Mixing Business with Pleasure with Clear Channel Asheville

Those who attended last night's Business After Hours know one thing -- Clear Channel Asheville knows how to show Asheville's business community a good time! Guests enjoyed food from local restaurants including Posana Cafe, Fiores, TallGary's Pub, Fiddlin' Pig, Gianni Panini, Cold Stone Creamery, beer from our friends at Budweiser of Asheville, and wine from Ashevilla Wines.

The great company and magnificent mountain views, combined with an amazing line-up of door prizes made the evening one to remember. Just a few of Clear Channel's giveaway highlights include a $2,500 advertising package, coveted Elton John tickets, Charlotte Panthers tickets, University of Tennessee football tickets, a golf package at High Vista Country Club, Biltmore tickets and The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa dining tickets.

Thank you to Clear Channel Asheville for hosting such a fun evening. Don't miss our next Business Before Hours at Biltmore Baptist Church on October 19 and Business After Hours at Sisters of Mercy South Asheville on November 4.

Check out images from the evening by clicking on this slide show.

Passenger Rail Returns to WNC

Norfolk Southern engines and passenger cars

On Wednesday, September 8, 2010 two passenger rail cars with 140 riders departed from Asheville for Marion, North Carolina. This rare event was an initiative of Operation Lifesaver, a nationwidenon-profit public information organization dedicated to promoting train safety and ending collisions, deaths and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks, and on railroad rights-of-way.

View of switchbacks going down to Old Fort

This educational opportunity was also a chance to experience passenger rail. The Western North Carolina rail corridor, which runs from Asheville to Salisbury, is scheduled by the North Carolina Department of Transportation to return passenger rail. This has been a goal of Amtrak and the NCDOT Rail Division and would bolster economic development in WNC. However, the state’s economy and budget have prevented the quick return of the service.

Passengers riding in style

The excitement of the passengers could be felt as the train pulled out of Biltmore Village and began to make its way toward Black Mountain. Rail can be described as a romantic and nostalgic way to travel. It offers a unique and different perspective of North Carolina as the cars snaked down the switchbacks from Black Mountain to Old Fort. Riders were treated to views of wooded mountains free of the traffic of I-40.

Pulling into station at Old Fort


Many individuals in Western North Carolina have been working to expedite the return of passenger rail. The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Western North Carolina Passenger Rail Corridor, which is composed of members along the Asheville to Salisbury corridor that meet quarterly to bring passenger rail back to WNC. The group has presented to the North Carolina General Assembly and remains in contact with the NCDOT Rail Division to make sure the corridor remains top of mind.

Boarding the train in Marion


Norfolk Southern partnered with Operation Lifesaver and provided two diesel engines, two passenger cars, and a research car. The ridership included elected officials from across North Carolina, community leaders, law enforcement officials, and individuals that could help spread the word about train safety.

Rep. Ray Rapp talks about trains in Marion


An Operation Lifesaver volunteer said that the most important thing to remember is that trains can appear at any time. This is not only applicable for safety reasons as you traverse tracks on foot and in automobiles but also applies to passenger rail. The Chamber and many in the community are working hard to have this great mode of transportation return to our part of the state, and the passenger trains could appear at any moment.

Beautiful view via rail

W. Louis Bissette, Jr. Named 2010 Citizen Lawyer by North Carolina Bar Association

The Asheville law firm of McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A. is pleased to announce that The North Carolina Bar Association, in conjunction with the Citizen Lawyer Task Force, has named W. Louis Bissette, Jr. a 2010 recipient of its Citizen Lawyer Award. Formal presentation will take place at the North Carolina Bar Association’s annual meeting scheduled for June 24-27 at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside.

The NCBA Citizen Lawyer Award was established in 2007 to recognize lawyers who provide exemplary public service to their communities. Honorees include elected and appointed government officials, coaches, mentors and voluntary leaders of non-profit, civic and community organizations.

