no issue with the Red Cross’ products. The Red Cross was not slighted by the decision.

It will continue to service 10 hospitals in Western North Carolina, including a total of 100 of hospitals in North and South Carolina, and it can provide backup supplies to Mission if it ever becomes necessary. Asheville’s Red Cross will continue to provide emergency relief, as well as training and prepping courses.

Although Cherry denies cost was a factor, pricing for the Blood Connection, in general, runs 15 percent below national averages. The Blood Connection already services Park Ridge Health.

FLFULSUHSO HF OSTS T

asheville, nc

Duke Energy Carolinas will be building three new substations in Asheville.

Duke has invested $13.6 million in the purchase of 24.2 acres downtown.

Purchases include 16.93 acres near the Chamber of Commerce in Montford, 1.79 acres at the corner of Hilliard and Grove downtown, and 5.48 a little further south off Biltmore Avenue. In spite of multiple attempts to close down Duke’s coal-fired Lake Julian plant for any number of environmental causes, professionals in the economic development and real estate industries say all signs indicate demand is only going to continue to increase. Jason Walls, the district spokesman for Duke, continually reminds the public that the power

NOW NOAW AIVLA V A N I L A A B B L L E E NO APPOIN TMENT NE M Commodities Scam arden, nc

A federal court has ordered Edwin Vasquez to pay a $1 million fine plus restitution. Vasquez started posing as a commodities broker in 2011, and collected over $583,000 from at least nineteen people in Buncombe County who were told they were investing in a no-risk pool. Vasquez lost over $65,000 in futures trading and pocketed the

New blood asheville, nc

Health announced it will CESSARY! ON-FbeRMission I 9AitsMblood getting supplies from the -5Blood PMConnection • SAT BY APP MeIdGreenville-based ic a r e OINTMENT P instead of the American Red Cross, a jlocated r usintAsheville. t Biasnh d mIoh w sCherry, ta insuranc Priscilla

d soemplaenos ancceeptteod

“At HealthRid ge Pharmacy, we are good a quPharmacy estion aboutwith at personal touchlisteners! Wh Cecelelebrbrat r your apre ether it’sininggouou r s c ri p ti shouCustom o n s o ld be takinprescription r w compounding h a t s u g, our pharma pplements yo t h u yourCholesterol PHARMc health conce testing/counseling AisCtsY are trained to really rn s .

W li s e te ’r e h re for you n EEtoAARR AM Y Y PHARMAtesting/supplies/counseling Diabetes CY ERRY HEART DOeES GOOD LIKE!” ininbu sine busin A MED essss 33 13

2200

talk t

th

ICINE 0 US 70AHM 1 wERyRY• HBEA RT DM OES la 3 c GnOta k O D o LI u KE Pharmac0 3130 US 70 H • (8thA2eM8PeED IC yinwith )rs6on 6alIN9ToE-9uc9h70 U wy • Black Mo • www.Health Custom Medic al u /Veterinary Pres B ntain • (828)Ch6oles BLACK M RS idgePharmac cr ip tio n 6 te Compounding rol9 y.c7 OUL -9 Te7 om st0 ing/•Cow NTDiAabetI9N un se w lin 0 w g .H es Te’S stin FLA U ealthRid

BLACK MOU

g/Supplies/CoSHO gePharmacy.c unseling T H EAC NTAIN’S FLU DQUoAmRDrewTERS Park SHOT HEAD Ruth H Ru th H QUARTERSDrew Parkerer, ,PhPhararmmDDK 3130 US Highw ay 70, Black M

ountain

828.669.9970

www.healthrid

g

3130 US Hig Black M

3130 US Hwy 70 Black Mountain, NC 38

| February 2015

828.669.9970

828.66 d g e www.healthridgepharmacy.com pharmac www.healthri

rest, while providing would-be investors with false statements about their imaginary profits.

3,179,530 bottles of beer mills river, nc

With sales outpacing expectations, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company announced it will proceed with expansion plans ahead of time. Corporate director of logistics, and co-manager of the Asheville plant, Stan Cooper said the company has reached full capacity, outputting 300,000 barrels per year, two years earlier than expected. In its biggest week thus far, Sierra-Nevada shipped out 92 trucks, carrying 1,400 cases each, to various locations in the Southeastern states. Having added a canning line in December, management now wants to invest in larger fermenting tanks in order to crank out 500,000 barrels per year. Getting the giant tanks to the plant will require Duke Energy to shift some power lines on King Street.

New warehouse space will be needed as well. The company has a near-term goal of employing 200, but the number is closer to 300 when staffing for the “visitor experience” features is counted. In

66

78

the old north state

national & world

addition to its tasting room, restaurant, and bar, Sierra-Nevada’s management has visions of developing its 208 acres with an amphitheater that will seat 600, as well as docking and other French Broad riverfront amenities for water sports enthusiasts.

Hendersonville welcomes world’s leading chocolatier

1993 from Salinas, California, where Peter Thom had founded the company in 1987.

Also last year, Barry Callebaut announced it would be opening a chocolate factory in Chile, near Santiago, to better serve the Latin American market. Announcing the expansions, Candy Industry Magazine referred to Barry Callebaut as “the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products.”

PLI acquires CPI

hendersonville, nc

The Barry Callebaut Group, headquartered in Zurich, completed an expansion of its Mona Lisa Chocolate Decorations factory in Hendersonville. The company increased its footprint from 40,892 to 65,666 square feet, to accommodate the installation of a molded cup line and a high-capacity, multipurpose decorator.

Enhancements will enable cake decorators to use more colors in more detailed designs. It can also fill chocolates with fudge, marshmallow, caramel, or solids.

In 2012 Barry Callebaut purchased Mona Lisa, which already had a worldwide customer base consuming $10 million worth of their delicacies each year. Mona Lisa, in turn, had moved to Hendersonville in

carolina in the west

asheville, nc

CPI Card Group, a global leader in financial and EMV (embedded microprocessor chips that store and protect cardholder data, named after its original developers: Europay, MasterCard®, and Visa®) chip card production and related services, announced today that the company has sold its non-secure card operations in Las Vegas, Nevada, to PLI, the world’s largest hotel keycard manufacturer and a leading specialty printer. According to Amanda Cash, PLI’s marketing co-ordinator, “this makes PLI the largest player in not only the hospitality industry but the commercial card industry. PLI now employs 600 people. Quite a jump from 350.” Peter Krauss, CEO of PLI, added, “it

: Asheville Christian Academy

CASE STUDY

“It was a pleasure working with FASTSIGNS, especially Steve Harvey, on our addition & renovation project at Asheville Christian Academy. FASTSIGNS is a vendor we can trust to ‘take the ball and run,’ and deliver a quality product. I would recommend them for projects of any size.”

-Austin Donaldson of H&M Constructors, a Division of MB Haynes Corporation

FASTSIGNS® ILLUMINATED DIVISION

1202 Patton Ave. Asheville, NC 28806

Ready to get started? Your FASTSIGNS consultant is more than ready to help.

(828) 251-2211 www.fastsigns.com/241

Asheville

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 39

EILEEN FISHER

carolina in the west

2onCrescent

828.274.1276 • 2oncrescent.com Mon-Sat 10-5:30; Sunday 10-4 4 All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village

is rare and exciting when a deal makes this much sense. PLI’s focus on the commercial, non-secure markets coupled with our customer and employee focused culture make this acquisition a win-win for all parties.” Krauss also explained that “this acquisition makes PLI the largest provider of nonsecure cards and related services by both volume and revenue, and we couldn’t be more pleased to be able to offer broader services and capabilities to our growing customer base.” PLI is the largest hotel keycard manufacturer in the world and a leading specialty printer focused on the non-secure card market, located in Asheville. With more than 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space, five global distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Dubai, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands, and more than 600 employees, PLI recently converted to an ESOP and is poised for continued and explosive growth over the coming years.

The echoes of Reynolds Village woodfin, nc

Cool, comfortable cuisine & cocktails handcrafted with local ingredients.

Breakfast 7:30-11 M-F • Lunch 11:30-3 M-F Dinner 5 Nightly • Brunch 9-3 Sat-Sun Boston Way & All Souls Crescent, Biltmore Village 828-274-2439 • www.thecornerkitchen.com

40

| February 2015

They built Reynolds Village, but we’re still waiting for them to come. The village is a planned mixed-use community built around the YMCA and the manufacturer AvL Technologies. It was constructed with Tax Increment Financing from Buncombe County. That is, county leadership was betting that tax revenues from improved property values would pay back the funds invested. When the recession hit, putting a halt to most other large construction projects in America, strong government financing allowed work on Reynolds Village to continue to completion. In other words, the infrastructure grew faster than the business it was created to serve. Today, about 60 percent of the shops are occupied, but even though the village sits right by an exit off I-26, customers aren’t being attracted. For that reason, shop owners meet once a week to brainstorm ideas and plan events to bring in more

business. Now that the area is all built up, it’s a little late to tell anybody to start small and grow their legs. But some problems are correctable, like inadequate and misleading road signage. The shop owners aren’t allowed to have signs, so some have taken matters into their own hands. They continually put new signs out after code enforcement picks them up because drivers without GPS’s need visual cues. Some merchants are trying to formalize their business association, while others are calling it quits.

What a tangled arcade we weave asheville, nc

Duke Energy is only thinking about options for divesting itself of its interest in the Grove Arcade when asked. Sturdy yet ornate, the building is a unique structure now serving as a boutique shopping center with apartments. Holding leases for the second through fifth floors isn’t exactly part of the power company’s core mission, but getting rid of them may not be worth the effort. The deed is so encumbered that it practically laughs: “Resistance would be futile!”

Duke became one of the landlords when it merged with Progress Energy. Progress, in turn, became a leaseholder through Caro Homes, a subsidiary it created for the express purpose of taking advantage of tax credits on the historical building.

The City of Asheville owns the building except for the façade easement and air rights. Those are owned by NC Preservation. The Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation has a lease agreement with the city for the first floor, and Grove Arcade Restoration has a management agreement with the foundation. Caro’s (Duke’s) lease on the upper floors is managed by Tessier Associates, Inc. The Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation oversees leasing policies. Complicating matters, the lease is written such that, combined with the building’s historical status, any renovations would require approval of owners, managers, and

leaseholders, plus the State Historic Preservation Office. A sale would probably require the permission of all of the above, as well as the citizens of Asheville by way of a public hearing. And then, the building could only be sold to a nonprofit.

The building is fully occupied, with a waiting list of 85 for the apartments, but upkeep is expensive. Fixing the roof and parapets just cost $2.3 million.

Bike shops on the move western north carolina

Three Western North Carolina bike shops made the National Bicycle Dealer’s Association’s list of “America’s Best Bike Shops of 2014.” The honorees were Liberty Bicycles of Asheville, Motion Makers Bicycle Shop of Asheville and Sylva, and Bryson City Bicycles. The old Sylva store burned down when the restaurant next-door caught fire, so it moved from Brevard Road to Allen Street in August. Meanwhile Ski County Sports, an outdoor outfitter in North Asheville, announced that it will separate its cycling goods from its other outdoor gear, and run a bike shop next-door, in the former AAA offices. The new shop, which will be known as the Asheville Bicycle Company, will open in April.

Meanwhile, West Asheville’s institution Pro Bikes closed, while Black Mountain’s Epic Cycles opened a second store in West Asheville. Epic Cycles also closed its downtown location of Second Gear, its second-hand shop. Second Gear in West Asheville is staying put for the while.

Highland makes all the right moves asheville, nc

With the New Year, Highland Brewing announced its founder, Oscar Wong, will step down as president. His daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, will serve in his stead, while he continues in his capacities as chairman of the board

and vice president. Wong, now 74, says he will be as involved and available as ever in the plant’s daily routines.

The passing of the guard was just one change. The same day, the company announced that its rooftop solar panels were going live. The company had to undertake extensive roof repairs before installation could proceed. The panels will deliver roughly 105 kilowatts of power to the production floor. They are part of a multi-million dollar expansion that will include a new assembly line, a new cooler, and improved amenities for the “guest experience.” Ashburn plans for the company to increase annual production from 38,000 to 43,000 barrels.

Improvements are being paid in part with an $850,000 from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority.

Closing of company clinic riles a few

THE INNOVATORS OF COMFORT™

As welcoming

as the morning itself, the Stresslsess Sunrise is one of our most popular recliners. With contours that are softly rounded, yet surprisingly sophisticated, the Sunrise offers plush seating for any room. Having a full 360° swivel feature coupled with our patented Glide® system, the Sunrise responds to, and works with the motion of your body to provide unparalleled comfort. To ensure that your Sunrise is a perfect fit, it is available in small, medium, and large sizes. And it comes in both fabrics and leathers in every color under the sun. Experience how comfortable a Sunrise can be.

canton, nc

Evergreen Packaging, Inc., a large employer in Canton, announced it would be closing its company clinic on March 31st. The announcement was dated January 5th, but copies were issued to individual employees well before and after that date. Human resource manager Mike Culbreth explained that the diminishing volume of customers could not justify operating expenses.

Culbreth has requested that corporate management in Memphis approve more details for dissemination. In the meantime, employee Traci Mundy Hoglen started a “Petition to Save Our Doctor and Pharmacy” on Facebook, and hard copies are circulating in town. Brandon Ferguson, president of Smoky Mountain Local 507, said he had been getting a lot of calls from upset employees, but indicated that the union was only planning to meet at an unspecified date with management to discuss options.

Attendance at a rally was low, but wind chills were below freezing.

Sunrise

109 BROADWAY

BLACK MOUNTAIN

(828) 669-5000 Mon. - Sat. 9am - 5:30pm TysonFurniture.com February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 41

It’s It’s winter. winter.

ANYTOWN SUBARU

“Wave to the Good Good news. news. r snowplows, winding roads.

It’s It’s winter. winter. kids.”

winding ones.

Go where others can’t withThe the 2015 Subaru Forester.

RoadThe The all-new all-new 2012 2012 Subaru Subaru Impreza.

Impreza.

The optimist’s optimist’s car car ofof choice. choice.

Symmetrical Symmetrical Less Less of of a a test test drive. drive. gripping Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

An enviable 32 rmance that comes with Subaru engineering, thempg.* All-Wheel All-Wheel Drive Drive and and 3636 mpg* mpg* get get you you further further in in any any weather. weather.

Traction Traction and and stability stability Not toof mention the highest possible small SUV safety rating More More of a a joy joy ride. ride. control control help help avoid avoid slippery slippery situations. situations.

It’llIt’ll keep keep you you warm warm and and smiling smiling allall winter winter long. long. ®

excitement your drive, if you’re notallinyear a hurry. † You’ll haveeven a sunny disposition long. from thetoIIHS. Experience Experience love love that that lasts. lasts.Love.

Love.

It’sIt’s what what makes makes aIntroducing Subaru, a Subaru, a Subaru. a Subaru.

Introducing the the

Love. It’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru.

new new2011 2011 Legacy Legacyand andOutback.

Outback.

Impreza Impreza . .Well-equipped Well-equipped®atat$17,495 $17,495 ®

®

2015 Subaru Forester

†

†

Subaru and Forester are registered trademarks. *EPA-estimated hwy fuel economy for 2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i CVT models. Actual mileage may vary. †2014 Top Safety Picks include the 2015 Subaru Forester. **MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, †tax, title and registration fees. Retailer sets actual price. † *EPA-estimated *EPA-estimated hwy hwy fuelfuel economy economy forfor 2012 2012 Subaru Subaru Impreza Impreza 2.0i2.0i CVT models. models.

Actual Actual mileage mileage may may vary. vary.

MSRP MSRP excludes excludes destination destination andand delivery delivery charges, charges, tax,tax, titletitle andand registration registration fees. fees.

2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring shown has an MSRP ofCVT $31,990.

Dealer Dealer sets sets actual actual price. price.

2012 2012 Impreza Impreza 2.0i2.0i Limited Limited pictured pictured hashas an an MSRP MSRP of $21,595. of $21,595.

2011 2011 Legacy Legacy

Sunbelt Version

42

585 585Tunnel TunnelRoad RoadAsheville, Asheville,NC NC28805 28805• 828-298-9600 • 828-298-9600

| February 2015

2011 2011 Outback Outback

www.prestigesubaru.com www.prestigesubaru.com

L leisure & libation

va l e n t i n e ’ s day

Inspirations written by jim murphy

•

2 015

•

The hospitality industry in Western North Carolina

enjoys a tourism season that runs virtually uninterrupted from April through December. But that springtime-to-Christmas tourist rush still leaves a three-month gap when the trees are bare, the temperatures are frigid—and many of the fairweather visitors are sitting snug in their far-away homes.

