Foundation News

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 fundraising campaign to provide a direct, one-time retention bonus to every... 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

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

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