Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC

Emerging Hotel Concept - Trailborn Highlands!

Travel to Highlands: ? Highway 106 (Dillard Road) is closed between Osage Overlook and Turtle Pond Road ? Sky Valley, GA and Scaly Mountain, NC are accessible from the west via Highway 106 ? For those traveling to Highlands, alternative routes are available: take Highway 64 from Franklin or Cashiers or from Clayton, GA, follow Warwoman Road to Highway 28 ? Don’t forget, you can also access Franklin by taking 23/441 #northcarolina #travel #highlandsnc Visit North Carolina

LEADERSHIP HIGHLANDS GRADUATES CLASS OF 2024 Leadership Highlands, a Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC community engagement program, today announced the graduates of the 2024 class. ? Graduates include: Clark de Bullet, Seanna Bresnahan, Lesley Galloway, Debby Hall, Lindsay Hostetler, Deborah Kirk, Bianca Mitchell, Mia Nelson, Tina Rogers, Cynthia Shahed, Andrew Spraggins, Julie Upshaw, Christina Vives and Rachel Wavra.? This year’s graduates embarked on an eight-month journey, starting in March and culminating in October, where they immersed themselves in a comprehensive curriculum designed to strengthen their civic knowledge, leadership capabilities, and professional networks. The program included a retreat, monthly day-long sessions, and a formal graduation ceremony. Each year, Leadership Highlands offers participants a unique opportunity to engage with local experts and fellow class members on a wide range of topics, including Highlands’ history, cultural resources, economic development, government and public safety, health and human services, education, the arts, and outdoor recreation. The program also emphasizes personal leadership development through principle-based decision-making and team-building exercises. Selection criteria for participants include civic involvement, leadership potential, diversity of perspective, and a strong commitment to the program and the Highlands community. A selection committee composed of Chamber staff, members of the Board of Directors, and past participants are responsible for choosing each year’s class. "Leadership Highlands has been an invaluable experience, fostering both personal growth and a deeper understanding of Highlands' civic, cultural, and economic landscape,” says Bianca Mitchell, Director of Marketing, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts and Leadership Highlands Class of 2024 graduate. “The program’s immersive curriculum—covering topics from history, the arts, public safety, and our natural environment to economic development—has provided me with the opportunity to connect with local experts and peers. I am grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for offering this informative and enriching program and encourage anyone interested in gaining a deeper insight into Highlands to apply." Applications for the 2025 Leadership Highlands program will be available online at https://lnkd.in/eTvHdfq2 on Friday, October 25. The deadline to apply is noon, Wednesday, December 11. PHOTO CAPTION: Front row, left to right: Angela Owens (program facilitator), Christina Vives and Tina Rogers Next row, left to right: Rachel Wavra, Julie Upshaw and Seanne Bresnahan Next row, left to right: Cynthia Shahed, Lindsay Hostetler?and Bianca Mitchell Next row: Debby Hall Back row, left to right: Clark de Bullet, Mia Nelson and Lesley Galloway. Not pictured: Andrew Spraggins #highlandsnc #leadership

The Points Guy: Following Hurricane Helene, these western North Carolina towns are open and eager for tourists. #highlandsnc #northcarolina #travel #theheightofhappiness Visit North Carolina

Towns in far southwestern North Carolina survived the storm, but warnings that people avoid the region have kept away visitors essential to their survival. #highlandsnc #travel #northcarolina Visit North Carolina The Washington Post

Mountain Construction Engineering. PLLC - The Highlands Chamber of Commerce and the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce held a joint ribbon cutting ceremony at Mountain Construction Engineering (MCE) on Thursday, October 10 at MCE’s new brick and mortar location at 16821 Rosman Highway, Lake Toxaway. Founded in 2017 by Thomas Hessling, a construction engineer with more than 40 years of experience across major infrastructure projects in 11 states, MCE has experienced steady growth, meeting the needs of second- and third-homeowners, architects, and builders throughout the region. Known for their structural design and engineering expertise, MCE continues to be a trusted partner in bringing complex projects to life. As MCE continues to grow, its new office in Lake Toxaway will allow the company to respond even more quickly to client needs. #chamberofcommerce #highlandsnc #northcarolina #ribboncutting

