From the press release:

Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council, an initiative of AdvantageWest Economic Development Group, announces three upcoming events in August and September for Western North Carolina entrepreneurs and other business people:
 
TUESDAY, AUG. 9, 5:30-8 P.M., BOONE: PRESENTATION AND TOUR OF THE APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY SOLAR DECATHLON PROJECT, THE "SOLAR HOMESTEAD," located at 1100 E. King St., in Boone (old Mitsubishi dealership).
 
The Solar Homestead is one among 20 collegiate-team entries worldwide selected to compete in the U.S. Dept. of Energy Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C, which challenges student-led teams to design, build and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive. The Aug. 9 BREC event is one of the last opportunities to see the project before it travels to the Decathlon, where it will be on public display on the National Mall, Sept. 23-Oct. 1, and compete across 10 different contest areas. 
 
After a presentation and tour of the Solar Homestead, the event moves to Peppers Restaurant, 6:30-8 p.m., for continued discussion, food and a cash bar. Free and open to the public, the event is co-hosted by Green Drinks Boone, the Solar Homestead and Pepper’s Restaurant, in addition to BREC. For more information, contact John Duncan, at AdvantageWest, (828) 687-7234. For specific directions to the ASU Solar Decathlon Headquarters, contact Brian Crutchfield at Green Drinks Boone, (828) 262-8519.
 
FRIDAY, AUG. 19, 9:30 A.M.-3 P.M., MURPHY: BUSINESS INNOVATION AND RESOURCE RALLY, Tri County Community College. This special small business and entrepreneurship development event focused on Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn about programs and resources available in the area.
 
The event, which includes a panel discussion with local business leaders and entrepreneurs and a lunch and learn with keynote speaker Meridith Elliot Powell, is sponsored by BREC/AdvantageWest, Southeast Industrial Development Association, Southwestern Commission, Tri County Community College, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Murphy Power Board, Cherokee County, Clay County and Graham County. To register, contact the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce at (28) 837-2242 by the deadline of Aug. 15. 
 
THURSDAY, SEPT. 8, 5-7:30 P.M., ASHEVILLE: “CLEAN ENERGY IN THE MOUNTAINS: BLUEGRASS, BREWS AND THE LATEST NEWS,” Highland Brewing Company. This event, co-hosted by the NC Sustainable Energy Association, FLS Energy and Highland Brewing, in addition to BREC, celebrates the innovation and entrepreneurship that is driving current successes and future opportunities for clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency in Western North Carolina. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear how the AdvantageWest region has become a leader in the state for renewable energy capacity, clean energy jobs and business opportunities. There will be food, live music, and a cash bar.