Venture capital is a boon to worthy businesses that need funding to spur growth and ascend to the next rung of the business ladder. “Unfortunately,” says one Asheville-area business owner seeking institutional and individual “angel” investors for his fledgling Web-based business, “the ability to attract that type of funding here absolutely sucks.” Vroom: Guy Kawasaki […]
Author: Hal L. Millard
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Hendersonville Republican announces run for Congress
Spence Campbell, chairman of the Henderson County Republican Party, has announced he plans to vie for the 11th District Congressional seat currently held by freshman Democrat Heath Shuler of Waynesville. Campbell, 63, is the second local Republican to announce, along with Asheville City Council member Carl Mumpower, whom Campbell expressed admiration for in a brief […]
City Council candidate Sullivan arrested for alleged bogus check
Asheville City Council candidate Selina Sullivan was arrested Wednesday night by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office on a misdemeanor charge of writing a worthless check in the amount of $1,500. She says she’s under attack foes in her own party.
Hendersonville Republican announces run for Congress
Spence Campbell, chairman of the Henderson County Republican Party, has announced he plans to vie for the 11th District Congressional seat currently held by Democrat Heath Shuler.
Who’ll make the cut?
From a colorful, itinerant street preacher to a highly successful insurance agent, the 15 candidates for Asheville City Council run the gamut of ideologies and personalities. But then, what would you expect in a diverse city that’s facing a pile of pressing issues? This year’s crop of candidates are young and old, male and female, […]
Which side are you on?: Partisan elections forum
This summer’s debate over Asheville City Council’s decision to change the city charter to allow partisan elections was a contentious one, with independents, Democrats and Republicans bickering over whether the switch would be beneficial or detrimental to local democracy. The fallout resulted in a successful petition drive to put the matter to city voters. The […]
The Biz
Digital copiers: A serious risk to sensitive info In the category of “one more thing to worry about,” comes this: Your digital copier may be putting your business, tax, personnel and other sensitive information at risk of being hacked by data thieves. Where once the only risk posed by workplace photocopiers might be some surreptitious […]
Tax help for home-foreclosure victims
The nation is undergoing a wave of record home foreclosures. So it’s important to know what penalties apply — and what forms of relief are available.
The Biz
Shedding tiers: Asheville bandwidth to go big time Asheville will soon take a giant leap forward on the information superhighway that will make the area more attractive to high-tech businesses. AT&T’s direct optical-fiber connection between Asheville and Atlanta, slated for completion by the end of the year, will boost the area’s Internet bandwidth capabilities, moving […]
Asheville City Council
At their two-hour Sept. 18 meeting, Asheville City Council members once again held off on rezoning portions of Merrimon Avenue and approving new rules governing development there after business and property owners reiterated concerns that the proposed changes were too stringent and would cause severe financial hardship. Merrimon’s future: Merrimon Avenue-area residents and businesses were […]
Shut up and do something
Got a great idea to solve a pressing problem facing humanity? Then this contest sponsored by the Buckminster Fuller Institute — which co-sponsored last year’s design science lab at UNCA — may just be what you’re looking for.
IRS: We may still owe you some money
It ain’t much, but it’s your money and this overlooked refund might just pay for a night on the town or give you some extra walking-around money.
The Biz
Patty Schwartz is 28. Now living in Asheville, she spent three years in college in Florida studying political science before quitting “out of boredom,” she says with a resigned sigh. She bounced around a few states in the Southeast working odd jobs and “partying a little too much.” Now, with her 30s bearing down on […]
Potomac Fever
After resolving it in his “heart, mind, body and spirit,” Asheville psychologist and City Council member Carl Mumpower says he’s ready to vie for the GOP nomination in a bid to unseat Democratic Rep. Heath Shuler in next year’s Congressional election. Our next Congressman?: City Council member Carl Mumpower says he’s ready to challenge Rep. […]
Brave new work world
We’ve all seen them: those folks who seem to spend all their time hanging out in downtown cafés sipping coffee while they work their laptops and cell phones. “Doesn’t this person have a job?” one might think. But chances are they’re actually doing their job—they’re just not your typical 9-to-5 office drones. Bright lights, big […]
Asheville City Council preview: Sept. 18 meeting
Typically marathon affairs, Tuesday’s City Council meeting could be a relatively brief session as several items are apt to be continued until later dates.
Natural growth
Last month, a federal appeals court upheld a lower-court ruling blocking the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to stop the merger of two natural-foods giants: Whole Foods Markets and Wild Oats Markets. The fruits of success: From humble beginnings, Asheville-based natural-foods store Earth Fare now boasts 12 stores in four states and plans a major expansion […]
All in the family
All kids need positive role models. Usually, that’s a job for parents. But what if a child has lost one or both parental role models, either through death, divorce, abandonment or some other situation? “Bigs” and “littles”: The local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than 650 boys and girls. Above, Makel (left) […]
Shuler working on Interstate 26/40 issues
Rep. Heath Shuler says he has spoken with Rep. James Obersater (D-MN), the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, regarding the highway needs facing Western North Carolina, especially I-26 and I-40.
Mayor Bellamy reports progress with Staples
Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy met Sept. 7 with representatives from Staples at the company’s headquarters in Framingham, Mass., to discuss landscaping and signage at Staples’ Merrimon Avenue location.
Mo’ money: Mountain BizWorks gets funding boost
Local microlender and business-consulting nonprofit Mountain BizWorks has received $750,000 in microloan financing from the U.S. Small Business Administration.