Writers at Home is a monthly reading series featuring work from UNCA’s Great Smokies Writing Program and The Great Smokies Review.

This is a hybrid event, meaning there is an option to attend virtually and a limited number of seats are available to attend the event in-store. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. 

Please click here to register for the VIRTUAL event. The link required to attend will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Please click here to register for the IN-PERSON event. Note the important event details on the RSVP form.

If you decide to attend and to purchase books, we ask that you purchase from Malaprop’s. When you do this you make it possible for us to continue hosting author events and you keep more dollars in our community. You may also support our work by purchasing a gift card or making a donation of any amount below. Thank you!

More than 400 local businesses could benefit from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. According to reports from the Federal Government’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Buncombe County businesses may be eligible for $15.8 million and your small business could receive full or partial loan forgiveness. “Small businesses were under huge stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to face challenges with supply chain issues and inflation. PPP loan forgiveness represents an opportunity for small businesses to gain additional relief, keep their doors open and continue to provide high quality jobs in our community,” explains Intergovernmental Director Timothy Love.

Wondering if your business is eligible? It’s definitely worth taking a moment to find out. “The process and requirements are quick. In many cases, detailed documentation may not be required during the application process. Typical documents include bank statements, tax forms, and business costs,” says Love. “PPP loan forgiveness may not require any additional work with your lender and you can apply for direct forgiveness through the SBA portal.”

To apply or learn more, please see the below links (Please note: This program is administered by the federal government)

• Apply here (Borrowers may submit a loan forgiveness application any time before the maturity date of the loan, which is either two or five years from loan origination.)
• FAQs

More than 400 local businesses could benefit from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. According to reports from the Federal Government’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Buncombe County businesses may be eligible for $15.8 million and your small business could receive full or partial loan forgiveness. “Small businesses were under huge stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to face challenges with supply chain issues and inflation. PPP loan forgiveness represents an opportunity for small businesses to gain additional relief, keep their doors open and continue to provide high quality jobs in our community,” explains Intergovernmental Director Timothy Love.

Wondering if your business is eligible? It’s definitely worth taking a moment to find out. “The process and requirements are quick. In many cases, detailed documentation may not be required during the application process. Typical documents include bank statements, tax forms, and business costs,” says Love. “PPP loan forgiveness may not require any additional work with your lender and you can apply for direct forgiveness through the SBA portal.”

To apply or learn more, please see the below links (Please note: This program is administered by the federal government)

• Apply here (Borrowers may submit a loan forgiveness application any time before the maturity date of the loan, which is either two or five years from loan origination.)
• FAQs

Join Stephanie Lee, WWBC Advisory Board Member and Assistant VP at First Horizon Bank as she helps identify the importance of choosing a bank that’s right for your small business needs.

Why are there so many banks? Aren’t all banks the same? No!
That’s like saying all universities are the same. There are some similarities but there are also some fundamental differences.
We will discuss how to pick the right bank for you. Added bonus….credit unions are not banks.

Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of Hendersonville Toy Company! More than just your average toy store, Hendersonville Toy Company offers a variety of toys, adult & youth games, and a great selection of books and stationary items! **Please park at the Wells Fargo or Chamber of Commerce** 2023 Ribbon Cuttings are Presented by Duke Energy.

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

More than 400 local businesses could benefit from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. According to reports from the Federal Government’s Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, Buncombe County businesses may be eligible for $15.8 million and your small business could receive full or partial loan forgiveness. “Small businesses were under huge stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to face challenges with supply chain issues and inflation. PPP loan forgiveness represents an opportunity for small businesses to gain additional relief, keep their doors open and continue to provide high quality jobs in our community,” explains Intergovernmental Director Timothy Love.

Wondering if your business is eligible? It’s definitely worth taking a moment to find out. “The process and requirements are quick. In many cases, detailed documentation may not be required during the application process. Typical documents include bank statements, tax forms, and business costs,” says Love. “PPP loan forgiveness may not require any additional work with your lender and you can apply for direct forgiveness through the SBA portal.”

To apply or learn more, please see the below links (Please note: This program is administered by the federal government)

• Apply here (Borrowers may submit a loan forgiveness application any time before the maturity date of the loan, which is either two or five years from loan origination.)
• FAQs

Join this new group of supportive local writers for fiction writing practice, sharing & feedback.

This group will meet the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 1-3 PM beginning January 26th- April 13th. 

Each session will include readings, critique, and creative writing prompts as time allows. This is a new group for all, and no pre-registration is necessary.  Light refreshments will be served.  Email [email protected] with questions.

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. Fall in Love with our February host, Fletcher Area Business Association and we’ll see you at Forge Valley Event Center in Mills River.

