State of the Community
As we move into the last few months of 2025, the High Country has no shortage of important conversations that are driving our economic development landscape. We invite you to join us to hear directly from those involved in key projects and get a sense of what's to come for our area in 2026 during the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce State of the Community luncheon on Wednesday, October 8, from 11:00AM to 1:00PM at The Beacon Butcher Bar.
Doors open at 11:00AM for an excellent opportunity to network with event attendees from across the High Country. A buffet-style lunch will be served prior to the presentation.
State of the Community is presented by Mercy Urgent Care, with additional support from Spangler Restoration, Stacie Pineda Real Estate Group, and the Walker College of Business.
EVENT PROGRAM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
What's Next with Boone Next?
Hear from Town of Boone staff about the recently adopted Boone Next comprehensive development plan, and how future projects can match the goal of this strategic initiative.
In the summer of 2025, the Boone Town Council adopted Boone Next, which serves as a comprehensive development plan that will shape our community for years come. Town of Boone Director of Planning and Inspections Jane Shook and Deputy Director Brandon Wise will provide an update on implementation of the plan, what goals have been identified as current priorities, and how investors and developers can learn more about how Boone Next will be used to inform future adjustments to the Town's Unified Development Ordinance.
State of Workforce Development
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute was recently awarded grant funding to launch RISE Caldwell-Watauga, a program designed to link employers to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in the areas of skilled trades, healthcare, and hospitality management.
Dr. Mark Poarch, President of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute will introduce key staff and share more specific details about state-wide priorities around workforce development programs how these apprenticeships can benefit local businesses and their quest to create jobs with specific skillsets.
State of the Chamber
David Jackson and Joe Furman will lead a conversation highlighting recovery efforts tied to Helene, priority projects, and what’s on the horizon for 2025 from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watauga Economic Development Commission.
David will share updates on the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its ongoing role in advancing local economic recovery and resilience.
Joe will focus on major economic development issues including housing, childcare, and workforce, while outlining recent progress and next steps in each area.
The program will also touch on broader community and economic initiatives, giving attendees a clear view of current momentum and what’s to come for our region.
Q&A with Presenters and Closing Remarks
For questions, contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-264-2225 or email the Chamber’s Director of Events, Carrie Henderson at carrie@boonechamber.com.
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