Sen. Hagan lauds rural broadband initiative

From a press release: Hagan Applauds Completion of MCNC Golden Leaf Rural Broadband Initiative Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kay Hagan today applauded the completion of MCNC’s Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI), a landmark project that connects schools, businesses and health care providers across North Carolina with high speed broadband. Representatives from Senator Hagan’s […]

AdvantageWest passes new budget, includes cuts

From Blueridgenow.com: AdvantageWest, a regional economic development partnership for 23 Western North Carolina counties, has passed its 2013-14 budget, which includes a $763,000 cut in appropriations by the state of North Carolina, according to an AdvantageWest news release. Last year, AdvantageWest received an appropriation of $1.1 million, which is roughly half of the organization’s annual […]

Carolina Alliance Bank to merge with Forest Commercial Bank

From the Hendersonville Lightning: Carolina Alliance Bank and Forest Commercial Bank jointly announced today that they have signed a definitive merger agreement. The proposed combination will create a full-service community bank serving customers principally in upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. The combined bank will have three full-service offices located in Spartanburg, SC, Asheville […]

Feeling lucky? Powerball pot up to $425 million, drawing tonight

From a N.C. Education Lottery press release: Wednesday’s Powerball jackpot climbs to $425 million RALEIGH – Powerball players in North Carolina now have the chance in the Wednesday drawing to try for a jackpot estimated at $425 million, the third largest in the game’s history. Powerball officials issued the new estimate Tuesday, increasing the size […]

Eco-Friendly Financing

An energy-efficiency lending program is now open to small businesses and nonprofits in Western North Carolina. Self-Help Credit Union announced that its Energy Loan Fund has dedicated $15 million to help small businesses, schools and other qualified borrowers to retrofit their buildings, improve efficiency and lower utility bills. “It’s exciting to have it come to […]

NC Department of Commerce launches job-search site

From a press release: N.C. Department of Commerce Launches New Job-Search Website RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Commerce has launched a new job-search website helping talented job seekers and employers connect with each other. The new system, NC Works Online, provides a one-stop platform to streamline the job search process, while improving security and […]

Empire Distributors eyes facility in Mills River, near Sierra Nevada

From the Hendersonville Lightning: MILLS RIVER — In the first sign of a major spinoff from the new Sierra Nevada brewery in Mills River, an Asheville beer distributor is expected to announce plans to locate a distribution center on Old Fanning Bridge Road across the river from the beer-maker. The Henderson County Board of Commissioners […]

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy to lead dog hike Aug. 10

From a press release: CMLC to Lead “Dog Days of Summer Hike” in DuPont August 10th Bring your dog along for a hike with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy this Saturday, August 10th to explore trails in CMLC-conserved DuPont State Recreational Forest (DRSF). This is CMLC’s first-ever hike hosting four legged friends, so take this opportunity […]

SCORE workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs begins Aug. 7

From a press release: SCORE Asheville announces a new workshop series to help aspiring entrepreneurs The SCORE Simple Steps for Starting Your Business™ Workshop Series can help you develop and test your business idea: decide if you’re ready, draft a business plan, determine your competitive advantage and get started on the right track. The workshops […]

Auto parts manufacturer expanding facility in Fletcher

A press release from Gov. McCrory’s office: Automotive Parts Manufacturer to Expand in Henderson County Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. will expand its manufacturing facility in Henderson County. The company plans to create 40 jobs and invest more than $35 million over the […]

ECO to hold annual Green Home Tour Aug. 17

The Hendersonville-based Environmental and Conservation Organization is holding its 6th annual Green Home Tour will on Saturday, August 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. According to an ECO press release: This year’s self-guided driving tour includes several new builds with spectacular design features, highly efficient cooling and heating units in new housing, and existing […]

Asheville jewelry store receives recognition from trade magazine

From a press release: ASHEVILLE’S MORA WINS INSTORE MAGAZINE’S “AMERICA’S COOLEST JEWELRY STORE” AWARD Boutique awarded national honor after first year in business Asheville, North Carolina, USA–July 24, 2013–Mora. Mora, an independent boutique for designer jewelry, has been named one of “America’s Coolest Jewelry Stores” by INSTORE, the magazine for retail jewelry-store owners. The 12th […]