Please join the Chamber to celebrate the Grand Opening of  WNC’s first co- warehouse, Ernest- Ready Made Warehouse!

What is co-warehousing? It’s sort of like co-working, but in warehouse form. Ernest allows you to outgrow the garage and work in a workspace of your own, in concert with other entrepreneurs, but without the overhead. It’s a place to fill orders, accept a pallet, take product photography for your site, have a meeting in a private conference room, or just post up with your laptop and a cup of coffee in a clean, comfortable, shared coworking space. It’s kind of like a subscription to a warehouse.  (Conference rooms,  meeting spaces, and photo studio available for day rentals)

Ernest will be sharing the spotlight with a new entrepreneur Brad Currin in Western North Carolina. He is a US Army Veteran and Owner of FCI Floors where they bring the mobile show room to you.

There will be tours of the space and the opportunity to chat with other members. Light bites and drinks provided.

Directions: Located off exit 51 of I40 on Sweeten Creek Road. Plenty of parking available in shared lot with Devil’s Foot Beverage.

Please join The Chamber at White Labs Kitchen & Tap for a panel discussion on the Economic Impact of Sports.

The panel will include representatives from the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission and local business owners.

Registration is Required, limited seating.

Policy on Tap is the Chamber’s quarterly discussion series highlighting topics that matter to our business community with insights shared by key leaders and experts.

3.16.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 3.16.2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
Featuring Marlene Thompson
Marlene Thompson is an improviser, stand up and actor residing in Asheville, NC. She moved to the mountains from Chicago, where she studied improv and sketch at the Second City Conservatory, iO Chicago and Annoyance Theater. She’s a founding member of and performer with several local improv troupes and teaches improv at The Actors Center of Asheville. She also hosts. writes and produces her own political comedy show, From the Ashes with Marlene Thompson of YouTube. Marlene has performed at countless comedy festivals all over the country and has opened for comics Joe Zimmerman, Kate Willett, Brandie Posey and Kevin McDonald from Kids in the Hall.
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.

3.16.23 The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement PULP
What: Stand up Comedy at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge
When: Thursday 3.16.2023. 8p-10p, doors at 7:30p
Where: The Orange Peel’s Comedy Basement, Pulp Lounge103 Hilliard Ave, Downtown Asheville
Tickets: $14 (available at door or The Orange Peel website)
Cocktails available while you laugh the night away to some of the area’s best Stand Up Comics in a ridiculously fun adult environment!! .
Open mic comics signup at door get 3-5m. [Free entry for performing comics, free snacks at comics table]
Featuring Marlene Thompson
Marlene Thompson is an improviser, stand up and actor residing in Asheville, NC. She moved to the mountains from Chicago, where she studied improv and sketch at the Second City Conservatory, iO Chicago and Annoyance Theater. She’s a founding member of and performer with several local improv troupes and teaches improv at The Actors Center of Asheville. She also hosts. writes and produces her own political comedy show, From the Ashes with Marlene Thompson of YouTube. Marlene has performed at countless comedy festivals all over the country and has opened for comics Joe Zimmerman, Kate Willett, Brandie Posey and Kevin McDonald from Kids in the Hall.
Host Cody Hughes: Cody is a comedian who cut his teeth in Chicago and Atlanta. He is now based out of West North Carolina and tours the Southeast. He has opened for Lewis Black, John Oliver and Maria Bamford among others and hosts the regular Slice of Life Comedy shows at The Orange Peel’s Pulp Lounge.
About Pulp: The speakeasy inspired hideaway offers a cozy space for show-goers to relax and enjoy a beverage during the concert. Boasting over 200 different Bourbons and Whiskeys, alongside a myriad of other spirits, it is a must-visit for cocktail lovers and Bourbon sippers alike. Pulp will also open various other nights to feature local artists and “Slice of Life” open-mic comedy nights. To stay informed with the happenings at Pulp, visit the Orange Peel’s website, and follow @pulp_avl on Instagram.

Please join us for the Ribbon Cutting and Ground Breaking Ceremony of Bullington Gardens. Bullington Gardens is a nonprofit botanical garden in Hendersonville, NC, their mission is to connect children and adults with natural world through science based horticultural education; to demonstrate the beauty of plants, and to enhance life skills for those with challenges through horticultural therapy. This Ribbon Cutting Ceremony is to thank donors who gave funding for the new restrooms, Tourism Development Authority, Mary Louise Corn, Ray & Judith McKenzie and Wheels in the Woods Foundation. This Ground Breaking Ceremony is to thank donors who gave funding for the new parking lot, Perry Rudnick Foundation/Community Foundation of Henderson County.

