EDC News

After more than a year of negotiations, North Carolina has a 2026-27 State Budget! Signed into law on July 7, 2026, it is the state's first full budget in more than two years, and it touches several areas that matter to High Country businesses, from childcare to transportation. No budget is... Continue Reading

BOONE, N.C. – Earlier today, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed S257, the 2026 Appropriations Act into law. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Task Force lists continued Helene recovery funding as one of its top legislative priorities for 2026, and our support is reflected in... Continue Reading

2026 Q1 Economic Indicators Continue Reading

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