Foundation News

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

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