Monday, February 25, 2013

Acclaimed storyteller Connie Regan-Blake to offer workshop



On Saturday, March 16, join nationally acclaimed storyteller, Connie Regan-Blake for a one-day workshop to explore and develop storytelling skills. The focus is on gaining confidence in speaking publicly and learning skills that support and encourage the storyteller in you.   

Participants will draw on the 5 senses to engage your listeners and discover your innate capacity as a storyteller.  You will also practice deep listening skills as a path to letting go of nervousness so you can be present and in the moment while in front of people.  And learn how to ‘embody’ stories while cultivating and enjoying the bond that forms between teller and listener – all in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.    
Welcoming, powerful and fun, these teachings can be useful in the corporate world, with colleagues, family and friends, and on stage.  ‘Storytelling’ has become almost a buzzword in the worlds of public relations and business. 

This very old form of communication is finding new applications in our modern world. Come see how storytelling can support your life and your work.  This is a great professional development opportunity, as well as just a fun way to spend a Saturday.

This workshop takes place on the top floor of the Chamber, at the Lenoir-Rhyne Center for Graduate Studies at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. Please visit www.storywindow.com, or call 828-258-1113. Workshop registration fee: $135. Early bird registration is $99 (before March 8th). Chamber members should register with the comment "Chamber Member". Register online or by phone.

AIR presents WNC Culinary Expo March 4


The WNC Culinary Expo takes place on March 4, 2013, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm in the Vanderbilt Ballroom of The Grove Park Inn.
 


The WNC Culinary Expo is a comprehensive industry event devoted to the Western North Carolina restaurant, foodservice and hospitality market. The Expo is produced by Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR) and its 50 + partners, and is part of an ongoing mission to connect local independent restaurants in the spirit of collaboration, as well as create a strategic forum to share beneficial industry information. The event also serves as a showcase for AIR Partners to demonstrate food products, technology, equipment and services in an open forum setting.

Tentative agenda includes:

9:00 am - AIR General Membership Meeting (AIR members only)
     Legislative Updates from NCRLA
     2013 Marketing initiatives from NC Department of Agriculture


10:00 am - WNC Culinary Expo opens
      Forums begin - "The Business of Restaurants"
      
  • Universal health Care, Fiscal Cliffs & Taxes - Oh My!
  • Remedies to Restaurants' Top Ten Employment Dilemmas
  • Environmental Sustainability - How to create positive change with your restaurant 
Presentations:

11:30 am - Feed Your Facebook with Phone to Table Social Media
1:00 pm -   Easing the Financial Pressure of Health Care Expenses for Business Owners
2:30 pm -   Incentive Workshop for Hiring Individuals with Barriers to Employment 



Please check  www.airasheville.org for updates to the schedule or email info@airasheville.org

Beer City Experience with Highland Brewing Company


Asheville, NC, has been named Beer City four years in a row. You are invited to spend a weekend with hosts from Asheville’s original hometown brewery, Highland Brewing Company.


Friday, April 12, 2013
Spend an optional night at Aloft – a new hotel in the center of Asheville – and
get a special treat from French Broad Chocolates


Saturday, April 13
Learn about beer’s natural raw ingredients at Riverbend Malt House; laugh through the LaZoom Comedy Tour of Asheville; tour and taste at Highland Brewing Company; feast on a four-course beer dinner at Lexington Avenue Brewing. Stay at Aloft.


Sunday, April 14
Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Blackbird. 


To reserve for this weekend, email info@highlandbrewing.com for link and details.  Reserve by March 17.


Accommodations
$349 per couple for one night (Sat, April 13), or $499 for two nights (Fri-Sat, April 12-13).
Includes activities described above, tax and gratuity. Retail value $640 for one night and $964 for two nights.


RiverLink offers free children's tickets to Piccadilly Circus: Blammo


RiverLink is offering free Children's General Admission tickets to the Piccadilly Circus: Blammo! in Fletcher. 

The circus will feature the Cossack Warriors, comedic clowns, a free petting zoo and the My Little Pony Parade. The event will be held at the WNC Agriculture Center Arena on Thursday March 7, 2013.  Show times are 4:30 and 7:30 pm.  
 
Each ticket is good for free admission for children under the age of 13. The ticket will admit ONE child with purchase of an adult ticket. This is for Children's General Admission and is not a Children's VIP area ticket. 

Adult tickets may be purchased online. Use the code "CIRCUS" until 10:00am the morning of the show to receive 50% off the Adult General Admission ticket price. 

Tickets are first come, first serve. Stop by the RiverLink offices at 170 Lyman Street to pick them up. 

More info about the Picadilly Circus can be found  www.thefuncircus.com. 
 

SimplyHome announces release of their new website


 
SimplyHome is very pleased to announce the launch of their new website: simply-home.com.  Along with a new look, they have included some features that they hope will make visiting the site a quicker, easier and more interactive experience.  Additionally, you can now find their blog located right on the website.

SimplyHome has been providing assistive technology for people to age in place or live independently since 2004. Their supports are innovative and allow individuals the option to live independently in their own home. They utilize sensors to monitor activity of daily living that alerts a family member or caregiver only when there is a concern or need. 

SimplyHome staff built the website from the ground up to ensure their customers are getting the information and experience they are seeking. The goal is to give visitors a glimpse of who they are as a company, while also providing an all-inclusive look of each product and service that is currently offered. 

The new site contains a number of aesthetic, organizational, and content improvements including:
•    Easier navigation with four main tabs; “Products”, “How it Works”, “About Us”, and “News” reflect an entirely new layout with a scrolling sub navigation that follows your screen as you scroll.
•    Cleaner, less cluttered design to better describe the products and services offered
•    Free assessment requesting option
•    Testimonials from current customers and partners