The 2010 recipients are:

• Marcia High Armstrong, Smithfield
• W. Louis Bissette, Jr., Asheville
• Judge Brenda Green Branch, Roanoke Rapids
• Frank Edward Emory, Jr., Charlotte
• Alan Scott Hicks, Roxboro
• Jimmie Banks Hicks, Jr., New Bern
• Henry H. Isaacson, Greensboro
• Mark West Owens, Jr., Greenville
• Thomas W. Ross, Davidson
• Kimberly Woodell Sieredzki, Clayton
• Harriett Twiggs Smalls, Greensboro
• Luther Donald Starling, Jr., Clinton

President of McGuire, Wood & Bissette, PA since 1999, Bissette has practiced law with the firm since 1976. He recevied his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in 1965, his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1968, and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Virginia in 1970.

Regarding his community service and leadership, Bissette remarks, “Over the past 34 years, the private practice of law has afforded me the independence and flexibility to fully participate in the life of my community. These experiences have allowed me to get to know my community and its people. I am truly grateful for having been able to serve my clients as a North Carolina lawyer and for the opportunity it has afforded me to also serve the people of my community in many other ways. It has been a wonderful experience.”

Bissette’s extensive civic and community service include two terms as Mayor of the City of Asheville, from 1985 to 1989. He has served as chairman of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, the I-26 Corridor Association, the North Carolina Arboretum Society, and the Grove Arcade Public Market Foundation, and vice chairman of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the Buncombe County Economic Development Commission, and on numerous other boards and foundations. He is the current vice chairman of the Wake Forest University Trustees and a past trustee of Western Carolina University. He has helped the YMCA, Red Cross, Helpmate, Pisgah Legal Services, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Industries for the Blind and other non-profit organizations raise funds for much needed services.

Numerous awards for his dedication to community life include the J.D. Cooley Award from the Western North Carolina Community Development Association, the Citizenship Award from the Land of Sky Regional Council, the Big A and Chairman's awards from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Centennial Award from the North Carolina Bar Association.

PLI holding job fair June 3

Asheville-based Plasticard-Locktech International, the world’s largest manufacturer of hotel keycards, is holding a job fair on Thursday, June 3 from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. The company is filling 20 to 25 full-time positions in all departments, including sales, production, accounting, quality assurance and administration. The job fair will be held at the company’s headquarters at 605 Sweeten Creek Industrial Park in Asheville.

“Our business has continued to grow even in light of the economic downturn,” said President and CEO Mark Goldberg. “We’re continuing to add new products and services, which has created an immediate need for additional staff. We’re excited to open our doors to people who are looking for a long-term career with a successful company.”

PLI was founded in 1988, and it has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States year since 2007. In addition to hotel keycards, the company produces specialty printed plastic and paper products including gift, loyalty and membership cards; ID badges; key fobs; luggage tags; static clings; door hangers; and large-format graphics such as posters and banners.

Full-time employees receive an extensive benefits package, including competitive wages, medical and dental benefits, paid time off and a 401(K) retirement plan.

Applicants are asked to bring a résumé to the job fair, or they can fill out an application on-site. To receive more information about the job fair – along with a PDF of an application and instructions on how to apply if you can’t attend the fair – email jobfair@plicards.com. PLI uses the E-Verify system to determine employment eligibility for all new hires.

PLI is located at 605 Sweeten Creek Industrial Park. From I-40, take Exit 51 (Sweeten Creek Rd.) and turn left at the end of the ramp. About 6/10 mile ahead, turn left at the light into Sweeten Creek Industrial Park and follow the signs.

For more information about PLI, visit plicards.com.

About PLI: 
Plasticard-Locktech International is the world’s largest manufacturer of hotel keycards and a printer of specialty plastic and paper products. Founded in 1988, the company works with most major hotel chains as well as thousands of event planners and advertisers, producing hundreds of millions of items each year. For the past three years, PLI has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. For more information, visit www.plicards.com.

