The U.S. Postal Service held a combative Nov. 21 public hearing on a proposal to close its the Brevard Road mail-processing center in order to cut costs. Here’s some snapshots of some of the people who spoke at the hearing, in photos and in their own words.
Tag: economy
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Lorraine’s Jewelery & Antiques is closing after a decade in Asheville
Lorraine’s Jewelery & Antiques is closing after operating in downtown Asheville since 2001. “The tourists come to look at the leaves; they don’t come to look at the jewelry,” owner Brian Pottow said.
WNC poised for economic growth, panelists say at Advantage West event
Touting the success of Harrah’s Casino and such improvements as a state-of-the-art school and a rural broadband network undertaken by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian, panelists at Advantage West’s annual Economic Summit — including Vice Chief Larry Blythe, pictured — said that Western North Carolina has the ingredients to thrive. (photos by Max Cooper)
Occupy Asheville opens with assembly, march, plans to camp out
About 100 people gathered in Pritchard Park and marched through downtown today as part of Occupy Asheville. They were protesting an array of grievances, such as the financial malfeasance of the super-rich, justice-system corruption and a general demand for change.
photo by Jonathan Welch
Despite job gains, Asheville area unemployment rose in August
Despite adding about 900 jobs, the Asheville metropolitan area saw unemployment rise in August, according to figures from the state Employment Security Commission, possibly due to formerly discouraged workers once again looking for a job. Both Buncombe County and the Asheville area saw unemployment rise from 8 percent to 8.4 percent.
Latest victim of the killer economy: Old North State Clothing Company
After 10 years of doing business in downtown Asheville, The Old North State Clothing Company is closing its store at 2 Battery Park Ave. Owner Andy Archie blames the bad economy for increasingly sluggish sales.
Actions taken at the July 26 meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners
Here’s a list of actions taken at the July 26 meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
Buncombe County Commissioners preview: Buy it and they will come? ***UPDATED Tues. 3:10 PM***
At its June 28 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will consider buying the former Volvo plant on Hendersonville Road for $7 million in hopes of luring another large employer to the property. Meanwhile, the hints keep coming that the purchase could be part of a broader multifaceted jobs announcement: Board Chair David Gantt says “it’ll be one of the biggest hits we’ve had in years.” And News 13 Anchor Russ Bowen reports via Twitter that “sources say Linamar automotive parts company to take over Volvo plant.”
Local Matters: Local economy, employment outlook and Buncombe County budget
In this episode of the Mountain Xpress Local Matters podcast, news editor Margaret Williams talks with reporter David Forbes about the trends in the local economic recovery. Reporter Christopher George contributes a report about the local employment situation, as well as an update about the recent Buncombe County Commission budget meeting.
Polishing the crystal ball
Don’t worry about inflation or oil spikes: The economy is recovering, which will accelerate as the housing market picks back up, but expect unemployment to decline slowly. That was the word from economists David Berson and James Smith at the April 21 Economic Crystal Ball seminar at UNCA.
Photo by Jonathan Welch
LIVE: Coverage of the Economic Crystal Ball Seminar
Tonight, two economists will lay out their forecasts for the coming year at the annual Crystal Ball Seminar at UNCA. Follow live Twitter coverage here.
Charting the future
Kit Cramer came on board as the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO last fall. Xpress sat down with her recently along with Ben Teague, the Chamber’s senior vice president for economic development. They discussed the organization’s new long-term strategic plan for business development as well as the controversy over the Asheville group’s […]
A symposium on the political power of big money in America
It is deeply distressing that during this time of economic recession a few very wealthy people in this country are growing enormously wealthier while millions of other people battle to hang onto jobs, homes, life-assets and retirement savings. The very rich are getting much richer, while large numbers of Americans are falling from the middle […]
The Beat: Bulldogs and iodide down; gas prices up
A look at what’s been making headlines.
The Beat: Obama, barbecue, and the ‘woodchuck weather creature’
A look at what’s been making headlines.
CIBO discussion: Property values and the state of the local economy
About 50 local business owners gathered over grilled chicken yesterday for a discussion about property values and the state of Asheville’s economy. The monthly “Power Lunch Meeting” was sponsored by the Council of Independent Business Owners and featured a panel of city, county and business leaders, including County Tax Collector Gary Roberts, County Attorney Michael Frue, Asheville City Manager Gary Jackson and the owner of Spake Real Estate, John Spake.
Gov. Perdue’s speech (The Twitter report)
Gov. Beverly Perdue spoke about the economy to more than 200 people on Thursday at a CIBO meeting. Here is a compilation of Xpress’ live coverage, transmitted via Twitter.
WNC Index: Region’s economy continues steady decline
Appalachian State University center reports negative growth, higher unemployment in 24 of 25 counties
Mountain Xpress feels the pinch
Mountain Xpress employees will see an across-the-board pay cut of 5 to 10 percent effective Jan. 1, owner and publisher Jeff Fobes announced Dec. 19. The Asheville-based weekly has seen a recent decline in both classified and retail advertising, Fobes said. The corresponding decline in revenue, which is likely to extend into 2009, has forced […]
Ho ho holy crap: State jobless rate nears 8 percent
This time a year ago, the state’s unemployment rate stood at 4.7 percent. What a difference a year makes.
An Asheville infrastructure wish list
President-elect Barack Obama will ask lawmakers to pass a massive economic stimulus package when he takes office, and Asheville’s elected officials want to be ready if any money comes their way.