10th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon

Tickets for the 10th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon are now available!

The High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 10:30 AM-1:00 PM in the Grandview Ballroom, located at Appalachian State's North End Zone Facility.

The Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce and the Watauga Economic Development Commission proudly serve as co-hosts of this event.

Highstreet Insurance & Financial Partners returns as the title sponsor of this year's event. With additional sponsorship from Appalachian State University, Allen Wealth Management, and Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

This event brings together business and community leaders for a forward-looking start to the year. The event includes the presentation of the Watauga County Business of the Year Awards, a meaningful panel discussion, Workforce R&R: Recruitment and Retention, featuring insights from five local leaders, and the highly anticipated annual economic forecast from Dr. Harry Davis. 

Doors open at 10:30 AM for an opportunity to network with over 300 event attendees from across the High Country. A buffet-style lunch will be served beginning at 11:00 AM, prior to the start of the presentation.

PRESENTERS

Dr. Harry Davis, NC Bankers' Association Professor

Keynote presenter, Dr. Harry Davis, will deliver his 2025 High Country Economic Forecast. A regionally renowned economist and banking industry legend, he serves as both Dean and Instructor for the North Carolina School of Banking. 

Dr. Davis has served as a professor in the department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State's Walker College of Business since 1981. He is active in the consulting field and has presented seminars to business groups nationwide. Dr. Davis crafts feasibility plans, business plans, and valuations for both financial and non-financial corporations. He has served as a consultant for numerous start-up banks in North Carolina and is presently on the Board of Directors of LifeStore Bank in West Jefferson.

In celebration of his decorated career and industry influence, in September 2024, Dr. Davis was honored by the North Carolina Bankers Association with induction into its Hall of Fame.

Dr. Davis is the past Chairman of the Board of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and continues to serve as a board member. He also serves on the advisory board for the Western Youth Network.

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

Panel Moderators:

• David Jackson, President/CEO, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce
• Robin Miller, President/CEO, Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

During the presentation, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will reveal the recipients for the 2025 Watauga County Business of the Year Awards, presented by Carolina Mountain Title. Business of the Year winners will be recognized in three categories: Large Business, Small Business, and Start-Up Business. 

NOMINATE HERE

When: Thursday, January 15, 2026, 10:30 am-1:00 pm

Where: Grandview Ballroom, 135 Jack Branch Drive, Boone, NC

Tickets: $45/Individual

Corporate Table: $375 - This purchase includes 8 tickets for use by your business, logo recognition on special signage at the venue, and acknowledgment from the podium. Corporate tables are limited.

If you have questions, contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-264-2225 or email the Chamber’s VP of Events/Chief of Staff, Carrie Henderson, at carrie@boonechamber.com.