Calendar of Events

Join us in presenting a comprehensive voice of WNC business during our Raleigh Legislative Visit from Tuesday, June 6 to Wednesday, June 7!
Registration for this event and the room block closes May 7, 2023.
As a delegate on the trip, connect with business leaders from across our region and reinforce WNC business priorities to the North Carolina General Assembly. Together, we can have more impact on our region’s priorities.

About 50 representatives from eight regional chambers will participate in the two-day trip to discuss issues with legislators and state agencies vital to our regional business environment.

Events will include an evening reception at Whiskey Kitchen, presentations on important policy issues, and visits with members of the North Carolina General Assembly. Visits will be focused on local priorities, economic development funding for WNC and key workforce issues including childcare and medicaid expansion.
 
Participants must make their own hotel reservations, with a discounted rate available at The Sheraton. Registration for this event and the room block closes May 7, 2023.

Come out for a round of golf with the Chamber!

Each year, our annual Golf Classic raises funds for our Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its workforce development efforts. Programs under the Foundation include, Teacher of the Year Reception, Junior Leaders Program, Apprenticeships programs and more!

Please reach out to Amy at [email protected] to register for a team, to sponsor a hole, or both! All registration forms are below.

Team Registration Form
Hole Sponsorship Form
Individual Player Form

All registrations are due no later than May 31st!

Please Join the Chamber to Celebrate the Ribbon Cutting for True Divine Accessories!

True Divine Accessories is an inexpensive way to accessorize your lifestyle and will make you look like you just walked off the Runway.

Everything is $5, so why not try it. Your wrist, neck, fingers, ears and wallet will be happy! There will be a drawing for a free gift, you don’t want to miss it!

Ain’t Done Bad is a momentous, yet achingly vulnerable piece of Contemporary Dance Theatre created by “So You Think You Can Dance” star, Jakob Karr. Featuring the vivid, revelatory music of Orville Peck, seven of the most sought-after professional dancers in the industry, bring Jakob’s story to life in this utterly seamless, hour long work of art. Ain’t Done Bad explores the experience of growing up, coming out and finding love, using dance to celebrate the journey of leaving shame behind to embrace your authentic, vulnerable voice, all without speaking a word. 35th Parallel Productions proudly shares this exciting new work with the world!

Traditional networking can be awkward! But we focus on fun, inclusive activities that make connecting with other women entrepreneurs easier.
When women entrepreneurs come together, more knowledge is shared, doors opened and power multiplied. So come connect with other like-minded, forward thinking, go-getting women at Expand Your Circle.
Tickets ($15) and more information at https://www.plrconnectevents.com/speed-connecting-event-series

Melvin AC Howell’s MOVE;MEANT A.R.T EXPOs, are immersive dance theatre explorations of issues related to Black history and contemporary Black culture. In addition to a live performance integrating dance, music and theatrical elements, EXPOs include a visual arts installation that creates a setting for the performance and organically submerges the audience in the environment.

JUNETEENTH, the newest in Howell’s MOVE;MEANT A.R.T EXPO series, is inspired by the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19^th that enslaved people of Texas, then the most remote region of the Confederacy, finally learned slavery had been abolished and that they were free.

At Asheville Ideas Fest, our goal is to engage in meaningful conversations on topics that truly matter while showcasing the beauty of Asheville and the talented artists, entertainers, and chefs that make this city unique.  This intellectual vacation offers attendees the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and expert panelists while enjoying excellent food and entertainment.  It’s an investment in yourself that allows for reflection and renewal. Our artist in residence this year is William Paul Thomas.  William is a talented Durham-based artist and he’ll be presenting his work in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery in our newly renovated Owen Hall on the UNC Asheville campus.  If you’d like a preview of William’s work you can check out his website: www.williampaulthomas.com We have put together an exceptional program this year. We are honored to welcome Sanjay Gupta, Juju Chang, Tom Friedman, and Kwame Alexander.  Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers will be returning for an evening concert.  Wiley Cash has curated a fantastic lineup of bestselling authors.  Broadway actor Bryan Terrell Clark, who played George Washington in Hamilton and Marvin Gaye in Motown, will perform an exclusive sunset concert with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra at the Grove Park Inn.  You can find the full program at www.exploreasheville.com/asheville-ideas-fest/2023-schedule-of-events/. We are excited to launch a national marketing campaign next week.  You may see Asheville Ideas Fest in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Atlantic Monthly. If you’re a PBS viewer, keep an eye out for our 15-second underwriting promos during your favorite primetime shows. Early registration is available to our friends through this Saturday, April 15 and you can save $150 on a pass.