We are incredibly grateful for the strength and support shown by our community and local businesses as we recover from Hurricane Helene. Thanks to their resilience, Highlands is once again welcoming visitors, with our shops, restaurants, and attractions open for business. As you plan your trip, we invite you to experience the beauty and charm of our mountain town, knowing that your visit makes a meaningful impact. By dining at our local restaurants, shopping in our unique boutiques, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area, you’re directly supporting the small businesses and families that call Highlands home. While some spaces, like the Nantahala National Forest, are still undergoing restoration, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fall season here. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to make progress. Your visit helps us move forward together, stronger than ever, and we thank you for being part of Highlands’ ongoing story of resilience. We are also mindful of our neighbors across Western North Carolina who have faced devastating losses and continue to need our support. We’ve created a resource page where you can find ways to contribute and assist those still in need. We look forward to seeing you soon to share the charm, beauty, and strength of our community. HOW TO HELP: https://lnkd.in/ekJS2T_W #visithighlands #highlandsnc #wncstrong #northcarolinatravel Old Edwards Hospitality Group, Visit North Carolina, Trailborn, Skyline Lodge & Restaurant, The Park on Main

CNN.com - Tourism officials in states ravaged by Helene issue travel guidance for the fall season. ..."Highlands dodged many of the most severe effects of the storm, and the head of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands said in an online update that “we can consider ourselves fortunate.” The majority of businesses, stores and restaurants in the town are open, according to a Thursday afternoon update..." https://lnkd.in/eMHhqHds

The majority of Highlands businesses, stores, and restaurants are open and look forward to welcoming you. Additionally, utility teams are working tirelessly to restore power in outlying areas. Key Local Updates: Banks: First Bank – branch is open (9am-2pm) First Citizens – branch is open. ATM is operational Regions – ATM is operational Wells Fargo (Highlands Plaza) – ATM is operational Food: August Produce, Bryson’s Food Store and Mountain Fresh Grocery are open. Gasoline & Car Chargers: Gas stations are online and electric car charger are functioning as normal. Hospital and Pharmacy: The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and Highlands Pharmacy are both open. Outdoor Music: There will be a Friday Night Live Concert at Town Square from 6-8:30pm, featuring Zorki. The Pop-Up Pipers will perform on in front of the First Presbyterian Church Saturday from 4:30-5pm and Thirsty Horses will play at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park at a special time, 5-7:30pm. After a very difficult week, let’s give thanks and gather as a community to soothe our souls with the sweet sounds of music. Road Conditions: All roads to Highlands are OPEN. Stay updated at: www.drivenc.gov Showers: Available at the Highlands Recreation Center. Trails and Forests: All Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Public Access properties are currently closed as storm damage is assessed. For updates or to contribute to aid and relief efforts, visit: www.hcltnc.org Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests remain closed until hazardous conditions improve. Updates will be posted on: www.fs.usda.gov Wi-Fi Access: Free Wi-Fi is available at Highlands Recreation Center, Hudson Library, and The Ugly Dog Pub. How to Help: If you would like to contribute to recovery efforts, donations can be made online at: www.nc.gov/donate For ongoing updates, please follow the Highlands Chamber’s Facebook page: https://lnkd.in/d6Xfs4zJ We are proud to serve the Highlands area community. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and unwavering support. Together, we will overcome this. #highlandsnc #northcarolina Visit North Carolina

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Carolina to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Federal funding is available to affected individuals, including grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. FEMA Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Businesses: Grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov by calling 1-800-621- 3362, or by using the FEMA App. US Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance: Loans for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits affected by the disaster. https://lnkd.in/gcMGpBRr This includes: Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. https://lnkd.in/ejWHg-7F Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses for repairing or replacing disaster-damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery, and equipment. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations are eligible. https://lnkd.in/ejWHg-7F Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans available to help small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture businesses, and non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their financial obligations during a disaster recovery period. https://lnkd.in/ezCteNd