Forest bathing is a ancient Japanese practice for de-stressing and relating to the more-than-human world. It has gained much popularity in Asia, and now in the US, as a growing bank of scientific research is demonstrating it’s healing benefits.

Forest bathing has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and anger while strengthening the immune system, improving cardiovascular and metabolic health and increasing overall wellbeing.

It’s a delicious way to be in the world!

Transformational Forest Bathing weaves in techniques from eco-therapy, depth psychology, wilderness rites of passage and mythic storytelling to form a powerfully transformative experience. We will work with whatever is holding you back right now and show you how to work with the land to gain insight on your next steps forward. As you shift through this current block you’ll learn how navigate this way in the future.

You will:
– Unwind the knots you formed by keeping it all together
– Learn how to let the forest hold you
– Connect deeply to the more-than-human world
– Shift into a state of consciousness that allows you to receive information and nourishment, one where you don’t need to figure it out
– Learn how to work with the natural world to move through whatever is blocking you right now
– Open the door to reclaiming your ancestral heritage

Is this for you?
Honestly, if you are simply looking for some stress reduction and a lovely walk in the forest this isn’t the program for you. If you are ready to dig deep and do some soul-tending then come on over!

It doesn’t matter if you already have a strong nature connection practice or you have never heard of it, the program is designed to work for any level of previous nature connection experience.

What is key is your desire and willingness to work with whatever part of you is holding you back from living the life you want right now.

Janet McKee, Speaker, Best-Selling Author, High Performance™ Success Coach, Wellness Expert and CEO of SanaView, is on a mission to inspire and teach you proven and effective ways to Embrace a Better Life; a life that is richer, happier, healthier, and more fulfilling. “Sana” is Latin for “wellness” and her organization provides a “view” into enjoyable ways to dramatically improve your life.

After obtaining her MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and climbing the corporate ladder in several Fortune 500 companies, Ms. McKee became passionate about helping others achieve stress-free successful lives by pursuing a wellness degree from Columbia University. After working for many years to help people achieve greater levels of wellbeing, Ms. McKee expanded her expertise by researching how psychology impacts a person’s ability to achieve personal and professional goals. Based on this work, she has achieved the status of being selected as one of only 200 elite Certified High Performance Coaches™ in the world and has received the honor of being awarded membership into the National Association of Experts, Writers and Speakers.

Ms. McKee is the creator of the innovative and acclaimed Accelerated High Performance Program and emPower 3 Leadership + Lifestyle Retreat designed to help others fuel their passion, positivity and purpose. Through her Stressless Success Shift™, she inspires others to break negative patterns and achieve greater success. She is a vibrant and inspirational speaker who is known for captivating audiences through the use of real-life stories that engage, entertain, uplift and empower people with real solutions that they can begin to use immediately to realize their dreams.

Whether you consult with Ms. McKee directly, or hire her to speak to your organization, or peruse her multitude of online courses and inspirations, you are certain to become more knowledgeable, uplifted and motivated to improve your life.

As the founder of SanaView, Ms. McKee has released her new best-selling book titled, Stressless Success: The Surprising Secrets to a Life of Passion, Purpose, and Prosperity, along with her own recipe book titled, Fabulous Recipes for Vibrant Health, and co-authored a best-selling book with Brian Tracy and other experts titled, Ready, Set, Go!. Ms. McKee is also the Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary, Bethany’s Story about the healing power of food. Because of her passion for healthy living, Ms. McKee spends her free time helping to develop SanaView Farms, her 52-acre historic landmark organic farm nestled in the Laurel Mountains of Pennsylvania. There, she teaches ways to regenerate our land and our health through natural living and eating. A true powerhouse of positive energy and motivation, Ms. McKee is poised to dramatically improve the lives of everyone she touches.

Teaching proven methods to achieve greater levels of energy, engagement, joy and confidence are the keys to her success in helping others.

We’ve heard and been learning the importance of taking steps to be more diverse and inclusive. We’re ready to move forward — but what are the next steps?

Join us for an in-person event inspiring, encouraging and supporting women in business! We will hear from three unique women who live and work right in our community as they share their perspectives on personal accountability, transparency, intentionality, and resources that help them grow and thrive. Words and language matters — now more than ever. Hear these women share practical ways to apply principles of inclusion in the workplace and the community.

