The MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, growing outdoor businesses, and amplifying outdoor culture. This work is funded by Appalachian Regional Commission, Dogwood Health Trust, and Mountain BizWorks. Join the Building Outdoor Communities Program Specialist, Bradley Spiegel to learn about the 7-month capacity building program that 19 WNC counties have completed to holistically and proactively plan for outdoor assets that balance conservation and community development. FREE virtual presentation.

Get ready to celebrate at our inaugural PROpel AVL Awards Celebration on May 7th! It’s a night to honor excellence and network with fellow professionals. With Carin Metzger (aka Cookie Carter of LaZoom) as our MC and DJ Molly Parti spinning tunes plus unveiling this year’s honorees, it’s sure to be something special.

Join us to celebrate the outstanding individuals nominated for PROpel AVL Awards. From remarkable innovators and mentors to dedicated volunteers and trailblazers, these young professionals are making waves in Asheville’s community, and they’re nothing short of inspiring! Read about the nominees

About the Awards:

The new PROpel AVL Awards honor young professionals who have distinguished themselves in their profession or as leaders along with individuals who serve as mentors to young professionals in our community.

• Community/Public Service: This award honors an individual for their involvement in the community or for public service.
• Trailblazer: This award honors an individual for outstanding leadership in their organization, industry, profession or the young professional community.
• Innovation: This award honors an individual for creativity and innovation in business.
• Mentor: This award honors an individual who serves as a mentor to young professionals in our community.
• PROpel Award: This award honors an individual who embodies the spirit of PROpel AVL – whether that’s making great strides in their profession or propelling our community.

About our MC: Carin Metzger has been performing professionally on stages large, small, and mobile for over a decade. A graduate of Elon University’s BFA Acting Program and the Asheville Improv Collective, she has worked for such companies as the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, National Theatre For Children, Immediate Theatre Project, Magnetic Theatre, Attic Salt and NC Stage. Most recently she was seen hosting Enter the Garden, a pole dance ballet, at Diana Wortham and the Tour de Fat at New Belgium Asheville and directed the Double Dip production Quality Service at the Masonic Temple. She currently performs full time with LaZoom Comedy Tours.

About PROpel AVL: At PROpel AVL, we go beyond the ordinary. Imagine having exclusive access to top-notch workshops, rockstar mentors, local employers seeking talent, and a community of fearless young professionals like yourself. We don’t just offer resources; we serve up opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re fresh out of school or making your mark, PROpel AVL has your back.

You can sign up for text alerts by texting #propel to 828-827-5332. Learn more about upcoming programs at www.ashevillechamber.org/propel

This monthly event is co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street program, and the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association features several speakers on timely community events and issues affecting our business community.

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!

This evening of community impact celebrates and recognizes the individuals, organizations, and companies making significant contributions to ensure that we ALL get to live in a united and resilient community where everyone belongs, and everyone thrives. We look forward to having you join us as we shine a light on those who lend their voice, support, influence, and passion to make an extraordinary impact.

Celebrate the incredible women in your life by joining us for a distinctive and casual networking experience. Athena of Henderson County proudly presents this exclusive opportunity crafted to inspire and foster connections among women. There’s no entrance fee – simply bring your business cards and relish the chance to expand your network!

This quarter, let’s gather at Stuller Power Solutions, a local electric generator and Generac Authorized Dealer. Cheryl Stuller, a valued member of our EMPOWER Her Committee, and the Presenting Sponsor of our Empower Hours, will be hosting us. Join us for a delightful hour of connection, delicious food, and a celebration of our collective achievements!

For the past 10 years, the Western Women’s Business Center has been a beacon of support, empowerment, and success for women entrepreneurs in our community. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to join us in commemorating the achievements, growth, and incredible journey of the past decade.

Join us as we celebrate members Capstone Lifestyles, Inc. and their 5 year anniversary with a Ribbon Cutting!

At Capstone Lifestyles Inc. you can find unique approaches to your kitchen and bath cabinet designs and process. They prioritize client satisfaction and project success. Their services include designing cabinet spaces for various areas like kitchens, bathrooms, closets, and more, offering a range of cabinetry brands and countertop products, as well as delivery and installation.

