WNC Business Q1 2023

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From the Publisher

The start of a new year is exciting in many ways. It provides an opportunity to come together as a team and set new goals, create innovative strategies, and provide a fresh perspective on both your business and personal life.

In this issue, we are featuring some best practices for setting and starting business plans for the year that can help you attain the success you are striving to achieve. In addition, we have added some organizations to our business resources, shared some advice from people around the region, and are celebrating some exciting news from a variety of businesses across Western North Carolina.

There are a variety of industries that have an important impact on our region’s economy. Over the year, we will take an in-depth look at the latest economic status of many of these industries. For Q1, we are focusing on Healthcare, Manufacturing, and Real Estate and Construction.

Within each industry focus, we will examine new and exciting developments within the sector. There will also be a profile of a stand-out business within the industry as well as a feature titled “It’s My Job” offering a day-in-the-life perspective of someone actively working in the industry.

Our team is continuing to make more connections within the Western North Carolina region. The goal of WNC Business to serve the area’s business community is one built on these connections, and we encourage you to engage with us and your community as well.

Please remember to visit our website at WNCBusiness.com and create your own free business account. Here, you will be able to share how your business can benefit other businesses in the area, post your business events, and find other companies in the region that may be useful to you as well. You can also sign up for our WNC Business Today e-newsletter while visiting our site to help you stay connected to the WNC Business community on a regular basis.

May 2023 be a productive, successful, and enjoyable year for you and your business.

Brett Hulsey President & Publisher, Hulsey Media, Inc.

WNC Business is brought to you by Hulsey Media, Western North Carolina’s leading source of local knowledge.

Learn more at HulseyMedia.com.

President & Publisher

Brett Hulsey

Editor Randee Brown Advertising

Katie Cornwell | Katie Eastridge Nicole Gardner | Jenn Muckelvaney

Marketing & Operations

Alissa Fuller

Design/Production

LS Creative Cover Photo André Daugherty

We would like to thank the fine businesses and organizations who have purchased advertising in our magazine, thereby helping us to bring you an attractive and informative publication.

If you have a business or provide a service that would benefit from exposure in WNC Business Magazine, call to reserve a space in the next edition. 828-513-3888 Info@WNCBusiness.com WNCBusiness.com @WNCBusiness

Published by 323 N. Main Street, Suite 1 Hendersonville, NC 28792 HulseyMedia.com

Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced in any manner without written consent from publisher. Any opinions expressed in the published works of contributors are those of those authors and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Hulsey Media.

COPYRIGHT 2023 Volume 02 | Issue 01 | Q1 2023

A New Business Resource from the Local Industry Leader.

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Helping Western North Carolina Buy and Sell Businesses

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Cheers!

Business Shout-outs from Around Western North Carolina

Awards & Recognitions

Land of Sky Regional Council was awarded three Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Awards for the following projects: Bridging the Digital Divide-A Western North Carolina Digital Inclusion Plan, Livable Appalachia Summit, and Tunnel Road Corridor Study. The awards were given by the National Association of Development Organization, an association that promotes regional development strategies, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen economic competitiveness and quality of life within local communities across the country.

Four of Pardee UNC Health Care’s oncologists were honored by the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program for their commitment to cancer research and the number of patient enrollments in clinical trials. Praveen Vashist, M.D.; John Hill, M.D.; Navin Anthony, D.O.; and Alexander Treemont, D.O. were presented with their awards at the 2022 NCORP National Meeting. Dr. Vashist received a Gold Certificate of Excellence for having between 10 to 39 patients to clinical trials in the past year. Drs. John Hill and Navin Anthony each received Silver Certificates of Excellence for having between five to nine patients in the past year. Dr. Alexander Treemont received an Honorable Mention for having between one to four patients to clinical trials in the past year.

La Strada restaurant in Lake Lure received a Traveler’s Choice award from TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor’s reviewers placed this restaurant in the top 10 percent

of restaurants worldwide. La Strada is a family owned and operated Italian restaurant business that has been proudly serving North Carolina for nearly 50 years.

TSV Analytics , a social media analytics company based in Hendersonville, has recently been awarded one of the 15 micro-grants from NC Idea Foundation. Recipients were chosen after a three-month competitive application and selection process that drew 135 applications from across the state. NC IDEA, a private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, is in its ninth NC IDEA MICRO grant cycle.

An interdisciplinary team of Western Carolina University faculty, including School of Health Sciences Assistant Professor Sara Duncan, Associate Professor of Geology and Science Education Program Director Frank Forcino and Professor and Experiential and Outdoor Education Program Director Andrew Bobilya in collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ Natural Resources program, Cherokee Central Schools and Swain County High School, received a grant award in the amount of $11,352 from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, a local nonprofit funding agency. Through the grant, local high school students will engage in a project about local water and air quality using Cherokee cultural methods and Western science practices. The project, Our Air: Exploring local air quality through storytelling and community science, is now in its second year.

Promotions & On The Move

Alexa Whitman was named Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s new Public Policy Specialist. Whitman has recently earned a J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. Previously, she received a BA in Art from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA. In her role as Public Policy Specialist, Whitman will work with VP of Public Policy Zach Wallace to advance advocacy agendas, monitor legislation and build community consensus on public policy issues.

Imani West was welcomed as the Food Distribution Assistance Program Associate of Golden LEAF Foundation. Before joining the Foundation, West was the Administrative Director of The Point Care Center where she was responsible for overseeing the operation of and compliance of four food pantries in the Triangle, working closely with the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. Prior to her time at The Point Care Center, she held key roles in the Town of Holly Springs Development Services Department and Habitat for Humanity of Wake County as an AmeriCorps service member. The Food Distribution Assistance Program Associate position will support implementation of programs which includes reviewing applications and developing recommendations for awards, monitoring awards, managing compliance, and participating in outreach and engagement efforts for the programs.

Martha Hill Moore, PhD, LCMHC has joined the AdventHealth Medical Group Psychiatry team. Dr. Moore brings her

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experience of providing individualized, patient-centered care to the behavioral health and wellness programs offered at AdventHealth Hendersonville. Dr. Moore earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Theater Arts from Mars Hill College. She then earned her Master of Counseling degree from the University of Phoenix in Sacramento, CA, and went on to earn her Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN.

Muddy Sneakers’ Board of Directors has named David Rahahę•tih Webb as the organization’s Executive Director. Webb is a nonprofit executive with 26 years of experience in environmental education. His experience includes program development, philanthropy, strategic planning, budget management, capital

projects, diverse revenue generation, event planning, and fostering a diverse and equitable positive work environment.

Haywood Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint Hospital, announced that Chris Brown has been named Chief Executive Officer. With more than a decade of healthcare industry experience, Brown joins Haywood Regional from Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory where he served previously as Chief Operating Officer and interim CEO where he oversaw the financial performance, strategic planning and day-to-day operations of the facility. He was an integral part of overseeing service line operations and growth projects and collaboration between emergency and laboratory services. Prior to Frye Regional, Brown served as COO at Starr Regional Medical

Center in Athens, TN and Etowah, TN, where he oversaw regular operations and implementation of a tele-stroke program and other programs. Brown also was associate administrator at Duke Lifepoint’s Wilson Medical Center in Wilson. He began his career as a radiologic technologist and also is a registered nurse.

Coming Soon

Jami Daniels , owner of The Daniels Group and long-time Asheville entrepreneur, is re-imagining not only her own business model but what a business model could continued on next page

look like for the area’s makers and crafters. Named after her late grandfather, Ernest Daniels, Ernest is the first ever co-warehousing facility for the Asheville area. Born out of a need to revamp her 65,000 square foot building on Sweeten Creek Road, formerly Daniels Graphics, Jami landed on the concept of a space for local makers and entrepreneurs who had outgrown their garage, dining room table, or spare bedroom. Ernest is currently prebooking spaces and is on track to have a fully operational facility in early 2023.

Expansions & Grand Openings

Retro Coffee had their soft opening in South Asheville. The shop features coffee drinks, local art, and outdoor seating. They are located at 2619 Sweeten Creek Road in South Asheville. Learn more at RetroCoffee.Square.Site

Western Women’s Business Center opened a new location in the Asheville Mall. Carolina Small Business Development Fund staff, WWBC Advisory Board Members, and local partners and business resource providers joined in the official opening celebration. The new headquarters of the WWBC will help to provide financial capital and technical assistance to women entrepreneurs in the region.

Land of the Sky Association of Realtors has opened its new events facility Hilltop Event Center located downtown Asheville at 21 Restaurant Court. Hilltop Event Center is available for hosting seminars, classes, or meetings of up to 250 attendees. The space is outfitted with high speed Wi-Fi and stateof-the-art audio and video capabilities. Seating options include theater-style, banquet seating, and classroom tables with individual charging stations at each seat. Rooms can be divided to allow for multiple sessions, and the board room provides both meeting privacy as well as two jumbo screens when remote connections are

necessary. The event center also includes a catering kitchen with space for food prep and storage.

Brittany Sisk of Asheville Family Photography announced the opening of a storefront studio space in Asheville at 76 Glendale Road. Asheville Family Photography specializes in all things family photography including maternity, birth and newborn, children’s, family, and extended family photography.

Southeastern Sports Medicine & Orthopedics , a department of Pardee Hospital, is expanding its orthopedic services with the addition of Matthew Wham, M.D. a sports medicine physician and orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Wham trained with Harvard surgeons and helped take care of the New England Patriots football team, and professional soccer players.

Sage Pet Hospital celebrated their opening day in Hendersonville on Oct. 31. Sage is a privately and locally-owned and patient-focused small animal veterinary hospital offering preventive and sick medicine, surgery and dental services, and integrative medicine options. The pet hospital’s veterinarians are Dr Toria McHarg, Dr. Maria Hes, and Dr. Morgan Box.

Mergers & Acquisitions

Hulsey Media has acquired the Discovery Map of Asheville and Hendersonville, NC and Greenville, SC. Discovery Maps produces hand-drawn maps to help orient travelers to top local tourist destinations. Hulsey Media produces a number of local publications including Aging Resources of WNC, Asheville Ale Trail, Healthcare Resources of WNC, Hendersonville Holidays, Hendersonville Magazine, HomeTown Welcome of Asheville/ Hendersonville, The Real Estate Book of Asheville/Hendersonville, Upstate Ale Trail, WNC Business, and WNC Homeowners Resources Guide.

The WNC Bridge Foundation has officially joined the WNC Nonprofit Pathways Funders’ collaborative. Since its inception in 2006, Pathways has been a space for WNC funders to work together to support the critical work of the region’s nonprofits. Pathways’ original funding partners were the Community Foundation of WNC, United Way of Asheville Buncombe County, and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. The WNC Bridge Foundation has joined this list. Each Partner Funder has committed to continuing to bring capacity-building resources to WNC nonprofits utilizing Pathways’ proven mode of meeting each leader and organization where they are in their leadership journey and organizational life cycle.

Anniversaries & Milestones

Michelle Tracz, CPA, CFE, PLLC and her team celebrate the 10th anniversary of their business. A contract controller, accountant, and consultant, Michelle and her team assist business owners with services including accounting, financial reporting, and consulting, and file documentation.

Devil’s Foot Beverage Company celebrates the fifth anniversary of its first canning day. Since canning the first Classic Ginger Beer five years ago, the local soda company has produced almost 2 million cans distributed to restaurants, shops, breweries, and venues around Western North Carolina. Asheville’s craft soda brews a variety of non-alcoholic beverages from organic ingredients.

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Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s WomanUP Celebration

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its November WomanUP Celebration & Awards Ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville.

WomanUP is an initiative designed to meet the needs of professional women and strives to build a platform of connecting that enables the dynamic female entrepreneurs and professionals in the region to empower, inspire, and support one another.

The list of recipients includes:

• Women Entrepreneur, Best in Business: Laura Wagenknecht, CEO of Mosaic Business Consulting

• Outstanding Woman in Nonprofit Leadership: Teresa Stephens, Vice President of Affordable Communities, Givens Communities

• Woman Executive of the Year: Carol Steen, Vice President of Talent and HR, Biltmore Farms, LLC

• Impact Award: Heather Johnson, Principal and Brand Strategist at Kudzu Brands

• Rising Star Award: Gwendolyn Dare Hageman, Founder/CEO of Darë Vegan Cheese

• S uzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award: Janet R. Cone, Director of Athletics and University Enterprises, UNC Asheville

Laura Webb with Webb Investment Services shared her advocacy for women in business. She also talked about what it means to be an entrepreneur and a risk-taker, and announced the Women Entrepreneur, Best in Business award recipient Laura Wagenknecht, CEO of Mosaic Business Consulting. Wagenknecht accepted the award thanking her many supporters and saying that you never know who may end up supporting you in your own business.

Charles Frederick of TD Bank announced the recipient of the Outstanding Woman in Nonprofit Leadership Teresa Stephens, Vice President of Affordable Communities, Givens Communities, saying that Stephens is a “pioneer of senior affordable housing.”

He said that she is working to develop more affordable housing for seniors as well as consistently providing guidance to others within that sector. Stephens accepted the award stating that it is a privilege to work with Givens Communities and that she is genuinely following her passion of serving seniors of all income levels with this work..

Bill Hathaway and Anne McClintic of MAHEC announced the recipient of the Woman Executive of the Year award Carol Steen, Vice President of Talent and HR, Biltmore Farms, LLC, stating that Steen is a connector of people and is addressing barriers for women and BIPOC (Black and Indigenous people of color). Steen accepted her award with gratitude for her supporters as well as her immigrant parents who were an inspiration for her to support others.

Laura Sullivan of ID.ology Interiors and Design was the recipient of last year’s Impact Award and shared the importance of recognizing the significant impact that women make in business and in life. Sullivan announced this year’s recipient, Heather Johnson, Principal and Brand Strategist at Kudzu Brands, grew her

business by 30 percent in 2022 and has served as a mentor in supporting other women in business. Johnson accepted the award stating that she felt humble to receive it. “All I am doing is serving others,” Johnson said.

Dr. A J Grube of Western Carolina University announced the winner of the Rising Star Award Gwendolyn Dare Hageman, Founder/CEO of Darë Vegan Cheese, Grube said that Hageman has taken the opportunity to collaborate with the community by attending roundtable discussions and conferences. Hageman accepted, stating that she is greatly inspired by the many women entrepreneurs in the Asheville area.

Jessica Juergens announced the Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award’s recipient Janet R. Cone, Director of Athletics and University Enterprises at UNC Asheville. Juergens said that Cone has “elevated the Bulldogs in every way possible.” Cone accepted this award with gratitude and humility stating her mission is to “inspire people to dream more, to do more, and most importantly – to be more.”

Regional Roundup

Business News from Around Western North Carolina

Buncombe County System Logistics-Vertique Announces Expansion

ARDEN – In conjunction with the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners and Economic Development Coalition for AshevilleBuncombe County, System LogisticsVertique, the American operations of System Logistics SpA (Italy), announced plans to invest $8 million in its Asheville operations at Vista Industrial Park. This new project announcement will add 37 net new jobs with an average wage of

$26.38 per hour and sustain 172 existing jobs. The investments will include a new 75,000-square-foot manufacturing building (including 7,000 square feet of office space), doubling the existing facility’s recently installed 125kW PV system, and installation of electric vehicle charging stations. The new positions will include opportunities in manufacturing, assembly and field services as well as openings in engineering, software and project management.

Source: Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County

Buncombe County Reimagining Dearview Initiative to Begin Construction Summer 2023

ASHEVILLE – The Asheville Housing Authority and Mountain Housing Opportunities Inc. were awarded a new construction 9 percent housing tax credit development in Buncombe County. The new rental development is the first phase of the “Reimagining Deaverview” initiative and will have 82 units located at 275 Deaverview Road. The three buildings will have a mix of one-, two-, three-, and fourbedroom units sited upon approximately

3.1 acres. The units will be rented to families making 60 percent and below the area median income. Construction is expected to begin Summer 2023 and will be completed in Fall 2024. In the 2022 cycle, the North Carolina Finance Agency awarded competitive housing tax credit funding to 28 developments in 23 counties, totaling 1,716 affordable apartments.

Source: Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Buncombe County Mission Health Announces New Facility

ASHEVILLE – The team at Mission Health recently broke ground on a new Behavioral Health facility in Asheville. Scheduled to open in early 2023, the 120-bed Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center will offer advanced therapies, technologies and evidencebased best practices to improve the health and well-being of the community. Mission Health’s new $62 million facility will offer 84,000 square feet of space that will include a therapy gymnasium, music therapy, art therapy, and more. The 26acre property will also include outdoor recreation space and gardening. Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center will care for adult, geriatric, adolescent,

and pediatric patients. This expansion adds 38 additional beds that will help meet the growing needs of the community and allow Mission Health to continue to care for patients in a state-of-the-art facility that keeps community members close to home.

Source: Mission Health

Burke County

Gerresheimer Glass Inc Receives Grant for Expansion

MORGANTON - The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority approved a $500,000 grant that will support the expansion of a building that is occupied by Gerresheimer Glass Inc., a manufacturer of pharmaceutical packing supplies. The company plans to add 80,000 square feet of space to the existing facility. This project is expected to create 78 jobs, with an investment of $3.325 million by the company.

Source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

Caldwell County Blue Ridge Energy Donates Truck for Training

LENOIR – Blue Ridge Energy has donated a retired digger derrick line

regional roundup

truck to Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Electrical Lineworker Institute to help train future line technicians. The truck is used to dig holes, set power poles and work with various materials such as transformers and cross arms in the daily work of a line technician to provide reliable electricity. While the truck was retired from Blue Ridge Energy’s fleet of vehicles after being used for a number of years, it has the capacity and technology to provide valuable experience for those enrolled in CCC&TI’s lineworker program.

Source: Blue Ridge Energy

Henderson County Investment Group

Purchases Hendersonville

Honeycrisps

HENDERSONVILLE – Third Street Sports LLC, an ownership group made up of childhood friends Kyle Aldridge, Doug Roper III, and Brad Morrison, have purchased the Hendersonville Honeycrisps, a summer collegiate baseball team playing in The Old North State League.

Aldridge and Roper are former high school teammates and college baseball players

NC IDEA President and Chief Executive Officer Thom Ruhe said the flagship grant program is the SEED program, a program for early founder entrepreneurs caught between an idea and the point at which they can obtain seed capital for their business. The SEED program provides $50,000 to innovative startups with a proven concept even if they are not yet profitable. The funds, along with mentorship and guidance, strive to push companies forward and reduce risk associated with growing startups.

“The MICRO grant program was born out of the need to help entrepreneurs with a great idea but not enough capital to test the idea or build the idea to see if it will work,” Ruhe said. “Through small, projectbased grants, NC IDEA MICRO awards $10,000 in funding to young companies looking to validate and advance their idea. We have found that funding, paired with mentorship and guidance, early in a company’s lifecycle, can make a significant impact on future success.”

Source: Golden Leaf Foundation

NC IDEA Offers Two Funding Programs for Entrepreneurs –the MICRO and SEED Grant Programs.

WNC Nonprofit Pathways Adds Funding Partner

The WNC Bridge Foundation has officially joined the WNC Nonprofit Pathways Funders’ collaborative. Since its inception in 2006, Pathways has been a space for WNC funders to work together to support the critical work of the region’s nonprofits. Pathways’ original funding partners were the Community Foundation of WNC, United Way of Asheville Buncombe County, and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. Pathways now adds the WNC Bridge Foundation to this list. Each Partner Funder has committed to continuing to bring capacity-building resources to WNC nonprofits utilizing Pathways’ proven mode of meeting each leader and organization where they are in their leadership journey and organizational life cycle.

Source: Land of Sky P20 Council, Transylvania County Government

regional roundup

while Roper continued his career in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Aldridge is a CPA, Roper is a banker and the current Mayor of Vidalia, GA, and Morrison owns multiple IT consulting businesses. “We’re excited to partner with the Hendersonville community in bringing high quality baseball and family entertainment back to historic Berkeley Park next summer,” Aldridge said. “We can’t wait to showcase the tremendous baseball talent in the area and build on last year’s successful inaugural season. General Manager Mark Emery and Head Coach Will Lindsey have laid the groundwork for a winning team for years to come.”

Source: Old North State Baseball League

Henderson County Lassonde Industries Inc. Announces Expansion

MOUNTAIN HOME – Lassonde Industries Inc., a leading producer of fruit juices and drinks has confirmed the expansion of its Mountain Home Industrial Park location. The $55 million project includes the construction of a new facility as well as the addition of a new production line. The company employs 135 individuals and expects to add 30 new permanent employees with average wages exceeding the county’s average wage. “The expansion of our plant in Henderson County is a major project for Lassonde and will allow us to meet the growing demand for store brand juice and beverage products across the U.S.,” said Cade Culver, President of Lassonde Pappas, the company’s private brand division. “We look forward to continuing our longstanding commitment to the community of Henderson County. We have several locations across the country; deciding to expand here is a testament to the local workforce and the business-friendly environment in Henderson County.”

Source: Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development

Jackson County American Sewing Corp Receives Grant for Expansion

SYLVA – The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority approved a $60,000 grant that will support the expansion of a building in Sylva that is occupied by American Sewing Corp., a contract manufacturer of textile products for various applications. The company plans to add 12,000 square feet to the existing facility, while creating 12 jobs and investing $96,419 in this project.

Source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

McDowell County Music Venue and Outdoor Club Coming to Marion

MARION – North Cove Leisure Club, a disc golf destination in rural McDowell County, announced plans for a community-owned outdoor music venue and premium outdoor club celebrating nature, outdoor leisure, and recreation. North Cove opened two 18-hole disc golf courses in 2021. North Cove has plans for new outdoor activities, food and drink, scenic venue spaces, and more disc golf.

Source: McDowell Chamber of Commerce

Rutherford County Multipurpose Development Project Breaks Ground

RUTHERFORDTON – The Creekside Crossing Commerce Center is a PropertyWorks multipurpose real estate development project which will begin with a Love’s Travel Stop at the intersection of US Hwy 221 and US Hwy 74 and will eventually include a variety of hotels, restaurants, housing and other retail establishments. With the prospect of an interstate designation and completion of the Shelby bypass and other road construction underway, The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce said that Creekside Crossing Commerce Center’s

85 acres may be a staging area for regional growth.

