High Country Business Spotlight 2023

High Country

INDUSTRY • CRAFTSMEN • INNOVATORS • ENTERPRISES

SPOTLIGHT

2023

on Business

Old Barn Winery

SkyLine SkyBest

H & T Chair Company

Goodnight Brothers, Inc.

Mountain Times P U B L I C A T I O N S

2 • SEPTEMBER 2023 www.mountaintimes.com SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

OLD BARN WINERY

O

A Family Dream with 4 Generations.

wners Greg and Robin Sexton, along with their three sons, Andrew , Matthew and Thomas, who also own and operate Frosty’s Choose & Cut and Sexton Farms, opened the doors to Old Barn Winery July of 2022 and have had a steady flow of visitors coming by to sample fine wine every since.

“The Old Barn Winery is a family dream: creating a vineyard and winery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Our farming roots run four generations deep in these beautiful mountains and we always envisioned our Christmas trees and vines growing together in perfect harmony. Every bottle is filled with the same love, passion and commitment our family has poured into our farms since 1960” said the Sextons. Visitors at the Old Barn Winery are typically treated to live music and food The Old Barn Winery is located at 2152 Beaver Creek School Road in West Jefferson trucks on the weekends, along with lots of great conversations with friends, family and other first tree seedlings on about 80 acres of land.

Christmas tree is an investment, with the average visitors that want to enjoy a nice glass of wine. Since then, Sexton Farms has expanded to tree requiring from 7 to 10 years of growth in Old Barn Winery offers a wide variety of white include Frosty’s Choose & Cut on Beaver Creek order to produce a tree that is six to seven feet School Road in West Jefferson where Greg along tall. with his sons Andrew, Matthew and Thomas usher in a fourth generation of family Christmas tree farmers in the High Country.

Much like every other Christmas tree farm in the area, the Sextons specialize in Fraser fir trees, a species that is native to the area and excel at growing at higher elevations more than 3,000 feet and up to as high as 6,000 feet. According to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, the tree’s resilience, needle retention, form, dark Greg and Robin Sexton are pictured here with blue-green color, pleasant scent and outstanding their sons Andrew, Thomas and Matthew. shipping characteristics has led to the Fraser Fir A lot of love and heart goes into making great to become one of the most popular Christmas selections of white wines, red wines and rose’ wines, red wines and rosé wines. wines.

As the months get closer to Christmas time, tree species in the United States.

Growing Christmas trees isn’t nearly as easy For more information and events going on at you’ll start to see trucks with trees in the back and plenty of minivans with trees strapped to the as it sounds. It takes a lot more than just putting the Old Barn Winery, visit oldbarnwinery.com. top. The Sextons have been growing Christmas seeds in the ground and expecting a completed For more information on Frosty’s Choose & Cut, trees since 1960 when Byron Sexton planted the product in a short period of time. Producing a visit www. gofrostys.com

www.mountaintimes.com SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 2023 • 3

H&TChair

We arre factory direct manuffacturers of the highestt quality oak wood beach furrniture, including wood beach ch hairs, beach umbrellas and cabanas since 1969.

Our furniture is handcrafted by the renowned North Carolina Furniture Tradesmen.

H & T Chair Co. Inc. H&T Chairs are made in the USA with oak, brass hard dware, two o coats of spa varnish, and covered with Sunbrella® an nd Outdura® material. All cut wood beach furniture and oakwood beach chairs can be used anywhere in the most adverse beach weather.

Storage is easy - wooden beach chairs fold so to allow easy handling. Home, hotel and concession owners know our bea ach furniture worldwide.

Rick Todd, President 1598 Meat Camp Rd. Boone, NC 828-264-7742 anywherechair.com

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Women’s Health of the High Country is a women’s health and gynecology clinic in Banner Elk. We have fast appointment availability and minimal wait times. We also offer direct communication via text with Dr. Jonathan Bratter and his Physicians Assistant, Sarah J. Garvick.

We provide office-based gynecology, hormone replacement therapy, primary care services for women, and urgent care needs.

Accepting Cigna, United, Aetna, Care Credit.

We offer affordable medical care.

141 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 357-7314 womenshealthofthehighcountry.com

4 • SEPTEMBER 2023 www.mountaintimes.com SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

Q2 economic indicators report released STAFF REPORT BOONE — The High Country is full of great businesses that offer many opportunities to the community. To help business and the community alike, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce released its Q2 Economic Indicators Report for 2023 as the High Country is in the midst of another busy summer season that’s closely approaching fall.

The quarterly report examines five key statistics within the Watauga County and High Country Economy, featuring a summary of local impacts

by Dr. Harry Davis, Appalachian State and North Carolina Bankers Association Professor and longstanding regional economist.

