Announcing the 2025 Community Award Winners for Spirit of Boone

Since its founding in 1989, Mountain BizWorks has emerged as a leading force in advancing entrepreneurship and economic resilience in Western North Carolina. As a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the organization provides tailored coaching, classes, and flexible financing to small businesses, especially those underserved by traditional lenders. From 2024 to spring of 2025, Mountain BizWorks issued over $41.4 million in loans and $6.7 million in grants to support business growth, innovation, and retention across the region. 

Within just ten days of Hurricane Helene, Mountain BizWorks launched the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, initially backed by the State of North Carolina, Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Golden LEAF Foundation. To date, almost $50 million in recovery funds have been issued across Western North Carolina, preserving nearly ten thousand jobs and keeping vital businesses operating throughout the High Country and beyond. To further bolster recovery, through their Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund, Mountain BizWorks partnered with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation to contribute an additional $400,000 toward the “Hope for the High Country” Business Resiliency Disaster Grant Program, expanding capacity grants specifically to small businesses in rural downtown communities across Avery, Ashe, and Watauga counties.

What sets Mountain BizWorks apart is its steadfast local focus. Decisions are made by people who live and work here, and their inclusive, mission-driven approach ensures support reaches the entrepreneurs who need it most, from women and immigrants to rural and BIPOC business owners. With this blend of innovative services, unwavering local commitment, and disaster recovery leadership, Mountain BizWorks is a profound engine of economic vitality and resilience throughout our region.

*(Photo at top features a representative of the organization.) 

Opened in the summer of 2023, Zionville Ramp Company quickly became an eclectic third space and safe haven for local teenagers and skaters of all ages. More than just a skatepark, it fosters creativity, connection, and community for people across the High Country. 

In North Carolina, tourism tied to the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2023 generated approximately $1.39 billion in visitor spending within its communities. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, a longstanding steward of America’s most iconic scenic route, exemplifies forward-thinking leadership and regional resilience. Since their inception in 1997, the Foundation has invested over $24 million to enhance cultural heritage, visitor experience, and educational programs.

In response to Hurricane Helene, the Foundation stepped up with critical recovery efforts. Alongside the Blue Ridge Rising economic revival plan, they recently secured a $750,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust to support community recovery and strengthen tourism infrastructure. In tandem, they received an ARC-funded $5.13 million investment aimed at enhancing tourism, workforce development, and trail improvements across 22 Parkway-adjacent counties, a legacy-building strategy that also addresses post-Helene reconstruction needs.

The Foundation has made tangible improvements right here in the High Country. Their multi-million-dollar exterior restoration of Flat Top Manor, the historic Cone Manor, stands as the most extensive repair in its 120-year history, thanks to donor contributions in partnership with the National Park Service. Beyond the manor, they’re finishing construction of a new paved walkway from the parking area to Bass Lake’s loop trail, creating an accessible path that opens this scenic loop to visitors of all mobility levels.

Through these efforts, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has woven recovery, innovation, and preservation into a unified strategy welcoming visitors back to refreshed communities and revitalized landscapes. Their forward-thinking approach ensures the Parkway continues to be an economic and cultural lifeline for communities throughout the High Country.

*(Photo at top features a representative of the organization.) 

When disaster strikes, some people rise to the front lines — not for recognition, but out of unwavering commitment to community. Wesley Smith exemplifies that spirit. As Chair of the Watauga Long-Term Recovery Group and Director of Missions for the Three Forks Baptist Association, which serves 31 churches, Wesley mobilized resources and volunteers with relentless compassion during Hurricane Helene recovery.

Within days of the storm, Wesley coordinated emergency distribution efforts, working closely with local churches, pastors, and community members to ensure essential supplies reached those who needed them most. He organized meals through Baptist on Mission and helped distribute and serve food to residents, volunteers, and neighboring communities. His dedication also took him directly into the hardest-hit areas —spending nights at Valle Crucis School mucking out flood-damaged spaces, repeatedly stepping into difficult and exhausting conditions to help neighbors recover.

Wesley’s leadership extended beyond immediate relief. He understood the detailed needs required to establish the Watauga Long-Term Recovery Group and helped connect key leaders to the right roles to lead subcommittees and engage meaningfully with the community. His strategic vision and hands-on efforts created a coordinated, compassionate response that strengthened community ties and ensured no one was left behind.

Through his tireless service, Wesley embodies what it truly means to build hope and resilience in the face of hardship. His unwavering dedication makes him a natural and inspiring recipient of the Ben Suttle Special Services Award.

Nancy Crawford is a dynamic leader whose commitment to advocacy, community, and beauty has made a lasting impact on the High Country. As a Licensed Medical Esthetician at Dogwood Primary Care + Medical Aesthetics, Nancy combines her expertise in skincare with a genuine desire to help individuals feel radiant in their own skin. Through personalized treatments and a welcoming approach, she fosters an environment where clients can embrace their beauty and well-being.

Nancy is committed to uplifting others beyond her professional role. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, she played a pivotal role in supporting affected community members, particularly Spanish-speaking residents. Nancy provided translation services, facilitated access to essential resources, and connected individuals with housing and aid, ensuring that no one was left behind during recovery efforts.