Come and celebrate during just the ribbon cutting and hors d’oeuvres, or celebrate with them throughout the day from 10 AM – 6:00 PM!

 Coffee: 10am – 11:30am
 Hors D’oeuvres: 1:30pm – 3pm
 Wine tasting: 5pm – 6pm

Mark Your Calendars and Seize the Opportunity to Build Great Connections!

Join us as we celebrate Benton Roofing’s new office relocation!

They are celebrating Benton Roofing’s new office relocation. They have moved into their brand new office located at 814 Tracy Grove Rd Flat Rock NC 28731.

They will still be calling Henderson County home. Their office includes a 2 story office space, metal fabrication shop and warehouse storage facilities. The new modernized office allows for more space to accommodate their growing team and improved delivery logistics for commercial roofing suppliers and vendors.
They are excited about their new space and look forward to new opportunities that lie ahead to continue serving their commercial roofing customers and community in Western North Carolina and beyond.

In partnership with Salisbury Rowan Community Action Agency.

Join us to discuss tips on how to build your confidence in the workplace.

Businesses with 25 or more full-time employees are invited to an informative session on enhancing your health plan. Speakers include Dr. Ben Aiken, founder of Lantern Health; Evan Bruder, Director of SONA Pharmacy Benefits; and Patrick Long, founder of Hero Health. This Lunch & Learn opportunity is Tuesday, June 4 from 12-1:30pm at Explore Asheville/AIR Offices (27 College Place). Enjoy a complimentary lunch as you learn how eligible employers are offering $0 deductibles to their staff while saving money on their plan. Unsure if your business is eligible, reach out to [email protected]

Welcome to our Speechcraft Workshop! Are you looking to improve your public speaking skills in a fun and supportive environment? Join us at the Guidon Brewing Company in the event hall for four weeks of interactive sessions designed to boost your confidence in public. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to fine-tune your speaking abilities, this workshop is the perfect place to practice your craft. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hone your skills, make new friends, and express yourself with impact. Sign up now!

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 29th!

Ever wanted to make fun, entertaining, and informative videos for your business, but didn’t have the budget to hire a video production crew? Learn how to create professional business videos using just your cell phone! This course covers essential video production skills tailored for business, including camera techniques, lighting, sound, and editing on mobile devices. Explore different types of business videos and discover strategies for effective video marketing and distribution. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to create compelling videos that enhance your brand presence and engage with your target audience. Elevate your business with the power of mobile video production!

Our speaker for this event is Andre Daugherty. Andre is the owner and lead videographer for Pro 16 Productions, a digital media creation company based in Asheville. Since 2011 he has created and produced video for many businesses, both small and large, with the unified goal of telling their unique stories to their clients.

Andre is a graduate of East Carolina University with a B.S in Communications and two-time graduate of AB Tech for digital media and general studies. He is also a landscape photographer with years of experience exploring and capturing the beautiful mountains of WNC and the surrounding areas.

Registration is required so we may plan accordingly.

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. 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.

Interfaith Assistance Ministry Thursday, June 6th 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Ribbon Cutting & Mural Unveiling: Interfaith Assistance Ministry

Join our Young Professionals group, for fun industry tours each quarter. These tours are created to gain insights into diverse businesses and organizations from our community. a chance to see their impact on our county, and offer the chance to expand your network with other YP’s as well as some seasoned Pros. This is more than a tour – it’s an opportunity to connect, learn and fuel your professional journey. During our 2nd quarter of 2024, connect with local officials from our city and county as we discuss about community initiatives, policies and opportunities for citizen involvement. You’ll have a chance to see City Hall, gain valuable insights into how our local government operates and how decisions are made. Register Here

Appalachian Bounce Company Tuesday, June 11th 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Ribbon Cutting & 1 Year Anniversary: Appalachian Bounce Company

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.

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!

