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  <title>Mind Your Business - A Podcast Series produced by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</title>

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  <copyright>© 2026 Mind Your Business - A Podcast Series produced by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</copyright>
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  <podcast:funding url="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support this Podcast</podcast:funding>
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  <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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  <description><![CDATA[<p>A weekly podcast produced by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.</p>]]></description>
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  <itunes:keywords>Boone NC, Boone, High Country, NC Mountains, Vision NWNC, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, economic development, Watauga County NC</itunes:keywords>
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     <title>Mind Your Business - A Podcast Series produced by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</title>
     <link>http://www.boonechamber.com</link>
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    <itunes:title>2026 Fall Festival Season Primer: From Apple Butter in the Valle, Wolly Worms &amp; More</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Fall Festival Season Primer: From Apple Butter in the Valle, Wolly Worms &amp; More</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[October is PRIME TIME in the High Country for visual wonder, culinary joy, and a genuine connection to all of the good that arts and culture bring to our world. October 17-18th is widely viewed as Peak Weekend in the High Country, both for viewing the autumn leaves and experiencing two of the most unique festivals North Carolina has to offer. On this week's Mind Your Business, we give you the scoop on the 47th annual Valle Country Fair, staged annually in beautiful Valle Crucis, and Banner El...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>October is PRIME TIME in the High Country for visual wonder, culinary joy, and a genuine connection to all of the good that arts and culture bring to our world.</p><p>October 17-18th is widely viewed as Peak Weekend in the High Country, both for viewing the autumn leaves and experiencing two of the most unique festivals North Carolina has to offer.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <em>Mind Your Business, </em>we give you the scoop on the 47th annual <a href='https://vallecountryfair.org/'><b>Valle Country Fair</b></a><b>, </b>staged annually in beautiful Valle Crucis<b>,</b> and Banner Elk&apos;s 49th annual <a href='https://woollyworm.com/'><b>Wolly Worm Festival</b></a>, two events that bring the world of the creative arts together with the visual beauty of the Western North Carolina mountains in the heart of October. We&apos;ll talk with festival organizers from both events about dates, times, artisans, and music, among other details. We&apos;ll also explore the philanthropic connection both events have on the High Country well beyond the close of these iconic festivals.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>October is PRIME TIME in the High Country for visual wonder, culinary joy, and a genuine connection to all of the good that arts and culture bring to our world.</p><p>October 17-18th is widely viewed as Peak Weekend in the High Country, both for viewing the autumn leaves and experiencing two of the most unique festivals North Carolina has to offer.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <em>Mind Your Business, </em>we give you the scoop on the 47th annual <a href='https://vallecountryfair.org/'><b>Valle Country Fair</b></a><b>, </b>staged annually in beautiful Valle Crucis<b>,</b> and Banner Elk&apos;s 49th annual <a href='https://woollyworm.com/'><b>Wolly Worm Festival</b></a>, two events that bring the world of the creative arts together with the visual beauty of the Western North Carolina mountains in the heart of October. We&apos;ll talk with festival organizers from both events about dates, times, artisans, and music, among other details. We&apos;ll also explore the philanthropic connection both events have on the High Country well beyond the close of these iconic festivals.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>2359</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Valle Country Fair, Woolly Worm Festival, Valle Crucis, Banner Elk, fall color, leaf season, Blue Ridge Parkway, fall economy, main street, Watauga Arts Council, arts, economic development, local artists, High Country, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamb</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Watauga County Board of Commissioners</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Watauga County Board of Commissioners</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features candidates running for the Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 1 Adam Hege (D) Rick Woods (R) District 2 Savva Kostis (R) Ray Russell (D) All archives for each race are available at boonechamber.com.  Support the show Support the show ]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features candidates running for the Watauga County Board of Commissioners</em></b></p><p><b>District 1</b></p><p>Adam Hege (D)</p><p>Rick Woods (R)</p><p><b>District 2</b></p><p>Savva Kostis (R)</p><p>Ray Russell (D)</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information'>Support the show</a></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features candidates running for the Watauga County Board of Commissioners</em></b></p><p><b>District 1</b></p><p>Adam Hege (D)</p><p>Rick Woods (R)</p><p><b>District 2</b></p><p>Savva Kostis (R)</p><p>Ray Russell (D)</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information'>Support the show</a></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>3671</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, Adam Hege, Rick Woods, Savva Kostis, Ray Russell, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - NC Senate &amp; House Candidates</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - NC Senate &amp; House Candidates</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features candidates running to represent Watauga County in the NC Senate &amp; House races. NC Senate District 47 Ralph Hise (R) (I) Frank Hughes, III (D)    NC House of Representatives District 93 Ray Pickett (I) (R) Charlie Wallin (D)    NC House of Representatives District 87 Iris Bender (D) Destin Hall (R) (I)   Candidates in bold attended the event. All a...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features candidates running to represent Watauga County in the NC Senate &amp; House races.</em></b></p><p><b>NC Senate District 47</b></p><p>Ralph Hise (R) (I)</p><p><b>Frank Hughes, III (D)</b> </p><p><br/></p><p><b>NC House of Representatives District 93</b></p><p><b>Ray Pickett (I) (R)</b></p><p><b>Charlie Wallin (D) </b></p><p><br/></p><p><b>NC House of Representatives District 87</b></p><p><b>Iris Bender (D)</b></p><p>Destin Hall (R) (I)</p><p><br/></p><p><em>Candidates in </em><b><em>bold</em></b><em> attended the event.</em></p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information'>Support the show</a></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features candidates running to represent Watauga County in the NC Senate &amp; House races.</em></b></p><p><b>NC Senate District 47</b></p><p>Ralph Hise (R) (I)</p><p><b>Frank Hughes, III (D)</b> </p><p><br/></p><p><b>NC House of Representatives District 93</b></p><p><b>Ray Pickett (I) (R)</b></p><p><b>Charlie Wallin (D) </b></p><p><br/></p><p><b>NC House of Representatives District 87</b></p><p><b>Iris Bender (D)</b></p><p>Destin Hall (R) (I)</p><p><br/></p><p><em>Candidates in </em><b><em>bold</em></b><em> attended the event.</em></p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information'>Support the show</a></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19900492-2026-watauga-county-meet-the-candidates-nc-senate-house-candidates.mp3" length="48809863" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>4063</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, North Carolina Senate, Frank Hughes, III, North Carolina House, Ray Pickett, Charlie Wallin, Iris Bender, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Watauga County Board of Education</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Watauga County Board of Education</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features candidates running for the Watauga County Board of Education  District 1 Yolanda Adams Ellen Lamont District 4  Chad Cole Megan (Chayyim) Kornhouser All archives for each race are available at boonechamber.com.  Support the show ]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features candidates running for the Watauga County Board of Education </em></b></p><p><b>District 1</b></p><p>Yolanda Adams</p><p>Ellen Lamont</p><p><b>District 4 </b></p><p>Chad Cole</p><p>Megan (Chayyim) Kornhouser</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features candidates running for the Watauga County Board of Education </em></b></p><p><b>District 1</b></p><p>Yolanda Adams</p><p>Ellen Lamont</p><p><b>District 4 </b></p><p>Chad Cole</p><p>Megan (Chayyim) Kornhouser</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19900444-2026-watauga-county-meet-the-candidates-watauga-county-board-of-education.mp3" length="42751763" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>3558</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, Watauga County Board of Education, Yolanda Adams, Ellen Lamont, Chad Cole, Megan (Chayyim) Kornhouser, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Chuck Hubbard - US House - NC-5</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Chuck Hubbard - US House - NC-5</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features Chuck Hubbard, the Democratic candidate for North Carolina's Fifth District of the US House of Representatives.  Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Chuck Hubbard, the Democratic candidate for North Carolina&apos;s Fifth District of the US House of Representatives. </em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Chuck Hubbard, the Democratic candidate for North Carolina&apos;s Fifth District of the US House of Representatives. </em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>1712</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, Chuck Hubbard, US House of Representatives, NC-5, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
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  <item>
    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Dr. Virginia Foxx - US House - NC-5</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Dr. Virginia Foxx - US House - NC-5</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features Dr. Virginia Foxx, the incumbent Republican candidate for North Carolina's Fifth District of the US House of Representatives.  Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appal...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Dr. Virginia Foxx, the incumbent Republican candidate for North Carolina&apos;s Fifth District of the US House of Representatives. </em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Dr. Virginia Foxx, the incumbent Republican candidate for North Carolina&apos;s Fifth District of the US House of Representatives. </em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19890770/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19890770/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19890770/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
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    <itunes:duration>2238</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords> Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, Virginia Foxx, US House of Representatives, NC-5, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Darin Church - Watauga County Sheriff</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Darin Church - Watauga County Sheriff</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features Darin Church, the Republican candidate for Watauga County Sheriff. Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. Candidates for Watauga County...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Darin Church, the Republican candidate for Watauga County Sheriff.</em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Darin Church, the Republican candidate for Watauga County Sheriff.</em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19882074-2026-watauga-county-meet-the-candidates-darin-church-watauga-county-sheriff.mp3" length="13595983" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19882074</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882074/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882074/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882074/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882074/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>1128</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, Darin Church, Watauga County Sheriff, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Len Hagaman - Watauga County Sheriff</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Len Hagaman - Watauga County Sheriff</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features Len Hagaman, the incumbent Democratic candidate for Watauga County Sheriff. Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. Candidates for Watau...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Len Hagaman, the incumbent Democratic candidate for Watauga County Sheriff.</em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Len Hagaman, the incumbent Democratic candidate for Watauga County Sheriff.