AVL Reports Largest Month-Over-Month Increase Since Sep. 2005

The Asheville Regional Airport Authority reported its largest month-over-month passenger traffic increase in more than four years. The month of March registered a 19.2% increase in enplanements over March, 2009, resulting in more than 4,000 additional passengers.

The last increase of this proportion was September, 2005, when growth of 23.5% was reported. April of 2009 came close with a 17.8% jump.

Factors influencing the boost include the acquisition of two new air carriers, AirTran Airways and United Airlines, and three new destinations, Chicago, New York, and Orlando, during that time period.

“Competition among airlines is great for passengers—new carriers and routes mean more competition and, oftentimes, reduced ticket prices,” says Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Airport Director. “Lower fares certainly play a part in higher traffic, but the fact that we’ve added new destinations also makes air travel more appealing.”

This announcement comes on the heels of a recent AVL report touting a 4.1% increase in 2009 over the 2008 passenger traffic figures.

“When people begin to travel more, it is often an indicator of an improving economy,” adds Bleiweis. “Of course this is great news for the airport, but we’re also really excited about what it means for Western North Carolina as a whole.”

UNC-Chapel Hill pharmacy education expanding to UNC Asheville

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The University of North Carolina Board of Governors on Friday approved UNC-Chapel Hill's plan to expand its pharmacy-education program to UNC Asheville in partnership with Mission Health System.

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in Chapel Hill will create a satellite pharmacy program that will be based at UNC Asheville. The program at UNC Asheville is an expansion of the successful partnership the UNC-Chapel Hill pharmacy school has had with Elizabeth City State University since 2005. That program will graduate its second class in May.

The start-up costs for the program will be covered by a $2.5 million fund-raising initiative spearheaded by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners has pledged $600,000 toward that goal, and the City of Asheville has pledged $100,000. By the fourth year of the program, its cost is projected to be fully covered by tuition and by Mission Health System funding half the clinical faculty's salaries. The partnership program should not require any state funding.

Asheville was considered the natural choice for locating a satellite program because of the close working partnership between UNC Asheville, Mission Health System, and UNC-Chapel Hill. UNC Asheville, a nationally ranked public liberal arts college, is noted for its strong science and mathematics programs.

"The arrival of the Pharmacy School to UNC Asheville is a prescription for a healthier population and a healthier local economy. Today’s decision by the UNC Board of Governors builds on the work of Mission Health System, the Mountain Area Health Education Center and the Western North Carolina Health Network, a consortium of 16 regional hospitals," said Rick Lutovsky, President and CEO of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.  "These organizations, along with physician practices and the many local businesses that support the hospitals and physicians, comprise a significant economic engine for our region. The Pharmacy School will only strengthen that engine, which is why the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is committing time and resources to raising the $2.5 million needed to fund the program. It’s an investment in Asheville’s future and the UNC School of Pharmacy that will pay dividends for years to come."

Like its counterpart at ECSU, the satellite program at UNC Asheville will educate more pharmacists in an area of North Carolina that doesn't have enough health-care providers in general. The UNC Eshleman School of Pharmacy recognized the need for more health-care practitioners in Western North Carolina and made expansion into the area part of its strategic plan five years ago. The satellite program could enroll up to 40 Doctor of Pharmacy students a year. (The Doctor of Pharmacy, or Pharm.D., is the professional degree required to practice as a pharmacist.)

The Asheville community is well known in pharmacy circles for the very successful Asheville Project, which began as a collaboration between the highly ranked UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Mission Health System, the City of Asheville and community pharmacists. It is a multidisciplinary program of care for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It has been widely recognized and copied all across the country.

The project provides intensive education to people with these conditions through their employer's health plan. Patients are also teamed up with community pharmacists who help them understand how to use their medications correctly. The project has resulted in a system in which community pharmacists have developed thriving practices that have improved their patients' health while saving money.