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 43

leisure & libation

A

s the temperatures go down, the region seems to slow down, leaving many entrepreneurs and employees in the city’s tourism industry contemplating an escapist mantra: “It’s the slow time, the low time, the ‘Florida’s warmer let’s go time.’”

But this drab, chilly season does have a few bright spots to lift the winter gloom. There’s Asheville Restaurant Week in January, when many area dining spots offer reduced prices on lunch and dinner. Then in February, the long Presidents’ Day weekend gives visitors an excuse to get out and fight off the annual cabin fever. And, last but certainly not least, Valentine’s 44

| February 2015

L

lef t to right :

Chips made in-house at Chestnut Restaurant.

The bar at Chestnut Restaurant.

Battery Park Book Exchange’s manager & sommelier, Emily Kraynik.

Glasses at the Battery Park Book Exchange.

(Photos shown by Anthony Harden) Day sets entrepreneurial hearts aflutter. Hotels, bed and breakfast inns, specialty shops, florists, chocolatiers, and, of course, restaurants open their doors to a feast of midwinter business.

And romantic couples can choose among the many options to create their own personal feast.

This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, and—Double Bonus—President’s Day will be celebrated on Monday, February 16th. That quirk in the calendar turns Valentine’s Day into a three-day weekend that allows, even encourages, couples to celebrate their special relationship with delights ranging from a single rose to a luxurious weekend getaway.

But before the celebration can begin, couples must sort through a puzzle of tempting options. Saturday dinner?

Sunday brunch? An intimate cocktail? A getaway to a fancy hotel or charming bed and breakfast inn? Whatever your choice, make your reservations early or you may be left out in the February cold.

Many restaurateurs agree that Valentine’s is one of their busiest days of the year. But this year, Valentine’s is not a Day, it’s almost a mini-vacation. Couples who want to avoid the Saturday dinner rush may decide to make Sunday or even Monday their own personal Valentine’s Day. The Asheville tourism website (exploreasheville.com) lists no fewer than 247 restaurants that cater to every budget, every diet, and

every cuisine. From coffee shops to continental dinners, from breakfast to a midnight snack, the restaurant scene offers something for every Valentine’s celebrant.

One imaginative—and adventuresome—dinner will top the Valentine’s menu at the Phoenix restaurant in Brevard, where executive chef Matthew Montandon has designed a five-course dinner that contains no fewer than 12 aphrodisiacs. “My sous chef and I put the ingredients together from a dictionary of aphrodisiacs. We took the list and figured which ones we could work into our dinner.” Some of the ingredients he has included are avocado, cinnamon, coconut, and pomegranate. He promises the servings will be tasty as well as…, um, romantic.

And this year, Sunday brunch can fit nicely into a romantic weekend. Chestnut Restaurant on Broadway in Asheville (across from the Aloft hotel) is one of several area restaurants that serve a popular brunch. But remember: Restaurants cannot serve alcohol until noon on Sunday, so if your brunch preference includes a drink, book your reservation a little later.

For couples who prefer a romantic outing without all the trappings of a full meal, the Battery Park Book Exchange in the Grove Arcade suggests a bubbly beverage accompanied by their selection of French Broad chocolates. The book exchange includes several intimate little nooks perfect for a quiet, romantic afternoon or evening. Manager and sommelier Emily Kraynik February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 45

leisure & libation

this page :

Puppies up for adoption deliver flowers, sweets, balloons, and a hand-written card to valentines as a fundraiser and adoption outreach for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. facing page :

Brother Wolf puppies, Teddy, Ewok, and Julian.

Photo by Brother Wolf & Keli Keach Photography 46

| February 2015

will be happy to recommend “a bubbly or a nice cabernet or zinfandel that will complement the chocolates.” Getting into the spirit of the day, Emily suggested, “you might also want to check out our poetry section for some literary inspiration.”

Some couples will prefer to avoid the restaurant scene altogether and spend Valentine’s evening at home. They might want to consider an intimate dinner in front of the fireplace with their own selections for romantic background music. But that implies the hassle of cooking. Not to worry. Sit back, put another log on the fire and turn up the stereo. That frisky Dan Cupid has the dinner situation under control. An Asheville company called Valet Gourmet will deliver dinner from your favorite restaurant to your front door.

The company works with more than 50 Asheville restaurants, and market manager Nick Barr says their average delivery time is “between an hour and an hour and 15 minutes. But those times are estimates,” he says. “We have to deal with a couple of uncontrollable variables, such as traffic and restaurant volume.” Still, he says, they make most deliveries “within a 5- or 10-minute window.”

Valet Gourmet has been operating for 11 years, and Nick says, “Valentine’s is our busiest day of the year. Last year we delivered 260 dinners.” You can place an order as much as a month in

Our

heart is in our

practice

advance, and Nick suggests you order early for Valentine’s.

The company has 55 delivery cars on the road, and charges between $4.95 and $8.95 for delivery, depending on your location. “We don’t mark up any of the food,” he says. “But we do encourage a tip for the driver.” You can also order beer, wine or flowers, for an extra delivery fee. To place an order, go to the company website, valetgourmet.com, or call 828-252-1221.

Another delivery that might add a nice touch to a celebration is a Brother Wolf Puppygram. A real live puppy will bring a Valentine’s package of flowers, sweets, balloons, and a hand-written card. “People get to play with the puppy for a while, and then we take him back with us,” says Brother Wolf’s president Denise Bitz. “If someone is interested in adopting the puppy, they can come down the following day to make it official.” The project is both a fundraiser and outreach for adoptions.

Denise says last year their team of puppies delivered about 140 Valentines, with the effort resulting in about six adoptions. “You can order online (bwar.org) or by phone (828-505-3440),” Denise says. “Our standard order is for flowers, a sweet treat, and a balloon, but we’ll honor any order within reason.”

Dinner and puppies are not the only ways to celebrate a romance. No less an expert than William Shakespeare proclaimed: “If music be the food of love play on,” and Western North Carolina presents a multitude of places to play, listen, dance, and sing along. From country to classical, the music scene offers a tune for every ear. Rock classics, jazz favorites, and even a dueling piano bar can turn a Valentine’s celebration into an evening to remember.

For lovers of classical music, the Asheville Symphony will perform a Valentine’s Day

Dr. Christopher Rebol DDS, PA, A fellow of the International College of Dentistry Located in the heart of Asheville, 69 McDowell Street 828-253-5878 rebolfamilydentistry.com February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 47

leisure & libation

above :

program featuring pianist Jeremy Denk. A native of Durham, North Carolina, this will be Jeremy’s debut performance with the Asheville symphony. The New York Times printed a rave review of his work, saying: “Mr. Denk, clearly, is a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs, in whatever combination—both for his penetrating intellectual engagement with the music and for the generosity of his playing.”

Among the selections for the Valentine’s program is Bela Bartok’s Piano Concerto No. 3, which he composed in 1945 while he was living in Asheville. Play on, indeed.

Couples seeking a lighter musical production might drive down to Greenville, South Carolina, to catch a performance of the Broadway hit, Wicked. Winner of three Tony Awards, Wicked tells the story of the witches of Oz—before Dorothy stumbles down that yellow brick road. Entertainment Weekly has called Wicked, “the best musical of the decade,” and Variety described it as “a cultural phenomenon.” The play ends its Greenville run at the Peace Center on Sunday, February 15th.

For musical theater lovers, it might make the perfect centerpiece for a Valentine’s weekend.

48

| February 2015

Scenes from the musical, Wicked.

Photos by Joan Marcus, courtesy of the Peace Center.

With or without a side trip to the land of Oz, many celebrants this year will expand Valentine’s Day into the entire three-day weekend, and they will have a wide variety of overnight accommodations to fit their inclinations. The various local tourism websites list cabins, hotels and motels, resorts, and bed and breakfast inns.

There are about 50 bed and breakfast inns in Asheville and at least that many more in the surrounding counties, all offering much more than a bed and a breakfast. Lynn Carlson is host at the 1900 Inn on Montford Avenue and president of the Legendary Inns of Asheville, a group of several bed and breakfast inns. She calls them ‘special occasion’ accommodations, meaning they try to offer the extra touches that can turn an overnight stay into a memorable occasion.

At the 1900, she says, “if a guest requests it, we put free champagne and balloons in their room. And they can also

L Escape can blur the everyday distractions of life and allow a couple to focus on each other. Of course a backdrop of luxurious surroundings can only enhance the experience. order extras, such as French Broad chocolates, a couple’s massage, or flowers in their room. We always serve a candle-lit three-course breakfast, and we try to stay in tune with the holiday.

We’ll have a parfait with a heart decoration and a heart-shaped dessert.”

The rooms at 1900 Montford range from the quaint and charming to the luxurious and lavish, featuring bathrooms that look more like sensuous water gymnasiums. The bathroom in the Thomas Wolfe room, for instance, includes a flashing light show embedded in the wall and floor tiles, a ceiling-mounted rain shower, and a “Roman Bath” that creates a gentle waterfall over the shoulders of seated bathers (see the photo on the next page).

The bed and breakfast inns try to set themselves apart from hotels by creating individualized décor in their rooms and by presenting breakfasts that are more elaborate than the usual hotel fare. But Lynn Carlson says the real key to a special Valentine’s Day might lie in the timing. She says there’s no magic to the February 14th date. “Valentine’s Day is always busy, and sometimes the rush can get in the way of a really great experience. And you want it to be perfect. If our special rooms are booked, we always say, give her a card with a gift certificate for the room you want.

“Your Inspiration... Our Innovation” 305 Airport Road, Arden, NC - 828.687.8770 novakitchen.com

We Build Dreams.

CUSTOM CARS & RESTORATIONS

1948 Dodge Power Wagon Visit website to see the restoration

RESTORATIONS CUSTOM CREATIONS CUSTOM PAINT KIT CARS

828-693-8246

www.bealandco.net 5522 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 49

A “Roman Bath” inside the 1900 Inn on Montford Avenue.

top : The spa at the Grove Park Inn. lower : The 1900 Inn. 50

| February 2015

L

above : An outdoor terrace at the Grove Park Inn.

Celebrate your romance the following week or whenever you decide the time is right. You’ll enjoy it twice as much.”

The bed and breakfast inns are generally small places with no more than a dozen guest rooms. On the other end of that spectrum is the iconic Grove Park Inn, a 101-year-old stone monument to ‘The Good Life.’

The inn, now part of the Omni hotel chain, features some of the most spectacular views this side of the Grand Canyon with accommodations and services to match.

A Valentine’s weekend at the Grove Park can include treatments in the $50 million spa, which includes hot tubs, a steam room, an eucalyptus inhalation room, a sauna, waterfall whirlpools, and mineral, lap, or plunge pools.

For dining options, public relations director Tracey Johnston-Crum says the inn features four signature restaurants, which offer a blend of French and American cuisine, using local ingredients whenever possible.

“It’s like stepping into a fairy tale,” she says. “You can order any special amenities, such as flowers or wine, delivered to your room, and immerse yourself in old-world luxury with all the most modern touches.”

For a romantic after-dinner Valentine’s moment, the Grove Park has four cocktail areas, including the Great Hall, which is flanked by two massive fireplaces, 36 feet wide with a 14-foot hearth opening. On Saturday night a three- or four-piece combo plays American standard tunes, adding a musical background to a romantic evening. If you’re planning to celebrate at the Grove Park, ask about their special Valentine’s package.

At first blush, the simple fact of distance doesn’t seem like an auspicious element of a romantic weekend, but distance equals escape. And escape can blur the everyday distractions of life and allow a couple to focus on each other. Of course a backdrop of luxurious surroundings can only enhance the experience.

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

51

leisure & libation

Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands is an hour-and-fortyminute drive from downtown Asheville, close enough to be convenient and far enough to feel like a real escape. And the place is swimming in luxury. The inn was named the No. 1 hotel in the South and No. 4 in the United States in the 2014 Conde Nast readers’ poll, and it offers every service a Valentine’s celebrant could want. It covers three square blocks of a mountain town surrounded by Appalachian views; it includes no fewer than 30 buildings with 95 residential rooms, a restaurant, a spa, fitness center, a coffee café, and two cocktail lounges.

Old Edwards’ Valentine’s weekend celebration includes extra features such as spa treatments, couples massage, “Cupid’s Kiss” cocktails, and flowers delivered to your room or dinner table.

Marjorie Christiansen, the marketing manager at Old Edwards, said the experience is worth the drive. “If you want a truly relaxed, elegant setting with live music on weekends, there’s nothing like the escape to Old Edwards. Not only is Mother Nature beautiful, our service is impeccable. You will be treated like a king and a queen. It will be a weekend that you will not forget.”

February weather could turn a mountain drive into more of an adventure than a romantic getaway, and Marjorie says the inn may be full for the Valentine’s weekend. But she suggests 52

| February 2015

top : Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands. lower : The Nu Wray Inn in Burnsville. facing page : Relaxing at Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

GA_Capital_Feb15.qxp_GA 1/9/15 9:29 AM Page 1

L

E

VERYTHING TO MAKE YOUR SWEETHEART LOVE YOU MORE

an alternative. “If on the chance that we are booked, a fabulous idea would be a gift certificate to be used at your convenience. All the romantic extras will still be available.

Romance just blooms here.”

In the other direction, a warm and charming excursion into history awaits at the Nu Wray Inn in Burnsville. The new owners of this historic inn have put together an overnight Valentine’s package that includes lodging, a wine-and-hors d’oeuvres hour, dinner, a movie at the quaint Yancey theater just down the block, and Sunday brunch at the Kirkwood Buffet just across the Burnsville town square.

The Nu Wray opened in 1833, and over its 182-year history it has welcomed everyone from Superman (Christopher Reeve) to the King (Elvis Presley). Other luminaries include former President Jimmy Carter and Mark Twain. Jerry Farmer and Eric Wilson, the new owners of the inn, are intent on preserving its historic character, while offering a charming and comfortable experience in the shadow of Mount Mitchell.

“We’re hoping our Valentine’s package will introduce new people to Burnsville and the Nu Wray,” says Joey Farmer. “The inn and the town are both really unique. You walk into the Nu Wray and it’s like you walk back in time a hundred years.” If you reserve early, you might be able to book the room where Elvis slept back in the 1960s.

To the hospitality industry, Valentine’s Day is a welcome rush of activity. And to the public, the holiday is an excuse for couples to celebrate each other. From a cozy, intimate moment to an extravagant long weekend getaway, those couples can find the perfect ingredients to warm up a dismal February weekend with the joy of their celebration. Dan Cupid never had it so good.

a romantic a soothing E V E N I N G FOOT SOAK a glass of WINE or local BEER BUBBLE BATH for later indulge in FUDGE and ICE CREAM passionate DINNER a lovely BOUQUET sweet gifts of ART or CLOTHING or JEWELRY kiss your SWEET H E A RT forever

THE HISTORIC

GROVE ARCADE ON

BATTERY HILL

SHOPPING • DINING • ESSENTIALS Open Daily • One Page Avenue • Downtown Asheville 828.252.7799 • www.grovearcade.com February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

53

THE

Internet’s Ray of Sunshine (also rain, snow, fog or whatever else is out there) written by roger mccredie

W

When Ray Russell was a little baby Settin’ on his mama’s knee, He pointed his finger at an isobar, Said “A weatherman is what I want to be, Lord, Lord, “A weatherman is what I want to be.”

ell, not exactly, but almost. The weather has fascinated Ray Russell since his childhood, to the extent that plumbing its mysteries has been a lifetime quest that has led him right through a stint as a preacher and a career in computer science to founding and maintaining what’s considered by many to be the go-to source for accurate meteorological information: Ray’s Weather Center.

54

| February 2015

On this particular day he has come down to Asheville from his headquarters in Boone to meet with some existing and potential sponsors of Ray’s Weather Center, and we’ve managed to entice him into Capital at Play’s small but tasteful Biltmore Village office space to talk about his much-consulted website.

Ray has eased his lanky frame, clad in a tweed jacket and a v-neck sweater, into a conference room chair. Beneath a shock of salt-and-pepper hair he wears an expression of good humored

r ay russell

Photo by Anthony Harden February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

55

A scene used in the 2015 Blue Ridge Parkway Calendar that is presented

by Ray’s Weather Center.

Photo by Monty Combs 56

| February 2015

Ray Russell analyzing data for upcoming forecasts Photo by Ellen Gwin

alertness. He looks like a college professor. He should; he put in many years as chairman of the department of computer science at Appalachian State University, where he still teaches. He’s Raymond Russell, Ph.D. But his doctorate is in computer science. He has no degree, at any level, in meteorology, the very discipline with which the internet community associates him. And thereby, as they say, hangs a tale.

