James Fisher joined Mountain Xpress in 1995. I’m pretty sure that’s when the business was operating with things like typewriters, fax machines and good ol’ fashioned shoe leather in the ad department.
Fisher has done it all on the sales side: He started as an ad rep, became sales manager, ad director and most recently, director of business development. If you’ve been to Bele Chere or Downtown After Five, you know that Fisher has been the bold and enthusiastic emcee at many an event.
“Having the privilege of emceeing many, many events and representing Xpress on stages from DTA 5 to Bele Chere to LAAFF has been a blast, especially when clad in my purple suit!”
That’s right — a suit that he picked up from the longtime downtown clothier Chicago Hi-Fashion Menswear (now closed, sadly). Bright purple (Xpress colored), and perfect for every setting! It’s a suit that goes well with Fisher’s enthusiasm and energy.
Says Fisher:
“I am proud of how Xpress has become a key player in local media. Xpress has had so many talented people come through the doors of the Miles Building. Whether it is the weekly print product, a festival guide or the dynamic website, Xpress has never stopped exploring possibilities.
Xpress has been an incredible resource for the local business community. I feel that we have helped many businesses grow and establish roots.”
Fisher is proud of how our Best of WNC has grown into a powerhouse project, including a huge bash at the Orange Peel, he says. And, “Helping launch the Asheville Film Festival, putting out official Bele Chere guides, collaborating with the Green Building Council on the Green Building Directory — Xpress has partnered with many organizations in a mutually beneficial manner.
But, in the end, the great folks I have seen work so hard every week through the years is what comes to mind. While I am truly excited for the next chapter in my career, I am realizing how damn lucky I have been at Xpress. What a ride, what an experience — thanks, Xpress, for the opportunity!”
We wish Fisher best of luck with his new endeavors. And if you see him around town or at a festival, buy him a beer and ask him about how downtown Asheville used to be. He’s got some great stories.
Thank you, James, for all you’ve done for Xpress — and for helping so many journalists put food on the table with your earnest efforts!
Wow! Thanks for everything Xpress – It truly has been one hellacious ride;) Oh, and we didn’t have typewriters in ’95- just the shoe leather and a phone, possibly even rotary dial. Local Matters, dammit!
Does this mean I don’t get to see your devilishly handsome smile each week at radio ranch? LOL
Oh wait… I just figured it out! MountainX is the new R&D and training dept for WNC Mag… I should have seen it earlier. :)
Best of luck to you James! WNC Mag : Win.
I’d fire him for that suit too.
Best of luck James.
Thanks Matt – hope to get out to Radio Ranch in the future and see YOUR devilishly handsome smile too;) Mr. Elliston, you are, as always, a class act – thx! Mark at Orbit – no firing,buddy, just a good change after 16 years of giving Xpress everything I’ve got-including the suit!