Please join the Chamber to celebrate the Grand Opening of Emergency Tech Repair!

Emergency Tech Repair is full service tech repair shop for phones, laptops, computers and more! They offer gaming commuter support and building as well as tech accessorys. The shop is located in the center of the Asheville Mall (near Victorias Secret)

Join us for some small bites and a free screen protector!

Great companies start with great people. The WNC Career Expo helps you make the right connections with qualified candidates to meet your company’s workforce needs. Booth details: Each booth includes: pipe/drape, one six-foot table, two chairs, two box lunches and access to the employers lounge with drinks and snacks.

$300 per booth; $50 for optional electricity; $10 for additional box lunches 

Find the Next Step in Your Career

Come join us for Business After Hours hosted by T-Mobile!

It’s a Magenta networking opportunity! T-Mobile is more than a wireless provider, so come out, have a drink, grab some grub, AND meet the local faces of the Un-carrier! Plus, we’ll be bringing the Un-carrier experience to Asheville with the T-Mobile Community Truck onsite at the venue! Door prizes include a chance to win one of three T-Mobile limited edition smart suitcases!

Feel free to bring a gift to be raffled off as door prizes towards the end of the evening. Bring your business cards for networking and a chance to win!

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership.

Your Chance to Build Great Connections – You Don’t Want to Miss This Event! Business After Hours is the Chamber’s premier networking event and the best chance for your to make valuable connections to build your business – all while having a great time! With fantastic food and beverages compliments of our host sponsor, and the chance to win great door prizes – this event is the best combination of business and fun! There is no cost to attend but registration is required. March’s Business After Hours will be hosted by First Bank, catered by The Grafted Olive.

The inbox remains the most direct method for marketing online and statistically outperforms every other medium by a landslide! This session is a fresh overview of what email marketing is in 2023, and the best practices on how to grow an engaged email list to drive more business. You will gain a better understanding of: – Why your email list should be the “central component” of your digital marketing – Why email creates more sales and conversions than other mediums – What does successful email marketing look like? – How and where tp grow your email list – What types of emails to send to get the best results – What should you send? – Expanding your reach for every email you send – Understanding how connected email & social media are… how to work them together – Tips and Secrets to get your emails opened, engaged, and successful. – Special Chamber Discounts and Bonuses – Live Q&A Presenter Bio: Presenter Aaron Wesley Means is a communication specialist, internet marketer, and CEO of ACTIVATE Business Solutions based in Brevard, NC. He has a BA in Communication from Arizona State University.

A brand is more than a name and logo. It is the perception that people have in their mind about a company, product or service that attracts them to you. Marketing a brand is like a 6-cylinder engine. If all 6-cylinders are not working together, one does not get the full power from the engine. Having only a website, business card and social media is like only having 3 cylinders. You do not get the full power from the brand. Can the Market Your Brand Workshop help you market your company, product or service? Take this self-test. You get one point for each that fits your company. ___ Healthy Increases in Annual Sales ___ High Profit Margins  ___ Top of Search – Page 1 on Google My Business with a 4.5-5 Star Rating and High Number of Reviews ___ Branded Mobile-Friendly Website with High Traffic Numbers ___ Top Of Mind  (When people think of your business category your name pops into their mind.) ___ Branded Social Media Platform with High Number of Likes & Followers ___ Branded Content Strategy (know and use key words that attract customers) ___ Branded Collateral Material (all printed materials are current and effective i.e. business card) ___ Use Brand Pivot Point in Making Marketing Decisions ___ Have and use a Customer Database to Market the Brand ___ Market to all 3 Stages in the Customer Cycle (Prospect, 1st Time Customer and Repeat Customer) ___ Use Brand Tagline in all Online and Print Marketing Materials ___ Branded Advertising Specialties (all promotional materials are current and effective i.e. tee-shirts) ___ Branded Company Spaces (promote brand in offices, lobby, store front, hallways, bathroom, etc.) ___ Branded External and Internal Signage (use signage to promote brand and it is current) ___ Total If you have a score of less than 14, the Market Your Brand Workshop can help create a plan to better Market Your Brand.

