Spirit of Boone: Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annual Membership Gathering
The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce hosted Spirit of Boone, its Annual Membership Gathering on September 18, 2025 at Appalachian State's Grandview Ballroom. With a crowd of over 400 attendees, the evening served as tribute to the strong and resilient spirit that has defined our community over the years, a spirit that shows up in full force when it is needed most. As the event neared one year since Hurricane Helene, this year’s celebration carries an added layer of meaning, honoring the ways our community continues to rise, rebuild, and move forward, together.
The highlight of the event was a video presentation that honored the Chamber's nine annual community award winners, each highlighted for career achievements or their efforts on special projects. Outgoing Board of Directors Chair, Mark Gould, provided an introduction of incoming chair Tara Brossa. The event also welcomed guest speakers Samantha Cole, NC Department of Commerce and Dr. Scott Elliott, GrowNC. The evening was capped with live music from Boone's own Adam Church and Jordan Lamb.
Spirit of Boone is presented by SkyLine/SkyBest.
Additional event support from Appalachian State University, Beech Mountain Resort, Blackburn Childers & Steagall PLC, Grandview Catering & Events, Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services, Graystone Lodge, Destination by Design, and Spangler Restoration.
Community Award Winners
Full Community Award Video coming soon!
Thank you to producer, Real Boone Studios for helping us create a video highlighting our 2025 Community Award Winners.
These nine local leaders and businesses are recognized not only for their professional achievements but also for their resilience, community-minded leadership, and the remarkable ways they have helped Boone rise, rebuild, and move forward in the year since Hurricane Helene.
READ FULL ARTICLE AND MEET THE WINNERS
WATA RADIO INTERVIEWS
Thank you, Community Award Sponsors!
Annual Report
The event also highlighted the digital release of our 2024-2025 Annual Report, showcasing key Boone Chamber highlights from the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. The report provides insights into our Board of Directors, staff, budget, sponsors, events, year highlights and more.
It also features the full 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, developed with input from our members and community through extensive stakeholder meetings, ensuring that our work reflects the needs of the region.
Join us at State of the Community on Tuesday, October 8 for the printed copy and hear the official State of the Chamber from President/CEO David Jackson.
2024-2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Photo Album
Thank you to Sydney Gail Photography for beautifully capturing this event! Full photo album coming soon.
Program Archive
Missed the event? Want to relive the night? Watch the whole program here!
Video produced by Mountaineer Audiovisual Productions.