CHAMBER UPDATE – Week of August 25, 2009

We need your help! The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce is a collaborative member of the Improving Mitchell County Business Survey Project. We ask that every business, regardless of how small or large, complete the survey at http://tinyurl.com/lwpd6p. We believe that the information gathered from this survey will help us make a positive difference for your business as well as helping us to create an environment conducive for new businesses. The AMY Regional Library is coordinating the data gathering so if need a hardcopy of the survey or if you have any questions at all, please call Dan Barron at 828-682-4476 or . This message is being sent to a variety of listservs so please forgive us for any duplication. Thank you for your consideration.

The project is a collaborative effort of the Mitchell County Economic Development Commission’s Mitchell County Certified Entrepreneurial Community Committee, Toe River Economic Alliance, NC Cooperative Extension Office, Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, Mayland Community College Small Business Center, Toe River Arts Council (TRAC), AMY Regional Library, HandMade in America, Spruce Pine Main Street, and Bakersville Merchants Association.

Are you interested in scheduling an After Hours event in 2009? Contact Sandy Buchanan at for further details. Below, stone carver Collene Karcher of Stone Crossing Studio & Gallery displays her work and visits with Mitchell County Economic Development Director Becky Anderson and Chamber Board member Lisy Thomas at an After Hours event at the Spruce Pine Farmers Market.

Member Announcements . . .

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Beech Creek Development in Buladean hosted its second annual July 4th fundraiser to benefit the Buladean Fire Department. Beech Creek was able to raise and donate to the fire department $6,815.00 this year!
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Mountainside Wine is offering intermittent, unscheduled wine tastings from now through September 14. Call or stop in to see what is being tasted today! 766-7515 or www.mountainsidewine.com.

Chamber Hosts Senator Richard Burr . . .

The Chamber recently hosted US Senator Richard Burr at Grassy Creek Golf Club for a meeting with its Board of Directors, elected officials and community leaders.

Below, Senator Burr presents Daniel Barron of AMY Regional Library with a flag that has flown over the US Capitol Building. (Photo courtesy of Blue Ridge Christian News)

Weekly Restaurant Specials

765-5289

Wednesday Casserole
Moussaka

Traditional Greek dish consists of layers of eggplant slices, potatoes, ground lamb with spices, tomatoes, onions and garlic, with a cheese custard topping. Delicious!!

A dish that serves 8-9 …..$25.00
A dish that serves 4-5…$17.00

Call before 10:30am each Wednesday (or earlier in the week), and reserve yours. Then come by between 4:30 and 6pm that evening and your dinner is ready. It’s that simple!!

Orchard at Altapass Events

Special Happenings & Live Music Calendar for August 26 - 30, 2009:

Wednesday, August 26
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac blend music and banter and include audience members in the fun.

Thursday, August 27
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Terry McKinney creates more chances to "Remember the Good Stuff with Stories and Song," talking and performing with musicians who offer musical memories of their yesteryears.

Friday, August 28
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Bonnie Schmink and the Work in Progress Band invite Orchard visitors to enjoy the music and relaxed spirit of the mountains.
6:00 p.m.
The Seventh Annual Chili Cookoff, a fundraiser for the preservation projects of the Altapass Foundation. Tickets are $15 each, available at The Orchard. Chili cooks: Please sign up ASAP. Entertainment will Glenn Nance and Lenny Ski!

Saturday, August 29
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Jann Welch and her students create and display their fine clay creations. Many of their treasures will be offered for sale.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Moore Brothers make their first appearance at The Orchard. These young boys are incredible performers. The 10-year-old plays the fiddle with bluegrass stars and the younger brother is a born m.c.
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Johnny Ellis keeps the audience dancing with ever-popular country favorites.

Sunday, August 30
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Bonnie Schmink and Work In Progress Band start the fun this Sunday.
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Brian Gurl, Judy and Friends reach into their bag of musical treats to entertain their audience of devoted fans.

Member Spotlight: The Hospice and Palliative Care Center of Mitchell County

Hospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill, and for their families. It is available to patients of any age, religion, race or illness. Hospice staff may care for an individual in their own home, Brian Center of Spruce Pine, or family care homes in Mitchell County. Quality care includes:

• An interdisciplinary team approach. The team consists of physicians, nurses, social workers, a grief counselor, chaplain and trained volunteers.
• Pain and symptom management.
• Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Bereavement follow-up services are available for at least 13 months after the death of a loved one.

Contact Clarice Murphy at 828-765-5677 or visit the facility at 236 Hospital Drive in Spruce Pine. More information is available at www.hospicemc.com.