Source: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Watauga County Watauga Medical Center Recognized by The Leapfrog Group

BOONE – Highlighting its nationally recognized achievements in patient safety and quality, Watauga Medical Center was named a Top Rural Hospital nationally by The Leapfrog Group. Announced recently, the Leapfrog Top Hospital award is widely acknowledged as one of the most competitive awards American hospitals can receive. The Top Hospital designation is bestowed by The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers widely acknowledged as the toughest standardsetters for healthcare safety and quality. Top Hospitals are honored at the 2022 Leapfrog Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. “I am extremely proud of Watauga Medical Center being named a top rural hospital,” said Chuck Mantooth, CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. “This recognition validates our staff’s efforts and dedication toward providing excellent healthcare for our community.”

Source: Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Yancey County

Roadway Extension Coming to West Burnsville Industrial Park

BURNSVILLE – The Industrial Development Fund-Utility Account provided a $600,000 grant that will support a roadway extension for the West Burnsville Industrial Park. The County acquired a 47.6-acre parcel of land as the site of this industrial park and committed additional funding for the necessary infrastructure improvements, which will attract future investment and jobs.

Source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

New Grant Highlights Career Opportunities

A component of the American Rescue Plan Act, the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides $5.4 billion to North Carolina to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery, awarded a grant to the Southwestern Workforce Development Board which covers Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties. This $276,000 grant will invest in the region’s youth by highlighting meaningful career opportunities available locally. Another component of the board’s initiative will focus on fostering productive work environments, promoting talent development and enhancing business growth with work-based learning.

Source: NC Department of Commerce

Entrepreneurship Programs and Tools for Local Employers

The North Carolina Department of Commerce has awarded the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board covering Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties a $904,000 grant that will assist local employers with 25 or fewer employees impacted by the economic conditions caused by the pandemic through a variety of work-based learning tools and entrepreneurship programs with NC IDEA and the NC Community College System.

Source: NC Department of Commerce

Enhancing the Availability of Work-based Learning Opportunities

The North Carolina Department of Commerce awarded 11 NCWorks Small Business Work-Based Learning Grants to the High Country Workforce Development Board which includes Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties. A $500,000 grant will focus on enhancing the availability of work-based learning opportunities, including on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, and work experience training for the more than 9,000 small businesses in the region.

Source: NC Department of Commerce

new year, new strategies

Economic Outlook for 2023

Dr. Chris Kuehl, Chief Economist for Armada Corporate Intelligence, a firm of strategic advisors to business executives, said that there are lots of moving parts and lots up in the air regarding the nation’s economy moving into 2023.

“Some economists are more upbeat and some are more ‘doom and gloom’, and I am somewhere in the middle,” he said. “There is a mild recession that is predicted to turn in Q2 or Q3. There are signs that global inflation is starting to ease and that interest rates may vary.

“The number one concern is labor,” Kuehl said. “In North Carolina, that need is more acute. The state is growing so fast that the growth exacerbates the problem. Industries are expanding and businesses are dying for workers. Sometimes the necessary training isn’t available, and that increases the difficulty of recruitment.”

The state’s location puts it in a unique position in relation to other states in the Southeast, according to Kuehl.

“Northerners are still moving south and industries are relocating south, driven by big decisions and the movement of major company players,” he said. “North Carolina is attractive because of relatively low taxes as well as the southeastern location with one foot still in the Mid-Atlantic corridor. Although there are labor market concerns, the costs of transportation and living are relatively low.”

Reshoring is a major influence on the number of companies relocating to North Carolina as well as to the US in general, according to Kuehl. “Companies are coming back from China, and they are looking for supportive communities with reasonable zoning and regulation,” he said. “This reshoring trend brought $1 trillion to the nation’s economy in 2022, and will do the same for the next seven years.”

Kuehl said that North Carolina has the ability to draw the companies and attract the right demographic to staff the workforce population for them.

“About 73 million baby boomers will leave the workforce by 2023,” he said. “The battle to attract young workers is paramount, and these young workers tend to favor Southern states.”

Kuehl used the phrase “cautious optimism” to describe what businesses should be wary of in 2023. “There are so many unknowns – how far will interest rates go up? Will there be major layoffs? Will there be a general downturn in corporate spending?” he said. “Global bankers are seeing more nervousness and watched 2022’s holiday retail trends closely. There is also a lot of attention paid to geopolitical issues as well as energy and food costs.”

For Western North Carolina specifically, Kuehl said that the area is somewhat insulated from major swings. “The area is

reliant on internal drivers such as tourism and its agricultural influence and still benefits from the state’s growth,” he said. While there is no ‘recession-proofing’ for a business nor a region, Kuehl said that the Asheville area may dodge the worst of the recession. “There is still $3.5 trillion in excess savings, mostly in the accounts of people earning $100,000 or more annually,” he said. “Since Asheville is appealing to the well-off consumer, businesses with this customer base may have more financial wiggle room.”

If a business’ customer base is not that of the above, Kuehl has some suggestions for maintaining success through tough times.

“The company can help maintain its own success by trying to cut costs,” he said. “Letting employees go is a tough call. Since it may have been difficult to hire them in the first place, it may be even more difficult to rehire them later. Reducing inventory is also risky due to the current supply chain issues. Companies may have to narrow their profit margin to stay operationally sound while things are down, and mind the little things that add up – logistics, energy usage, and facility costs.”

Not all industries will be affected by a recession in the same way. “Depending on the circumstances, manufacturers of highquality and fast-shipped products may still thrive, though this is not universal,” Kuehl

said. “Manufacturing may also be able to use technology to automate processes. Companies and industries that are more people-oriented may not have that luxury. For example, if there are no people to offer amenities for tourism and hospitality companies, the business can’t charge as much and the people won’t come.”

Data does suggest that the recession will be short and shallow, according to Kuehl, although it will be more pronounced in industries sensitive to supply chain issues and labor shortages. “We saw off-thecharts growth in 2021 – around 6 percent,” he said. “In 2022 there was still growth, but compared to the previous year, it felt like a dramatic slow-down.” He said that the predictions for 2023 include a slightly negative beginning with the third quarter increasing to a growth rate of around three percent average across the country.

Kuehl said that companies should keep open lines of communication with their employees through tough times and try to connect them to the future of the company.

“Internal workforce development is imperative,” he said. “Make employees aware that there are opportunities to develop more skills within the company, giving them more longevity, more security, and higher wages. Those already working for you may be more amenable to learning.

“People just have to be realistic when it comes to momentum and positivity,” Kuehl said. “You have to level with them.

The workforce and leadership all want honesty, and this is the world we live in right now. Prices and inflation are up but there have been much worse situations in the past. As a country, we’ve worked through them and we can do it again. Staying focused on what we all need to do to survive and staying oriented toward realism may take some extra

effort. Employees like to honestly know and understand what is happening now, and it’s also important to let them know that they will be rewarded when things get better because they stuck with you.”

Next Up...Capital Lanscape & Entrepreneurship in WNC

Brian Jones Hendersonville (828) 708-6640

Nick Iosue Asheville (828) 708-6548

Vince McMahan Fletcher (828) 708-6553

“There is a mild recession that is predicted to turn in Q2 or Q3. There are signs that global inflation is starting to ease and that interest rates may vary.”

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Julie and Mark, members since 2013

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Capital Landscape Assessment of Western North Carolina

Dogwood Health Trust presented a Capital Landscape Assessment for WNC in November 2022, sharing an analysis of the growth capital ecosystem for the region.

Sarah Thompson, Community Investment Vice President for Economic Opportunity at Dogwood Health Trust, a nonprofit created with the purpose to improve the health and well-being of all people and communities, said that Dogwood Health’s investing in the economic opportunity of the community is “one of the greatest tools in the fight against poverty and the best way to improve the social drivers of health.”

“We are a region of predominantly small businesses,” Thompson said. “We want to ensure that entrepreneurs have the support and the capital that they need.” She said that while there are many resources available for small businesses owners and entrepreneurs, they are not always connecting with them.

David Lilly, Founder and President of Lilly Consulting Group, a business growth and development firm, shared some findings from the assessment. “WNC benefits from a robust and dynamic entrepreneurial environment,” Lilly said. There are lots of opportunities on both sides – entrepreneurs seeking capital and the investors interested in lending it, according to Lilly, and there is capital of all kinds available from early, mid- latestage, debt, equity.

Only 3 to 5 percent of entrepreneurs are accessing capital locally. Lilly said that this is the result of a few factors.

“The fragmentation and uncoordinated capital and enterprise enabling ecosystem creates difficulty in locating the capital that is stage appropriate,” Lilly said.

“The capital is heavily skewed toward the venture capital end of the spectrum, as well as much of the capital being concentrated in Asheville and down toward Hendersonville. Other outlying counties may not have the same access. Start-up and pre seed-stage segments are being funded, but they are still underfunded.

“If we could get 100 percent of the companies seeking capital to access capital, we would have a greater pipeline of companies succeeding and growing to the bankable, investable status that we all want them to reach,” Lilly said.

The assessment showed that companies at different stages have different needs. Start-up and pre seed-stage enterprises could have a funding need of $5,000 while early stage entrepreneurs could have funding needs of $1 million to $5 million.

Entrepreneurs are also all at a different point in the life cycle of their business, according to Jesse Fripp, Principal and CEO of Shining Rock Ventures, a management consulting service. “It’s important to note that different institutional providers have more specialized focuses,” Fripp said. “As a business owner, it’s important to know where you fit and that you are aligned with the services, focus, and capital a particular institution offers.”

Fripp said that recommendations from the assessment include breaking down geographic segments and actively facilitating partnerships convening throughout the region getting the information out to those who need it by continuing assessments and collaborative research efforts; continuing assessments and research efforts; and growing existing expertise and building upon the organizational and institutional foundations that do exist in the region.

Asheville’s Expanding Entrepreneurship

According to Jeff Kaplan, Director of Venture Asheville and Director of Entrepreneurship at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, the hot topic in the economic market right now is turbulence. He said that housing issues, talk of recession, and cryptocurrency inflation are on many people’s minds across the county. “Asheville is insulated from a lot of that,” Kaplan said. “Because of the unique aspect of the desirability of a place to live, WNC doesn’t see big swings like some other markets.”

Economic ecosystems, according to Kaplan, need both density and social fabric to thrive. “The density of labor, feedback, ideas, and customers make it easier for businesses to succeed,” he said. “This is a bigger problem farther outside of Asheville. It’s hard to build a business without a support network. Business owners need to be around others doing the same thing.

Kaplan said that the technology industry and remote working capabilities are helping to support that stability. “Asheville Digital Nomads is a great indicator of growth in that space,” Kaplan said of the social community for remote workers. “Several of those members from this organized group have mentioned wanting to start their own company in the near future as well.

Only 3 to 5 percent of entrepreneurs are accessing capital locally.

new year, new strategies

“Another industry that has done well is food and beverage consumer packaged goods,” Kaplan said. “There is a literal appetite for people to buy local, and our locals are willing to spend more for local goods. Take Fresh Market, for example. Their local section does really well in Asheville, but not so well in Atlanta.” He said that the abundance of local farmer’s markets helps with the success of these businesses. “There is so much opportunity to get more sales, more traction, and more data. In 2023, I imagine we’ll see more businesses leaning into that. Like Curate At Home, they’ve found a highgrowth channel for their business with ecommerce that allows for a lifestyle brand with a better margin and better potential. I’d like to see more of that high-growth

entrepreneurial mindset; people should stop shying away from that.”

In addition to Venture Asheville’s existing programs supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, there will be a new program launched in 2023 called the Entrepreneur Resiliency Summit. Kaplan said that this summit will focus on the entrepreneurial journey and improving self-efficacy. This program will be open to the public for those that are a part of the community with an experience portfolio

combine panels, conventions, and workshops to help entrepreneurs create their road map to their future.

Venture Asheville will also open spaces for nonprofits to join Elevate, an Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce initiative

focused on catalyzing Asheville’s highgrowth entrepreneurial community and connecting entrepreneurs to start-up funding, mentors, and talent to scale their ventures. “Some nonprofits are thinking very entrepreneurially with revenue drivers,” Kaplan said. “If a nonprofit has revenue potential, they may be a candidate for these new openings.

Kaplan’s words of wisdom for growing businesses are to focus on doing fewer things from the start, to get really good at them, and to do them in a great and unique way.

Next Up...Understanding You to Understand Your Business

new year, new strategies

Understanding You to Understand Your Business

Finding Your Personality Type to Best Lead Your Business

Tim Polis, a certified John Maxwell leadership coach teacher and trainer, explained that finding your personality type is key to effective leadership. There are several personality assessments available including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, DISC (based on the categories Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance), and the Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator.

“Understanding who you are can help you determine which areas you are stronger in, and conversely, who you need to hire to supplement the areas in which you are weaker,” Polis said. “Properly staffing for tasks that you don’t enjoy or don’t excel at will help your business cover all of its bases.”

Polis also said it is important to take into consideration who you are leading and what their behavioral style is. He said that knowing where your priorities lie and understanding the same of your employees can help you figure out strategies that will work best for you as well as your staff, and allow your company to be its most productive. “Ask the question

‘who am I?’ by doing an assessment first,” Polis said. “Knowing how you prioritize tasks and itemizing your priority list while understanding your behavioral style can help with follow through and thereby increase productivity within your business.”

To determine that list of necessary priorities, Polis suggested remembering the 80/20 rule. “Consider which items will give you the highest return on investment this week. Not this month or this year, but this week. The top 20 percent of your efforts account for 80 percent of the work and vice versa, the remaining 80 percent of your tasks only cover about 20 percent of the work that needs to be done,” Polis said.

Physical and Mental Motivation

Polis also encourages people to surround themselves with motivation. He does a 60-second leadership radio segment on Henderson County’s 95.3 WTZQ every Monday at 5:15 PM. “Even these brief moments can spark a fire under someone and have a lasting effect,” Polis said. “There is no fluff but all tools that can get thoughts out of your head and into reality, encouraging greater self-awareness and greater business strategy.”

In one such radio moment, Polis discussed The Mighty Four of leadership tips:

Make a decision: No matter what it is, just make it.

Set the pace: Create a deadline, real or fake, then work backwards to set the pace.

Walk it out: Movement encourages motivation and discipline, leading to guts and determination.

Don’t look back: There’s nothing there to get stuck on; learn from the past and keep going.

Polis also emphasized the importance of putting your physical body first. “You’ve got to feel good to do good,” he said. “You need to be strong enough for life.” Polis compared taking care of your body to taking care of your car. “Put highperformance products into your highperformance body and you will see a difference.”

As far as exercise is concerned, Polis said to ask yourself some simple questions to get down to the root of your excuses. “If you can do one squat, one push-up, and one second holding a plank for each year of your age, that’s going to have you on a positive track to feeling good in your

body,” he said. How dedicated you are now determines how fun you can be later. Don’t wait until you retire to decide to get into shape. It will likely be a lot tougher to get there then.”

Tools for Decision Making

Decision making is the most important leadership skill someone can have, according to Eli Harari, who is also known as The Thinking Coach. “So many of our decisions are unconsciously made;

To

new year, new strategies

they’ve already been more or less decided for us,” he said. “Instead of abiding by decisions made by ‘the majority’, we need to learn how to think about our decisions for ourselves.”

Personal decision making is really about creating the space to consider the choice, according to Harari. “Although it seems like outward decisions are being made for you, you must either make the decision to change inside yourself or to change something outwardly,” he said.

Harari said that distractions can take away from a person’s decision-making ability. “We must be present with ourselves,” Harari said. “You’ve got to be yourself. It’s when you try to be someone you’re not that this can become a problem, and your first decision must be to accept this. Self-leadership and the ability to make wise decisions for oneself precedes leading others.”

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“Properly staffing for tasks that you don’t enjoy or don’t excel at will help your business cover all of its bases.”

Member FDIC

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Decisions that individuals make have compounding effects, according to Harari. “You cannot be afraid to make a mistake – fear doesn’t allow for creativity,” he said. “People must be allowed to express themselves and make mistakes. Sometimes, when asked to make a decision, people won’t respond honestly because they are afraid, perhaps afraid of embarrassment. If someone keeps quiet instead, they just said yes to something they don’t agree with”

Making decisions begins with thoughts, and Harari said that you must learn how to think before making a decision. “Consider ‘now’ first and move backwards,” Harari said. “Start right now. Without using the past as a benchmark, bring all known facts into the picture. Just because you may have done something before doesn’t mean it may happen again in the same way, so you must start with ‘now’.” He said that fear exists because of your past experiences, and fear was meant to be a safety measure, not a default driver for making decisions.

Understanding where you are in the present moment opens the door to being conscious, according to Harari. “Careful decisions come with consciousness, and when you become conscious, you become more of the CEO of your own life,” he said. “When you can fully understand and stand behind your decisions, you start becoming more powerful.” He said that several aspects are great empowerment and support behind your decisions including intentionality, confidence, reason, and most of all faith.

A person’s core values and principles play a major role in this process as well. “Check with your own reasoning and your own principles. What are your values? What is the purpose of the decision? How does your decision help others?” Harari said he believes that self-centered decisions are very weak, opposed to decisions on behalf of others that can be strong and purposeful. “Check the source of your core beliefs too,” he said. “Many of our current beliefs are hand-me-downs that we buy into, but may not be real for us. You have to be tuned in to your gut.”

After careful consideration in any decision, Harari said that the decision still may not be perfect, and that is OK. “There’s no such thing as a 100 percent perfect decision. It’s a trap,” he said. “There is always some unknown. Always consider that a decision can still be fallible and allow the space to course-correct after the decision has been made. Aim for a 75 percent perfect decision so that you still have 25 percent for adjustments. If you try for 100 percent perfection, you’ll usually end up with only 50 percent.”

Harari finished his presentation by returning to the importance of being present. “Take 10 minutes to yourself every morning and every evening,” he said. “Decide in the morning who you are going to be each day. Decide what to let go of and decide what to grow. Look at yourself in the mirror and congratulate who you are. Make a decision to become powerful, and make a decision to not let it get to your head.”

new year, new strategies

Last Up...

Understanding Your Business to Move Toward a Positive Year

There are plenty of considerations for any business as we begin a new year, and according to Roy Hill, a mentor with the WNC Chapter of SCORE, a network of volunteer expert business mentors, a full and complete understanding of your business is the best place to start.

“You’ve really got to understand how your business works,” Hill said. “Perform a self-assessment of your business in order to gather information about where it is, where you are spending your time, what your profit margins are, and if there is any seasonality related to the business. You’ve got to know where you are to figure out where you need to go.”

Hill said that this data will set the stage for any kind of business plan. “If you don’t have any data, you need to be thinking about how to get some,” he said. “You’ve got to be able to look at the cause and effect of your decisions.” Hill said that today’s technology allows for hundreds of resources for data collection. “There are so many possibilities within a huge variety of apps and programs, some are even industry-specific. If you can’t determine which is the best program for you, talk to others in your sector and find out what is working for them.”

Once you have a baseline understanding of where your business is, the next step Hill recommends is to determine your risk profile. “How big are your goals? What are you willing to risk to gain these? What can you sleep with at night?” Hill asked. “The

answers will make a difference in how you structure your whole year.”

According to Hill, business planning needs to be continuous and across both the short- and long-term. “You can’t make a five-year plan without first planning for the next six months,” he said. “With a shortterm plan in place, it’s easier to look at the long-term. You can always keep the long-term plan flexible to pivot and shift as needed.”

Once your plans are in place, Hill said that a business owner needs to see if there is room for expansion with the business’s current standing. “If not,” he said, “look for where you need to make adjustments if you are unhappy with your current results. Take a look at yourself, too. Check if you

new year, new strategies

are aligned with the business and the right line of work, and check for where you may be able to pivot to more closely match your personal skills.”

Money, Hill said, is an important factor to consider as well. “A business owner has to know how much money they need to live on,” he said. “Make notes of where your money comes from and where it goes, and understand how your personal finances are interlocked with the finances of your business.” When determining the number needed to live on, Hill suggests also accounting for a business reserve for when things go wrong, for example, necessary repairs that may come up.

Once a business has the metrics in place and the business owner knows the dollar amount necessary to live, Hill said it’s then possible to determine if your business is doing well or not. “Don’t wait til the end of the month to look at your numbers,” he said. “Take a look at your key positioning indicators, and get a feel for how your business could do better. The goal should always be continuous improvement. Keep looking for where the train could leave the tracks. If you have a curve ahead – slow down. If there is a hill approaching – give it some power.”

Focusing on the tasks you are good at can help your business become more efficient, according to Hill. “First, make a list of all of the tasks that you are actually doing throughout the day,” Hill said. “Find out where the waste is, and determine what you can become better or more efficient at. Think about what you can have someone else do that may streamline these tasks.”

Outsourcing certain tasks such as marketing, information technology, legal services, and accounting are professional services that are available to support businesses.

Larger businesses may be able to structure their company in a way that makes it practical to outsource some tasks, but it may be more difficult for smaller businesses. “A small business owner wears something like 25 different hats,” Hill said. “Since the owner may be the sole engine of the company, it may not always be practical to outsource different tasks.”

When it is not possible to outsource tasks, Hill suggests taking a course on a particular topic to learn how to perform that task more effectively. Hill also suggests standardizing existing systems and processes to make them more efficient. “Make each step standard,” he said. “Instructions and training materials can be streamlined, as can communication. Make it easy for the next person to understand what is going on, where the company is in each process, and what the next person needs to do to complete the task at hand. This promotes continuity, teamwork, and saves time by eliminating the need for employees to ask repetitive questions and reduces chances for balls being dropped.”

Communication is essential for any system or process in any business, according to Hill. “The regularity and scheduling of team meetings can vary, but they need to happen,” he said. “It never hurts to start off the morning with a quick meeting, even

if only 10 minutes long.” He said that oneon-one meetings with each employee are helpful as well. “It’s important to check in with each individual to keep up with what they are doing and how they are doing,” he said. “Keep notes of where there needs to be improvement, and also of where they are doing well. The good things need to be reiterated just as much as the bad things need to be corrected. Also, if there are problems, speak with that employee to find out where they are arising. It may be a problem that is handed to them instead of something they are doing wrong.”

When reiterating the positives of an individual’s work, Hill said that positive reinforcement can come in many forms. “Positive reinforcement turns into motivation,” he said. “Whether it be a raise, extra time off, a bonus, verbal praise, or a lunch, individuals will work harder if they are incentivized and know that they are appreciated. If you are in any position to reward your employees, you’d be foolish if you don’t.”

While all of the above can help a business get into a position to grow, Hill said that knowing who and when to ask for help can have a tremendous impact on any business or organization. “There are so many free resources around WNC,” he said. “From local colleges, county Chambers of Commerce, SCORE, small businesses associations, and other organizations, look at the focus of each of these resources and find the one that matches your needs. Knowing the key thing that you are looking for can help find the right resource. Know the key words, call around and ask, and keep looking until you find what you need.”

