2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT
Connect. Advocate. Educate.
THE BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MISSION
VISION
To connect business and community partners, to enhance opportunities through advocacy and education, and support continued sustainable economic development within our region.
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for a diverse and engaged local economy, cultivating a thriving community that serves as the economic hub of Northwest North Carolina.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Organizational Excellence Community Connect Advocate Educate
BOONE AREA CHAMBER STAFF David Jackson, President/CEO Carrie Henderson, Chief of Staff/Vice President of Events Natalie Harkey, Vice President of Finance Patrick Setzer, Vice President of Member Engagement Lindsay Cook, Director of Operations Ethan Dodson, Director of Development Emma Faulkner, Director of Communications Joe Furman, Director of Economic Development Mario Espinoza, Member Experience Associate Jeannine Underdown Collins, Chamber Volunteer
TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission, Vision, Strategic Priorities, Staff..............................................................................................1 Letter from President/CEO and Board Chair..........................................................................................2 Year in Review By the Numbers.................................................................................................................................3 Awards and Certifications..................................................................................................................4 Priorities at Work Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation..............................................................................5 Board Member and Employer Spotlights...........................................................................................7 Advocacy in Action............................................................................................................................9 Hosting State Leaders in Boone......................................................................................................10 Belonging and Gathering Through Events and Programs Signature Events.............................................................................................................................11 Celebrating Local Champions.........................................................................................................14 Programs.........................................................................................................................................15 2025-2026 Board and Committees Board and Committee Rosters, Finance.........................................................................................17 Strategic Plan..................................................................................................................................19 Partners ...................................................................................................................................................21 Looking Ahead.........................................................................................................................................22 1
Dear Friend of the High Country, On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, thank you for your interest and support of our organization. Your investment makes it possible for us to serve as a catalyst for a diverse and engaged local economy, cultivating a strong community that serves as the economic hub of Northwest North Carolina. This report reflects upon the scope of work completed by the Chamber and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (BACCF) throughout our 2025-26 budget year. While navigating the economic recovery from Hurricane Helene remains a top priority for our team, we’ve remained focused on our mission and strategic priorities, and have enjoyed significant success in advancing our work in a manner that strengthens the High County business landscape. The hard work and dedication put forward by our team has been recognized by our peers over the past year. In October 2025, we were named Carolinas Chamber of the Year by the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) and we were recognized as a finalist for National Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). We feel strongly that this recognition is a direct reflection of our members, volunteers, and partners. Getting a chance to share the story of our amazing community with Chambers across the nation will always remain as one of the greatest joys of our year. Our mission to connect business and community partners, enhance opportunities through advocacy and education, and support sustainable economic development in our region remains front and center as we approach our 78thyear. We look forward to continuing our successful programs and initiatives while always looking for new ideas and ways to support and advocate on behalf of our business community. Thank you for your continued support of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. We hope this report makes you feel energized by your investment. With appreciation,
DAVID JACKSON President/CEO Boone Area Chamber of Commerce
SETH SULLIVAN Board Chair Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Owner, The Cardinal
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2025-2026 YEAR IN REVIEW BY THE NUMBERS
90 85 % # 1 18 47% 3 1,425
New member businesses and organizations Of the Boone Area Chamber membership have 15 or fewer employees Most visited boonechamber.com page: Career Center Ribbon cuttings Email open rate, which is 12 points above the industry average. Email click rate is 4%, which is 2 points above industry average. New events added to the calendar: Policy & Pints, Legislative Breakfast, and Trades Signing Day Total Business After Hours attendees, with an average of 142 attendees per event
The largest Business After Hours event was a regional chambers event with the Ashe, Avery, Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone Area, and Burke Chambers of Commerce at Grandfather Mountain with 272 attendees. The second largest event welcomed The Speckled Trout Outfitters to Downtown Boone with 167 members in attendance. Since reimaginging the annual meeting to Spirit of Boone, 2025 saw a record-breaking event selling out at 385 members in attendance. The Boone Area Chamber introduced a new member benefit in partnership with the NC Chamber, Carolina Healthworks, providing an affordable health insurance option for small businesses with 2-50 employees.
