SCORE: What you don’t know can hurt you - A business law primer

The Chamber partners with many organizations in our community to make sure that small business have every opportunity to succeed.  The SCORE Association, “Counselors to America’s Small Business,” is a nonprofit association comprised of 10,500 volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S.  They have a strong presence in the Asheville community and provide some great resources that a small business might not typically be able to afford. 

This Saturday they have a training session coming up on some basic business law that every business owner should know.  Here are the details:

October 24, 2009 - Saturday - 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (details below)

Registration: $30.00

Save $5 by pre-registering!

This seminar will address broad issues such as entity selection, risk management and corporate compliance. When do independent contractors become employees? Tips on Hiring and Firing. From start up companies to expanding businesses , the discussion will identify the questions you need to ask and how to apply the answers to your specific industry.

Marjorie Maginnis is an attorney who focuses her practice in the areas of labor and employment, real estate and business transactional law. With over 13 years of experience, Marjorie has served as in-house counsel and worked in private practice. She has focused her efforts on working with public and private employers and assisting them with risk management, litigation prevention, contract drafting and review as well as representation before administrative agencies, district and appellate courts, mediation and arbitration.


Click here to register for the program.

Shtick to Singing

One of our really unique members the Land of the Sky Chorus has a really interesting event coming up check it out this Saturday.


The Land of the Sky Chorus will present their annual Asheville show of harmony and hilarity, this year called "SHTICK TO SINGING", at the Diana Wortham Theatre, on Sat. Oct 24. The show starts a 7:30 PM.


The show will feature the 45-man Land of the Sky Barbershop Chorus and quartets, along with special guest quartet, the Dixie District 2009 Champion Quartet "LET'S SING!!".


Tickets are $18 preshow, and $20 at the door (children 12, and under, free), and are available from the Land of the Sky Chorus by calling 866-290-7269 (see more information at ashevillebarbershop.com), or from the Diana Wortham Theatre Box Office (.dwtheatre.com/box-office; 828-257-4530).


For sure, no other show features a judge with a croquet gavel, “Little St Nick” on a skateboard, 50 Elvis aspirants performing his torch-rock hit “Love Me,” the candy-apple myopia of “Rose Colored Glasses,” the artistry of Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewh......ere,” an intensely factual rendition of the “Copper Clapper Caper,” a 39-inch diameter powder puff, harmony galore and back by popular request with some new surprises: the uproarious reenactment of the entire Ed Sullivan Show in 2 minutes and 57 seconds!!!!

Howl - O - Ween at the WNC Nature Center

More and more family friendly activities for the fall and Halloween keep rolling in.  The event at the nature center sounds like fun.

Howl–O–Ween at the WNC Nature Center
Saturday, October 24, 2009, 1:00 – 8:00 pm
Admission: $6.00 per person
Members of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center receive $1.00 off
Special pricing begins at 1:00 p.m.

Come visit the Western North Carolina Nature Center on Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville for Howl O’Ween! Creatures of the darkness will be on display in the Creepy Crawler Cabin along with a fabulously large 8 ft. Burmese python, a 5 ft. Red Tailed boa, legless lizards, a mass of squirming baby turtles and Halloween colored corn snakes galore brought by members of the Southern Appalachian Herpetological Society! Every hour starting at 2 p.m., learn about skulls, bats, snakes and other creepy creatures through nature programs and enrichment presentations. With arts & crafts, hot dogs, hot cider and chocolate, baked goods, and treats for the kids, a costume contest at 6:30 p.m., as well as two performances by the Mountain Marionettes at 7:00 and 7:40pm, it’s a great beginning to the ghoul season! Come dressed for the occasion!  For more information about Howl O’Ween, please contact Keith Mastin, Education Curator, at (828) 298-5600 ext. 305.

First Buncombe County H1N1 Vaccine Clinic Scheduled

This press release from the Buncombe County Health Center just arrived in my inbox. The first H1N1 shots take place tomorrow!


Buncombe County Health Center has scheduled its first H1N1 flu vaccine clinic for some individuals who are at highest risk of complications from flu.  These include:

• Pregnant women
• Children 6 months through 4 years
• Individuals 5 – 24 years of age who are at high risk of complications from flu (such as chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems)
• Healthy people 49 years and under who care for infants under 6 months of age

These are the only groups that will be vaccinated at this first clinic.


The Health Center has narrowed the priority list for this clinic because of a limited supply of vaccine.  “Pregnant women and children have shown the highest rate of hospitalization and death overall so we’re beginning with them”, said Gibbie Harris, Health Center Director.  More shipments of the H1N1 vaccine are expected and the priority groups eligible for it will expand as more vaccine arrives.  “We hope the community will support this effort and let those most at risk get the vaccine first,” said Harris. This vaccine comes from a variety of sources, and the Health Center has no control over what is received but will provide what is available now in this clinic. 


