Boone Chamber to Host First and Biggest After Hours Event of the Year at LaQuinta Tonight

By Kaitlan Morehouse

Ready to join the Boone business community? The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will host its first and biggest Business After Hours Event of the year at LaQuinta Inn and Suites from 5-7 p.m on Thursday, Jan. 28.

All events in the chamber’s regular After Hours series are designed to promote networking and a stronger business community, and this one is no different. LaQuinta is teaming up with CarolinaWest Wireless to co-host it at the hotel, 165 N.C. Highway 105 Extension.

“It’s better for the community,” said Director of Sales Susanna Russell of Panoramic Hospitality, which owns and operates the hotel. “A good referral network can do wonders for any business.”

So, why LaQuinta?

The hotel was recently renovated as part of a new branding strategy, and the owners are ready to showcase it.

If you liked its old look, don’t worry — it still has a rustic mountain lodge feel, but now features contemporary and modern vibes.

“We want people to see our new fireplace and upgraded rooms,” Russell said.

If you’re curious to see how it looks, rest assured — the event will feature room tours galore!

Want to win free prizes? Chamber members and After Hours guests are eligible for door prizes, which include a weekend getaway to Charleston courtesy of LaQuinta and an iPad courtesy of CarolinaWest. You could also win restaurant gift certificates, Schaefer Center tickets or dining passes donated by Main Street Marketing.

If you’re up for a drink, BooneShine Brewing Company and The Country Vitner will serve a beer and an assortment of wine.

Of course, if you’re going to have a beer or a glass of wine, you’ll need food to go with it. Gadabouts Catering will offer a full menu line, which will include classic country favorites like shrimp and grits, and a dessert bar.

Tate Music Group country artist C.J. Ballard will perform while you wine and dine the night away (or at least until 7 p.m.). Check out the trailer for his album All In Favor or his “Simple Man” cover to get an idea of what he will play that night.

“You should check him out on YouTube and Google,” said Boone Chamber Director of Operations Barbara Armstrong. “He is extremely popular.”

The chamber will announce the recipients of its Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year awards for 2015.

Worried about parking? Don’t be! There will be overflow parking in the nearby old Chevrolet lot.

R.S.V.P. if you can to Wysteria White at the Boone Chamber, and you’ll get a nametag at the door.

Visit the chamber online to learn more about its mission and upcoming events or call 828-264-2225.

Visit LaQuinta Inn and Suites or call 828-262-1234 for more on the hotel.