2026 State of the Community Event Recap and Resources
On Tuesday, October 6, business leaders gathered at The Beacon Butcher Bar for the State of the Community Luncheon to hear directly from the people leading key projects and get a sense of what's ahead for our area in 2027.
State of the Community was 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
Sponsor Remarks & The State of Healthcare in the High Country
Access to quality healthcare is a big part of what makes life in the High Country so special. Nathan Nipper, President/CEO of UNC Health Appalachian, followed his presenting sponsor remarks with The State of Healthcare in the High Country.
He covered current workforce trends, practice growth and what it means for specialized care, and the financial forces that shape decisions for the region's leading healthcare provider.
What's Next for Western North Carolina
Sharon Decker, Senior Advisor for Long-Term Recovery, shared 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.
The plan was shaped by input from 28 counties, chambers of commerce, and economic development partners across the region. Its long-term priorities center on recovering from Hurricane Helene's economic impacts across workforce, infrastructure, housing, tourism, and agriculture.
Sharon also spoke to recovery trends and what the plan means for businesses and communities throughout the region.
State of the Chamber & Watauga County
David Jackson, President/CEO, and Joe Furman, Director of Economic Development, both of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, led a conversation on the past year and what's ahead for the Chamber and the Watauga Economic Development Commission.
Joe started with workforce development through RISE Caldwell Watauga and shared a new video feature from EdNC. He also walked through the latest Watauga County data and pointed guests to our Understanding Local Taxes page.
David looked back on the Chamber's 2025-2026 year, and members were at the heart of it. Seventeen members now offer health care to their employees through Carolina Healthworks, and Mario Espinoza joined the team as Member Experience Associate, giving our member marketing a real boost. Trades Signing Day, a new initiative, recognized more than 150 students. In May, 85 business and Chamber leaders traveled to Raleigh to speak up for WNC relief and local policy support.
Looking ahead to 2026-2027, David named five priorities: adopting the Western North Carolina Economic Recovery Plan, business community stability, innovation, space for businesses to grow, and regional leadership.
PHOTO ALBUM
Thank you, Sydney Gail Photography!
FULL ALBUM
For questions, contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-264-2225 or email Chief of Staff/VP of Events, Carrie Henderson, at carrie@boonechamber.com.