This first H1N1 flu vaccine clinic will take place Saturday, October 17 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, or earlier if this vaccine shipment is depleted. Other important points:

• The shot in the arm will be available as well as flu mist for those who meet certain medical qualifications.
• Anyone who has had seasonal flu mist must wait at least 28 days before having H1N1 flu mist.  These people may have the H1N1 shot at any time after the flu mist.
• There is no cost to individuals for this vaccine.
• Those who attend the clinic on Saturday should park in the County parking deck and enter the Health Center from the courthouse side rather than the front parking lot.  Entrance to the deck is on College Street across from the Courthouse.  The public may also enter the deck from Woodfin Street this Saturday.  There will be no charge to park in the deck during the H1N1 vaccine clinic.

As additional vaccine arrives in the county, some area physicians will receive allotments for their pregnant patients as well as for their patients who are young or who fall into a high risk group.  Those who are unable to attend the clinic on Saturday should check with their physician to see if they will receive vaccine.


This supply of the H1N1 shot has a trace amount of preservative.  Children who are under 10 years of age will need to have a second dose of the H1N1 vaccine in order to have full immunity from this novel flu.  The second vaccine should be received at least 4 weeks after the first.


The Health Center will notify the media anytime we plan an H1N1 vaccination clinic.  The Flu Vaccine Hotline (250-6400) will also be revised when additional clinics are scheduled

YMCA Receives Grant to Open Middle School Learning Centers

I have heard some rumors about some big news coming from the YMCA of Western North Carolina.  This is the first of a few announcements that I expect to hear from them this fall.  

YMCA of WNC Receives Its Largest Program Grant Ever to Open
Two 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Buncombe County Middle Schools

Asheville, NC, Oct. 14, 2009 The YMCA of WNC today announced it received a $663,000 grant from the Department of Education to open two 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Buncombe County Middle Schools.

“This award represents the largest program grant the YMCA of Western North Carolina has ever received. It is a wonderful vote of confidence in the YMCA, our relationship with Buncombe County Schools and the amazing work of our staff,” said Paul Vest, president of the YMCA of WNC.

The grant was given as part of the No Child Left Behind Act by the Department of Education through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

The purpose of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant funds are to assist schools, local educational activities (LEAs), and faith or community-based organizations to provide before school, afterschool and summer services through the establishment of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs (21st CCLCs).

The learning centers will be located in Erwin and Enka middle schools and will open Oct. 26, 2009. The centers will serve students Mon. through Thurs. with after school programs focusing on academic enrichment to improve student performance through tutoring and direct assistance. The centers will also work to increase parental involvement and support by offering evening classes focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) and GED education throughout the year.

The centers will provide an arena for programs to improve math and literacy levels of students, support student learning and development through enrichment opportunities, building character and increasing graduation awareness and developmental assets.

“The middle school years are a crucial transition time for our students,” said Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Tony Baldwin. “These learning centers will provide important support for our students not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well, strengthening our Graduation Initiative and ultimately reducing our dropout rate. We are extremely fortunate to have a strong partnership with the YMCA as we work to keep kids in school and prepare them for 21st Century careers.”

The YMCA, in partnership with Buncombe County Schools, is working collaboratively with the Literacy Council of Buncombe County, LEAF in Schools and Streets, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, POETIX and the Buncombe County Sheriff Office to make this program a success.

“Throughout our 120 year history of serving, the YMCA has looked for opportunities to address the needs of our communities. We are ecstatic that the state is giving us, with Buncombe County Schools, the resources to positively impact and enrich the lives of these middle school students and families,” said Vest.

Each 21st Century Learning Center will serve 75 students and their families, and will choose students based on their math and reading scores. State testing actually identified more than 400 students eligible. The funding will be spread out over four years, decreasing in amount throughout the cycle and is contingent on successful completion of grant requirements and evidence of growth and progress.

Media Contact:
Jenn Murphy, YMCA of WNC, Community Development Director
(828) 210-9604, (828) 210-9014, jmurphy@ymcawnc.org

The WriteMind Institute Hosts Leading from the Heart

I have been reading a few leadership books lately and this program sounds great.  The WriteMind Institute always pulls together great programs, check it out! 
Leading from the Heart: An evening with Dave Olsen, Senior Vice President, Culture and Leadership Development for STARBUCKS

Date: Monday, October 19, 2009

Time: 7 pm

Location: WriteMind Institute for Corporate Contemplation, 84 North Lexington Avenue

Cost: $15 (FREE to WriteMind Institute members)
Beverages and desserts will be served

Reserve a seat by calling 828.253.1733 or send an email to info@writemindinstitute.com 

Dave Olsen will speak about his experience as well as interact with the audience in a discussion about authentic leadership in large and small organizations.

