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
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
BACCF continues the tradition of linking the High Country business community to ongoing support for the childcare industry and its critical workforce The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (BACCF) announced a new fundraising campaign to provide direct, one-time retention bonuses to... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute (WLI) wrapped up its Spring 2026 cohort on April 16, closing out seven weeks of programming that brought 29 Boone area professionals together to deepen their leadership practice and their connection to this community. The two cohorts, the Watauga Leadership... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute concluded its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 7 programming, bringing both cohorts together for a powerful final day centered on growth, reinvention, and what comes next. Watauga Leadership Challenge The Challenge cohort began with a What's Different & What... 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
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 6 programming on Thursday, April 2, building on the momentum from week 5, strategic planning and conflict resolution. Watauga Leadership Challenge The Challenge cohort began with a The Strength of We: Unity As a... Continue Reading
"The question isn't what are we going to do. The question is what aren't we going to do?" — Ferris Bueller's Day Off The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 5 programming on Thursday, March 19, building on the momentum from the Week 4, focusing on... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 4 programming on Thursday, March 5, building on the momentum from the Week 3 focusing on Understanding Community and Thyself. The Challenge Cohort began with the session, “Dr. Street Takes Us Down Other... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 3 programming on Thursday, February 19, building on the momentum from the Week 2 focusing on self-leadership and authentic leadership practices. The day began with the Challenge Cohort session, “Leadership &... 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
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