This even will be hosted at Crowne Plaza’s Expo Center, and all required health safety precautions will be observed. We invite Chamber members and non-members to join us! Register individuals (open seating) or reserve a table for 8 guests.

For those who are unable to attend an in-person event, we welcome you to join us virtually. Special thanks to Her Two Cents Podcast for making this virtual opportunity possible! The ticket price is the same for virtual attendees, and we will send you the virtual link on May 18th.

Registration will close at noon on May 18th.

Workshop Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 am      Start the morning with registration and check-in, and a light breakfast by Celine & Company Catering “On Broadway”

8:30 – 9:00 am      Make business connections; build relationships with other attendees

9:00 – 10:00 am    Inspirational panel discussion, moderated by Victoria Dunkle of AdventHealth

10:00 – 10:30 am  Q&A

Our Panelists:

Aisha Adams is an influencer with a heart for community economic development. She champions social change advocates, thought leaders, and courageous disruptors. As founder and CEO of the Aisha Adams Media LLC and partner organization Equity Over Everything, Aisha works to advance equity by closing gaps in entrepreneurship and home ownership in low-resource communities. Aisha’s other ventures include The Asheville View, a daytime-style talk show which addresses “hot button” issues in town, Nappy Thoughts, a personal blog followed by thousands of people on social media, and The Entrepreneurial Accelerator, a business bootcamp tying fledgling businesses to community resources. Aidsha earned her bacheclor’s degree in English from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and her Master of Science degree in Adult Education from Capella University. Aisha has received the Tzedeck Brilliance Award, the Martin Luther King Award, WomanUP Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business Award and the Mountain BizWorks Jane Renfroe Award.

Marta Alcava-Williams

Marta is a Latina woman who has lived, worked, and invested in the Asheville community for the last 30  years. Through her commitment to building deep relationships, using resources creatively to create true opportunities, and communicating the equity lens in each of her formal and informal roles, Marta contributes to the work of racial equity/justice and the wellbeing of her community. She is the co-founder of the Marvelous Math Club, an affirmative and collaborative space that focuses on developing leadership skills, building relationships, supporting homework completion, and celebrating math in one of the Asheville Housing Authority (AHA) communities. Marta started a Motheread group in another AHA  community seven years ago which has created an amazingly powerful group of black, brown, and white women who uplift one another and are charting new territory on building true multi-racial communities.  Marta is currently Executive Director of Equity for Asheville City Schools. She is on the leadership team for WNC Racial Equity Collaborative, contributes to a number of boards,  and has been a member of the Adverse Childhood Experiences.

Taylor Bell

A long-time Asheville resident, Taylor is proud to be an alumni of UNC Asheville after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Business Administration. She co-owns and remains active in a family business with her father. In August 2016, Taylor joined the Colton Groome & Company team and is now the Operations Manager. In 2021, Taylor was awarded the “Rising Star” award from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce WomanUp Committee. Outside of work, Taylor is an active supporter of her community with organizations such as United Way, Our Turn to Play executive committee member at UNC Asheville, a volunteer with Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, as well as a member of the UNC Asheville Department of Management & Accountancy Advisory Board. Taylor enjoys spending time with her husband, Jordan, and loving on her three daughters – Evelyn, Lyla, & Audrey.

Go-getting and forward-thinking women entrepreneurs – Join us for this free event featuring speed connecting activities!
Speed Connecting activities are fun, encouraging, inspiring and lead to opportunities for yourself and other women entrepreneurs. So join us at Focal Point in downtown Asheville, NC for some food, fun, and connection. And you just might meet your new business bestie! This event is Free, but you must register at https://www.plrconnectevents.com/registration-form to attend.
This project receives support from NC IDEA.

Speaker(s): Gary Heisey

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, SCORE

Webinar info will be emailed after registration.

