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Business

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Announces New Chief Executive Officer, Robin Miller


December 11, 2024  The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has named Robin Miller, a veteran chamber of commerce executive, as the chamber’s next President & CEO. The chamber’s board of directors voted to approve Miller for the position after a search committee that reported to the board of directors conducted an extensive nationwide search. The chamber retained Anissa Starnes, IOM with YGM, LLC to provide oversight for the executive search. Starnes specializes in executive searches for chambers of commerce. Miller will begin work officially on January 6th, 2025. “I am honored and humbled to have been selected to lead the Blowing Rock Chamber,” said Miller. 

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November Stats: Likely One Offs Due to the Immediate After Effects of Hurricane Helene

December 4, 2024  There was, obviously,  an impact from Helene on November’s sales. For the most part this year, when comparing with 2023, inventory counts might have been down, but the list prices and sales prices were up. Days on market were up slightly some months, LP/SP ratios were up by a percent or two. The drop in number of sales is not a surprise, and the rise in average and median sales prices after October’s dip is encouraging. The numbers that truly reflect Helene’s impact though? Holly Meyers, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

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Blue Ridge Energy Announces March Retirement of CEO Doug Johnson; Katie Woodle Appointed by Board as Next CEO

December 4, 2024 Blue Ridge Energy has announced the retirement of long-time Chief Executive Officer Doug Johnson, who joined the cooperative in 1979 and has served in the CEO role since 1989. Johnson will continue as CEO through the end of March, 2025. He will then serve in a transitional consultant role through the end of June, 2025, when he officially retires. Joines said he is very pleased to announce the decision by the Board of Directors for the appointment of the cooperative’s next CEO: Katie Woodle

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Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation Receives Donation from Blue Ridge Energy Propane and Fuels in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

November 21, 2024 In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Blue Ridge Energy Propane and Fuels presented a check for $3,689 to Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. Giving back to help a cause that’s close to the hearts of customers and employees is what “Fueling the Fight” and its signature pink propane delivery tuck is all about for Blue Ridge Energy Propane and Fuels, the propane subsidiary of Blue Ridge Energy. The donation represents a penny for every gallon of propane delivered during the past twelve months by the company’s pink “Fueling the Fight” propane delivery trucks.

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October Stats: An Impact From Helene on Real Estate Sales in the High Country

November 20, 2024  There was, obviously,  an impact from Helene on October’s sales. Can we quantify exactly how much? No. We can say that for the most part this year, when comparing with 2023, the sale count might have been down, but the list prices and sales prices were up. Days on market were up slightly some months, LP/SP ratios were up by a percent or two. But nothing like this. It’s not unexpected. It’s not even as bad as it could be. But it is another thing Helene has taken from us. But it is also another thing that will rebound, another thing that will recover with time. Lauren Steinbaugh, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

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Governor-elect Josh Stein Announces Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee

November 20, 2024 (RALEIGH) Governor-elect Josh Stein today announced that he has launched the Rebuilding Western North Carolina Advisory Committee to help advise his work to address the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. The Committee is made up of leaders of all types from across the region who are closely connected with their communities and are well-positioned to provide counsel and strategic advice. “Rebuilding western North Carolina will be a top priority for my administration,” said Governor-elect Josh Stein. “I am grateful that this group of experts will give their time to make sure I know what’s need to rebuild and recover the right way.”

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The High Country Real Estate Market Saw Sales Down 7.1%, and Inventory Climbed 8.4% During October 2024 Compared to October 2023

November 19, 2024 The High Country Real Estate Market of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties saw sales down 7.1%, and inventory climbed 8.4% during October compared to October 2023.  For October, there were 182 closed sales on single-family and condo/townhouse properties. The combined closing total for the month was $120.2 million. Our four counties combined median sales price was $450,000, down 10.4% compared to this same time a year ago. Nationally:  According to a recent report from the National Association of Realtors® “The last two years have been tough for many people who work in home sales or who were in the market to buy or sell, but the worst may be over,” Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS®.

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18th  Annual Beech Mountain Holiday Market

November 14, 2024. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, many small businesses in Western NC are struggling and need help more than ever. Our family-owned businesses, local craftsmen, and artists rely on holiday sales to continue to prosper. That is why we have made the decision to carry on with the Holiday Market at the Buckeye Recreation Center. Coming together and shopping for those one-of-a-king holiday gifts is a great way for us all to contribute to the recovery efforts. The 18thAnnual Beech Mountain Holiday Market will take place from 10AM – 4PM on Saturday, November 30, 2024. There is more to do than just shop at the market; Mrs. Claus will be attending, with games and activities set up for kids.  Come join us for a traditional kickoff to the holiday season.  Admission is free.