Public Policy Update: Passenger Rail

The Asheville City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting the return of passenger rail to Western North Carolina at their March 23, 2010 meeting.

This resolution is one example of the activity that is going on to bring passenger rail back to Western North Carolina.

If you are mentioning efforts and interest on passenger rail then you have to discuss former Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Board member, Judy Ray of Tyco Valves in Black Mountain. In 1999 Judy Ray helped to establish the Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Committee. This committee is comprised of local government, chambers of commerce, and interested citizens from communities along the rail line including Statesville, Conover, Valdese, Morganton, Marion, Old Fort, Black Mountain, and Asheville.

The group meets quarterly and works to keep Western North Carolina’s desire for passenger rail on the minds of officials at the NC DOT and our elected officials in Raleigh and D.C. Many of the towns along the corridor have begun to renovate their depots to have them ready for when passenger trains return.

On April 7, 2010 members of the Western North Carolina Rail Corridor and myself will be going to Raleigh (by car as there is no train yet) to speak with Representative Rapp’s House Select Committee on Comprehensive Rail Service. The group will provide the committee member’s with an update on the WNC Corridor Committee’s history, current efforts and request for funding to bring passenger rail back to WNC.

The City of Asheville is actively engaged in the process. The Asheville Depot resides in the River Arts District and the City is actively working to redevelop this area. Bringing passenger traffic through the Depot could be a significant contributor to the redevelopment and growth of the River Arts District.

There is still a long road to go before passenger rail will return to Ashville. However, it appears a window of opportunity is opening with the current elected official’s interest in multi modal transportation, the riverfront redevelopment and the current administration’s interest in rail. I want the Asheville community to know how hard the Asheville Chamber has worked on this issue for several years now and how excited we are to see slow but significant progress being made.



To support the effort to bring passenger rail to WNC please join The People for Rail to Asheville at http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=317583086629

Asheville's Habitat for Humanity to start work on 200th home

The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity staff and board should be commended for their excellent work in our community. This is a great accomplishment that all organizations and companies in our community that have participated or donated should feel pride in. Here is the press release:

On Monday, October 5 at 12noon, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity will raise the wall of another Habitat house being built in the Enka Hills neighborhood. This time though, the house sponsor isn’t a faith community, civic group or local business – it’s the board of directors and staff of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity!

Executive Director Lew Kraus had been saying for the past twelve months that “The economy may be in a recession, but Habitat’s mission is not.” Board Vice-President Fred Barbour decided that it was time to show the community that the need for affordable housing is greater than ever and he called upon Habitat’s strongest proponents – its board and staff, to make that point. To that end, the funds and labor for this house will be coming from its internal team.

The media and public are invited to attend this special event – which happens to also be World Habitat Day 2009. And, this house will be the 200th Habitat house built in this community. After a short speaking program, Habitat board and staff members will join with the Noteboom family to raise the first wall of this 4-bedroom HealthyBuilt home.

In the past 25 years, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has welcomed 192 Buncombe County families to safe, decent and affordable houses. Habitat homes, which are HealthyBuilt certified, are sold at no profit to partner families, who pay back a no-interest loan.

The North Carolina Diamond Ring Race

Wow, I would like to sit back and watch this go down, a bunch of couples racing for a $20k ring!

A $20,000 Lazare Diamond ring has been hidden somewhere in downtown Asheville and it’s up to you to find (and keep!) it! The 1st Annual North Carolina Diamond Ring Race is a city-wide treasure hunt brought to you by Wick and Greene Jewelers! In this high-tech treasure hunt, all of the clues and riddles will be delivered via text message right to your cell phone! Any cell phone, any model, on any carrier can play! And playing is totally FREE! However, spots are limited and you must win a spot to participate. Visit northcarolinadiamondringrace.com and submit your story why you deserve to win the ring!

The race takes place on September 27 from 1 - 6 p.m.

Make sure you register so you can participate!