125k 3
Unique users on boonechamber.com
2.5m
Views on Facebook and Instagram
205
Pots of Hatchet coffee consumed at the Boone Area Chamber office!
AWARDS & CERTIFICATIONS 2026 Chamber of the Year Finalist, Category Two, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE)
David and Carrie with ACCE Board Chair, Natalie English (left) and President/CEO Sheree Anne Kelly (right) at ACCE Annual Convention in New Orleans, LA. July 2026.
In July 2026, the Boone Area Chamber was named one of three finalists in its category for the ACCE Chamber of the Year award, the highest national recognition in the chamber industry. Finalists are drawn from a field of more than 1,600 organizations and must clear thresholds in membership retention and financial health, pass a written application scored by peer executives, and advance through an interview panel. The Chamber's application centered its commitment to Childcare as an Economic Development Priority.
2025 Chamber of the Year, Over 700 Members, Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) In November 2025, the Boone Area Chamber was named 2025 Outstanding Chamber of the Year by CACCE in the category for chambers serving more than 700 members. Consideration is based on a chamber's most significant accomplishments over an 18-month window and the measurable results those efforts produced, with performance scored across membership, programs, planning, and finance. Boone Area Chamber staff celebrating award at annual Founder’s Reception in March. Recognized November 2025.
Family Forward NC® Certified Employer, North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation
10th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff event where the Boone Area Chamber announced their certification and Family Forward NC served as a topic of discussion during panel. January 2026.
The North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation certified the Chamber as a Family Forward NC® Employer in January 2026. The review evaluates paid leave and wages, accommodations for pregnant and breastfeeding workers, child care support, health and wellness benefits, and scheduling practices. The Chamber application was strengthened by its implementation of a weekly remote work day, pre- and post-natal accommodations, a retirement plan with Chamber match, and a group health plan. It joins over a dozen certified Watauga County employers, with certification running through 2027. 4
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
PRIORITIES AT WORK
BUSINESS RESILIENCY Through its Hope for the High Country program, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (BACCF) awarded a fourth round of Helene resiliency grants in October 2025, bringing the total to $1,346,000 in grant dollars distributed to 237 businesses. In January, BACCF supported the Blowing Rock Chamber in their fundraising efforts for the Bistro Roca staff, a legacy restaurant lost to a fire. Whether it be natural disaster, building damage, or economic uncertainty, donor support is what keeps this fund ready to answer when our business community needs it most.
CHAMBER OPERATING Unrestricted gifts give BACCF the most flexibility, supporting investment in our staff, facility, and resources to advance economic development priorities.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT The second annual October childcare campaign established one month of funding to support childcare for childcare workers in licensed centers in Watauga County. Due to the timing of the federal government shutdown and its hold on subsidy payments to centers, the campaign grew into a $77,500 effort that exceeded the goal and added stabilization grants for every childcare center in Watauga County. This childcare for childcare initiative has become a blueprint for other communities, drawing state and national recognition from the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care & Education, Executives Championing Early Learning (ExCEL NC), EdNC, and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). During NC’s Week of the Young Child in April, BACCF released the Childcare Workforce Initiative Report. Donors and community leaders made this industry stabilization possible, and the BACCF is now shifting from emergency support toward the longer work of affordability, attainability, and employee retention.
$77.5k
Total funds raised and distributed
18
Childcare workers assisted by tuition aid
700
Businesses are impacted by childcare in the High Country
I was stunned to learn that the childcare centers in our area serve the families of over 700 local businesses. Without this precious resource, our local economy takes a dramatic hit. It is with this fragile dynamic in mind that I chose to make a donation to help stabilize what is arguably one of the most important industries in the Boone area and across the state of North Carolina.” - Missy Harrill, Owner, Foscoe Companies 5
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Watauga Leadership Institute (WLI) began in 1998 and boasts 500+ alumni. In 2026, WLI transitioned under the BACCF as a part of its workforce development priority. With guidance from 26 speakers and 45 member businesses, the Watauga Leadership Challenge and Development cohorts graduated 29 participants in January. Our fall series, Encore, saw 14 leaders study topics such as mental health and celebrating successes. WLI sessions and planning are led by Dr. Jim Street, owner and facilitator of Ridgeline Leadership.