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NFIB SURVEY: Small Business Optimism on the Rise in October But Still Below 50-Year Average

November 12, 2024. The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose by 2.2 points in October to 93.7. This is the 34th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. The Uncertainty Index rose seven points to 110, the highest reading recorded. A seasonally adjusted net negative 20% of small business owners reported higher nominal sales in the past three months, the lowest reading since July 2020. “With the election over, small business owners will begin to feel less uncertain about future business conditions,” said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “Although optimism is on the rise on Main Street, small business owners are still facing unprecedented economic adversity. Low sales, unfilled jobs openings, and ongoing inflationary pressures continue to challenge our Main Streets, but owners remain hopeful as they head toward the holiday season.”

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Giving Thanks: Banner Elk to Reopen for the Holidays; Ready to Welcome Back Visitors

November 8, 2024 The Western North Carolina town of Banner Elk, a popular tourist destination closed since late September because of Hurricane Helene, reopens to visitors Thanksgiving week. Although the holiday season is always a special time in this mountain community, there’s an extra sense of gratitude in 2024. After weeks without power and more than a month without water and other services, the town cherishes a return to normalcy with a deep appreciation for all the help it has received. “Banner Elk is ready to welcome back visitors for the holidays,” says Mayor Brenda Lyerly. “The resilience in our special town has been amazing and Thanksgiving in Banner Elk should be on everyone’s calendar. Then, come enjoy our ‘Small Town Christmas’ celebration the first weekend in December with three exciting days of holiday activities.”

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Blue Ridge Energy Achieves Full Power Restoration at 9:54 pm Sunday Evening

October 14, 2024 Lenoir, North Carolina (4 pm Monday, October 14, 2024) – After the most devastating storm in recent history hit western North Carolina over two weeks ago, an army of over 500+ line technicians, tree specialists and grading crews have Blue Ridge Energy members fully restored with power as of Sunday, October 13, at 9:54 pm. While wind-related outages are sporadically occurring today, full restoration was possible Sunday evening after a 24/7 response when outages began from Hurricane Helene on September 27.

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Blue Ridge Energy Friday Power Restoration Update: Work Continues for the Final

October 11, 2024 Lenoir, North Carolina (4:30 pm, Friday, October 11, 2024) – Line technicians, tree specialists and grading contractors will continue restoration Friday night and over the weekend until the final 1,140 members impacted by Hurricane Helene are restored with power. As of 4:30 pm Friday, crews are working to restore 678 members in Watauga County, 425 in Ashe County, nine in Caldwell County and 28 in Wilkes County.

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Watauga County Farmers’ Market Reopens After Hurricane Helene, Announces New Location for Remainder of the Season at Leon Levine Hall

October 11, 2024 The Watauga County Farmers’ Market successfully reopened on Saturday, October 5th, after much uncertainty following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. While the market space at Horn in the West Drive is currently being shared with the Town of Boone for storm debris storage, creative solutions have allowed the organization to resume operations and continue serving the community. However, due to ongoing recovery efforts and space limitations at the current site, the market is excited to announce a new location for the remainder of the season: Leon Levine Hall, 1179 State Farm Road in Boone, NC. Starting October 12th, vendors and visitors will gather at this new location, just 5 minutes away from the original site, ensuring a seamless transition for our community and vendors. The market will continue its regular hours of 8 AM to 12 PM on Saturdays, providing the same fresh, local goods.

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App State, the Town of Boone, Watauga County and the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce: Area Leaders Focus on Recovery from Helene

October 9, 2024 BOONE, N.C. — Today marks 12 days since Hurricane Helene hit the Boone area on Sept. 27. The storm brought wind gusts in excess of 40 mph and, combined with a predecessor rain event, dumped upwards of 10 to 21 inches of rain across the county, leading to massive flooding, significant damages to homes and businesses and two deaths in Watauga County.

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Banner Elk Volunteers Ask for Cash Donations to Help Victims Get Back Up on Their Feet While Still Providing Basic Necessities

October 7, 2024 On Sunday afternoon the Banner Elk donation center was a hotbed of activity. Situated in the old Historic Banner Elk School, the Resource Center has been the place where local volunteers have been receiving donations. Volunteers were busy receiving, sorting and organizing donations of everything from toilet paper, to paper towels, to diapers, to canned soup, even MREs that have arrived from across the region. Nancy Owen of Banner Elk who directs the town’s Tourism Development Authority was on hand helping to coordinate the process Through purely exhausted eyes but with the vibrancy of the energizer bunny she remarked that, while overwhelmingly grateful for all of these donations, what the residents of Banner Elk and surrounding communities really need now was cash assistance. “We need cash. We are able to fill peoples basic needs of food and drinking water which they need in order to survive, but these folks are going to need money to move beyond this tragedy.” By Dolores Smith

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August’s Snapshot of Property Comparison of Three Homes with Price Range from $400,000 to $412,000

