Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the 15th Annual ATHENA of Henderson County Award
Feb 8 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

Vanessa Mintz 0507

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Pardee UNC Health Care, Optimum/Morris Broadband, and Judy Stroud/State Farm Insurance are pleased to announce the 15th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in May to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

Founded over 30 years ago, ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. ATHENA’s flagship program, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program, has honored over 6000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries since its inception in 1982.

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA Vanessas Vision

International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

Kathy Streeter Morgan (2021)

Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)

Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)

Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)

Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)

Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)

Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)

Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)

Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)

Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)

Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)

Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)

Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)

Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.

Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Henderson County Tourism Grants
Feb 9 all-day
online
The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) is excited to announce that its tourism grant program is returning, with a goal of awarding several hundred thousand dollars to as many tourism-related Henderson County for-profit and nonprofit organizations who apply for funding as possible.
If your organization is interested in learning more about any of the grants that will be made available by the HCTDA for 2022-2023, you are invited to attend the Tourism Conference or to an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 26th at Cascades Mountain Resort, located at 201 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, where you may drop in anytime from 3-4:30 pm.
The funds, which must be used for tourism-related projects, will be available in three categories: Destination Marketing Grants, Destination Event Grants, and Capital Project Grants.
Applications will be accepted from February 1- 28, 2022. Grant award decisions will be made in spring 2022 by the HCTDA Board members.
Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor
Feb 9 all-day
online w/ River Link

Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor

We are now hiring for our summer camp counselor position. Come spend the summer on the river with some awesome kids and prepare them to be the next generation of river stewards. Click below to learn more.

Position description and application instructions.

Business Morning Update
Feb 9 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
online

This monthly event, co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street program, and the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.
This meeting will be hosted virtually using the Zoom platform. There is no cost to attend but registration is required.
Mission Accelerator class
Feb 9 @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Blue Ridge Community College

Take your Business to the Next Level with the Mission Accelerator Program
Companies in 2022 will face a business landscape disrupted by a pandemic: staffing issues, supply chain issues, new business models, shift in consumer purchasing patterns, revenue disruptions, and new applications of tech just to name a few.
The 2022 Mission Accelerator class can help organizations you know develop new tools and strategies to proactively successfully navigate the ever changing business environment that 2022 will be.
Registration is open through January 24th. The program begins January 26th and will meet every-other Wednesday from 8:30 am – 1 pm through June 1st. The cost for the program is $295.
Not sure if your business could benefit from this program? Take the self-assessment below to rate your success.

Blue Ridge Community College and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce have partnered once again to offer the Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator, a five-month, ten-course program.

 

January 26, 2022
Business Best Practices and KPI (Key Performance Indicators) Checklist by Department Identifying Opportunities for Acceleration

February 9, 2022
Management and Leadership

February 23, 2022
Human Resources, Legal and Insurance

March 9, 2022
Capital and Purchasing

March 23, 2022
Competition and Competitive Advantage

April 6, 2022
Branding, Marketing and Sales

April 20, 2022
Customer Service and Information Technology

May 4, 2022
Business Logistics: Best ways to meet customer needs

May 18, 2022
Accounting and Finance

June 1, 2022
Business Acceleration Plan Presentation and Graduation

Sessions run Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. except 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on January 26.
Cost for the course is $295.

Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the 15th Annual ATHENA of Henderson County Award
Feb 9 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

Vanessa Mintz 0507

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Pardee UNC Health Care, Optimum/Morris Broadband, and Judy Stroud/State Farm Insurance are pleased to announce the 15th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in May to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

Founded over 30 years ago, ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. ATHENA’s flagship program, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program, has honored over 6000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries since its inception in 1982.

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA Vanessas Vision

International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

Kathy Streeter Morgan (2021)

Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)

Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)

Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)

Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)

Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)

Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)

Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)

Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)

Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)

Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)

Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)

Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)

Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.

Thursday, February 10, 2022
2022 Issues Survey, It’s Vital We Hear From Your Downtown Business
Feb 10 all-day
online
Twice each year, we survey our membership and the downtown business community. Surveys are an important tool in gathering feedback from our members. The results will be presented at our State of Downtown Luncheon on Tuesday, March 8.