WLI sessions and events, 2025-2026
STABLE Workplaces (Staff Training and Business Leadership for Evolving Workplaces) is a locally-driven initiative focused on strengthening workplace well-being across Watauga County. BACCF partnered with STABLE Workplaces to cover Family Forward NC® application fees for 12 businesses and counting.
Family Forward NC® Certified Businesses in Watauga County Appalachian State University AppHealthCare Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Combs, Tennant & Carpenter, P.C. DMJPS PLLC
LifeStore Financial Group STITCH Design Shop The Children’s Council of Watauga County UNC Health Appalachian Town of Boone Western Youth Network
“Becoming a Family Forward NC certified business was important to Western Youth Network because we beleive the certification conveys a message to current and prospective employees that we value them as a whole person. When you feel seen and valued for what's important to you outside of work, you feel more valued at work, too. WYN has already had a lot of family-friendly policies in place for decades but now it's nice to have the certification to back it up.” - Jennifer Warren, Executive Director, Western Youth Network WATAUGA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (Watauga EDC) Regional Initiative for Skilled Employment (RISE) Caldwell-Watauga: Created this year, RISE places students with employers through paid pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. Director of Economic Development for the Boone Area Chamber, Joe Furman, was instrumental in the launch and continues to serve on the Advisory Board. RISE Caldwell-Watauga Executive Director, Tara Brossa, served as the 2025-2026 Boone Area Chamber Board Chair. Events: The State of Community program included the launch of RISE Caldwell-Watauga and an overview of Boone Next, the town's new comprehensive development plan. Watauga EDC also helped organize Vision Northwest North Carolina: Driving Regional Progress, a regional economic development summit with 2026 content focusing on transportation impact across the region. Speakers included representatives from the NC Departments of Transportation and Commerce alongside other state and local partners. Quarterly Economic Indicators: This report offers a snapshot of residential home sales, sales tax, occupancy tax, unemployment, and new single-family homes across the High Country. Now in its fifth year, the report includes commentary from local professionals in banking, real estate, and small business. Beginning in the 2025 Q4 release, the report has expanded to include visitor data from Placer AI. 6
PRIORITIES AT WORK: BOARD MEMBER AND EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHTS Childcare is Economic Development, Workforce, and Talent Development at the Speed of Business
Halee Hartley sees childcare from three seats at once. As Owner of Kid Cove, she is an expert in both sides of childcare operations: the hands-on work in the classroom and the business decisions that keep the doors open. As a member of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Advocacy Task Force, Halee helps inform the Chamber and the BACCF on where to direct their time and funds. And on the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, she carries both of those perspectives to the decision makers in Raleigh.
In May, the Boone Area Chamber hosted a press conference on Kid Cove's playground announcing the pilot Tri-Share Program with UNC Health Appalachian. Leading the partnership for the hospital is Alysia Price, Chief Human Resources Officer and a fellow Boone Area Chamber Board Member. Halee sees the gaps in the childcare industry up close, and that perspective helps the Chamber and the BACCF put our work and our dollars where they will make the most difference for local families and the businesses that depend on them.
That range of perspective turned a local conversation into statewide change. Watauga County childcare workers earn an average of $30,600, and rural centers like Halee’s have long been reimbursed less than urban centers for the same care. When the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education looked at how to close that gap, Halee explained that a statewide floor for subsidy rates would give her room to pay her teachers more. The budget signed in July included NC’s first statewide floor, with Watauga County centers seeing one of the largest adjustments of any county in the state.
Tara Brossa has been at the center of the Boone Area Chamber's workforce development for years, chairing both the Board of Directors and the BACCF board in 2025-2026. Today, she serves as the first Executive Director of RISE Caldwell-Watauga, connecting high school students to paid apprenticeships with local employers. Tara knows firsthand what that path can do for a young person and a business.