September 25, 2024  Every month we like to take the opportunity to do a property comparison of homes that sold the previous month. Sometimes we compare properties in different areas but around the same price point and other times we compare properties that have sold in the same general area. For August’s Snapshot, we are looking at three properties that closed in Banner Elk, Linville and Beech Mountain in the month of August.  All three are homes with lots of great features, but each has a different aesthetic. The sold prices range from $400,000 to $412,000. By Jay Coble, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

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Luxury Castle in the Clouds is the Most Expensive Home in Banner Elk for $14 Million

September 24, 2024 120 Summit Park Drive, a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel perched within the prestigious gates of Elk River, has entered the market. Offered for $14,000,000, this exceptional estate is the most expensive home ever offered in Banner Elk and is truly a statement piece on grand luxury living. The property is marketed exclusively by Marilyn Wright of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Asheville office. The listing details may be viewed here. Spanning 7.64 private, meticulously landscaped acres, this extraordinary mountain retreat showcases unrivaled craftsmanship and a design that harmonizes rustic charm with contemporary luxury.

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Majestic Mansion is the Most Expensive Home Sale in the History of North Wilkesboro

September 13, 2024 NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C.  – 112 Saint Andrews Drive has sold for $1,800,000. This landmark transaction represents the highest sale price ever recorded in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, setting a new benchmark for luxury real estate in the area. The property was marketed exclusively by Ben Bowen of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Lake Norman—Cornelius office. Nestled on 12 acres of pristine, gated land, this majestic mansion is an exquisite oasis of luxury living. From the moment one approaches through the grand driveway, the estate’s elegance and sophistication are immediately apparent. Boasting high-end finishes and unparalleled craftsmanship at every turn, this palatial residence seamlessly blends comfort with opulence.

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Message from the publisher: High Country Press will expand outside Blowing Rock to include all of Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties

September 12, 2024 Since 2012 folks who live in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties have visited highcountrypress.com to stay up to date with news of the day, celebrate individuals, businesses and organizations who are investing in and giving back to our community and to follow local politics, sports and events. In November 2022, I made a statement during a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at Sunset & Vine about the possibility of launching a print newspaper in Blowing Rock and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The High Country Press team devised a business plan to launch the Blowing Rock paper, then, each year thereafter, launch one paper in West Jefferson, then Newland, then Banner Elk and so on. On October 3, 2023, High Country Press – Blowing Rock became a reality. By Sam Garrett

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A Look Back on August to See How High Country Real Estate Looked for This Year

September 11, 2024  While we still have a little bit to go before the official start of Autumn, with school back in session, Labor Day behind us and pumpkin spice everywhere the unofficial start to Fall is here. But, before we fully fall into Fall, let’s take a brief look back on August to see how High Country Real Estate looked for the eighth month of the year. August saw 237 closed single family sales in the High Country Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Of those 237 sales, 210 were in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, the area we look at most closely when analyzing High Country Real Estate. Of those 210, 55 were condos or townhomes and 155 were single family detached. By  Raegen Elrod, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

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How the NAR Shift Will Impact Your Market – Insights from Premier Sotheby’s CEO

August 21, 2024 As the real estate industry braces for a pivotal shift, the potential impact on local markets across the country cannot be understated. Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, under the leadership of our president and CEO, Budge Huskey, has last-minute tips to educate the public on this change. Our press release provides a detailed overview of how we’re addressing these new challenges, with insights that are particularly relevant to [Region/City’s] market. We believe this information will resonate strongly with your readers, who are seeking guidance during this transitional period.

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Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 75th “Spirit of Boone” Annual Membership Gathering Sept. 12

August 15, 2024 The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to invite you to our highly anticipated “Spirit of Boone” Annual Meeting, a celebration of our community’s vibrant spirit and shared accomplishments over the past year. This event is more than just a gathering—it’s an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our beloved Boone community.

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July 2024 Was a Better Month for Real Estate in the High Country than Last Year

August 14, 2024  Summer is winding down and school will be starting soon. It’s time to grab on to these last golden days of summer, enjoy the sun and warmth with family and friends before they are gone. July is gone and we’re well into August, so let’s make the most of the summer we have left. Before we move on completely though, let’s take a look at the stats for real estate in the High Country for July 2024. July saw 230 closed single family sales in the High Country Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Of those 230 sales, 201 were in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, the area we look at most closely when analyzing High Country Real Estate. Of those 201, 45 were condos or townhomes and 156 were single family detached. By Michelle Hammond, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

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NFIB SURVEY: Inflation Continues to Plague Main Street as Number One Operating Issue for Small Business Owners in July

August 14, 2024 NFIB State Director Gregg Thompson says NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index for July underscores the challenges facing North Carolina’s Main Street businesses. “Small business owners are a persistent bunch, and they’re determined to keep the doors open, but this unrelenting inflation is pushing them to the limit,” Thompson said. “Inflation drives up the cost of everything, including labor, and that inevitably leads to higher prices that affect customers.” The Small Business Optimism Index rose 2.2 points in July to 93.7, the highest reading since February 2022.

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