Calendar of Events

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.

Networking and Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Meeting: Noon – 1 p.m.

Arrival Directions: We are located next to the DMV on Patton Avenue. Please plan to arrive at 11:30 a.m. to grab lunch before the meeting.

We invite you to join us for our Non-Profit Pitch Series: Spotlight on Community Changemakers. This exciting event will showcase the incredible work of local non-profit organizations dedicated to tackling important issues and creating positive change.

You’ll hear from eight non-profit organizations, each given five minutes to share their story and gain insights into their:

– Mission: Understand the driving force behind their work and the impact they seek to create.
– Services: Discover the valuable resources and support they offer to members of our community.
– Referral process: Learn how individuals can connect with their programs and services.
– Call to action: Leave inspired and empowered to take action, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply raising awareness.

Featured non-profits:
– Helpmate Domestic Violence Advocacy
– The Mediation Center
– Veterans Services of the Carolinas
– Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness
– Resources for Resilience
– Our Voice
– Western North Carolina Community Health Services
– Eblen Charities

Networking and Lunch: 11:30 a.m.
Meeting: Noon – 1 p.m.
Location: Goodwill Workforce Development Center
Arrival Directions: We are located next to the DMV on Patton Avenue. Please plan to arrive at 11:30 a.m. to grab lunch before the meeting.

We invite you to join us for our Non-Profit Pitch Series: Spotlight on Community Changemakers. This exciting event will showcase the incredible work of local non-profit organizations dedicated to tackling important issues and creating positive change.

You’ll hear from eight non-profit organizations, each given five minutes to share their story and gain insights into their:

– Mission: Understand the driving force behind their work and the impact they seek to create.
– Services: Discover the valuable resources and support they offer to members of our community.
– Referral process: Learn how individuals can connect with their programs and services.
– Call to action: Leave inspired and empowered to take action, whether through volunteering, donations, or simply raising awareness.

Featured non-profits:
– Helpmate Domestic Violence Advocacy
– The Mediation Center
– Veterans Services of the Carolinas
– Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness
– Resources for Resilience
– Our Voice
– Western North Carolina Community Health Services
– Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

Come join us for Business After Hours at Sherwin-Williams Candler!

Sherwin-Williams Paint goes to Candler! We are an industry leader of architectural coatings, celebrating our newest location covering the Candler and Canton areas. We are happy to supply both retail DIY and wholesale contractors with paint, painting supplies, and expert advice for any project. Come see the new store, meet the team, and enjoy some food and drink on us.

Food will be catered from EveryDay Gourmet & we will have a variety of beer, wine, and NA beverages. Parking is available at the store & the empty storefront to the right, and the SECU across the street has generously offered to be overflow parking as well.

Sherwin-Williams Candler is located at 107 Smokey Park Highway, Asheville, 28806. If the GPS of your choice doesn’t show that address yet (the building is that new!), you can find us by heading for the SECU at 111 Smokey Park and looking across the street.

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 prizes!

Please take a look below at our members who have renewed for another year!

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.

Rise and shine and make your morning the catalyst to AMP UP your business! Jumpstart your morning with a burst of productivity as you mingle with prospective customers. This monthly event is your gateway to discovering strong referral sources, finding new vendors, meeting the perfect client, or establishing connections that can open doors for future interactions! Whether you’re an early bird, or can’t make it to our after-hours, AM Power Hour is your go-to for a dynamic and energizing start to the day! March is hosted by Fireside Golf Range! 2024 AM Power Hours are Presented by We Sell WNC!

ASAP’s CSA Fair is a chance to meet local farmers and learn about CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) in our area. By joining a CSA, you get a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce, meats, flowers, or other local products—and provide a farmer with valuable financial support before the season starts. Talk to farmers about how their CSA works, what products they offer, their farm’s growing practices, payment options, and more. Attendees can sign up for a CSA during the fair or follow up with farmers later. This fair will also have local food tastings and activities for kids, as well as produce and food products available for purchase.

Visit asapconnections.org/find-local-food/csa for more details.