“In talking to business owners throughout the community, many would agree that the second quarter of the year featured a sluggish start followed by a stronger finish,” said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The economic uncertainty that was prevalent at the beginning of the year likely played a part in visitor travel, leading to lower occupancy and a slower start to the summer tourism season. As we’ve said many times, many business models in our community are designed to handle volume, and when less people travel, they simply won’t produce as well. As people started feeling better about returning to their previous travel and spending habits, we’ve seen numbers begin to normalize and behave more like the pre-pandemic activity we were used to seeing.”

“The alarming, but not at all surprising, numbers in this report center around housing and real estate in general,” Jackson continued.

“The numbers shared reflect both the extreme cost of real estate and the overall lack of availability. These figures underscore the need for community action when it comes to cre-

ating housing that is attainable. We throughout the county. Sales tax continue to hear the stories of people collections are slightly higher in June trying to relocate here for work, of 2023 relative to the previous year. only to turn down offers because The decline in sales tax collections of the lack of available affordable for May of 2023 accounts for over housing. The ongoing community $882,000 in sales tax refunds to conversations have been a step in the local governments and organizations right direction, and I’m hopeful the that are tax exempt.” talks will soon turn toward positive Residential sales dropped dramatactions.” ically in the second quarter of this In the report, Davis said that the year relative to the second quarter of national economies continue to sur2022, according to Davis. prise on the upside.

“The High Country housing market “Most economists have now continues to be negatively impacted pushed their start date for a recesby increased interest rate adjustsion to 2024 at the earliest. Some ments, coupled with the overall lack believe that the Fed may have of inventory,” Davis said. “High successfully home prices engineered a and the lack of As we transition toward soft landing, inventory are a with no reces- the fall, businesses in the major impedision,” Davis ment to people High Country will continue moving to the said. “Even if the US experi- to experience trouble Boone area to ences a mild fill jobs.” attracting workers, a trend recession, James Milner, North CaroCCIM, Appalathat has remained similar lina will probchian Commerably avoid it cial Real Estate, throughout the year. altogether. said the second As we move into the fall, the High quarter of the year is naturally slow Country can expect a positive season due to the seasonal nature of the for tourism and hospitality.” local commercial real estate market.

Davis said that the state and Wa“Based on this time last year sales tauga County continues to do well in are down by 10.53%,” Milner said. terms of the employment rate.

“This is based on sales from the 2nd “As we transition toward the fall, Quarter of 2022 versus the sales in businesses in the High Country the 2nd Quarter of 2023. In terms will continue to experience trouble of permitting activity for the second attracting workers, a trend that has quarter, Amorem is planning a new remained similar throughout the patient care unit at a project cost of year,” Davis said. $5,384,874, the Home2Suites along After a slow start, the occupancy East King Street at a project cost of tax for the county increased about $14,058,417 and Boone Dermatology 6% in the second quarter of this year is renovating one of their buildings relative to the second quarter of in the medical district at a project 2022. cost of $500,000.”

“In Boone, the increase was driven Much of the development is from by a higher average rate rather than the previous quarter, Milner said. higher occupancy,” Davis said. “A According to CoStar Analytics, busy early summer events calendar “Rising interest rates, a continuing helped both rate and occupancy disconnect between buyers and

“

“

sellers on pricing and an increasingly cautious approach from lending institutions have combined to low the pace of commercial real estate investment drastically, even in hot Sun Belt markets such as Charlotte, North Carolina.”

Stacie Pineda, of Stacie Pineda Real Estate Group, said at the close of Q2, both per square foot prices and median residential property costs increased approximately 5% as compared to the year-to-date in 2022.

“While these numbers show a typical increase from FY22, if we compare them to pre-pandemic numbers of FY19, we’ll see an explosion within a niche market — specifically in $800,000+ home sales (luxury homes),” Pineda said. “These sales are responsible for what is 77% increase in median home sales from FY19 to FY23 when considering January through June.”

• 2019 Median sales price in High Country Market: $235,000 • Watauga County: $278,000 • 2023 Median sales price in High Country Market: $415,000 • Watauga County: $538,000 “Currently, we’re witnessing a housing market that is out-pricing middle-income buyers, who account for the bulk of the workforce of the region’s anchor industries,” said Pineda. “As shared in my first report of 2023, these numbers reflect realities similar to communities like Vail, CO and Hudson, NY. This again raises the question: Is Boone becoming a luxury market?”

The Quarter 2 Economic Indicators report was developed and data compiled with the assistance of the Watauga County Economic Development Commission, Watauga County Tourism Development Authority, High Country Association of Realtors, and the Chamber’s Business Development Committee.

www.mountaintimes.com SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 2023 • 5

These HIGH

COUNTRY

businesses are

HIRING! Find more info in the two ads below.

Looking for a job??

Check us out!!!

