State of the Community

As we move into the last few months of 2026, 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 2027 during the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce State of the Community luncheon on Tuesday, October 6, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at The Beacon Butcher Bar.

Doors open at 11:00 AM 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 UNC Health Appalachian with additional support from Destination by Design, First Horizon Bank, Spangler Restoration, and the Walker College of Business.

EVENT PROGRAM

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Sponsor Remarks & The State of Healthcare in the High Country

Among the most important aspects of the quality of life we enjoy in the High Country centers around access to quality healthcare. Nathan Nipper, President/CEO of UNC Health Appalachian, will follow brief sponsor remarks with an examination of The State of Healthcare in the High Country.

Nathan will highlight current workforce trends, practice growth and its impact on specialized care, and the financial forces that drive the actions of the region's leading healthcare provider.

What's Next for Western North Carolina

Dr. Scott Elliott will share an update from the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), with a focus on the key long-range strategies that will guide the region's recovery from the economic impacts of Hurricane Helene. Conversation will cover where recovery stands heading into 2027, while highlighting the priorities that will drive long-term planning for businesses and communities in our area.

Dr. Elliott serves as GROW NC's Deputy Director for Engagement, a role that connects communities across the region to storm recovery programs and resources, while providing direct communication to State agencies and lawmakers. A former Chair of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Dr. Elliott served nine years as Superintendent of Watauga County Schools.

State of the Chamber

David Jackson and Joe Furman will lead a conversation highlighting workforce and economic development throughout the region, and preview what’s on the horizon for 2027 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 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 Chief of Staff/Vice President of Events, Carrie Henderson, at carrie@boonechamber.com.