Ray was born in Manchester, the seat of Coffee County, Tennessee, down in the lower midsection of the state, where the weather is described by Wikipedia as hot and humid in the summer and mild to cool in the winter. Since that pretty much characterizes the climate of Tennessee in general, there was nothing exotic to whet the interest of a growing boy with a bent for natural science, but the basic dynamics of weather itself were enough to captivate the young Ray Russell. So he simply started reading books on the subject.

The small college Ray attended did not offer a degree in meteorology. Instead, he found himself carrying a double major: religion for spiritual nourishment and computer science—at that time just emerging as a ticket of admission to a growing industry—just in case. It was, he says, just as well.

He became an ordained Church of Christ minister and found himself preaching at a little church in Ashland, Mississippi. “It was in the second poorest county in the state,” he recalls. “Man shall not live

by bread alone, but he at least has to have that.” So Ray fell back on his computer science hedge and got himself a Ph.D in it from Georgia Tech. He ended up teaching his adopted subject at Appalachian and eventually became head of the department.

But it should be noted that all this time, to the extent that he could, he pursued his interest in weather. And he read lots more books.

“Boone has amazing weather,” he says. “It’s the epitome of the old saw that if you don’t like the weather in Western North Carolina, just stick around for fifteen minutes and you’ll get something else. From a climatic standpoint it’s a great place to study weather first hand.”

One winter Ray made a date to help a colleague move into a new house over the upcoming weekend.

The official forecast was for dry-seasonal weather.

Ray turned to his books, maps, and computer models, then, on the Friday, he picked up the phone and called his friend. “You’re either going to have to postpone moving or we’ve got to get you moved right now. Today. This afternoon,” he said.

The friend said it was impossible to postpone the move and asked what the trouble was.

“The trouble is,” Ray said, “we’ve got a window of about 24 hours to get this done before we get a massive snow and sleet storm moving in here. If you wait till tomorrow like we planned, we’ll be caught smack in the middle of it. Trust me: we’ve got to move now.”

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 57

Bank Local.

MAXIMIZE YOUR RETURNS, MINIMIZE YOUR EXPENSES. First Bank offers world-class financial products and solutions for your business, right in your own backyard.

Visit us today to see how we can help you manage your cash flow, reduce costs and increase the productivity of your staff with our innovative cash management solutions.

Cash Management Products & Services

Competitive Earnings Credit

Secure Online Banking

Check and ACH Positive Pay

Offset any service charges with your balance.

Pull reports, control access and stay current on your cash flow 24/7.

Electronic Payments and Drafts Remote Deposit Capture or Lockbox Group Banking

Access your balances, make transactions on any mobile device.

TO L EARN MORE, VI S IT

LOCALFIRSTBANK.COM/BUSINESS

A S H E V I L L E M A I N 8 2 8- 2 5 2 - 1 7 3 5 | SO U TH ASH EV I LLE 8 28-687-7450 L E I C E S T E R 8 2 8 - 2 5 1 - 9 25 4 Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

58

| February 2015

The urgency in Ray’s voice convinced his friend. “Somehow we got everything organized and got him packed overnight and moved the next morning,” Ray says. “The first snowflakes started falling just as we got the last of the boxes in the house.

It snowed and sleeted all that night and all the next day.”

On another wintry morning when it was snowing and the forecast was calling for sunshine, Ray remarked to a fellow faculty member who also had an interest in weather, “you know, we could write a better forecast than this.”

This time he bought a stack of meteorological textbooks and began studying in earnest whenever he had the chance. In 1996 he took the plunge and began posting forecasts and weather data on his personal university webpage. And for Christmas in 1998, his wife, Rhonda, used her Christmas bonus money to present him with a complete home weather station setup: barometer, anemometer (that’s a wind speed indicator to you), rain gauge—everything, in short for the d i lett a nte, i n-hou se meteorologist. “It was a great present,” Ray says, “and it gave me my own set of tools, but I was still a full time academic and this was still just my hobby.” Nevertheless, the additional information-gathering setup, plus his own further study, gave Ray the wherewithal to post live weather information to his website.

One snowy morning, while driving to work, Ray heard the weatherman at a local station actually reading the most recent information Ray had posted onsite. “Turns out they were using my little website—not NOAA or NASA—to get their forecast,” he says. On the following Monday morning, he got a call from local radio host Jim Jernigan asking if Ray would like to do a live weather forecast, on-air , right then. “It sounded like fun,” he remembers, “so I did it.” The forecast was spot on and launched a part-time radio career for Ray. He did his live forecasts on Jernigan’s show every weekday morning for the next three years. “I enjoyed it,” he says, “but it was just a diversion. I was running a college department, and my work load was pretty demanding.”

In fact, Ray was a little concerned when the chancellor of the university sent for him. “I thought she was going to chew me out,” he says, “and give me some sort of ultimatum to

“This whole percentagething-broadcast that weathermen tend to use— the business of assigning percentages, like odds, to the possibility of precipitation— that, to me, is just cop-out forecasting.”

either quit fooling with this weather business and concentrate on teaching or hang up my cap and gown if I wanted to be a weatherman.” Instead the chancellor announced she was a huge fan, told Ray his broadcasts were a great public relations tool for the university, and encouraged him to carry on.

But the writing was on the wall. In February of 2000, the forecast link on Ray’s faculty webpage got 6,000 hits. “I thought, ‘Gee, that’s phenomenal,’” he says, but at the same time he realized he could not use his school webpage to handle that kind of traffic. So he rounded up a couple of local advertisers and broke out his own website: raysweather.com. Ray’s Weather Center was born. And shortly thereafter, the site was getting sixty thousand hits a month. “Unbelievable,” he says.

And it was about that time that a colleague made a remark to Ray that stuck with him and served to firm up his vision for what this accidental weather business was to become.

“I was already getting up at five in the morning to get the weather info in order so that afterwards I could plan my day as a faculty member,” he recalls. “I was trying to figure out how to prioritize everything when a friend of mine said to me, ‘That weather site is your milk cow.’ I asked him what he meant. He said, ‘Well, if you’ve got cows to milk, you have to milk them.

Rain or shine, seven days a week, whatever else you do, you’ve

Photos taken by Ray’s Weather Center webcams: (clockwise from top left) Canyons Cam, Sunalei Snake Mountain Cam, Linville Ridge Club Cam, Grayson National Bank Independence Cam got to first attend to milking the cows.’”

That was when Ray realized his enterprise was growing, ready or not. The fact was underscored by a phone call from Fred Pfohl, owner of Fred’s General Mercantile at Beech Mountain, who told Ray he would be interested in sponsoring a branch weather station there. Close on the heels of the Beech Mountain station came Mast General Store’s corporate headquarters in Valle Crucis. The business model was emerging of its own accord: Ray’s Weather Center would become a network of individual data centers and reporters, each capable of providing highly localized information and, thus, highly accurate localized forecasts. The validity of this approach was demonstrated over the course of several regional rain and snow events, when the substations were able to predict, with considerable accuracy, the amount of precipitation, literally, on a neighborhood basis.

Today, Ray’s Weather operates some 80 such substations along the spine of the Blue Ridge, from Haywood County in the southwest to Allegheny in the northeast. Ray estimates there February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 59

are about 35 to 40 webcams functioning among the stations, and visitors to the website can access these for a real-time look at the weather. There are two full-time and two part-time meteorologists, and Ray (I-don’t-have-a-meteorology-degree) Russell acts as coordinator and, perhaps most importantly, as head copywriter. He sees the necessity for translating arcane factoids into conversational English as an important job function.

“It’s like any other technical field,” he says. “The people who work in it literally have their own language and they use it to communicate among themselves. Trouble is, they tend to use the same approach in explaining what they know to ordinary people, who may understand about every tenth word of what they’re saying.

“I’ve been communicating with people all my life,” he says.

“In church, in classrooms, whatever. I’m used to interacting with them, and especially in terms of giving them information that’s sometimes complex in a way that they can understand it and use it, because that’s the whole point after all. What we’re

really striving for here is an actionable forecast—something that people can rely on in planning what they’re going to do day by day, even hour by hour.

“On the other hand,” he says, “this whole percentage-thing-broadcast that weathermen tend to use—the business of assigning

“The ‘Law of Forecast Falsification,’” he intones, “is simply this: If there’s no way for a forecast to be false—if it’s so generalized and ambiguous that it can’t miss—then it is not really a forecast.”

• Aico • American Drew • Bassett • Hammary •

Discounting Name Brand Furniture since 1995 Town & Country Furniture Town Town Town106 & &&Sutton Country Country Country Furniture Furniture Furniture Avenue 106 Sutton Avenue •• Black Black Mountain Mountain 106 106 106 Sutton Sutton Sutton Avenue Avenue Avenue • •Black •Black Black Mountain Mountain Mountain

• Rowe Furniture • Vaughn Bassett •

percentages, like odds, to the possibility of precipitation—that, to me, is just cop-out forecasting. If somebody says there’s a forty percent chance of rain, does that mean there’s a fourin-ten chance it’s going to rain over a hundred percent of the area, or does it mean there’s a hundred percent chance it’s going to rain over forty percent of the area?”

Ray raises a professorial forefinger; he is now Dr. Russell addressing a class. “This has given rise to ‘Russell’s Law of

828-669-0075 828-669-0075 www.towncountryfurniture.net www.towncountryfurniture.net 828-669-0075 828-669-0075 828-669-0075 www.towncountryfurniture.net www.towncountryfurniture.net www.towncountryfurniture.net

• Homelegance • Fairfield Chair • Flexsteel • Lea • Legacy Classics • Robin Bruce • 60

| February 2015

Forecast Falsification,’” he intones. He breaks character for an instant to elaborate: “You’re familiar with Bertrand Russell’s falsification fallacy? This is my take on it.” (Resumes lecture voice; interviewer waits to hear: “There’ll be a quiz on this.”)

“The ‘Law of Forecast Falsification,’” he intones, “is simply this: If there’s no way for a forecast to be false—if it’s so generalized and ambiguous that it can’t miss—then it is not really a forecast. It’s like saying, ‘There will definitely be weather tomorrow.’ We want people to be able to look at our website and know they’re getting the best, most up-to-date information we can give them and our forecast is based on that, but always bearing in mind that this is the weather, after all.”

Ray’s Weather Center has consistently been called the most reliable weather information source in Western North Carolina, a reputation which led, in August of 2013, to the formation of brpweather.com, a partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway, funded by a grant from the Parkway itself, giving Ray’s Weather access to webcams set up all along the Parkway. “It has been a tremendous boost for us,” Ray says.

As comprehensive as Ray’s operation has become, nobody is getting rich off it. “That was never the idea anyway,” he says.

“We just wanted to break even and have fun with it.”

This morning’s downtown Asheville forecast, for instance, is for chilly weather with increasing clouds and a chance of rain.

“The onset of late day clouds signifies another rain maker is in the works for the weekend,” it reads. “Spotty light rain arrives Friday, continues Saturday, and picks up the pace Saturday night into Sunday. We’ll dry out by Sunday evening. While it will be awfully damp, it’s not as bad as it sounds.”

The five-day forecast is accompanied by appropriate sun, cloud, and raindrop graphics, although, particularly in warmer weather, these are replaced by the “Golf-o-Meter,” which rates each day’s golfability by a showing of from one to five golf ball icons. Ray, an avid golfer, uses the icons to sum up the day’s weather in general, “Each icon actually stands for a four-hour predicted window of dry weather. That’s because, of course, it takes about four hours to play a round of golf.”

“The price I pay for doing all this,” Ray says, “is I work 80 hours a week. I’m no longer department chairman, but I still teach and I’m still getting up at 5am to put everything together.

I couldn’t possibly have done this when the kids were small, but we’re empty nesters now.

“I would like for this to live long after I’m gone, and I do have an exit strategy but I’m not ready to use it yet.” He rises. “I’ve got to get to that meeting I came down for,” he says, “then I’ve got to get back and decide if we’re going to be able to break out the Golf-o-Meter next week.”

The curtain rises on another day

IN HISTORIC ABINGDON.

HOW WILL YOU SPEND IT? Share a candlelit

DINNER FOR TWO. Enjoy live music and

FINE LOCAL WINE. Rekindle the romance

AT A COZY B&B.

888.489.4144 · visitabingdonvirginia.com February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 61

Storytelling, Content Marketing, & You

C

M

mandy is the

Director of Content Development for JB Media Group.

by MANDY GARDNER

ONTENT MARKETING involves creating and sharing blogs, videos, podcasts, social media posts, website articles, and other forms of content designed to inform, educate, or entertain your target audiences.

It is a method of driving consumer behavior that does not rely on hard sell pitches. To execute a successful content marketing campaign, your brand must offer content that people will actively seek out, eagerly consume, and happily share. The longterm payoffs of content marketing can include greater brand awareness in your niches, increased site traffic, and higher sales numbers. But in order to achieve those results, you’ll have to create engaging content that really connects with people. This is the reason that any content marketing strategy developed for today must involve storytelling. Why? Let me tell you a story…

Once upon a time there was a very beautiful, kindhearted, and unhappy girl. She was always grimy because her wicked stepmother and stepsisters made her do all the housework. All the girls in her village were invited to a party at the royal palace, but her stepmother refused to allow her to go. She wanted to

62

| February 2015

sneak in, but she was filthy and had nothing to wear. Luckily for her, she made friends with a magical old woman who cleaned her up and gave her a stunning new outfit. She went to the party, met the prince, found her true love, ran away when the magic spell (and her dress) faded, lost a shoe, was reunited with the prince (and the shoe), got married, and lived happily ever after.

What’s the girl’s name?

Ding-ding-ding, you are correct: Cinderella, of course!

Though she is also known as Aschenputtel in Germany,

You don’t have a fairy godmother on staff, but you might have a kind-hearted employee who elevated customer service to an act of heroism and changed a customer’s life.

Cendrillion in France, Cenerentola in Italy, Yeh-hsien in China, and by many other names around the world. There are over 1,500 versions of Cinderella, most of them centuries old. Charles Perrault published the first known written version in 1697, but people passed this tale down from generation to generation,

M

beginning long before that date. No matter what name she has been called by, the story of this girl’s rise from servant to princess has always captured our ears, hearts, and minds.

We’ve remembered and shared it across the ages.

It is human nature that when we love a story, we pass it on.

The technology used to share Cinderella’s story has changed rapidly over time, but the plucky heroine has kept up every step of the way. Her story made the leap from oral history to written text, to opera, then movies, television shows, and now the internet. I just Googled Cinderella and found 28,700,000 search results (though to be honest, one of the top hits is about a certain big haired metal band from Philadelphia).

What Cinderella can teach us about online marketing

In the internet age, we can share stories faster and more widely than any generation that came before us. Audience engagement and social sharing are the twin engines that power online marketing today. You don’t need a fairy godmother to conjure up engaging, sharable content. You just have to harness the power of storytelling. The fame and longevity of the Cinderella tale shows us that engaging stories:

THE POWER BEHIND HOME OWNERSHIP.

— Travel across geographical and cultural borders — Endure for long stretches of time — Effortlessly make the leap from medium to medium Why are these things true? They are true because our brains are wired to pay attention to, remember, and share stories we connect with.

What kinds of stories should you tell?

Share stories about real people on your website, blog, and social media channels to encourage audience engagement. A marketing firm with a team of creative writers can help you identify which of your stories are more likely to inspire engagement. If you are working on your own content strategy and are looking for simple advice to follow, here it is: Tell stories about people who were transformed in some way by an encounter with your company, products, staff, or industry. You don’t have a fairy godmother on staff, but you might have a kind-hearted employee who elevated customer service to an act of heroism and changed a customer’s life. Clients can and should be heroes of your stories too. Just make sure that whatever story you share is relevant to the audience you want to reach.

Providing flexible, innovative, local options for every step of your homeownership journey, Asheville Savings Bank can help you: Buy, build or upgrade your home Unlock the equity in your current house Increase your income with a reverse mortgage

AshevilleSavingsBank.com February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 63

How can you tell if a story will serve your business goals?

Developing and implementing a creative online marketing strategy takes time, resources, and energy. To get a return on your investment you’ve got to make sure you are delivering content that serves your company’s marketing and business goals. Your strategy must be based on solid market research that shows how your audience is searching for your products and services online. What keywords do they use? Which subjects are more likely to capture attention and lead to sales? Examine that raw data, combine it with an understanding of the narrative appeal of your company and your product, and then merge these elements in an engaging marketing strategy that can play out in multiple online arenas.

How Outrider USA used storytelling to achieve success

Electric bike manufacturer Outrider USA is one local company that effectively wove storytelling into a successful online marketing campaign. In 2014 the Outrider team waged a Kickstarter campaign to bring a new adaptive electric trike from concept to full production. The Horizon was designed to be an all terrain adventure vehicle that could be ridden by

people of all levels of physical ability—including quadriplegics and paraplegics. The marketing for the Horizon Kickstarter was designed around the stories of real people.

