State of the Community Event Recap and Resources
As we move into the last few months of 2025, the High Country has no shortage of important conversations that are driving our economic development landscape. On Wednesday, October 8, at The Beacon Butcher Bar, a group of over 80 attendees heard directly from those involved in key projects and to get a sense of what's to come for our area in 2026 during the State of the Community luncheon.
State of the Community is presented by Mercy Urgent Care, with additional support from Spangler Restoration, Stacie Pineda Real Estate Group, and the Walker College of Business.
EVENT PROGRAM
Boone Chamber President/CEO holding EDPNC billboard at State of the Community Luncheon.
To kick off the program, attendees posted for a photo with a traveling billboard from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). This campaign highlights the communities that make up North Carolina, recently recognized as the #1 State for Business.
What's Next with Boone Next?
In the summer of 2025, the Boone Town Council adopted Boone Next, which serves as a comprehensive development plan that will shape our community for years come. Town of Boone Director of Planning and Inspections Jane Shook and Deputy Director Brandon Wise will provide an update on implementation of the plan, what goals have been identified as current priorities, and how investors and developers can learn more about how Boone Next will be used to inform future adjustments to the Town's Unified Development Ordinance.
State of Workforce Development
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute was recently awarded grant funding to launch RISE Caldwell-Watauga, a program designed to link employers to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in the areas of skilled trades, healthcare, and hospitality management.
Dr. Mark Poarch, President of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute introduced Tara Brossa, Executive Director of RISE Caldwell-Watauga, and shared more specific details about state-wide priorities around workforce development programs how these apprenticeships can benefit local businesses and their quest to create jobs with specific skillsets.
State of the Chamber
David Jackson and Joe Furman lead a conversation highlighting recovery efforts tied to Helene, priority projects, and what’s on the horizon for 2026 from the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watauga Economic Development Commission.
Joe focused on major economic development issues including housing, childcare, and workforce, while outlining recent progress and next steps in each area. David shared updates on the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its ongoing role in advancing local economic recovery and resilience.
The program also touched on broader community and economic initiatives, giving attendees a clear view of current momentum and what’s to come for our region.
For questions, contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-264-2225 or email the Chamber’s Director of Events, Carrie Henderson at carrie@boonechamber.com.