</em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19882060-2026-watauga-county-meet-the-candidates-len-hagaman-watauga-county-sheriff.mp3" length="20217395" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19882060</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882060/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882060/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882060/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882060/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>1680</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, Len Hagaman, Watauga County Sheriff, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Holly Fehl - Watauga County Clerk of Court</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Holly Fehl - Watauga County Clerk of Court</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features Holly Fehl, the Democratic candidate for Watauga County Clerk of Court. Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. Candidates for Watauga C...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the <b>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</b></p><p><b><em>This episode features Holly Fehl, the Democratic candidate for Watauga County Clerk of Court.</em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the <b>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum.</b></p><p><b><em>This episode features Holly Fehl, the Democratic candidate for Watauga County Clerk of Court.</em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19882041-2026-watauga-county-meet-the-candidates-holly-fehl-watauga-county-clerk-of-court.mp3" length="8186452" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19882041</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882041/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882041/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882041/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19882041/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>678</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, Holly Fehl, Watauga County Clerk of Court, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Charles Haynes - Watauga County Clerk of Court</itunes:title>
    <title>2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates - Charles Haynes - Watauga County Clerk of Court</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the 2026 Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum. This episode features Charles Haynes, the incumbent Republican candidate for Watauga County Clerk of Court. Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. Candidates...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the <b>2026</b> <b>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum</b>.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Charles Haynes, the incumbent Republican candidate for Watauga County Clerk of Court.</em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><br/></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce present the <b>2026</b> <b>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum</b>.</p><p><b><em>This episode features Charles Haynes, the incumbent Republican candidate for Watauga County Clerk of Court.</em></b></p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Board of Education, Watauga County Board of Commissioners, and the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives were featured as part of our in-person forum on Thursday, October 1st, at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country.</p><p>Candidates for Watauga County Clerk of Court, Watauga County Sheriff, and the US House of Representatives (NC-5) were interviewed individually by David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Due to the nature of these individual interviews, candidates were not held to time constraints.</p><p>All archives for each race are available at <a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470'>boonechamber.com</a>. </p><p><br/></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19881771-2026-watauga-county-meet-the-candidates-charles-haynes-watauga-county-clerk-of-court.mp3" length="6921298" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19881771</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19881771/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19881771/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19881771/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19881771/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>572</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Watauga County Meet the Candidates Forum, Charles Haynes, Watauga County Clerk of Court, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Unveiling the Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan</itunes:title>
    <title>Unveiling the Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[It's been nearly two years since Hurricane Helene's impact was felt across Western North Carolina.  In January 2025, Governor Josh Stein appointed a special Advisory Committee for Western North Carolina Recovery and established GROW NC (Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina) to serve as the lead organization to guide immediate physical and economic recovery efforts. In early 2026, a sub-committee was formed to examine the region's long term economic outlook, and make reco...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>It&apos;s been nearly two years since Hurricane Helene&apos;s impact was felt across Western North Carolina. </p><p>In January 2025, Governor Josh Stein appointed a special<a href='https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/who-we-are/governors-advisory-committee-wnc-recovery'><b> Advisory Committee for Western North Carolina Recovery</b></a> and established <a href='https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/'><b>GROW NC</b></a> (Governor&apos;s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina) to serve as the lead organization to guide immediate physical and economic recovery efforts.</p><p>In early 2026, a sub-committee was formed to examine the region&apos;s long term economic outlook, and make recommendations to Governor Stein and State leaders that would set Western North Carolina down a path toward recovery and future economic prosperity.</p><p>On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, <a href='https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/23/governor-stein-grow-nc-unveil-long-term-plan-rebuild-and-grow-western-north-carolinas-economy'><b>Governor Stein and GROW NC released the Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan</b></a>, a document that focuses on eight core principles that harness current resources and industry proficiency, while aligning goals that will advance the region&apos;s efforts to create economic diversity and resilience across all sectors.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business,</em></b><em> </em>we unveil the core tenants of the plan, and how the High Country is poised to benefit from this collaborative effort. We&apos;ll also talk with <a href='https://www.dangerlachllc.com/'><b>Dan Gerlach</b></a>, a long-time economic strategist and policy advisor in the State about the research that led to the plan. He&apos;ll explain how this framework can build off current regional strengths while protecting a unique cultural experience that separates Western North Carolina from many other parts of the country.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&apos;s been nearly two years since Hurricane Helene&apos;s impact was felt across Western North Carolina. </p><p>In January 2025, Governor Josh Stein appointed a special<a href='https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/who-we-are/governors-advisory-committee-wnc-recovery'><b> Advisory Committee for Western North Carolina Recovery</b></a> and established <a href='https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/'><b>GROW NC</b></a> (Governor&apos;s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina) to serve as the lead organization to guide immediate physical and economic recovery efforts.</p><p>In early 2026, a sub-committee was formed to examine the region&apos;s long term economic outlook, and make recommendations to Governor Stein and State leaders that would set Western North Carolina down a path toward recovery and future economic prosperity.</p><p>On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, <a href='https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/23/governor-stein-grow-nc-unveil-long-term-plan-rebuild-and-grow-western-north-carolinas-economy'><b>Governor Stein and GROW NC released the Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan</b></a>, a document that focuses on eight core principles that harness current resources and industry proficiency, while aligning goals that will advance the region&apos;s efforts to create economic diversity and resilience across all sectors.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business,</em></b><em> </em>we unveil the core tenants of the plan, and how the High Country is poised to benefit from this collaborative effort. We&apos;ll also talk with <a href='https://www.dangerlachllc.com/'><b>Dan Gerlach</b></a>, a long-time economic strategist and policy advisor in the State about the research that led to the plan. He&apos;ll explain how this framework can build off current regional strengths while protecting a unique cultural experience that separates Western North Carolina from many other parts of the country.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19858564-unveiling-the-western-north-carolina-economic-recovery-plan.mp3" length="27932152" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19858564</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19858564/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19858564/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19858564/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19858564/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2323</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan, GROW NC, Governor Josh Stein, economic recovery, Western North Carolina,  NC Community College, workforce development, economic development, Hurricane Helene, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Busines</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>High Country Businesses Working Together to Create Seasonal Experiences</itunes:title>
    <title>High Country Businesses Working Together to Create Seasonal Experiences</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Fall color is about a month away from its peak here in the High Country, but the seasonal shift toward autum economic behavior is already underway. The impact on visitor counts, the type of interactions people enjoy during their stay, and how events are communicated business to business all impact the visitor experience. The current date on the calendar matters greatly when it comes to how businesses schedule staff, how they throttle their operational expectations, and ultimately the impact t...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Fall color is about a month away from its peak here in the High Country, but the seasonal shift toward autum economic behavior is already underway. The impact on visitor counts, the type of interactions people enjoy during their stay, and how events are communicated business to business all impact the visitor experience. The current date on the calendar matters greatly when it comes to how businesses schedule staff, how they throttle their operational expectations, and ultimately the impact the see on their bottom line for an entire year.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b>, we examine the hospitality and event industries, and how they work together to curate exceptional visitor experiences in the High Country. <b>Danielle Neibauer</b> owns <a href='http://www.crestwoodnc.com'><b>The Inn at Crestwood</b></a> and also leads the management team that operates <a href='http://www.thehorton.com'><b>The Horton Hotel</b></a> in Downtown Boone. She&apos;ll detail the seasonal impacts on the hospitality industry, and even explain a few things locals may not know about the hotels they drive past each day.</p><p>We&apos;ll also hear from <b>Suzanne Livesay</b>, Executive Director of the <a href='http://www.apptheatre.org'><b>Appalachian Theatre of the High Country</b></a>. A major factor in the success of an event is related to when the event is scheduled, as much as the make-up of the act itself. Suzanne discusses how she seeks specific events, what she tends to avoid, and how the collaborative approach of experience planning benefits everyone.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (Friday this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Fall color is about a month away from its peak here in the High Country, but the seasonal shift toward autum economic behavior is already underway. The impact on visitor counts, the type of interactions people enjoy during their stay, and how events are communicated business to business all impact the visitor experience. The current date on the calendar matters greatly when it comes to how businesses schedule staff, how they throttle their operational expectations, and ultimately the impact the see on their bottom line for an entire year.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b>, we examine the hospitality and event industries, and how they work together to curate exceptional visitor experiences in the High Country. <b>Danielle Neibauer</b> owns <a href='http://www.crestwoodnc.com'><b>The Inn at Crestwood</b></a> and also leads the management team that operates <a href='http://www.thehorton.com'><b>The Horton Hotel</b></a> in Downtown Boone. She&apos;ll detail the seasonal impacts on the hospitality industry, and even explain a few things locals may not know about the hotels they drive past each day.</p><p>We&apos;ll also hear from <b>Suzanne Livesay</b>, Executive Director of the <a href='http://www.apptheatre.org'><b>Appalachian Theatre of the High Country</b></a>. A major factor in the success of an event is related to when the event is scheduled, as much as the make-up of the act itself. Suzanne discusses how she seeks specific events, what she tends to avoid, and how the collaborative approach of experience planning benefits everyone.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (Friday this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19822066-high-country-businesses-working-together-to-create-seasonal-experiences.mp3" length="27997692" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19822066</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19822066/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19822066/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19822066/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2329</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>fall tourism, High Country NC, fall color, leaf traffic, fall leaves, hospitality, hospitality and tourism, Downtown Boone, music festival, The Horton Hotel, The Inn at Crestwood, events, event planning, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce,</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Who&#39;s Going To Do Something About This Traffic? You Can!</itunes:title>