Find a list of Business Resources on Page 68, or online at WNCBusiness. com/Resources.

“Positive reinforcement turns into motivation.”

For 125 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been committed to building a stronger community. Our initiatives and projects have stimulated economic development and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses.

Today, we are the local champion for a balanced, thriving economy and connect businesses, large and small, to the resources they need to be successful.

We believe that together, we are more.

Join us in celebrating 125 years and discover all the ways the Asheville Chamber can grow your business and your community at: www.ashevillechamber.org

industry spotlight Healthcare

The healthcare industry is a sector that makes up a large part of the economy for the Asheville Metro Statistical Area which comprises Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Madison Counties.

shared data showing the overall concentration of jobs in the Asheville MSA was 18 percent greater than the national average in 2021. Riverbird Research’s data healthcare industry segment includes social assistance jobs.

In the same year, the Asheville MSA showed 1,779 payrolled locations with employees earning an average annual wage of $57,593. Buncombe County boasts the majority of the jobs – 22,630, followed by Henderson, Haywood, and Madison with 5,736, 2,290, and 516 jobs respectively.

WNC Business asked representatives of some major healthcare centers in the region to share their thoughts about the state of healthcare in the economy. Their statements regarding the current state of the industry and some projections for the coming year are included below.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

The Appalachian Regional Healthcare System consists of three hospitals and inpatient facilities, nine outpatient facilities, and 14 medical offices including Appalachian Regional Medical Associates, Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital. These facilities are comprised of various locations across the High Country in Banner Elk, Boone, Jefferson, Linville, and West Jefferson providing care services including diabetes, gastroenterology, nutrition therapy, rheumatology, stroke, and more.

Boone’s first hospital was opened in 1925, operating in the Lovill House Annex before moving to the Watauga County Hospital (now Watauga Medical Center) location in 1967. Through a recent affiliation agreement with UNC Health, Appalachian

Regional Healthcare System said that they are now able to further invest in services, technology, equipment, and facilities.

ARHS also said that the agreement will also allow the healthcare system to expand services, enhance the quality of patient care, and obtain resources to support talent and recruitment efforts and provide opportunities for growth and advancement for its 3,000 current employees and providers.

Watauga Medical Center was recently named a Top Rural Hospital by The Leapfrog Group. The quality of patient care across many areas of hospital performance is considered in establishing the qualifications for the award, including infection rates, practices for safer surgery, maternity care, and the hospital’s capacity to prevent medication errors.

Source: Appalachian Regional Medical Center

Heidi Reiber, Senior Director of Riverbird Research at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce,

Imaging nurses at AdventHealth.

Haywood Regional Medical Center

Haywood Regional Medical Center, A Duke LifePoint Hospital based in Clyde, consists of seven locations across Haywood County. Their locations offer a variety of services including an emergency department, a health and fitness center, hospice and palliative care, primary care, and specialty care departments such as behavioral health, cardiology, cancer, lung, pediatric, spine, and more.

The hospital was the first county hospital in the state, created in 1927. It is now licensed for 154 beds, and the campus is home to the 54,000 square foot Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center, and the 44,000 square foot Outpatient Care Center (includes the outpatient surgery center, laboratory, imaging center and physician practices). Haywood Regional Medical Center also operates urgent care centers in both Hazelwood and Canton.

With more than 800 employees including 108 providers added in 2021, Haywood Regional Medical Center distributed a payroll of $64,794,038 in 2021. They also made more than $3.5 million in capital improvements, provided more than $25.6 million in services to those in need, and paid $7,510,097 in taxes. Haywood Regional Medical Center’s economic impact in 2021 totaled more than $33 million including uncompensated care, professional development, tuition reimbursement.

New providers were added in family medicine, gastroenterology, orthopedics and spine, urology, teleneurology, telestroke, and telepsychiatry. Facility improvements were made including a new OR microscope, a digital mobile C-Arm for radiology services, and an air handler unit control upgrade.

Source: Haywood Regional Medical Center

St. Luke’s Hospital

Based in Polk County, St. Luke’s Hospital consists of 11 locations across Columbus

and Saluda. These locations include an emergency department, Foothills Medical Associates, Saluda Family Medicine, Senior Family Solutions and more, as well as services such as general surgery, orthopedic and sports medicine, radiology, rehabilitation, urology, and more.

Opening in 1929 with a combined staff of 10 individuals, the team at the nonprofit, community-owned hospital now consists of about 300 healthcare professionals.

Partnered with Atrium Health, the hospital’s leadership established a plan for growth and sustainability that St. Luke’s said is paying off. In 2021, Healthgrades. com ranked St. Luke’s and Atrium Health Cleveland in the top five percent in the nation for overall clinical excellence. The hospital received other 2021 designations such as healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award, America’s 100 Best Pulmonary Care, and Stroke Care Excellence Award.

Source: St. Luke’s Hospital and Healthgrades.com.

HCA Healthcare and Mission Health System

In February 2019, HCA Healthcare purchased the Mission Health System, transitioning the Hospital from a nonprofit to a for-profit organization.

Following a major transition such as ownership, many businesses experience an attrition of employees, according to Nancy Lindell, Division Director of Public and Media Relations for HCA Healthcare’s North Carolina Division and Mission Health. For Mission Health, she said, this attrition immediately followed by the pandemic and then the ‘Great Resignation’ had a compounding effect on the hospital’s staffing, though they have programs in place to try to mitigate the situation.

“Mission Health offers a Certified Nursing Assistant program at two locations continued on next page

healthcare snapshot

(NAICS 62), Asheville MSA*

32,715

Jobs in 2016 31,172 Jobs in 2021 -1,543 2016-2021 Change in Jobs $57,593 Average Annual Wage (2021) 1,779 Payrolled Business Locations in 2021 -5%

Job Growth

The 2016-2021 jobs change lagged when compared to the state’s overall 5% increase.

The overall concentration of jobs in the Asheville MSA was 18% greater than the national average in 2021 and this suggests the region likely has areas of specialization in Health Care and Social Assistance activities.

Jobs By County (2021)

Buncombe 22,630 Henderson 5,736 Haywood 2,290 Madison 516

*Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties.

NAICS refers to the North American Industry Classification System.

Source: Lightcast, 2022.4

– Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and Mission Hospital,” Lindell said. “People can go into the program and learn while they are getting paid. It is a six-week program consisting of classroom hours, a simulation lab, and supervised hours in clinical units. These individuals are not only students; they are hired as a Patient Safety Attendant of Mission Health. They earn an hourly wage in addition to a benefits package including healthcare, paid time off, and a 401(k).” This program also can be a prelude into nursing school, she said. “Many schools require a CNA certification before entering the school,” Lindell said. “If they choose to pursue that path, individuals may also be eligible for tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per calendar year as employees of Mission Health.”

Mission Health also said that they are funding an instructor position at three local nursing schools. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; Blue Ridge Community College and Western Carolina University now have the potential to add 30 students into nursing programs because of this staffing.Mission Health’s affiliate, Galen College of Nursing, started online classes in Fall 2022 and opened a new campus in Asheville on Dec. 15. “As we continue to look at creative ways to combat the healthcare worker shortage across the United States, we are proud not only of our strong partnership with our area colleges, but to help bring an additional education option to our community,” said Fran Paschall, Mission Health Chief Nursing Executive.

Lindell said that while it is important to focus efforts on acquiring new healthcare workers, retention of current employees is a priority for Mission Health. “HCA Healthcare has funded $20 million in raises for staff involved in direct patient care,” she said. “This is as much as a 15 percent raise.”

While working toward expansion of staff, Mission Health and HCA Healthcare are also expanding services. They opened the new $68 million Angel Medical Center in Franklin in September of 2022. The facility will also be home to a new heliport for Mountain Area Medical Airlift in early 2023. “It will house both the MAMA crew and the MAMA 2 helicopter,” she said. “This facility is only a 10-minute flight to the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital.”

Mission Health plans to open a new behavioral health facility, the Sweeten Creek Mental Health and Wellness Center, in early 2023. The facility will offer 120 beds and multiple therapies, a gymnasium for physical activities, and outdoor recreational spaces for patients.

Executive Director of the Economic Development Coalition for AshevilleBuncombe County Clark Duncan said that locally manufacturing critical personal protective equipment products will benefit both the economy and long term public health of our region. The joint venture between HCA Healthcare and A Plus International Inc. with support from the HCA Healthcare Mission Innovation Fund LLC began manufacturing PPE masks in Asheville during the pandemic. “We opened our own plant because of the

supply chain issues during the pandemic,” Lindell said. “We had to make sure that we are able to properly protect our staff and patients. It is still in production now, and will continue to be in production into the future.”

During staff and facility expansions, Lindell said that quality of care is still a top priority for Mission Health. “Mission Hospital received their third consecutive Grade A rating from The Leapfrog Group,” she said. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. Mission Hospital McDowell also received this Hospital Safety Grade from Leapfrog.

Transylvania Regional Hospital and its Transitional Care Unit have both earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards in Fall 2022. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a health care organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

“The Mission Health System receives many other accolades for quality, including the highest star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons as well as being recognized as one of the Top 50 Best Hospitals in America by Healthgrades in 2022,” Lindell said. Mission Health was the only hospital in North Carolina to receive this designation.

“As we continue to look at creative ways to combat the healthcare worker shortage across the United States, we are proud not only of our strong partnership with our area colleges, but to help bring an additional education option to our community.”

Pardee UNC Health Care

Founded in 1953, Pardee UNC Health Care is one of the few remaining independent, county-owned nonprofit healthcare facilities in the Western North Carolina region.

With more than 1,500 employees, Pardee is the second largest employer in Henderson County. Composed of a state-of-theart cancer center, a comprehensive physician practice network, four urgent care locations, three rehabilitation and wellness centers, 11 primary care practices, six employer-based clinics, and six orthopedic clinics, Pardee’s medical staff represents more than 40 specialties. Managed by UNC Health, Pardee has the advantage of the many benefits of a statewide health organization while retaining decision making power at a local

level. Pardee is led by a Board of Directors that is composed of residents who live and work in Western North Carolina, and includes two seats appointed by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners.

Pardee UNC Health Care’s specialties include its High-Risk Breast Clinic, cancer research clinical trials, and cardiovascular care. Pardee cardiologists work jointly with Henderson, Transylvania and Polk County EMS to provide ongoing training to staff so they can care for a heart attack patient the moment they arrive on scene and then work in tandem during transport to begin initial treatment.

The rural nature of the WNC region can result in difficulties reaching people in remote locations that may lack transportation. Lower access to the

internet that could be useful for virtual visits can also be a challenge. Pardee and other providers have a system in place to notify each other during times of needed support. There may be some specialties or services that Pardee or one its area healthcare providers may not provide. In emergent situations, Pardee is able to receive a patient, assess their situation, stabilize them and if warranted, have EMS transport them to the appropriate facility. This collaboration also includes two physicians that support the Emergency Department in Polk County at all times.

While the unique location in Western North Carolina can present challenges, the region’s culture and climate also attract top talent from across the country who wish to locate to this community. continued on next page

CORPORATE EVENTS & PARTIES

3 Unique Event Spaces

That being said, John Bryant, Vice President of Workforce Development for Pardee UNC Health Care said that Pardee has found that the region at large has lost talent even as the population has grown. “Pardee is choosing to invest in our existing talent and in our community,” Bryant said. “Much of our efforts have been aimed at engaging with talent historically underserved by our industry. Customer service is difficult in any industry, and we have been very successful in training retail talent to be the face of our organization to patients in our hospital, clinics and practices.

“We have engaged with high school students just beginning their clinical careers and obtaining nursing assistant certification from the public school system,” Bryant said. “We have found success in establishing nursing teams that include Licensed Practical Nurses, allowing our in-demand Registered Nurses to operate at the top of their licenses and delegate those tasks they can.”

Pardee has established several courses to help people already in the workforce gain additional education for potential advanced career opportunities. “We have organized new paid training

courses through our Pardee Pathways program in close partnership with Blue Ridge Community College,” Bryant said. “Participants in these courses are hired by Pardee and paid for their instructional time as well as during their hands-on clinical training. Students can join our organization, earning and learning, without interrupting their careers. This helps us extend the excellent career opportunities at Pardee to those who may find it difficult to juggle additional education with their families and full lives.”

Bryant also believes that retention of existing employees is just as important, if not more, than the recruitment of new talent. “I believe our region is facing systemic pressures we all must acknowledge and address if we are to stem the flow of vital talent pools from our region, and to replace those who retire each year,” Bryant said. “Housing prices in this region have become untethered from economic fundamentals in the labor market. In response to these pressures, Pardee has made wage adjustments costing more than $2 million dollars annually, specifically to protect those at or near our minimum wage.”

Pardee is also expanding its primary care, urgent care, and specialty services

throughout Henderson, south Buncombe, Transylvania and Haywood Counties to meet the community’s growing needs. Pardee expanded its cardiac service by becoming a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention designated hospital able to treat heart attack patients around the clock. Pardee is one of only two hospitals in Western North Carolina able to provide this level of care.

On Sept. 1, Pardee UNC Health Care’s 11 primary care practices serving Henderson, Buncombe and Transylvania Counties became Pardee BlueMD. The change in name supports Pardee’s recent change to become a sub-recipient within Blue Ridge Health’s designation as an Federally Qualified Health Center.

Pardee UNC Health Care and Blue Ridge Health continue their long-standing relationship and commitment to continued innovation to reduce gaps in care, create a more seamless care delivery model, and improve patient outcomes, while maintaining independence within their respective organizations. Under the FQHC model, each Pardee BlueMD practice will provide comprehensive, culturallycompetent, quality primary healthcare services to all patients, regardless of ability to pay.

Grand Opening of AdventHealth Medical Group Multipecialty at Candler

In early 2023, Pardee plans to partner with surgeons across the region to open The Surgery Center at Mills River on the Pardee Mills River Campus. Pardee officials said the stand alone surgery center, which will include options for orthopedic, ophthalmology, gynecology, oncology,spine surgeries, and more will be the first of its kind in Henderson County. The 17,000-square-foot facility will house 10 prep and recovery and six post-anesthesia care unit bays.

AdventHealth Hendersonville

AdventHealth Hendersonville’s location in and engagement with the Western North Carolina community allows the hospital to provide whole-person care to a growing number of people. According to Victoria Dunkle, Director of Communications and Public Relations, the hospital is seeing a steady growth in population across the state’s western counties. This growth includes people retiring in the region and relocating to WNC for work.

According to Dunkle, the location itself provides a unique opportunity for filling available positions within the hospital. “Our region’s unique beauty and quality of life offerings also provide an exceptional tool for recruiting leading health care providers who want to experience the balance of work and life with an organization that values their well-being as much as the well-being of its patients,” she said.

AdventHealth Hendersonville currently employs more than 1,100 people in WNC. “We provide our whole-person care to patients in our hospital in Hendersonville, along with nearly 40 AdventHealth Medical Group locations across the region,” Dunkle said. “In recent years, AdventHealth Hendersonville has grown options with the opening of primary care and multi-specialty offices in Buncombe and Transylvania Counties. Our Cancer Services program offers comprehensive care at four centers across Western

North Carolina. We have also launched a multi-specialty virtual health option for patients. This was in the works before the COVID-19 pandemic began and we were able to bring it as a care option to our patients within the first weeks of the lockdown. It has grown into a popular option for patients who cannot make it in for in-person appointments for a variety of reasons.”

AdventHealth received approval from the state in November to build a new community hospital in Buncombe County. Dunkle said that AdventHealth Hendersonville received more than 4,000 letters of support from government and community leaders, as well as from residents of Buncombe County and surrounding areas.

AdventHealth Asheville will provide provide surgical specialties similar to those currently offered at AdventHealth Hendersonville including cardiothoracic, general surgery, neurosurgery, OB/GYN, ophthalmology, oral/dental, orthopedics, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, podiatry, urology, and vascular surgery. An emergency department, labor and delivery center, and 67 beds to care for medical, surgical, and ICU patients will also be part of this facility, according to Dunkle.

“Expansion will include adding access to care when and where people want it,” Dunkle said. “One example is adding new specialty care providers to our AdventHealth Medical Group Multispecialty at Candler. We just welcomed board-certified and daVinci trained OB/GYN, Natalie Rochester, MD, FACOG to the Candler location. This brings an additional point of women’s health care to the office that is already home to primary care, rheumatology, ENT and diagnostic services.”

To support the growing staffing needs, AdventHealth has established earn-whileyou-learn opportunities for people in our

community who are looking to get their start in the healthcare industry. Certified Nursing Aide and Certified Medical Assistant programs in collaboration with Blue Ridge Community College are currently in place.

“Once a person joins the AdventHealth team, their leader will have regular conversations with them to establish and support them as they take control of their growth,” Dunkle said. “Our leadership will equip them with tools to realize their potential and career goals across the organization. This includes debt-free education.”

“AdventHealth is home to leading edge technology that is advancing surgery care to be more efficient and reducing patient recovery times. Our robotic surgery platforms include da Vinci® Xi and Mazor X Robotic Guidance System. We will soon be offering VELYS robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery,” Dunkle said. “The AdventHealth Hendersonville Orthopedic Program is also leading the region in several technological care firsts such as the Misonix™ Ultrasonic Spinal Surgery, nanoLOCK® Spine Implant nanotechnology for spinal surgeries and the ProAxis® Spinal Surgical Table.”

Mercy Urgent Care’s New Membership Model and Other Programs

Founded in 1900, Mercy Urgent Care is working to meet the needs of local Western North Carolina communities and introduced several new programs in the last year. MercyMotion is a physical therapy service, Mercy Mindful is a mental health service, and MercyMe Team Care is a membership model which can benefit employers, individuals, families, and those without insurance. These programs aim to make healthcare of all forms more accessible for all.

Headquartered in Asheville, Mercy Urgent Care provides services to patients at eight continued on next page

locations across Buncombe, Haywood, Polk, Transylvania and Yancey Counties. The broader Sisters of Mercy organization began in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. Mercy Urgent Care remains a local, nonprofit, sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy.

Mercy employs approximately 100 people across eight locations. Their nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians care for about 70,000 patients annually, with more than 1.5 million patients seen since 1985. Other healthcare professionals round out Mercy’s team approach to care, with three to 10 staff providing care at any given time, depending on the size and capacity of the location.

MercyMe Team Care launched this summer. MercyMe was created to offer health care services for a low monthly

membership fee instead of for per-visit prices.

“While it is not insurance and cannot be billed to insurance, it is a great way to offer employees healthcare services through an affordable monthly membership,” Mercy Urgent Care CEO Rachel Sossoman said. “The program is different from a direct primary care model in that MercyMe is more comprehensive. Patients can be seen at any of the eight locations, and physicians can connect with other providers within the system to confer about a patient’s previous care.”

Mercy Urgent Care’s after-hours labs provide 24/7 drug and alcohol testing, services some employers, turn to especially after an accident occurs on the job. “MercyMindful, the new mental health division, has seen an overwhelming

response from employees as the demand for this service increases,” Sossoman said. Also available to individuals and families, a MercyMe membership includes unlimited in-office or virtual urgent care visits, a yearly health physical, flu shots, BMI, A1C and blood pressure assessments, vision screenings, discounts on durable medical equipment and labs. While prescriptions aren't included in the membership fee, they are available at deeply discounted cash pay rates. Mental health and physical therapy services, available through the MercyMindful and MercyMotion programs, also can be added to memberships for an additional cost with a one-year commitment required for joining this program.

“We have lots of resources to improve efficiency in all factors. Nonvalue time such as check-ins and wait times are kept to a minimum. We strive to have patients in and out in under 60 minutes,” she said.

“We also offer exclusive services that can keep patients out of the hospital unnecessarily. One of those is cuttingedge technology that can detect a concussion within 15 minutes,” Sossoman said. BrainScope is a handheld device that provides FDA-cleared indications for the likelihood of concussion and/or brain bleed, all without radiation and at a fraction of the cost of an emergency room visit and/or CT scan. “We are working to partner with sports teams and schools to get the word out so that parents know this service is available,” she said.

Mercy Urgent Care is available seven days a week to everyone in Western North Carolina to help with any nonlife-threatening health care needs. Memberships are not required for care. Mercy still accepts most major insurance, and its tiered pricing program is still available to self-pay patients who are not members. “We strive to offer the lowest price point in the region and provide healthcare to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay,” Sossoman said.

Education and Networking for Healthcare Professionals

Founded in 1992, the Western North Carolina Medical Managers Association is a nonprofit coalition of practice administrators, vendors and friends of the healthcare industry. The organization has more than 200 members and provides educational, networking, and social organization for healthcare leaders. The mission of WNCMMA is to provide relevant education, inspiration and opportunity to health care administrators, leaders, and allied members around WNC.

The membership consists of two types of members. Active memberships are available for people in leadership, supervisory, practice management, or other administrative roles in healthcare. Allied memberships are available for

non-managers in healthcare or anyone interested in being a part of the group regardless of healthcare leadership.

Membership service can range from meeting attendance and participation in educational discussions to board service to event planning.

All members receive free access to an annual social, an annual conference, all networking and education luncheons throughout the year, and additional educational or networking resources. Educational topics and resources address issues relevant to medical leaders including but not limited to practice management and leadership, legal and risk management, legislative updates, governance, HIPAA and healthcare compliance, billing and coding, human resource management, and patient access and satisfaction.

The resources, education, and networking opportunities are designed to benefit all segments of the healthcare industry from primary care, to specialty care, to hospitals, to ancillary healthcare services such as laboratories.

WNCMMA aims to provide relevant and timely resources that benefit medical leaders and the healthcare industry in Western North Carolina. The organization connects with leaders at the local, state, and regional levels to ensure its members are well informed, prepared, and equipped to be exemplary leaders in healthcare.

To learn more, visit WNCMedicalManagers. com or to get involved, complete the form at WNCMedicalManagers.com/Contact or email WNCMMA@gmail.com.

COMMITMENT.

THAT’S MY MISS IO N.

I am deeply committed to this community. I’ve lived here all my life and have also been a part of the Mission family for more than 20 years. Now, as Assistant Chief Nursing O cer, I play a direct role in ensuring Mission remains the top trauma center in western North Carolina.

– JACKIE, Trauma Nurse Leader

Visit missionhealth.org/mymission

get to know

LimbTech

A Mobility Company Supporting Quality of Life for People of All Abilities

Amy Siegler, co-founder of LimbTech, a seating and positioning company based in Hendersonville, doesn’t want anyone to be told “no.”