The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. This survey is focused on downtown businesses. We want to hear from owners and employees alike, so please share with your staff. **We hope to work with partners to develop at survey for residents later in the year.

Access the survey here.

Survey data is shared with City Council, County Commission and appropriate staff. It is also discussed at meetings with partners and other organizations working towards solutions. It’s important that we hear from as many businesses as possible.

Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Feb 10 all-day
online

The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm.

Henderson County Tourism Grants
Feb 10 all-day
online
The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) is excited to announce that its tourism grant program is returning, with a goal of awarding several hundred thousand dollars to as many tourism-related Henderson County for-profit and nonprofit organizations who apply for funding as possible.
If your organization is interested in learning more about any of the grants that will be made available by the HCTDA for 2022-2023, you are invited to attend the Tourism Conference or to an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 26th at Cascades Mountain Resort, located at 201 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, where you may drop in anytime from 3-4:30 pm.
The funds, which must be used for tourism-related projects, will be available in three categories: Destination Marketing Grants, Destination Event Grants, and Capital Project Grants.
Applications will be accepted from February 1- 28, 2022. Grant award decisions will be made in spring 2022 by the HCTDA Board members.
Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor
Feb 10 all-day
online w/ River Link

Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor

We are now hiring for our summer camp counselor position. Come spend the summer on the river with some awesome kids and prepare them to be the next generation of river stewards. Click below to learn more.

Position description and application instructions.

Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the 15th Annual ATHENA of Henderson County Award
Feb 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

Vanessa Mintz 0507

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Pardee UNC Health Care, Optimum/Morris Broadband, and Judy Stroud/State Farm Insurance are pleased to announce the 15th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in May to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

Founded over 30 years ago, ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. ATHENA’s flagship program, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program, has honored over 6000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries since its inception in 1982.

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA Vanessas Vision

International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

Kathy Streeter Morgan (2021)

Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)

Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)

Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)

Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)

Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)

Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)

Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)

Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)

Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)

Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)

Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)

Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)

Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.

Online Seller Requirements with the NC Dept of Revenue
Feb 10 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
BRCC SBC Online

This webinar will assist online sellers that are “engaged in business” in North Carolina. Areas of discussion within the webinar will include: sellers with a physical presence in N.C., remote sales to N.C., marketplace facilitators and marketplace sellers as well as applying for a N.C. Sales and Use Tax Account ID, if necessary.


Speaker(s): NCDOR

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

Webinar info will be emailed upon registration

Friday, February 11, 2022
2022 Issues Survey, It’s Vital We Hear From Your Downtown Business
Feb 11 all-day
online
Twice each year, we survey our membership and the downtown business community. Surveys are an important tool in gathering feedback from our members. The results will be presented at our State of Downtown Luncheon on Tuesday, March 8.

The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. This survey is focused on downtown businesses. We want to hear from owners and employees alike, so please share with your staff. **We hope to work with partners to develop at survey for residents later in the year.

Access the survey here.

Survey data is shared with City Council, County Commission and appropriate staff. It is also discussed at meetings with partners and other organizations working towards solutions. It’s important that we hear from as many businesses as possible.

Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Feb 11 all-day
online

The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm.

Henderson County Tourism Grants
Feb 11 all-day
online
The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) is excited to announce that its tourism grant program is returning, with a goal of awarding several hundred thousand dollars to as many tourism-related Henderson County for-profit and nonprofit organizations who apply for funding as possible.
If your organization is interested in learning more about any of the grants that will be made available by the HCTDA for 2022-2023, you are invited to attend the Tourism Conference or to an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 26th at Cascades Mountain Resort, located at 201 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, where you may drop in anytime from 3-4:30 pm.
The funds, which must be used for tourism-related projects, will be available in three categories: Destination Marketing Grants, Destination Event Grants, and Capital Project Grants.
Applications will be accepted from February 1- 28, 2022. Grant award decisions will be made in spring 2022 by the HCTDA Board members.
Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor
Feb 11 all-day
online w/ River Link

Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor

We are now hiring for our summer camp counselor position. Come spend the summer on the river with some awesome kids and prepare them to be the next generation of river stewards. Click below to learn more.