    <title>Who&#39;s Going To Do Something About This Traffic? You Can!</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This just in...sometimes it's hard to move around in Watauga County due to traffic congestion! The Watauga County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) is the steering document that looks at transportation needs for a 25-30 year snapshot, and that document is currently going through a planned revision.  On this week's Mind Your Business, we explain the CTP process, how an important survey is gathering public input that informs this work, and how your experiences can be added to future ...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>This just in...sometimes it&apos;s hard to move around in Watauga County due to traffic congestion!</p><p>The Watauga County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) is the steering document that looks at transportation needs for a 25-30 year snapshot, and that document is currently going through a planned revision. </p><p>On this week&apos;s Mind Your Business, we explain the CTP process, <a href='https://publicinput.com/watauga-ctp-survey'><b>how an important survey is gathering public input that informs this work</b></a>, and how your experiences can be added to future considerations.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (Friday this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This just in...sometimes it&apos;s hard to move around in Watauga County due to traffic congestion!</p><p>The Watauga County Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) is the steering document that looks at transportation needs for a 25-30 year snapshot, and that document is currently going through a planned revision. </p><p>On this week&apos;s Mind Your Business, we explain the CTP process, <a href='https://publicinput.com/watauga-ctp-survey'><b>how an important survey is gathering public input that informs this work</b></a>, and how your experiences can be added to future considerations.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (Friday this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19753993-who-s-going-to-do-something-about-this-traffic-you-can.mp3" length="34362344" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19753993</guid>
    <pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2026 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19753993/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19753993/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19753993/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19753993/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2859</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>NC DOT, Watauga County, Watauga County Transportation Plan, traffic, traffic study, commute, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>State of App State Athletics with Doug Gillin</itunes:title>
    <title>State of App State Athletics with Doug Gillin</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The game of football means a great deal to the High Country and its economy. For decades, championship success on the field has fueled business growth and activity throughout the surrounding High Country region. How the business of college athletics moves forward has a direct impact on the economic performance of a key time of year for our community. On this week's Mind Your Business, we bring you our annual conversation with App State Director of Athletics Doug Gillin. Heading into his 12th ...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The game of football means a great deal to the High Country and its economy. For decades, championship success on the field has fueled business growth and activity throughout the surrounding High Country region. How the business of college athletics moves forward has a direct impact on the economic performance of a key time of year for our community.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we bring you our annual conversation with <a href='https://appstatesports.com/'><b>App State</b></a> Director of Athletics <a href='https://appstatesports.com/staff-directory/doug-gillin/1'><b>Doug Gillin</b></a>. Heading into his 12th season in the AD&apos;s chair, we&apos;ll talk about the current trends in the business of college football and athletics in general, and how the evolving landscape of college sports will impact gamedays. We&apos;ll also discuss how App State athletics is brining entertainment other than sports to the High Country and -- perhaps refreshingly --  we&apos;ll hear about possible connection points for student-athletes in the community as they look to make a positive impact on the area during their time in Boone.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information'>Support the show</a></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The game of football means a great deal to the High Country and its economy. For decades, championship success on the field has fueled business growth and activity throughout the surrounding High Country region. How the business of college athletics moves forward has a direct impact on the economic performance of a key time of year for our community.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we bring you our annual conversation with <a href='https://appstatesports.com/'><b>App State</b></a> Director of Athletics <a href='https://appstatesports.com/staff-directory/doug-gillin/1'><b>Doug Gillin</b></a>. Heading into his 12th season in the AD&apos;s chair, we&apos;ll talk about the current trends in the business of college football and athletics in general, and how the evolving landscape of college sports will impact gamedays. We&apos;ll also discuss how App State athletics is brining entertainment other than sports to the High Country and -- perhaps refreshingly --  we&apos;ll hear about possible connection points for student-athletes in the community as they look to make a positive impact on the area during their time in Boone.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information'>Support the show</a></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19711303-state-of-app-state-athletics-with-doug-gillin.mp3" length="25156040" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19711303</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19711303/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19711303/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19711303/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2092</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>App State, Mountaineer Football, App State Football, College Football Playoff, Appalachian State University, Doug Gillin, college sports, Sun Belt Conference, college football, NIL, revenue sharing, fan experience, Mill Camp Winery, Policy &amp; Pints, Decisi</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>The Student Economy, a Great July, and a Howard Street Update</itunes:title>
    <title>The Student Economy, a Great July, and a Howard Street Update</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Students are back at they are EVERYWHERE! The economic impact of the ringing of the school bell certainly drives business, but it also includes a boost to the local workforce, as students settle into their new routines and begin to look for money to spend. On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear from some voices that see the direct benefit of the student economy, from meals served to jobs filled. Aram and Megan Kevorkian own SouthEnd Brewing Company on King Street, and will discuss th...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Students are back at they are EVERYWHERE! The economic impact of the ringing of the school bell certainly drives business, but it also includes a boost to the local workforce, as students settle into their new routines and begin to look for money to spend.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we hear from some voices that see the direct benefit of the student economy, from meals served to jobs filled. <b>Aram and Megan Kevorkian</b> own <a href='http://www.southendbrewing.com'>SouthEnd Brewing Company</a> on King Street, and will discuss the differences in their high-traffic patterns and hiring needs, and how students influence both of those trends.</p><p>As App State students returned to class, they found a pothole-less Howard Street as they walked to campus. <b>Lane Moody</b>, Director of the <a href='https://downtownboonenc.com/'>Downtown Boone Development Association</a> has the latest on the ongoing revitalization project.  We&apos;ll discuss what comes next in terms of deliverables and how the town is studying the new pedestrian impacts of this connection between Downtown Boone and the campus community.  </p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Students are back at they are EVERYWHERE! The economic impact of the ringing of the school bell certainly drives business, but it also includes a boost to the local workforce, as students settle into their new routines and begin to look for money to spend.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we hear from some voices that see the direct benefit of the student economy, from meals served to jobs filled. <b>Aram and Megan Kevorkian</b> own <a href='http://www.southendbrewing.com'>SouthEnd Brewing Company</a> on King Street, and will discuss the differences in their high-traffic patterns and hiring needs, and how students influence both of those trends.</p><p>As App State students returned to class, they found a pothole-less Howard Street as they walked to campus. <b>Lane Moody</b>, Director of the <a href='https://downtownboonenc.com/'>Downtown Boone Development Association</a> has the latest on the ongoing revitalization project.  We&apos;ll discuss what comes next in terms of deliverables and how the town is studying the new pedestrian impacts of this connection between Downtown Boone and the campus community.  </p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19677445-the-student-economy-a-great-july-and-a-howard-street-update.mp3" length="32128258" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19677445</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19677445/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19677445/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19677445/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2673</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Mind Your Business, Howard Street, Appalachian State University, Watauga High School, Caldwell Community College &amp; Technical Institute, workforce, jobs, students, Downtown Boone, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Introducing the Spirit of Boone Community Award Honorees for 2026</itunes:title>
