"We are the Ski Capital of the South." The High Country welcomed North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein for a Winter Olympics–inspired visit this week. Governor Stein highlighted western North Carolina's thriving winter sports industry during a press event at... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 2 programming, building on the momentum from the Kickoff Retreat and focusing on self-leadership and authentic leadership practices. The day began with the Challenge Cohort session, “What Does It Mean to Lead... Continue Reading
Over the past decade, the annual 4 Under 40 Awards, presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, have recognized emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of the High Country. Across four categories, Business Owner, Non-Profit, Education, and Rising Star, these honorees reflect the... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute recently hosted a Kickoff Retreat, bringing together 29 local leaders for the 2026 Spring Cohort. The day focused on building a strong learning community while centering on leadership development and community involvement. Throughout the day, participants engaged... Continue Reading
Watauga County Emergency Services on Facebook Follow this page for the most up-to-date information. Emergency Service Providers Contact Page We encourage you to print out or document this website page to keep in case of a power outage. Watauga Forward An initiative of the Long Term Recovery... Continue Reading
Click here for PDF version. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has released its final Economic Indicators of 2025. This quarterly report examines five key statistics within the Watauga County & High Country Economy: Residential Home Sales Sales Tax Occupancy Tax Unemployment Rates New... Continue Reading
Each spring, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards honors 16 emerging leaders in the High Country, with four receiving special recognition for their outstanding contributions alongside the annual Respect Your Elder award. This annual event is sponsored by Appalachian Commercial... Continue Reading
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... Continue Reading
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been named a Family Forward NC ® Certified Employer by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s Family Forward NC ® initiative. Launched in 2018, Family Forward NC ® is an innovative initiative to improve children’s health and... Continue Reading
A Leadership Training Program Produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce WASHINGTON, D.C.— Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that David Jackson, President/CEO, of the Boone Area Chamber of... Continue Reading
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its winners of the 2025 Watauga County Business of the Year Awards. Large Business of the Year: Appalachian State University Small Business of the Year: High Country Radio Startup Business of the Year: King Street Flowers & Gifts... Continue Reading
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... Continue Reading