2009 Bosses Day Golf Tournament

I know everyone out there is already struggling to come up with a great gift for everyone's favorite holiday, Bosses Day! The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association has answered your prayers by hosting the 2nd Annual Bosses Day Golf Tournament.

I volunteered at last year's golf tournament and it was a blast. The day starts with mimosas and blood mary's along with a continental breakfast and ends with a culinary reception following the round of golf at the Broadmoor.

Check out all the details for the day by downloading this form here!

Cafe Acoustic at Panera Bread

Panera Bread in South Asheville is hosting a free Friday acoustic concert series starting today, September 11 running through October 2. The music is from 7 - 9, sounds like fun!

• September 11 - Brendon James Wright
• September 18 - The Songbirds
• September 25 - Brendon James Wright
• October 2 - Karen E. Reynolds
  

Mini Sessions with Camilla Calnan Photography

At our new member orientation this week (if you have never attended an orientation it is well worth the hour out of your month) we had a new photographer Chamber member join us, Camilla Calnan Photography. She told me about this great opportunity to have a mini session, sounds ideal for families, kids, etc. Here is the scoop:

Mini Sessions with Camilla Calnan Photography

Mini sessions can be used for a family portrait, just for the kids, for couples and individuals. Fun, natural portraits by a local professional photographer offered as an option other than school portraits or traditional holiday photos.

A mini session is a 15-minute photo session by appointment for $25.

Includes: an online album of the images, 2-5x7 prints and a set of wallets.
Any reprints ordered within 2 weeks of your album being ready, you get 20% off.

To schedule your mini session, email: cami@camiphoto.com
or call: 828.242.2308. Space is limited, so call or email soon!

For more information visit: ashevillephotography.blogspot.com/

Wednesday 9/16 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am; 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Sunday 9/20 - 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Sunday 9/27 - 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Camilla Calnan Photography is also offering several portrait specials right now if you would to prefer to schedule a session that will give us more time to work together.

Member Profile: Stone Digital Media

Susan Stone, owner of Stone Digital Media, launched the company this past January, 2009. Stone Digital Media specializes in transforming your photos, slides, video clips & music into a beautifully crafted multimedia production that can viewed on your dvd player, computer or website - so that you can preserve and celebrate the special moments of your life - from birthdays to corporate events.

This show was created for The American Cancer Society's annual Roaring 20's gala which took place on August 22, 2009 in Asheville. "Thanks again to Stone Digital Media for your AMAZING contribution to the event!! Your project contributed to the party in authenticity, feel and sponsor recognition." -Nancy Caine, Income Manager, American Cancer Society, Asheville, NC



Also check out a demo for Stone Digital Media here.

Here are a few photos from the Roaring 20's Gala that took place at The Venue a few weeks back. From everyone I have talked with the event was a blast, look for future decade themed parties from the American Cancer Society.

Susan Stone at the Roaring 20's Gala

Dancing at the Roaring 20's Gala, notice our own James Carter, Director of Membership Sales, getting his groove on in the hat!

Big Changes at K-Mart

Recently I stopped into a Kmart and couldn't help but notice some significant renovations underway and yesterday all four Asheville Kmarts rejoined the Chamber. So when I saw someone mingling at the Business After Hours last night with a Kmart name tag on, I immediately sought him out to learn what is happening. I talked with Randy, a senior management leader with Kmart corporate / Sears, for quite a while about a "Rediscover Kmart" program.

To summarize Kmart in Asheville is:

1. Remodeling stores with wider aisles and new fixtures, resulting in greater “shopability.”
2. Expanding Home and Apparel items
3. Lower prices on many items, thousands of items he said

The most interesting change is a program called mygofer:
Place an order online at mygofer.com or call them. They collect your order and notify you via text, email, or phone when your order is ready for pickup. If you want something that Kmart doesn't stock, they will get it from another store and have it waiting for you. No extra charge!

