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 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.

We also recap the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce'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. Governor Josh Stein addressed the group directly, and we'll share highlights from those conversations, including the latest on the state budget.

Next week, the Chamber hosts Vision Northwest North Carolina — our annual regional summit — on May 21st at the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. This year's focus is transportation. Registration is open at boonechamber.com.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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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 Country employers who are watching closely.

Also on this week's show, we mark the completion of Section 1B of the Great American Outdoors Act restoration work on the Blue Ridge Parkway — running from Parkway School to Bamboo Gap in Watauga County — and recap last night'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.

 
We also preview the full agenda for the 7th Annual Vision Northwest North Carolina Summit on May 21st at the Watauga Campus of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. This year'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 boonechamber.com.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (Friday afternoon this week) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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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 Mind Your Business, we are on location for this year's tournament, highlighting the ways golf and business lead to the relationship equity that can move a deal or project across the finishline.

Speaking of business, we have updates on two key project areas -- broadband infrastructure and local convention space. Edward Hinson of SkyLine/SkyBest takes time away from the range to discuss the company's continued Helene recovery efforts along with information about the future of broadband usage in the High Country. 

Then, we visit with the owner of the Graystone Lodge, Justin Patel. In addition to serving alongside Carolina West Wireless as our tournament co-sponsor, Justin's team has been working on a project that could add valuable meeting and convention space inside the Town of Boone. We'll get the latest details on that project, as well as an early look at the performance of the 2026 tourism season.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we recap the event and dig into the 2026 Watauga County Attainment Profile from MyFutureNC, which tracks where our community stands on postsecondary credential attainment against the state's 2030 goals. Dr. Kim Case, Regional Impact Manager for myFutureNC's Northwest Region, joins us to connect the data to real career pathways for students across the High Country. 

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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This five-week series brings world renowned artists across multiple genres to Boone and the High Country at a highly popular time for summer tourism engagement, which provides a predictable and impactful annual economic benefit to the region.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Allison West, Director of Marketing for App State's Office of Arts Engagement and Cultural Resources. She will preview the full schedule of this year's festival and tell you which events feature the fastest-selling tickets! We'll also discuss the economic benefits of An Appalachian Summer, and how this annual showcase has provided unique opportunities for the development of local artists. 

Speaking of economic impact, the taxes created by events like our summer festivals (occupancy tax, sales tax) provide impactful dollars to be spent on services in our local community. As the North Carolina General Assembly resumes its work this month in Raleigh, there are several legislative discussions around tax law that could have direct implications for communities across the State. The Chamber's Advocacy Task Force continues to monitor these conversations, and we'll bring you the latest details.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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Business succession does not always go so smoothly, and sometimes a lack of planning can force the hand of a business owner in a way that has a negative impact on employees, customers, and the surrounding community.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear directly from Lenny Cottom about the sale of Hawksnest, what drove the family's decision, and what comes next for one of the High Country's longest running outdoor attractions. 

We then tackle the concept of business succession as we visit with Chris Grasinger and John Wilantowicz of Mountain BizWorks. We discuss how developing a plan around the sale of a business can help maximize the value of the return, and ensure employees and customers can continue to count on the goods and services provided. We'll also talk about the growing benefits of buying an established business versus starting a small business from scratch, and how that can factor positively into future financing, community positioning, and other similar considerations.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon (except this week -- tune in Friday, April 10th) at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we'll talk to Dr. Leslie Alexander, Superintendent of Watauga County Schools, about how this process took place, and what could become of the site once repairs and other work is completed.

Consistent advocacy is how projects like this occur, and finding alignment on relevant priorities is an essential step in magnifying a community's collective voice. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has recently released its 2026 Legislative Priorities, which ground our work across many areas of community need. We'll outline these priorities and offer more details on our upcoming Vision Northwest North Carolina Summit.

Last week Governor Josh Stein announced the framework for his third Hurricane Helene relief bill. We'll breakdown some of the key highlights of his spending plan as it makes its way toward the NC General Assembly for discussion later this month.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear from each of the 16 finalists, including reaction from each of the category winners as their names were called.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Leesa Brandon, External Affairs Specialist for the National Park Service. She will provide the latest project details, anticipated timelines, detour information, and plenty more. We encourage you to bookmark www.nps.gov/blri for the latest information on closures, detours, and timing on potential shifts in foucs within the repair areas. 