"Childcare workers do some of the most important work in our communities. Yet too often, their work goes unseen and underappreciated. Locally, we're in a prime position to change that by recognizing the value of childcare workers, honor their commitment, and ensure they receive the respect, pay, and support they truly deserve." - Halee Hartley
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PRIORITIES AT WORK
Before her role at RISE, Tara was General Manager of the Hampton Inn and the Courtyard by Marriott, where she hired Billie Shilling as an apprentice. Billie worked her way through the property under Tara's supervision, and when Tara stepped away to lead RISE, Billie was promoted to General Manager of the Hampton Inn. This progression, from apprentice to running the business, is the impact RISE is working to repeat across the region.
120
work-based learning placements
51
employer partnerships
Tri-Share Press Conference at Kid Cove, May 2026
UNC Health Appalachian is the second largest employer in Watauga County, with nearly 1,500 healthcare professionals across three hospitals and over a dozen medical practices. When an employer of this size bolsters support of its working families, the rest of the region takes note. Alysia Price, Chief Human Resources Officer, serves on the Boone Area Chamber Board of Directors and has been the point person on this effort. Alysia spoke on the Workforce R&R: Recruitment and Retention panel during January's High Country Economic Kickoff event, where family-focused policy was discussed as an important recruitment and retention tool. A month later, UNC Health Appalachian was named a Family Forward NC® Certified Employer, joining the Chamber and a growing list of Watauga County employers recognized for familyfriendly workplaces. The hospital is also investing in its future leaders. As the largest employer partner of RISE Caldwell-Watauga, UNC Health Appalachian mentored 16 RISE students this spring and summer. Two nursing pre-apprentices joined Alysia on a youth apprenticeship panel at the NC Business Committee for Education luncheon at the Governor’s Executive Mansion. As a Summit Member, UNC Health Appalachian also helped make the inaugural Trades Signing Day possible, where its own student apprentices were among those recognized. The hospital's influence on the local workforce runs well beyond its own employees. As an Advocacy Champion for the Boone Area Chamber, UNC Health Appalachian supported the creation of two new events that put business leaders in the same room as the people who write policy. President/CEO Nathan Nipper spoke to this year's Watauga Leadership Challenge cohort about the future of healthcare in the High Country, and the hospital was the presenting sponsor of Messages of Hope, the four-part docu-series on Hurricane Helene recovery. Through its investment in workforce development and the community, UNC Health Appalachian has become a model for High Country employers
"We look forward to learning from this pilot and evaluating future opportunities to expand childcare support for our employees." - Alysia Price on the Tri-Share Program 8
ADVOCACY IN ACTION In 2025-2026, the Boone Area Chamber entered a new partnership with Lumin Strategies, a North Carolina public policy consultant, which rebranded the Government Relations Committee to the Advocacy Task Force. The Task Force created the Guiding Principles and a 2026 Legislative Agenda to shape the Chamber’s advocacy for local businesses and community interests in February. The Chamber also introduced two new events for members to engage directly with policymakers, the annual Legislative Breakfast and the Policy & Pints series, held quarterly on key community issues. Thank you to our Advocacy Champions:
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The Chamber continues to show connections between local business and its workforce development pipeline. The Chamber hosted an Executives Championing Early Learning (ExCEL NC) panel and luncheon in January, and in April, education advocate, Tom Oxholm, brought the Public School Forum of NC’s Education is Everyone's Business (EiEB) to our Board of Directors.
In May, 20 High Country business leaders were part of an 85-person Western North Carolina delegation to Raleigh, meeting with the General Assembly and state agency partners, bringing a united WNC Advocacy Agenda to the state capital.
When work authorized by the Great American Outdoors Act resumed on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Chamber pushed for staggered closures and better communication from the National Park Service, keeping popular stops open and businesses informed.
David Jackson testified before a U.S. Senate Small Business Committee field hearing on recovery last September. He was also appointed to Governor Stein's WNC Advisory Committee in January and has served as co-chair for the Long Term Economic Development Committee.
PRIORITIES AT WORK
HOSTING STATE LEADERS IN BOONE
Inaugural Legislative Breakfast, April 14, 2026: David Jackson, Representative Ray Pickett, Senator Ralph Hise, and Jake Cashion, Vice President of Government Affairs for the NC Chamber. Winter Olympics-inspired High Country ski tour, Feb 2026: Governor and First Lady Stein at Appalachian Ski Mtn. in Blowing Rock.