Join us for an informative session to learn how to customize your membership experience. This is a great program for Chamber members who want to get more involved and learn more about Chamber benefits as well as for those considering membership. You’ll learn how to take advantage of our dynamic networking opportunities and how to get the most out of your membership. Getting involved with programs and events will connect you to the information and people that will increase the value of your membership. Jared Bellmund will be leading the discussion, providing tips and tricks on how to successfully network. Jared has been networking in Henderson County for over a decade and serves on the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as the Division Chair for Business Development. He is the past President of the Fletcher Area Business Association and currently serves on the City of Hendersonville Downtown Advisory Board. Jared believes participation is key, because the Chamber is best when you use it! Our Seminar Series are Presented by:

TFAC invites all artists: painters, sculptors, writers, performers & more — to a casual weekly drop-in gathering on Saturday mornings at 9 AM to share your works in progress, alert others, and chat about art and what’s happening in your community. The first weekly Coffee is Saturday, August 20 at 9 am. No RSVP needed, just drop by! Free parking available on Melrose Avenue, behind and alongside TFAC.

Hear what the experts predict for the economy in 2023. Our presenter, Dr. Harry M. Davis, is the Professor of Banking (1980) and Economist (1981) for the North Carolina Bankers Association. He is professor of Finance and past Chair of the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University (1981-1998). As the North Carolina Bankers Association Economist, Dr. Davis puts together quarterly economic forecasts that are carried by various news outlets. Dr. Davis is frequently interviewed throughout the year by newspapers, television, and radio stations for stories on the economy and banking. Dr. Davis is a frequent speaker at state, regional and national banking conventions on economic and banking issues. Economic Outlook Breakfast is Presented by: Hunter Automotive, First Bank, and WNC Business.

Presenter: Dr. Harry M. Davis NC Bankers’ Association Professor B.S. Economics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill M.A. Economics, Vanderbilt University Ph.D. Finance, University of Georgia Dr. Harry M. Davis is the Professor of Banking (1980) and Economist (1981) for the North Carolina Bankers Association. He is professor of Finance and past Chair of the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University (1981-1998). Dr. Davis is the past Chairman of the Board of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve on that board. He is also on the advisory board for the Western Youth Network. As the North Carolina Bankers Association Economist, Dr. Davis puts together quarterly economic forecasts that are carried by various news outlets. Dr. Davis is frequently interviewed throughout the year by newspapers, television, and radio stations for stories on the economy and banking. Dr. Davis is a frequent speaker at state, regional and national banking conventions on economic and banking issues. Dr. Davis is the Dean of and an instructor for the North Carolina School of Banking. He is an instructor for the Director’s College sponsored by the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks and the FDIC. Dr. Davis was also an instructor for the North Carolina Insurance Executive Management School and the South Carolina School of Banking. Dr. Davis was also an instructor for the South Carolina School of Banking (2006-2016). Dr. Davis is active in the consulting field and has presented seminars to business groups both in North Carolina and nationwide. He puts together feasibility plans, business plans and valuations for both financial and nonfinancial corporations. Dr. Davis has served as a consultant for numerous start-up banks in North Carolina. He helped start a local bank in Boone and served on its Board of Directors for over 20 years. Dr. Davis is presently on the Board of Directors of LifeStore Bank in West Jefferson, NC. Teaching: FIN 4610 – Commercial Bank Management; FIN 5610 – Commercial Bank Management Resources: Latest news items relating to Harry Davis.

Great news for poets and poetry lovers: Dark City Poet’s Society is returning to the Black Mountain Library. DCPS is a completely free poetry group that is open to poets of all ages and experience levels. Join us at the Black Mountain Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for our (respectful) critique group. DCPS will meet at BAD Craft from 6-7 p.m. on the third Tuesday for our monthly open mic Poetry Night. Find out more on Instagram @darkcitypoetssociety or contact the Black Mountain Library.

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself: Are You Someone People Want to Work With? 

Join our presenter, Marlowe Weingart of Humane Resourcing, LLC to learn about group and individual dynamics that influence behavioral outcomes, followed by a fun interactive activity where individuals will get to practice appropriate workplace behaviors. A variety of practical options will be offered in a non-threatening atmosphere to empower individuals and/or to offer day-to-day management strategies. All participants will leave with at least one easily integrated strategy to support redirection and improved communication in one’s workplace.

Marlowe Weingart is an only child and grew up creating connections and growing relationships, that she has translated into her business model. Marlowe excels at untangling group dynamics and helping companies create processes that increase employee. During 20+ years working in education, Marlowe was a district leader, an educator and an instructional coach becoming recognized as an expert in teaching teachers and teenagers to engage positively, build community, and communicate fluently. Marlowe has helped thousands of folks find work-life balance, build their communication skills, and tap resources that support the kind of life they want to lead to create the success they dream of.  Marlowe specializes in helping enterprises grow communities in the workplace where both leadership and staff are happy to be there, happy to stay there, and happy to grow together in building the vision of the business. Marlowe’s mission in life is to bring happiness back to work!

Registration is required so we may plan accordingly.

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. 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.

We’re excited to announce the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the Parking Garage in Downtown Hendersonville that will allow up to 253 parking spaces for our downtown area. This parking deck will offer options to park near downtown shops, restaurants and events that we all know and love! 2023 Ribbon Cuttings are Presented by Duke Energy.