Also on this week's show, we begin our recap of the 10th annual 4 Under 40 Awards, which was held March 18th at the Appalachian Theatre. We'll unveil this year's Respect Your Elder Award winner, a long-time resident who is a motivator and business visionary.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

This week we continue our 12-part series: Built in the High Country. This monthly feature will take us physically inside some of the most unique and successful businesses in Watauga County, as we examine what got them started and why they chose the High Country as the home for their business.

This week on Mind Your Business, we visit Jackson Sumner & Associates. Established in Boone in 1981, JSA has grown to become one of the top Excess & Specialty Lines Brokers in the eastern United States. CEO Danielle Wade explains the company's origin story, and how Boone's location plays in to their workforce recruitment and retention strategy. We'll also hear about JSA's place as an industry leader, and how they've earned that recognition while being located in rural North Carolina.

We'll also bring you the latest on Blue Ridge Parkway construction tied to the Great American Outdoors Act, including updates on detours planned for Watauga County in the near future.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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This week on Mind Your Business, we show how these partners work to provide insight and expertise for budding business owners -- through the lens of the food truck community.

Road Ready: Food Truck Fundamentals is an upcoming workshop for those seeking to grow or sustain a food truck business. This two-day experience will be held March 25-26 and is organized through the Small Business Center at Caldwell Community College at Technical Institute, in conjunction with AppHealthCare,  Empowering Mountain Food Systems, and the Watauga County Cooperative Extension. 

While this conversation may highlight the process of staring a food truck, much of our discussion with facilitator, Dani Black, owner of Bigger Tables Culinary & Service Consulting, centers on the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, with some helpful tips for those considering the creation of a business in any industry.

You'll also hear details about our entrepreneurship local support network, and how partners like the Small Business Center, App State's Center for Entrepreneurship, Mountain BizWorks, the SBTDC, and your local Chamber of Commerce can support the process of turning dreams into business realities!

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

On this week's show, we visit with two of our past 4 Under 40 Award honorees. 

Joseph Miller was recognized in 2019 for his work as a owner of Cobo Sushi Bistro & Bar and Black Cat Burrito, and now nearly seven years later, this restauranter is one of the lead influencers of the Downtown Boone business community. We'll hear how this local product used examples from his business-minded parents, combined with his own unique experiences off the mountain, to create two signature brands within the Boone restaurant scene -- and what it takes to make these businesses work.

Chelsea Helms is a Project Manager for STITCH Design Shop, and was our Rising Star honoree in 2025. She's used her Boonerang experience to establish community roots and fuel growth opportunities within her industry. Today, Chelsea and the team at STITCH are involved in some lasting, community focused projects, and the skills she learned in Boone are helping her shape the next version of this special place.

We will also unveil the 2026 class of 4 Under 40 Award Finalists.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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So how does North Carolina stay on top of the charts? What are the key issues that will drive the State's success in 2026? How do the State budget and the upcoming elections impact economic opportunity? This week on Mind Your Business, we pose these questions and more to Ben Kinney, Publisher of Business NC. For 45 years, North Carolina's magazine of record has kept readers informed about key trends, breaking economic development news, and how what happens in the Triad, or Raleigh, or Charlotte, could impact us in the High Country.

It just so happens Business NC also has a podcast! While Ben Kinney appears on this week's Mind Your Business, David Jackson visits as a guest on this week's Chatter with BNC. Subscribe to both programs wherever you get your podcasts.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we take a look back at 10-years of The Cardinal, as popular for their cheeseburgers and Bisbee rolls as they are for creating community for their customers and staff. Co-owner Seth Sullivan tells us the origin story the restaurant we know today, how much of the initial vision is still prevalent 10-years later, and how they have managed to manage the ebbs and flows of business management over a tricky decade. This conversation is part inspirational, part motivational, and an examination of the traits that make small businesses stick in the High Country.

Also on this week's show, we share a few long term Helene Recovery updates, including news about new leadership for the Watauga Long Term Recovery Group.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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Education is Everyone's Business is an upcoming community conversation and workshop that will highlight the K-12 public school system's role in workforce development, while also highlighting funding challenges that are making it harder to maintain education related to regional workforce needs. This workshop is scheduled for February 17th, from 11AM-4PM at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Registration is available at this link and is free of charge for those that would like to participate in this important dialogue.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Jennifer Rifkin, Senior Coordinator for Policy & Research for the Public School Forum of North Carolina. She provides a snapshot on where North Carolina ranks among surrounding states in funding for public schools, how funding discrepancies impact rural communities, and what role the business community can play in terms of advocacy to help retain and grow key workforce and community development pipelines.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we discuss why Dalton George sought this new leadership perspective. We also discuss his vision for the town moving into 2026, how the Boone Next Comprehensive plan is helping guide key decisions, and how relationship equity with other regional partners can benefit the Town of Boone as we move into the future. Mayor George also will provide updates to key projects like Howard Street revitalization, downtown parking, stormwater management, and plenty more.