Spirit of Boone, Sep 2025: Samantha Cole, Childcare Business Liaison for the NC Department of Commerce.
Vision Northwest North Carolina: Driving Regional Progress, May 21, 2026 - Left: Patrick Norman of the NC Department of Transportation, Loren Hill of Carolina Core, David Jackson, Melissa Smith of EDPNC. Center: Economist Dan Gerlach, Patrick Woodie of the NC Rural Center. Right: David Jackson, Kenny Flowers of the NC Department of Commerce. Governor's Advisory Committee on Western North Carolina Recovery, July 17, 2026: David Jackson, President/CEO, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce serving as an at-large committee member.
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BELONGING AND GATHERING THROUGH EVENTS AND PROGRAMS SIGNATURE EVENTS SPIRIT OF BOONE: 76th ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP GATHERING September 18, 2025 | Grandview Ballroom, Appalachian State STATE OF THE COMMUNITY October 8, 2025 | The Beacon Butcher Bar PASSING THE TORCH: WATAUGA LEADERSHIP ALUMNI EVENT November 3, 2025 | The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country EVERGREEN VOICES: WATAUGA WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP GALA November 20, 2025 | The Inn at Crestwood 10TH ANNUAL HIGH COUNTRY ECONOMIC KICKOFF LUNCHEON January 15, 2026 | Grandview Ballroom, Appalachian State 10TH ANNUAL 4 UNDER 40 AWARDS March 18, 2026 | The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country FAIRWAY FORE FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC April 30, 2026 | Jefferson Landing Club LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST April 14, 2026 | The Beacon Butcher Bar TRADES SIGNING DAY April 21, 2026| Watauga High School VISION NORTHWEST NORTH CAROLINA: DRIVING REGIONAL PROGRESS May 21, 2026 | Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute
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April 2026: The Boone Area Chamber hosted Zach Giglio, CEO of GCM, U.S. Chamber Faculty on AI, TEDx Speaker, for a training with our staff and a Connecting Community & Commerce Event with Summit, Champion, and Advocate Chamber Members as well as BACCF Business Resiliency Disaster Grantees.
We are thankful for the sponsors who support and align their brand with our events.
High Country Young Professionals, May 5, 2026 at Mast Farm Inn
Inaugural Trades Signing Day, April 21, 2026
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Business After Hours event hosts included FizzEd with Magic Bound Travel and Carolina West Wireless, 4 Forty Four with LifeStore Bank, VPC Builders at the Appalachian Theatre, Over Yonder with High Country Independent Restaurant Association, Boone Sunrise Rotary at Courtyard Marriott, and Speckled Trout Outfitters Downtown Boone.
18 total ribbon cutting events included Hunger and Health Coalition, Real Boone Podcast Studios, The Summit Sports, Mill Camp Wines and Ciders, Upstairs on King, and AppPain Management.