The mygofer program sounded really interesting and I plan on trying it out sometime soon!

United Way Day of Caring - Coming Soon

Press Release from United Way:

UNITED WAY’S DAY OF CARING STRETCHES TO FILL THE NEED

In response to increased needs at local non-profit organizations, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe has added a number of community projects to this year’s annual Day of Caring on Sept. 3.

Now in its 18th year, Day of Caring engages volunteers from local businesses in service to the community and acts as a kick-off to United Way’s annual campaign. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, a program of United Way, connects individuals and small groups with flexible volunteer opportunities to meet critical needs at multiple nonprofits within the community.

Individuals who haven't already signed up for a Day of Caring project with their employer are invited to sign up for a project on their own. Space is limited and must be done by Aug. 31.

Some Day of Caring facts:

• This year more than 1,300 volunteers from 55 companies as well as the public as at large will give their time at more than 70 nonprofits and schools
• Last year during Day of Caring, volunteers donated more than 5,500 hours of service, saving community organizations more than $107,480.
• In connection with Day of Caring, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe also held its annual School Supply drive with United Way’s Highlands Circle, Leadership Givers under age 40. This year, thanks to the support of the community, more than 500 children served by Children First, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Salvation Army will receive fully stocked backpacks.

United Way’s Campaign Kickoff
Join United Way as it kicks off its 2009 campaign and send the Day of Caring volunteers off in style on the morning of Sept. 3rd from 7:45-8:45 a.m. with a pep rally at Stephen's-Lee Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave).

This is a free event. RSVP at unitedwayabc.org or call 255-0696.

Just Ducky on the move

Just Ducky Originals, LTD, an Asheville-based children’s clothing manufacturer with stores in Asheville and Waynesville announced today that it will be relocating its Asheville store from 100 Charlotte Street to 10 All Souls Crescent in Biltmore Village. The new location has a planned opening date of Friday, September 4th – Labor Day weekend.

“We are excited to become a part of Historic Biltmore Village and its quaint shopping atmosphere,” said Sallie Broach, owner of Just Ducky Originals. “The location at the entrance to the Biltmore Estate with its large tourist draw for Asheville is what helped convince us to move.”

Sallie started Just Ducky nearly 30 years ago in the attic of her Asheville home. The company has grown to a multi-million dollar venture with over 300 women selling the children’s line in home shows across the country. Two Just Ducky retail locations specialize in classic fashions for boys and girls, where you’ll find the Just Ducky line at 30%-50% off, as well as other beautiful children’s lines, unique baby gifts, and a large selection of accessories.

YWCA Neighborhood Appreciation Day

The YWCA is one of many community organizations that really impress me. They do great work for our community and they do a great job communicating that work. If you don't know about or haven't been to their blog lately it is full of great stories that will inspire anyone to get involved!

They have a great community event coming up soon:

The YWCA of Asheville, located at 185 S. French Broad Ave., will hold “Neighborhood Appreciation Day” on Saturday, August 29th from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. The YWCA encourages neighbors to stop by for snacks, tours, and coupons for free swim lessons. Visitors will be able to try out fitness equipment and classes including Yoga and Cardio Circuit. Water Aerobics and family swim will be offered in the YWCA’s solar-heated pool. In addition, the joining fee for Club W: The YWCA Health & Fitness Center will be waived for Neighborhood Appreciation Day. The mission of the YWCA is eliminating racism and empowering women. The YWCA offers a wide variety of programs aimed at bridging gaps in health care, childcare, earning power and education.

For more information visit the YWCA website, ywcaofasheville.org

Asheville Area Chamber's Health Insurance Pilot Program Passes NC House and Senate

The Health Insurance Pilot Program or H.B. 212 passed the North Carolina General Assembly on August 6, 2009 and was delivered to Governor Perdue on Friday, August 7, 2009 where it awaits her signature of approval.