Melvin AC Howell’s MOVE;MEANT A.R.T EXPOs, are immersive dance theatre explorations of issues related to Black history and contemporary Black culture. In addition to a live performance integrating dance, music and theatrical elements, EXPOs include a visual arts installation that creates a setting for the performance and organically submerges the audience in the environment.

JUNETEENTH, the newest in Howell’s MOVE;MEANT A.R.T EXPO series, is inspired by the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19^th that enslaved people of Texas, then the most remote region of the Confederacy, finally learned slavery had been abolished and that they were free.

Taxes can be stressful for small business owners – you wear many hats and the last thing you want to do is give more of your hard-earned business income to the government. This webinar will offer you several ways to reduce your taxable income and shrink your tax liability this year. We’ll start with the top three ways to keep on the good side of the IRS, discuss retirement accounts, business structure and more. Bring your questions and our experienced tax preparers will give you ways to keep more of your money working for you.

If we see you have registered here (on SCORE) but not on Zoom, we will enter your information with Zoom so that you receive the needed link to join the class.

Instructor: Keith Bristol, Accountant, Carol L. King & Associates, P.A.

Originally from Morganton, North Carolina, Keith was a small business owner and a software engineer before deciding accounting was his calling. He simply loves numbers! Keith received a BS degree in Business & Economics from University of Kentucky, and later an MS in Computer Science from the University of Nebraska. He owned a Domino’s Pizza franchise in Hartford, Connecticut from 1987 to 1996, and worked as a software engineer for IBM before returning to North Carolina to pursue accounting. Keith is the proud uncle of 7 nieces and nephews, has a pet Australian Shepherd named Lucy, and enjoys playing tennis and pickle ball as well as reading and exploring the great outdoors.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Fresh off her performance as the title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, which Broadway World said was, “Simply Outstanding,” and star turn in The Legend of Georgia McBride, Delighted Tobehere is out to prove she is the ultimate Broadway baby. Delighted is celebrating two decades of drag, and after 20 years of delighting audiences worldwide – and on America’s Got Talent – she is ready for her big break on Broadway!

In Hello, Daddy!, Delighted is pulling out all the stops to prove she has what it takes and will even do WHATEVER it takes to get the role – any role. Even if that means showing you some of her special skills. *wink wink* She won’t quit until she is a star…on Broadway! Hello, Daddy! will feature songs from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Wicked, La Cage Aux Folles, and more! All of your favorite Broadway hits combined with Delighted’s signature talent, wit, and charm, makes this a show you will not want to miss! Get your tickets today! You’ll be DELIGHTED you did!

Approximate Run Time: 90 minutes
Rating: PG-13 due to adult content

🌟 AYPROS Pub Club 🍻 is our monthly networking social event where members come together to connect, unwind, and foster meaningful relationships in a casual setting. 🤝 Each month, we select a different local bar or restaurant as the venue for Pub Club. 📍 It’s an excellent opportunity to relax, have fun, and engage with fellow young professionals in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. ✨

🥂 As an added perk, we kick off the evening by offering the first drink on us! 🍹 Whether you prefer a craft beer 🍺, a signature cocktail 🍸, or a non-alcoholic beverage 🥤, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 🎉 Pub Club takes place on every fourth Tuesday of the month, starting at 5:30 PM. ⏰ Mark your calendars 📆 and join us for an enjoyable evening of networking, laughter, and new connections. 💼🗣️

Note: Please drink responsibly 🚫🍻 and arrange for a safe and sober means of transportation. 🚗💨

AYPROS IS POWERED BY FIRST BANK .

