10th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff
Chancellor Norris receiving the 2025 Large Business of the Year award on behalf of Appalachian State University. Photo by Martha McGougan.
An audience of over 300 Watauga County business leaders attended the 10th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon on Thursday, January 15, at App State's Grandview Ballroom.
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, Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, Collette Woodruff P.C., DMJPS, and First National Bank.
2025 Watauga County Business of the Year
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Appalachian State University
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High Country Radio
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King Street Flowers & Gifts
Workforce R&R: Recruitment and Retention Panel
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Emily Brinker, The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop
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Alysia Price, UNC Health Appalachian
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Caren Rodriguez, DMJPS PLLC
Finding and keeping skilled workers across all industries is a top challenge for Watauga County businesses, and this panel tackled it head-on. These local leaders, representing hospitality, healthcare, and professional services, shared the realities of recruitment and strategies for retention. They also highlighted family-focused policies that help their businesses attract and keep the talent they need to thrive.
"Retention looks really different when you are talking about college kids," said Emily Brinker with the Speckled Trout. "People are in school to learn something to go on and do something else. We look at what we do as a stepping stone and equipt our staff with things they can use in their career when they go forward."
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce also announced it has been named a Family Forward NC ® Certified Employer, joining four Watauga County businesses: AppHealthCare, DMJPS, Stitch Design Shop, and The Children's Council of Watauga County.
Annual Economic Forecast
Mark Vitner, Piedmont Crescent Capital
With Dr. Harry Davis unable to deliver his annual economic forecast this year, we were grateful to have Mark Vitner step in on short notice.
With more than 30 years of experience in economic analysis and forecasting, Vitner, Chief Economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital, delivered a timely and insightful presentation on national and regional economic conditions, covering key trends in inflation, interest rates, consumer behavior, and the broader macroeconomic outlook. His ability to translate complex data into practical, easy to understand insights made for a valuable and engaging session.
Be sure to keep an eye out for a future Mind Your Business podcast episode featuring Dr. Davis, where he will share his High Country economic forecast.
Mark Vitner, Chief Economist
