A Year of Impact: 2025 in Review
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a year marked by deeper connection, growth, and renewed momentum for the Boone area business community. This year brought meaningful interaction with state leaders, expanded advocacy efforts, and a renewed focus on community gatherings and storytelling that define our local businesses and people.
None of this would have been possible without the continued support of our members, partners, and community leaders. We invite you to look back with us on the moments and milestones that shaped 2025.
2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Explore the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Report for a comprehensive look at the programs and partnerships that shaped the year. This interactive report highlights key milestones, community impact, and the collective efforts moving the High Country forward.
Interested in a hard copy? Email Director of Communications, Emma Faulkner, at emma@boonechamber.com.
ENGAGING STATE LEADERS IN BUSINESS ADVOCACY
Behind the scenes, the Boone Chamber remained actively engaged with state leaders on local business priorities. From disaster recovery and childcare to tourism and infrastructure, these engagements helped keep our region's needs at the forefront of state-level conversations and decision-making.
- Governor Josh Stein visited the Chamber office in January to announce the creation of a $30 million public-private partnership providing grant funding for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene.
- In the spring, Representative Ray Pickett and David Jackson were honored with Champion for Childcare Awards by NC Child.
- At Vision NWNC in May, Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt joined regional leaders for forward-looking conversations centered on economic development, collaboration, and long-term regional planning.
- As the summer season approached, First Lady Anna Stein visited Watauga and Ashe counties to kick off #WNCOpenForBusiness Week, bringing state and national visibility to summer tourism.
- Secretary Lee Lilley engaged directly with local childcare centers, elevating provider challenges and reinforcing the connection between childcare access and a resilient workforce.
- Marking the one year milestone following Hurricane Helene, Governor Stein and First Lady Anna Stein visited Lansing, NC for a town-wide ribbon cutting.
- Throughout the year, state officials actively engaged in conversations surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway, recognizing its vital role in the regional economy and quality of life in Western North Carolina.
- In ongoing, behind-the-scenes advocacy, Justin Somers with Senator Ted Budd’s office remained a key partner, helping maintain open lines of communication and support at the federal level.
- In November, the Boone Chamber was recognized by Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) as the 2025 Outstanding Chamber of the Year.
STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THE FOUNDATION
This year reinforced a truth we see every day in the High Country: a strong community is built on thriving businesses, accessible childcare, and a prepared workforce. Through the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, intentional investments were made to support these pillars and advance long-term economic resilience across our region.
Childcare Support: Fully funded Pathways to Accreditation, provided one month of childcare coverage for childcare workers, and delivered direct budget support to local childcare centers, helping stabilize a critical workforce system.- Workforce Development: Launched the STABLE Workplaces initiative with $50,000 in funding in partnership with Family Forward NC, supporting businesses as they build family-friendly, sustainable workplace cultures.
Disaster Small Business Grants: Distributed $1.3 million to 237 businesses across Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties following Hurricane Helene, providing timely relief and recovery support when it was needed most.- Watauga Leadership Initiative: Led three leadership cohorts, engaging 38 participants in curriculum focused on leading through crisis, preventing burnout, and strengthening community-centered leadership.
CELEBRATING THROUGH EVENTS & STORYTELLING
This past year, events and campaigns created space for connection, conversation, and collaboration across the Boone business community. From ribbon cuttings and networking to Spirit of Boone and other signature programs, paired with intentional storytelling that highlighted our members and their impact, each effort strengthened relationships and advanced shared goals.
- High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, January 16, App State's Grandview Ballroom, read the full event recap here.
- 4 Under 40 Awards, March 26, The Appalachian Theatre, read full list of finalists and event recap here.
- Vision Northwest North Carolina, May 22, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, read the full event recap here.
- Spirit of Boone: Annual Membership Gathering, September 18, App State's Grandview Ballroom, read the full event recap and Community Award Winners here.
- Messages of Hope: A Docu-Series: In partnership with UNC Health Appalachian and Real Boone Studios, the Messages of Hope docu-series shines a light on the people, stories, and efforts making a meaningful difference in our community that might have gone unnoticed amid everything that happened around us in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
- #WNCOpenforBusiness: Kicked off in June with a visit from First Lady Anna Stein and a national television shoutout, chambers of commerce across the region shared ribbon cutting photos and events online for #WNCOpenforBusiness Week, showcasing Western North Carolina’s open arms for summer tourism. Learn more here.
- Holiday Shop Local and Shop Small, Give Big Weekend: We were proud to launch Shop Small, Give Big weekend as a larger part of the annual Holiday Shop Local initiative. This campaign served as a five-day celebration that highlights gratitude, local shopping, and community generosity from Thanksgiving through Giving Tuesday, a vital weekend for our small business community. Learn more here.
As we reflect on 2025 and look ahead to the year to come, our staff is deeply grateful for our members. You are the reason we do this work, and your partnership and engagement make our community stronger every day. We look forward to continuing this journey together in the new year!