Join us Saturday, May 22 as WNCHA leads a hike in the historic Hickory Nut Gap. In this exclusive hike, on a trail section not yet open to the public, we will explore the history of this area as a boundary and barrier, as well as a route connecting various people and places. Native Americans, settlers, livestock drovers, Civil War soldiers, and plenty of tourists have all shaped the history of this gorge through the Blue Ridge. At the highest point, we will enjoy lunch amid the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Pastures. This hike is made possible by Conserving Carolina, who have graciously granted us special, one-time permission to use their not-yet-open Ferguson Peak and Strawberry Gap Trail to climb from the gorge floor to the top of the nearby peaks.

Where: Hickory Nut Gap – Ferguson Peak Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures (Parking details will be emailed to registrants)

Distance: 6 miles total (2.9 miles one-way)

Difficulty: Strenuous – 1,600ft elevation gain

What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes/boots, Water (32oz min), snacks/bagged lunch, any needed medicines, backpack, hiking poles (optional), mask (mandatory)

Details: We will meet at the designated parking area prior to 10:00am and prepare to hike at that time. The most strenuous section of hiking will be at the start

Pets: We love pets, but cannot allow them on this hike.

Covid Precautions:

Safety is the highest priority of this event. No hike is guaranteed to be safe, and no outing during Covid is either. To minimize risks, we will require participants to abide by these guidelines. Failure to adhere may result in cancellation or a participant being asked to leave.

• Participants must sign a waiver in advance virtually via Google Forms: https://forms.gle/RiyDnP7EispVx1F96
• We are limited to 25 participants total.
• Nobody with visible symptoms will be allowed. Those who feel unwell or feel they may have been exposed are asked not to attend. Refunds are available.
• Hikers are required to bring masks and wear them any time participants are unable to maintain six feet of separation from others, including non-participants.
• Social distancing is required while we hike.

Rain Date:

Unless the weather is heavily rainy or presents another severe challenge, the hike will proceed. If we have to reschedule, participants will be notified by phone/email by 8pm the evening prior, and a new date will be announced in short order.

Hike Leader

This hike is led by Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Western North Carolina Historical Association. He has an MA in American History from East Carolina University and is also a certified interpretive guide. He has served as an intern at Chimney Rock State Park and a trail coordinator in the Hickory Nut Gorge, and considers this stretch of peaks, valleys, forests, and rivers one of his favorite places.

In celebration of Small Business Week, join the Chamber for an inspiring program featuring three area entrepreneurs. Hear about how and why they decided to take the risk and grow an idea into successful business. Learn about the challenges, opportunities, set backs and community involvement that have propelled them to their current successes. Featuring: Bill McKibbin Henderson Oil Company Caroline Long St. Gerard House Randy Dunn Zen Hen Cafe

register by Friday, May 21st

A modern manufacturing plant is a complex organism involving a wide range of jobs. Learn about the roles and functions you’ll find in most manufacturing plants and how they interact and about the many promising career paths at Mills Manufacturing.

Guest Speaker: John Oswald, President & CEO, Mills Manufacturing

We go over one of the most important skills to have up here in the mountains. How to tow a car or truck without another vehicle.

Learn:
-How to set-up pulley drags
-Use a come-a-long
-Tie knots
-Use towing chains
-Build a car-rescue kit

This skill pays for itself.

For The People Academy is an inclusive high level skills company based in Asheville. Our goal is to create heroes in our own communities.

Are you ready to engage in a courageous, outrageous, bold and beautiful creative journey surrounded by support and guidance, nurturing and encouragement?

YES! Of course, you are!

Using the thirty chapters from my book, Creative Alchemy: Accessing the Extraordinary Power of the Muse to Transform Your Art & Your Life, as the curriculum, I invite you to join me for an inspiring and magical journey deep into the heart of the creative process where you’ll:

1. Gather the Courage to Create (accountability, risks, freedom)
2. Honor your Muse (cultivating, caring, making friends)
3. Light the Creative Fires (imagination, sacred space, creative rituals)
4. Listen to Life (dreams, intuition, body wisdom)
5. Find Your Unique Voice (self-love, authenticity, destiny)
6. Transform Your Life (community, service, faith)

You’ll also be working together with a group of fabulous creative kindreds who will support you every step of the way and beyond!

Class is open to creators in all creative mediums (artist, photographer, musician, filmmaker), so please share with your creative friends!

Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!

Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.

Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)