Formerly a teacher at South College, Siegler was approached by colleague Blaine Singleton of Revolution Access about wheelchairs and accessibility. An idea was sparked in Siegler’s mind, and she decided right then and there that she was going to start a company that helps people get into the wheelchairs that they need.

LimbTech offers services to a variety of area patients. After another local pediatric clinic closed, she began seeing more pediatric patients. She offers occupational therapy which consists of work in sensory, behavior, and activities of daily living. Occupational therapy can determine the specific mobility assistance needs of each patient and help improve patients’ quality of life.

Siegler said that she wanted to be something different in the medical community, and that she sees pro bono patients because she has a hard time saying no regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Because she is a mother herself, she said it is difficult for her when parents tell her they continue to hear “no” from their insurance companies.

“I got really tired of hearing ‘no, I can’t do that’ or ‘I’m sorry, we can’t help you with that’ from insurance companies, and I started to feel angry.” Siegler said that she is constantly fighting with and writing letters to insurance companies to prove

disabilities of patients. “These patients will not get a fix or a cure; they need approval to simply improve their quality of life.”

Siegler’s business does more than provide service to patients. She has several of what she calls “passion projects” fueled by her desire to see people of all abilities in the community have what they need to thrive.

“I started the Mobility Matters Foundation because I believe that every kid deserves a bike,” Siegler said. “Adaptive bikes can have lots of positioning equipment and can support any level of mobility, but the price of them ranges from about $3,000 to $7,000. These are sometimes considered by insurance companies to be ancillary products and not covered since insurance defines them as luxuries, not necessities. Thanks to the help of WNC Bridge Foundation, Freedom Concepts, and other partnerships supporting this foundation, 10 kids will be able to receive bikes this year.”

LimbTech Foundation’s Annual Adaptive Bike Day allows anyone to try out a Freedom Concepts Adaptive Bike. Trained professionals are present to conduct evaluations and determine product sizing for children and youth over the age of three.

“It’s amazing to see the smiles on the faces of kids when they get on these bikes,” Siegler said. At the last Bike Day, one woman walked over to me and handed me a credit card to purchase a $5,000 bike for one of my patients. The mother cried tears of joy. It was such an incredible thing to witness. We want to help facilitate this for other children, as well.”

Siegler also helps raise money to donate crocheted octopuses for babies in neonatal intensive care units at local hospitals. These octopus help to occupy babies’ hands so that they don’t unknowingly pull on the tubes that are supporting their life.

Another “passion project” of Siegler’s is to create a task force for Hendersonville to talk about accessibility in the downtown area. “By having the conversations, educating

the community, and building awareness of the needs of some of our community members, we may be able to help people get what they need to access all of these areas of our town,” Siegler said.

LimbTech also works with interns to help them not only learn more about the practice, but how to run a healthcare business, as well. She said that her interns learn to help with paperwork and documentation, learn clinical reasoning, get study practice for board exams, and are able to put what they learn into practice.

“We also work together with our staff and interns to discuss the emotional aspects of this work,” Siegler said. “I used to get super emotional, especially when working with children who are victims of trauma. My staff and I are real people and we do a lot of reflection together. Sometimes the lines between empathy and sympathy get crossed. We understand that life can change in a heartbeat, and we use this emotion to try to empower these families.”

Siegler has big goals for the future of LimbTech. She said that she would like to have the Mobility Matters Foundation fully up and running with a building for a pro bono therapy clinic for families with Medicaid or who otherwise find copays financially stressful. She also said that she wants to build Bike Day to multiple cities and to help more families cover ancillary equipment costs.

“Our mission is truly to be supportive of the community,” Siegler said. “We want to give people their quality of life back. I also really just want to never have to tell another family ‘no’.”

Amy Siegler is an Occupational Therapist and board certified orthotist who owns and operates LimbTech. LimbTech was started in 2019 to serve the clients and families of Western NC, and has quickly grown to serve families and communities in multiple states. Learn more at LimbTechNC.com.

“ We understand that life can change in a heartbeat, and we use this emotion to try to empower these families.”

- Amy Siegler

it’s my job Jen Schulz

Mobile Vascular Access Specialist with Vascular Wellness

trained for eight weeks to get started, and took those calls on days that she wasn’t working in the ICU.

When she relocated to Western North Carolina four years ago, she chose a position at a small outpatient orthopedic center instead of a large healthcare system. When Covid hit, she started looking for an option that she felt more aligned with and found Vascular Wellness in Cary.

Vascular Wellness is a company of vascular access specialists that offers mobile, onsite, and on-call comprehensive vascular access services. Schulz’s position requires that she drive to hospitals, nursing homes, and homes of patients in home care.

Schulz said that some nurses at the locations she visits were surprised that mobile PICC line placements by experts is an available service. “This service is great for many patients,” Schulz said. “Sometimes it can be hard on them to have to move locations in order to get this procedure done. It can be tough just to get appointment times at hospitals, and some patients can’t really leave their house. This mobile service makes it really convenient for a lot of people.”

When Jen Schulz began her nursing career in 2004, she didn’t anticipate anything like the work of her current position.

“My first nursing job was at a big hospital in Milwaukee inside a cardiovascular intensive care unit. It was a pretty stressful position, especially since I was new to nursing,” Schulz said. “I unknowingly dove headfirst into the most intense working environment to start my career. The high-pressure environment did provide me with great experience and confidence. After working there, I feel like I could do anything.”

Schulz worked in that cardiovascular ICU for nine years, then transitioned to a general ICU for another three years. During her time at the general ICU, she took a side job of inserting peripherally inserted central catheters, or PICC lines, with an outside company contracted through the hospital. Schulz said that she

“We can go anywhere,” Schulz said. “I keep all of my equipment in my car. The company supplies me with the kits that I need for each patient, and an ultrasound machine so that I can find veins for PICC line access. When my supplies are running low, I visit one of the company’s specific storage facilities to restock what I need. I’m a one-woman show with a strong, connected team supporting me.”

The work involves several steps. Schulz said that Vascular Wellness first receives a call with a service request based on the treating physician’s order, then one of the nurses on call will be assigned that case. “I’ll drive to the location and visit with the patient, explaining the procedure,” Schulz said. “Once I have their consent, I will perform the necessary procedure to create vascular access which may include a Midline or PICC line (in the upper arm), a Small Bore Internal Jugular line (in the neck) or a Small Bore Femoral line (in the mid-thigh), as clinically appropriate consistent with the physician’s order.”

While her current job has much less pressure than her beginnings in the cardiovascular ICU, Schulz said that there can be intense situations. One time there was a patient that needed to be lifeflighted from one facility to another, but they needed a PICC line inserted ASAP. The emergency room doctor was having a hard time getting the PICC line in, and was about to give up. When Schulz made the attempt, with many people staring at her and the helicopter waiting, she was able to get it in. “I was dripping in sweat, but it felt really good to have been able to do that,” Schulz said. “If I didn’t have the confidence from my first job, I might not have been able to perform as well.”

Schulz said that she feels supported by the company that she works for. “The company is very nurse-driven, and the leadership team is very approachable,” Schulz said. “They also push us to advance our skills,” she said. “They offer trainings so that we can learn how to perform more difficult and advanced procedures. Some of these skills are very rare for a nurse to possess.”

Schulz said she feels very comfortable in her position. “The job fits me really well,” she said. “I really feel like I’ve found my niche. I can see myself in this position for a long time.”

Jen Schulz is a Vascular Access Board Certified mobile nurse clinician for Vascular Wellness based in Cary. Learn more at VascularWellness.com.

Manufacturing industry spotlight

Heidi Reiber, Senior Director of Riverbird Research at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, shared data showing the overall concentration of jobs in the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area was 33 percent greater than the national average in 2021, the total number of jobs in the MSA increasing by 1,352 in the last five years. This data suggests the region likely has areas of specialization in manufacturing activities, according to Riverbird Research. The 2016-2021 jobs growth rate of 7 percent outpaced the state’s overall 0 percent growth. These jobs are within 570 payrolled business locations within the Asheville MSA.

Within the Asheville MSA in 2021, the industry consisted of 21,769 jobs with an average annual wage of $57,542. Within Buncombe County there were 13,756 jobs. Henderson, Haywood, and Madison counties had 5,022, 2,586, and 404 manufacturing jobs respectively.

Recruiting Companies and Maintaining High-Paying Jobs

According to Brittany Brady, President of the Partnership for Economic Development in Henderson county, Henderson County has a similar economy to Buncombe County in that manufacturing is the industry that “pays the bills.” Currently consisting of about 6,000 individuals in Henderson County alone, there are 130 manufacturing companies providing 30 percent of the tax base for the county.

Within the manufacturing industry in Henderson County, there are six target sectors coming from the area’s history as well as the talent of the existing workforce. These include transportation, food and beverage, nonwoven materials, general machine shops, healthcare products, and outdoor equipment. Brady said that companies like Kimberly-Clark nod to the history of textiles manufacturing in the area, and the area is ideal for testing the outdoor equipment made right here.

“The impact of these companies on the area is huge,” Brady said. They are a multiplier of hundreds of jobs, with each company also requiring outside supporting jobs such as contractors, architects, landscapers, computer programmers.

Salaries of this workforce are above the county average, according to Brady. “The average wage across all sectors is about $44,000 annually. In manufacturing, it jumps to an average of $59,000,” she said. Entry level positions are paid around $40,000, and there are often opportunities to take this to the next level. Executivelevel professionals in manufacturing here can earn a six-figure salary.”

Henderson County, like other counties in Western North Carolina, have programs in place to attract more manufacturing companies to the area. “We are making sure to have available sites to market to prospective businesses,” Brady said.

Western North Carolina’s manufacturing industry is a major player in the region’s economy.

Pratt & Whitney’s 1.2 million square foot facility in Asheville. Photo courtesy of Pratt & Whitney.

“Partnering with organizations like Ferncliff Industrial Park help to make sure that tenants in the right sectors capture the most investment and highest level wages for our community.”

There are also programs in place to keep existing businesses here. “Our business retention and expansion program meets every company in depth every other year. We provide services like finding necessary equipment, connecting the dots to people and other businesses that they need to know, and offer other resources that these companies need,” Brady said.

“While many industries are experiencing a labor shortage, there was an exodus in the manufacturing industry early during the pandemic, and as a result, there are more manufacturing positions available now,” she said. “Demand for products is increasing because of supply chain issues, and some manufacturing companies are waiting on other items that they need to build theirs. Because of this, sometimes they need more hands on deck to get their products out in a timely manner.”

Brady said this trend is reflective of the country as a whole, and though WNC is not immune to any labor shortages, there is a strength and resilience to this workforce. Companies are working to retain current workers, and county programs are helping with talent acquisition. “There is a workforce development taskforce always looking for opportunities, partnerships with educational programs like those at Blue Ridge Community College, and apprenticeship programs to create a workforce pipeline for these companies,” Brady said. “Companies also have opportunities to market themselves, visit area schools, and do presentations to potential employees. The Partnership is also marketing manufacturing of today showing that the industry in general is high-tech, clean, and a career that students can picture themselves being successful in.

Growing and Maintaining a Manufacturing Workforce

The workforce is still a challenge for many manufacturing companies. John Oswald, President of Mills Manufacturing in Woodfin, shared that this is not a new issue, nor is it unique to any industry. While Oswald said he could increase his staff of 120 by 30 percent to meet their current demand for cargo parachutes for the U.S. government, he found one way to slowly add talent to their own workforce.

“We have to cast a wide net to look for people with aptitude for the appropriate skills,” Oswald said. “We’ve always had a diverse workforce here. We work with several associations and organizations that support immigrants in their processes. These connections allow immigrants from places like Ukraine and Moldova, or even Afghan refugees, to know that we are here and have opportunities available.”

According to Oswald, not only does this process help increase their number of employees which helps them keep up with the demand, hiring them also helps these immigrants to connect with others that speak their language to learn the job, learn about each other’s culture, and to feel more comfortable as they integrate into a new culture. “We learn and understand our cultural differences and celebrate the things we have in common.”

Oswald said that this process is helpful to not only new employees, but his existing workforce as well. “We were awarded two long-term contracts before the pandemic. In the early stages of Covid, we had to tighten labor so that we could keep everyone safe while we kept operating,” Oswald said. “A lot of pressure was on us, and existing employees had to fill in where we were short. The team was and is very strong in that aspect, and the company is grateful for that. It has been a challenge to grow since then.”

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manufacturing snapshot

7%

Job Growth

The 2016-2021 jobs growth rate outpaced the state's overall, which was 0%.

The overall concentration of jobs in the Asheville MSA was 33% greater than the national average in 2021 and this suggests the region likely has areas of specialization in Manufacturing activities.

Jobs By County (2021)

In the company’s 70 years of operation in WNC, the company has grown and evolved in other ways as well. “We strive to evolve toward efficiency,” Oswald said. “While the company used to focus our staff to do as much as they could as quickly as possible, we have restructured pay rates as well as the facility’s organizational structure toward more lean manufacturing, not wasting energy on non-value processes. Now these processes are more standardized and streamlined. They have to be so that there is consistency in these handmade items.”

Many manufacturers have moved toward highly-automated procedures, and while some portions of Mills Manufacturing products are automated, the majority of them still use handmade work processes. “It’s really a craft,” Oswald said. “Textiles are affected by different factors and environmental conditions. There is even a difference in how the material behaves when the humidity is high or low. Our operators use feel and skill to make sure each product comes out just how it needs to be. It’s not something that can be pushed through a giant machine.”

Oswald said that these procedures and processes are constantly evolving toward increased efficiency, better balance, and less bottlenecks.

“We take feedback from our operators as well,” Oswald said. “They are the ones on the lines every day, so they see the problems that come up and where improvements are necessary.” Oswald also said that they do their best to match the people and their skill sets to the positions that best match their capabilities.

Thorough training for new hires is also a critical component of their efficiency goals. Oswald himself said that he personally meets with each employee to discuss the company’s mission and values. The facility has large banners throughout in multiple languages to reiterate these. “No matter what language an employee speaks, it’s incredibly important that each individual represents these values,” Oswald said. “Without this, we can’t do anything.”

Bilingual trainers also work with each new employee in a separate training space. Oswald said that this one-on-one time with the trainers helps employees

to learn the skills without the pressure of being out on the floor with the flurry of activity happening. Trainers can also help to identify skills and better match employees with current available positions

“Even if there were more availability in the labor market, hiring still has to be slow and methodical,” Oswald said. “It’s crucial that each new hire spend time with the trainers to gain the support and the time that they need in order to be successful.”

Looking ahead, Oswald said that Mills Manufacturing will grow the workforce to meet the demand and be where they want it to be. “We just have no idea how long that will take,” Oswald said. “We could easily double in size in the next three to five years if the area workforce could support that. We need to focus on taking stress and pressure off existing workers while being careful not to push beyond our capacity.”

Oswald said that across the WNC community as a whole, there are pressures of available land space, office space, and manufacturing space. “Labor is tight and housing is tight,” he said. “We as a community are going to have to get creative on how we use the land. Policies have an impact on what we are able to do with our lands. If we increase the density, we could reduce the pressure on transportation and on the lands themselves. We need to encourage development that fits with the community, its workforce, and their needs. We need to look at communities that are a few years ahead of us and learn what has and what has not worked from them, and apply viable solutions to our own region.”

Programs to Encourage Manufacturing Success

The Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County developed The 5X5 Strategic Plan to advance the local manufacturing industry. The AVL 5x5 Strategic Plan prioritizes the work of existing industry retention and

Systems Logistics Corporation CEO and President Stefano Vitale shares information at Buncombe County’s Manufacturing Mornings event.

expansion in Buncombe County. These activities strengthen local operations, cultivate regional workforce, attract sustainable investment in the tax base of local government and better position the community for economic growth.

Scheduled throughout the calendar year, the following programs promote workforce development, sustainability, efficiency, and the sharing of best industry practices through peer-to-peer connection. The EDC partners with local business leaders, plant managers, human resources professionals and a robust group of industry advocates to streamline and coordinate the delivery of services to meet employer needs.

Sustainability Council – Operations personnel from local manufacturers in Buncombe County meet quarterly to tour peer facilities and learn about their

operations. It is a way for operations managers to network with each other and see what other manufacturers are doing to improve company culture, employee engagement, productivity and continuous improvement, profitability, and environmental stewardship.

Industry Leaders & Influencers – The EDC’s Industry Leaders and Influencers group includes CEOs, plant managers, and founders of local manufacturing, headquartered, and high-growth startup companies in Buncombe County.

Manufacturing Mornings –Manufacturing Mornings is a quarterly before-hours Chamber member event hosted at different Buncombe County manufacturing locations targeting leaders in business, workforce development, and government interested in learning more about the renaissance in American

Manufacturing that is driving growth in the Asheville Metro Economy.

At the December Manufacturing Mornings event, Systems Logistics Corp. hosted area leaders to share an announcement of expansion of the Arden location which will bring an additional 40 jobs to the region and $8 million to the local economy. This company supplies equipment and software for warehouse storage and distribution.

Stephano Vitale, President and Chief Executive Officer of Systems Logistics, shared that the company employs 220 people in North America, with 172 of those in Arden. “We have many engineers here,” Vitale said. The WNC facility brought a 2021 revenue of $110 million, 30 percent of the global revenue for the company.

National Manufacturing Day

National Manufacturing Day is held each year at the start of National Manufacturing Week during the first week of October, as a chance to showcase manufacturing career opportunities. In honor of National Manufacturing Day, Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Henderson County Public Schools, and three existing industries in Henderson County (Kimberly Clark, Linamar Light Metals, and Meritor) hosted industry tours for 25 high school juniors and seniors.

Since 2012, HCPED has facilitated industry tours through its workforce efforts known as Made in Henderson County. Working closely with HCPS, tours have been customized to students who have shown an interest in the field. The tours allow students to see firsthand what manufacturing looks like today and how crucial manufacturing is to our local economy. Manufacturing careers make up 12 percent of the workforce in Henderson County and see average annual salaries exceeding $55,000, nearly $12,000 higher than the county average of all sectors.

“Henderson County Public Schools is committed to encouraging our students to exit high school with a plan for their future. Manufacturing shows students a real-life option that would allow them to stay here in their community,” Director of High Schools at Henderson County Public Schools Scott Moore said. “The employers in this field are some of the best and we are grateful for the opportunity each year to show our students these really unique places to work in our county.”

During 2022’s Manufacturing Week, students toured three different

locations to see the diversity in the segment and the latest innovations, as well as how safe and exciting the work environment can be. The students started their day at Linamar Light Metals where they were able to see how the company manufactures lightweight powertrain and structural automotive components through high-pressure aluminum die casting and machining. Next, the students migrated to Meritor for a tour and lunch. Off the heels of a $41 million investment, the students could see how the 40-year-old employer continues to advance and grow, manufacturing more than 85 percent of the axles for container trucks on the road today. Finally, tours ended at Kimberly-Clark where innovative processes within the non-woven arena were shared.

“Getting young people in our community into potential employers in manufacturing is crucial to the success of our economy,” The Partnership’s Board Chair Steve Gwaltney said. “It allows us to keep educating the public on what manufacturing really offers its employees. Our industries are ready and willing to continue to support this community with stable and wellpaying jobs.”

In addition to tours, the Made in Henderson County workforce development program markets the Made in Henderson County apprenticeship program facilitated by Blue Ridge Community College, manages HendersonCounty.Jobs, launched the On the Right Path workforce video, and unveiled a Made for This Campaign which will highlight how manufacturing careers can be a path for anyone.

Source: Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development

Photo - Buncombe County students at BorgWarner, courtesy of Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County

Vitale also shared new plans for expansion in WNC. “Labor at the Mexico facility is less expensive, but we decided that our new expansion should be here because we consider this the right place to grow and do this investing,” Vitale said. “We hope to have it up and running by the end of 2023.”

WNC Career Expo – Twice a year, in collaboration with the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, the Economic Development Coalition hosts the largest regional hiring event in WNC. Organizations in growth industries, such as advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, hospitality, and professional services across the Asheville Metro are welcomed to participate. The WNC Career Expo is free for the public to attend. Additionally, every spring, the EDC collaborates with area school districts to bring hundreds of high school students to the WNC Career Expo for an interactive and exclusive opportunity to meet with employers.

Manufacturing Day – Held annually on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day is a nationwide movement to show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging companies and educational institutions to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Locally, the EDC organizes the Buncombe County MFG Day for students, manufacturing partners, and education partners on site at a local manufacturing company to celebrate manufacturing excellence and workforce development.

Source: Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County

Pratt & Whitney

After three and a half years of surveys, conversations, and preparations, Pratt & Whitney’s $650 million facility celebrated its official opening on Nov. 16 with a ribbon cutting event featuring community leaders and speakers including Gov. Roy Cooper, CFO of Raytheon Technologies

Neil Mitchell, Pratt & Whitney President Shane Eddy, Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders, Buncombe County Commissioner Brownie Newman, Golden Leaf Foundation President Scott Hamilton, and Biltmore Farms President and CEO Jack Cecil.

Pratt & Whitney is a global manufacturer of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. After 100 years of operation there are 85,000 Pratt & Whitney engines in operation globally. Their worldwide team consists of a total of approximately 39,000 employees. The Asheville location specifically is a state-of-the-art turbine airfoil production facility.

One of the largest LEED-certified buildings in the region, the Asheville facility expands a length of seven football fields, occupying 1.2 million square feet of space. This certification can be carried

throughout the facility’s existence and is a nod to the company’s commitment to sustainable operation and environmental stewardship. Pratt & Whitney’s newlyproduced engines will achieve a 50 percent reduction in emissions and a 75 percent reduction in engine noise over the next few years.

The ribbon cutting ceremony opened with a posting of the colors by TC Robertson High School’s JROTC and the school’s chorus performing the national anthem.