Position description and application instructions.

AM Power Hour + Ribbon Cutting
Feb 11 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
McIntyre Elder Law

Enjoy a more productive day by meeting prospective customers at the start of your day. You may find a strong referral source, a new vendor, the perfect client, or simply get a foot in the door for connecting again later at another Chamber event. AM Power Hour is great if you are an early bird or can’t make our after-hours networking events.
We will also be celebrating McIntyre Elder Law’s Grand Opening in Henderson County with a Ribbon Cutting!
Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the 15th Annual ATHENA of Henderson County Award
Feb 11 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

Vanessa Mintz 0507

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Pardee UNC Health Care, Optimum/Morris Broadband, and Judy Stroud/State Farm Insurance are pleased to announce the 15th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in May to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

Founded over 30 years ago, ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. ATHENA’s flagship program, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program, has honored over 6000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries since its inception in 1982.

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA Vanessas Vision

International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

Kathy Streeter Morgan (2021)

Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)

Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)

Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)

Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)

Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)

Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)

Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)

Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)

Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)

Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)

Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)

Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)

Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.

Saturday, February 12, 2022
Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Feb 12 all-day
online

The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm.

Henderson County Tourism Grants
Feb 12 all-day
online
The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) is excited to announce that its tourism grant program is returning, with a goal of awarding several hundred thousand dollars to as many tourism-related Henderson County for-profit and nonprofit organizations who apply for funding as possible.
If your organization is interested in learning more about any of the grants that will be made available by the HCTDA for 2022-2023, you are invited to attend the Tourism Conference or to an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 26th at Cascades Mountain Resort, located at 201 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, where you may drop in anytime from 3-4:30 pm.
The funds, which must be used for tourism-related projects, will be available in three categories: Destination Marketing Grants, Destination Event Grants, and Capital Project Grants.
Applications will be accepted from February 1- 28, 2022. Grant award decisions will be made in spring 2022 by the HCTDA Board members.
Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor
Feb 12 all-day
online w/ River Link

Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor

We are now hiring for our summer camp counselor position. Come spend the summer on the river with some awesome kids and prepare them to be the next generation of river stewards. Click below to learn more.

Position description and application instructions.

Sunday, February 13, 2022
Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Feb 13 all-day
online

The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm.

Henderson County Tourism Grants
Feb 13 all-day
online
The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) is excited to announce that its tourism grant program is returning, with a goal of awarding several hundred thousand dollars to as many tourism-related Henderson County for-profit and nonprofit organizations who apply for funding as possible.
If your organization is interested in learning more about any of the grants that will be made available by the HCTDA for 2022-2023, you are invited to attend the Tourism Conference or to an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 26th at Cascades Mountain Resort, located at 201 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, where you may drop in anytime from 3-4:30 pm.
The funds, which must be used for tourism-related projects, will be available in three categories: Destination Marketing Grants, Destination Event Grants, and Capital Project Grants.
Applications will be accepted from February 1- 28, 2022. Grant award decisions will be made in spring 2022 by the HCTDA Board members.
Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor
Feb 13 all-day
online w/ River Link

Join the team: Hiring a RiverCamp Counselor

We are now hiring for our summer camp counselor position. Come spend the summer on the river with some awesome kids and prepare them to be the next generation of river stewards. Click below to learn more.

Position description and application instructions.

Monday, February 14, 2022
2022 Issues Survey, It’s Vital We Hear From Your Downtown Business
Feb 14 all-day
online
Twice each year, we survey our membership and the downtown business community. Surveys are an important tool in gathering feedback from our members. The results will be presented at our State of Downtown Luncheon on Tuesday, March 8.

The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. This survey is focused on downtown businesses. We want to hear from owners and employees alike, so please share with your staff. **We hope to work with partners to develop at survey for residents later in the year.

Access the survey here.

Survey data is shared with City Council, County Commission and appropriate staff. It is also discussed at meetings with partners and other organizations working towards solutions. It’s important that we hear from as many businesses as possible.

Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Feb 14 all-day
online

The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm.

Henderson County Tourism Grants
Feb 14 all-day
online
The Henderson County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) is excited to announce that its tourism grant program is returning, with a goal of awarding several hundred thousand dollars to as many tourism-related Henderson County for-profit and nonprofit organizations who apply for funding as possible.
If your organization is interested in learning more about any of the grants that will be made available by the HCTDA for 2022-2023, you are invited to attend the Tourism Conference or to an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 26th at Cascades Mountain Resort, located at 201 Sugarloaf Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792, where you may drop in anytime from 3-4:30 pm.
The funds, which must be used for tourism-related projects, will be available in three categories: Destination Marketing Grants, Destination Event Grants, and Capital Project Grants.
Applications will be accepted from February 1- 28, 2022. Grant award decisions will be made in spring 2022 by the HCTDA Board members.
Nominations are Now Being Accepted for the 15th Annual ATHENA of Henderson County Award
Feb 14 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
online

Vanessa Mintz 0507

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Pardee UNC Health Care, Optimum/Morris Broadband, and Judy Stroud/State Farm Insurance are pleased to announce the 15th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award in Henderson County in memory of Vanessa Y. Mintz. Nominations are now being accepted for the ATHENA Leadership Award, which will be presented at the Professional Women’s Luncheon in May to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way, and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

Founded over 30 years ago, ATHENA International is a women’s leadership organization that supports, develops and honors women leaders through the programs it administers. ATHENA’s flagship program, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program, has honored over 6000 women leaders from hundreds of cities and eight countries since its inception in 1982.

Vanessa Y. Mintz brought the ATHENA award to Henderson County in 2008 and she embodied the values underlying ATHENA Vanessas Vision

International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities, and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there”, the ATHENA Leadership Award honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.

The program is facilitated locally by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, a licensed ATHENA host organization. Nominations are sought throughout the community. Recipients are selected by a diverse group of out-of-town professional judges, based on Athena leadership criteria.

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients hail from all professional sectors. The award’s rich history, international scope, and emphasis on mentorship make this award unique and amongst the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive. Past Henderson County ATHENA Recipients Include:

Kathy Streeter Morgan (2021)

Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville (2020)

Barb Morgan, Project Dignity of WNC (2019)

Lee Henderson Hill, Community Foundation of Henderson County (2018)

Roxanna Pepper, Children & Family Resource Center (2017)

Judy Stroud, State Farm Insurance (2016)

Judith Long, Free Clinics (2015)

Caroline Long, St. Gerard House (2014)

Annie Fritschner, First United Methodist Church (2013)

Myra Grant, Pardee Hospital Foundation (2012)

Joyce Mason, Four Seasons Compassion for Life (2011)

Pat Shepherd, Pat’s School of Dance (2010)

Ragan Ward, Carolina Alliance Bank (2009)

Robin Reed, Bares It All (2008)

ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients are presented a hand-cast, bronzed and crystal sculpture that symbolizes the strength, courage, and wisdom of ATHENA Recipients.

Tuesday, February 15, 2022
2022 Issues Survey, It’s Vital We Hear From Your Downtown Business
Feb 15 all-day
online
Twice each year, we survey our membership and the downtown business community. Surveys are an important tool in gathering feedback from our members. The results will be presented at our State of Downtown Luncheon on Tuesday, March 8.

The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete. This survey is focused on downtown businesses. We want to hear from owners and employees alike, so please share with your staff. **We hope to work with partners to develop at survey for residents later in the year.

Access the survey here.

Survey data is shared with City Council, County Commission and appropriate staff. It is also discussed at meetings with partners and other organizations working towards solutions. It’s important that we hear from as many businesses as possible.

Food Vendor Applications for 2022 Events Available Now
Feb 15 all-day
online

The Asheville Downtown Association is now accepting applications for food vending at our 2022 events. These include Downtown After 5, the Independence Day Celebration and Asheville Oktoberfest.

Applications are due Friday, February 25 at 5pm.