Join us for an evening of curated connections and fun at our networking event for young professionals with Cayla Clark! Get ready to mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections in a dynamic atmosphere.

Our event features a unique twist on networking with Mingo Bingo, designed to spark conversations and foster new connections in a lighthearted and enjoyable way. This event is perfect for anyone looking to expand their professional circle.

Indulge in delicious food by Bears Smokehouse and Asheville Pro Kitchen and refreshing drinks while you engage with fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. With an eclectic mix of professionals from various industries, you never know who you might meet!

Come join us for an evening of laughter, camaraderie, and networking bingo! Grab your bingo card and let the networking games begin!

Cayla Clark is a playwright and director who obtained a BA in playwriting from UCLA. Her original works have been featured at the Asheville Fringe Festival for three consecutive years, and she recently contributed as an assistant director for the Montford Moppets youth theater program. Locally, she produces “Bad Date Mic” and co-produces “Blind Date Live,” a popular live dating/comedy show. Cayla is a co-founder of Joking Mechanism, a comedy-based workshop designed to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. She works full time as a Content Manager for Guardian Recovery, a nationwide network of addiction and mental health treatment centers. Cayla hopes to positively impact the lives of many, whether through comedy or by helping them find love.

About PROpel AVL: Designed for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 in the Asheville/Buncombe area, PROpel AVL provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking.At PROpel AVL, we go beyond the ordinary. Imagine having exclusive access to top-notch workshops, rockstar mentors, local employers seeking talent, and a community of fearless young professionals like yourself. We don’t just offer resources; we serve up opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re fresh out of school or making your mark, PROpel AVL has your back.

You can sign up for text alerts by texting #propel to 828-827-5332. Learn more about upcoming programs at www.ashevillechamber.org/propel

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!

June will be hosted by Optimum!

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce, Hatch Innovation Hub, Van Winkle Law Firm, BRCC Small Business Center, Southern Appalachian Brewery and Big Frog Custom T-Shirts have partnered to present this small business opportunity. Pitch Parties are designed to offer entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch ideas for a new business, expansions, and reorganization. Each participant will be allowed up to one minute to make a quick pitch, after which the participant will receive feedback from the audience.

In our June installment of the PROpel AVL GROW series for young professionals, Erin Vandermore presents “Closing the Gap: Mastering Intergenerational Communication in the Workplace”

In today’s multigenerational workforce, effective communication is crucial to success. With each generation bringing its unique set of values, beliefs, and technological preferences, it can be challenging to navigate communication styles in the workplace. In this presentation, we will explore the different generations currently in the workforce and their communication styles. We will also discuss tips on how to effectively communicate with each generation and bridge the generational gap.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the different generations currently in the workforce and their communication preferences
• Identify potential challenges in communicating across generations
• Learn strategies for bridging the generational gap and promoting effective communication in the workplace

About the presenter: 

Erin Vandermore, MA, LCPC, LCMHC, is a transformative thought leader, licensed therapist, and pioneering wellness coach with over 14 years of experience in the fields of mental health and life coaching. As the founder of Age of Uncertainty Coaching, Erin has dedicated her life to helping individuals discover their unique skills and talents—those often overshadowed by self-sabotage. Her empathetic lens, cultivated through her personal journey as a mom, a survivor of pre-eclampsia, and an individual living with Dyslexia, ADHD, and Anxiety, allows her to connect with clients on a deeply human level.

12:00-1:00pm – GROW Session

Sandwiches, salad and chips will be catered by Del Vecchios!

Please register for this event in order to help us plan accordingly.

About PROpel AVL:
Designed for young professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 in the Asheville/Buncombe area, PROpel AVL provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking.

Stay connected with text alerts! Text #propelavl to 828-827-5332 for updates and reminders about PROpel AVL programs.

Come join us for Business After Hours at Emergency Tech Repair!

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!

Carolina Outdoor Lighting

Chris Dwyer Painting

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

Hulie Sues BBQ and Grill

Loving Food Resources

Matcha Nude

Mountain Drainage Solutions

Recline & Unwind Social Spa

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.