Speaker(s): Gary Heisey, Executive Director Mission Acceleration and Vision Leadership Program

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

A brand is more than a name and logo. It is the perception that people have in their mind about a company, product or service that attracts them to you. Marketing a brand is like a 6-cylinder engine. If all 6-cylinders are not working together, one does not get the full power from the engine. Having only a website, business card and social media is like only having 3 cylinders. You do not get the full power from the brand. Can the Market Your Brand Workshop help you with your market your company, product or service? Take this self-test. You get one point for each that fits your company. ___ Healthy Increases in Annual Sales ___ High Profit Margins  ___ Top of Search – Page 1 on Google My Business with a 4.5-5 Star Rating and High Number of Reviews ___ Branded Mobile-Friendly Website with High Traffic Numbers ___ Top Of Mind  (When people think of your business category your name pops into their mind.) ___ Branded Social Media Platform with High Number of Likes & Followers ___ Branded Content Strategy (know and use key words that attract customers) ___ Branded Collateral Material (all printed materials are current and effective i.e. business card) ___ Use Brand Pivot Point in Making Marketing Decisions ___ Have and use a Customer Database to Market the Brand ___ Market to all 3 Stages in the Customer Cycle (Prospect, 1st Time Customer and Repeat Customer) ___ Use Brand Tagline in all Online and Print Marketing Materials ___ Branded Advertising Specialties (all promotional materials are current and effective i.e. tee-shirts) ___ Branded Company Spaces (promote brand in offices, lobby, store front, hallways, bathroom, etc.) ___ Branded External and Internal Signage (use signage to promote brand and it is current) ___ Total If you have a score of less than 14, the Market Your Brand Workshop can help create a plan to better Market Your Brand.

Speaker(s): Gary Heisey, Executive Director Mission Acceleration and Vision Leadership Program

Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce

Just starting out, at the top of your game or taking on new challenges…imposter syndrome can trip you at any stage. When you are fearless instead, you can take it all on. Marlowe Weingart and Laura Wagenknecht show you how to make imposter syndrome work for you, not against you, so you can own your power.

In an interactive workshop, we’ll talk about what imposter syndrome is, how to recognize symptoms and steps to overcome it.

Our delicious breakfast buffet is compliments of Everyday Gourmet:

Spinach, Mushroom & Caramelized Onions Frittata – GF Vegetarian

Grit Cakes with Cabot White Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Sweet Pepper Confetti – GF Vegetarian

Massaged Citrus Kale Salad with Ruby Red Grapefruit, Cara Cara & Mandarin Oranges with Candied Pecans – GF Vegan

Ham & Brie Croissants

Apple Crisp – GF Vegan with Vanilla Greek Yogurt

Coffee, Hot Tea, Lavender Lemonade

About our Speakers:

Laura Wagenknecht, MSW, CEC, CMT
CEO, Mosaic Business Consulting, LLC

Laura Wagenknecht is an experienced business consultant, planner, and ICF-certified executive coach who specializes in helping women and minority-owned businesses succeed. With more than 30 years of professional experience and 20+ years of executive experience in multiple industries, she draws on experience to help others fill the gaps and to assemble the pieces for a successful business. Her diverse coaching practices provide a critical and beautiful contribution to the business community. Laura is the Secretary for the ICF-Charlotte chapter, leader of community engagement and outreach for the Western Carolina Coaches subchapter of ICF Charlotte, and Co-Chair of SCORE Asheville. In 2022 she won the Women Entrepreneurs: Best in Business Award.

Marlowe J. Weingart, Performance Advisor and Team-building Specialist
Humane Resourcing LLC

Humane Resourcing was created in 2021 because Marlowe Weingart recognized the severity of burnout in the workplace and knew that she could do something to combat it. With more than 25 years as a team-building specialist as well as designing and delivering innovative training to organizations, Marlowe uses her unique skill set to help enterprises achieve radical change for staff in both their personal lives and at work. As a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation, Marlowe seeks to help folks unblock the barriers they have to achieving the success they dream of.

Agenda

8:00 am             Doors Open

8:00-8:50 am     Meet and Mingle, Enjoy a Light Breakfast

8:50-10:30 am   Program

Chamber Signature Members

Biltmore Farms, LLC   ~   Duke Energy   ~   Everyday Gourmet  ~  First Bank   ~   First Citizens Bank   ~   Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority     

HomeTrust Bank  ~  Mission Health   ~   Pratt & Whitney   ~   UNC Asheville   ~   Wells Fargo Bank, NA

Chamber Event Refund Policy: The Chamber requires payment in advance for admission to all Chamber events. Event fees (regardless of attendance) are refundable only if a cancellation notice is received at least two weeks prior to the event.