    <title>Introducing the Spirit of Boone Community Award Honorees for 2026</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce hosts Spirit of Boone, its 77th annual membership gathering, September 24th in the Grandview Ballroom at Kidd Brewer Stadium. The full slate of honorees was announced on WATA's Mark in the Morning show on August 11th, marking the beginning of the storytelling about the accomplishments of this year's class.  On this week's Mind Your Business, we unveil this year's list of honorees, and talk about what made them a choice for this year's spotlight. We also...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce hosts <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/annual-membership-meeting'><b><em>Spirit of Boone</em></b></a><em>, </em>its 77th annual membership gathering, September 24th in the Grandview Ballroom at Kidd Brewer Stadium.</p><p>The full slate of honorees was announced on WATA&apos;s <a href='https://www.goblueridge.net/listenliv.html'><b><em>Mark in the Morning</em></b></a><em> </em>show on August 11th, marking the beginning of the storytelling about the accomplishments of this year&apos;s class. </p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we unveil this year&apos;s list of honorees, and talk about what made them a choice for this year&apos;s spotlight. We also reconnect with <b>Ashley Galleher</b>, the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/news/spirit-of-boone-boone-area-chamber-of-commerce-2025-annual-membership-gathering'><b>2025 Kathy Crutchfield Citizen of the Year</b></a> award recipient, and we&apos;ll hear how ZRC Skate has been impacted over the last year by more through community awareness of this unique business.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce hosts <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/annual-membership-meeting'><b><em>Spirit of Boone</em></b></a><em>, </em>its 77th annual membership gathering, September 24th in the Grandview Ballroom at Kidd Brewer Stadium.</p><p>The full slate of honorees was announced on WATA&apos;s <a href='https://www.goblueridge.net/listenliv.html'><b><em>Mark in the Morning</em></b></a><em> </em>show on August 11th, marking the beginning of the storytelling about the accomplishments of this year&apos;s class. </p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we unveil this year&apos;s list of honorees, and talk about what made them a choice for this year&apos;s spotlight. We also reconnect with <b>Ashley Galleher</b>, the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/news/spirit-of-boone-boone-area-chamber-of-commerce-2025-annual-membership-gathering'><b>2025 Kathy Crutchfield Citizen of the Year</b></a> award recipient, and we&apos;ll hear how ZRC Skate has been impacted over the last year by more through community awareness of this unique business.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19643481-introducing-the-spirit-of-boone-community-award-honorees-for-2026.mp3" length="32160867" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19643481</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19643481/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19643481/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19643481/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19643481/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2676</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Spirit of Boone, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, ZRC Skate, annual meeting, SkyLine/SkyBest, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Town of Boone, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>A preview of Encore with Watauga Leadership Institute&#39;s Dr. Jim Street</itunes:title>
    <title>A preview of Encore with Watauga Leadership Institute&#39;s Dr. Jim Street</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Registration opened this week for the 3rd installment of the Encore program, the latest offering from the Watauga Leadership Institute.  On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Dr. Jim Street, Curriculum Coordinator for the Watauga Leadership Institute and Founder of Ridgeline Leadership. He'll preview this year's Encore program, and we'll talk about the value of team and individual skill development, and how that applies to work, life, and helps define ones sense of commun...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Registration opened this week for the 3rd installment of the Encore program, the latest offering from the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/watauga-leadership-institute'><b>Watauga Leadership Institute</b></a>. </p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we visit with <b>Dr. Jim Street</b>, Curriculum Coordinator for the Watauga Leadership Institute and Founder of <a href='https://www.ridgelineleader.com/'><b>Ridgeline Leadership</b></a>. He&apos;ll preview this year&apos;s Encore program, and we&apos;ll talk about the value of team and individual skill development, and how that applies to work, life, and helps define ones sense of community.</p><p><em>Encore</em> is a cohort-style course offers attendees the opportunity to expand their leadership knowledge, mindset, and skills. Each two-hour session will examine a specialty topic that builds off the core elements of the Watauga Leadership Institute curriculum, while encouraging the self-renewal of your guiding leadership principles.</p><p>We&apos;ll also provide updates on two important and highly visible traffic projects currently underway in the Town of Boone.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Registration opened this week for the 3rd installment of the Encore program, the latest offering from the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/watauga-leadership-institute'><b>Watauga Leadership Institute</b></a>. </p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we visit with <b>Dr. Jim Street</b>, Curriculum Coordinator for the Watauga Leadership Institute and Founder of <a href='https://www.ridgelineleader.com/'><b>Ridgeline Leadership</b></a>. He&apos;ll preview this year&apos;s Encore program, and we&apos;ll talk about the value of team and individual skill development, and how that applies to work, life, and helps define ones sense of community.</p><p><em>Encore</em> is a cohort-style course offers attendees the opportunity to expand their leadership knowledge, mindset, and skills. Each two-hour session will examine a specialty topic that builds off the core elements of the Watauga Leadership Institute curriculum, while encouraging the self-renewal of your guiding leadership principles.</p><p>We&apos;ll also provide updates on two important and highly visible traffic projects currently underway in the Town of Boone.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19608491-a-preview-of-encore-with-watauga-leadership-institute-s-dr-jim-street.mp3" length="25050450" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19608491</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19608491/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19608491/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19608491/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2083</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Encore, Watauga Leadership Institute, leadership development, personal development, Town of Boone, road construction, Dr. Jim Street, Ridgeline Leadership, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Exploring the Benefits and Structure of Employee Ownership </itunes:title>
    <title>Exploring the Benefits and Structure of Employee Ownership </title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[It doesn't take long to think about someone in your life that has stayed in the working world for longer than they may have liked. The retirement dream and target has changed a lot over the years, and that exit from the daily grind becomes more complicated when retiring from a business you own, and that entity has a less than certain future. How do you step away while still providing employment opportunities for your team? How do you get the full value for decades of hard work? On this week's...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>It doesn&apos;t take long to think about someone in your life that has stayed in the working world for longer than they may have liked. The retirement dream and target has changed a lot over the years, and that exit from the daily grind becomes more complicated when retiring from a business you own, and that entity has a less than certain future. How do you step away while still providing employment opportunities for your team? How do you get the full value for decades of hard work?</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we unlock Employee Ownership, not only as an exit strategy for business owners, but also as an employee incentive for small businesses that dream of seeing their company and its culture survive for generations. <b>Illa Burbank, Executive Director</b> of the <a href='https://nceoc.org/'><b>North Carolina Employee Ownership Center (NCEOC)</b></a> is our guest this week, and she&apos;ll help provide a definition to employee ownership as we explore the different tools within this strategy. We&apos;ll also talk about how entrepreneurs can use this ownership system at the start of their business journey, giving them more options for their eventual exit.</p><p>The NCEOC is hosting the <a href='https://nceoc.org/september-16-2026-nc-employee-ownership-conference-2026/'><b>North Carolina Business Continuity &amp; Employee Ownership conference in Raleigh on Wednesday, September 16th</b></a>, where business owners can learn more about these strategies, and how employee ownership can be positioned as a unique employee retention incentive.</p><p><a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19544142-unveiling-wnc-s-post-helene-strategy-for-long-term-economic-recovery'>Following up on last week&apos;s episode</a>, we&apos;ll give you the details about a major grant announcement that will have an impact on Western North Carolina&apos;s long-term economic recovery from Hurricane Helene.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It doesn&apos;t take long to think about someone in your life that has stayed in the working world for longer than they may have liked. The retirement dream and target has changed a lot over the years, and that exit from the daily grind becomes more complicated when retiring from a business you own, and that entity has a less than certain future. How do you step away while still providing employment opportunities for your team? How do you get the full value for decades of hard work?</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we unlock Employee Ownership, not only as an exit strategy for business owners, but also as an employee incentive for small businesses that dream of seeing their company and its culture survive for generations. <b>Illa Burbank, Executive Director</b> of the <a href='https://nceoc.org/'><b>North Carolina Employee Ownership Center (NCEOC)</b></a> is our guest this week, and she&apos;ll help provide a definition to employee ownership as we explore the different tools within this strategy. We&apos;ll also talk about how entrepreneurs can use this ownership system at the start of their business journey, giving them more options for their eventual exit.</p><p>The NCEOC is hosting the <a href='https://nceoc.org/september-16-2026-nc-employee-ownership-conference-2026/'><b>North Carolina Business Continuity &amp; Employee Ownership conference in Raleigh on Wednesday, September 16th</b></a>, where business owners can learn more about these strategies, and how employee ownership can be positioned as a unique employee retention incentive.</p><p><a href='https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19544142-unveiling-wnc-s-post-helene-strategy-for-long-term-economic-recovery'>Following up on last week&apos;s episode</a>, we&apos;ll give you the details about a major grant announcement that will have an impact on Western North Carolina&apos;s long-term economic recovery from Hurricane Helene.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19569054-exploring-the-benefits-and-structure-of-employee-ownership.mp3" length="31028290" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19569054</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19569054/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19569054/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19569054/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19569054/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2581</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Mind Your Business, employee ownership, North Carolina Employee Ownership Center, exit strategy, business culture, retirement strategy, small business, NCEOC, EDA, economic recovery, A-B Tech, GROW NC, Governor Josh Stein, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, </itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Unveiling WNC&#39;s post-Helene Strategy for Long Term Economic Recovery</itunes:title>
    <title>Unveiling WNC&#39;s post-Helene Strategy for Long Term Economic Recovery</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[It's been almost 21-months since Hurricane Helene's impact was felt across Western North Carolina. While the region has largely recovered from some of the notable physical aspects of the story, the economic recovery will be going on for quite some time. Last week, Governor Stein's Advisory Committee for Western North Carolina recovery met in Boone, where the draft version of the region's Long-Term Economic Recovery plan was discussed. While the full version has not yet been released, valuable...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>It&apos;s been almost 21-months since Hurricane Helene&apos;s impact was felt across Western North Carolina. While the region has largely recovered from some of the notable physical aspects of the story, the economic recovery will be going on for quite some time.</p><p>Last week, <a href='https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/local/stein-meets-with-western-north-carolina-advisory-committee-in-boone/article_c17f791a-1ede-419f-af81-c079b6af9417.html'><b>Governor Stein&apos;s Advisory Committee for Western North Carolina recovery met in Boone</b></a>, where the draft version of the region&apos;s Long-Term Economic Recovery plan was discussed. While the full version has not yet been released, valuable feedback came from this discussion that will inform the full report, set to be released later this fall.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we visit with <b>Sharon Decker</b>, Governor Stein&apos;s Senior Advisor for WNCs Long-Term Recovery. She and the <a href='https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/'><b>GROW NC</b></a> team have been hard at work, collecting data and experiences from across the region, with the goal of leaving Western North Carolina in a stronger position than what existed pre-Helene. We&apos;ll discuss how this plan will be communicated and how existing assets can prepare the region for economic growth in popular sectors.</p><p>To advance this work, it&apos;s been made abundantly clear from lawmakers at the State and Federal level that additional funding will be required. Earlier this week, <a href='https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/07/21/budd-makes-case-for-disaster-relief-funding-for-western-north-carolina-before-senate-appropriations-committee/'><b>Senator Ted Budd testified before US Senate colleagues</b></a>, and we&apos;ll hear exactly what he shared as he works to keep the voice of Western North Carolina alive in Congress.