Greetings

Welcome to the June 2008 edition of the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce E-Newsletter. Read on to find out about recent and upcoming events, new members, Chamber news and much more. We hope everyone has a fantastic summer!

Board Election Results

Of the Chamber members who responded, 100% approved the 2008/2009 Chamber Board nominations. Serving as Class of 2011 will be: Ben Aceto - Blue Ridge Waterscapes, Inc. Dr. Don Farrow - Wisdom for Wellness Page Campbell - Carolina Colortones Joe Kirkland - Montreat College According to our by-laws the President (David Greenspan - Greenspan Chiropractors) will make two one-year appointments.

Press

Black Mountain will be featured in the August 2008 issue of Log Home Living as one of the top 10 places to build a log home. Black Mountain photographer Rebecca D'Angelo was recently featured in Asheville Citizen-Times for her photography exhibit, "Skyscapes," at the Dripolator in Black Mountain. Here is a link to the article, and above is one of the photos that appears in the series at the Dripolator.

Rebecca D'Angelo in Asheville-Citizen Times

Business After Hours

The April "Business After Hours" was held on the beautiful campus of Asheville Christian Academy. We had a large group attend and many of us saw their campus for the first time. The Academy program and facilities are every impressive. We were treated to a big spread of food and beverages provided by Ingles Markets. May "Business After Hours" took place at The Settings of Black Mountain. A beautiful new community center and breathtaking view welcomed some 100 or more guests. We thank Ken Honeycutt and his gracious staff for hosting the Chamber members. The Settings is one of the most beautiful developments in the Southeast and located in our own back yard. The Settings and its residents will add much to our community. Mark your calendars for the next "Business After Hours" at West End Cabinet shop on Highway 70, June 19th 5-7 PM. If you haven't seen this beautiful shop and gallery you are in for a real treat.

Ribbon-Cutting at Sunshine Pharmacy

The Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Sunshine Pharmacy on June 2. A large crowd of friends and family gathered for the event. Eric and Amanda Reitzel are the proud owners. The full-service pharmacy offers free delivery and outstanding customer service. Come by this week for their grand opening. Located at 206 E. State Street, Suite 1. 828-669-0090.

Upcoming Chamber Events

June 19: "Business After Hours" -- Chamber member social and networking event at West End Cabinet Shop 5-7pm. July 24: "Business After Hours" -- Chamber member social and networking event at Black Mountain Savings Bank 5-7pm. August 8: Sourwood Idol Contest - Singers compete for cash prizes. August 9-10: Sourwood Festival in downtown Black Mountain.

More Chamber Events

Chamber Volunteers Treated to Greyline Tour

On Wednesday May 28, twenty Chamber volunteers were treated to a tour of Asheville by Greyline Tours, one of our newest members. Our guide, Bruce Gasperson from Black Mountain, gave the group a fun and informative tour of Asheville. The group also toured the new Asheville Visitor Center and was treated to a wonderful lunch at Pomodoros, another of our new Chamber members.

New Chamber Members

Black Mountain Yoga (pictured), Brad Rachman and Martia Bennett Creative Village Child Care, Nicole Brown The Lodge at Rivers Ridge, Lana Massey Black Mountain Log Cabin, Russell and Vilma Seymour Greyline Trolley Tours of Asheville, Howard Helmken Natural Awakenings, Kelly Buckman (magazine) New Earth, Jody Hymes and Pat Christy (shopping) Blue Ridge Reef and Pet, Chip Bridges Megabyte Computer Service, Chris Bradford Krista Anne's, Krista Stickler (shopping) Computers for Christ, Ashley Howerton (computer services) Sunshine Pharmacy and Healthy, Amanda and Eric Howerton Kim's Cuts, Kim Medkiff (hair salon) Marvels Upscale Transportation Service, Walter Marvels White Horse Black Mountain, Bob Hinkle and Kim Hughes (music and event center) Paws of Black Mountain, Melissa McCulloch (pet supply store)

Tourist Report for April 2008

Numbers of visitors at the Black Mountain Visitors Center: 1921 Phone calls answered by volunteers: 804 1-800-number calls (calls received on 800 number usually requesting information on visiting or relocating): 94 TDA Postage (amount the chambers spends to respond to requests for information on visiting or relocating): $1210.01 E-Mail (number of e-mail requests for information about the area): 118

Comments from Visitor Guest Book

Volunteers very friendly and helpful! Most helpful and informative Visitor's Center I've visited! Thanks for being available. Great information & hospitality! Enjoyed! Very Helpful!

EDC Update

The EDC is presently working on a priority list of items that effect the economic development of the valley. In our next meeting we will put this list together and work on strategies that will highlight these items. The priority list will help focus our attention to work with public and private groups to help promote planned economic development.

11th Annual Black Mountain Arts and Crafts Show -- this weekend!

Come out and enjoy the 11th Annual Black Mountain Arts and Crafts Show this weekend in downtown Black Mountain. The Old Depot Association and Gallery sponsors this annual event of juried arts and crafts including woodworking, pottery, jewelry, painting, stained glass, fiber art, paper Mache and handcrafted musical instruments. Other highlights of the event include artist demonstrations, food and music. The show is free and open to the public. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Old Depot Association

Certified Entrepreneurial Community Team Update

Our Black Mountain CEC team is busy at work going through all the necessary steps in becoming a Certified Community. Last month Arlene Childress from North Carolina Rural Education Through Active Learning made a presentation explaining this program for young people. The team is developing a resource guide for new business interested in locating to our community. The team has also developed a statement of economic development policy that will be adopted as part of the Towns and Chambers economic policy. Mary Leonard White is our team leader if you have questions about the program.