EDC News

2026 Q2 Economic Indicators Continue Reading

Spirit of Boone is the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Gathering, holding it's 77th event on Thursday, September 24. The evening includes a special tribute to the 2026 Community Award Recipients. These leaders have played a significant role in supporting the prosperity of our... Continue Reading

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce closed out its run as a 2026 Chamber of the Year finalist this week, with winners announced live on Tuesday, July 21, at ACCE's Annual Convention in New Orleans. Named by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the finalist distinction is among... Continue Reading

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