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (except this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&apos;s been almost 21-months since Hurricane Helene&apos;s impact was felt across Western North Carolina. While the region has largely recovered from some of the notable physical aspects of the story, the economic recovery will be going on for quite some time.</p><p>Last week, <a href='https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/local/stein-meets-with-western-north-carolina-advisory-committee-in-boone/article_c17f791a-1ede-419f-af81-c079b6af9417.html'><b>Governor Stein&apos;s Advisory Committee for Western North Carolina recovery met in Boone</b></a>, where the draft version of the region&apos;s Long-Term Economic Recovery plan was discussed. While the full version has not yet been released, valuable feedback came from this discussion that will inform the full report, set to be released later this fall.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we visit with <b>Sharon Decker</b>, Governor Stein&apos;s Senior Advisor for WNCs Long-Term Recovery. She and the <a href='https://www.wncrecovery.nc.gov/'><b>GROW NC</b></a> team have been hard at work, collecting data and experiences from across the region, with the goal of leaving Western North Carolina in a stronger position than what existed pre-Helene. We&apos;ll discuss how this plan will be communicated and how existing assets can prepare the region for economic growth in popular sectors.</p><p>To advance this work, it&apos;s been made abundantly clear from lawmakers at the State and Federal level that additional funding will be required. Earlier this week, <a href='https://www.budd.senate.gov/2026/07/21/budd-makes-case-for-disaster-relief-funding-for-western-north-carolina-before-senate-appropriations-committee/'><b>Senator Ted Budd testified before US Senate colleagues</b></a>, and we&apos;ll hear exactly what he shared as he works to keep the voice of Western North Carolina alive in Congress.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (except this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19544142-unveiling-wnc-s-post-helene-strategy-for-long-term-economic-recovery.mp3" length="28909255" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19544142</guid>
    <pubDate>Fri, 24 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19544142/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19544142/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19544142/transcript.srt" type="application/x-subrip" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19544142/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2405</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Helene Recovery, Governor Josh Stein, Western North Carolina, economic recovery, Sharon Decker, GROW NC, Senator Ted Budd, US Senate Appropriations Committee, Mind Your Business, Chamber of the Year, ACCE26, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>How the Federal Reserve Measures the High Country Economy</itunes:title>
    <title>How the Federal Reserve Measures the High Country Economy</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. Its mandate is to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy. Sometimes such high-flying agencies or policy influencing organizations can feel detached from the day-to-day experiences that make up the High Country economy. However, the Federal Reserve uses a network of economists and data analysts to ensure the voice of Main Street is being heard and helping inform Federal policy and direction. On this week's Mind Y...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The <a href='https://www.federalreserve.gov/'><b>Federal Reserve System</b></a> is the central bank of the United States. Its mandate is to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy. Sometimes such high-flying agencies or policy influencing organizations can feel detached from the day-to-day experiences that make up the High Country economy. However, the Federal Reserve uses a network of economists and data analysts to ensure the voice of Main Street is being heard and helping inform Federal policy and direction.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we visit with <a href='https://www.richmondfed.org/region_communities/people/greene'><b>Bethany Greene</b></a>, Regional Economist for the Charllotte Branch of the <a href='https://www.richmondfed.org/'><b>Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond</b></a>. Bethany monitors regional economic trends through data analysis and engagements with the business community in North and South Carolina. </p><p>We&apos;ll discuss the role of the Fed, and how they extract data from locations across the region in a manner that ultimately shows up in policy shaping discussions. We&apos;ll also talk about the recent transition of Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, what Western North Carolina can expect, economically speaking, as we move further away from the physical impacts of Hurricane Helene, and what&apos;s on the horizon in terms of economy shaping influences.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><br/></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <a href='https://www.federalreserve.gov/'><b>Federal Reserve System</b></a> is the central bank of the United States. Its mandate is to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy. Sometimes such high-flying agencies or policy influencing organizations can feel detached from the day-to-day experiences that make up the High Country economy. However, the Federal Reserve uses a network of economists and data analysts to ensure the voice of Main Street is being heard and helping inform Federal policy and direction.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we visit with <a href='https://www.richmondfed.org/region_communities/people/greene'><b>Bethany Greene</b></a>, Regional Economist for the Charllotte Branch of the <a href='https://www.richmondfed.org/'><b>Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond</b></a>. Bethany monitors regional economic trends through data analysis and engagements with the business community in North and South Carolina. </p><p>We&apos;ll discuss the role of the Fed, and how they extract data from locations across the region in a manner that ultimately shows up in policy shaping discussions. We&apos;ll also talk about the recent transition of Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, what Western North Carolina can expect, economically speaking, as we move further away from the physical impacts of Hurricane Helene, and what&apos;s on the horizon in terms of economy shaping influences.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><br/></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19502798-how-the-federal-reserve-measures-the-high-country-economy.mp3" length="28437461" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19502798</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19502798/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19502798/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19502798/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2365</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Federal Reserve System, Federal Reserve, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Kevin Warsh, Bethany Greene, economy, inflation, interest rates, monetary policy, High Country, Western North Carolina, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>July Tourism from an Attraction&#39;s Perspective &amp; a Mid-Summer Howard Street Project Update</itunes:title>
    <title>July Tourism from an Attraction&#39;s Perspective &amp; a Mid-Summer Howard Street Project Update</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[July is prime time for tourism season across the High Country. As the calendar flips, vacationers flock to the area, especially those melting in the record heat off the mountain.  On this week's Mind Your Business, we will discuss the intentionality that goes into creating the visitor experience, and what July means to both the anchor attractions as well as other businesses that benefit from increased traffic. Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Executive Director Jesse Pope...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>July is prime time for tourism season across the High Country. As the calendar flips, vacationers flock to the area, especially those melting in the record heat off the mountain. </p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we will discuss the intentionality that goes into creating the visitor experience, and what July means to both the anchor attractions as well as other businesses that benefit from increased traffic. <a href='https://grandfather.com/'><b>Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation</b></a> Executive Director <b>Jesse Pope </b>returns to program to talk July tourism from the perspective of one of our region&apos;s most recognizable and frequently visited attractions. We&apos;ll learn how he and his staff help set visitors up with great experiences as they depart the gates and head toward other locations. We&apos;ll also get the latest on <a href='https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm'><b>Blue Ridge Parkway road work</b></a>, and how to access Grandfather Mountain and some of the area&apos;s more popular trails and features throughout the month of July.</p><p>Speaking of road work, we&apos;ll also bring <a href='https://downtownboonenc.com/'><b>Downtown Boone Development Association</b></a> Director <b>Lane Moody</b> back to the show, as she gives us the latest updates on the Howard Street Revitalization Project.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>July is prime time for tourism season across the High Country. As the calendar flips, vacationers flock to the area, especially those melting in the record heat off the mountain. </p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we will discuss the intentionality that goes into creating the visitor experience, and what July means to both the anchor attractions as well as other businesses that benefit from increased traffic. <a href='https://grandfather.com/'><b>Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation</b></a> Executive Director <b>Jesse Pope </b>returns to program to talk July tourism from the perspective of one of our region&apos;s most recognizable and frequently visited attractions. We&apos;ll learn how he and his staff help set visitors up with great experiences as they depart the gates and head toward other locations. We&apos;ll also get the latest on <a href='https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm'><b>Blue Ridge Parkway road work</b></a>, and how to access Grandfather Mountain and some of the area&apos;s more popular trails and features throughout the month of July.</p><p>Speaking of road work, we&apos;ll also bring <a href='https://downtownboonenc.com/'><b>Downtown Boone Development Association</b></a> Director <b>Lane Moody</b> back to the show, as she gives us the latest updates on the Howard Street Revitalization Project.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19436899-july-tourism-from-an-attraction-s-perspective-a-mid-summer-howard-street-project-update.mp3" length="34992170" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>2911</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Mind Your Business, Downtown Boone, Boone NC, Howard Street, Grandfather Mountain, summer tourism, Visit NC, NC High Country, hiking, trails, Blue Ridge Parkway, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Drops in the Bucket: Summer Event Impacts &amp; Town of Boone Water Restrictions</itunes:title>
    <title>Drops in the Bucket: Summer Event Impacts &amp; Town of Boone Water Restrictions</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[As we move through the month of June, the Mountaineer 10-miler, High Country Jazz Festival, and Boonerang are among the summer events that are officially in the books. On this week's Mind Your Business, we dive into the early numbers regarding the economic impact of the Mountaineer 10-miler and Boonerang.  Charlie Mercer, CEO of Capstone Event Group rejoins the show to discuss the post-race survey results from over 850 participants in the Mountaineer 10-miler, which includes a break...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>As we move through the month of June, the Mountaineer 10-miler, High Country Jazz Festival, and Boonerang are among the summer events that are officially in the books.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business, </em></b>we dive into the early numbers regarding the economic impact of the Mountaineer 10-miler and Boonerang. </p><p><b>Charlie Mercer</b>, CEO of <a href='https://capstoneraces.com/'><b>Capstone Event Group</b></a> rejoins the show to discuss the post-race survey results from over 850 participants in the Mountaineer 10-miler, which includes a breakdown on runner demographics, lodging impacts, shopping and dining activity, and likelihood of repeat trips to the High Country. </p><p>We then turn attention to the inital visitor data from the 5th annual Boonerang Music &amp; Arts Festival, which further supports the impact event weeknds have on the entire High Country.</p><p>To wrap up the show, we&apos;ll visit with Victoria O&apos;Connell, Water Conservation Program Coordinator with the Town of Boone, as she explains the recently announced <a href='https://www.townofboone.net/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=The-Town-of-Boone-is-Enacting-Stage-2-Wa-378'><b>Stage 2 Water Restrictions enacted by Boone Town Council</b></a>, and what this means for residents and businesses.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As we move through the month of June, the Mountaineer 10-miler, High Country Jazz Festival, and Boonerang are among the summer events that are officially in the books.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business, </em></b>we dive into the early numbers regarding the economic impact of the Mountaineer 10-miler and Boonerang. </p><p><b>Charlie Mercer</b>, CEO of <a href='https://capstoneraces.com/'><b>Capstone Event Group</b></a> rejoins the show to discuss the post-race survey results from over 850 participants in the Mountaineer 10-miler, which includes a breakdown on runner demographics, lodging impacts, shopping and dining activity, and likelihood of repeat trips to the High Country. </p><p>We then turn attention to the inital visitor data from the 5th annual Boonerang Music &amp; Arts Festival, which further supports the impact event weeknds have on the entire High Country.</p><p>To wrap up the show, we&apos;ll visit with Victoria O&apos;Connell, Water Conservation Program Coordinator with the Town of Boone, as she explains the recently announced <a href='https://www.townofboone.net/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=The-Town-of-Boone-is-Enacting-Stage-2-Wa-378'><b>Stage 2 Water Restrictions enacted by Boone Town Council</b></a>, and what this means for residents and businesses.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19403396-drops-in-the-bucket-summer-event-impacts-town-of-boone-water-restrictions.mp3" length="32211671" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19403396/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19403396/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <itunes:duration>2680</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Mind Your Business, Boonerang, Mountaineer 10-miler, water usage, water restrictions, Every Drop Counts, Town of Boone, Watauga County, economic development, event economy, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Built In Boone: Booneshine Brewing Company</itunes:title>