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

Doors Open: 5:00 PM

– ALL AGES      

– SEATED SHOW
– LIMITED NUMBER OF PREMIUM SEATING TICKETS AVAILABLE

WESTERN CAROLINA WRITERS

Here comes the 5th Western Carolina Writers Showcase since the first production in July of 2022!  This showcase features these 9 incredibly talented local singer-songwriters:  Whitney Mongé, Melissa McKinney, Ben Balmer, Jeff Santiago, Tina Collins (Tina & Her Pony), Siena Christie, Steve Taton, Hunter Andrus, and Jim Swayzee.  There will be 3 rounds of 3 performers taking turns playing their original music with occasional spontaneous collaboration creating many magical moments that can only be experienced live.

Western Carolina Writers was established in 2019 by Nick McMahon, along with Jesse Frizsell and Thomas Yon, as a traveling “Songwriters-In-The-Round” style show.  The idea was to take turns performing original songs with fun moments of collaboration at venues all over Western North Carolina.

After about a dozen increasingly successful shows, McMahon started inviting other area songwriters to participate.  And now, after around 150 shows featuring close to 80 different local artists, the concept has become even more popular, fun and diverse.

In 2022, Mcmahon and current project partner, Stephen Evans, decided to take this show into the listening rooms and out of the noisy bars and breweries so the songs could really be heard and appreciated.  With four recent magical & successful songwriter showcases, three at The Grey Eagle and one at Ayurprana Listening Room, this decision has proven to be the right move.

Making connections is key to meeting business goals and building brand awareness. Mega Networking lets you do just that. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you’ll meet business contacts from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your company and learn about other local businesses.

Held just twice a year, Mega Networking’s structured, “round robin” approach allows you to make valuable connections in a small group. Each person has a chance to share about their business, and a table leader moderates to put you at ease and keep the group on track. As you rotate from table to table, you’ll interact with most of the attendees, allowing you to make numerous connections in just one morning.

You’ll leave with great leads, great ideas and positive energy to keep your business moving forward.

Helpful tips:

• *     Practice your “elevator speech” ahead of time so you can share your most important information in one minute.
• *     Bring a little something to help others remember you and your business (something visual yet simple, AND your business card).
• *     Stay “portable” — you’ll be moving from table to table throughout the morning.
• *     If you’re a newcomer to this event, arrive a little early so you can settle in comfortably at your first table and learn the flow of the event without being rushed.
• *     Schedule time now on your calendar to follow up soon with those you meet.

Cost is $50 per Chamber member, $85 for other attendees.
Limited to 1 attendee per organization and five attendees per business category.

Table Host Sponsorship – serve as moderators for each table during the connection rounds rather than rotating as other attendees do. Previous experience at Mega Networking is preferred and extremely valuable for serving in the Table Host role. Table Hosts are encouraged to decorate their table in a fun and festive manner representative of their business. 

If you’re considering Chamber membership and would like to attend this event we welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Membership Development Specialist, at [email protected]

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.

Join us each month for an info-packed event brought to you by the Blue Ridge Community College\’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street Program, the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association and the Chamber. Get the lowdown on current community events and the issues that matter to our local businesses and community.

Stay tuned for updated on our monthly lineup of guests and speakers!

The 2024 Business Morning Updates are proudly Presented by ALLCHOICE Insurance!

Emergency Tech Repair (ETR), the renowned name in quick and reliable tech repair services in WNC has moved from the Asheville Mall to 1417 Patton Ave into the former PNC Bank building! Their new location still looks like a bank: we utilize the SAFE for hardware safe keeping, and will be offering drive-thru services in the former teller window! They provide both business and consumer tech repair services: cell phones, computers, tablets that need either internal system repairs, or external cosmetic repairs. ETR also provides B2B services such as both physical building security and cybersecurity, business phone systems, Wi-Fi install and internet connectivity through both Spectrum and AT&T. Their origin began with a simple vision to bring reliable, high-end tech repair at the most competitive cost, directly to those in need. Along with this new location, they have transformed a retired ambulance into a state-of-the-art mobile repair unit, and developed the brand into the most reliable tech services provider in Asheville!

They are so excited to showcase their new location to all Asheville Chamber members! Light food, Hor d’oeuvres and soft drinks /water will be served. Door prizes will be available during their business card drawings.

Elevate & Connect

Gear up for our monthly socials, where networking takes center stage. Join other Young Professionals under 40, for connections, exchange of ideas, and occasional guest speakers. Enjoy a complimentary beverage on us, as you mingle in style. Bring your energy, business cards and elevate your professional circle!

Young Professionals are Presented by:

Ribbon Cutting for Au Pair in America

Saturdays from 10:30 AM – 12 PM