The Health Insurance Pilot Program aims to allow the pooling of small and large businesses with hopes to demonstrate an affordable employer based health insurance plan for businesses. The pilot program could help to insure as many as 25,000 workers in the Asheville area.

The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Business Healthcare Roundtable have been working on a plan to provide affordable health insurance for local employees and employers for the past six years. The process has involved discussion with and input from large and small business in Buncombe County, physician groups, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and United Healthcare. “Asheville is comprised of many great small businesses. We have long recognized the rising cost of health insurance and the inability of many of our small businesses to afford insurance for their employees. We are excited that Asheville can lead in the attempt to help bring affordable health insurance to North Carolina,” said Richard J. Lutovsky the President & CEO of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber employees and leaders from Western North Carolina are now working diligently to put the pilot program into practice. Many of Buncombe County’s largest employers will be participating in the final design of the product. H.B. 212 received unanimous support of all the members of the Western North Carolina delegation. The bill’s primary sponsors are Representatives Bruce Goforth, Susan Fisher, Ray Rapp and Jane Whilden. “This is a great opportunity for Western North Carolina to be the first pilot program in the state that allows employers to work together to reduce health insurance costs and make it easier for our companies to provide the insurance that so many residents need today,” said Representative Bruce Goforth. Senator Martin Nesbitt led the efforts in the North Carolina Senate.

Click here to read the full legislation!

Divvy for Life Launches from Asheville

In case you missed the story in the Asheville Citizen-Times on Sunday, a new board game has been launched by some Asheville based parents called: Divvy for Life. The game aims to teach children the basics of money management so that they can learn healthy financial habits early in life.

Read the Citizen-Times story on Divvy here.

TEACHING YOUR KIDS BASIC BUDGET HABITS: New Product Empowers Children with Financial Knowledge

Three concerned parents from the Asheville area have created a simple but effective interactive product dedicated to helping other parents teach their children how to save, spend, invest, and donate money, more relevant than ever in today’s lagging economy.

Divvy for Life, its name based on “divvying up your money,” is a tool for parents and a game for children ages four and older. Inventor Jon Corbin of Weaverville recently developed the concept for his own youngsters, Walker, age 6, and Lauren, age 3, so they would have a solid understanding of how to manage budgets at an early age. Walker is now proud to say, “I know as much about money as my Dad.”

The Divvy program has been endorsed by the CPA Association of North Carolina and is featured on their website – www.ncacpa.org. This comprehensive effort to promote financial literacy with children is also supported by State Senator Josh Stein of Wake, NC.

“My wish,” said Corbin, “is simply that my children become well balanced and understand money enough that they might avoid all the stress that is caused by making poor financial choices.”

Maureen Scullin, Managing Partner of Asheville’s MarketImpact Marketing & Promotion, enthusiastically endorsed the concept on behalf of her own twin daughters, Maddie and Brooke, age 9, and became a partner in Divvy for Life in 2007. Scullin is one of the marketing innovators for Mission Hospitals’ award-winning Lighten-Up 4 Life program.

“Divvy will help all our children make good financial decisions throughout their lives,” said Scullin, “and insure a happier, healthier financial future.”

Tony Delia, president and creative director of The Delia Design Co., is the third Divvy partner. In partnering with Corbin and Scullin, Delia was equally concerned about his six-year-old daughter’s financial literacy and says that now Sydney has learned the basics of how to intelligently divide up her funds, she’s on her way to solid lifelong money habits.

Delia created the colorful Divvy box design, contents and all graphic materials for promotion, which will be launched in July.

Details are available on the website at http://www.divvyforlife.com/. The suggested retail price is $25 for the entire boxed kit, plus shipping. For ordering information, call 828.768.3025.

Ultimately, the partners plan to seek financial support from corporate sponsors to launch a nation-wide program that will deliver this important message to youngsters, their parents, schools, websites, organizations, and financial institutions throughout the country.

Unted Way Fundraising Event: Mystery in the Mountains