Later in the show, we give you the details on the nomination process for the 10th annual 4 Under 40 awards and we'll have the latest on the fundraising efforts to support the staff of Bistro Roca and Antlers Bar after fire destroyed the business last Sunday.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we revisit some of the key discussions from the event, including a one-on-one interview with Dr. Harry Davis, Economist for the NC Bankers Association and longtime App State professor. Other highlights include:

Workforce R&R: Recruitment and Retention Panel
Finding and keeping skilled workers across all industries is a top challenge for Watauga County businesses—and this panel tackles it head-on. Hear from local leaders representing five key local business sectors as they share recruitment realities, retention solutions, and family-focused approaches to policies that are helping keep these businesses in tune with the talent they need to thrive.

Panelists:

• Emily Brinker, Co-Owner, The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop
• Alysia Price, Chief Human Resource Officer, UNC Health Appalachian
• Caren Rodriguez, Chief Marketing Officer, DMJPS PLLC

Keynote Presentation:

Mark Vitner, Economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

As we roll into 2026, we are excited to launch a new 12-part series: Built in the High Country. This monthly feature will take us physically inside some of the most unique and successful businesses in Watauga County, as we examine what got them started and why they chose the High Country as the home for their business.

This week on Mind Your Business, we visit Baker Forge & Tool, the 2023 Watauga County Small Business of the Year. Since in 2019, this niche business has moved from a car port to a 10,000 square foot facility in Watauga County, while becoming an influential player in the knife making industry. We'll tour the shop, talk steel forging, and learn about the influences that helped this business scale in such a short period of time.

We'll also talk recruitment and retention strategies on this episode, as we take a deep dive into Family Forward NC.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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Our first episode of the new year examines the recent spike in activity in commercial development, particularly in the housing market. Recent large-scale projects have made headlines due to scope, location, and their potential impact on the local housing market.

As these developments make their way through various stages of approval, we get some context and details about the development process from James Milner, President of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. He gives detail on ordinance requirements, process differences between municipalities, how communities address items like traffic control during the planning process, and how recent housing projects will impact the High Country's continued need for housing solutions.

We are also excited to unveil our 2025 Watauga County Businesses of the Year. This year's honorees will be recognized at the 10th annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon on January 15, 2026.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's episode, we take a closer look at the RISE Caldwell Watauga program, and how its connecting local employers with apprenticeships designed to enhance work-based learning for high school students interested in careers in the trades, manufacturing, health care, and hospitality sectors. Executive Director Tara Brossa will explain how employers can become hosts for apprentices and how students and parents can learn more about the program.

Then, we turn our focus to the INSPIRE grant, a grant available for Helene impacted businesses that have been struggled to get reimbursement from their insurance provider. We’ll walk through who’s eligible, what the application process entails, and what steps business owners should take to access the program.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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As a small business, how do you stay up-to-date on the technology needs within your workplace, and how are those processes and programs accessed on a day when Old Man Winter decides we aren't going anywhere!

On this amazingly topical episode of Mind Your Business, we visit with Nate Solberg and David Garner of Nordic IT Solutions and discuss technology strategies for local small businesses. We'll talk about practical IT strategies for High Country Businesses, when is the right time for small businesses to consider managed IT solutions, how a partner can take some of the tech strain off your staff, especially if this is not an area of expertise for anyone within your company. All of these answers have a local solution, ensuring your business is cared for by people that understand our area and connectivity and compatibility needs -- especially when it snows like it did Monday!

We will also roll out of final grouping of Holiday Shop Local businesses for this season, featuring Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, High Country 365 Dining Pass, and River Birch Nordic Sauna.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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We sit down with Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Management to break down the financial to-dos local businesses and individuals should check off before the calendar turns, and we look at some of the driving economic forces of the past year along with those poised to shape 2026 in our region. 

We’ll also spotlight our next trio of Holiday Shop Local businesses—each offering great ideas for those seeking holiday experiences—and we'll share details about the grand opening of Mercy Urgent Care, now serving Boone and beyond from their location in the Watauga Village Shopping Center. 

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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We take you inside the Inn at Crestwood for the 2025 Watauga Women in Leadership Evergreen Voices Gala. 