Her dedication to fostering inclusivity extends to her involvement with Q’Pasa Appalachia - Avery, an organization focused on supporting the Latino community in the region. She also serves on the board of Girls on the Run, where she supports efforts to inspire confidence, health, and leadership in young girls across the High Country. Additionally, Nancy contributed significantly to the success of the Boonerang Music and Arts Festival, particularly the inaugrual Boonerang International Festival. Through her volunteer efforts, she helped organize and promote cultural exchanges, enriching the festival’s offerings and strengthening community ties.

Nancy’s efforts continue to inspire and uplift those around her, exemplifying the qualities celebrated by the Baker/Jones Woman of the Year Award.

Co-owners Crystal and Grant envisioned The Summit Pickleball in Boone as more than just a state-of-the-art facility, they set out to create a space for wellness and collaboration. After Hurricane Helene, that vision expanded to meet a new community need. The Summit Pickleball in Boone emerged as a steadfast pillar of hope, transforming its courts into a dynamic disaster relief hub, embodying the essence of community partnership.

Within days after the hurricane, The Summit swiftly suspended its operations and opened its doors to serve as a central drop-off point for hurricane relief supplies. The facility became a lifeline and a hub for donations, which came in from across the country, and for local partnerships with Watauga County High School, volunteers, and other donation centers, including Stateline Resources and Cornerstone Summit Church. Together, these efforts helped ensure that essential items such as food, clothing, and medical supplies reached those who needed them.

Beyond serving as a collection point, The Summit played a crucial role in coordinating efforts to ensure that resources reached the most affected areas. Their commitment to facilitating connections and providing a space for collaboration was instrumental in the region’s recovery efforts.

This award recognizes The Summit Pickleball not only for their immediate response to the crisis, but also for their ongoing dedication to community engagement and partnership. 

*(Photo at top features representatives of the business.)

MountainTrue has been a steadfast advocate for environmental stewardship in the High Country for a decade, seamlessly integrating sustainability into both its mission and daily operations. Late last year, the organization intensified its commitment through a series of impactful initiatives that not only addressed immediate environmental challenges but also laid the groundwork for long-term ecological resilience. 

After Hurricane Helene, MountainTrue mobilized quickly, launching the MountainStrong Recovery Fund, which raised nearly $60,000 less than a month after the storm. These funds facilitated the deployment of chainsaw crews to clear debris, well-testing kit distribution, restore access to homes, and initiate broader cleanup efforts in parks and public spaces. Moreover, MountainTrue partnered with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to establish a river debris cleanup program, aiming to remove debris from over 150 miles of river across Western North Carolina, including the Watauga River. These initiatives not only addressed immediate post-storm challenges but also fostered community engagement and prepardness.

MountainTrue’s advocacy also extended to legislative arenas, where it championed policies aimed at reducing stormwater pollution, repairing rural septic systems, and securing state trail designations. These initiatives are pivotal in promoting sustainable development and ensuring the protection of natural resources for future generations.

Through these multifaceted efforts, MountainTrue exemplifies the integration of sustainable development principles into community engagement, environmental restoration, and policy advocacy. 

*(Photo at top features representative of the organization.) 

Amy and Mike Forrester have transformed FizzEd into more than just a restaurant; they’ve cultivated a vibrant community hub that reflects their deep commitment to Boone’s well-being. Since opening in February 2024, FizzEd has become a gathering place where the community comes together to celebrate, connect, and support one another. The Forrester’s vision was clear: to create a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and full of energy, a place where everyone feels at home. 

Their dedication to community was especially evident during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In the face of widespread devastation, Amy and Mike opened FizzEd’s doors to provide hot meals at no charge to first responders, linemen, and anyone else in need. FizzEd was also among the first to use gift card donations as a means to provide for the community, raising over $16,000 and feeding over 1,000 people in the first two weeks after the storm. In the months that followed, they received donations from all over the world to feed the community, covering the cost of over 3,000 hot meals. Their selfless actions were recognized when they received the Dogwood Award from Attorney General Josh Stein, who commended them for using their resources to help neighbors and keep staff employed during the crisis. 

Beyond their hurricane relief efforts, the Forrester’s have consistently used FizzEd as a platform to support local initiatives and foster community engagement. They host a variety of weekly, monthly, and specialty events, including trivia nights, open mic sessions, and live music, creating a lively atmosphere that draws people together. Their events often highlight the work of local nonprofits, businesses, and producers.

Through their leadership and unwavering dedication, Amy and Mike Forrester have exemplified what it means to be pillars of the community. For their exceptional leadership and commitment to the collective well-being of our community, we are proud to present the Elizabeth Young Award for Community Leadership to Amy and Mike Forrester.

Spirit of Boone: Annual Membership Gathering

We are pleased to invite you to Spirit of Boone, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Gathering, on Thursday, September 18 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the Grandview Ballroom at Appalachian State’s North End Zone Facility.

Spirit of Boone is a tribute to the strong and resilient spirit that has defined our community over the years, a spirit that shows up in full force when it is needed most. As we near one year since Hurricane Helene, this year’s celebration carries an added layer of meaning, honoring the ways our community continues to rise, rebuild, and move forward, together.

EVENT DETAILS + REGISTRATION