    <title>Built In Boone: Booneshine Brewing Company</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[There are businesses in the High Country that truly connect their product to the place.  This week on Mind Your Business, we continue our Built in Boone series, and step inside Booneshine Brewing Company, and talk with President and Co-Founder Tim Herdklotz. As we take a walking tour through the tasting room and production facility, we'll talk with Tim about Booneshine's origin story, their capacity for growth, and the intentionality that allowed them to develop a business that helps "ma...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>There are businesses in the High Country that truly connect their product to the place. </p><p>This week on <em>Mind Your Business, </em>we continue our <b>Built in Boone</b> series, and step inside <a href='http://www.booneshine.beer'><b>Booneshine Brewing Company</b></a>, and talk with President and Co-Founder <b>Tim Herdklotz</b>. As we take a walking tour through the tasting room and production facility, we&apos;ll talk with Tim about Booneshine&apos;s origin story, their capacity for growth, and the intentionality that allowed them to develop a business that helps &quot;make Boone shine.&quot;</p><p>We&apos;ll also go over some logistics for this weekend&apos;s <a href='https://www.boonerangfest.com/'><b>Boonerang Music &amp; Art Festival</b></a> and we&apos;ll play a new game called &quot;What are they building over there?&quot;</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are businesses in the High Country that truly connect their product to the place. </p><p>This week on <em>Mind Your Business, </em>we continue our <b>Built in Boone</b> series, and step inside <a href='http://www.booneshine.beer'><b>Booneshine Brewing Company</b></a>, and talk with President and Co-Founder <b>Tim Herdklotz</b>. As we take a walking tour through the tasting room and production facility, we&apos;ll talk with Tim about Booneshine&apos;s origin story, their capacity for growth, and the intentionality that allowed them to develop a business that helps &quot;make Boone shine.&quot;</p><p>We&apos;ll also go over some logistics for this weekend&apos;s <a href='https://www.boonerangfest.com/'><b>Boonerang Music &amp; Art Festival</b></a> and we&apos;ll play a new game called &quot;What are they building over there?&quot;</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19367064-built-in-boone-booneshine-brewing-company.mp3" length="31163988" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19367064/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19367064/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19367064/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2592</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Booneshine Brewing Company, East Boone, Boone NC, craft brewing, NC Craft Brewers Guild, local business, beer, live music, Boonerang, Town of Boone, Watauga County, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>New Role, Same Leader: A Conversation with the New Executive Director of Hunger &amp; Health Coalition, Lindsey Sullivan</itunes:title>
    <title>New Role, Same Leader: A Conversation with the New Executive Director of Hunger &amp; Health Coalition, Lindsey Sullivan</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Earlier this month, the Hunger &amp; Health Coalition welcomed Lindsey Sullivan as the organization's new Executive Director. Lindsey is no stranger to the non-profit scene in Watauga County, having served as Health Strategist at AppHealthCare, where, among other projects, she was a lead voice in the creation of STABLE Workplaces. On this week's Mind Your Business, we catch up with Lindsey at the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated home of Hunger and Health Coalition, a space that connects...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Earlier this month, the <a href='https://www.hungerandhealthcoalition.org/'><b>Hunger &amp; Health Coalition</b></a> welcomed <b>Lindsey Sullivan</b> as the organization&apos;s new Executive Director. Lindsey is no stranger to the non-profit scene in Watauga County, having served as Health Strategist at <a href='https://www.apphealthcare.com/'><b>AppHealthCare</b></a>, where, among other projects, she was a lead voice in the creation of <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/stable-workplaces'><b>STABLE Workplaces.</b></a></p><p>On this week&apos;s <em>Mind Your Business</em>, we catch up with Lindsey at the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated home of Hunger and Health Coalition, a space that connects their footprint to the Community Care Clinic, <a href='https://www.wfdd.org/health-safety/2025-08-22/boones-hunger-and-health-coalition-and-community-care-clinic-to-merge'>following a merger of the two organizations in 2025</a>. After the event, we sat down to discuss leading through transition, the value of listening in the early days of a new role, and how prior knowledge of a business can accelerate opportunity for growth.</p><p>We&apos;ll also provide some fresh news on the FY27 budget plans for <a href='https://www.wataugacounty.org/App_pages/Dept/BOC/Forms/FY%202027%20Proposed%20Budget%20Packet.pdf'><b>Watauga County</b></a> and the <a href='https://www.townofboone.net/DocumentCenter/View/4666/2026-2027-BUDGET-POST-WORKSHOP'><b>Town of Boone</b></a>. </p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Earlier this month, the <a href='https://www.hungerandhealthcoalition.org/'><b>Hunger &amp; Health Coalition</b></a> welcomed <b>Lindsey Sullivan</b> as the organization&apos;s new Executive Director. Lindsey is no stranger to the non-profit scene in Watauga County, having served as Health Strategist at <a href='https://www.apphealthcare.com/'><b>AppHealthCare</b></a>, where, among other projects, she was a lead voice in the creation of <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/stable-workplaces'><b>STABLE Workplaces.</b></a></p><p>On this week&apos;s <em>Mind Your Business</em>, we catch up with Lindsey at the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated home of Hunger and Health Coalition, a space that connects their footprint to the Community Care Clinic, <a href='https://www.wfdd.org/health-safety/2025-08-22/boones-hunger-and-health-coalition-and-community-care-clinic-to-merge'>following a merger of the two organizations in 2025</a>. After the event, we sat down to discuss leading through transition, the value of listening in the early days of a new role, and how prior knowledge of a business can accelerate opportunity for growth.</p><p>We&apos;ll also provide some fresh news on the FY27 budget plans for <a href='https://www.wataugacounty.org/App_pages/Dept/BOC/Forms/FY%202027%20Proposed%20Budget%20Packet.pdf'><b>Watauga County</b></a> and the <a href='https://www.townofboone.net/DocumentCenter/View/4666/2026-2027-BUDGET-POST-WORKSHOP'><b>Town of Boone</b></a>. </p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19328449-new-role-same-leader-a-conversation-with-the-new-executive-director-of-hunger-health-coalition-lindsey-sullivan.mp3" length="25211039" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19328449/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19328449/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19328449/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2096</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Hunger &amp; Health Coalition, food is medicine, healthcare, rural health outcomes, rural health, health, wellness, food pantry, Community Care Clinic, Watauga County, Boone NC, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Across the Stage &amp; Into the Workforce: The Class of &#39;26 and Where They Go Next...and some BIG Chamber news.</itunes:title>
    <title>Across the Stage &amp; Into the Workforce: The Class of &#39;26 and Where They Go Next...and some BIG Chamber news.</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The wheels on the bus are about to be parked for a few months, as Watauga County Schools dismiss for summer break. As the Class of 2026 makes their way across the graduation stage, many will take their first steps into workforce pathways that will set them up for decades. On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Dr. Leslie Alexander, Superintendent of Watauga County Schools, as she recaps the 2025-26 school year. She'll also give an early snapshot of testing results, discuss impending...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The wheels on the bus are about to be parked for a few months, as Watauga County Schools dismiss for summer break. As the Class of 2026 makes their way across the graduation stage, many will take their first steps into workforce pathways that will set them up for decades.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we visit with <b>Dr. Leslie Alexander</b>, Superintendent of <a href='https://www.wataugaschools.org/'><b>Watauga County Schools</b></a>, as she recaps the 2025-26 school year. She&apos;ll also give an early snapshot of testing results, discuss impending budget impacts, and share details on the scholastic impact of the Class of &apos;26.</p><p>We delayed this episode a day because we had some Chamber news to share that we could report until late yesterday. The <a href='http://www.boonechamber.com'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b></a> has been selected as one of 11 organizations across the country as a finalist for Chamber of the Year, presented by <a href='https://www.growthzone.com/'><b>GrowthZone.</b></a> We&apos;ll tell you how this all came about and what comes next!</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon </em><b><em>(Friday this week)</em></b><em> at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p> </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The wheels on the bus are about to be parked for a few months, as Watauga County Schools dismiss for summer break. As the Class of 2026 makes their way across the graduation stage, many will take their first steps into workforce pathways that will set them up for decades.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we visit with <b>Dr. Leslie Alexander</b>, Superintendent of <a href='https://www.wataugaschools.org/'><b>Watauga County Schools</b></a>, as she recaps the 2025-26 school year. She&apos;ll also give an early snapshot of testing results, discuss impending budget impacts, and share details on the scholastic impact of the Class of &apos;26.</p><p>We delayed this episode a day because we had some Chamber news to share that we could report until late yesterday. The <a href='http://www.boonechamber.com'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b></a> has been selected as one of 11 organizations across the country as a finalist for Chamber of the Year, presented by <a href='https://www.growthzone.com/'><b>GrowthZone.</b></a> We&apos;ll tell you how this all came about and what comes next!</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon </em><b><em>(Friday this week)</em></b><em> at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p> </p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19300862-across-the-stage-into-the-workforce-the-class-of-26-and-where-they-go-next-and-some-big-chamber-news.mp3" length="28764196" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19300862/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19300862/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <itunes:duration>2392</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Watauga County Schools, workforce development, graduation, career technical education, CTE, public schools, public school funding, ACCE, Chamber of the Year</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
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    <itunes:title>All Roads Lead to Money - A Recap of the 2026 Vision Northwest North Carolina Economic Development Summit</itunes:title>
