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Building Business for a Strong Community

Tuesday, April 9th, 2024

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News and Information

Congratulations ATHENA Nominees

Jennifer Balkcom's journey in the banking industry began in 2003, leading her to become a Vice President at Mountain1st Bank through her pursuit of excellence and continuous learning. Her leadership transformed small-town banks into regional giants, showcasing her visionary approach and business acumen. Beyond her career, Jennifer's deep-rooted commitment to community service shines through her involvement in numerous organizations supporting autism, education, healthcare, and women's empowerment. Jennifer's advocacy for the Fairness in Women's Sports Act in North Carolina reflects her dedication to ensuring equality and opportunity for all. Her active engagement in women's clubs and organizations empowers female leadership and fosters community upliftment. Jennifer's remarkable achievements, including awards like the Extraordinary Legislative Service Award and the NC Value Coalition Legislator of the Year, highlight her commitment to public service, job creation, and community development. Her story is an inspiration, embodying the ATHENA Leadership tenet of Advocating Fiercely by championing causes that promote fairness, empowerment, and community well-being. 

Michelle Cervantez has devoted over twenty years to working with children, specializing in teaching English to kids from diverse backgrounds. Her passion for helping children in need started during her teenage years and intensified as she traveled the world, witnessing the struggles of orphaned and abandoned kids. This led her to establish the Angel K Love Project and the Hendo Care Farm in Hendersonville, focusing on holistic programs and therapies for children in need. Michelle demonstrates the ATHENA Leadership tenet of Giving Back through her dedication to providing love, support, and opportunities to vulnerable children. Her commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and creating a safe space for all reflects her strong leadership qualities. Michelle's innovative approach to holistic healing, including horticultural therapy, yoga, and animal interactions, showcases her ability to empower and uplift children's well-being. Her tireless efforts in bridging holistic methods for mental health and wellness highlight her exemplary leadership in caring for the most vulnerable members of our communities.

Stay tuned each week as we introduce you to each of our 10 nominees during our count down to the Business & Professional Women's Luncheon, Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024.

 

Our Luncheon is Presented by UNC Health Pardee, Hunter Automotive, Optimum and Stuller Power Solutions will be held at Blue Ridge Community College, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Register Here

Celebrating Small Business Excellence: Highlights of the 2024 Chamber of Commerce Small Business Week

04.09.24


The 2024 Small Business Week kicks off on Monday, April 29, 2024, and runs through May 4th. Small businesses play a pivotal role in our economy, driving job creation and local investments year after year. It's vital to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our entrepreneurs and small business owners to our community and economy.


The Chamber's week-long festivities commence with the prestigious Blue Ridge Business Growth Awards, honoring businesses that have achieved remarkable revenue and employment growth over the past three years. The application process is straightforward and accessible from the links below.


Additionally, the Small Business Committee acknowledges "Rising Stars"—businesses demonstrating exceptional early success within their first three years. Nominate yourself or a deserving business today!


The Blue Ridge Growth Awards are generously sponsored by TD Bank, WNC Business Magazine, and The Salty Landing. The recognition ceremony will commence at 5:30 PM on Monday, April 29th, at Southern Appalachian Brewery, with support from Big Frog Custom Tees.


Another highlight of Small Business Week is the Entrepreneurs Breakfast, featuring local business owners sharing insights and experiences. This year's theme, "The Family Business," will showcase speakers from notable family-owned operations like Jeter Mountain Farms and Hunter Automotive.


The Entrepreneurs Breakfast will be held at Highland Lake Inn's Grand Ole Hall on Thursday, May 2nd. Doors open at 7:30 AM, and the program begins at 8:00 AM. This event is sponsored by Park National Bank, Carolina Specialties, and Stuller Power Solutions, with support from Guardian Properties. Tickets are $25 per person or $250 for a table of 8 (with preferred seating).


The “early bird” event of Small Business Week is the Professional & Business Women's Luncheon on Tuesday, April 23rd, at Blue Ridge Community College's Conference Hall. The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Molly Grantham—Anchor, Author, Speaker, and Mom—and the presentation of the prestigious Athena Award.


Small Business Week is made possible by the generous support of First Citizens Bank, Horizon Heat & Air, Optimum, and The Times News.


For more information about these events, please contact the Chamber at 692-1413.


If you're passionate about supporting local businesses, remember to Shop & Dine Henderson County and consider joining the Chamber's Small Business Committee, which actively organizes programs to nurture small business growth and success.

Blue Ridge Growth Application
Rising Star Application
Events

DR Horton: Tap Root Farms

Tuesday, April 16th

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM


674 Butler Bridge Rd,

Fletcher

Register Here

Business Morning Update

Wednesday, April 10th

7:45 AM - 9:00 AM


Elks Lodge

546 N Justice St,

Hendersonville

Register Here

Young Professionals Monthly Social

Wednesday, April 10th

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM


Dry Falls Brewing Co

425 Kanuga Rd,

Hendersonville

Register Here

AM Power Hour

Friday, April 12th

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM


The Buzz

225 S Grove St,

Hendersonville

Register Here

Seminar Series: Second Chance Workforce

Friday, April 19th

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM


The Chamber

204 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville

Register Here
View All Upcoming Events

Thank You to March All-in-for-Hendo Contributors!

Blue Ridge Metals Corporation

Dynamic Image Marketing Systems

Eagle Self Storage

First Bank

First Citizens Bank

McMillan Pazdan Smith

Park National Bank

Member News

Blue Ridge Community College Enrollment Made Simpler: Workforce Continuing Education Programs

Capstone Lifestyles, Inc Anniversary Party

Carolina Living Choices Spring 2024

Chamber to Host Blue Ridge Growth and Rising Star Awards Reception

Champion Credit Union Construction Ceremony

FIND Outdoors Cradle of Forestry Opening Day

Flat Rock Playhouse News and Updates

HCPSNC - Glen C Marlow's STEM Career EXPO, April 25th

Hendersonville Honeycrisps - Host a Player

Hendersonville Theatre - Timeless Classic on Golden Pond Returns

iDaph Event Tree Tops Race Registration Open

Mountain Credit Union Tee It Up For Diabetes

Open Arms Pregnancy Center of Henderson County to Host Run for Life Memorial Day 5K

Small Business Center at Blue Ridge Community College Offers Free Training & Courses to Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

St. Gerard House First Words of Hope Luncheon Raises Funds Autism Treatment in WNC

TDA Weekly Happenings 04.08.24

Vision Henderson County 2024-2025 Registration Open

WCU College of Business, CEI and SBTDC Host Half Day Community Learning Event

Veterans Healing Farm Ukrainian Delegation to Visit


Have something to include in Member News? Please send information on upcoming events, announcements, and other news your business would like to share with fellow members to: chamber@hendersoncountychamber.org

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Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
204 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 27839
828.692.1413