In the video that was posted on their Kickstarter site, Outrider co-founders Jesse Lee and Tommy Ausherman tell viewers they were put on the path to creating the Horizon when they received a phone call from Dr. Chris Wenner. Chris then tells his own story in his own words: “I was an avid cyclist in high school and as a kid. I broke my neck at 17, and one of the hardest parts of adjusting was not being able to ride.” Chris has been quadriplegic since that accident, but he never gave up the dream of riding a bike again. He had been working on a prototype for an adaptive bike and contacted the Outrider team to ask them for help. That phone call led to a transformational collaboration. In the same video, Jesse Lee explains that before they began working with Chris on the Horizon, Outrider was solely focused on building high tech bikes that could break records. “We were having a lot of fun but it was definitely missing that bigger purpose. When Chris got in touch and started telling us about the excitement and the freedom he felt riding his trike we knew we were onto something much, much bigger.”

These stories were the heart of the marketing for Outrider’s Kickstarter campaign. The product was super cool—a high tech

JUST CAN’T RESIST

the perfect SHIFT DRESS.

One All Souls Crescent • Historic Biltmore Village Asheville, NC • 828.505.8140 • www.shoppalmvillage.com www.facebook.com/Palm.Village.Asheville 64

| February 2015

M bike with innovative features. But there are a lot of cool e-bikes on the market. Storytelling made their product stand out, grabbed the attention of their target audience, and drove home the fact that their product was empowering for people of all levels of ability. Chris’s story illustrates that in a way that nothing else could. At the end of the video he says: “The feeling of riding this is exactly like I recall riding my mountain bike in high school before my injury. It was awesome then; it is awesome now.”

These stories garnered a lot of attention for Outrider. Online and print media outlets around the world, including Fast

through social media channels. Donations poured in. Outrider blew past their original goal and raised a total of $126,231. The first Horizons will be shipping out to customers in 2015.

The moral of the story

Engaging content is much more likely to invite social sharing, build links, increase site traffic, and convert strangers into friends and customers. As the widespread and enduring popularity of the Cinderella tale shows us, stories are one of the most captivating forms of media ever devised. The most successful content marketing strategies today integrate creative storytelling with today’s best practices for SEO, public relations, and social media marketing. Using this method you’ll build brand awareness among the people you want to reach, capture the attention of your audience, and encourage more people to become a fan of your brand. So, what’s your Cinderella story? I’ll be looking for it online.

The most successful content marketing strategies today integrate creative storytelling with today’s best practices for SEO, public relations, and social media marketing.

Company, TreeHugger, and Gizmag, reported on the Horizon Kickstarter campaign. Stories about the Horizon and about the collaboration between Chris and Outrider were shared widely

? e v o l u o y o d o h W

nancial Advisor?

Do you love your Fi

personal n and manage your White Oak can desig s. We gie ate str e planning investment and incom ts, and en cli r ou to ensable work hard to be indisp nt. me welcoming environ we offer a warm and investing by e the emotion out of We help our clients tak to manage ing mand technical chart using supply-and-de y and sell but bu to at wh mine not only ter de us lp he d an k ris ht fit for you. might be just the rig when. Please call – we

cialManagement.com

www.WhiteOakFinan

74-7844 828-2 o@ wofm.us inf

ategy has the Every investment str fit or loss potential for pro

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 65

THE OLD

NORTH

STATE [

news briefs

NASCAR museum not collecting enough to pay off municipal investment charlotte, nc

Back in 2010, the $193 million NASCAR Hall of Fame opened in Charlotte. The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority projected the museum would attract 800,000 visitors in its first year of operation and turn a profit of $800,000. To date, the museum has only attracted 300,000 guests, and it has run annual deficits between $1.4 and $1.8 million. And so this month, Charlotte’s deputy city manager presented a proposal to the project’s lenders, the Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, asking them to write off the $17.8 million in debt that the city owes on the project. The city would only be responsible for a one-time HunterBanks_CapitalPlay ad.pdf

1

11/4/11

held by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Dominion would own 45 percent of the venture. Other large investors are Duke Energy Corporation, at 40 percent, and Piedmont Natural Gas, at 10 percent. With no unanticipated delays, the pipeline would be in-service beginning in 2018.

]

Atlanta beat out North Carolina cities for US headquarters

$5 million payment. NASCAR would give up $3 million in royalties and collect any future royalties at a lower rate than was specified in the original agreement.

statewide

Mercedes-Benz announced it will move its United States headquarters, and about 800 jobs, from New Jersey to Atlanta.

Multiple media sources indicated a few North Carolina locations were being considered by the German auto producer.

Mercedes-Benz USA president and CEO Stephen Cannon said decisive factors included proximity to the company’s port in Brunswick and its manufacturing facility in Alabama, as well as good schools and cultural opportunities. Now that the decision has been made, the Development Authority of Fulton County is working up a “hefty incentive package.” The announcement coincides with Governor Pat McCrory’s announcement that the

Shale oil pipeline could bring work to eight North Carolina counties i-95 corridor, nc

Dominion Resources, Inc. and its partner companies have plans to run 550 miles of pipeline from West Virginia and Virginia to Robeson County. The line would roughly follow the I-95 corridor as it passes through Northampton, Halifax, Nash, Wilson, Johnston, Sampson, Cumberland, and Robeson counties.

Dominion will be hosting a number of public input sessions prior to those to be 10:42 AM

Asheville’s Full Service Fly Shop

your complete

Fabric center Largest selection of upholstery fabric in WNC

Look for the mural Exit 4c off I-240 • Guided Fly Fishing trips 29 Montford Ave, Asheville • Fly Fishing Classes

• Fly Tying Classes 66

| February 2015

1-800-227-6732

www.HunterBanks.com

Fast, friendly service

Drapery material/lining | Comforter and bedspread material

U.S. 25 North

|

Fletcher, NC

|

684-0801

state needs to appropriate more funds for economic development incentives.

Last year, Toyota moved its American headquarters to Plano, Texas, bypassing Charlotte, even though the state was prepared to offer $107 million in incentives.

Chiquita bought by Cutrale-Safra charlotte, nc

Charlotte-based Chiquita Brands International was bought out by two Brazilian companies for $681 million.

Safra Group, an investment firm, and Cutrale Group, a juice company, succeeded where Fyffes, an Irish produce company, failed last year. Going into the acquisition, Chiquita was a $3 billion company employing roughly 20,000 in 70 countries. Now a subsidiary of the Cutrale-Safra Group, Chiquita replaced CEO Ed Lonergan and CFO Rick Frier with interim CEO Brian Kocher. As part of the agreement, Chiquita will remain headquartered in Charlotte for ten years.

Chiquita was first lured to the Queen City in 2011 with $22 million in state and local economic development incentives.

38

78

carolina in the west

national & world

Successful CPA staffing model bought out for replication charlotte, nc

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is rebranding Monaghan Group. The latter company, which serves as a temp agency placing experienced CPA’s, was founded by Beth Monaghan and purchased by CLA in 2013. Monaghan served businesses in Charlotte, Research Triangle Park, and the Triad, and boasted a customer base that included 85 percent of the state’s Fortune 500 companies. It will continue to do so with the new name, CLA Custom Accounting Solutions Team (CAST). CLA, a national leader in generic professional services, hopes to replicate Monaghan’s successful model across the nation.

the old north state

Water systems in Gaston County for $75,000. The new additions will be operated out of the company’s regional office in Denver, North Carolina. Aqua North Carolina provides water to 271,800 people in 52 counties. Aqua America is a large, publicly-traded water utility, and the largest for-profit water system operator in the state. It provides water and wastewater treatment for three million people in eight states. It also lends its expertise in hard- and soft-cost services for the fracking industry.

IBM’s creative destruction befuddles onlookers research triangle park, nc

Last year, IBM’s stock lost about 15 percent of its value, possibly leaving it as the first company to be the Dow Jones’ worst performer two years in a row. IBM, one of Research Triangle Park’s (RTP) largest, if not its largest, employer, does not like gaston county, nc to discuss signs of potential weakening, Closing out 2014, Aqua America nor does it disclose information about the acquired two more water systems, one number Introducing Theof people it employs. The corpoin North Carolina and the other in Ohio, rate giant has for years said it employs 10,000 in its RTP facilities, but union bringing its total for the year to sixteen. leaders say layoffs in recent years have The company acquired the Honeycutt

Private water utility adds to NC holdings

Not All

carpet installations Are created equal ours is healthier Introducing The

at E xclusively

80 Charlotte Street • Asheville, NC 28801 • (828) 252-1594 www.CarpetOneAsheville.com February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 67

the old north state

numbered in the four-digit zone. Since IBM employs a number of high-powered executives earning six figures, payroll would be a strategic place to look for cuts. Last year, the company sold its RTP server business to Lenovo. IBM was paid $2.1 billion, and it transferred 4,000 employees to the Chinese company. IBM also unloaded its money-losing semiconductor division, with sites in New York and Vermont, to Globalfoundries. Management insists the moves are a matter of prioritization. Last year, IBM opened a 72,000-square-foot resilience center in the heart of RTP and announced an innovation center would be coming soon to Raleigh. The former aims to restore data lost in “disruptions” within a matter of minutes; the latter will be a showroom and laboratory for incubating entrepreneurial ideas.

Novozymes spurns Cary’s incentives research triangle park, nc

61-A Weaver Blvd, Weaverville, NC 28787 ✆828.645.8811 1888 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 ✆828.676.0047

The Danish biotechnology company Novozymes decided against locating operations in Cary after receiving $400,000 in state incentives and a $357,000 local match. Instead, they moved to Research Triangle Park. To date, no public announcement has been made about a new local match.

When asked what happened in Cary, representatives from the company cited only “complications” that were “a learning experience.” Novozymes will now locate in a $5.25 million facility formerly occupied by Synthon, another biotech company that filed for Chapter 7 liquidation in 2012 and found another home for what survived the ordeal. Moving forward, Novozymes will forge a partnership with Monsanto, to be called BioAg. The collaboration will seek to identify and develop microbes that will increase agricultural crop yields. Monsanto paid Novozymes $300 million upfront for supplies. Novozymes will be responsible for manufacturing, while Monsanto will apply its expertise in field testing and marketing. Novozymes is currently operating in a temporary space in Durham. In late 2015, when RTP operations are in full swing, Novozymes hopes to payroll 85 hires, with an average salary protection of $70,000.

FTC delays could change game for Family Dollar charlotte, nc

Net income for Family Dollar Stores, Inc., with headquarters in the Charlotte area, fell to almost half of last year’s for the last fiscal quarter, and almost 100 of its 1,400 employees at corporate headquarters have left. The problems for the discount retailer that runs 8,100 stores in 46 states all began when it entered into friendly negotiations with Dollar Tree for a merger.

Dollar Tree was willing to pay Family Dollar $74.50 per share, or $8.5 billion. Dollar Tree has been faring well financially. Its 68

| February 2015

N RVI SE

sales increased 11.2 percent, netting income six percent higher than it did the same quarter last year. The only problem was the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wasn’t so sure the merger would steer clear of antitrust laws preventing Dollar Tree from raising prices “unfairly” without competition from Family Dollar. Considering the number of stores and the amount of money involved, the FTC is still trying to crunch the numbers.

But in the meantime, Dollar General has made an offer. Family Dollar leadership insists it is happy to proceed with the Dollar Tree deal as soon as the FTC gives a green light, and critics are referring to Dollar General’s proposal as a hostile takeover.

Dollar General would pay $80 per share, and it has lawyered up to put some pressure on the FTC. It has been reported that Dollar General would pay Family Dollar CEO Howard Levine $13.6 million and four other executives seven-digit sums in severance. Dollar Tree would maintain a corporate presence in Charlotte, but Dollar General would close down the office.

It was the Dollar General offer that caused employees to start looking for more stable employment.

Piedmont serious about shale pipeline investment charlotte, nc

Piedmont Natural Gas, servicing over a million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, will be selling $170 million of corporate stock to pay for capital improvement projects. This is in addition to $54 million already sold. The stock will go in at-the-market sales, which will save the company the expense of a full-fledged public offering. Piedmont expects to spend about $175 million on the Constitution Pipeline, which will pump natural gas from the Marcellus Formation in the Appalachian Basin up to New England. Piedmont is a 24% owner for this project.

Retailers following smart people, smartphones statewide

Now that data on holiday sales are in, department store giants J.C. Penney and Macy’s have announced belt-tightening that will include store closures in 2015. Penney has decided to close 39 stores and lay off 2,250 workers. Macy’s will close fourteen stores on top of the five it closed last year with 2,500 layoffs. In spite of the closings, it still makes sense to the upscale retail giant’s executive strategists to proceed with plans to open two stores in California. CEO Terry Lundgren explained that he intends to watch how and where customers want to shop and stay in front of them. Among J. C. Penney’s closures will be its mall stores in Asheboro, Elizabeth City, Statesville, and Wilson.

Macy’s will close its Greensboro store.

TH CAROLINA SINC G NOR E 20

01

.

C .

L .

T For YouInc. L IC

E N SE

D, BONDED, AND INS U R

ED

Award-Winning Home Health Care Company

Independently Owned by

Susie Tarantino

Providing you with the care & support to:

safely independently in your own home LIVE

LIVE LIVE

“Dear Susie—Thank you for your excellent service and care before, during, and after my recent surgery.

You and your staff made everything easy and comfortable and I’m grateful you were here.” -Trish “You did a great job caring for me during my surgery recovery time. I appreciate the meals, the errands, and the extra attention you gave me. Your help meant a lot to me and helped to speed things along. The care that I received was special. Your clients are fortunate to have you!” Fondly, Sue

Individualized planning for your medical and home care needs.

Licensed in Nursing by the state of N.C. Companionship & Home Assistance Independent Living In-Home or Facility care Long-term care insurance accepted

828-670-1379 office 828-777-0340 cell tlcforyouinc@gmail.com www.tlcforyouinc.com

ASHEVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 69

Ken

Hughes IS A

sponge FOR

leadership How a Western Carolina University grad led a small local accounting firm to a place in the nation’s 20 largest financial services operations

written by bill fishburne photos by anthony harden

70

| February 2015

lef t to right :

Michael Crawford, regional managing partner of the Carolinas Ken Hughes, chairman of Dixon Hughes Goodman David Wiggins, office managing partner for Asheville

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

71

W

e haven’t seen it yet,

but it must be coming; and when it gets here, it’ll be a whopper. It will be the bill for taking the better part of an afternoon out of the life of Ken Hughes, CPA, chairman of Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP, to get the data required for this article.

Dixon Hughes Goodman (DHG) is the South’s largest financial services (accounting) firm. It is headquartered in Charlotte and has more than 30 offices in 12 states. It is also the 16th largest accounting firm in the United States and has international reach through its affiliation with Praxity, which is a nonprofit association considered to be the world’s largest alliance of accounting firms.

The time of its chairman is a valuable commodity, and Hughes gave generously.

According to the Accounting Today 2014 survey of the nation’s top 100 accounting service firms, DHG had 2013 revenues of $310 million. By common standards it had a near-ideal fee split of 36 percent from accounting services, 35 percent from tax services, and 29 percent from management advisory services.

It is also a firm that keeps management close to its clients with 1.74 partners for every $1 million in revenue. That means it’s not hard to talk to a partner at DHG, including Ken Hughes.

Hughes is an alum of Western Carolina University, an entrepreneur-leader, a business builder, and a father. He asked that this article not be about him because the company’s success and growth is about the DHG people, not any one individual.

Understood. But when you go back to the company’s North Carolina origins, there is just one man—Ken Hughes—who has consistently been at the helm. He has had many of the 72

| February 2015

ideas, established the relationships, and put the right people and programs in place to consistently grow the firm. Clearly too, he has a passion for the company and especially for its people.

Passion You have to rethink what you know about the word. It flows off Hughes lips sweetly, like Sonny James singing Young Love.

He gives it richness and meaning you won’t get from MerriamWebster, and all the while he’s looking you in the eyes to make sure you understand how important passion really is. The way Hughes uses the word, well, it’s just not in the dictionary.

“If you don’t have a passion for what you do, you will not be successful,” Hughes says. “It’s part of our guiding principles of innovation, trust, relationships, and passion. When I teach a class to young people, I say find your passion. If you find it, you will be very successful and you will enjoy what you’re doing. I was fortunate to find mine many years ago and to build it into my life. In my experience I have found that if you enjoy what you do, if you’re passionate about your people’s success and their careers, and helping your clients in achieving their goals, then you’ll enjoy what you do. So passion is about work-life balance. It’s all about having the passion to do all those things and not burn yourself out.”

leads our Carolinas Division. I remember the day he started.