Dan Field, Project Execution Lead at Pratt & Whitney’s Asheville facility, began with acknowledging the “major milestone” for Raytheon, Pratt & Whitney’s parent company. Field also gave thanks to the community and to the leadership team, many of whom relocated to Asheville to help facilitate the location’s beginning stages. continued on next page

Pratt & Whitney leaders celebrate the conclusion of major construction at its new Asheville facility. Photo courtesy of Pratt & Whitney

Western North Carolina Manufacturing by Industry

*Data as of November 2022

Food and Beverage 9 % 8 out of 93

Textile and Apparel 12% 24 out of 199

Leather and Allied Product 2 5% 1 out of 4

Paper Product and Packaging 6 % 2 out of 32

Printing and Related Support Activities 5% 7 out of 130

Chemical and Petroleum Products 1 3% 11 out of 83

Plastics and Rubber Products 1 5% 20 out of 134

Nonmetallic Mineral Product 11% 4 out of 35

Primary Metal 1 0% 6 out of 62

Fabricated Metal Product 1 0% 35 out of 367

Machinery 11% 20 out of 187

Electronics, Electrical Components and Communications Product 12% 15 out of 126

Transportation Equipment 1 3% 8 out of 63

Furniture and Wood Product 1 0% 21 out of 203

Miscellaneous 1 2% 33 out of 275

Total Overall at ManufacturedNC.com 11% 221 out of 1993

Shane Eddy, Pratt & Whitney President since 2016, further described the faculty. “This facility will be producing airfoils to support some of the world’s most reliable and capable engines,” Eddy said. “With demand for airfoils to increase by 60 percent over the next few years, these will be produced with best-in-class manufacturing technology. This facility will be highly automated and efficient, improving safety, productivity, and costs with a positive impact on the community.” Eddy further described the company’s collaboration with A-B Tech to develop specific programs which will support successful employment of newly acquired talent.

Raytheon Technologies CFO Neil Mitchel said the facility will “create 800 jobs over the next five years. These employees will incorporate advanced digital manufacturing technology and have opportunities for employee education and career growth.”

Gov. Roy Cooper said, “Western North Carolina helps to make North Carolina the greatest state in the U.S.” Cooper reflected on the state’s aviation history back to the Wright brother’s accomplishments and the state’s “first in flight” reputation, celebrating the growing aerospace and aviation industry. “This is the largest manufacturing project that the EDPNC has ever recruited in WNC history. Employees will earn salaries averaging $68,000, contributing to a $7.4 billion economic impact over the next several years,” Cooper said.

NC Secretary of Commerce Machelle Baker Sanders said manufacturing is the heartbeat of North Carolina’s economy with the industry employing 46,000 people statewide and representing 20 percent of the economic output for the state.

Golden Leaf Foundation helped fund the bridge across the French Broad River allowing access to the site. Golden Leaf Foundation President and CEO Scott Hamilton said the impact of this project expands beyond Asheville and Buncombe County with labor coming from a 60-mile radius. “The regional impact on WNC is one of the reasons we decided to invest in this project,” he said.

Blue Ridge Commerce Center

Oppidan Investment Co., a national property development firm headquartered in Excelsior, MN, and with offices in Apex, NC, is developing the Blue Ridge Commerce Center, the first Class A speculative industrial development in Hendersonville.

Site work is underway for the Blue Ridge Commerce Center in Flat Rock. The $80 million project includes four buildings with 654,216 square feet of Class A industrial/warehouse space on 65 acres. This property sits directly on Interstate 26 with access to both Asheville and Greenville, SC.

“We are excited to bring Henderson County and the Town of Hendersonville a Class A Industrial Park. This property was prime for development and the demand

Artist rendering of Blue Ridge Commerce Center in Hendersonville

drivers of the area, with its continued population growth, labor and connectivity, made it an easy decision for us to invest here,” said Tim Brent, Oppidan Executive Vice President, Southeast.

This is Oppidan’s second industrial development in North Carolina. In May 2022, Oppidan broke ground on the $100 million Apex Commerce Center, a fourbuilding Class A industrial development on 121 acres which is part of Oppidan’s $157.3 million, nine-property industrial pipeline with Rockpoint Group, a real estate private equity firm.

“The site work is underway, and we are on schedule for Q3 2023 delivery. The core and shell will be delivered then, and could accommodate tenants to coincide with that delivery,” Brent said. “We’ve designed very flexible buildings to be able to accommodate a wide variety of

users and tenant sizes and we’re excited to bring that variety of industry, jobs and tax base to the city and county. We have seen a great deal of demand from a variety of tenant and business profiles.”

Rockpoint Group serves as the equity partner. Omega Construction, Cooper Construction and Merriman Schmitt Architects are also included in the project.

Al Williams, Matthew Greer and Jay Hill from JLL served as the brokers.

Source: Oppidan Investment Co.

Manufactured in North Carolina

Manufactured in North Carolina is a directory of manufacturers based in North Carolina. When a company enrolls in MNC, it gets a profile page showing its location, the type of products it manufactures, relevant certifications and contact information.

Profile pages can be linked to a company’s website and social media accounts as well. These profile pages serve to increase peerto-peer networking and generate exposure and for small to midsize NC manufacturers. Membership in MNC is free, and anyone can search the site for free.

MNC is maintained by NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions and the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. A major redesign in 201516 was made possible by a two-year, $250,000 grant from the US Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. It was one of 10 grants given to Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers across the country that support pilot projects that build or enhance business-to-business networks.

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Misty Mountain Threadworks get to know

Local Rock Climbing Enthusiast Manufactures High-End Harnesses in Banner Elk

Misty Mountain Threadworks is a company in Banner Elk known nationwide in the rock climbing community for manufacturing high-end climbing harnesses. President Goose Kearse has a lifetime passion for climbing and wants to create harnesses that allow everyone to experience the thrill of the climb.

“Climbing can be really intense and we love it for that,” Kearse said. “It’s one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had outdoors. We manufacture harnesses that allow our customers to feel safe and comfortable so that they can get into the flow of the climb without feeling worried about their gear.”

Back in 1985, Kearse’s friend Woody Keen was making harnesses in his garage. Working at a NC Outward Bound school, Keen designed harnesses at home and gave birth to the new business named Misty Mountain. Kearse joined the business in 1989 bringing his manufacturing experience as well as knowledge of how different materials perform from his undergraduate studies in chemistry.

“Living in this mountainous terrain surrounded by the flurry of outdoor activity supports this passion,” he said. “Any climber generally gets excited and starts evaluating the cliff face and looking at the cracks when they see any vertical cliff, and I am no different.”

Kearse attributes the growth of his business to building relationships with his clients and the community. “It’s an organic process,” he said “I’m not a salesperson. I like to take people climbing. I listen to the

clients’ problems and try to solve them. When everyone is happy with what we do, they come back.

“We’re also looking at new designs, new materials, and potential improvements that can be made. We’ve recently found a North Carolina-made composite created from recycled plastic bottles. The goal is to be as green as possible with these materials while maintaining durability. It’s fun to test out new products. We make a sample and go climbing.”

Over the years, Misty Mountain has grown to manufacture more than recreational climbing harnesses. They produce a range of load-rated textiles including slings, chalk bags, and packs. Their market has also expanded to include businesses such as climbing gyms and adventure parks, military and tactical organizations like special forces, and SWAT teams in law enforcement. The harnesses themselves are increasingly varied, including fits for people of all sizes, adaptive harnesses for people of different levels of abilities, and harnesses designed for people in wheelchairs. Kearse said that they are developing pediatric neurotherapy harnesses to help disabled children practice learning how to walk. They are also talking with a hip amputee about building a custom harness for her. Kearse said quality is a top priority for Misty Mountain. The materials are highend and the harnesses include top-quality features. “Most of our webbing comes from four main suppliers. We use U.S.-based materials because of the ties we have with manufacturers in this community,” he said. “For the military side, the Berry Amendment compliance requires any textiles used by the government must be made in the U.S. from U.S.-sourced materials. It’s great to source locally, and I believe this adds to the top quality of our high-end products.”

The variety of clients leads to the production of around 10,000 harnesses each year. “We have lots of demand and

lots of great clients,” Kearse said. “One part of the business slows down and another picks up. We’re able to maintain a level workforce throughout the entire year. Winter months are for catching up on overflow orders and getting ready for the jump in recreational activity in the spring. We’re never not busy.”

As far as expansion for the business, Kearse said that there are thousands of potential futures. “My son is my number one climbing partner,” he said. “He joined the business in June, allowing the potential future to become a true family business. Our main goal is to simply remain relevant and grow organically.”

The business is also an active part of the High Country community. “We’ve got a good crew of people here and we’re pretty well known. We like to engage with our community and get as many people out climbing as we can,” Kearse said. Misty Mountain sponsored the collegiate bouldering competition at Appalachian State University in April. They support the Mountain Alliance, a program that works primarily at Watauga High School for teens to have transformative experiences in outdoor activities. They support Catalyst Sports with donations and time to take vets and others with different ability levels out climbing. Misty Mountain also supports The Access Fund to help protect wilderness climbing.

“Climbing helps you to come out of your shell. It helps you to feel better, to strengthen positive attitudes,” Kearse said. “Climbing can humble you and remind you to pause, take a deep breath, and be present in the moment. The world would truly be a better place if everyone went climbing. That’s why we want to make harnesses for everyone.”

—

Goose Kearse is an avid rock climber and president of Misty Mountain Threadworks in Banner Elk. Learn more at MistyMountain.com.

“ T he goal is to be as green as possible with these materials while maintaining durability.”

- Goose Kearse

it’s my job

Krystal Brown

Member of the Assembly Team at BorgWarner

For Krystal Brown, a member of the Assembly team at Borg Warner Turbo Systems Inc., manufacturing vehicle parts is more than a job.

“I take my job very seriously,” Brown said. “I realize that I am building parts for vehicles that go onto the road. Making parts for a variety of vehicles, I’m always thinking ‘that could be my mom’s car.’ It’s imperative that they are all safe, so I do my very best to ensure correctness and quality in the work that I do.”

Brown began working with BorgWarner in Arden during February of this year after connecting via Spheron, an employment agency in Asheville. She said she has learned how to effectively perform at a wide variety of positions within a short time. “My supervisor recognized that I was observant and able to learn skills rather quickly,” Brown said. “He told me to stick with him and that I could become a very valuable employee to the company.

“I’m admittedly a bit of a workaholic,” Brown said. “I enjoy learning more and more tasks. This allows me to not only to achieve better positions, but also to be more helpful to the company.”

Brown said that since February, she has learned to successfully fill three to four positions on three to four lines in nine separate departments. “If someone is out sick, I can easily step in and fill a position,” she said. “I can also pick up extra shifts in various departments and earn overtime. It’s mutually beneficial for me as well as the company.”

While much of the work is automated, Brown said that part of her responsibility is to make sure that the automation

continues to run smoothly. “The insert machine operates on its own, but I have to make sure to keep it going,” she said. “Sometimes I have to dust off a sensor or refill necessary items. It does require some human assistance for production.”

In her hands-on positions, Brown said that there have been challenges that she has overcome with each new learned skill.

“The hardest part for me to learn was the snap rings,” she said. “Assembling one specific turbo has 22 steps. There is one tiny snap ring that must be slid into a groove very precisely with pliers. It was really frustrating to learn and it literally took me weeks to get it right. Sometimes I would have to walk away and take a deep breath. Once I started catching on, though, it got easier. Now it has turned into one of my favorite steps to complete.”

Each line varies in the number of steps and the amount of parts required to assemble different items. “One assembly line can produce 40 to 84 items per shift,” Brown said. “Others can produce 1,500 to 1,800 items per shift. In the lines that produce more items, machines do a lot of the work, but each part has to be manually stamped. That’s a lot of work.”

Brown said that she is impressed and inspired by her coworkers. “I’m surrounded by some highly intelligent individuals, especially the techs,” she said. “There is a photo taken at each step in the line. When a problem arises, these techs are able to look at these photos and figure out problems so quickly that it amazes me. It’s really mind-blowing.” According to Brown, these photos are one portion of the many safety checks and audits that occur throughout the lines.

Learning about the mechanical workings of engines has been helpful for Brown personally, too. “I’ve learned a lot about how my own car actually works,” she said. “I’ve learned how the parts come together, and how to mediate problems for myself. I can talk to my coworkers, too, if there is something that I don’t understand, and that helps me know how to better approach a mechanic if I need to. I know that when I get work done on my car, it is the required repair needed and nothing more added. As a single female, this feels pretty empowering.”

—

Krystal Brown is a member of the Assembly team at BorgWarner in Arden. Learn more at BorgWarner.com.

Real Estate & Construction industry spotlight

According to Riverbird Research, both of these industries within the Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area have a job growth rate that outpaces the state’s overall average.

The 2016-2021 jobs growth rate of 41 percent in the real estate and rental and leasing segments outpaced the state’s overall rate of 12 percent. In 2021, there were 967 payrolled business locations in this industry. For construction, the 2016-2021 jobs growth rate of 20 percent outpaced the state’s overall rate of 19 percent, and in 2021, there were 1,757 payrolled business locations in the Asheville MSA.

Within the Asheville MSA in 2021, there were 2,914 total real estate jobs within the Asheville MSA, 2,290 of which were located in Buncombe County, and 417, 184, and 22 jobs were located in Henderson,

Haywood, and Madison Counties respectively, with an average wage of $47,409. There were 8,090 total jobs in the Asheville MSA in the construction industry. Buncombe County was the host of 6,354 jobs while Henderson, Haywood, and Madison Counties were host to 2,240, 895, and 249 jobs respectively, with an average wage of $52,793.

Residential Real Estate has a Multiplying Impact on the WNC Economy

Hendersonville Board of REALTORS

President Scott Barfield said each individual real estate deal contributes $105,000 to the local economy.

“Each dollar changes hands approximately three times,” said Barfield, owner of Scott Barfield Realty. “The seller spends

money to prepare the home for sale, then inspectors and appraisers are paid and agents earn their commissions, then the buyer spends money on furniture and decor to make the home their own. On a new construction home, the ripple is about six times larger due to the dollars going toward the skilled trades required for the build.”

Barfield said that there are approximately 3,600 REALTORS between the Land of Sky, Hendersonville, and the Carolina Smokies Boards of REALTORS in Western North Carolina. Within these three boards alone, Barfield said about $4 billion moved through the economy due to the nearly 13,000 homes bought and sold in the last 12 months.

“That’s a lot of money rippling through these economies,” he said. “Also, think about the lenders involved in many of

The real estate and construction industries are rapidly growing in Western North Carolina.

“Best One-of-a-Kind” home in NC built by Living Stone Design + Build, interior.

these transactions. Think about the electricians and plumbers consulted and those repairing newly purchased homes. There are pest inspectors, siding contractors, landscapers…the list goes on. That’s a lot of people pulling a paycheck from each transaction, all of whom are then spending money in the area.”

Barfield quoted Harry S. Dent Jr., author of “The Roaring 2000s: Building The Wealth And Lifestyle You Desire In The Greatest Boom In History”. “The book said that ‘in the future, people will live where they vacation and vacation where they live,’ and that is exactly what is happening here in WNC,” Barfield said. “People are leaving the Northeast and moving primarily to Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. People are looking for that perfect four-season climate and a professional business environment paired with great places for dinner, healthcare, and entertainment within about 20 minutes of their house. They can easily find that here in WNC.”

New technologies that have helped the real estate industry continue to flourish in recent years, Barfield said. “There is an app called LandGlide that my real estate agent father called magic,” he said. “With this app, I can look at a neighborhood, find out who owns what parcel, find the square footage, and walk the perimeter of the property just like I had a plat map in front of me. Social media has also made it simpler to advertise, virtual showings are allowing out-of-town buyers to view the property without making the trip to town, and DocuSign and Dotloop are allowing both buyers to write contracts on the spot, and both buyers and sellers to sign all of the associated documents without ever having to come to an office. It’s simplifying and speeding up the process.”

A New Look in Commercial Real Estate

Andrew Riddle, Commercial Real Estate Broker at Whitney Commercial Real Estate Services and principal

member of the Building Owners and Managers Association, sees interesting opportunities within his industry.

After six years as a commercial broker and prior experience in construction management and as a general contractor locally and abroad, he said that he has a unique perspective to the industry. Riddle finds older commercial properties with potential and readapts them for new and modern use. “I didn’t plan on my career to turn out this way, but that’s what happened,” he said. “It takes knowing what things cost, how to put them together, as well as an understanding of a niche market’s players, politics, and zoning.”

It is more environmentally friendly to approach older commercial buildings in this way, according to Riddle. “One fifth of energy used is in new construction. When you take an existing structure and readapt it, you’re saving so much of that energy,” he said.

“There is a corridor of hotspots between Atlanta, Greenville, and to the port of Charleston. So much transportation happens along this route,” Riddle said. “We are just outside of that corridor, a corridor that is only going to grow. It’s one of the highest areas of demand in the nation for real estate.” Asheville is the gateway market for the rest of Western North Carolina. According to Riddle, Hendersonville rides the economic coattails of Asheville. He said that the economy of Asheville has a direct impact on Hendersonville, and vice versa.

“I want to make Hendersonville grow in a way that’s responsible,” Riddle said. “Conscientious development is necessary for community betterment, and I would never leave the community worse off than I found it. Everything is too temporary, too disposable. In Croatia, I saw homes being used for 400 to 600 years. Now that’s permanence.” continued on next page

Change in Jobs $52,793 Average Annual Wage (2021) 1,757 Payrolled Business Locations in 2021 20%

Job Growth

The 2016-2021 jobs growth rate outpaced the state's overall, which was 19%.

The overall concentration of jobs in Construction in the Asheville MSA was average in 2021 when compared to the national average.

Jobs By County (2021)

Buncombe 6, 354 Henderson 2 ,240 Haywood 8 95 Madison 249

*Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties.

NAICS refers to the North American Industry Classification System.

Riddle said that he sees a bridge being built between commercial and residential real estate that could help with the lack of housing business owners have been seeing since before the pandemic.

“An incredibly profitable commercial property on the market is a new mobile home park,” he said. “Some trusts that work on Wall Street are seeing this as an opportunity because the largest prohibitor of this can be zoning. These trusts are essentially purchasing the zoning, creating a mobile home park on a commercial property, and thereby using their investment to allow people to live for 30 percent of their annual income. This could be beneficial to those people as well as the businesses that want to hire them.”

“Interest rates are now affecting people’s relocation; however, commercial transactions are not affected in the same way,” Riddle said. “Many clients are using a 1031 exchange. They are selling similar properties, earning equity, and using that equity to put right into another property to defer capital gains tax. They want to deploy their cash, so the interest rate isn’t affecting these commercial purchases in the same way that it affects residential real estate.” For those who do have to get loans, Riddle said interest rates are a major factor.

The biggest hurdle in commercial real estate right now, Riddle said, is inflation. “Investors are not losing money on major projects, they are passing the costs onto their clients,” he said. “Commercial pricing will either stay where it is or go up, and it’d take finding a diamond in the rough to get a really good deal.”

Riddle said that he does see the supply chain starting to loosen up and the labor force become more readily available. “Subcontractors are now more competitive as opposed to ‘bidding to lose’, where they bid a price too high because they can’t even get around to it.

The price of lumber has also gone down,” Riddle said. “This means that renovations

to commercial properties may be getting easier.

As a destination location, Riddle said he believes WNC will continue to do well economically. “There’s lots of potential for growth around this region. It’s really a great place to be as a business owner,” he said. “You can’t compare what is happening in top-tier markets and big cities to small towns like Hendersonville. Other areas have a vacancy rate of about 10 to 12 percent in commercial buildings. Smaller markets like this one have only about 3 percent.”

In Hendersonville specifically, Riddle said that he believes Main Street will look a lot different in a few more years. “Better rates in smaller markets like ours make it easier for big investors to buy up these properties that haven’t sold in the last 30 or 40 years,” he said. “We have such a wide range of rent rates, anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot annually, a difference that you’re not likely to see in most markets. Elder property owners have held these properties and rented them below market value in exchange for completing little to no maintenance or updates, but that’s starting to turn. People are selling these properties to investors which will increase the market rent rate. We now have a Fortune 500 company on Main Street. Of course we would rather see only local businesses, but when a city like Hendersonville starts growing up, it’s going to get bigger players.”

Housing Market Pressure and Home Building

The North Carolina Home Builders Association announced a new president in December, Brandon Bryant of Red Tree Builders based in Asheville. The North Carolina HBA is the largest statewide association in the country with over 14,000 members, making up 10 percent of the entire country’s HBA members.

“Anyone can join their local HBA, and it’s easy to do,” Bryant said. “You simply

real estate & construction

have an exchange of money and a form. Businesses and organizations can join as well – A-B Tech is a member because of its construction management program.”

Bryant said that during the pandemic, the region saw an increase in sales of both existing homes and new construction. “People keep wanting to move here,” he said. “People were selling their homes for gains, then the market went up and people didn’t want to sell anymore because they wouldn’t be able to replace the homes that they sold. Since there has been a deficit in available homes for purchase, people started looking for land to build. Homebuilding then saw an increase in interest and demand, and it was way more than we were ready for.”

Supply issues added to the supply-anddemand situation. “There were supply shortages everywhere,” Bryant said. “It

has been hard to get fixtures, appliances, and even subfloor glue. There’s also a workforce shortage. We need more skilled trade workers, and that’s a problem not just here in WNC, but across the US.”

For 2023, Bryant said that the housing market will be interesting to watch. “The prices of housing are going down, and we need it to be back to a normal market,” he said. “ For building, costs are still going up. Prices are increasing for windows, parts, and products as well as for labor rates. Even though the lumber prices have come down from their peak, they are still double what they were pre-Covid.”

One solution that Bryant said he sees is to change what is selling and who is buying. “Land is at a premium around here, but there is not much development of duplexes, quadruplexes, or townhomes,” he said. “This is a huge opportunity for

Build Your Brand. Win More Listings. Sell More

Homes.

the marketplace. It can be an answer to the issues of both available space as well as affordability, and can maximize what builders can offer.

“There are additional advantages to this type of living for many people,” Bryant said. “This allows for higher density to conserve more greenspace, requires less maintenance for the owners, and can meet people where their lifestyle is while still allowing them to create wealth and financial freedom by investing in themselves.”

As a member of the Steering Committee of Buncombe County, Bryant has a wish to strike a balance between inviting people to the area to live and work and also protecting the land. “Good planning is essential,” he said. “We are having that conversation here in Buncombe County, continued on next page

real estate & construction

planning up to 30 years down the road. The new Comprehensive Plan 2043 contains many strategies that will begin being implemented in 2023.”

While the upward trend is huge in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Transylvania County, areas like Old Fort, Canton, and Madison and Yancey Counties are seeing upward momentum in the housing market as well, according to Bryant. “In these places, certain price brackets offer more options. You can get more for your money, which is great for the high numbers of members of the workforce that I see spreading to these outlying areas.”

The Rise of Green Building Technology

Sean Sullivan of Living Stone Design has been in the construction industry for 30 years. A builder of certified green homes, Sullivan said that he has had some realizations with how he can educate his clients to live green.