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CELEBRATING 2025-2026 AWARD WINNERS COMMUNITY AWARD WINNERS Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development: Mountain BizWorks Kathy Crutchfield Citizen of the Year: Ashley Galleher Sue W. Wilmoth Award for the Advancement of Tourism: Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Ben Suttle Special Services Award: Wesley Smith Baker/Jones Woman of the Year: Nancy Crawford Wade Brown Award for Community Involvement: Ben Loomis Dan Meyer Partnership Award: The Summit Pickleball everGREEN Award For Sustainability: MountainTrue Elizabeth Young Award for Community Leadership: Amy & Mike Forrester 2025 WATAUGA COUNTY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Large Business of the Year: Appalachian State University Small Business of the Year: High Country Radio Startup Business of the Year: King Street Flowers & Gifts 10TH ANNUAL 4 UNDER 40 AWARDS Rising Star Dr. Kelly Whiteley, Mountaineer Dental & Sleep Center Shirley Alexander, Booneshine Brewing Company Will Burrow, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery Kate Prisco, Town of Beech Mountain Business Owner Tiffany Weitzen, Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness Laura Edmonds, Helpwell Co. Trevor Moody, Lily's Snack Bar Garrett Norris, Norris Plumbing Co. Non-Profit Professional Myles Stacey, High Country Council of Governments John Caveny, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Shane Hillman, F.A.R.M. Cafe Willard C. Watson, III, The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum Education Professional Jackie Garner, Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University Bethany Gonzalez, Student Veterans Center, Appalachian State University Megan Laws, Parkway School Ashley Roberts, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute Respect Your Elder Award: Faye Cooper, Mast General Store
BELONGING AND GATHERING THROUGH EVENTS AND PROGRAMS 14
PROGRAMS The Boone Business Exchange (BBE) is a business-to-business referral network of over 30 representatives representing specific industries. Members meet weekly to connect with other businesses, share best practices, and generate referrals. Each meeting includes 60-second pitches from each member highlighting their business, service, or product. Small-group breakouts, one-on-one referral conversations, networking activities, or a presentation from a member on their own work are amothg other activities. The group’s emphasis is placed on building professional relationships with fellow members and creating a solid network of referrals and resources for maximizing business potential. LEADERSHIP: Patrick Setzer (Chamber Liaison), Andrew Ortiz (Lead Facilitator & Host), Ariel Malec (Meeting Coordinator Assistant)
$500K
Estimated referrals value
31
Different industries represented
328
Business referrals made
The High Country Young Professionals, affectionately dubbed “YoPros,” is a dedicated group of 400+ professional young adults under the age of 40 serving in various industries across the High Country. Born out of the desire to provide a welcoming space for the younger workforce, the group fosters professional and personal community ties. 2025-2026 monthly networking events included Betty’s Biscuits with Dr. Jim Street of Ridgeline Leadership, Boone Bigfoots baseball game, and The Cardinal. The High Country YoPros are sponsored by Granite Insurance. COMMITTEE: Emma Faulkner (Chamber Liaison), Danielle Neibaur (Chair), Katy Willis (Communications), Ariel Malec, Trevor Moody, and Morgan Sturgill. Watauga Women in Leadership (WWIL) works to empower High Country women in business and leadership in all stages of their careers. 2025-2026 events included Coffee Connections with topics like Women in the Great Outdoors with Blue Ridge Conservancy, Entrepreneurship with CCC&TI, and the first Fireside Chat with Melanie Lewis of Wisdom & Worth. Watauga Women in Leadership is sponsored by DMJPS and Graystone Lodge. COMMITTEE: Lindsay Cook (Chamber Liaison), Christy Gottfried (Chair), Amy Odom (Women of Walker Liaison), Kayla Lasure, Becca Nenow, and Amanda White. 15
BELONGING AND GATHERING THROUGH EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Know Your Neighbor Campaign Features: The Horton Hotel, ServPro, Bigfoot Builders, M-Prints, High Country Radio, Go Postal, Bigfoots Baseball, Beech Mountain Resort
Quarterly Community Partners Meeting with Appalachian State University, Town of Blowing Rock, Town of Boone, Watauga County
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2025-2026 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair: Tara Brossa, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute Immediate Past Chair: Mark Gould, Mast General Store Chair Elect: Seth Sullivan, The Cardinal Food & Spirits Treasurer: Ralph Polk, DMJPS PLLC BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carrie Afanador, Immigrant Connection of the High Country Shirley Alexander, Booneshine Brewing Company Inc. Talia Freeman, Beech Mountain Resort Christy Gottfried, Go Postal in Boone Mark Gould, Mast General Store Jim Hamilton, NC Cooperative Extension Halee Hartley, Kid Cove Angela Heavner, 180 Float Spa Nathaniel Johnson, Granite Insurance Brent Keith, SkyLine/SkyBest Angus Lamond, Graystone Lodge Nick London, VPC Builders, LLC Michael Maybee, Watauga Opportunities, Inc. Gary Moss, Walker & Associates-Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Danielle Neibaur, The Horton Hotel and Rooftop Lounge Amy Odom, Appalachian State University Dr. Mark Poarch, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute Alysia Price, UNC Health Appalachian Heidi Ragan, Blue Ridge Energy Dr. Tierra Stark, Watauga County Schools Omer Tomlinson, Spectrum Reach Amanda White, First Horizon Bank Emeritus: Dr. Harry Davis, Appalachian State University Emeritus: Len Hagaman, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office
Dr. Leslie Alexander, Watauga County Schools Amy Crabbe, Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge Dr. Harry Davis, Appalachian State University Chuck Eyler, Peak Insurance Group Talia Freeman, Beech Mountain Resort Edward Hinson, SkyLine/SkyBest James Milner, Appalachian Commercial Real Estate
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MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Chair: Nathaniel Johnson BACC Liaison: Patrick Setzer Travis Critcher Hal Hood Kaylor Meade Gary Plaag COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Chair: Talia Freeman BACC Liaison: Emma Faulkner Carrie Afanador Yolanda Adams Angus Lamond Nick London
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Chair: Heidi Ragan BACC Liaison: David Jackson EDC Liaison: Joe Furman Dr. Harry Davis Pilar Fotta Clay Hogan Jonathan Lubkemann Stephen McDaniel Lane Moody Ryan Postlethwait Amanda White WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Chair: Tara Brossa EDC/BACC Liaison: Joe Furman Misty Bishop-Price Toni Deal Debra Fox Scott Hinkson David Koontz Phil Pope
ADVOCACY TASK FORCE Co-Chairs: Mark Gould, Omer Tomlinson BACC Liaisons: Ethan Dodson, David Jackson EDC Liaison: Joe Furman Carrie Afanador Dr. Leslie Alexander Shirley Alexander David Birtwhistle Dr. Scott Elliott Jennifer Greene Jay Harrill Halee Hartley Andy Hill Michael Maybee Cathy Robins Tasha Rountree Jason Triplett Liz Whiteman
2025-2026 FINANCE REVENUE
EXPENSES
Event Income
$179,007
Personnel
$587,024
General Income
$59,930
Professional
$30,176
Membership Income
$462,941
Operations
$76,458
WWIL Income
$9,560
Special Projects/Events
$116,418
Special Projects
$154,712
Building
$83,435
TOTAL
$864,950
TOTAL
$893,511 18
2025-2030 STRATEGIC PLAN Operational Excellence
Community
Connect
Advocate
Educate
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
COMMUNITY
Create operational excellence by maximizing our resources and evaluating procedures.
Actively contribute to developing a vibrant, sustainable community in the High Country. Community development is business development.
Evaluate and refine the organizational structure and staff roles to expand executive capacity, maximize skillsets, improve efficiency, and create opportunities for long-term growth and advancement. Formalize an internal communication plan that ensures consistent messaging by providing staff with clear talking points for member questions and concerns. Develop a plan for the use of technology in Chambermanaged facilities and prioritize the training of staff on all systems. Establish a defined recruitment strategy for board members and committee members. Ensure committees are a valuable asset to the Chamber and have goals and work plans rooted in the organization’s strategic priorities. Prioritize meaningful, professional development opportunities for Chamber staff and board members to foster growth, strengthen leadership, and enhance our organizational impact. Develop the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation as a reliable third revenue stream through donor relations and event creation, and by solidifying it as the front porch to the Chamber’s economic development work within the region. Regularly assess and refine member benefits to ensure they remain relevant, valuable, and responsive to the evolving needs and priorities of the business community. Create a strategic and sustainable budgeting process with goals that balance dues and non-dues revenue streams. Emphasize Chamber board development – continue to evaluate clear roles and expectations for Chamber Board members.
Completed action item
19
GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE
Remain as the leading voice for economic development across the High Country, bringing visibility, alignment, and momentum to local and regional initiatives. Connect the business community with key partners in education, government, and healthcare to align efforts and maximize impact. Stay engaged in conversations around critical issues – workforce development, childcare, attainable housing, disaster recovery, and access to essential services. Establish the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation as the secure funding mechanism for community development efforts that create lasting, measurable change. Continue to connect businesses, community, and partnerships through strategic communication, storytelling, and advocacy, serving as a voice for local businesses and sharing the stories that shape our community. Host intentional events and facilitate meaningful connections, ensuring members have access to timely, relevant information and opportunities to build lasting relationships.
