EDC News

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been named a finalist for the 2026 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. The national award is the most prestigious recognition in the chamber industry, presented annually to organizations that... Continue Reading

Updated Friday, April 17 Continue Reading

Photo by Bailey Little, Watauga County Schools Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Watauga County Schools Honor CTE Credential Earners with Inaugural Trades Signing Day The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and Watauga County Schools hosted the inaugural Trades Signing Day on Tuesday, April 21 at... Continue Reading

First-of-its-kind local pilot provided tuition assistance to childcare workers and emergency stabilization to every licensed center in Watauga County Continue Reading

Photo of Downtown Boone by Visit NC North Carolina's small businesses are earning their place on the map! The NC Department of Commerce recently recognized 72 businesses across the state as Certified North Carolina Destination Businesses, a designation launched in 2025 by the NC Main Street and... Continue Reading

"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

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

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

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

As we move into the last few months of 2025, the High Country has no shortage of important conversations that are driving our economic development landscape. On Wednesday, October 8, at The Beacon Butcher Bar, a group of over 80 attendees heard directly from those involved in key projects... Continue Reading