828-264-7742

Rctodd@charter.net

H&TChair WE ARE HIRING FULL TIME POSITIONS • Electrical Installers • Paint & Body Workers • Welders• Cabinet Workers • Electrical & Mechanical design

Benefits available on hire date!

4 day work week Overtime available Background check and drug screen required

GRAPHIC COURTESY BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Apply today at careers.revgroup.com

6 • SEPTEMBER 2023 www.mountaintimes.com SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

Headquartered in Ashe County

Provides the fastest Internet up to 2 Gig!

Serves Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Watauga & Caldwell in NC

Full-time jobs, including PTO, holidays, 401K, health, dental & life lif insurance in

Employees live and work in your community

High-Speed Internet, Phone, Security, Medical Alert Systems, and more!

www.skybest.com/careers *Restrictions may apply.

The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual.

We'd like to celebrate our employees, past, present, and future for their hard work and dedication. Thank you for being a part of our company's success over the last 75 years.

www.mountaintimes.com SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 2023 • 7

American Emergency Vehicles – A Top Employer in Ashe County

RC MOTORS Ricky Church’s pre-owned automobile dealership has maintained its status for dependable and cost-effective vehicles in Watauga County since its humble beginning in the early 1990s. Mr. Church’s extensive tenure in the industry has been carried along by his youngest son, Zach Church, who is now entrusted with the responsibility of this family legacy.

Zach’s enduring values, unyielding determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to serve as the guiding principles for this modest dealership nestled in the heart of Vilas. The steady influx of inventory and the stream of satisfied customers further attest to the enduring resonance of these principles.

Noah Becker, a native of Blowing Rock, and a family friend of the Church’s, has recently joined R.C. Motors to aid in a most satisfying automobile experience. After a seven-year tenure in the United States Army, Noah is grateful to be home helping the High-Country Community with the dealership’s commitment to professionalism and service excellence.

In harmony with his father’s legacy, Zach Church shares a passion for helping people and remains dedicated to the welfare of both the enterprise and its cherished relationships. Together, Zach and Noah aspire to sustain the tradition of outstanding service and quality vehicles that has characterized Ricky Church’s establishment for over three decades.

American Emergency Vehicles (AEV), one of the nation’s top ambulance manufacturers, has been based right here, in Jefferson, North Carolina, since 1991. “The Strength of AEV has always been grounded in our people,” said Randy Hanson, vice president and general manager of AEV. “We’re proud to have an employee base that spans generations – talented, tenured employees who have worked here for decades working alongside folks who have just begun their careers and selected AEV to do so!” AEV employs over 400 people, and most of them live in Ashe County, but some people even commute from surrounding states to work at AEV. “We are continuing to build our culture and reputation because we aspire to be an employer of choice,” added Hanson. “So we offer competitive compensation packages and benefits that start day one, work-life balance, and a respectful and welcoming environment.

Beyond that, there is a deep sense of pride here from the fact that we serve first responders.”

AEV has produced over 28,000 ambulances, since they began operations in the early 90’s. They build a variety of ambulance types that meet the needs of emergency care providers across the globe, whether that service is being provided by local fire departments, hospitals, or commercial providers. The vehicles are built on Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, Mercedes, International and Freightliner chassis and customized to meet the specific needs of each customer. AEV was named “Best of the Best Manufacturers in Ashe County” last year and for many years before that in an annual survey by the Ashe Post and Times.

“Demand for AEV ambulances

continues to be strong, because EMS providers know that AEV has a long tradition of building ambulances with American craftsmanship and value,” said Randy Barr, director of sales, AEV. “Our biggest challenge is in keeping up with the demand,” continued Barr, “so we are actively partnering with area community colleges, such as Wilkes Community College, as well as government organizations to place job seekers in some of our open roles.” AEV also participates in career days at area high schools and even middle schools, as a way to help introduce young people to AEV and the many careers paths that they can pursue with an established manufacturer.

In 2021, AEV moved all their production into their current facility at 101 AEV Lane (the former Gates Rubber Company). AEV facilities span over 300,000 square feet on a beautiful 35-acre campus “We are all settled in and continuing to upgrade our facilities to improve operations and to provide a great environment for our valued employees,” said Jeff Dreyer, director of Operations for AEV. “Our team is continually looking for opportunities to streamline and improve efficiency so we can deliver these lifesaving vehicles to our customers as quickly as possible. However, our number one priority is safety, and we are continually providing training to our team to keep that top of mind.”

In fact, AEV is one of only a few in the state that is certified through the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Star Program. The program is designed to recognize employers and employees who have implemented effective safety and health management systems and maintain injury and illness rates that meet the criteria for participation. For more information about AEV, visit www.aev.com.

8 • SEPTEMBER 2023 www.mountaintimes.com SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

CONTINUING TO GROW IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

101 AEV Lane, Jefferson NC 28640 | 336-846-8010 | aev.com