David Wiggins, too, the partner in charge of our Asheville office. These were bright, bright young men at the time, and I have been privileged to see them grow.

“We work together and share our key values, especially our relationships and passion for our work. It’s about achieving a work-life balance and helping our clients achieve their goals.”

Getting Started His passion extends well beyond DHG. He is married to Jane, and his daughter, Lauren, attends the University of South Carolina. Throughout his career he has been passionately involved in his community. When he first came to Asheville he was invited to join the then-new Asheville Breakfast Rotary Club. Those early connections led him to service on a multitude of boards, commissions, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations. If you’ve lived in Asheville during the past 30 years and are active in the community, there’s a good chance that Hughes was on your board, is on your board, or might be on your board if you ask him.

People As Hughes relates it, the most wonderful thing about DHG is the people of the company and the teams of professionals it offers to serve its clients.

“What I love most about this business is recruiting people and having them be successful. I love having an organization so capable that I can look a person in the eye and say, ‘If this fits you, you can have your entire career here.’ It’s really watching people develop through the years. I look at many of our leaders today, and I remember the day I recruited them right off the college campus. Mike Crawford, for example, who

The beginning of Hughes career dates back to Western Carolina University in 1974, where he graduated suma cum laude in business administration and accounting. From college he joined the prestigious KPMG accounting firm, where he spent six years learning the business until he decided to carve out his own future working in the Lindsey & Crisp firm back home.

At that time, Lindsey & Crisp had offices in Waynesville and Sylva. Hughes thought that to grow the company they would need to have an office in Asheville, the region’s financial and commercial center.

In 1980 Hughes rented an 880-square-foot office on the 15th floor of the Northwestern Bank (now BB&T) building in downtown Asheville. It had a sign on the door and a carpet on the floor, but no clients.

“That turned out to be one of the best things I ever did,” Hughes recalls. “Being in the BB&T building put us in the center of Western North Carolina’s business activity. I signed the lease with no furniture and no clients. I went over to Hoyle Office Supplies (on North Market Street) and bought some furniture from Mickey Hoyle. Then I had to go find some clients. I was hungry, and hunger is a great motivator.”

Growth “We were fortunate in our first year to have $250,000 in revenues,” Hughes recalls. “In that first year, I attended lots February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 73

lef t to right :

David Wiggins, Michael Crawford, and Ken Hughes

of meetings and met a lot of people. I found out that I was a sponge for leadership. I would go to courses on leadership and listen to anyone who would talk to me about it. The thing I heard over and over is that business leadership isn’t about genius, it’s about execution. That, and surrounding yourself with really good people. Companies really only have two assets: their people and their clients. Put your people ahead of yourself, enable them to serve their clients and grow in their jobs, and you will be successful.”

Accounting Today also reports that DHG had 1,600 full-time equivalent employees and 178 partners at the end of 2013.

Hughes says the firm now has over 230 partners, more than 1,800 full-time employees, and has grown with additional services in the past year. As with many other large professional services firms (accounting, legal, engineers, advertising, and such), most of the growth was accomplished with one very successful and stable company acquiring other similar firms whose values, capabilities, and approaches were in some way complimentary.

“I never had a grand plan for growth,” Hughes says. “This company today, what we have achieved and the wonderful people I get to work with every day, just completely exceeds my wildest expectations.

Despite the disclaimers, in 2004, the year of the merger between Dixon Odom and Crisp Hughes Evans, Accounting Today listed Hughes among the 100 most influential people in accounting. He was nominated again in 2006.

74

| February 2015

“To grow you have to find people of like mind. We were fortunate to do that through the years, bringing in some small practitioners and expanding our base of clients. In 1990 I believe we had $10 million in revenues.

“One of our big steps came in 1996 when a friend asked if the we had any interest in the Atlanta market. He said there was a company there, Evans Porter & Bryan, that did many of the same things we were doing. They were working on a much larger scale because of the size of the Atlanta market. We worked it out and merged. Larry Evans was their CEO at the time, and we became Crisp Hughes Evans.”

In 2004 Crisp Hughes Evans merged with Dixon Odom of High Point to create Dixon Hughes PLLC. That merger brought Crisp Hughes Evans and Dixon Odom together with Eddie Sams and Ken Hughes working together as co-CEOs of the new firm.

“Working with Eddie has been a wonderful experience,” Hughes says. “I would never have had the opportunity to do that if we hadn’t had companies with so much in common.

Our cultures, our goals, our interests, the way we worked, it was just a natural fit.

Sams was instrumental in the formation and leadership of Praxity AISBL. He has also been extremely active in national leadership in the American Council of CPAs. In addition, Sams has taken leadership roles for numerous civic, nonprofit, and scholastic organizations.

The firm’s next big step came in 2011 when Dixon Hughes merged with the Virginia-based Goodman & Company LLP to

MOST DECORATED COURSES MOST DECORATED MOST DECORATED COURSES COUR MOST DECORATE

“Ameri ca’s 100 Greate PLAY COME TWO PLAY OFOF SOUTH TWO OFTWO CAROLINA’S SOUTH CARO COME PLAY OF SOU COME COME PLAY COME TWO PLAY OF SOUTH TWO CAROLINA’S SOUTH CAROLINA’ COME PLAY TWO OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S Public Courses”

MOST DECORATED MOST DECORATED COURSES COURSES

MOST COURSES COME PLAYDECORATED TWO OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S - Golf Digest COME PLAYMOST TWODECORATED OF SOUTHCOURSES CAROLINA’S

Personal Insight: Ken Hughes how do you find time for yourself ?

It is hard to stay in balance with your personal and professional lives. If you’re not passionate about what you do it becomes drudgery. I worked hard to make sure I didn’t miss many of my daughter’s games in high school. Those things are important. My Mom and Dad worked hard all their lives, but I remember they were always there for my games. They instilled values to me, and I hope to pass those along for her.

“Best Modern Course MOST DECORATED COURSES “Best Modern Courses”

- Golfweek COME PLAY TWOCaledonia OF SOUTH - Golfweek CAROLIN “Best Modern Courses” - Golfweek

MOST DECORATED COURSES “Top 100 You Can Pla “Top You Can Play” “Best100 Modern Courses” - Golf Magazine - Golfweek

“TopTrue100Blue You Can Play” - Golf Magazine - Golf Modern Magazine “Best “Best Courses” “Best Modern “Best Modern Courses” Modern Courses” “America’s 100 Can Greatest “Top 100 You Play” Public - Golf Courses” Magazine - Golf Digest

“America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” - Golf DigestCourses” “Best Modern

Caledonia

- Golfweek

Caledonia

Golf.

G O L F

C L U B

“Best Courses You Can Play inG South O L F C Carolina” LUB - Golfweek

if you could have put more time into one outside organiz ation or progr am , what would that have been ?

G O L F

C L U B

“Best Courses You Can “Best Public Courses PlayininSouth SouthCarolina” Carolina” - Golfweek - Golf Magazine

- Golfweek - Golfweek - Golfweek

- Golfwe

“America’s 100 Greate “Top 100 You Can Play” “America’ s“Top 100YouGreatest “TopPlay” 100 “Top 100 You “Top 100 You Can 100Can YouPlay” Can Play” - Golf Magazine Public Courses” - Golf Magazine- Golf -Magazine Golf Magazine- Golf Ma Public Courses” “Best Modern Courses” “America’s 100 Greatest-- Golfweek Gol“America’s f Digest 100 Courses” “America’s 100 Greatest “America’s 100Public Greatest “America’s 100 Greatest -- Gol f Digest Golf Digest Public Courses” Cou “Top 100 YouPublic Can Play” Public Courses” Public Courses” True Blue

when you do get private time for yourself what do you do ?

True Blue

Magazine COME PLAY CAROLINA’S - Golf -Digest - Golf D - Golf Digest Golf- Golf Digest Public Courses Carolina: “Best“Best“South Courses YouTWO Can OF SOUTH

My church.

Caledonia MOST DECORATED COURSES “America’s 100 Greatest in South Carolina” Best in State Rankings” - Golf - GolfMagazine Digest

“Best Modern Caledonia Courses” Play in SouthCaledonia Carolina” CaledoniaCaledonia Public Courses” - Golf Digest - GolTEE fweekTrueTIMES. fweekBlue PACKAGES. TrueBlue Blue Blue - GolTrue True B True Blue GOLF True True Blue

“South Carolina: Caledonia Caledonia Caledonia Caledonia Best in State Rankings” - Golf Digest

True Blue

Caledonia | PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. form the present-day company, Dixon Hughes Goodman. The WWW.FISHCLUB.COM | 1-888-483-6800 Goodman firm was founded in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1932 by ASK ABOUT OUR TWO-ROUND SPECIALS! True Blue TEE TIMES. GOLF PACKAGES. Lu Goodman and Vernon Norman. As with Dixon Hughes, a Courses You Can “Best “Best Modern Courses” - GolfweekISLAND, S.C. WWW.FISHCLUB.COM | 1-888-483-6800 | PAWLEYS series of mergers followed that grew the firm into Richmond Play in South Carolina” ASK ABOUT OUR TWO ROUND SPECIALS !

G O L F C L U B and Virginia Beach.

G O L F C GL OU LB F C L U B G O L F C L U B G O L F C L U B - Golfweek “Top 100 You Can Play” G O L F

True Blue

C L U B

“Best Public Courses “Top 100 You Can Play” in South Carolina” “Best Public Courses “BestYou Courses Serving Clients “Best Courses You Can “BestCan Courses Can You Can “Best CoursesinYou Can “Best Courses You - Golf Magazine South Carolina” “Best -Courses YouPlay Can Gol f Magazi n e in South Carolina” Play in South inPlay South Carolina” South Carolina” Play in South Carolina” -Play GolfinPlay Magazine As with any other business, the bottom line is clients.

HowCarolina” in South Carolina” - Golf Magazine

G O L F

C L U B

“America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” - Golf Digest

G O L F C L U -B Golfweek - Golfweek Caledonia - Golfweek G O L F - CGolfweek - Golfweek well does a company meet their client’s needs? DHG attempts - Golfweek LUB “South Carolina: to do that by finding clients who have their own system of True Blue Best in State Rankings” values. Hughes says that is a key factor in making a good “Best Public Courses “Best Public Courses “Best Public Courses Courses “Best Public Courses “Best Public Courses - Golf “Best DigestPublic working relationship. in South Carolina” in South Carolina” in South Carolina” in South Carolina” in South Carolina” in South Carolina” “We try to find clients that have their own values within their - Golf Magazine - Golf Magazine Golf Magazine Golf Magazine “Best Courses- You - Golf Magazine GolfCanMagazine organization. They understand what is important to them.

Play in South Carolina” “South- Golfweek Carolina: Another part of it is they need and value their professional’s Best in State Rankings”“South Carolina: advice. They have to value what you bring to the table to help “South Carolina:“South“South Carolina: Carolina: “South Public Courses Carolina: -“Best Golf them be successful. Certainly a client that’s profitable makes TEE TIMES. in SouthDigest Carolina”GOLF PACKAGES. Best in State Rankings” Best in State Rankings” Best in State Rankings” Best in State Rankings” - Golf Magazine for a good client, and hopefully we help contribute to that Best in State Rankings” - Golf - Digest Golf Digest WWW .FDigest ISHCLUB | 1-888-483-6800 | PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C. - Golf.COM - Golf Digest- Golf Digest client’s success. But that’s not the only factor.

“South Carolina: Best in State Rankings” “In many cases a client wants to sell or acquire a business, ASK ABOUT TWO-ROUND SPECIALS! - GolfOUR Digest to do a transaction. We’ve done these transactions many times before. But for most of our clients, it’s their first one. We also TEE TIMES. GOLF PACKAGES. try to help them through the life cycle of the firm. It could be TEE TIMES. GOLF PACKAGES. | PAWLEYS ISLAN .COM | 1-888-483-6800 a leadership change, a new generation. We just went through WWW.FISHCLUB that. The issue is, as a professional, how do we help the client WWW.FISHCLUB .

COM | 1-888-483-6800 | -P AWLEYS ISLAND , S.C. !

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO ROUND SPECIALS ASK ABOUT OUR TWO-ROUND SPECIALS! through the change?”

“South Carolina: YounCan “Best Courses You“Best BestCaninCourses State Ranki gs” Southf DiCarol Play in South CarolPlianya”in- Gol gest ina” - Golfweek - Golfweek G O L F

C L U B

“America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” - Golf Digest

“Best Public Courses “Best Public Courses Caledonia in South Carolina”in South Carolina” TEE TIMES. GOLF P TEE TIMES. GOLF TIMES. PACKAGES. GOLF PACKAGES. TIMES. TEE GOLF TIMES. PACKAGES. GOLF PACKAGES. - Golf MagaziTEE ne TEE - Golf Magazine

True BlueGOLF PACKAGES. TEE TIMES. - - !

- ! !

WWW ISH .COM |P1-888-483-680 WWW.FISHWWW CLUB WWW .FCISH |LUB 1-888-483-6800 CLUB |LUB 1-888-483-6800 |CPLUB AWLEYS |AWLEYS AWLEYS , S.C. ,S .F.COM ISH WWW .COM .F.COM ISH | 1-888-483-6800 C.F .COM | 1-888-483-6800 | IPSLAND ISLAND | IPSLAND AWLEYS , S.C. February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 75

ASK ABOUT OUR TWO -ROU ASK ABOUTASK OUR ASK TWO ABOUT ROUND OUR SPECIALS TWO ROUND SPECIALS ABOUT OUR ASK TWO ABOUT ROUND OUR SPECIALS TWO ROUND SPECIALS !

DHG also realized some time ago that they could be of better service to some clients by helping them in the realm of wealth management.

“There are some things we can do better than anyone else. But for what a small organization needs, maybe they don’t need us in traditional roles. To address this we started our wealth management division. We help young clients manage their money and we love to help them with their personal financial planning. We try to add value to our clients as well as a perspective they might not have. We might have a $500 a year client and a $500,000 client. It’s all about how we can help them. We have folks that our team leaders can call in to provide the right advice and service to just about any size organization.

“We organize into teams. Our partners are team leaders.

There’s no ‘i’ in team. We believe we can help clients best if we bring the right team to help them. We bring the right levels of expertise and personal service. The partner has oversight to make sure we have the right team, the right people. These teams are flexible. We could bring in people from Charlotte or Atlanta, for example, to consult and work in state and local taxation. You can’t have these specialists in every office so we bring in the expertise we need for what that client needs.

“It’s not a cookie cutter approach, and it’s not an ‘I can be all things to all people’ approach. That’s what we mean by ‘no ‘i’ in team.’ The partner on that account has to be a quarterback deciding what plays need to be run for that client and what level of person do we need to make sure we add value to what that client needs.”

WCU and Coach Bob Waters “During my time at Western, the school was blessed to have a great coach and leader in Bob Waters. He died from ALS, the Lou Gehrig disease. I suppose that was the first most of us

ever knew about that disease. I remember how successful the football team was when he was there, but Coach Waters’ largest contribution may well be the example of courage he gave us as he struggled with ALS. I think of him a lot because one of our partners, who started our health care division, retired and was diagnosed with ALS.” Ken is talking about Larry Hughes (no relationship to Ken Hughes), a recently retired partner from Winston-Salem, who was also diagnosed with ALS earlier last year and passed away in November. DHG had a firm-wide ice bucket challenge in his honor to help raise money for some external funds in his name. “I wear a bracelet to find a cure for ALS. It’s on my mind a lot.”

Praxity Among other jobs, Hughes continues to serve as a member of the management board and governing council member for Praxity, the world’s largest alliance of independent accounting firms. Praxity is considered the world’s largest alliance of accouting firms. Member firms have more than 610 offices world-wide in 97 countries.

“So many of our clients buy or sell or have operations globally that we found we needed a way to help them. That’s what Praxity is all about,” Hughes says. “Through Praxity, we’ve formed an alliance of independent like-minded firms that meet rigorous standards. We help our clients find these firms they can work with across borders and wherever they might have needs. You can’t be a member by just saying I want to be a member. You have to go through certain quality standards, and you have to do it every third year. It is very helpful when I’m calling the Praxity offices in London and have a client with an opportunity or an issue. I know I’m calling someone who will take my call and will treat my client, or clients, as importantly as they would a client that was just down the street from them. Being a member of

YOUR KEY TO TR ANQUILIT Y TRANQUILITY POOL Private Estate U n i c o i , Te n n e s s e e

M A R K D O R S E Y D E S I G N S

Mark Dorsey Designs and Medallion Pool Company Asheville, North Carolina MedallionPool.com • 828-684-5381 76

| February 2015

Praxity is very important to our firm and to many of our clients.

“Another example is if you want to establish a plant in Latin America, through Praxity we can call and put you in touch with a someone that can walk you through the steps you need to take. You don’t have to learn how to do it by trial and error.”

Regarding the Future “One of the challenges we’ve been facing is the millennials.

How do we effectively work with them. How do we understand them and they understand us? They’ll be our clients and they’ll be running the firm. The approach we’re taking keys around our core principals of trust, innovation, relationships, and passion.

of selecting the next CEO actually started in 2008, when Eddie Sams and I kind of figured out we weren’t getting any younger and we needed to look for a successor. We changed the organizational structure a little bit in our minds to allow a lot of new, younger leaders to have a chance to lead practice units and industries, and Matt was one of those.

“Part of the process was determining what we wanted in a new leader. We went to all the partners and talked to them, and did road shows asking questions and listening. We asked what skill sets do you need. Matt really responded to their needs. I could not be happier with the partners’ selection. The good thing though is the partners had multiple choices. Part of leadership isn’t about one person, it’s part of a leadership team. And just as I’ve been privileged to be CEO and co-CEO for a number of years, in the end it’s not about one person.

It’s about surrounding yourself with strong leaders. We look at leadership as a collaborative effort. What we try to do is get the right leaders in the right seat on the bus. We want to use their skill sets instead of trying to say this person has to do that to be next in line.

“We’re strong outside the CEO chair as well. Kent Satterfield is our chief operating officer and incredibly talented at what he does. All of these leaders, Martin Schlaeppi, who is over our client services, and Mike Crawford here in Asheville, who runs our Carolinas Region—I could keep going—it’s about building a leadership team.

“I was fortunate and privileged to be part of building the company. This isn’t about me, it’s a team effort. I don’t want to read an article about how I built the company. It was our team that did it.

It’s about surrounding yourself with strong leaders. We look at leadership as a collaborative effort. What we try to do is get the right leaders in the right seat on the bus. We want to use their skill sets instead of trying to say this person has to do that to be next in line.

We used to say it differently, that it was about people, and it is. These are enduring principles, but every now and then you have to restate them to refresh yourself and others, to make sure they reach the new generation.

“Matt Snow took over CEO duties for the company on June 1st. He even has a blog. Matt’s about 50 years old, and he has new ideas. He won’t be doing things the way I did. The process

Protecting your assets, while providing the responsive service you deserve.

Business Group Benefits

Home Auto

Life Health

Hometown Friendly. Multi-State Strong.

(828) 253-2371

77 Central Avenue, Suite C, Asheville, NC 28801 www.BankersInsurance.net February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 77

UPDATES FOR

&

NATIONAL WORLD [

news briefs

Falling oil prices bittersweet world

On January 5th, oil prices fell below $50 per barrel for the first time since 2009. The plummet was attributed to low demand in Eurasia and Latin America, compounded by a supply glut. Saudi Arabia has continued to produce at a steady pace, while shale extractions in the United States have been claiming market share. With some experts predicting prices could fall as low as $30 per barrel, the stock market fell 331 points the same day, the biggest losers being oil companies and their affiliates.

Declining oil prices also wreaked havoc on the Russian ruble. Signs of trouble were apparent as early as last fall, but

]

the value of the ruble hockey-sticked in December. Russia has been dependent on the oil and gas industry for half its GDP. So, when oil prices fell from $110 to $60, Russians panicked, hurrying to exchange currency for things of value in a self-reinforcing feedback loop.

Musical Matrix world

Universal Music Group is the world’s largest music corporation. It was one of the big three record labels before the internet trust-busted the oligopoly controlling record production and radio airplay. Last month, Universal announced a partnership with Havas Group. Headquartered in Paris, Havas employs 11,000 people

in 75 countries. It is a marketing and advertising company that specializes in collecting and analyzing mounds of consumer data to develop psychological profiles of would-be buyers. The new team, which will be called the Global Music Data Alliance, will track ticket and merchandise sales, as well as social media histories of music consumers.

Patterns will be used to identify markets with untapped potential and strategically adapt advertising programs to boost sales for artists on the Universal label.

This move may be for real st. louis , mo

The St. Louis Rams may be moving back to Los Angeles. Threats of moving to Los Angeles have been used by many pro football teams to leverage improvements to their stadiums. The latest rumor of relocation, however, is backed by Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke’s purchase of the former site of the Hollywood Park horse racetrack in Inglewood. The Rams will have to stay put for a while yet, because NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league is not accepting requests for

Our athletic teams wear it with a winner’s pride. Green is the color of nature. Our location is the definition of the great outdoors. Green is the color of growth. Our boys mature into balanced, complete men – prepared for competitive universities, prepared for life.

Green is the color of spirit.

GREEN 78

| February 2015

P

CHRIST SCHOOL Asheville, North Carolina An Episcopal Boarding and Day School for Boys, grades 8 – 12 800-422-3212 | www.christschool.org

team relocations this year. If they move, the Rams would be terminating their lease about ten years early.

Leave it to Elon Musk to keep innovating low earth orbit

SpaceX is staying relevant with a number of innovations. On January 7th, the privately-owned company announced it had cleared a preliminary hurdle in getting NASA’s permission to send astronauts to the International Space Station.

Just one day earlier, SpaceX called off a planned launch for the craft proposed for the manned missions. During the countdown, engineers detected drift in one of the actuators controlling thrust for the second stage Falcon 9 rocket of the Dragon spacecraft. The defect would have led to an automatic abort had it gone unnoticed. Once the problem is corrected, the Dragon will carry supplies to the International Space Station. The payload for the trip will be more than 5,000 pounds to make up for losses from a competitor’s failed mission. Back in October, a launch explosion destroyed goods aboard an Orbital Sciences craft.

38

66

carolina in the west

the old north state

SpaceX’s mission is garnering additional attention because engineers are attempting to recycle the rocket’s first-stage.

Rather than splashing down in the ocean, the booster will have to land on a 300foot by 100-foot platform while falling at about one mile per second. Reusing the thrusters could save the company millions of dollars. That Saturday, the supplies launched, successfully arriving at the ISS two days later. The first-stage rocket landed on the target, but it hit too hard. Within 24 hours, SpaceX had diagnosed the problem as insufficient hydraulic fuel supplying the steering fins.

The maneuver will be attempted again with the company’s January 29 mission.

Meet George Jetson— CES gadgets offer instant everything las vegas , nv

Smart homes took center-stage at this year’s International Consumer Electronics Association gadget show in Las Vegas. Among featured future technologies were 4K TV screens displayed by LG, Sharp, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony.

4K TV is the name for ultrahigh-definition

national & world

displays. Although there is currently little content and insufficient demand to bring pricing down, critics foresee a media campaign turning the technology into a home essential. Another company, XYZprinting, introduced a $2,000 3D food printer. Alarm.com showcased a smart thermostat that employed multiple temperature and motion sensors to continually optimize occupants’ comfort while minimizing environmental impact.

Most devices integrated sensors with wireless technology for remote control or consolidated uses, like the refrigerator magnet that makes phone calls and plays music. Another hit was the driverless car from Mercedes-Benz. BMW, Google, and a host of universities are working on refining the technology. The vehicles can handle road tests and obstacle courses, but work is needed to enable emergency stopping to avoid persons and objects suddenly moving into the car’s path.

Uber gets pushback for capturing market share world

Uber is the modern version of the jitney cars from the early 1900s. The

“Love is so short, forgetting is so long.”

- Pablo Neruda

Celebrating Valentine’s Day All Month Long

828 665-7730 | 1103 Brevard Rd. | Asheville NC 28806 | frameittoat.com February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 79

national & world news

concept is simple. Some people need to go travel where mass transit does not run, and they can’t justify the cost of a taxi fare. Meanwhile, other people short on cash have cars sitting idle at home.

Uber unites the two to provide intermediate-cost transportation while paying its administrators a cut for making the connections. The company now serves 200 metropolitan areas worldwide. It has been in business since 2009, and it has run afoul of taxi unions just as long. In the latest news, the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission has suspended Uber’s ability to pick up passengers at sites for which data requested by the commission was reportedly not supplied. San Francisco, Ma ssachu sett s, Ch ica go, S eattle, Virginia, Washoe County, and Portland have also challenged Uber on technicalities. One side claims it is punishment for seizing market share; the other says it is acting on behalf of consumer safety.

But where the rubber meets the road, in the driver/rider transaction, the growth of Uber is a direct indicator of customer satisfaction. Riders’ greatest complaint is Uber’s pricing, which rises algorithmically with demand.

Reportedly, clientele in metro markets with huge New Year’s celebrations were shocked the morning after to read the $163 charges on their cellphones.

T:11.5” T:11.5”

Ready.Set. Set.Go Goanywhere. anywhere.

Ready.

Introducing the all-new GLA. Introducing the all-new GLA.

T:10.5” T:10.5”

THE 2015 GLA 2015 4MATIC® THE GLASTARTING 4MATICAT®

33,300 33,300 $

$

STARTING AT

*

*

Make every trip an adventure with the muscular, versatile, all-new GLA. Its power liftgate opens to an Make every trip anspace adventure the muscular, versatile, all-new Its companion power liftgate to an expansive cargo and with split-folding rear seats, making it theGLA. perfect for opens any excursion. expansive cargo space and split-folding rear seats, making it the perfect companion for any excursion.

With advanced aerodynamics, striking design details and an exceptional starting price, it’s everything With aerodynamics, design andGLA. an exceptional price, it’sexperience everything youadvanced could want and more in astriking compact SUV. details The 2015 An entirely starting new automotive you could want and more in a compact SUV. The 2015 GLA. An entirely new automotive experience from the company that’s always been known for pioneering them. Visit MBUSA.com/GLA from the company that’s always been known for pioneering them. Visit MBUSA.com/GLA

Skyland Automotive, Inc.

255 Smoky Park Hwy, Asheville, NC 28806 • 828-667-5213

80

2015 GLA 250 4MATIC® shown in Cirrus White metallic paint with optional equipment. *MSRP excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, transportation charge and dealer prep. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details. ©2014 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.

| February 2015

2015 GLA 250 4MATIC® shown in Cirrus White metallic paint with optional equipment. *MSRP excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, transportation charge and dealer prep. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details. ©2014 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.

200 Varick St. New York, NY 10014 : Phone 212-805-7500

How about powerful, reliable, unobtrusive renewable energy? scotland

MeyGen, Ltd. in the United Kingdom is attempting to develop an alternative form of alternative energy harvest. The United Kingdom isn’t particularly wellknown for its sunshine, and though some places are prone to gale-force winds, they come in fits and starts.

By contrast, the tide can be depended upon to roll in and out every day, and the United Kingdom has no shortage

of coastline. What’s more, the Crown Estate liked the idea enough to lease Pentland Firth, an inlet in the north of Scotland, to MeyGen for a pilot project.

And so, in early 2015, the company will begin planting an array of underwater turbines. Placed 525 feet apart, almost a mile from shore, in waters 130 feet deep, the turbines will form an array covering four square miles. The turbines, smaller than their dry-land counterparts, would rotate with more power at speeds around 12-14 cycles per minute. Thus, they will be low enough to allow the small craft that visit the firth to go about their business unimpeded and low enough that sea otters and other aquatic creatures may swim around them. Most of the electrical components would remain onshore.

Phase 1, with a budget of $83 million, is slated for completion by 2016, and it is expected to power 40,000 homes. If successful, MeyGen has plans to plant a total of 1,000 turbines in order to generate 1.6 gigawatts of electricity to power over a million homes.

Developers claim first comfortable 3D-printed clothing new york, ny

Designers at Nervous System collaborated with the 3D printers at Shapeways to bring the idea of turnkey homemade clothing one step closer to fruition. Combining techniques from origami and 3D printing, designers have gotten machines to sculpt dresses that flow like traditional textiles. In the past 3D-printed clothing has been so stiff and chunky it was likened to suits of armor. This time, designers used a web app called Kinematic Cloth that can custom-fit any garment to a body scan. The pilot-project dress was made of 2,279 tessellated triangles of various sizes joined by 3,316 hinges.

The triangles themselves are thick and

rigid, but the composite is described as comfortable and similar to fabric.

The engineers inserted a brick of nylon powder into their printing machine.

Two days later, the compressed product emerged, requiring considerable unfolding and dust removal. The finished dress would sell for $3,000, but it is going on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Shapeways, meanwhile, is researching how to make more detailed designs, speed up printing, and undertake mass production.

General Motors racking up unbelievable tolls detroit, mi

Last year, General Motors (GM) announced 84 safety recalls covering 30.4 million vehicles. The most serious affected 2.6 million with faulty ignition switches. Minor disturbances, or even a heavy key ring, are sufficient to turn the touchy switches to the “accessory” position while the vehicle is rolling. As ignition is lost, power steering, braking, and airbags are disabled. What is worse, the company had been aware of the problem since 2001. Failure to alert the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has subsequently resulted in a $35 million Department of Transportation fine for the auto giant, the maximum the government may impose. Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, hired by GM to handle related claims, said in December he had received requests for compensation for 251 deaths and 2,075 injuries. At the time, only 42 deaths and 58 injuries were deemed eligible. Last November, the State of Arizona sued GM, demanding $3 billion. The compensation was not for crash victims, but for consumer fraud because the recalls had seriously depreciated the 300,000 GM vehicles registered in the state.

For The Love of Sewing:

FABRIC • SEWING MACHINES

BERNINA • BABY LOCK • HORN 1378 Hendersonville Road, Asheville (next to Fresh Market) 828-277-4100 • Mon-Sat, 10a-5:30p

www.ashevillecottonco.com

Now

weekend serving

Now

weekend serving

brunch

unch kend br e e w g vin unch Now ser kend br e e w g in v Now ser brunch

monday 1/2 off margaritas tequila½½offofftequila every tuesday tuesday flights

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com

81

Bouldering at The Mountain Goat indoor climbing gym Photo by Cam Hill

82

| February 2015

capital adventurist

in the

Company of Climbers written by toni sherwood

T

he sport of mountain climbing has long attracted outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Traditionally, an experienced mentor would pass down the sport, guiding the novice to the best climbing spots, teaching them how to tie ropes and helping them navigate a rock face for the first time.

Wanda Gwinn, co-owner of Climb@Blue Ridge, an indoor climbing gym located in Taylors, South Carolina, (just outside Greenville) has been in the outdoor recreation industry for 30 years.

Gwinn was active in the river paddling community in 1980 when she and her ex-husband opened Sunrift Adventures. Sunrift started as a guide service and later expanded into a retail shop. The shop became a February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 83

capital adventurist

popular place for local climbers to get gear and exchange tips, including the famous duo of Buddy Price and Doc Bayne.

Price and Bayne made the ‘first ascent’ on many climbing routes in North Carolina, meaning they are credited with the first successful, documented attainment of the top of a mountain, or the first to discover a particular climbing route. First ascents entail genuine exploration, with greater risks, challenges, and recognition than climbing a route established by others.

Among the routes Price and Bayne discovered together are Zodiac and Good Intentions, both on the south face of Looking Glass Rock, as well as Full Tilt Boogie in the Linville Gorge.

Doc Bayne did the first ascent at Bayne’s Corner in Cedar Rock on his own. Both men also partnered separately with a variety

plod on a treadmill for an hour. They’d rather challenge their body in a more interesting way,” Black says.

This huge growth in interest spurned the rise of a new way to climb: the indoor climbing gym.

When Gwinn helped the City of Greenville erect an outdoor climbing wall, she knew it was the beginning of a trend. “I saw how many people would wait in line on a Tuesday night for three ropes and I knew there was a market for it,” Gwinn says. In 1995 she and Cathleen Anderson opened the first commercial climbing gym in upstate South Carolina. Anderson eventually retired, and now Gwinn runs Climb@Blue Ridge with her husband Barry.

Climb@Blue Ridge offers top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering. Their climbing walls tower over 25 feet. There are 20 rope

above : Inside Climb@ Blue Ridge, Photo by Colby Szucs

of fellow climbers, making their list of first ascents a long one.

Gwinn had the good fortune of learning to climb under the tutelage of these two pioneers of rock climbing. “They just came into the shop one day and we started talking,” Gwinn recalls.

Ryan Beasley, owner and head guide at Rock Dimensions, had his first climb in 1984 in New Mexico and he was hooked. He and his high school buddies learned the sport through mentors, enlisting older guys with more experience to teach them. Then they would share what they learned with each other. Beasley is credited with many first ascents in the Western North Carolina area including Got Hops, American Dream, and Tanqueray at Little Wilson near Boone, North Carolina.

Over his 30 years of climbing, Beasley has watched the sport explode into a cross-training alternative fitness craze.