“Green-certified homes are 30 percent tighter than standard construction homes,” Sullivan said. “This means that there are less drafts coming in, and it also means that there is less fresh air exchange with the outdoors. Since homes are tightly sealed for energy efficiency, indoor air quality has become more important than before. We need to put in systems to mechanically exchange the air, and clients need to make sure that everything they bring into the house including finishings and furniture are healthy.”

Sullivan said that the onset of Covid led people to start understanding how important indoor air quality is. “People don’t want to breathe in the virus, and they also don’t want to breathe in chemicals off-gassed by harmful materials either,” Sullivan said. “Non smoking-related lung cancer rates are up and asthma rates are up. Where years ago no one was talking about indoor air quality, people are starting to catch on.”

While costs of constructing homes have gone up, green home building prices are relative. “The standard for our company is green, so our costs have not increased differently than standard construction, but yes, it can be a bit more expensive,” Sullivan said. “However, there are varying degrees of green certifications, and some of those additional costs have decreased compared to when they were first introduced. Even Habitat For Humanity builds to the minimal degree of green, and if they can do it, anyone can do it.”

Certified green homes consist of five main aspects – indoor air quality, water conservation, energy efficiency, renewable resources, and the use of local materials. The California Air Resources Board created regulations that help in maintaining healthy air quality, protecting the public from exposure to toxic air contaminants, and providing innovative approaches for complying with air pollution rules and regulations.

“California has actually provided a great achievement by creating the CARB2 compliance standard,” Sullivan said. “Without them, we wouldn’t know what products are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds). They are doing the testing for us.” According to Sullivan, CARB2 compliance is increasingly important in any products that go into the house. “Glues, plywood, drywall, and everything else inside the home needs to be safe,” Sullivan said. “This is becoming a national standard, and our company does its best to make sure every part of the homes we build follow these guidelines.”

The layout and the orientation of homesites is also important to green building. Many are passive solar which refers to a design that minimizes and/or maximizes the sunlight entering the house based on the season. “For example, a passive solar home might have larger or lower overhangs than a standard home,” Sullivan said. “In the winter, the sun is

lower in the sky and can enter the windows below the overhangs to warm the home naturally. In the summer when the sun is higher, the overhangs shade the windows and keep the home cooler.”

Sullivan said that Living Stone Design strives for each house to be as close to net zero or net zero ready as possible.

“Net zero means that a house produces as much energy as it consumes,” Sullivan said. “A home with this rating requires its energy to come from solar or geothermal sources. Even if a client doesn’t want to put in all of the required equipment during the building process, the home can be net zero ready by having the proper conduits installed during construction.”

Indoor airPLUS is a voluntary partnership and labeling program that helps new home builders improve indoor air quality by requiring construction practices and product specifications that minimize exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants. “Our company strives to reach this standard in each of the homes that we build,” Sullivan said. “I don’t know of anyone else doing that as a standard.”

It’s important to try to use as many native materials as possible, according to Sullivan. “We try to source natural materials locally,” he said. “Certain woods are more resistant to rot and decay. Plastics expand and contract with temperature and humidity, and though most materials do this to an extent, concrete, stone, and wood handle this movement much better.”

While Living Stone Builders works on mostly residential projects, they have done a bit of work in the commercial construction sector as well. “For commercial, LEEDcertified buildings are on the rise, though there doesn’t seem to be a lot of talk in that direction,” Sullivan said. “We do see more interest in green construction in and around the Asheville area than outside. It’s definitely a more green-friendly bubble.”

Sullivan said that over recent years he

real estate & construction

has seen a slight increase in the interest in green construction. He also said that he is working to spread the word about green building and indoor air quality. He teaches continuing education across the state with the NC Builder Institute, an educational arm of the NC Home Builders’ Association. He also conducts educational workshops at the green furniture store owned by himself and his wife, Atelier Maison & Co.

“People are statistically proven to be happier, healthier, and more productive when they live in a green home,” Sullivan said. “Our goal is to help all of our clients feel that way, and to spread the word that healthier living is possible inside your home.”

Economic Indication of Commercial Construction

Jill Wallen, Co-owner and President of Dunlap Construction in Hendersonville, shared how varied the commercial construction industry can be. Her family business has been operating in the region for 45 years offering restoration, renovations, and new construction services. While available throughout Buncombe, Rutherford, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties, the majority of their current projects are located within a five mile radius of their office.

Dunlap construction has the capacity to head 20 to 30 projects at a time, and Wallen said that this is the busiest they have ever been. “We’re booked solid for the next six months and, because of that, we are having to turn down jobs,” Wallen said. “Many other contractors are just as busy too. If there is another company that can jump on a project right away, I’d be cautious. Most established companies with a positive reputation have a backlog similar to our own.”

Wallen offered advice for businesses looking to renovate or build new construction. “Take the time to do the planning,” she said. “Supply and material

shortages are real. It can be helpful to lock down all of the necessary selections for finishes before we even hammer down a nail. Our company takes the time to do the planning. We narrow down what we need, troubleshoot potential problems before they arise, and get a good team in place to support the project as it runs.”

While some general contractors maintain their own staff of skilled carpenters and laborers that can perform various tasks such as demolition, framing, insulation, site clean-up, cabinetry, and door installation, Wallen said that it is not easy to find workers. “It seems like there has always been a labor shortage in the industry,” she said. “Finding, training, and retaining employees has always been a challenge.”

As a general contractor, subcontractors perform portions of Wallen’s projects. Electricians, plumbers, roofers, drywall technicians, ceiling installers, and even those that specialize in installation of bathroom accessories are all specialty contractors that are hired for different projects depending on the scope. Construction companies can get bids from multiple subcontractors, though these companies seem to have slim staffing right now as well.

The Davis-Bacon Act provides guidelines for minimum wages in various skilled trades. The hourly rates range from a minimum of $9.13 (Landscape & Irrigation) to the highest rate of $29.43 (Ironworker, Structural), according to Sam.gov, an official US Government website. Wallen

real estate & construction

mentioned that while these numbers may be used as a standard for pay rate, they look pretty slim for WNC. She sees people in skilled trades in the construction industry earning $60,000 to $100,000 or more annually.

Wallen also shared her observation of trends within the region compared to the rest of the nation. “WNC is in its own bubble,” said Wallen. “When material shortages and project delays are occurring in larger metropolitan areas, they are not always happening at the same time for Western North Carolina. Since the area has been getting so much recognition in national publications for being such a great place to live, raise children, and have a business, more people are willing to invest here.”

Wallen said that she feels commercial construction is an economic indicator, helping to eliminate some economic fear and provide some hope for the future. A

bustling commercial construction industry means plenty of growth, and this industry will continue to thrive and be sustainable here in Western North Carolina.

asheBUILT – A New Networking Resource for Commercial Construction

Claire Counts, Owner, Designer, and Project Manager at Rhythm Interiors & Installation, a commercial interiors business, has a larger goal in mind for the construction community in the Asheville area.

“Construction is a hand-off game,” Counts said. “We are constantly ‘passing the baton’ and things can get missed.” She said this is why she prefers a team approach to a commercial project, assembling a team at the beginning of a project and using a team approach throughout.

“This is how asheBUILT came into being,” Counts said. “Commercial construction

professionals need to be able to get together in the same room. We need to be able to get to know each other and find others in alignment with our business goals. This will provide opportunities to create teams and use a community approach to get ideas together from everyone – plumbers, architects, interior designers, etc, which could help eliminate problems later in projects.”

Residential builders have the Home Builders’ Associations, but Counts said that there were not any resources like this for commercial builders. She started asheBUILT before the pandemic began, and is currently working to reignite the networking group. As she is ramping it up again, she said that she is considering and planning educational resources and programming in addition to networking opportunities.

“Together we can learn how to make processes easier and more efficient,” Counts said. “With all types of people from across the industry, working together can help mom and pop shops and is better for the community in general.” She said that though her meetups are mostly commercial-driven, anyone who is interested is welcome to join.

Counts said that she tries to pick interesting places for these meetups. She said her goal is to keep it casual as well as visit locations with a story and a connection to Asheville, though if someone wants to host a meeting, the group can meet anywhere. “We are also looking for volunteers and are working on creating a committee. Anyone that is dedicated to and loves the Asheville community would be a welcome addition,” Counts said. “The committee will have somewhat of a time commitment of coming to each monthly event, helping with an annual holiday party, and perhaps start a lunch and learn program.”

The healthy and creative growth of Asheville is a priority, according to Counts.

“Best One-of-a-Kind” home in NC built by Living Stone Design + Build, exterior.

real estate & construction

“We need to have the conversations about maintaining the integrity and personality of Asheville, and by having a diverse pool of people and ideas, we can come together and do a little bit to help,” Counts said. “We can get everyone in the same room and figure it out, help the industry to go and grow, and keep Asheville Asheville.”

A New Professional Women’s Group for Women in Construction

The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, formerly Asheville Home Builders Association, is the result of a merger combining Buncombe, Madison, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties.

The Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains is working to start an arm of Professional Women in Building. Sarah Cosgrove of Grove Manor Flooring,

upcoming Board member of the Builders’ Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains said that the recent meeting held to determine interest in participation was very well attended.

Cosgrove said that she understands the impact of the construction industry on the economy of Western North Carolina. “We know that building is a huge factor in our local economy because so many folks want to live in the beautiful WNC mountains,” Cosgrove said. “Whether that’s with multi-built homes or custom, it is our goal to hold up professionalism and excellence within the building industry.”

There are many careers in the construction industry, education is available, and scholarships are awarded through the Association.

“The HBA of the Blue Ridge wants to be active in changing the conversation for women in the trades,” Cosgrove said. “On the state level there are many efforts coming along including new interactive trailers and much excitement to advocate, particularly in our area. Building industry jobs are shown to offer high returns for little upfront costs, and can help young adults avoid the debt that comes with the traditional college path. The programs being developed are stellar for young folks.”

While the meeting schedule is still being determined, Cosgrove said that she is looking forward to the opportunities that this group will present. “Personally, I am so proud to be surrounded by excellence in the building industry, and welcomed and valued as a woman-owned business,” she said.

M. G. Dillingham

One of only four females during her attendance in Western Carolina University’s Construction Management program, McKenzie Dillingham now owns a general contracting company that does more than just build houses. She and her company also strive to provide opportunities for members of the WNC community.

Dillingham worked in luxury residential construction for Morgan Keefe Builders after her 2009 graduation until launching her own business, M. G. Dillingham, LLC in 2020.

Clients mostly come to M. G. Dillingham from architectural or designer referrals. Architects work with clients to design the home, then Dillingham plans and executes the construction process.

“I won’t do projects without an architectural plan. Some contractors will try, but so many things can change throughout a project that it’s too volatile for me. Established plans help me to provide accurate pricing and timeline estimates for my clients,” Dillingham said.

She partners with a variety of subcontractors to get the work done, and she said that this can be a tricky balance to maintain in today’s market.

“There’s no rushing our subs (subcontractors),” Dillingham said. “There are so many jobs happening in our area. We have to be cautious with the jobs we ask our subs to do because they can essentially pick and choose which jobs to

take right now. If someone doesn’t like the job offered, they don’t have to take it. This is also one reason why it’s so important to treat our subs well.”

When she launched her business, Dillingham’s plan was to head residential construction projects throughout a one-hour radius from her Weaverville location, though her jobs tend to be located closer to home.

“All of my current projects are within 8 miles of my office,” Dillingham said. “There are plenty of jobs available right here, and the close proximity makes my subs happier, too. They don’t have to drive an hour to get to the job site.”

Dillingham mentioned that local supply and demand for subcontractors can sometimes cause project delays and counties are behind on permitting.

“This is why I like to add a healthy cushion to timeline estimates for my clients,” Dillingham said. “Projects are now taking a few months longer than they were a few years ago, so I add about two months to each client’s timeline because if a sub is behind schedule we have to wait. There are no available replacements to call. We just have to use our patience.”

Local supply and demand also keeps pricing plateaued. Dillingham said that this labor market was already inflated preCovid and labor and materials were already short because so much is happening in our area. Because that doesn’t seem to be changing in the near future, she encourages her clients to understand that pricing is what it is.

“Custom home building starts around $400 to $500 per square foot right now, and costs have been similar for several years,” she said. “Some contracting firms in the area may have lower prices points but lack in the customization and personalization my clients want.”

A ninth-generation resident of Weaverville, Dillingham has a strong tie to the community and uses a percentage of her fees to give back.

get to know

One way she does this is by partnering with WCU to offer a scholarship for their construction management program. She said she wants to help underrepresented members of the community have an opportunity for the same education and support that she had, as she attended with the help of a scholarship for women in construction.

Dillingham said that this has been a great career so far, and she also gives talks at local schools on industry jobs and construction management in hopes of helping funnel more people into the industry.

Dillingham is also the board chair at Haywood Street Community Development, a local nonprofit creating an affordable housing community in Asheville. This project will create 46 affordable housing units and has committed to keeping the units affordable in perpetuity - a first for this type of project. Buncombe County, the City of Asheville and Dogwood Health Trust have also taken an unprecedented step by working together to become funding partners for thisendeavor.

While the organization has closed on the purchase of the property at 339 West Haywood Street, the organization must raise $1.1 million to break ground on the project. This location is situated with close proximity to a bus stop, therapists, and the amenities of downtown Asheville.

“We need people with all types of income to be able to live here and survive,” Dillingham said. “People don’t necessarily need to be jobless to go to a soup kitchen for a meal or face housing insecurity. Many working residents are struggling just to pay their rent. With this project, we are hoping to set a precedent for the way we help those that are the backbone of our community.”

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M. G. Dillingham is a general contracting company established in 2020 offering new construction and remodeling services around Asheville.

Learn more at MGDillingham.com.

“ We need people with all types of income to be able to live here and survive...many working residents are struggling just to pay their rent.”

- McKenzie Dillingham

it’s my job

Damon Jennings

Residential Home Appraiser at Bag Appraisals

specific property types,” he said. “I would have no business going to Charlotte and performing appraisals there because I’m not familiar with that market.”

Jennings’s territory consists of Buncombe, Madison, Yancey, and Mitchell Counties. “It’s a complex market here,” he said. “There is a huge variance in price due to a vast socioeconomic disparity. Coming across properties valued anywhere between $100,000 and $10 million, there’s not a lot of conformity and consistency among real estate in this area. The same holds true for land; there’s a lack of consistency in raw properties as well.”

Jennings said he also makes time to speak with property owners about the market, and enjoys talking to agents as well. Real estate agents make a difference in coming to a final value of a home because, he said, because they are experts in their market. “The appraiser’s job is to interpret the motivations and actions of buyers and sellers. Since agents work directly with both, they can be very helpful with that interpretation.”

He said there have been major changes in how appraisals are handled since he began his career. “In 1997, an appraisal was a printed document,” Jennings said. “Pictures were processed in a photo lab. One of my first-ever tasks was to drive around and hand-deliver papers to clients for my uncle. Now an appraisal is one digital file that is uploaded to the cloud into the client’s file.”

Damon Jennings has seen some interesting properties since he began his work as an appraiser 25 years ago. “One day I pulled up to a miniature castle,” Jennings said. “It was a single lady who had requested that her parents build her a castle. It even had round stone turrets and a suit of armor inside. I’ve also seen passive-solar berm houses built right into the sides of hills. When appraisers come across unique properties like these, we have to get really creative when determining comparable values.”

Appraisers work hand in hand with real estate agents and mortgage lenders to determine an appropriate value for residential and commercial properties. Jennings said that although he must meet some requirements and maintain his own insurance, there is a lot of self-governance required working in this position.

“I’ve got to be competent in both the job and the market. I have to make judgment calls geographically as well as regarding

Appraising runs in the family for Jennings. “I started in the mid ‘90s working in my uncle’s appraiser shop,” Jennings said. “There are more family members getting involved now. Family visits are fun because we all sit around and talk appraisals. Since each of us works independently, it’s fun to ‘talk shop’ with others about the job.”

This independent work consists of both time in the office and in the field. According to Jennings, a typical house requires about one hour to measure, photograph, and to make notes about the condition, but that’s not the majority of the work involved.

“Looking at comparable values can take anywhere from three to 20 hours, but it could take days depending on the complexity of the property,” he said. “This is especially true when looking at unique homes in rural areas.”

The driving, Jennings said, is one perk of the job. “I love the rural areas,” he said. “Driving around these mountains and looking at properties is truly something that I enjoy. I’ve looked at thousands of houses during my appraising career, and that part doesn’t get old to me.”

Jennings also said that despite inflation, the cost of appraisals has not increased significantly compared to other services because of the cost efficiency of the technology. “I’ve even started using this new mobile app. It’s pretty cool – I can take photos, sketch the building, and input measurements then upload it to the cloud, all while I’m in the field.”

Technology does seem to make it easy, but according to Jennings, there is no substitute for an experienced professional’s value determination.

“Online platforms that approximate values can’t take into consideration the uniqueness of properties being analyzed,” he said. “In some areas with more conformity they might get close with their algorithms, but that’s not the case for WNC.”

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Damon Jennings is a certified residential appraiser based in Mars Hill and can be reached at damon@ BagAppraisals.com for conversations about anything related to real estate, sports wagering, mowing grass, or living with teenage sons.

pro-tips Solutions for the New Talent Crisis

By Drew Pollick

Research is increasingly showing that the challenge of finding appropriate talent is here to stay and that pay increases are only part of the solution. Professionals are challenged with demands for more flexibility in their work schedules among other needs. Fractional service providers in human resources, finance, information technology, marketing, sales, are solutions to help meet this challenge.

The McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, released research in mid-2022 indicating that this new talent landscape is truly different. The conventional, traditional five-day, 40-hour work week actually works for only about 60 percent of those in the workforce.

Employees are seeking new ways of working. Some things they may look for include:

New experiences in different industries – Employees realize their skills and experience are portable.

Flexible work schedules – Employees want greater flexibility in choosing when and where to work. Family and life demands are at the forefront. They also want autonomy to make these decisions when they need them to flex to the demands of life outside of work. For example, flexible starts and ends to the workday or four 10-hour day schedules are becoming increasingly popular.

Contracting and the Gig Economy – Many have found that they can go work for themselves or piece together part-time gigs to meet their needs and goals. (Research suggests these may be easiest candidates to attract back to the workforce for the right pay, benefits, and company culture.)

Part-time work – A talent pool that has grown during the pandemic seeking parttime work comes from retirees, college students, and working family caregivers. In response, the key strategy is to modify operations and the organizational structure to meet the available talent pool. Organizations can reevaluate job design, organization structure, program

The new year means considering different ways of thinking about how to attract, engage, and retain talent for your business or organization. With unemployment rates hovering between 3.5 to 4.0 percent throughout North Carolina and the U.S., competition for applicants is hyper-competitive.

investments that enhance culture, and operations processes to meet these new demands. Employers have also modified work schedules, reduced hours of operations, invested in technology, and streamlined services to manage through this wave of reduced conventional workforce availability.

Key questions employers should be asking themselves, human resources leaders, and operations leaders:

• W here are our operations most and least profitable?

• W here can we modify operations to achieve the flexibility needed to meet this new workforce?

• W hat changes are needed to our organizational structure and the roles and responsibilities of our employees to achieve changes?

• W hich jobs or roles are core to my operations, and which best support operations?

• W here could contracted fractional resources be of benefit to my organization?

• W hich roles and how can these roles be split into two part-time roles or duties distributed to a fractional provider?

• W here can technology investments help me streamline operations and capture new efficiencies?

As employers work through these organizational changes and

considerations, many are unaware of the advantages and benefits that fractional solutions provide. New service and organizational models have emerged that allow employers to outsource positions or whole departments for your organization. These providers can become integral to your operations and feel like a part of the team.

Fractional solutions offer a range of benefits that are superior to a full-time hire on the same budget and deliver at or above the desired impact. When considering hiring a full-time employee, oftentimes the employer does not have the budget to hire for the level of experience they need. Fractional solutions solve this challenge and for every organization; generating impact is their number one priority.

The benefits of fractional solution providers in HR, finance, IT, marketing, and others include:

• G reater depth of experience across industries

• Higher skill levels

• Process efficiency with transactional tasks

• E xperience delivering value in less time

• Flex capacity that can scale with demand

For example, many small to mid-sized business employers have the need for HR, but their budgets are 50 to 75 percent below the experience level they need for the position. As a result, the new HR hire

may spend less time on value-adding tasks because of the lack of experience. Fractional HR solutions are superior for small to medium sized businesses in many cases because instead of hiring an HR professional directly who has three to eight years of experience, employers are able to hire a team with over 60 to 80 years of collective experience. In addition, fractional service providers present contemporary solutions with technology, process, program designs, and legal compliance experience. Fractional service providers see the competitive landscape firsthand and can offer high value and speed to solutions to deliver impact including exposure to multiple organizations.

Although not all providers are created equal, there are enough providers in the market to find a custom fit for the goals, budget, and culture of a business. Employers should be exploring these providers in areas including HR, finance, IT, and marketing to supplement their teams and turn a crisis into a moment of opportunity.

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Drew Pollick is the Managing Partner and Founder of Craft HR Solutions – an HR firm that provides fractional HR and project consulting services to small and midsized businesses. Headquartered in Asheville, they serve clients around WNC and across the US.

According to McKinsey & Company, the conventional, traditional five-day, 40-hour work week actually works for only about 60 percent of those in the workforce.

Does Your Business Have an Exit Strategy?

If you’re a business owner, you’ve got so much to think about and you work so hard that it might be difficult to envision the day when you’re in a different place in life. However, that day will likely arrive at some time or another so you’ll want to be prepared for it, which means you’ll need an exit strategy. But how do you create one?

Here Are Some Steps That Can Prove Helpful:

• Start planning early. Creating a quick exit is probably not a viable strategy for most business owners. Instead, you’ll want to plan far ahead for when you want to leave your business behind. This will require some thinking about the big picture. What will the company look like when you’re gone? Are you essential to its survival? If not, do you want to sell it to a key employee or an outsider? Or would you prefer to keep it in the family? After you’ve answered these types of questions, you can then move on to consider specific solutions such as creating a buy-sell agreement with an employee or gradually transferring the business to family members.

• Determine how to fill a retirement income gap. You could spend two, or even three, decades in retirement – so you’ll want to be sure you’ll have an adequate income stream to cover all those years. You may be able to draw on Social Security and whatever retirement plan you might have established such as a simplified employee pension plan, individual retirement account, or an owner-only 401(k), but these sources may still leave you short

of what you’ll need to live on during your retirement. However, your business will probably be your biggest asset, especially if you own real estate connected with your operations. If you’re planning to sell your business, how much will you need to earn in order to fill any retirement income gap you may face? It can be somewhat tricky to place a valuation on a business that may not be sold for several years, but with some research and the right forecasting tools, you should be able to develop a pretty good estimate.