This year's conversation centers on work ethic and hustle, the drive that pushes us to do hard things, stay committed through challenges, and find purpose in the process. Our featured guests: 

• Pressley Laton, Local Singer/Songwriter
• Kim Pryor, Local educator, Head Coach of Watauga High School Volleyball
• Brittney Whiteside, Chief Strategy Officer, App State Athletics

This panel represents a dynamic mix of experiences, from athletics and education to music and mentorship. Each will share how lessons learned early in life, on the court, in the classroom, or on stage, laid the foundation for their leadership today.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

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We'll learn more about the recent expansion announcement made by GE Aerospace for its Ashe County campus, and what this economic development win means for the Northwest region. We'll also recap the Evergreen Voices Gala that inspired our Watauga Women in Leadership attendees last week, and we'll hear about a trio of family-owned local businesses who have our next Holiday Shop Local bundle. A perfect blend of gratitude, growth, and community connections. 

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Due to Thanksgiving Week, you can catch this week's show on Wednesday, November 26th at 1PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we connect with Charlie Mercer and Ryan Anderson of Capstone Event Group, the visionaries behind this new event. They share how the race got its start, the lessons they’ve learned from successful events in other communities, and what that experience could mean for Boone. From inspiring participation to creating economic opportunities, Charlie and Ryan discuss how local organizations can get involved and benefit, and how the race strengthens connections across the High Country. 

We also are excited to share details about our first trio of participating businesses in our Holiday Shop Local campaign. This week we feature King Street Flowers, BRIGHT Eyes, and Go Postal in Boone.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we dive into what smart employers are offering now and how employees can make the most of every benefit available. We'll visit with Lisa Finaldi of Family Forward NC, who'll discuss popular benefits beyond just health insurance. 

Speaking of health insurance, we'll also hear from Susan Richards from Blue Cross Blue Shield NC with more specifics on Carolina HealthWorks.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we examine Carolina HealthWorks, a new program offered in partnership between the North Carolina Chamber and its Federation members and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. We'll speak with representatives of the NC Chamber about how this program was designed to save on health insurance costs for businesses that have 2 to 50 employees.

We'll also listen back to some of our favorite responses from Passing the Torch: A Dialogue on Leadership Transitions, hosted by the Watauga Leadership Institute at the Appalachian Theatre on November 3, 2025.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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Dr. Leslie Alexander, Superintendent, Watauga County Schools

Dr. Heather Norris, Chancellor, Appalachian State University

David Ray, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Conservancy

Katie Woodle, President/CEO, Blue Ridge Energy

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On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Eric Brinker of The Speckled Trout to get insight on October traffic for one of the area's multi-faceted brands. 

As guests and locals have traversed Downtown Boone this month, they have noted one side of the Howard Street Revitalization Project is beginning to take shape. We'll get the latest on construction progress and timelines from Lane Moody, Director of the Downtown Boone Development Association. 

We are also busy preparing for Monday night's Passing the Torch: A Dialogue on Leadership Transitions panel discussion. We'll talk with Dr. Jim Street, founder of Ridgeline Leadership and co-moderator of Monday's panel about opportunities during transition. We'll also get information on other program offerings under the Watauga Leadership Institute umbrella.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to Blue Ridge Conservancy for providing historical context to this story. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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The Watauga Land Trust was formed in 1995, established by Appalachian State University students concerned with protecting Howard Knob, a mountain adjacent to the Town of Boone. 

The new organization raised local awareness about the unprecedented pace of development not just around Boone, but across North Carolina’s northwestern mountains. These concerns galvanized the local community and in 1997 the Watauga Land Trust changed its name to High Country Conservancy and expanded its jurisdiction to include Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. The organization’s mission was “to protect the natural resources of Appalachia by conserving land with significant ecological, cultural, recreational, or scenic value in the North Carolina High Country.”

In May of 2010, Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust based in West Jefferson, North Carolina and High Country Conservancy, based in Boone merged to create Blue Ridge Conservancy, a private, non-profit organization that has protected over 22,000 acres in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties.

In early October 2025, Blue Ridge Conservancy announced after 30 years of effort, it has secured the opportunity to purchase 73 acres on the north and east side of Howard Knob. This property adjoins the existing 5-acre park owned by Watauga County, and will protect the land forever and provide public access for nature-based recreation, including hiking and rock climbing. 

On this week's Mind Your Business, we speak with Eric Hiegl, BRC's Senior Director of Land Protection and Conservation Planning. We'll hear about how the organization's persistence saw them achieve their founding objective. We'll also discuss BRC's plans to enhance public access to this property in a manner that enhances outdoor recreation opportunities in storied area of Watauga County.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to Blue Ridge Conservancy for providing historical context to this story. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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