Dave’s relationship with Starbucks began while he owned and operated one of Seattle’s original coffee bars; he was an important account for Starbucks in the early years. Later, sourcing coffee and developing blends for Starbucks allowed Dave to cultivate relationships with small communities all over the world. In addition to working at Starbucks, Dave has served on multiple non-profit boards with national and international influence. Dave Olsen and Jonathon Flaum, director of WriteMind Institute, have found common ground in discussing the principles of servant leadership as well as the merit of having corporate executives in kayaks.

WriteMind welcomes the community to post questions for Dave Olsen prior to the event on twitter @writemindinst

Meditating with Horses from Horsesense

Horsesense is one of those Chamber members that always has something new going on that I am really intrigued by.  Some of the Chamber staff are venturing out of the office soon for a tour and visit with the Horsesense.  Look for some photos and a blog post about that soon.

Here is their latest program: Meditating with Horses
Horse Sense of the Carolinas will be holding a series, Meditating With Horses, on Thursdays this fall. Session will be held October 22 and 29, and November 5 and 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The hour will consist of a series of meditations and horse interactions, while enjoying the fall sunset at the beautiful mountain setting of the Horse Sense farm in Marshall.

No prior experience with horses is necessary. Please contact Horse Sense to register at 828-683-7304 or visit the website: www.horsesenseotc.com. Each session will cost $20.

“Horse Sense of the Carolinas (HSOTC) has been involved with the community for several years as a mental health facility and we are excitted to open our gates for the public to enjoy the healing powers of interacting with horses,” said Shannon Knapp, president of HSOTC,

“By utilizing the curious, instinctive nature of horses, participants will have the opportunity to discover and examine their relaxation patterns,” said Knapp. “The masters of clear, honest, and unbiased feedback, the horses allow those that take part to practice a whole new way of meditating and self-awareness.”

Horse Sense has been creating positive change for people and horses in Western North Carolina since 2003 and is an EAGALA-approved Provider of Continuing Education, with the first EAGALA Advanced Certified staff in the United States.

Local Developments Plan Fall Festivals

Two local community / developments are planning fall festivals for the weekend, one in North Asheville at Reynolds Mountain and one in South Asheville at Biltmore Park.  Have a fun and safe fall weekend, looks like a wet one.

Biltmore Park Town Square Fall Festival
On Saturday, October 17th, you're going to want to check out the Fall Fest 2009 in Biltmore Park Town Square. There you'll meet face painters and music makers, pumpkin painters and balloon fairies; a magacian, storytellers adn even the gang from Sesame Street! You'll find something to see on every block. So bring a friend, bring the kids - and be there too! Shop, eat and enjoy a day outside. The fun starts at 11 and lasts all afternoon. Then once the sun goes down, dance and sway under the stars as The Caribean Cowboys take the stage for a free outdoor concert.

Contact: 828-210.7525

Oktoberfest at the Reynolds Mountain Pavilion.
Join us for food, beverages, and a tour of our available properties.
Saturday, October 17th from 11am to 4pm
Sunday, October 18th from 1pm to 4pm
Come and enjoy the beautiful fall colors!

Directions to the Pavilion:
Travel North on Merrimon Ave from Downtown for 3.5 miles.
Turn right into the second entrance of Reynolds Mountain which is Senator Reynolds Road. Go past the new YMCA through the gates and straight up the mountain until you see The Pavilion at the corner of Summit Tower Circle and Senator Reynolds Road.

Express Clydesdales at the 2009 Asheville Holiday Parade

This sounds like fun! Express Employment Professionals are bringing the Express Clydesdales to lead the 2009 Asheville Holiday Parade

What Kind of "Horse Cents" Do You Have When It Comes To Showing Your Company's Community Commitment.

Express Employment Professionals invites you to show your company's Horse Cents and help children this holiday season. We are bringing the Express Clydesdales to town to lead the Asheville Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 21. Knowing how much these gentle giants delight and excite big and little kids alike, we are offering your employees and their children a chance to ride on the Express Clydesdales Wagon and meet one of the Clydesdales for a photo session. All you have to do is show your Horse Cents for Mission Children's Hospital. Visit us at expresspros.com/Horsecents to learn how your company can help.

Get linked! Social Networking Series Continues

Continuing my series on some basic social networking tools I thought I would start with some videos on Linkedin.  Linkedin is as close to traditional business networking as an online program can get.  It is easy to use and easy to understand.

This video should help: