Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has announced a new initiative to help local students connect to work-based learning opportunities that lead to sustainable employment.
The initiative, called RISE CaldwellWatauga (Regional Initiative for Skilled
Employment), is a partnership project with the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission, Caldwell County Schools, Watauga County Schools and the Watauga County Economic Development Commission.
The initiative allows students to take advantage of on-the-job training with local employers to gain hands-on experience that develops the skills and resources necessary to secure sustainable employment and join our area’s workforce. The initiative also promises to have a positive impact on local businesses by helping train and prepare students to enter the workforce.
Modeled after successful work-based learning projects such as Surry-Yadkin Works, the initiative will also help remove many of the barriers that prevent high
school students and adult learners from attaining postsecondary education and workforce credentials.
Incentives for students participating in the program include regular advising to ensure successful completion of workbased learning experiences, financial support, including stipends for travel and other expenses, and opportunities for students to develop professional and leadership skills that will help them land and retain high-wage jobs in our area.
Local leaders from across both counties, including the superintendents of Caldwell and Watauga county schools, have been involved in the planning and design of the program and have committed their support to ensure its success.
“Watauga County Schools is proud to partner with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute through the RISE Caldwell-Watauga initiative. By expanding work-based learning opportunities, we’re helping more students gain real-world experience, earn credentials, and prepare for meaningful careers—strengthening both our local workforce and our community’s future,” said Watauga County Schools Superintendent Leslie Alexander. While RISE is committed to supporting all facets of local industry, its primary areas of focus during the initial phase will include health care, hospitality, manufacturing, and
trades. In addition to creating meaningful opportunities for students, RISE offers strong incentives for employers—providing access to a pipeline of skilled, workready candidates for high-demand roles, along with support for onboarding and integration. Through this approach, RISE aims to meet the evolving needs of local businesses, cultivate homegrown talent, reduce turnover, and strengthen long-term workforce stability across the region.
Watauga County Economic Development Director Joe Furman agrees and noted the potential for higher earnings for local students and families as one of the many benefits of the program.
“Young people who wish to stay in the region will be enabled by RISE to gain credentials in locally needed, well-paid careers,” said Furman. “The program will be a practical and enduring way to match employers with the capable local workforce they need.”
Watauga County resident Tara Brossa, the newly appointed Executive Director of RISE, brings a passion for community college education and apprenticeships, grounded in her own experiences as a student and an industry leader.
Brossa’s professional experience includes two decades in hospitality leadership,
Hamptons Body Shop
Reliable repairs. Local roots.
Hampton’s Body Shop has been serving Boone and the surrounding area for decades, with roots dating back to 1964. As one of the area’s long-standing automotive repair shops, we have built areputation as adependable local resource for both collision repair and towing services.
Our shop offers full-service auto body repair and painting, handling everything from minor dents to major collision work. We also provide towing, light, medium, and heavy duty,along with roadside assistance,making us a trusted choice when drivers need fast, reliable help.
For our valued customers, we’re committed to fair pricing, efficient turnaround times, and helpful service, especially when it comes to towing and smaller repair needs. Our longstanding presence in the community reflects our continued dedication to keeping local drivers safe and confidently on the road.
At our locations, we takepride in our experience and expertise,and we genuinely care about every customer we serve.
including stints at the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa in Asheville, various cruise lines, and other hospitality leadership roles across the Southeast. Brossa has made Boone, home for the last nine years, where she served as Regional General Manager for Hampton Inn & Suites and the Courtyard by Marriott.
“My passion for workforce development goes way back to when we launched apprenticeship and internship programs at our hotels, giving team members the chance to earn and learn simultaneously,” she said. Hampton’s program serves as a powerful example of success, demonstrating the long-term impact of investing in talent development from within. Through internships and apprenticeships, linelevel team members have been given clear pathways to leadership, fostering growth and stability across the organization. For nearly a decade, Hampton has maintained a strong internal pipeline—rarely needing to hire externally—thanks to the program’s effectiveness. Many participants have continued their education through
credential programs, CCC&TI, at fouryear institutions, and now hold leadership roles within Hampton and throughout the industry.”
In addition to her experience in the hospitality field, Brossa has served as an adjunct instructor for CCC&TI’s Culinary and Hospitality Management program, sharing her vast knowledge and experience with local students and helping them find meaningful learning experiences that prepare them for success in their chosen fields.
Armed with extensive experience in both industry and education, Brossa aims to help connect students to opportunities and connect employers to well-trained, qualified workers. She says her ultimate goal with the program is to build partnerships that have a positive, lasting impact throughout the region for businesses and industry, as well as local students and families.
“RISE Caldwell-Watauga celebrates the strength of building strong local partnerships. Our goal is to offer meaningful opportunities to local students through apprenticeships that provide hands-on experience, develop valuable
skills, and cultivate an environment that paves the way for a bright professional future right here in our community,” she said. “We’re also committed to supporting our local economy by developing a skilled leadership pipeline that highlights our talented local residents, helping our businesses to thrive and grow. The work is not just about preparing students for the workforce—it’s also about investing in the long-term success and vitality of our region.”
CCC&TI President Dr. Mark Poarch has given his full support to the initiative and has spoken about its vast potential to have a positive impact in a variety of ways across both counties.
“The RISE initiative will help connect local students with high-wage jobs in high-demand fields while also helping meet critical workforce needs for the employers across the region,” said Poarch. “We want to give local students the skills and experiences they need to be successful and also help provide ready access to local talent for our communities’ leading business and industry partners. This initiative connects all those dots in a way
that we think will have a significant and lasting positive impact for Caldwell and Watauga counties. RISE has the potential to be a game-changer on every level — from individual students and families to the largest and most profitable industries in our region, this program can and will change lives.”
The program received more than 70 student applications and engaged more than 30 businesses in the first few months of operation. There are 32 students in the spring 2026 cohort.
Of the industries students are placed in, 46% are in health care, 15% are in trades, 12% are in hospitality, and 10% are in education, manufacturing, criminal justice, marketing, and banking.
Some of the early student placements were UNC Health Appalachian, JE Broyhill Catering, CCC&TI, Happy Valley School, Deerfield Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care, Foothills Regional Aviation, and Exela Pharma Sciences.
For more information about the program, visit www.risecaldwellwatauga.org
PARK VISTA MOTORLODGEAND DINER OPEN FOR 2026 SEASON
Bringing newenerg ytoa localwell-known establishment,ahusband andwifeteam Owners Benjamin andSommerR ay bring newlifetoParkVista MotorLodge &Diner. Park VistaMotorLodge &Diner was designedtomakeyourvisit aunique, comfortableand fulfillingexperience.Their roomsare spacious,fares arecompetitiveand theser vice is unparalleled.Located just 50 ft
off theBlueRidgeParkway at Milepost 268, Park VistaMotor Lodge &Diner strive to provide theabsolutebestexperienceinthis scenic andiconic retreat.
Onsite youwill findWatsonGeneralStore that wasbuilt in 1902 andran by thelocal Watson family formanyyears.TheR ay’s resurrected andreopenedthe storeasalocal gatheringplace/ provisionalstore!
“Weenvision people coming here,hanging out, mingling andenjoying life,”B enjamin said.
Formoreinformation visit www.parkvistanc.com
Chambers of COMMERCE
Helping support a better High Country
people call home.
The High Country is home to several thriving chambers of commerce, each one working in its own way to strengthen the local businesses, residents and communities they serve. And while their events and programs may differ, their goal is the same: to make the places they call home a little better for everyone.
ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce is much more than just a voice for local businesses. Through numerous partnerships, volunteer activities and community support, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly to promote and serve the county that roughly 27,000
For the past six years, the Chamber has organized and hosted a free community concert at the Ashe County Government Complex in Jefferson, dubbed the Ashe Bash. The free, familyfriendly show is a way for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy an evening of fun, food and music. This year, the Ashe Bash will take place on June 6 and feature opening act Fireside Collective, followed by The Kruger Brothers for the main event.
The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce has also taken the lead in sponsoring the Blue Ridge Brutal. This grueling cycling race will challenge even the most durable and experienced riders. Cyclists can choose from the 25-,
OLD BARN WINERY AFamily Dream with 4Generations.
OwnersGregand RobinSexton,along with their threesons, Andrew, Matthew andThomas,who also ownand operate Frosty’s Choose &Cut andSexton Farmswillbe celebrating3years openingOld Barn Winery on July 4thand will have aBIG music lineupall weekendlong.
“TheOld Barn Winery is afamilydream: creating avineyardand winery in theBlue RidgeMountains of NorthCarolina. Our farmingroots runfourgenerations deep in these beautifulmountains andwealwaysenvisioned ourChristmas treesand vinesgrowing together in perfect harmony. Ever ybottleisfilled with the same love,passionand commitmentour family has poured into ourfarms since 1960” said the Sextons. Visitors at theOld Barn Winery are typicallytreated to live music andfoodtruckson theweekends.Wehaveabookclubthatmeets monthlyfor bookdiscussionand socializing,
Cookie Classesand Painting with Raney monthly. OldBarnWiner yoffers awidevariety of whitewines, redwines andsweet wines.
As themonthsget closer to Christmas time, you’ ll starttosee trucks with trees in theback andplentyofminivans with trees strapped to the top. The Sextonshavebeengrowing Christmas treessince 1960 when ByronSexton plantedthe first tree seedlings on about80acres of land Sincethen, Sexton Farmshas expanded to
include Frosty’s Choose &Cut onB eaverCreek School Road in West Jefferson whereGregalong with hissonsAndrew, Matthewand Thomas usher in afourthgeneration of family Christmas tree farmersinthe High Countr y.
Much like ever yother Christmas tree farm in thearea, theSextonsspecializeinFraserfir
trees, aspeciesthatisnative to theareaand excel at growingathigherelevationsmorethan3,000 feet anduptoashighas6,000 feet. Accordingto theNorth CarolinaChristmas Tree Association, thetree’sresilience,needleretention,form, dark blue-green color, pleasant scentand outstanding shipping characteristics has ledtothe Fraser Fir to become oneofthe most popularChristmas tree speciesinthe United States.
GrowingChristmas treesisn’t nearly as easy as it sounds.Ittakes alot more than just putting seedsinthe ground andexpecting acompleted productina shortperiodoftime. Producinga Christmas tree is an investment,withthe average tree requiringfrom 7to10years of growth in order to produce atreethatissix to seven feet tall.
We areaddingmoreand more events and activities so that we arecateringtolocalsand our community.
Formoreinformation andeventsgoing on at theOld Barn Winery,visit oldbarnwiner y.com Formoreinformation on Frosty’s Choose &Cut, visitwww.gofrostys.com
Gr eg and Ro bin Sext on ar ep ict ur ed her ew it h th eir sons Andr ew,T ho ma sa nd Mat th ew.
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Furnishing your home with Appalachian Furniture
Grace Ward, Merle Adams, and two of their employees Sisters Graceand Merlehave beenproviding a personal hometownfeel with AppalachianFurniture for the last 28 years! Graceattributes their successtotheir loyal customers andthe fact that theytreat every person who walksthrough the door likeanold friend. They take great pride in helping people from allwalks of life develop their dream homes.
“Wetry to listen to our customers,” Grace says.“It’s not about what we like, but what we hear other people say they like, want andneed. If we don’t have it on the showroom,we'll do our best to finditfor them.”
Blue Ridge Waterworks,LLC
Blue Ridge WaterWorks continues to grow its presenceinthe High Countr ywith our recent purchase of DeweyWrightWell &Pump.With this transition, Blue Ridge WaterWorks is expanding its ser vices while maintaining the same commitmenttoquality, reliability, and customer care that the communityhas come to expec t. By bringing DeweyWrightWell &Pump under our umbrella, the companyaims to provide even morecomprehensivewatersystem solutions,fromwell and pump ser vices to ongoing maintenance, while continuing to ser ve homeowners and businesses across the region with dependable exper tise and trusted ser vice.
Customers canstill call the previous DeweyWrightWell &Pump phone number to reach our team, ensuring asmooth transition forlongtime clients.Blue Ridge WaterWorks is currently located at 1655 NC Hw y194 N, Boone,NC, wherewecontinue to provide trusted ser viceand suppor tfor both residential and commercial watersystems throughout the High Countr y.
50-, 70-, or 100-mile routes that lead them through a beautiful mountain landscape while also challenging their endurance, with several steep climbs and downhill sections throughout the county. The race typically features well over 300 riders each year.
Young residents in Ashe County are major beneficiaries of the Chamber’s work each year. The Ashe Advantage Project, organized by the Chamber, helps provide scholarship opportunities for Ashe County High School seniors, Ashe Early College seniors, and homeschooled students who are preparing to enter a college or university. In 2025, the Ashe Advantage Project awarded 17 scholarships to students that totaled $25,500.
The Business and Community Development Committee of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce offers a special Ashe County Young Professionals program that brings together some of the brightest young minds in Ashe County. Each month, young professionals ages 21 to 45 meet to discuss community and social issues that impact the High Country, improve networking skills, and plan events that benefit the county.
To learn more about Ashe County Chamber of Commerce members, programs, scholarships and events, visit www.ashechamber.com.
AVERY
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
When it comes to increasing exposure for one’s business, few alternatives provide more value from investment than joining a local chamber of commerce. Across Avery County, the Avery Chamber has thrived for decades through its relationships with member businesses and its partnerships with area organizations to enhance life and business in th county and region.
The Avery Chamber’s mission is to connect and support the diverse t FROM CHAMBERS
Avery County Chamber of Commerce boasts several networking events and initiatives that connect businesses with customers and with one another, from After Hours events for members to co-sponsoring the annual Banner Elk
Woolly Worm Festival and summer arts events, the Avery Chamber provides opportunities for business owners, nonprofits and others to mingle and find commonality in community, whether it be similar service industries, clientele, or simply shared vision for what continues to make Avery great.
Victoria Bowman, executive director of the Avery Chamber, fosters this attitude of growth and desire for all businesses countywide to experience success. Since assuming the director role in August 2025, Bowman assessed how the Chamber served its members and sought innovative ways to maximize member benefits and experience.
“When you have a membership of more than 400, it’s hard to apply a personalized touch to all these businesses, right? So one of my big research projects was trying to divide more into the different industries. For example, what do my tourism businesses need versus what my infrastructure or my commercial businesses need? What do those brand new businesses need versus those veterans? What is important in the northern part of the county versus mid-county versus southern Avery County, because all those demographics are so different. The Chamber has to constantly work at understanding needs a little more in those buckets than necessarily completely individualized. We did that a lot through open forum and feedback … I just wanted to make sure that I was taking all shapes and sizes into consideration.”
A cornerstone program that has been a lasting staple of the Avery Chamber has been its Leadership Avery initiative. For 10 years, Leadership Avery has attempted to encourage the best and brightest, from entrepreneurs to business professionals to nonprofit directors, to be part of a one-dayeach-month program that exposes participants to myriad walks of life and machinations of commerce that comprise Avery County.
THE MO ST WA NTED
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Established in 1964, Watauga Building Supply is one of the oldest and few remaining family-owned building supply companies in Watauga County For decades, we have proudly served the High Country with areputation for reliability,expertise,and astrong commitment to both contractors and homeowners.
We provide high-quality materials for projects of all sizes, including lumber,roofing, siding, windows, paint, power tools, and insulation. Our knowledgeable team is always ready to assist with project planning, product selection, and practical solutions to help ensure every build is asuccess.
As afamily-owned business, we value personal service,dependable products, and timely deliveries. Over the years, we have grown alongside the community while staying true to the values that have earned the trust of generations. Today,weremain not only atrusted supplier of building materials, but alasting example of local, family-owned success.
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businesses, organizations, and community of Avery County through education, workshops and events that inspire an engaged, thriving community. It is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, membership-based business association serving the community in Avery County and the surrounding regions. The Chamber’s programs and services focus on the three overarching priorities of connecting, supporting and inspiring.
For more information on the Avery Chamber of Commerce, including programs, membership, scholarships and service opportunities, call Bowman at (828) 898-5605 or visit www. averycounty.com.
BANNER ELK
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Over the decades, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce has played an instrumental role in fostering economic growth and supporting the
small businesses that define the town’s character. From its humble beginnings when the Tate family (of whom descendant David Tate currently serves as BE Chamber President), the Banner family, and more first settled in the community centuries ago, the Chamber has grown over the years from a small group of concerned business owners to evolve into a dynamic organization that represents hundreds of members.
These businesses span a wide array of sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and professional services, all working together to create a thriving local economy.
One of the Chamber’s most significant contributions is its dedication to community programs that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The Chamber organizes popular events throughout the year, such as the community’s widely popular Summer Concerts in the Park, a weekly event at Tate-Evans Town Park that brings talented groups of all genres together for the dulcet tones
of live music on Thursday nights, the Banner Elk Christmas Parade, which brings the whole town together to kick off the holiday season, member After Hours events to provide connecting opportunities for area residents and businesses, and more.
Additionally, the Chamber supports local schools, hosts educational seminars for business owners, and promotes tourism in the region, ensuring Banner Elk remains a prime destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce is located at 100 Main St W, in Banner Elk. For more information, visit bannerelk. org.
BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, located at 132 Park Ave, Blowing Rock, aims to promote, protect and improve business through the cultural, social and economic development, growth and sustainability
of Blowing Rock while preserving the charm and character of the village. They do that and more, especially when a business is in need. After a local, well-known historical restaurant burned to the ground, the Chamber stepped up to help the employees who were immediately impacted.
The Bistro Roca Fire Fund, established by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, provides direct assistance to the restaurant’s staff during this difficult and uncertain time. In just three days, donations poured in from residents, visitors, local businesses, and supporters from across the region.
In total, the Chamber raised $129,000 and distributed approximately $2,000 checks to employees to help bridge the gap between jobs, especially during a slow hiring season.
“This has never been just about a building,” said Chamber President/ CEO Robin Miller after the fundraiser surpassed $100,000. “It’s about people — neighbors, friends, and workers who have served this community for years.
Blowing Rock showed up in a big way, and that support matters more than we can put into words.”
Miller was also recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Carolina Association of Chamber Professionals, a statewide organization dedicated to advancing excellence and professional development for chamber leaders across North Carolina.
According to the Chamber, Miller’s appointment further reflects its commitment to leadership, collaboration and economic vitality at both the local and statewide level.
To learn more about the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce members, programs, scholarships and events, visit www.loveblowingrock.com.
BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the High Country’s largest and most active chambers. It has both a dedicated membership and an overall commitment to the betterment
of the area as both a vacation destination and a business hub.
Its mission is to connect business and community partners, to enhance opportunities through advocacy and education, and support continued sustainable economic development within our region.
That mission was clearly seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, when the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation raised more than $1.1 million for impacted businesses.
The Foundation awarded $978,500 in grants to 209 businesses across Watauga, Avery, and Ashe counties. It also paid $206,000 to eight licensed childcare centers in Watauga County in October 2024 to cover families’ tuition for that month.
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 579 Greenway Rd. Suite 101. For more information on its members, programs, scholarships and events, visit www.boonechamber.com.
Weare afullser vice funeral home since 1933. Centrally located in downtown Boone.
We have the area’s only on-site cremator y. We offer awide rangeofser vices inc luding full ser vices, memorial ser vices, celebrations of life, cremationser vices, and gravemarkers. In addition to these ser vices we offer advancefuneral planning.
Ourcommitmentistoser ve our communit ywith care and compassion. We recogniz ethatnotwo personsare alike, and that afuneral should be as unique as each individual or familyweser ve.Wewillassist youinplanning ser vices tailored to your specific needs.
Celebrating 93 Years of Serving OurCommunit y 1933-2026
Fortner Insurance Agency
Through a variety of top-rated insurance carriers, Fortner Insurance Agency provides solutions for all your A uto, Home, Business, Life, Health and LongTerm Care insurance. With offices in Banner Elk, Newland, S pruce Pine and Burnsville, Fortner Insurance Is a proud member of the Keystone Insurer ’s Group and has served the High Country since 1919.
Our Mission
To profitably market high quality, competitive ly prices insurance products to our clients and to provide excellent and consistent customer service, focusin g on integrity and values in our relationships with the comp anies and communities we serve.
Established in 1919, Fortner Insurance Agency brings to every new challenge an ever-expanding base of experience, tooted in a long his tory of excellence and stability Fortner is recognized and respected by insurance companies and insured alike for its ded ication to consistent outstanding service. Fortner Insurance is an Independent Insurance Agency, 100% locally owned. Is affiliated as a Trusted Choice Agent. We serve the insurance needs of individuals, families, and businesses, just like you! We take pride in getting the right insurance protection for your needs , superior claim service and ease of doing business.
Today, we serve a wide range of insurance clients and insurance companies. Whatever your insurance needs, Fortner stands flexible enough to devise plans to meet your requirements – and substantial enough to make them work – through extensive service, responsive products, and consistently sound leadership.
"Serving Our Customers Since 1919"
Avery County Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to Growth
The Avery County Chamber of Commerce enters 2026 with a renewed focus on its core mission: to connect, support, and inspire the local business community. While a refreshed visual identity signals this new chapter, the Chamber’s true momentum is found in a dynamic lineup of programs designed to strengthen leadership, foster collaboration, and create meaningful opportunities for growth across Avery County.
Leading this effort is Empower HER: Women in Busine ss Forum, a program dedicated to uplifting female professionals at every stage of their careers. Through workshops, ca ndid conversations, and intentional networking, Empower HER creates a supportive environment where women can build conf idence, develop leadership skills, and learn from both esta blished and emerging voices. More than a series of events, it i s a growing movement focused on connection, encouragement, and empowering women to lead with purpose.
Vision Forward: Curated Education for Professionals takes a targeted approach to professional development by bringing together individuals in similar roles, such as executives, marketers, and financial professionals, for focused, peer-driven learning.
In partnership with the Small Business Center at Mayland Community College, the program blends expert insigh t with collaborative discussion, allowing participants to share challenges, exchange strategies, and gain practical tools tailored to their fields. The result is deeper connection, s tronger leadership, and forward-thinking growth.
Celebrating a decade of impact, Leadership Avery ma rks its 10th year with an enhanced experience that combines Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead curriculum with immersive, real-world application. Participants engage directly with the businesses and organizations that shape the local economy, gaining firsthand insight while developing essential leadership skills rooted in courage, empathy, and resilience.
Together, these programs reflect the Chamber’s comm itment to not only support local businesses—but to connect people, inspire leadership, and cultivate a thriving, engag ed community for years to come.
American Emergenc yVehicles– ATop Employer in Ashe County
American EmergencyVehicles (AEV),one of thenation’stop ambulancemanufacturers,has been basedright here,inJefferson, North Carolina, since 1991. “TheStrength of AEVhas always been grounded in ourpeople,”saidR andy Hanson, vice presidentand generalmanager of AEV. “We’re proudtohave an employee base that spans generations–talented, tenured employeeswho have worked here fordecades workingalongside folks whohavejustbegun their careers andselectedAEV to do so!” AEV employsover460 people,and most of them live in Ashe County,but some people even commutefrom surroundingstatestoworkatAEV “Weare continuingtobuild our cultureand reputationbecause we aspire to be an employer of choice,” addedHanson.“So we offer competitive compensation packages andbenefits that startday one, work-lifebalance,and arespectful andwelcomingenvironment
Beyond that,there is adeepsense of pride here from thefactthatwe servefirstresponders.”
AEVhas producedover30,000 ambulances, since they began operationsinthe early90’s. They buildavarietyofambulancetypes that meet theneedsofemergency care providersacrossthe globe, whetherthatser vice is being providedbylocal firedepartments, hospitals, or commercial providers. The vehicles arebuilt on Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, Mercedes, Internationaland Freightliner chassisand customizedtomeetthe specific needsofeachcustomer. AEVwas named“Best of theB est Manufacturers in Ashe County”last year andfor many yearsbefore that in an annual survey by theAshe Post andTimes.
“Demandfor AEVambulances continues to be strong,because EMS providersknowthatAEV has alongtradition of building ambulances with American
craftsmanshipand value,”said RandyBarr, directorofsales, AEV. “Our biggestchallenge is in keeping up with thedemand,”continued Barr,“so we areactivelypartnering with area community colleges, such as Wilkes Community College, as well as government organizations to place jobseekers in some of our open roles.” AEValsoparticipates in career days at area highschools andevenmiddle schools, as away to helpintroduce youngpeople to AEVand themanycareers pathsthattheycan pursue with an establishedmanufacturer.
In 2021, AEVmoved all their productionintotheir current facility at 101 AEVLane(the former GatesRubber Company) AEVfacilities span over 300,000 square feet on abeautiful 35-acre campus “Weare allsettled in and continuingtoupgrade ourfacilities to improveoperationsand to provide agreat environment for ourvaluedemployees,” said Jake Miller,DirectorofOperations. “Our team is continuallylooking foropportunities to streamlineand
improve efficiency so we candeliver theselifesavingvehicles to our customers as quicklyaspossible. However, ournumberone priority is safety,and we arecontinually providingtrainingtoour team to keep that topofmind.”
In fact, AEVisone of only afew in thestate that is certifiedthrough theNorth Carolina Department of Labor’sStarProgram.The programis designedtorecognize employersand employeeswho have implementedeffective safety andhealthmanagementsystems andmaintaininjur yand illness ratesthatmeetthe criteria for participation
JamesReed (Manager Planning &Inventory Control) stated,“Our strength comesfromour people Ourorganization consists of more than 480 committed professionals whoshare acommongoal: to developlife-saving equipmentthat notonlyprovides critical support but also instillshopeand positively impactsthe livesofthose in need.”