AYPROS is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programming for all members of our community. For questions about accessibility, requests for accommodations, or to inform about dietary restrictions, please contact [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance of the event.

Are you managing both a full or nearly full-time job while simultaneously running your own business (and going a little bit crazy in the process)? If so this free seminar is for you. Many of us have given up on the idea of having a personal life. We worry that we can’t keep up our current pace and wonder when or if there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. In this seminar, you will learn practical tips on how to effectively juggle both your primary job and your side hustle while still growing your business and maintaining a personal life. We’ll also cover when and if you should transition out of your primary job and make that leap to running your own business full time. And finally, we’ll discuss how to maintain your sanity and protect your health as you’re juggling both, while you’re transitioning to running your own business full-time and after you’ve made the leap to full-time entrepreneur.

Instructor: Eliza Burr

Elizabeth (Eliza) Burr launched and grew two successful businesses, Preferred Pet Partners LLC and The Pet Business Coach. She’s a veteran in the pet care business space and has extensive practical experience in the pet sitting and dog walking industry. With degrees in Zoology and Molecular Biology, she’s had a varied career with 30 years spent in global companies in a variety of roles including Operations, R&D, Quality, and Continuous Improvement. She’s led organizations of up to 2400 employees and operations across the US and Canada. She’s traveled extensively for her career living in 13 states and 4 countries. In 2017 she launched her first side hustle and in 2018 she jumped the corporate ship to pursue her passion for animals and small business and has never looked back!

The Building Our City Speaker Series is presented by The Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation with support from the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation, the City of Asheville, Carleton Collins Architecture, Mosaic Lifestyle Realty, Kimpton Hotel Arras and The Collider. The series is produced by the Asheville Downtown Association and Urban3.

The series is focused on housing for 2023.

Doors open at 5:30pm and the session begins at 6pm.

Featured Speaker:

Eric Kronberg is a zoning whisperer. He specializes in examining and demystifying zoning ordinances to find ways to make great projects possible and help others navigate through the zoning swamp. He uses his skills for the force of good as a principal at Kronberg Urbanists + Architects, leading the firm’s pre-development efforts by combining skills in planning, development, architecture, and zoning. Eric leverages this potent cocktail to chart the course of best possibilities for each site’s redevelopment. His work with KUA, the Incremental Development Alliance, the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Georgia Conservancy, and the National Town Builders Association has solidified his stance as an advocate for walkable and bikeable communities.

Check out the relaunch of the Westie scene in a premier venue right in Downtown
Hendersonville, from 7-8pm, take an beginner swing dance class with Rachel Harris or an intermediate swing dance class with
instructor Ryan Pflumm, then from 8-10pm, enjoy a social dance with everyone, dress is casual and no partner is needed BYOB

At Hopscotch, their mission is to transform rural health in America through advanced primary care for Medicare patients. To make this happen, they knew they were going to have to build something that did not already exist: a company built with purpose and mission, that leverages the strength of communities they seek to serve, combined with incredible skill and expertise around operations and technology to enable better things for patients, caregivers, clinicians, and communities.

Come join them for their Grand Opening of their Asheville clinic! Enjoy light refreshments, tour the clinic and meet their team all while learning more about the new level of primary care they are offering the Asheville community!

AVL Digital Nomads – set your Mojo FREE!

Mojo Coworking is hosting another coworking day just for us!
In the Mojo Social Hall, they’ll have a combination of individual desks and group work tables for up to 50 people. Grab a single desk by the window, or share a round table with friends for the day. Upstairs, phone booths will be available on a drop-in basis, and a conference room by reservation.

Snacks will be provided by…all of us! It’s the return of the snack potluck — if you’re up for it, bring something easy to share with the group.

Interested in Mojo membership? Join with the summer promo!
Summer Membership includes 10 Flex Work hours & 2 conference room credits for only $20.

Please make sure you’re able to attend if you RSVP — this will no doubt be a popular event.

NOTE: The coworking day ends at 4pm, but you’ll want to stick around for the Mojo Summer Social event afterward — learn more and register here.

These monthly events provide a chance to make valuable connections with other Chamber members and learn more about getting engaged in Chamber opportunities and the business community as a whole.

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

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.