    <title>All Roads Lead to Money - A Recap of the 2026 Vision Northwest North Carolina Economic Development Summit</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[The 7th Annual Vision Northwest North Carolina summit is in the books, and discussions around transportation throughout the region highlighted an agenda filled with local leaders and regional experts. On this week's Mind Your Business, we offer a recap of that day — from keynote discussions to a real life example of why transportation infrastructure matters to areas businesses at the most practical level. Kenny Flowers, Chief Deputy Secretary of the NC Department of Commerce, delivered a keyn...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>The <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/events/vision-northwest-north-carolina'><b>7th Annual Vision Northwest North Carolina summit</b></a> is in the books, and discussions around transportation throughout the region highlighted an agenda filled with local leaders and regional experts.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business,</em></b> we offer a recap of that day — from keynote discussions to a real life example of why transportation infrastructure matters to areas businesses at the most practical level.</p><p><b>Kenny Flowers</b>, Chief Deputy Secretary of the NC Department of Commerce, delivered a keynote address, which coincided with the May 20th release of North Carolina&apos;s new Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan — <a href='https://www.commerce.nc.gov/data-tools-reports/economic-development-reports/strategic-economic-development-plan-north-carolina/2026-first-opportunity-strategic-economic-development-plan'><b>First in Opportunity</b></a>. The plan outlines four strategic goals covering infrastructure, economic competitiveness, community well-being, and workforce development. </p><p>Of the nine breakout panels that were hosted at Vision Northwest North Carolina,  we&apos;l  recap the <em>All Roads Lead to Money</em> discussion, featuring <b>Patrick Woodie</b>, President/CEO of the <a href='https://www.ncruralcenter.org/'><b>NC Rural Center</b></a>, and economic development expert <b>Dan Gerlach</b>. The conversation covered the current state of transportation funding, the added strain of Hurricane Helene&apos;s $6 billion in road damage, and what a sustainable long-term investment strategy for North Carolina&apos;s transportation system looks like.</p><p>Finally, we&apos;ll hear from <b>Meagan Coneybeer</b> of <a href='https://www.ncinnovation.org/'><b>NC Innovation</b></a> on the<b> </b><a href='https://today.appstate.edu/2026/05/15/rootsii'><b>Rootsii sweet potato processing project</b></a> — and what transportation infrastructure means for its future.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/events/vision-northwest-north-carolina'><b>7th Annual Vision Northwest North Carolina summit</b></a> is in the books, and discussions around transportation throughout the region highlighted an agenda filled with local leaders and regional experts.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business,</em></b> we offer a recap of that day — from keynote discussions to a real life example of why transportation infrastructure matters to areas businesses at the most practical level.</p><p><b>Kenny Flowers</b>, Chief Deputy Secretary of the NC Department of Commerce, delivered a keynote address, which coincided with the May 20th release of North Carolina&apos;s new Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan — <a href='https://www.commerce.nc.gov/data-tools-reports/economic-development-reports/strategic-economic-development-plan-north-carolina/2026-first-opportunity-strategic-economic-development-plan'><b>First in Opportunity</b></a>. The plan outlines four strategic goals covering infrastructure, economic competitiveness, community well-being, and workforce development. </p><p>Of the nine breakout panels that were hosted at Vision Northwest North Carolina,  we&apos;l  recap the <em>All Roads Lead to Money</em> discussion, featuring <b>Patrick Woodie</b>, President/CEO of the <a href='https://www.ncruralcenter.org/'><b>NC Rural Center</b></a>, and economic development expert <b>Dan Gerlach</b>. The conversation covered the current state of transportation funding, the added strain of Hurricane Helene&apos;s $6 billion in road damage, and what a sustainable long-term investment strategy for North Carolina&apos;s transportation system looks like.</p><p>Finally, we&apos;ll hear from <b>Meagan Coneybeer</b> of <a href='https://www.ncinnovation.org/'><b>NC Innovation</b></a> on the<b> </b><a href='https://today.appstate.edu/2026/05/15/rootsii'><b>Rootsii sweet potato processing project</b></a> — and what transportation infrastructure means for its future.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19254921-all-roads-lead-to-money-a-recap-of-the-2026-vision-northwest-north-carolina-economic-development-summit.mp3" length="33770612" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <podcast:soundbite startTime="2148.25" duration="40.5" />
    <itunes:duration>2810</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Vision Northwest North Carolina, NC Department of Commerce, First in Opportunity, NC First Commission, transportation funding, gas tax, NC General Assembly, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
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    <itunes:title>Providing a Boost to the Childcare Industry &amp; the Workforce Behind the Workforce</itunes:title>
    <title>Providing a Boost to the Childcare Industry &amp; the Workforce Behind the Workforce</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[A landmark childcare partnership arrived in the High Country last week — one designed to stabilize two different workforces at once. On Friday, May 15th, UNC Health Appalachian officially announced their participation in the North Carolina Tri-Share Child Care Program, becoming the first healthcare system in Western North Carolina to do so. On this week's Mind Your Business, we were at Friday's press conference and have the audio. You'll hear from Halee Hartley of Kid Cove, Jessica Sullins of...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>A landmark childcare partnership arrived in the High Country last week — one designed to stabilize two different workforces at once. On Friday, May 15th, <a href='https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/blog/2026/unc-health-appalachian-launches-first-of-its-kind-childcare-part/'><b>UNC Health Appalachian officially announced their participation in the North Carolina Tri-Share Child Care Program</b>,</a> becoming the first healthcare system in Western North Carolina to do so.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <em>Mind Your Business</em>, we were at Friday&apos;s press conference and have the audio. You&apos;ll hear from <b>Halee Hartley of Kid Cove, Jessica Sullins of the Hugh Chapman Early Learning Center, Nathan Nipper of UNC Health Appalachian, and Fred Hunter, Director of Program and Business Development for NC Tri-Share </b>— on what this partnership means locally and what it signals for employers across the state.</p><p>We&apos;ll also share the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/news/foundation-launches-campaign-to-provide-retention-bonus-to-childcare-workers-in-watauga-county'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation&apos;s announcement of a new fall fundraising campaign </b></a>— a direct, one-time retention bonus for every childcare worker at a licensed facility in Watauga County. The goal is $60,000 to $75,000, with distribution planned for October 2026. It&apos;s the third consecutive year the Foundation has run a targeted fall childcare campaign. To get involved, visit boonechamber.com/foundation.</p><p>Also on this week&apos;s show — a <a href='http://www.nps.gov/blri'><b>Blue Ridge Parkway update </b></a>ahead of Memorial Day weekend, covering Great American Outdoors Act construction progress and the latest on Hurricane Helene recovery repairs. Check nps.gov/blri before you head out.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A landmark childcare partnership arrived in the High Country last week — one designed to stabilize two different workforces at once. On Friday, May 15th, <a href='https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/blog/2026/unc-health-appalachian-launches-first-of-its-kind-childcare-part/'><b>UNC Health Appalachian officially announced their participation in the North Carolina Tri-Share Child Care Program</b>,</a> becoming the first healthcare system in Western North Carolina to do so.</p><p>On this week&apos;s <em>Mind Your Business</em>, we were at Friday&apos;s press conference and have the audio. You&apos;ll hear from <b>Halee Hartley of Kid Cove, Jessica Sullins of the Hugh Chapman Early Learning Center, Nathan Nipper of UNC Health Appalachian, and Fred Hunter, Director of Program and Business Development for NC Tri-Share </b>— on what this partnership means locally and what it signals for employers across the state.</p><p>We&apos;ll also share the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/news/foundation-launches-campaign-to-provide-retention-bonus-to-childcare-workers-in-watauga-county'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation&apos;s announcement of a new fall fundraising campaign </b></a>— a direct, one-time retention bonus for every childcare worker at a licensed facility in Watauga County. The goal is $60,000 to $75,000, with distribution planned for October 2026. It&apos;s the third consecutive year the Foundation has run a targeted fall childcare campaign. To get involved, visit boonechamber.com/foundation.</p><p>Also on this week&apos;s show — a <a href='http://www.nps.gov/blri'><b>Blue Ridge Parkway update </b></a>ahead of Memorial Day weekend, covering Great American Outdoors Act construction progress and the latest on Hurricane Helene recovery repairs. Check nps.gov/blri before you head out.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19214148-providing-a-boost-to-the-childcare-industry-the-workforce-behind-the-workforce.mp3" length="27708064" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19214148/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19214148/transcript.json" type="application/json" />
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    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19214148/transcript.vtt" type="text/vtt" />
    <itunes:duration>2304</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>childcare, early childhood development, NC Tri-Share, NC Partnership for Children, NC Smart Start, Kid Cove, Governor Josh Stein, retention bonus, workforce development, Mind Your Business, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Addressing the Needs of High Country Businesses Through Financial Awareness and Regional Advocacy</itunes:title>
    <title>Addressing the Needs of High Country Businesses Through Financial Awareness and Regional Advocacy</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Global pressures are testing economies at every level — and the High Country is not immune. Gas prices, a new Federal Reserve Chair, ongoing conflict abroad, and a midterm election on the horizon are all part of a picture that demands clear-eyed perspective. This week on Mind Your Business, we bring local context to all these issues as we are joined by Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Management for our quarterly economic check-in. He'll discuss what the current market conditions mean for inves...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Global pressures are testing economies at every level — and the High Country is not immune. Gas prices, a new Federal Reserve Chair, ongoing conflict abroad, and a midterm election on the horizon are all part of a picture that demands clear-eyed perspective.</p><p>This week on <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b>, we bring local context to all these issues as we are joined by<b> Jonathan Allen</b> of <a href='http://www.allenwealthmanagement.com'><b>Allen Wealth Management</b></a> for our quarterly economic check-in. He&apos;ll discuss what the current market conditions mean for investors and business owners here in the High Country, how energy prices affect our summer tourism season, and what smart financial strategy looks like at the midpoint of 2026.</p><p>We also recap the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce&apos;s participation in the annual WNC Chamber Coalition Legislative Visit to Raleigh this week. Eighty-five business and civic leaders representing 14 chambers — including 20 from the immediate High Country — spent two days meeting with state officials, agency leaders, and members of the General Assembly. <a href='https://abc11.com/post/nc-gov-josh-stein-meets-western-leaders-helene-recovery-small-business-struggles-persist/19094185/'><b>Governor Josh Stein</b> addressed the group directly</a>, and we&apos;ll share highlights from those conversations, including the latest on the state budget.</p><p>Next week, the Chamber hosts <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/events/vision-northwest-north-carolina'><b>Vision Northwest North Carolina</b></a> — our annual regional summit — on May 21st at the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. This year&apos;s focus is transportation. Registration is open at <a href='http://boonechamber.com'>boonechamber.com</a>.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Global pressures are testing economies at every level — and the High Country is not immune. Gas prices, a new Federal Reserve Chair, ongoing conflict abroad, and a midterm election on the horizon are all part of a picture that demands clear-eyed perspective.</p><p>This week on <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b>, we bring local context to all these issues as we are joined by<b> Jonathan Allen</b> of <a href='http://www.allenwealthmanagement.com'><b>Allen Wealth Management</b></a> for our quarterly economic check-in. He&apos;ll discuss what the current market conditions mean for investors and business owners here in the High Country, how energy prices affect our summer tourism season, and what smart financial strategy looks like at the midpoint of 2026.</p><p>We also recap the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce&apos;s participation in the annual WNC Chamber Coalition Legislative Visit to Raleigh this week. Eighty-five business and civic leaders representing 14 chambers — including 20 from the immediate High Country — spent two days meeting with state officials, agency leaders, and members of the General Assembly. <a href='https://abc11.com/post/nc-gov-josh-stein-meets-western-leaders-helene-recovery-small-business-struggles-persist/19094185/'><b>Governor Josh Stein</b> addressed the group directly</a>, and we&apos;ll share highlights from those conversations, including the latest on the state budget.</p><p>Next week, the Chamber hosts <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/events/vision-northwest-north-carolina'><b>Vision Northwest North Carolina</b></a> — our annual regional summit — on May 21st at the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. This year&apos;s focus is transportation. Registration is open at <a href='http://boonechamber.com'>boonechamber.com</a>.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19176316-addressing-the-needs-of-high-country-businesses-through-financial-awareness-and-regional-advocacy.mp3" length="34771817" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/19176316/transcript" type="text/html" />
