By Jessica Isaacs
Colleagues and friends came together to kick-off the spring and summer seasons at Fairway Café on Thursday night for the latest Boone Chamber Business After Hours event. The get-together celebrated the café’s grand re-opening for 2016, but also packed a huge surprise for Chamber President and CEO Dan Meyer on his 70th birthday.
“It’s his birthday, and it’s a big one,” said Barbara Armstrong, the chamber’s director of operations. “It’s number 70, although you’d never know it.”
The chamber staff saw the latest After Hours as the perfect opportunity to surprise Meyer and show him how much he’s appreciated.
“Dan is just one of those feel-good people, you know? He’s provided a lot of leadership in this community, as well as a lot of love and compassion in bringing people and businesses together,” Armstrong said. “It doesn’t matter how big or small the business or person is — Dan always makes time to be there for anybody in need, whatever that need may be. It doesn’t have to be for chamber members, either.
“He is one of the most kind and compassionate people I’ve ever met, and he truly has a giving, loving heart to serve, no matter the capacity.”
Meyer has served as the chamber’s leader for the past 12 years, and before that served as the director of Appalachian Brian Estates.
“Boone is all about shopping local, but it’s also all about hiring local. Dan already had his thumb on the heartbeat of the community when he came to us from Appalachian Brian Estates,” said Armstrong. “He was a very active member of the chamber, so he was a perfect fit.”
At the party, Fairway Café’s Rick Pedroni offered up an impressive menu of food items that reflect his three businesses: the café, CR Catering Co. and Casa Rustica restaurant.
Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Grandfather Vineyards and Peabody’s were on hand to keep the drinks coming for partygoers, and Blowing Rock’s own popular roots, rock and soul group, Handlebar Betty, played unique tunes for the crowd.
Stick Boy Bread Co. created a special cake and cupcakes to help celebrate Meyer’s birthday.
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