The measure would make the Qualla Boundary, which is about 46 miles west of Asheville, the only place in North Carolina where marijuana can legally be purchased for recreational use.
Asheville’s mobile tours adapt to tourism trends
Representatives from LaZoom and Gray Line discuss their experiences with summer’s tourism decline.
Asheville businesses feel the pain of tourism decline
“Usually, it’s like someone flips a switch, and it’s game on,” said Will Gay, the owner of the Diamond Brand Outdoors shop on Biltmore Avenue, regarding the start of July, the second biggest month for tourism after October. “This year, it’s like someone forgot to flip the switch.”
Shortage trickles through peach economy
WNC farmers are left with bitter losses — 90 percent for peaches in Henderson County alone, amounting to $600,000 in lost revenue, says Terry Kelley, tree fruit expert and director of the Henderson County cooperative extension.
Working together: Shared values
Business ideals, such as fair wages, reduced production waste and appreciation for the craft, are part of what brought Sew Co. and East Fork Pottery together.
Local vinyl manufacturers discuss the industry’s growth and potential
For musicians and fans alike, Citizen Vinyl is one of two local options within the unique industry. Shortly after its launch, the company was joined by American Vinyl Co., located on the South Slope.
Working together: Businesses with benefits
Cristina Hall Ackley, co-founder and president of local Ginger’s Revenge, says a common challenge that new businesses face is finding affordable benefits packages for their employees.
Working together: Supporting the creation of new businesses
Local support and collaborations are often the lifeblood for new, small businesses. Such has been the case for local candle-making company Blaze On Creations, who has received donations and support from numerous other businesses in the area.
Sherree Lucas on the importance of buying local
“Asheville is an amazing place for local independent businesses because we have a culture that supports it,” says Lucas. “We need to continue to support, nurture and protect it.”
Working together: Having your back
Erik Fowler, who works as the head of education at White Labs, says that his company strives to go beyond being a traditional supplier by also providing technical advice and lending equipment.
What do data trends reveal about Asheville’s homestay market?
Xpress worked with Asheville-based data journalist Elliot Patterson to explore homestay permit data. The resulting analysis gives insights into how the market has changed over time, where homestays are located and who’s operating them.
Farm bill renewal raises questions for WNC farmers
Last month, Rep. Chuck Edwards convened a nine-member agricultural advisory board to provide a variety of perspectives as he advocates for the region’s interests in the farm bill.
WNC goatscaping services offer sustainable land management
Grazing goats are an increasingly popular means of eliminating invasive plants.
Harrison Greetings draws on the past
Greg Harrison is introducing his father Bill’s classic greeting card designs to a new generation.
Business, nonprofit roundup: BPR selects Laura Lee as news director
Lee joined BPR as interim news director in January after previously stints at Carolina Public Press and as a writer and education publication Edutopia.
Keep Asheville weird: Businesses try to maintain uniqueness amid city’s rapid growth
Small-business owners recognize that they not only add value but are a driving force behind the popularity of this quirky city.
Grant offers job training for low-income young adults after incarceration
When Phillip Cooper completed a prison sentence in 2010, he spent months applying for jobs that he was told would be available to those with a criminal record. But no one would give him a chance.
Down Town, Part 9: An old idea — the business improvement district — gets new life
“Here’s the way I look at Asheville: Every 10 years they want to rebuild the wheel,” says downtown resident Kim MacQueen. “It’s a town that’s really comfortable with charrettes.”
Nonprofit, business roundup: Cat cafe coming to West Asheville
House of Black Cat Magic will hold a grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 4.
Commissioners approve one-year ban on crypto mining
The measure had first been discussed publicly by the commissioners in February; at an April meeting, Commissioner Terri Wells said she’d floated the proposal to county staff after hearing complaints from Cherokee County residents about noise and pollution created by the facilities.
WNC lawmakers brace business community for polarizing session
With N.C. Republicans in the supermajority, lawmakers from Western North Carolina predict a wave of controversial bills to make their way through the legislature.