An initiative of the Long Term Recovery Group, Watauga Forward is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource center supporting economic recovery, regional coordination, and preparedness efforts following Hurricane Helene.
Support and connections to help Watauga County’s business community recover, stabilize, and move our region forward, together. Explore the categories below by clicking the plus signs to find relevant business resources.
Find What You Need, Fast
The first three sections below are general categories. The subsequent sections drill down to more specific areas of interest and information.
Watauga Long Term Recovery Group
Emergency Service Providers List (Printable PDF)
While Watauga Forward is focused on supporting our business community through long-term recovery and preparedness, we know visitors play an important role in our region’s resilience. Click the plus below to explore trusted resources from our local tourism partners.
Explore Boone Official tourism site for Boone and Watauga County, offering visitor info, lodging, and attractions across the High Country.
High Country Host Regional travel guide with lodging, attractions, and visitor information for Boone and surrounding communities.
DriveNC Travel Map A tool for navigating scenic routes with regularly updated maps showing road closures, conditions, and travel alerts.
National Park Service Road Status & Closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Helene Related & Construction Related)
Watauga Forward Origins & Community Partnerships
The Watauga Forward initiative was formed through the Long Term Recovery Group for Business, a subcommittee of the Watauga County Long Term Recovery Group (WLTRG). This group first convened in December 2024 to support the economic needs of local businesses in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Since then, the committee has worked to align partners, resources, and strategies that help local enterprises recover, rebuild, and prepare for the future.
As part of this effort, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the 501(c)(3) arm of the Chamber, has played a vital role in securing funding and delivering support where it’s most needed. The Foundation continues to serve as a channel for community generosity and long-term economic resilience.
Click here to give to Community Disaster Funds and Support