• Get professional help. Creating and executing a business exit strategy takes time and expertise. As you think about your own situation, you might want to assemble a team that includes your financial, tax, and legal advisors as well as an expert in business valuation. This last position – business valuation professional – will obviously be particularly beneficial in estimating the value of your business for a future sale.

• Include the next generation in your plans. If you’re planning on transferring your business to the next generation of your family, you’ll certainly need to involve them in every step of the process. Even if you are considering selling the business to an outsider or liquidating it entirely, you

should keep your grown children informed of what you’re doing since they may be affected by the outcome. You may also want to include them in meetings with your financial, tax, and legal advisors. Selling or transferring your business will be one of the most important financial moves you may make as a business owner, so plan ahead, get the help you need, and find the exit strategy that’s right for you.

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This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Katherine Morosani, ChFC®, CEPA®. She can be reached at Katherine.Morosani@EdwardJones.com.

As the calendar turns the page, we wish

Cheers to a New Year!

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Cheers to a

New Year!

New Year!

As the calendar turns the page, we wish you the very best in the year ahead.

to a New Year!

Cheers to a

New Year!

Katherine C Morosani, ChFC®, CEPA®

Financial Advisor

1185 Charlotte Highway Suite I

1185 Charlotte Highway Suite I Fairview, NC 28730 828-628-1546

As the calendar turns the page, we wish you the very best in the year ahead. MKT-9811C-A

Wi-Fi Security Explained

By RiverWave Broadband

Almost every week, we hear that yet another company has been hacked. Somebody has broken into their data networks and stolen valuable private information like the personal identification, credit card, and banking information of their customers.

But it’s not just large organizations that get attacked. If you have Wi-Fi in your home, you also have a data network and you could be vulnerable, too.

Why Would Anyone Bother Targeting My Small Wi-Fi Network?

If you bank and shop online, a lot of your own confidential data travels over your network. You may also keep private information on the computers, phones or tablets that you use to connect to your Wi-Fi. If your Wi-Fi isn’t secure, all that information could be targeted.

Finally, other people may try to use your Wi-Fi simply to avoid paying for their own. You may think this isn’t an issue if your Internet plan has unlimited data, but having too many devices connected to your Wi-Fi network can slow it down dramatically.

What Kind of Security Should I Have on My Network?

In your home, you have a gateway (also known as a router, modem or access point) that you use to connect to the Internet. Most devices offer a choice of three ways to secure your network:

1. MAC Filtering: Every device in the world that’s capable of connecting to a Wi-Fi network has a unique Media Access

Control (MAC) address (sometimes also called a Wi-Fi address), in exactly the same way as you have a unique street address. No two devices have the same MAC address, so theoretically, you could tell your network only to connect devices you know. However, manually entering MAC addresses is a cumbersome process, and whenever you send something from one of your devices, your transmission is unencrypted and includes that device’s MAC address. Hackers who might be monitoring WiFi networks in your neighborhood can easily copy the MAC address and get into your network. There are also other ways they can “spoof” MAC addresses and break in to your network.

2. WEP: This stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy and, as the name suggests, was designed to give wireless networks protection that’s equivalent to wired networks. This is the oldest security option and it requires every device to provide a password before it will allow them to connect. Unfortunately, hackers have found too many ways to get past this option.

3. WPA2: Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) also requires every device to provide a password in order to connect. It uses strong encryption to protect your data and is currently the best way to secure your Wi-Fi network. This is the most recommended option, and

you should choose a strong password that cannot be easily guessed by other people. (There was a version 1, simply known as WPA. WPA2 is an improvement.)

Please note: These options can only prevent unauthorized access to your Wi-Fi network. You still need anti-virus protection to protect the apps and information on your computers, tablets and mobile devices. Every time you go online, use social media, browse a website or open an email, you could be vulnerable to viruses, worms, trojans, malware and other attacks. Ask an expert at your favorite computer store to recommend a good anti-virus application.

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For more information, visit RideRiverWave.com.

“As small business and home network security becomes ever more vulnerable and therefore important, RiverWave’s Ultimate Wi-Fi with built in network security stands out as an industry leader.”

- Ellen

Stallings,

President

Workplace Trends for 2023

By Mary Beth Dallman

The workplace is an ever-evolving environment. For years, the experts studied and prepped for baby boomer retirement, but the pandemic accelerated this turnover. As middle generations are moving into leadership roles and the younger generations are entering the workforce, values are shifting.

Flexibility is the key. The challenging news is that certain businesses and roles are not able to hop on the flexibility bandwagon. The good news is that the workforce is constantly evolving. This article may strike some ideas regarding the focus of technology and flexibility as we move into the new year.

Hybrid Working

Studies are being conducted on the mental health and productivity of employees that are given the opportunity of a hybrid work environment, and early studies have shown one remote or flexible day a week contributes to a more engaged employee. McKinsey and Ipsos reported that 58 percent of Americans had the opportunity to work from home at least once a week, while 38 percent were not required to be in the office at all during the pandemic.

In the category of jobs for which remote or hybrid work is not an option, some fantastic culture boosters are listed at WNCBusiness.com/Employee-Retention.

Employee Surveillance

Since so many individuals have gone virtual, programs to monitor productivity have become widely popular. This will continue to grow as remote work evolves; however, the purpose of these systems is important to understand. Employee surveillance or monitoring programs

should be used to track productivity, but to also serve as a tool to make sure employees are taking much needed breaks. The flexibility of not driving to work and being around their workspace for 24 hours a day should not be misinterpreted that employees are always on the clock. Mental and physical breaks are still important.

Metaverse

Have you noticed that as we’ve evolved with technology and flexibility within the workplace, training has become a challenge? Bringing remote and in-person employees together can be difficult, and some employees may feel they are not able to break away for proper training due to their time commitments. Whether employees are remote or in an office, training, support, and collaboration are important for employees and businesses to progress alongside the economy.

We are seeing that organizational development and meetings have moved from a classroom setting and whiteboardstyle to online video-chatting platforms like Zoom. The next step is to integrate that technology to create an extraordinary experience. Meta is currently working on a platform called Horizon, and Nvidia is promoting Omniverse. Imagine putting on a virtual headset, interacting with avatars and watching your training or a sales pitch!

Flexible Hours

A four-day work week is a topic of discussion in many businesses. This is a four-day work week policy that maintains the same workload and salary. There are multiple factors regarding how this can be achieved. Employees are also deciding what non-productive activities can be cut from their workdays.

Companies put so much energy into making sure employees have support, praise, and celebrations. What if employers honored what employees wanted to do individually by giving them a day to do just that? What would the cost savings be? What would the efficiency look like? What would a progressive feel do for the culture of the company?

As a subject matter expert in the field of people, I see the trouble that the lack of applicants, productivity, and critical thinking are causing within businesses. If we can spice up the workplace with the above trends in 2023, we will more than likely get ahead of the curve with candidates that want to stay, grow, and thrive within the workforce.

—

Mary Beth Dallman is an Asheville native and national executive/ leadership coach, with an extensive career in Human Resources and Organizational Development. Learn more at ThisLeaderLife.com.

Resources to Support Your Business

A Collection of Organizations Around WNC Whose Goal is to Help Your Business Succeed

Area Business Associations

Asheville Downtown Association

828-251-9973

AshevilleDowntown.org

The Asheville Downtown Association partners and works with other organizations to provide services to area businesses. The ADA communicates concerns, advocates for policies, maintains relationships with city and county officials and staff, and addresses social issues. The ADA is committed to the preservation and improvement of the central business district through programming, civic support and annual objectives. Representing downtown merchants, workers and residents, the organization advocates for practices that encourage smart growth and preserve the quality of life in downtown.

Association of Fundraising Professionals-Western North Carolina Chapter AFPWNC.org

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Western North Carolina Chapter is a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource for all who raise funds to better the Western North Carolina community. An inclusive group of professionals, the AFP-WNC volunteers time to help community members grow and succeed as fundraisers.

Downtown Boone Development Association

828-268-6283

DowntownBooneNC.com

The Downtown Boone Development Association’s mission in part is to promote the historic preservation, protection and use of Boone’s traditional downtown area, including the area’s commercial, civic, and religious enterprises and residences. The group also encourages property owners to maintain, improve, and beautify downtown properties.

Downtown Waynesville Association

828-456-3517

DowntownWaynesville.com

The mission of the Downtown Waynesville Association is to undertake revitalization activities within the service district and downtown area based on the guidelines of the North Carolina and National Main Street Programs, while preserving and sustaining the social, cultural, economic and historic role of the downtown as the center of the Waynesville community.

Fletcher Area Business Association

828-456-3517

FletcherBusiness.com

The Fletcher Area Business Association is a nonprofit organization in Western North Carolina that brings together over more than 100 local businesses from the Fletcher area in Henderson County and Buncombe County. FABA is a business networking organization that offers

members the opportunity to connect and expand their reach through relationship marketing at four monthly networking and educational events.

Hendersonville Merchants and Business Association

828-692-4179 NCHMBA.com

The Hendersonville Merchants And Business Association is composed of individuals, firms, associations, companies, corporations, and partnerships located in or near the Hendersonville trade area. The group is dedicated to the development of trade and commerce to meet the needs of the community by supplying goods and services of the highest quality and integrity.

Marion Business Association

828-652-2215 DiscoverMarionNC.com

Expanded in 2006 to advocate for all businesses in the City of Marion, the Mountain Business Association serves as the Economic Development Office for the City of Marion and works between business owners, potential new businesses, the public and elected officials addressing all areas of concern.

Murphy Business Association

Facebook.com/WhereNCBegins

The Murphy Business Association works to cultivate a vibrant business community by providing opportunities for economic growth and prosperity through collaboration.

Weaverville Business Association

VisitWeaverville.com

Established in 2004, the Weaverville Business Association is a group of businesses that sponsors events, bringing the community together and promoting the unique spirit and pride of Weaverville. These include Art in Autumn, The Candlelight Stroll, and Music on Main. The Town of Weaverville also provides significant support, helping to sponsor the group’s events and mission.

West Asheville Business Association

828-225-5925

West-Asheville.com

The West Asheville Business Association is a membership organization for businesses located in the portion of the City of Asheville west of the French Broad River. WABA provides a voice for the business interests of West Asheville, helps West Asheville businesses stay informed about public issues that may affect them, promotes West Asheville businesses, and contributes to community organizations in support of beautification, recreation, and business development.

WNC Minority Business Association

WNCMBA.org

The Western NC Minority Business Association is a nonprofit organization created to advocate and promote the development of minority-owned businesses in Western North Carolina through networking events, workshops, and annual business expos.

*Did we miss your business association? Send an email to Editor@WNCBusiness, and we will add you to our list.

chambers of commerce

Andrews 828-321-3584

AndrewsChamber.com

Asheville Area 828 258-6123 | 828-258-6101

AshevilleChamber.org

Avery County 828-898-5605 AveryCounty.com

Beech Mountain Area 828-387-9283

BeechMTNChamber.com

Black Mountain & Swannanoa 828-669-2300

BlackMountainChamber.com

Blowing Rock 828-295-7851 BlowingRockNCChamber.com

Boone Area 828-264-2225 BooneChamber.com

Brevard/Transylvania 828-884-8900 BrevardNCChamber.org

Bryson City/Swain County 828-488-3681 GreatSmokies.com

Burke County 828-437-3021

BurkeCountyChamber.org

Caldwell County 828-726-0616

CaldwellChamberNC.com

Carolina Foothills 828-859-6236

CarolinaFoothillsChamber.com

Cherokee County 828-837-2242

CherokeeCountyChamber.com

Clay County 828-389-3704

ClayChamberNC.com

Cleveland County 704-487-8521

ClevelandChamber.org

Henderson County 828-692-1413

HendersonCountyChamber.org

Hickory Nut Gorge 828-625-2725

HickoryNutChamber.org

Franklin Area 828-339-4426

Franklin-Chamber.com

Jackson County 828-586-2155 NC-Mountains.com

Madison County 828-689-9351 MadisonCounty-NC.com

McDowell County 828-652-4240

McdowellChamber.com

Mitchell County 828-765-9483

MitchellCountyChamber.org

Rutherford County 828-287-3090

RutherfordCOC.org

Yancey County 828-682-7413

YanceyChamber.com

business resources

Healthcare Resources

North Carolina Healthcare Association

919-677-2400

NCHA.org

The North Carolina Healthcare Association represents North Carolina’s individual and multi-hospital health systems – teaching, rural, small community, suburban, specialty, and continuing care facilities – providing acute care, rehabilitative, behavioral, psychiatric and veterans’ services. Since 1918, NCHA has served as a resource for hospitals, health systems, and other stakeholders delivering information and insight, services, support, education, policy, and advocacy.

Western Carolina Medical Society

828-274-2267

MyWCMS.org

Established in 1885, the Western Carolina Medical Society was incorporated to better advocate on behalf of physicians and the community. The WCMS is a professional association of more than 700 physicians and physician assistants from 16 Western North Carolina counties. Services provided by the WCMS Association include advocacy, communications, networking, discounted services, and member and public education.

WNC Medical Managers Association

828-210-3697

WNCMedicalManagers.com/Contact

The Western North Carolina Medical Managers Association is the Asheville area’s premiere educational, networking,

and social organization for healthcare leaders. They provide relevant education and resources to healthcare leaders and allied members around WNC. The organization connects with leaders at the local, state, and regional levels to ensure its members are well informed, prepared, and equipped to be exemplary leaders in healthcare.

Manufacturing Resources Manufacturers

Executive Association

828-667-3311

MEA-WNC.org

Manufacturers Executive Association members are senior site executives from manufacturing companies in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, and Yancey counties in Western North Carolina. They represent a unified voice on behalf of regional manufacturers, networking together for sharing best practices, and shaping public policy.

Transylvania

Economic Alliance

828-393-4130

TransylvaniaAlliance.com

The Transylvania Economic Alliance is the professional economic development organization for Transylvania County, Brevard, and Rosman. They assist existing businesses with expansion and retention efforts and work to recruit new businesses to the community. The TEA is a liaison for large manufacturers as well as aspiring entrepreneurs for information regarding strategic site locations, infrastructure, incentives, and workforce training and development opportunities.

Real Estate/ Construction Resources

asheBUILT

asheBUILTAVL.com

asheBUILT is a networking and educational community for professionals in commercial construction in and around Asheville. Members have opportunities to develop and work with a team to brainstorm, learn more about processes, and help each other to complete projects.

Professional Women in Building

AshevilleHBA.com

A new program of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, formerly the Asheville Home Builders Association, Professional Women in Building offers opportunities for women in the construction industry to network, support colleagues, and advocate for women in construction trades.

General Business Resources

Carolina Small Business Development Fund

1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler 828-633-5065

CarolinaSmallBusiness.org

Carolina Small Business Development Fund works to promote community and economic development throughout North Carolina and the surrounding regions.

Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation

70 S. Market Street Asheville 828-281-1227 EagleMarketSTS.org

Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation provides Asheville/ Buncombe County and the Western North Carolina region with assistance in property development, economic development and access to human services.

Golden Leaf Foundation

301 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount 252-442-7474 GoldenLeaf.org

Golden Leaf Foundation works to increase economic opportunity in North Carolina’s rural and tobacco-dependent communities through leadership in grantmaking, collaboration, innovation, and stewardship as an independent and perpetual foundation.

Guided Compass

GuidedCompass.com

Guided Compass is a lifelong career development platform that helps with clarifying and coordinating career pathways, career planning, making progress toward individuals' goals, and gaining social capital/advocates for opportunities.

Hatch Innovation Hub

45 S French Broad Avenue, Asheville HatchInnovationHub.org

Hatch Innovation Hub offer access to mentorship, funding, and physical space as well as programs like Pitch Parties, Pressure Tests, and The Founders Roundtable that help businesses build, learn, and scale.

continued on next page

home builders' associations

Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains 828-299-7001 | AshevilleHBA.com

Henderson-Transylvania Home Builders Association 828-697-9513 | HendersonvilleHomeBuilders.com

Rutherford Home Builders Association 828-286-2489 | RCHB.org

Smoky Mountain Home Builders Association 828-454-0221 | SmokyMountainHBA.org

boards of REALTORS:

Burke County Board of REALTORS 828-743-0423 | BurkeRealtors.com

Carolina Smokies Board of REALTORS 828-524-1179 | CarolinaSmokiesRealtors.com

Hendersonville Board of REALTORS 828-693-9642 | HBOR-NC.com

High Country Association of REALTORS 828-262-5437 | HighCountryRealtors.org

Highlands-Cashiers Board of REALTORS 828-743-0423 | HCBOR.net

Land of the Sky Association of REALTORS 828-255-8505 | LOSAR.org

Mountain Lakes Board of REALTORS 828-837-5297 | MountainLakesBoardOfRealtors.com

business resources

Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development

330 N King Street, Hendersonville 828-692-6373

HCPED.org

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development is a public/private partnership that works to create and retain quality jobs and increase industrial capital investments that will improve the quality of life for Henderson County residents.

Made X Mountains 336-408-3908

MadeXMtns.com

A brand established to provide entrepreneurial support, networking, and collaboration to outdoor brands of all sizes around Western North Carolina, Made X Mountains comprises several programs and partnerships including Mountain BizWorks that provide a plethora of opportunities to grow the outdoor industry. Specific programs include:

- B uilding Outdoor Communities 504-502-4273

MadeXMtns.com/BOC

- O utdoor Gear Builders of WNC 828-712-8688

OutdoorGearBuilders.com

Mountain Area Workforce Development Board

339 New Leicester Hwy, Suite 140 Asheville 828-251-6353

MountainAreaWorks.org

The Mountain Area Workforce Development Board provides policy, planning, oversight, and funding for local workforce development programs and addresses workforce issues as they emerge within the region.

Mountain BizWorks 828-253-2834 MountainBizWorks.org

Mountain BizWorks ensures its clients’ success by offering highly customized,

peer-to-peer business coaching by an extensive network of local, successful business owners as well as offering business loans ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 to small businesses.

NC Idea Foundation

411 W. Chapel Hill Street, Suite C2, Durham 919-941-5600

NCIdea.org

NC IDEA is an independent private 501(c) (3) foundation that helps North Carolinians achieve their entrepreneurial ambitions of starting and growing high potential companies.

1 Million Cups

45 South French Broad Event Center, Asheville 1MillionCups.com

Based on the premise that business growth happens over 1 million cups of coffee, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation established a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire entrepreneurs around the country.

SCORE

Western NC - Main Office

Inside Henderson County Chamber of Commerce 204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville 828-693-8702

Asheville - Main Office 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Suite 2040, Candler 828-417-0555

WesternNC.SCORE.org

SCORE has been mentoring new and existing businesses nationwide for more than 40 years and has a network of more than 13,000 volunteers who donate their time to help entrepreneurs.

Small Business and Technology Development Center

Asheville 46 Haywood St, Suite 212 828-251-6025

Cullowhee

226J Forsythe Building, WCU College of Business 828-227-3504 SBTDC.org

Partnered with the US Small Business Administration, the North Carolina SBTDC is an advisory resource for growing and developing businesses hosted by campuses of the University of North Carolina system.

Spark

Tank

SparkTankNC.org

Spark Tank is a collaborative group of service providers in Western North Carolina who aim to advance a cohesive, inclusive, and efficient means of fostering entrepreneurship. continued on next page

small business centers

Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College 828-694-1658

Small Business Center and Business Incubation at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College 828-398-7950

Appalachian Enterprise Center - Boone 828-726-3065

BRCC Small Business Center - Brevard 828-694-1658

Swain Center - Bryson City 828-339-4211

Isothermal Community College Small Business CenterPolk Campus - Columbus 828-894-3092

Macon Campus, Groves Center - Franklin 828-339-4211

Haywood Community College Small Business Center HCC Regional High Tech Center - Waynesville 828-627-4512

Western Piedmont Community College's Small Business Center - Morganton 828-448-6719

WPCC, Foothills Higher Education Center - Morganton 828-448-6719

Tri-County Community College - Murphy 828-835-9564

Old Fort - Rocket Building 828-652-0634

Isothermal Community College Small Business Center - Spindale 828-395-1667

Mayland Community College Small Business Center - Spruce Pine 828-766-1295

Southwestern Community College Small Business Center - Sylva 828-339-4426

For more information and locations visit NCSBC.net.

business resources

UNC Asheville Family Business Forum

1 University Heights, Asheville 828-251-6600 FBF.UNCA.edu

The Family Business Forum provides professional learning opportunities to help these closely held businesses maximize the overall well-being of their company, and to assist with transition planning for the next generation of ownership.

U.S. Small Business Administration, North Carolina District

1465 Sand Hill Road, Suite 2013, Candler 704-344-6563 SBA.gov

The US Small Business Administration provides sources for every phase of business development from planning and launching to managing and expanding, as well as online guides and training courses.

Venture Asheville

36 Montford Ave, Asheville VentureAsheville.com

Venture Asheville fosters economic development in the state of North Carolina by offering services including development workshops, business coaching, access to capital, business needs assessments, network opportunities, and online business webinars.

Young Professionals of Asheville

36 Montford Avenue, Asheville YPAsheville.org

The Young Professionals of Asheville is a professional growth and networking community offering events providing opportunities for growth in leadership, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and networking.

Young Professionals

of Henderson County 204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville Facebook.com/YPHendersonCo

The Young Professionals of Henderson County is a service of the Henderson Co. Chamber which provides social opportunities and skills development to professionals under 40 working in Henderson County.

Did We Miss a Great Business Resource?

Please email us at Editor@WNCBusiness.com or visit WNCBusiness.com/ SubmitNews with the resource name and details, so that we may consider it.

economic development agencies

Avery County Economic Development 828-733-8201 | AveryCountyNC.gov

Ashe County Economic Development Committee 336-846-5501 | AsheNCEDC.com

Cherokee County Economic and Workforce Development 828 835-9564, ext. 204 CherokeeCounty-NC.gov/164/ Economic-Development Burke Development Incorporated 828-764-9370 | BurkEDevInc.com

City of Asheville Office of Economic Development 828-232-4505

AshevilleNC.gov/Department/ Community-Economic-Development/

Haywood Economic Development Council 828-456-3737 | HaywoodChamber.com/EDCHaywood

Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development 828-692-6373 | GoHendersonCountyNC.org

Macon County Economic Development Commission 828-369-2306 | MaconEDC.com

Rutherford County Economic Development 828-287-6200 | RutherfordNCEDC.com Watauga Economic Development 828-264-3082 | WataugaEDC.org

Yancey County Economic Development 828-682-7722 | YanceyEDC.org/

BPR’s BIG SWITCH

BPR News and BPR Classic have switched places on the dial!