Will Black, manager at ClimbMax Climbing Center in Asheville, agrees. “People want to be fit, but they don’t want to 84

| February 2015

stations with three routes each, meaning 60 different climbs are available. A designated bouldering area rounds out the space.

Rock Dimensions is an adventure guide service that operates the outdoor climbing tower in Boone. The 40-foot tower is easy to spot, located adjacent to Footsloggers retail store, which specializes in climbing gear and apparel.

“The climbing tower is more of a tourist attraction,” Beasley admits. “There are three climbs, one for beginners where you’re more on your feet, one vertical, and then one overhanging where you rely more on arm strength.” In the summer the tower is open seven days a week, but in the winter it is by appointment only due to weather restrictions. According to Beasley, the majority of tower climbers are families, first time climbers, and beginners. He has seen kids as young as four successfully manage the low incline.

ClimbMax Climbing Center has a 40-foot wall outside, as

the 40 - foot climbing tower

operated by Rock Dimensions Photo by Lynn Willis

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 85

capital adventurist

Climbing Definitions basic terms :

Belay— To protect a roped climber from falling by passing the rope through, or around, any type of friction enhancing belay device. Before belay devices were invented, the rope was simply passed around the belayer’s hips to create friction.

Rappelling— (also called abselling in Britain, New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland) is controlled descent down a wall or rock face using ropes.

Anchor— An arrangement of one or (usually) more pieces of gear set up to support the weight of a belay.

Chalk— A compound used to improve grip by absorbing sweat.

It is actually gymnastics chalk, usually magnesium carbonate.

Route— The path of a particular climb, or a predefined set of moves.

Problem— Used in bouldering, the path that a climber takes in order to complete the climb. Same as route in roped climbing. t ypes of climbing :

Bouldering— Climbing a wall up to 14 feet without the use of ropes.

A landing pad below allows the climber to drop safely to the ground after they’ve reached the top.

Lead Rope— The closest to outdoor climbing, typically climbers have their own equipment. This requires more training in order to safely lead others.

Top Rope— Using the security of a rope, a belay partner helps the climber safely ascend and descend. Usually requires an easy route to the top, either by foot path or otherwise.

86

| February 2015

above : At ClimbMax Climbing, Photo courtesy of ClimbMax

well as a variety of top rope walls and bouldering stations inside. Black has noticed a wide range of clients utilizing the gym, from experienced climbers looking to build strength for hard-core weekend outdoor climbs, to new climbers looking for a fun way to stay in shape.

“Now that the sport has taken off,” Beasley observes, “you can speed up the learning curve at the climbing gym or by going out with a certified guide.”

climbing for a cause If you want your climbing dollars to go towards a good cause, check out The Mountain Goat indoor climbing gym located in Greenville, South Carolina. They offer top roping and bouldering, with indoor walls ranging from 12 to 25 feet. The Mountain Goat funnels 100% of revenues into providing free climbing and outdoor trips for at-risk and under-resourced youth.

The Mountain Goat climbing gym is a division of GOAT (Great Outdoor Adventure Trips, Inc.), a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Director Ryan McCrary founded GOAT in 2009. “I was working at an ad agency,” McCrary recalls, “but I loved climbing and outdoor things. At first I just started helping friends learn to climb, but then I saw it as a way to give back.”

GOAT partners with over 40 organizations. “They don’t have the resources to put together a trip or afford sessions at a climbing gym,” McCrary says, “so that’s where we come in.” The Mountain Goat provides access to indoor climbing, as well as outdoor adventures such as rafting, backpacking, and mountain biking to kids who would otherwise be unable to afford it.

Some of the clients they serve include The Frazee Center, Upstate Circle of Friends, The Boys & Girls Club, The Boys Home of the South, White Horse Academy, Generations Group Home, Neighborhood Focus, and KB Mission, to name a few.

Currently serving over 1,200 kids every summer, the program doesn’t just provide

fun. They mentor kids to be leaders and even offer them jobs. One successful candidate now coaches their youth team.

on the precipice : safet y first As with any sport, safety is an important part of training. All climbing gyms require safety waivers, but according to Beasley this is just a legal precaution.

“We’ve never had anyone get hurt on the tower,” Beasley says. “They’re wearing a harness and attached to a rope with a certified staff member operating the belay.”

All staff members at Rock Dimensions have been certified by The Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA). Beasley also teaches a wide variety of certified instructor courses such as Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI), Base Managed Climbing Instructor (BMCI), and Lead Climbing Instructor (LCI).

Stuart Cowles, owner of ClimbMax Climbing Center, teaches a Climbing Wall Instructor Certification Program in conjunction with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA).

premier property management

cliff - hanger : are women better climbers ?

“When I started there weren’t many women in the outdoor scene,” Gwinn recalls.

“It was usually me and five guys.” But since that time Gwinn has noticed a huge increase in the number of women involved in the sport. “In 1995 it was about 80% men and 20% women. Now it’s about 50/50.”

“Younger girls can definitely excel past the boys,” McCrary observes. “Some guys can’t handle how good the girls are. It levels the playing field.”

“Women are better climbers than men because they’re more graceful and have more finesse,” Gwinn says. “They also have less weight to carry.”

Although Stephanie Edwards regularly climbs at ClimbMax Climbing Center in Asheville, she had yet to attend a ladies night. But when instructor Michelle Tuday invited her to the very first ladies night of 2015, she decided to give it a try.

Some ladies nights have fun themes, like ugly sweaters, gold spandex, or super woman, encouraging the gals to adorn costumes or capes while climbing. The night Edwards attended the women enjoyed home-baked cookies between climbs.

Edwards found the atmosphere at ladies night to be more relaxed. “I get nervous when people are watching me climb, or if I think they’re watching me,” Edwards admits. Because of this she tends to climb in the mornings when less people are at the gym, but on this night the girls had the place all to themselves. “Michelle gave everyone individualized attention, she was very encouraging,” Edwards says. “It was more social than a typical night.”

Ladies night at ClimbMax Climbing Center is held on the first and third Mondays of the month, from 6pm to 10pm.

competitively inclined Climbing competitions can run the gamut from small local competitions geared towards fun and confidence building with sponsors offering prizes, to professional sports competitions where climbers qualify to compete at the regional, divisional, national, and even the international level.

ClimbMax hosts the Annual Fall Flash Fest, a local competition in its 20th year, which attracts climbers from all over the region. They also have a competitive climbing team, which is ability-based rather than age-based. The coach determines who is ready to move up.

“I love to see a person who comes in a complete beginner, maybe even afraid of

You hire a money manager to handle your money, so why should your rental property be any different?

Consult with us on your marketing & management needs.

Please call Kyle Moody at Rent-A-Home today!

(828) 676-6764 rentahomeasheville.com

Look for us around town

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 87

capital adventurist

heights, and watch them gain confidence and learn the sport,” Black says.

Although a team may attend a competition together and cheer each other on, climbing is an individual competition sport.

The national governing body of competition climbing in the United States is USA Climbing. The organization receives sanctioning and is recognized by The International Federation for Sport Climbing (IFSC), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).

“In November Mountain Goat hosts the only USA Climbing Competition in South Carolina where competitors can qualify for regionals,” McCrary says.

USA Climbing promotes three competition disciplines: bouldering, sport, and speed climbing.

Mountain Goat runs a Youth and Junior Team that practice twice a week under the guidance of a coach. They also have a Competition Team for advanced climbers wishing to compete at the local, regional, and national level.

Climb@Blue Ridge has a competitive team for climbers of all skill levels, they meet on Thursday nights, from 7-8:30pm.

challenging fun Indoor climbing gyms offer day passes and memberships.

They also host private birthday parties and special interest groups.

According to these experts, climbing is an activity appropriate for the entire family. “All shapes, sizes, and abilities can climb,” Beasley says. “The oldest person I took out was in his 70s.”

“I’m on the short side,” Edwards says, “so I can get frustrated when I can’t reach, but really it’s just an excuse.”

“A lot of kids climb everything in sight, like furniture and trees,” Black says. “It’s great to turn that into a structured 88

| February 2015

above : At The Mountain Goat, Photo by Cam Hill right : At ClimbMax Climbing, Photo courtesy of ClimbMax

activity they can do for life.”

ClimbMax Climbing Center offers an afterschool program for kids ages six to eighteen. Kids build strength and confidence climbing, but they also sharpen their problem-solving abilities.

“It’s a puzzle as well as a workout,” Black says.

“Climbing is very much a problem-solving activity,” McCrary says. “There are a number of ways to get to the top.” The welcoming and fun environment naturally builds community.

“Climbers help each other,” McCrary says. “At first someone might say, ‘I can never do that’. But then everyone encourages them to find their own way.”

Edwards has even designed an indoor route herself. “Anyone can do it with some training,” Edwards explains. “You want to try to mimic the outdoor routes so that it flows.”

Outdoor rock routes naturally offer more holds to choose

from, so movement flows well. Whereas indoors each hold is carefully placed and colored tape helps to differentiate a route.

Unlike dull workout routines that feel like a chore, indoor climbing with its many techniques and variations naturally ignites a sense of adventure. “It makes you feel like a kid again,” Edwards says.

beyond the gym : real rock “Some people never go out to real rock, they’re happy with the climbing wall,” Beasley says.

Many fitness seekers are satisfied with the ease and convenience of the indoor climbing gym. Indoor climbers are able to focus on technique without weather to contend with. They can also climb after dark, which is especially appealing in the winter months.

“To transition outdoors you need a guide to take you to the right place,” Gwinn says. “But at the gym, professionals can just drop in after work and get a great workout.”

“A novice can arrive at the gym with no equipment,” McCrary says. “We provide everything they need, including professional instruction so they can start climbing that day.”

But for those who do want to experience a more natural setting, Rock Dimensions offers a “Tower to Rock” program.

Participants start out at the Tower in Boone, spending a couple hours in the morning learning the basics. After a break for lunch, they spend three to four hours in the afternoon having a real rock experience.

ClimbMax started a new program last summer called “Gym To Crag” to help gym climbers transition outside. The program covers risk management and safety, as well as outdoor etiquette, such as staying on established trails and leaving no negative environmental impact.

Beasley loves being out in the woods with friends where he can unplug and enjoy the community of climbers, but he admits clients vary widely in interest levels. “Often the people we take out to the rock just want to experience it and cross it off their bucket list,” Beasley says. “It may be the only time they climb outdoors.”

“I like climbing outside because you’re connected with nature,” Edwards admits. “But when it’s cold, it’s nice to come inside where you can feel your fingers and toes.”

2015

A Starry Night

art auction and gala gala March

7,

2015

7 PM at Harmony Motors 621 Brevard Rd presented by

harmonymotors.us benefitting

> Climb@Blue Ridge

> The Mountain Goat

> ClimbMax Climbing

> Rock Dimensions

301 Bulls Rd, Taylors, SC rocksandropes.net

43 Wall St, Asheville, NC climbmaxnc.com

61 Byrdland Dr, Greenville, SC mountaingoatclimbing.com

139 S Depot St, Boone, NC rockdimensions.com

tickets: OpenDoorsAsheville.org February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 89

Feb events

february ( daily )

february 3

Balsam Nature Trail

Celtic Fiddle Festival

During daylight hours Mt. Mitchell State Park, Burnsville, NC

Starting at 7pm Heartwood, 1 Heartwood Circle, Abingdon, VA

The highest hiking trail east of the Rocky Mountains is open for hiking. The trail winds through ¾ of a mile of fir, spruce, birch, and ash, and may be covered in snow. The trail is accessed off the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it should be accessed from the north, since annual snowfall, generally over 100 inches, tends to close the southern access. Call the ranger’s office to check on road closures.

> Admission: Free > Info: 828-675-4611 february ( throughout )

Great Decisions 2015 Times & locations vary This roving lecture series will take place according to the following schedule for the month of February: Tuesdays at 7:30pm at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center, Wednesdays at 10am at Blue Ridge Community College’s Bo Thomas Auditorium and at 3pm at Brevard College’s Myers Hall, and Thursdays at 2pm at Isothermal Community College.

The lectures, respectively, will be “Syria’s Refugee Crisis,” by Nora Nassri, “Brazil’s Metamorphosis,” by Liliana Castro, “Privacy in the Digital Age,” by Jagdeep Bhandari, and “Russia and the Near Abroad,” by Steve Solnick. The program is sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, whose mission is “to discuss, debate, and learn about international affairs, national security, and US foreign policy.”

> Admission: $10 > calendar.unca.edu

90

| February 2015

Kevin Burke (Ireland), Andre Bruton (Quebec), and Christian Lemaitre (Brittany) accompanied by master Celtic guitarist Nicolas Quemener (Brittany) will perform, combining their talents, musical traditions, and spontaneous humor for an evening of dazzling energy and subtle grace. In concert each artist plays a solo set, followed by a collaborative set featuring all four musicians.

After the concert, the artists will meet the audience, followed by a transatlantic session and social from 9-11:30pm featuring songs and tunes from the Celtic lands to the Appalachia’s. The festival is a fundraiser to benefit The Crooked Road, William King Museum of Art, and Barter Theatre.

>Tickets for concert & session: $30 > 276-628-3991 or bartertheatre.com february 4

What Entrepreneurs Need to Know about 3D Printing 6:30pm – 8:30pm A-B Tech, Enka Campus, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler, NC Steve Schain of Spectralight Images will explain how business could be garnering marketshare by employing 3D printing.

He’ll demystify the concept, discussing the state of the art and where it’s going, and help attendees discover ideas for making the technology work for them.

Register in advance.

> Free > 828-398-7950 or abtech.edu/sbc

february 5

JB Media: Online Marketing Strategy 8:30am – 9:30am A-B Tech, Enka Campus, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler Connecting with customers on the internet is a shape-shifting prospect requiring continuing education. Representatives from JB Media Group will update attendees on the latest platforms and strategies for executing successful online marketing campaigns. Register in advance.

> Free > 828-398-7950 or abtech.edu/sbc february 5

Montford Park Players Perform 2pm – 3:15pm Reuter Center, UNC Asheville, NC In a lecture, “Is Shakespeare Relevant?” local actor Adrian Suskauer will discuss why the poems and plays written over four centuries ago by the Bard of Avon, are still, as contemporary Ben Jonson claimed, “not for an age, but for all time.” Selections from a number of Shakespeare’s works will be performed by the Montford Park Players.

> Free > 828-251-6140 or calendar.unca.edu

– 22 The Road To Appomattox february 5

Show times vary Barter Stage II, 127 W Main St, Abingdon, VA It’s 150 years ago and General Robert Lee is fleeing Richmond, hoping to rearm the Army of Northern Virginia and mount a campaign to retake Richmond. It’s also

Sugar Mountain Resort Sugar Mountain, North Carolina

www.skisugar.com 2015 and Steve “Beau” Weeks decides to retrace the steps of Lee’s army in hopes of finding his roots through his family’s history. But will this confrontation with history bring renewal or will it end his marriage to Jenny?

> Admission: $29-34 > bartertheatre.com

North Carolina’s Largest Ski Area Skiing / Snowboarding / Tubing Ice Skating / Snowshoeing

february 5

Kevin Burke’s Celtic Fiddle Festival 7pm The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville, NC Fiddlers Kevin Burke from Ireland, Christian Lemaitre from Brittany, and Andre Brunet from Quebec, have been widely acclaimed as among the world’s best. Their show is described as a beautiful and complex juxtaposition of international and original styles.

> Admission: $25 > 828-232-5800

– may 25 Biltmore Premieres: Dressing Downton february 5

9:30am-3:30pm Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Village, NC More than forty award-winning costumes from the popular PBS series Downton Abbey will be modeled on the mansion’s grounds. Outfits range from servants’ uniforms to lavish gowns. The estate has much in common with Highclere Castle, and the costumes will help visitors visualize what life may have been like for the Vanderbilts.

> Included with Estate Admission > 828-225-1333 or biltmore.com february 6

First Thursday Gallery Crawl 5-8pm Downtown Abingdon, VA The First Thursday of the month, the brick sidewalks of Abingdon, Virginia, are filled with people visiting local galleries.

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 91

events

Free trolley rides take visitors from place to place, and many venues offer live music and free refreshments.

> Free > facebook.com/abingdonfirstthursday february 6 , 13 , 20 , 27

Blazing Easels: Asian Art 3-4:30pm Turchin Center, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC Each Saturday through the month of February, graphics designer Kay Bishop will teach children aged seven to twelve a culturally-significant art form from the Far East. On the 6th, the technique of pottery etching will be practiced on paper; on the 13th, straw-operated Indonesian shadow puppets, as well as their stage sets, will be created; on the 20th, a Kanagawa ocean wave will be drawn and decorated with Japanese motifs; and on the 27th, molds will be made for the Indian art of stamping patterns on textiles.

