The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce and the Watauga County Economic Development Commission see access to quality and affordable childcare as one of the top economic development priorities in our region.

Western Youth Network is in the public phase of fundraising for a project that would provide a significant boost to afterschool and out-of-school care for children across Watauga County. On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Jennifer Warren, Executive Director of WYN, to hear more about their Building Brighter Futures Campaign, and the needs this project addresses for children, parents, and local businesses.

We'll also provide an update on key early childhood legislation as we move closer to a new state budget in North Carolina.

Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Who are the two people that have the most impact on the High Country's outdoor economy? Mother Nature and Old Man Winter! Our opportunities for recreation are not only a magnet for visitors, but they are also a core component of the quality of life that makes this region so attractive to residents.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we hear the latest on the State of the Outdoor Economy. Andy Hill is the Watauga Riverkeeper and Regional Director for Mountain True. He shares the latest on post-storm river cleanup efforts, improved water quality, and the latest on where and what types of fish are biting.

We'll also hear from River Girl Fishing Company's Renata Dos Santos, as she gives an account of the status of the river for tubing and kayaking, what outfitters see daily, and what they need most at this point in our Helene recovery.

We wrap up with Howard Street construction news and details about the sale of a legacy local business.

Mind Your Business is a weekly production of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to sponsorship support from Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Since when did the stock market start following the High Country weather pattern? If you don't like what you see, wait a few days!

The economic ups and downs of today have an impact on the stability and predictability many High Country businesses. On this week's Mind Your Business, we examine the long-term impacts from the daily financial volatility we see every time we look at the news. We define some "terms of the moment," to provide basic understanding of what we are seeing and look at how today's economic landscape is shaping the hurricane recovery efforts Northwest North Carolina. We get these details and more during our quarterly check-in with Jonathan Allen of Allen Wealth Management.

Next week's groundbreaking on the Howard Street revitalization project has stirred excitement throughout the community. We hear from two long-time Howard Street business owners about their hopes and expectations for the project, and what they need most from customers and the Town of Boone during construction.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The program is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show