Since 1981, AppalCART has been moving people around Boone and Watauga County. As we move into one our highest periods of annual traffic volume, how does public transportation play a role in getting people to and from their destinations?

On this week's Mind Your Business, we'll talk with Craig Hughes, Executive Director of AppalCART, about the system's history and performance, how decisions are made about route destinations and expansions, and what the future of public transportation looks like in rural North Carolina. And yes, we will talk about the double-decker bus and how it's helping bring efficiency to daily routes and special event schedules!

Appalachian State University has released its student censes for Fall 2025. We will dive into the numbers and tell you how the Boone campus is impacted by current enrollment.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by 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 afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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On September 5th, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation reopens its High Country Business Disaster Grant Program, which has been in place since September 2024 to support businesses in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties impacted by Hurricane Helene.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we will explain the criteria for the fourth funding round of this program, which will be centered around revenue loss for hurricane-impacted businesses.

We will also meet Ethan Dodson, Director of Development for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. We will hear more about the organization's hurricane relief fundraising efforts along with other programs the foundation is currently working to support throughout the High Country.

To support the mission of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce foundation, please visit boonechamber.com/foundation.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by 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 afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

When Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill in July 2025, the Federal legislation brought significant changes for business and individual taxpayers.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we continue our examination of the bill and it's impact on tax law for business and individual filers, highlighting key changes that will resonate with High Country businesses and their employees. We are joined by Ralph Polk, CPA and Senior Manager with DMJPS, PLLC, who will break down the legislation and provide insight on topics like depreciation, research & development expenses, and 1099 reporting for businesses.

He'll also explain the final legislative language related to major campaign talking points like no tax on tips, while also highlighting changes to charitable contribution allowances for certain individual taxpayers.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by 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 afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Since President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July, those that have funding tied to the legislation have been pouring through the 1,100-page document to understand the impacts.

On this week's episode of Mind Your Business, we visit with Nathan Nipper and Rob Hudspeth (UNC Health Appalachian), Jennifer Greene (AppHealthCare), and Alice Salthouse (High Country Community Healthcare) as they discuss the impacts of the bill on local healthcare and Medicaid services.

We also unveil this year's Community Award honorees that will be recognized at Spirit of Boone, the Chamber's 76th annual membership gathering on September 18th.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by 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 afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Fall is inching closer and that means college football season is just around the corner! As App State kicks off another season, it's football program has placed Boone under the college football spotlight many times over the years. Fans bring renewed energy to The Rock each fall, and their gameday visits to the High Country make the Mountaineers a key economic driver in our region.

It's also no secret that the college football landscape has changed drastically in the last decade, and App State staff have remained creative with how they position the entire athletics department for success, all while the rules that govern collegiate sports continue to evolve by the day.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we welcome App State Athletics Director Doug Gillin back to the program. He'll share details on how his team is working to adapt to a changing financial model while staying cutting edge on the delivery of an elite fan experience. He'll also discuss ways that the local business community can anticipate future schedules that will drive attendance, and how the department has enhanced opportunities to support the department's 17 sports programs.

We'll also preview Encore, the latest professional development course from the Watauga Leadership Institute, which begins September 18th.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by 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 afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Business growth is an ongoing thought for just about everyone that listens to this podcast.

How does my business take the next step?

The answer to that question may lie within opportunities for professional development or credential attainment. The riddle could also be solved with the help of a neutral set of eyes, examining your business in a way you simply are too close to see.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we tackle the subject of business and professional growth from three different perspectives. Our guests include:

• Dr. Jason Xiong, Associate Dean for Advanced Studies in Business at Appalachian State's Walker College of Business, speaking on the benefits working professionals can gain from seeking graduate degrees and certificates.
• Carmella Tomlinson, Director of the Small Business Center at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, speaking to the ways the SBC network can help start and grow businesses in a realistic and financially responsible manner.
• Christina Fryzel, Owner of Wahoo's Adventures, on the benefits of the Mountain BizWorks Waypoint Accelerator program, and how professional development through a cohort-style approach can help businesses learn along like-minded industry partners.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by 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 afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Phase I of Hurricane Helene repair along the Blue Ridge Parkway continues in Watauga County, but we are getting closer to completion of a key stretch of roadway between Parkway Elementary School and Bamboo Gap.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Leesa Brandon, External Affairs Specialist with the Blue Ridge Parkway and National Park Service. She will provide an update on the phases of work that encompasses Helene repairs throughout our region. We'll also hear an update on ongoing Great American Outdoors Act work along the Parkway in Ashe County and where crews will go next when these projects are complete in the High Country.

For up to the minute information about access, road closures, along with other information about visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit their website here.

Earlier this week, the Chamber released its Q2 Economic Indicators report. We discuss a few of the key topics and discuss some of the efforts and events that are impacting our economy this summer.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by 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 afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Over the years the types of health care offerings in the High Country have continued to evolve. On Friday, July 25th, AMOREM, formerly Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, will mark the opening of a state-of-the-art in-patient care facility in Watauga County, serving the needs of the entire High Country region.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Kerri McFalls, Chief Growth & Development Officer with AMOREM, as we discuss what this type of facility can provide to patients and families in terms of end of life and respite care, and the types of jobs it takes to manage such an operation. We'll go over the details for a special community celebration of the dedication of this facility and we'll discuss ways to continue to fundraise toward the goals AMOREM has set for its growing Watauga campus.

** Special programming note -- there is a slight bit of digital noise during small portions of our interview that was caused by a passing summer storm here in the High Country. It's not your connection -- it's Mother Nature trying to insert herself in our conversation! **

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by 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 afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Support the show