> Admission: $30 for the month > 828-262-3017 or turchincenter@appstate.edu

– march A Chorus Line february 6

1

Fri & Sat 7:30pm | Sun 2:30pm

Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St, Asheville, NC This Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning musical needs no introduction.

Sensational choreography is paired with the musical genius of Marvin Hamlisch in an introspective dramatization of a dance audition. The story provides a glimpse into the struggles and soul that differentiate artists from the other dancers. Adult content may not be appropriate for children.

> Admission: $15 or $20 > ashevilletheatre.org 92

| February 2015

february 6 -7

february 7, 14

67th Annual J. Elwood Roberts Choral Festival

Super Science Saturdays

4pm

Colburn Earth Science Museum, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville, NC

Mars Hill University, Mars Hill, NC The University of Miami’s Dr. Karen Kennedy will conduct 335 auditioned students representing over 100 high schools as they perform selections they have learned in a choral clinic. The festival was established at Mars Hill in 1949, under the leadership of its namesake. It began with only fifteen local schools participating. Now, the university bills the tradition as one of the premiere choral festivals in the state.

> Admission: Free > 866-642-4968 or

choralfestival@mhu.edu

– may 31 Mapping the Cosmos: Jan Hurt and A Constellation of Artists february 6

William King Museum of Art, 415 Academy Drive, Abingdon, VA William King Museum of Art is proud to host this multi-media exhibition modeled after Jan Hurt’s many collaborative exhibitions from far and recent past—in particular the Tarot Card Art exhibition held at the Starving Artist Café in the late 1990s. Mapping the Cosmos began with thirteen hand-selected artists from the region, who then asked one other artist to participate. The total twenty-six artists randomly selected part of the Cosmos from a hat and were allowed to interpret their topic in any media they choose. The artists then sought out, in light of current knowledge or totally disregarding current knowledge, to re-imagine, explore, and reinterpret the Cosmos.

> Free > williamkingmuseum.org

Mid-Day

On the 7th, from 11:30am-2:30pm, in a planetarium show, “The African Sky,” kids can see how the other half lives. The astronomy lesson introduces students to the stars not seen in the Northern Hemisphere. On the 14th, from 1-3pm, in the chemistry lesson, “Love Potions,” children will get to mix their own elixirs.

But beware: The antidotes have been lost.

> Included with museum admission > 828-254-7162 or colburnmuseum.org

february 7, 14 , 21, 28

Bonfire Nights at Chetola Resort 5-8pm

Timberlake’s Restaurant, 500 N Main, Blowing Rock, NC Every Saturday night, guests can gather around a new lawn firepit on the romantic grounds of the historic Manor House Estate. Offerings include s’mores packages, warm beverages, and live music.

The resort features luxury lodging and fine dining on 87 artistically-sculpted acres nestled next to 3,600 acres of protected woodlands.

> $5 per s’mores package > 828-295-5505 or chetola.com february 8

Kontras String Quartet 3pm First Congregational Church, 1735 5th Ave, Hendersonville, NC An ensemble of virtuosos from four continents, the quartet is renowned for its disciplined artistry with cultural nuance.

The group’s album, Shostakovich & Schumann, showcases a spectrum of styles executed with technical precision.

February’s chamber music will feature a Valentine’s Day theme.

> Admission: $20 at the door > 828-808-2314 or

hendersonvillechambermusic.org

february 10

Dan Harris Presents 10 Percent Happier 6:45pm Ferguson Auditorium, A-B Tech, Asheville, NC The famous news personality from ABC News, Nightline, and Good Morning America reported on global atrocities from the Newtown and Aurora shootings to the natural disasters in Myanmar and New Orleans. He covered the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and then he had a panic attack on the air. His book, 10 Percent Happier, tells the story of his road to recovery. This live broadcast is part of A-B Tech’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success’ Spring 2015 Speaker Series. It will be rebroadcast February 20, at 1:45pm.

> Free > 828-398-7900 or abtech.edu february 13

Frankie Avalon 7:30pm Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC The famous teen idol from the pre-Beatles era will share some of his hits, two of which, “Venus” and “Why,” made it to number-one in the United States. Avalon is also known for his acting, having been cast with Annette Funicello in a number of beach movies, as the teen angel in

“Grease,” and also as sundry cameo sitcom parts.

> Admission: $35-45 > 866-273-4615 or

greatmountainmusic.com

february 13

Valentine’s Star Gazing & Tour 7pm The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, 1 Pari Dr, Rosman, NC

Your source for Hearth and Patio needs

The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) will offer a special Valentine’s star-gazy event for starry-eyed lovers. Participants will enjoy a tour of the grounds and exhibits with time to contemplate the majestic heavens, weather permitting.

> Admission: $20 > 828-862-5554 or pari.edu february 13 -15 Valentine’s BOGO at Chimney Rock Park 10am – 4:30pm Chimney Rock, NC For the price of one, two adults can enjoy hiking trails, a 404-foot waterfall, and overlook vistas stretching 75 miles and encompassing Lake Lure. The romantic venue suggests lovers may wish to join the ranks of those who have proposed and accepted on the big rock.

Exceptional dining spots are all around.

Visit the web site to download the coupon. The park may close for inclement weather.

> Admission: $15 > 828-625-9281 or

chimneyrockpark.com

Big Green Egg World’s Best Smoker/Grill The most realistic and natural looking gas logs

828-252-2789 264 Biltmore Ave. Asheville, NC

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 93

events

february 14

Masterworks 5: Denk Plays Asheville 8pm Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, US Cellular Center, Asheville, NC Internationally renowned pianist Jeremy Denk will debut with the Asheville Symphony, under the direction of Daniel Meyer. Audiences will savor a diverse landscape of tones created by maestros seeking to emulate nature. Selections will be “A Thousand Years of Good Prayers,” by Zhou Tian, “Piano Concerto No. 3,” by Bela Bartok, and “Symphony No. 8,” by Antonin Dvorak.

> Admission: $22-62 > 828-254-7046 or

ashevillesymphony.org

– may Anything Goes february 14

16

Barter Theatre Main Stage, 127 W Main St, Abingdon, VA Cole Porter’s first-class musical comedy is the story of two unlikely pairs who set off on the course to true love, proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from some unlikely characters. Featuring “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “You’re The Top,” and the title song, “Anything Goes.”

> Admission: $37-39 > bartertheatre.com february 14

PeanutsTM: The Valentine Express & Sweetheart Train 11am Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 226 Everett St, Bryson City, TN Passengers will enjoy a round-trip ride along the scenic Tuckasegee River, with an hour and a half layover for exploring historic Dillsboro. Poor Charlie will be 94

| February 2015

there to relive his trauma from the 1975 TV episode, “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown.” He, Lucy, and Snoopy are hoping you bring your camera to take their picture with your friends and family.

> Admission: Adults $51 & up, Children $29 & up

> 800-872-4681 or gsmr.com february 15

Frostbite Races 1:30-4:30pm Lelia Patterson Center, 1111 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher, NC How far do you want to go? There will be a 10K, a 5K, and a 1-mile fun run/walk.

The terrain is rated as hilly to challenging, with scenic views. A Wellness Expo will run concurrently, offering games, booths, and music to those who prefer 0mph activities. A portion of proceeds will benefit the United Way—Big Brother, Big Sister program.

> Admission: $10-45 > idaph.net february 19

Genealogy with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 7pm Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville, Asheville, NC Celebrate Black History Month as Henry Louis Gates, Jr., star of the PBS series Finding Your Roots, shares insights on genetics and A frican-American history. Gates is the Alphonse Fletcher University professor and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African-American Research at Harvard.

He has authored seventeen books and fourteen documentary films, focusing on African-American heritage.

> Free > 828-251-6674 or cesap.unca.edu

february 20 & 21

A Life in Song: Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Robert Keener Friday 7pm | Saturday 3pm

Central United Methodist Church, Asheville, NC The Asheville Choral Society, acclaimed for its versatility in executing challenging programming, will celebrate the life and works of its founder, Dr. Robert Keener.

The program will feature “Pater Noster,” a Missa Brevis, by Peteris Vasks, and the “Serenade to Music,” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

> Admission: $24.86 > ashevillechoralsociety.org february 20 - 23 Totally ’80s Retro Ski Weekend All Weekend 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC Beech Mountain encourages you to “dig out your dayglo ski garb from this righteous decade.” Expect no shortage of hysterical nostalgia. Skiers will compete in a Totally Retro Apparel Contest and enjoy live ’80s music, as well as themed specials on food, lodging, and rentals.

The skiing is billed as “superb.”

> Admission varies > 828-387-9283 or beechmtn.com february 20 - 22

Bluegrass First Class All Weekend Crowne Plaza, Asheville, NC The hotel is renting rooms to bluegrass aficionados who will enjoy award-winning acts like Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. Rising stars will also get a chance

on the stage. Event organizers caution: “There will be pickin’ around the clock in the halls, rooms, lounge, sunken lobby, and foyer. The entire hotel is reserved for bluegrass fans and performers—it’s all yours, so just have at it!”

> Admission: $49 each day > 828-254-3211 or bluegrassfirstclass.com

february 21

Naturalist Niche: Winter Tree ID 10:30am-12:30pm Grady’s Animal Discovery Den, 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC Naturalist Ron Lance will guide a trek showing hikers how to identify trees when they don’t have any leaves. Lance is an expert on native plants, having 30 years experience growing, studying, and teaching about them. He has also authored five published guides for identifying local flora. The trail is rated as moderately difficult.

> Admission: $22 > 828-625-9611 or

chimneyrockpark.com

Cutting Edge Technology, Friendly Neighborhood Atmosphere

M artin

Family & Cosmetic

D e n t i s t r y

BA RTO O E. M A RT I N, D.D.S.

18 Clayton Street, Asheville, NC bartmartindentistr y.com 828-255-6200

We Re-Build Dreams.

ADVENTURES NOT INCLUDED.

february 21

Opera Winter Gala

Roadtrek motorhome

6pm Hilton Doubletree, Biltmore Village, NC Get a sneak preview of the Asheville Lyric Opera’s 2015 season at their annual dinner and concert fundraiser.

Selections will be performed from the Barber of Seville, Rigoletto, and West Side Story. A four course dinner will be served featuring the cuisine of local restaurateurs, and silent auction will afford more opportunities to support the arts.

> Admission: $100 > 828-236-0670 or ashevillelyric.org

REFINISHING DETAILING CUSTOM PAINT FIBERGLASS REPAIR

828-693-8246

www.bealandco.net 5522 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 95

estate Bill Fishburne is all about real

the Client

Bill Fishburne Broker-Associate Beverly-Hanks & Assoc.

400 Beverly-Hanks Ctr. Hendersonville, NC 828-777-0096

is all about

real estate

bfishburne@beverly-hanks.com

events

february 21

february 23

Annie Moses Band

LEGO Club

7:30pm The Foundation Performing Arts Center, Isothermal Community College, Spindale, NC

6:30-7:30pm Transylvania County Library, Brevard, NC

A family of Julliard musicians will present “Rhapsody in Bluegrass,” a panoramic exploration of America through strings, keyboards, and percussion. The music is described as genre-bending, mixing Southern gospel, Appalachian bluegrass, Celtic fiddle, classical, jazz, and folk. Formed in 2001 and named after its founders’ grandma, the band has played legendary venues and charted twice with Billboard.

> Admission: $19-$24 > 828-286-9990 or isothermal.edu february 22

“Anything Goes”: The Sounds of Cole Porter 3-4:30pm Porter Center, Brevard College, Brevard, NC The 55-piece Brevard Philharmonic Orchestra will be joined by world-class soloists Tina Milhorn Stallard, Walter Cuttino, Jacob Will, and Janet Hopkins, to perform old-time favorites. Porter was a highly successful composer of romantic pop songs celebrating the highlife for Broadway and Hollywood. “I Get a Kick out of You,” “Begin the Beguine,” and “Night and Day” are among the over twenty hits being featured.

> Admission: $35 > 828-884-4221 or

brevardphilharmonic.org

The Transylvania County Library has a kit of over 10,000 LEGO pieces as the recipient of one of fourteen LEGO Junior Maker Kit grants from the State Library, LEGO, and the Association for Library Service to Children. On the fourth Monday of each month, children aged five to ten are invited to build something based on the theme announced at the prior meeting and posted online by the library. Books to research projects will be made available.

> Admission: Free > 828-884-3151 or

library.transylvaniacounty.org/kids

february 26

Radio Show: “Robin Hood” 7:30pm John W. Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC The third program in the university’s Artist-in-Residence Orchestral series will feature a live radio program with original compositions by conductor Dr. Bruce Frazier. Musical stylings will be provided by students and staff with accompaniment from musicians from the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.

The concert will be preceded by a short “swashbuckling orchestral music” act.

> Admission: $17 > 828-227-2479 or wcu.edu

If your organization has any local press releases for our briefs section or events that you would like to see here feel free to email us at events@capitalatplay.com Please submit your event by the first day of the month preceding your event.

96

| February 2015

february 24 - 26 Small Plate Crawl at Asheville Restaurants Lunch and Dinner Hours Various Locations in Asheville, NC Epicureans may sample delicacies from a dozen or so locally-owned restaurants with chances to win prizes. Restaurants are all within walking distance of downtown and will be displaying blue AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurants) event flags.

> $3-8 per plate > ashevillesmallplatecrawl.com

– may 16 The Miracle Worker february 26

Barter Theatre Main Stage, 127 W Main St, Abingdon, VA Profoundly moving, it’s the true story of the Annie Sullivan—the “Giver of Light”—and her blind and mute student, Helen Keller. Only Annie realizes that a mind and spirit are waiting to be rescued from her dark, tortured silence. Annie’s success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single, glorious word: “water”.

> Admission $34-37 > bartertheatre.com february 28

Saluda Winterfest 6-8:30pm Historic Thompson Store, 24 Main St, Saluda, NC February’s offering will feature the Appalachian/Americana folk band Letters to Abigail and a roast loin of pork dinner served up by Chef Irmy. Thompson’s Store has been in business since 1890, making it the oldest grocer in the state.

Admission covers food and entertainment.

> Admission: $27 > 828-749-2321 JA_capandplay_2_3rd_ad_2015.indd 1

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 1/13/15 4:20 97 PM

Transformations begin here.

Tr a n Transformations begin here. begin here.

Transformations begin here.

Discoverthe thepromise. promise.

Discover Discover the promise.

Students are at the heart of all we do. Because of our size, independent

www.carolinaday.org www.carolinaday.org www.carolinaday.org 828.274.0757 828.274.0757 828.274.0757

Students are at the heart of all we do. Because of our size, independent Students are at excellent the heart faculty of all we do. Because of oureach size, child, independent status, we teach rather status, and and excellent faculty and and staffstaff - we- teach each child, rather status, and excellent faculty and staff we teach each child, rather a test.

Here, child learns, grows, explores thanthan to a to test.

Here, eacheach child learns, grows, and and explores thanhis to or a test.

Here, each child learns, grows, and explores talents intellectual passions his or her her talents and and intellectual passions withwith our our his or her talents and intellectual passions with our full support.

Come classes in session, meet full support.

Come see see classes in session, meet and and full support.

Come see classesand in session, meet andat with faculty, students, current parents talk talk with faculty, students, and current parents atn w w w. c a ro l i a d a y. talk our withAll-School faculty, students, and current parents at Open House on March our All-School Open House on March 11. 11.

8 2 74.0757 our All-School8 Open2 House on .

March 11.

Carolina School - Grades Pre-K/12 Carolina DayDay School - Grades Pre-K/12 Carolina Day - Grades Pre-K/12 Inspire theSchool Journey.

Celebrate the Achievement.

Inspire the Journey. Celebrate the Achievement.

Inspire the Journey. Celebrate the Achievement.

School - Grades Lower School - Grades Pre-K/5 Lower School - Grades KeyKey School - Grades 1-8 1-8Pr MARCH Lower School - Grades Pre-K/5 MARCH 11 11 Key School Grades 1-8 Lower School - Grades Pre-K/5 MARCHOpen 11 for Bright Students Middle School - Grades Middle School 6for Bright Students with with Middle School - Grades 6-8 6-8 All-School House- Grades All-School Open House for Bright Students with Middle School Grades 6-8 Language Learning Differences All-School Open House - Grades Upper School - Grades Upper School Language Learning Differences 9Upper School - Grades 9-129-12 CarolinaDay.org/Visit CarolinaDay.org/Visit Language Learning Differences Upper School - Grades 9-12 98

| February 2015

CarolinaDay.org/Visit

February 2015 | capitalatplay.com 99

Ingles change

100

| February 2015