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    <itunes:duration>2893</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>financial update, Fed Chair, Federal Reserve, gas prices, tourism, hospitality, tourism economy, stock market, interest rates, Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein, NC General Assembly, NC Budget, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, Mind Your Business</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
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    <itunes:title>A Community Wrap-Up Edition on Wheels!</itunes:title>
    <title>A Community Wrap-Up Edition on Wheels!</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This week, UNC Health Appalachian became the first healthcare system in Western North Carolina to launch a partnership with the North Carolina Tri-Share program — a childcare cost-sharing model that splits tuition three ways between the employer, the employee, and the state.  On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Alysia Price, Chief Human Resources Officer at UNC Health Appalachian, to discuss how the partnership works, who it serves, and what it could mean for other High Coun...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>This week,<a href='https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/'><b> UNC Health Appalachian</b></a> became the first healthcare system in Western North Carolina <a href='https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/blog/2026/unc-health-appalachian-launches-first-of-its-kind-childcare-part/'>to launch a partnership with the North Carolina Tri-Share program</a> — a childcare cost-sharing model that splits tuition three ways between the employer, the employee, and the state. </p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b>, we visit with<b> Alysia Price, Chief Human Resources Officer</b> at UNC Health Appalachian, to discuss how the partnership works, who it serves, and what it could mean for other High Country employers who are watching closely.</p><p><br/>Also on this week&apos;s show, we mark the completion of Section 1B of the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/news/blue-ridge-parkway-and-the-great-american-outdoors-act'><b>Great American Outdoors Act restoration work</b></a> on the <a href='http://www.nps.gov/blri'><b>Blue Ridge Parkway</b></a> — running from Parkway School to Bamboo Gap in Watauga County — and recap last night&apos;s public scoping meeting where Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout and agency partners met with the community to begin planning Helene-related debris removal.</p><p> <br/>We also preview the full agenda for the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/events/vision-northwest-north-carolina'>7th Annual Vision Northwest North Carolina Summit</a> on May 21st at the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. This year&apos;s theme is Driving Regional Progress, with a day of keynotes and breakout sessions focused on transportation funding, workforce access, freight and mobility, and what it takes to move people across Northwest North Carolina. Registration is open now at <a href='http://boonechamber.com'>boonechamber.com</a>.</p><p><br/><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (Friday afternoon this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This week,<a href='https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/'><b> UNC Health Appalachian</b></a> became the first healthcare system in Western North Carolina <a href='https://www.unchealthappalachian.org/blog/2026/unc-health-appalachian-launches-first-of-its-kind-childcare-part/'>to launch a partnership with the North Carolina Tri-Share program</a> — a childcare cost-sharing model that splits tuition three ways between the employer, the employee, and the state. </p><p>On this week&apos;s <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b>, we visit with<b> Alysia Price, Chief Human Resources Officer</b> at UNC Health Appalachian, to discuss how the partnership works, who it serves, and what it could mean for other High Country employers who are watching closely.</p><p><br/>Also on this week&apos;s show, we mark the completion of Section 1B of the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/news/blue-ridge-parkway-and-the-great-american-outdoors-act'><b>Great American Outdoors Act restoration work</b></a> on the <a href='http://www.nps.gov/blri'><b>Blue Ridge Parkway</b></a> — running from Parkway School to Bamboo Gap in Watauga County — and recap last night&apos;s public scoping meeting where Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout and agency partners met with the community to begin planning Helene-related debris removal.</p><p> <br/>We also preview the full agenda for the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/events/vision-northwest-north-carolina'>7th Annual Vision Northwest North Carolina Summit</a> on May 21st at the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. This year&apos;s theme is Driving Regional Progress, with a day of keynotes and breakout sessions focused on transportation funding, workforce access, freight and mobility, and what it takes to move people across Northwest North Carolina. Registration is open now at <a href='http://boonechamber.com'>boonechamber.com</a>.</p><p><br/><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (Friday afternoon this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/458470/episodes/19146911-a-community-wrap-up-edition-on-wheels.mp3" length="26257557" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>2184</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>North Carolina Tri-Share, childcare, Kid Cove, UNC Health Appalachian, State of North Carolina, employee benefits, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great American Outdoors Act, debris removal, Vision Northwest North Carolina, NC Department of Transportation, Mind Your</itunes:keywords>
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    <itunes:title>Golf &amp; Business - Closing the Deal at the Fairway Fore Foundation Golf Classic</itunes:title>
    <title>Golf &amp; Business - Closing the Deal at the Fairway Fore Foundation Golf Classic</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[This week marks the 3rd annual Fairway Fore Foundation Golf Classic at Jefferson Landing. This annual fundraising tournament fuels the work of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, providing support for economic development projects and investments in childcare, housing, workforce development, infrastructure, and organizational support. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is not the only organization that does business on the golf course. In fact, 30% of small business owners say they...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>This week marks the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/events/3rd-annual-fairway-fore-foundation-golf-classic'><b>3rd annual Fairway Fore Foundation Golf Classic</b></a> at <a href='https://visitjeffersonlanding.com/'><b>Jefferson Landing</b></a>. This annual fundraising tournament fuels the work of the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/foundation'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation</b></a>, providing support for economic development projects and investments in childcare, housing, workforce development, infrastructure, and organizational support.</p><p>The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is not the only organization that does business on the golf course. In fact, 30% of small business owners say they have initiated or closed business on a golf course. This week on <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we are on location for this year&apos;s tournament, highlighting the ways golf and business lead to the relationship equity that can move a deal or project across the finishline.</p><p>Speaking of business, we have updates on two key project areas -- broadband infrastructure and local convention space. <b>Edward Hinson</b> of <a href='http://www.skybest.com'>SkyLine/SkyBest</a> takes time away from the range to discuss the company&apos;s continued Helene recovery efforts along with information about the future of broadband usage in the High Country. </p><p>Then, we visit with the owner of the <a href='https://www.choicehotels.com/en-in/north-carolina/boone/ascend-hotels/nc507'><b>Graystone Lodge</b></a>, <b>Justin Patel</b>. In addition to serving alongside <a href='http://www.carolinawest.com'><b>Carolina West Wireless</b></a> as our tournament co-sponsor, Justin&apos;s team has been working on a <a href='https://www.wataugademocrat.com/main_street/boone-council-hears-plans-for-hotel-conference-center-on-hwy-105/article_89612893-2b79-4884-a37f-04a2a7eaef67.html'>project that could add valuable meeting and convention space inside the Town of Boone</a>. We&apos;ll get the latest details on that project, as well as an early look at the performance of the 2026 tourism season.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><br/></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This week marks the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/events/3rd-annual-fairway-fore-foundation-golf-classic'><b>3rd annual Fairway Fore Foundation Golf Classic</b></a> at <a href='https://visitjeffersonlanding.com/'><b>Jefferson Landing</b></a>. This annual fundraising tournament fuels the work of the <a href='https://www.boonechamber.com/foundation'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation</b></a>, providing support for economic development projects and investments in childcare, housing, workforce development, infrastructure, and organizational support.</p><p>The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is not the only organization that does business on the golf course. In fact, 30% of small business owners say they have initiated or closed business on a golf course. This week on <b><em>Mind Your Business</em></b><em>, </em>we are on location for this year&apos;s tournament, highlighting the ways golf and business lead to the relationship equity that can move a deal or project across the finishline.</p><p>Speaking of business, we have updates on two key project areas -- broadband infrastructure and local convention space. <b>Edward Hinson</b> of <a href='http://www.skybest.com'>SkyLine/SkyBest</a> takes time away from the range to discuss the company&apos;s continued Helene recovery efforts along with information about the future of broadband usage in the High Country. </p><p>Then, we visit with the owner of the <a href='https://www.choicehotels.com/en-in/north-carolina/boone/ascend-hotels/nc507'><b>Graystone Lodge</b></a>, <b>Justin Patel</b>. In addition to serving alongside <a href='http://www.carolinawest.com'><b>Carolina West Wireless</b></a> as our tournament co-sponsor, Justin&apos;s team has been working on a <a href='https://www.wataugademocrat.com/main_street/boone-council-hears-plans-for-hotel-conference-center-on-hwy-105/article_89612893-2b79-4884-a37f-04a2a7eaef67.html'>project that could add valuable meeting and convention space inside the Town of Boone</a>. We&apos;ll get the latest details on that project, as well as an early look at the performance of the 2026 tourism season.</p><p><em>Mind Your Business </em>is written and produced weekly by the<b> </b><a href='http://www.boonechamber.com/'><b>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce</b>.</a> This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of <a href='http://www.appalachiancre.com/'><b>Appalachian Commercial Real Estate</b>.</a></p><p><em>Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM &amp; 96.5FM) in Boone.</em></p><p><br/></p><p><a rel="payment" href="https://www.boonechamber.com/membership-information">Support the show</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>David Jackson</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-19103882</guid>
    <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>2280</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, golf, golf fundraising, business of golf, Fortune 500, business deals, business relationships, physical activity, Jefferson Landing Club, rural broadband, convention center, Town of Boone, community foundation, M</itunes:keywords>
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