CONNECT Enhance value to members by connecting them to the Chamber, to one another, and to the resources and opportunities that support their success. Partnerships – define our role as a trusted convener that brings together key stakeholders for meaningful and impactful conversations. Foster alignment between members, community partners, and regional organizations by highlighting shared goals and encouraging collaborative strategies.
Ongoing effort
21
2025-2030 STRATEGIC PLAN Operational Excellence
Community
Connect
Effectively communicate the value and benefits of membership, telling the story of our organization, our members, and our business community. Enable our members to become our best advocates. Emphasize personal Chamber/member relationships by identifying, maximizing, and increasing touchpoints. Continue to evaluate effective ways to onboard and orient new members.
ADVOCATE Serve as the regional voice for business advocacy by leading important conversations that will move the region forward. Create a board-approved public policy agenda, formulated with input from Chamber and community members, that is effectively communicated to both audiences. Cultivate relationships with elected officials, candidates, and agency partners at all levels to advance a pro-business agenda and support policies that foster community and economic development. Lead and engage in strategic partnerships with regional and statewide organizations to amplify the collective voice of business and advance shared priorities across the High Country and North Carolina. Support and guide the business community in their individual advocacy efforts. Convene and participate in conversations related to continued Helene recovery efforts. Work towards community-wide infrastructure improvements to cultivate business growth. Celebrate and encourage entrepreneurial efforts in the High Country by connecting resource partners with business growth opportunities.
Completed action item
Advocate
Educate
EDUCATE Build on the success of providing excellent educational opportunities that will provide Chamber members with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to support their success. Encourage community and local government officials to prioritize Watauga County as a leader in educational attainment, early childhood policy, and workforce-centered curriculum alignment. Regularly assess the evolving business and community landscape to identify and deliver the educational programming members need to adapt and thrive. Facilitate educational opportunities that build community resilience, including preparedness for economic disruption, natural disasters, and other critical events. Work with local education partners and utilize their expertise to enhance connections with the business community. Collaborate with local education partners to enhance workforce development through work- based learning and stronger business-to-classroom connections. Promote STABLE Workplaces as a framework for creating supportive, resilient, and retention-focused workplace cultures. Use it as a resource to guide employer education, workforce development conversations, and community standards. Continuously evaluate and strengthen existing learning and engagement opportunities such as Watauga Leadership Institute, High Country Young Professionals, Watauga Women in Leadership, and other programmatic outreach, with the goal of migrating Watauga Leadership Institute to operate under the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Ongoing effort
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SUMMIT PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS PLATINUM
GOLD
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Looking Ahead: 2027 and Beyond.
Our staff and Board of Directors are dedicated to advancing the needs of our members and the High Country community. We are encouraged by the opportunities identified in Governor Stein’s Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan and look forward to continuing to serve as a convener of the important conversations that will advance this important work. As the North Carolina General Assembly enters its long legislative session in early 2027, it will remain a key priority for us to engage with State representatives and agency partners to ensure the voices of businesses across Western North Carolina are being considered when it comes to creating policy and action. As we enter the second year of our 2025-2030 Strategic Plan adoption, our creating quality connections for our local businesses, while providing enhanced opportunities through education and workforce development will also drive our work. We also look forward to enhancing avenues for our staff to receive member feedback, so we can always ensure our work is being guided by the people and businesses we’ve been entrusted to serve. As we move through the year ahead, we encourage you to stay involved in the way that works best for you and your business. Attend a program, make a connection at a networking event, support an initiative, or lend your voice to the conversations shaping our community's future. Your participation keeps the Chamber a strong advocate and trusted resource for the High Country's business community. Your support of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and BACCF makes this work possible, and we don't take it for granted. We look forward to another year of strengthening the region's business community and protecting the quality of life that makes the High Country home.
With graditude, Your Boone Area Chamber Team
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(828) 264-2225 info@boonechamber.com www.boonechamber.com 579 Greenway Road, Suite 101, Boone, NC 28607