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

Sharon Decker and Dr. Scott Elliott will share an update from the Governor's Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), including a look at the new Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan released in late September. Built with input from 28 counties, chambers of commerce, and economic development partners across the region, the plan lays out long-term priorities for recovering from the economic impacts of Hurricane Helene, from workforce and infrastructure to housing, tourism, and agriculture. The conversation will focus on recovery recovery trends and what this long-term economic recovery strategy means for businesses and communities throughout the region.

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.