ASHEVILLE

BPR News is at 88.1

BPR Classic is at 107.9

HENDERSONVILLE

BPR News is at 99.3

BPR Classic is at 103.1

CULLOWHEE

BPR News is at 89.7 BPR Classic is at 90.5

WAYNESVILLE

BPR News is at 102.9

BPR Classic is at 98.3

BRYSON CITY

BPR News is at 94.7 BPR Classic is at 99.1

This exciting change will bring trusted reporting and programming to 250,000 more people in Western North Carolina.

BPR News and BPR Classic, two channels to inform and inspire, ready to serve your community

Visit bpr.org to find a BPR frequency near you.

More

News for More People

Business Events Across WNC

For More Information on These Events or to Submit Your Own Event, Visit WNCBusiness.com/Events.

JANUARY

Thursday, January 5

Orientation Session - Mountain BizWorks

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Mountain BizWorks, Asheville Office

An in-person interactive information session to learn what resources are available at Mountain BizWorks that can help businesses to start, grow, and thrive.

Tuesday, January 10

Nonprofit Policy Conversation for Western NC

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Goodwill Career Center, Asheville $25 for Members/Sustainers, $35 for Non-member

The Nonprofit Policy Conversation will bring together nonprofit leaders and local elected officials (mostly state legislators) from western Western North Carolina to discuss public policy issues that are important to charitable nonprofits and the people and communities they serve.

Business After Hours - Transylvania County

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Location TBD

Join the Chamber for an evening networking reception including announcements, new member introductions, and door prizes.

Financial Tools - Mountain BizWorks

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Virtual, Zoom, $50

Learn basic financial management principles that all small business owners should know.

Creating a Digital Marketing Blueprint for Your Business

5:30 - 7:00 PM

Webinar, NCSBC.net

Learn about the basics that can help a business get started online and best practices for implementing additional platforms.

Wednesday, January 11

Business Morning Update - Henderson County

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Hendersonville Elks Lodge

This monthly event features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.

Wednesday, January 11

Lunch & Learn: How to Successfully Exit Your Business

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Transylvania County Library, Rogow Room

Business owners can learn about the importance of advance planning for the sale or succession of their business.

Thursday, January 12

Identifying Your Target Market

5:30 - 7:00 PM

Webinar, NCSBC.net

A discussion of how to identify your target market and how to create messages that they connect with and how to reach them where they are.

Friday, January 13

Personal Finance WorkshopYoung Professionals of Asheville

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Learn the hows and whys of building a personal financial plan. Business After HoursAsheville Area Chamber of Commerce 5:30 - 7:00 PM Franny’s Farmacy, Asheville

Join the Chamber for January’s Business After Hours.

Tuesday, January 17

Asheville Restaurant Week Weeklong event through Mon., Jan 23, 2023 Various locations

Asheville Restaurant Week celebrates Asheville’s great food scene with participating restaurants serving up menu specials.

Websites and Point of Sale Systems for Your Business

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Webinar, NCSBC.net

Learn from a panel of experts about websites and POS systems and determine what’s best for your small business.

Tuesday, January 17

Orientation Session - Mountain BizWorks

5:30 - 6:30 PM Virtual, Zoom

An interactive information session to learn what resources are available at Mountain BizWorks that can help businesses.

Wednesday, January 18

January Professional Development: Prospect Research

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Zoom, $10 - $15

Prospect research relies on information that is by definition public. This session will go step-by-step through a basic prospect profile template to learn about freely available resources to fill in each area. Hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western North Carolina Chapter.

Blue Ridge Community College’s Mission Acceleration Program

8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, (First program day 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) Through Wednesday, May 24 Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, $295

This bi-monthly program will help identify Key Performance Indicators in each department of a company to track, monitor, and accelerate the success of the business.

January Chamber OrientationAsheville Area Chamber of Commerce

3:30 - 5:00 PM

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber President Kit Cramer will give an overview of the work the Chamber is doing every day to build the community including how the Chamber supports our thriving economy by growing jobs, advocating for a business-friendly environment, and helping our members prosper.

asheBUILT Networking Session

5:30 PM

Barley’s Taproom, 42 Biltmore Ave, Asheville

This is a networking event for professionals in the commercial construction industry.

business events across wnc

Thursday, January 19

How to Get Certified as a Woman-Owned, Veteran-Owned or Minority-Owned Business

1:00 - 1:45 PM Webinar, SCORE

This webinar will review frequently asked questions regarding getting certified as a minority-owned, veteran-owned and woman-owned business. There will also be a chance to get questions answered.

How to Start a Small Business in NC

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Webinar, NCSBC.net

Learn business basics from determining readiness and establishing a business name to licensing and acquisition.

Tuesday, January 24

Email Marketing for Your Small Business

5:30 - 7:00 PM Webinar, NCSBC.net

Avoid common email marketing mistakes and maximize your emails for powerful impact.

Intro to QuickBooks - Mountain Bizworks

6:00 - 8:30 PM Online, Zoom, $25

Gain an overview of QuickBooks and the different subscription levels, learn how to navigate the dashboard and explore the reporting feature to generate reports that can be customized to your needs.

Wednesday, January 25

Ribbon Cutting for Javacart Espresso Catering

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Javacart is joining the Asheville Chamber and will provide made-to-order coffee drinks for all guests who attend the Ribbon Cutting.

business events across wnc

Thursday, January 26

Henderson County Chamber’s 100th Annual Dinner & Awards

5:30 - 8:00 PM

Blue Ridge Community College, starting at $75

In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of 2022 and welcoming new officers and board members, the organization will be honoring a number of outstanding individual members.

Facebook Marketing for Your Small Business

5:30 - 7:00 PM Webinar, NCSBC.net

Learn the latest strategies for using Facebook to market your business.

Tuesday, January 31

Harnessing the Power of Instagram

5:30 - 7:00 PM Webinar, NCSBC.net

How to build your Instagram brand, the ins and outs of Instagram, and the use of hashtags.

FEBRUARY

Wednesday, February 1

Smart Series: Meet the Media

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, $0 Free for members, $15 for non-members

Members of the local media will share perspectives on the media landscape with insights on their work and how businesses can interact with them.

Thursday, February 2

Business After HoursAsheville Area Chamber of Commerce

5:30 - 7:00 PM Restoration Hotel

Join the Chamber for January’s Business After Hours.

Orientation Session - Mountain BizWorks

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Virtual, Zoom

An online interactive information session to learn what resources are available at Mountain BizWorks that can help businesses to start, grow, and thrive.

Tuesday, February 7

Building Your Brand

5:30 - 7:00 PM Webinar, NCSBC.net

Learn how to create a successful brand that is consistent in communication and experience across many applications.

Wednesday,

February 8

Business Morning Update - Henderson County

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Hendersonville Elks Lodge

This monthly event features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.

Lunch & Learn: Equity and Inclusion in Employment

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Transylvania County Library, Rogow Room

Learn strategies for hiring and supporting workers with disabilities, creating inclusive worksites, providing accessible worksites, and ADA and ABLE accounts.

Thursday, February 9

Content Marketing: What to Say, How to Say It

5:30 - 7:00 PM Webinar, NCSBC.net

A discussion of topics including how many links create the most engagement, how to create high-open subject lines, and tips on using pictures and videos.

Saturday, February 11

Business of Farming Conference

8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

A-B Tech Conference Center, starting at $75

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s annual conference is held to brings together professional farmers from across the Southeast region to network and share resources to grow their farm business.

Tuesday, February 14

Business After Hours - Transylvania County

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Location TBD

Join the Chamber for an evening networking reception including announcements, new member introductions, and door prizes.

Wednesday, February 22

Orientation Session - Mountain BizWorks

10:00 - 11:00 AM

Mountain BizWorks, Asheville Office

An interactive information session to learn what resources are available at Mountain BizWorks that can help businesses.

Foundations Business Planning Class

6:00 - 8:30 PM

Online, Zoom, $375

This class helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory, supportive learning environment.

Tuesday, February 28

30 Ways to Grow Your Email List

5:30 - 6:30 PM Webinar, NCSBC.net

Learn new ideas and strategies to capture new contacts, grow your list and take action to help move your business forward.

MARCH

Wednesday, March 1

Smart Series: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Noon - 1:00 PM

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, $0 members, $15 non-members

Marlowe Weingart of Humane Resourcing, LLC will present about group and individual dynamics that influence behavioral outcomes, followed by an interactive activity where individuals will get to practice appropriate workplace behaviors.

Thursday, March 2

Business After HoursAsheville Area Chamber of Commerce

5:30 - 7:00 PM

Elevation Lofts

Join the Chamber for January’s Business After Hours.

WNC Career Expo

A-B Tech Conference Center

Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Western North Carolina businesses and organizations promote career opportunities for job seekers in advanced manufacturing, technology, health care, tourism, professional services, and other high-growth industries.

business events across wnc

Wednesday, March 8

Business Morning Update - Henderson County

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Hendersonville Elks Lodge

This monthly event features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.

Lunch & Learn: Creating Culture

Noon - 1:00 PM

Transylvania County Library, Rogow Room

Critical lessons learned from multiple proven sources that will help clarify and inspire you to nurture a healthy, effective, and sustainable culture for your organization.

Thursday, March 9

Mega Networking - Spring 2023

Location TBD

Meet face-to-face with business prospects from a variety of industries and gain exposure for your company during this fast-paced networking event.

Tuesday, March 14

Business After Hours - Transylvania County

5:00 - 7:00 PM

Location TBD

Join the Chamber for an evening networking reception including announcements, new member introductions, and door prizes.

Wednesday, March 15

Venture Asheville Talent Jam

Location TBD

Half social mixer, half talent pitch, Talent Jam is a high-energy, outside-the-box approach to matching great talent with fastpaced, growing companies.

Thursday, March 23

WomanUP

Workshop

Location TBD

WomanUP is an initiative from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce focused on women in business who wish to build a strong network of women intent on inspiring one another to achieve individual potential; supporting each other in business endeavors; and creating a legacy through mentorship.

JARED BELLMUND

ALLCHOICE

Insurance

Jared is ALLCHOICE Insurance’s Managing Partner in Western North Carolina, with offices in Asheville and Hendersonville. Jared is both active in our community and at Bethany Baptist Church.

Jared lives in Fletcher with his wife of 10 years, Jenny and their two children, Jamie and Jonah. He is an avid sports fan and when not cheering on his favorite teams, you can find him playing golf, fishing, hiking, or spending quality time with his family.

Schedule a free, no obligation, commercial insurance review to ensure your business has the right coverage at the best value.

828-237-2327

ALLCHOICEInsurance.com

KÉGAN ENGLISH

CEO, Atlantic Coast Business Brokers

Kégan founded the “next generation” business brokerage and advisory firm, believing that the industry was in desperate need of change. He and his team use their years of professional business consulting experience to elevate the business purchasing and selling experience.

Kégan and his wife are full-time residents of WNC and prefer to spend most of their free time on adventures in the great outdoors with their two dogs. Looking to purchase or sell a business?

Contact Kégan today to learn more about their services!

828-655-7411

AtlanticCoastBusinessBrokers.com

MARY BETH DALLMAN

MEd/HR, This Leader Life

Mary Beth is proud of being an Asheville native and she quickly became a national senior executive & leadership coach after a 15-year career in healthcare.

With a focus in professional leadership growth, self transformation, trauma, and dysfunction, Mary Beth currently works with teams and individuals in NC, FL and NY. She defies the traditional coach’s scripts and facilitator guides and applies her expertise through education, professional history and most importantly personal history; which allows a true connection between her and her clients.

Visit her website for a more in depth look at all that she offers.

828-551-4122

ThisLeaderLife.com BILL

GILLILAND

Award Winning Presenter, Entrepreneur, and ActionCOACH Business Coach

Bill is currently one of the top ActionCOACH business coaches in the world, speaks on a wide range of business topics, and loves to teach business owners how to build “commercial, profitable businesses that work without them.” Bill lives in Montreat with his wife of 38 years, Lynn. They have two grown sons. In his spare time, Bill enjoys golf, fly-fishing, reading books on business and theology, and doing anything outdoors with his sons.

Schedule a Free Business Coaching session with Bill Gilliland to get started.

828-348-1787

BillGilliland.ActionCoach.com

NICK IOSUE

Sr. Commercial Loan Officer, United Federal Credit Union

As the Senior Commercial Loan Officer, Nick has more than 12 years of financial industry experience. Prior to joining United, Nick was a VP of Business Banking at First Citizen Bank. He has a degree in accounting and corporate finance from Western Carolina University and is a graduate of the North Carolina School of Banking at UNC Chapel Hill. Nick lives with his wife and two daughters and has served with the NC Young Bankers Association, the Brevard Chamber of Commerce and Pisgah Forest Rotary.

wnc business people to know

CHRIS KAMINSKI

Award-winning Designer, Entrepreneur, Owner Lone Bird Studio LLC., webguy.tech

Lone Bird Studio is a leading design and marketing studio in WNC with 44+ years of service and that equals experience. Chris offers several programs and a full range of business services not just web but includes graphic design, print, radio, and TV. This gives a solid and cohesive product for his clients. This year he is re-launching webguy.tech.

Chris lives in Alexander with his wife of 38 years. He likes to hike and backpack and is a closet guitar player.

828-708-6548

NIosue@UnitedFCU.com

JACK KEEBLER

Regional Sales Representative, Spherion Staffing & Recruiting

Jack has worked with Spherion since 2018 and after graduating from WCU with a Finance degree, he quickly moved up the ranks from Intern to Recruiter to On-Premise Manager, and now to Regional Sales Representative.

With a finger on the pulse of the industry, and a knack for forging relationships, Jack connects talented candidates with discerning clients. Through compassion and grit, he works to drive careers, grow businesses, and better the communities we call home. Reach out to learn more about Jack and to see how Spherion can help you.

828-348-0390

JackKeebler@Spherion.com

First consult and coffee is always free. Put his knowledge to work for you. 828-216-1451

Chris@LoneBird.com

CHEYENNE MATHEWS

ALLCHOICE Insurance

A Risk Consultant with ALLCHOICE Insurance, Cheyenne Matthews is an Ambassador with the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a Committee Member with the Fletcher Area Business Association, a Softball Coach with Henderson County Parks and Recreation, and an assistant coach for the Lady Bearcat’s Hendersonville High School Softball Team. Cheyenne works hard daily to serve her community and to do business the right way. To see what she and ALLCHOICE are doing for the community, give her a call today.

828-237-2327

ALLCHOICEInsurance.com

DREW POLLICK (He/Him) Founder + Managing Partner

Drew founded Craft HR Solutions with the vision of helping mission-driven, small and mid-sized organizations grow. He saw leaders struggle to find the experience and expertise needed to make critical impacts through their people. The Craft HR team offers solutions ranging from HR Assessments, Fractional HR, and project-based engagements to enhance compensation, benefits, recruiting, leader training, employee engagement, DEI, and more.

Set a time today to learn more about how Craft HR can help you achieve your goals.

Follow the QR code to visit our website.

828-222-0024

Info@CraftHRSolutions.com

RONNIE REID

Sr. Vice President, Business Development Officer, First Citizens Bank

Ronnie has worked with First Citizens bank for 35 years in both consumer and business banking. With a diverse banking background, he can take a holistic approach to addressing the financial needs of his clients. Working with small businesses, Ronnie involves First Citizens consultants & specialists to create a team effort to assist clients with financial services, wealth, retirement planning, employee benefits, and insurance services.

First Citizens values long lasting relationships with the goal of providing clients a lifetime of financial success.

828-257-5703

Ronald.Reid@FirstCitizens.com

TIM POLIS

Certified Coach, You Lead Unlimited

Tim has helped leaders lead at their highest level both Personally and Professionally. As a Maxwell Leadership Coach and Ace certified personal trainer, DISC assessment trainer, and Ordained Minister, Tim is equipped to develop strategies that increase growth potential in business and personal development.

Tim, Elke, and their four children enjoy the friendships, community, and beauty of Hendersonville.

828-606-7747

YouLeadUnlimited.com

GREG ROBEL

CTO, Vistanet

Greg’s finance and economics degree from Mars Hill University means he’s fluent in cost savings and capital outlays. No matter your business goals, Greg’s telecom and network experience has given him a deep sense of appreciation of the powerful technology at the heart of Vistanet’s services and how it can help your company thrive.

Greg’s professional experience includes: Inspecting, studying, and stress-testing every single Vistanet phone— ensuring that businesses, like yours, receive the most feature-rich and reliable tech on the market today.

828-348-5366, Ext. 304 grobel@vistanet.co

It’s Worth a FLU SHOT

work-life balance

How Fly Fishing Rearranged

Life’s Priorities

By Diane Luebbers

Real estate agents are notorious for living in a constant flurry of activity. We have an endless list of tasks to complete — everything from listing consultations, staging those new listings, arranging and managing photography and drone sessions, managing transactions, showing homes to buyer clients, putting in offers, and attending inspections. There is also the process of following up with current and former clients, marketing, networking, learning and effectively using multiple software programs and social media platforms.In order to manage the stress of such a fast paced life, it is necessary to find a way to unplug, relax, and recharge.

My husband Jim and I are a real estate duo. This setup does four very important things for us as realtors. First, it allows us to divide up our many responsibilities according to our strengths, talents and interests. Second, it allows us to be very involved with each and every transaction, eliminating the need for transaction managers, assistants, or multiple team members. Third, it allows us to tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each client and thus enables us to go above and beyond and provide concierge-level service for each and every client. What we’ve found is that not only do we end up with happy clients and a job well done, we are also turning clients into lifelong friends and our biggest cheerleaders, often resulting in referral business from their family, friends and neighbors.

Which leads me to the fourth reason I enjoy working as a husband and wife agent

team — down time. With two of us minding the store so to speak, we can take turns taking time off to relax, de-stress, and get away from all the devices. My husband loves to play golf, go camping, drink craft beer with friends at local breweries and watch sports.

Personally, I like to get out on a river and chase trout. Whenever I need to get away from the hustle and bustle, I go fly fishing. It’s solace, relaxation, healing, and it’s recharging my body and soul.

I find that when I get outside and into nature surrounded by the trees and the mountains with a babbling river at my feet, I feel the physiological effects that it has on my body. There’s a name for it. It’s called the Biophilia Effect, as described in a book of the same name by Clemens G. Arvay.

Fly fishing is my favorite way to get my biophilia fix. Since moving to Hendersonville from Bozeman, Mont., I have found fly fishing companions as well as mentors at the Pisgah chapter of Trout Unlimited. Currently I serve on the board as the Membership Chair, making sure new members are welcomed into the group, helping them to understand the resources available, and setting them up with the right contact for volunteering or mentoring on the water. I’ve found that the more I do to support and help with our chapter and its members, the more I end up in my happy place – standing in a river feeling the pull of the earth flowing around me.

work-life balance

I’ve also created a group of fly fisherwomen that go out together to fish in the Davidson and Mills Rivers. Having these outings on my calendar forces me to take the time to get out there in the river. It also encourages me to learn more about the sport so that I can help these women feel successful in their experience. It feels motivating to help others while I am learning to be more skilled at the sport myself. The group outings give me more time outdoors, and I enjoy the friendships and community that the group creates.

Unlike a typical fly fisher, for me it’s not about the fish. It’s simply being out there that’s important. I’ve learned enough about the sport to feel competent and enjoy a level of success so that I can relax and just enjoy the experience. Honestly I even prefer for a fish to jump off of a hook. I still feel the joy of a ‘win’ without having to stress or injure the fish.

What started as a hobby has grown into my passion. Not only have I formed many friendships while getting outside to relax, sharpen my mind, and learn more about the rhythms of life and nature, a desire has also been sparked inside me to help ensure that these natural places stay the way that they are.

I originally came to Trout Unlimited for the fish, but I have stayed for the conservation. There is a speaker at each meeting, and I was particularly struck by the talk that Maria Wise of the Mills River Partnership gave. She discussed how streams on private properties have an

Unlike a typical fly fisher, for me it’s not about the fish.

It’s simply being out there that’s important.

work-life balance

effect on the rivers downstream. When property owners cut down all of the trees for vista pruning, more sediment washes downstream. When farmers straighten streams, heavy rains rush even faster through these sections causing even more mud to rush into the river because the creeks and streams need to meander in order to slow the flow and catch sediment. The clearing and rerouting damages the environment and consequently the fish and invertebrates that live there.

Now that I know, I can educate my real estate clients on the importance and responsibility of proper maintenance of river, creek, and stream banks. If there is no proper maintenance, their land can literally wash away. It’s beneficial for owners to take care of it.

It is also fulfilling for me to participate in group restoration projects. Our Trout Unlimited chapter partners with other conservation organizations to provide many ways to be a vital part of conservation projects, with planned work days doing everything from fence-building to trash pickup to live-staking with saplings to help stabilize river and stream banks.

A funny thing happened on the way to rest and relaxation - I went to the woods

and found the world. What started as a relaxing pastime has turned into a change of heart and a change of habits as well. I am trying one habit and one purchase at a time to be a good steward of this earth I live on. With each person I share my love of fly fishing with, I try to impart the importance of conserving our rivers and our world for future generations.

Fly fishing is not the only way that I endeavor to rest, relax, and recharge. I also paint, create yard art, and love to type on my old 1964 Corona typewriter. To make time for these, I have had to let go of perfection in housekeeping and other domestic pursuits. I also try to work as intuitively as possible, maintaining a focus on priorities to be efficient with my time spent.

In the past, I declined to participate in many outside activities citing how much work I had piled up, how many hours of sitting in front of the computer I had yet to do, or how many calls I should be making. I realized that I was so busy working that I never had time for the life I’d moved here to Western North Carolina to live. I have since learned how to better arrange my schedule, and with the help of my wonderfully supportive husband,

get outside on a river away from calls and texts, emails, and social media. I still take my cell phone with me to take pictures, but since there’s no cell signal out where I am, there’s no temptation to let it ruin that all too precious self-care time which is so vital in recharging and refreshing my body and soul. When I feel refreshed, I become more effective and productive in my work and life.

I like what Mark Twain said: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Or call me and let’s go fishing!

—

Diane Luebbers is a real estate broker at BluAxis Realty. She and her husband Jim work as a team serving Western North Carolina. Learn more at RiverstoPeaksRealty.com or reach out to Diane@BluAxis.com.