Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC的动态

Many local businesses were deeply affected by Hurricane Helene. Maybe like myself you had planned a trip to Western NC that didn't happen because of the storm. The fall is an important time for tourism in that area and while you may not make it up there, one way to still support those businesses is to shop online at https://lnkd.in/e__rAfuq. #smallbusiness #tourism #localbusiness

??? Navigating the Storm: How Event Pros Take Action When Unpredictable Circumstances Arise ??? This hurricane season has presented significant challenges for nonprofits across the Southeastern U.S., especially with the impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Many organizations found themselves having to pivot at a moment's notice, but rather than viewing these disruptions as setbacks, they embraced the opportunity to innovate and collaborate! In our latest blog, we share key insights on how event professionals can effectively navigate unexpected changes while keeping their missions on track. ??? ?? Let’s celebrate the resilience of the nonprofit sector and learn how we can continue to inspire and engage our communities, no matter the challenges we face! ?? Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/eHEf4VzH #NonprofitEvents #EventPlanning #HurricaneSeason #Resilience #Collaboration #CommunityImpact

Rallying for Hurricane Relief: A Call to Action for Businesses As Hurricane Helene left devastation in its wake, it is crucial for us to come together and support the affected communities. Businesses, both big and small, have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact during these times of crisis. We challenge all businesses to step up and contribute towards hurricane relief efforts. There are approximately 1.1 million registered businesses in North Carolina. If each one were to give just $100, that’s $110 Million towards relief for those in need of our help. We believe in the power of collective action. When businesses unite for a common cause, the impact is profound. Together, we can support those in need, bring hope to devastated communities and contribute to a brighter, more resilient future. We challenge every business to make a commitment today and give to relief efforts at samaritanspurse.org. ?Samaritan's Purse is providing relief throughout Watauga County, North Carolina, home to their international headquarters in Boone. Their response also extends to include neighboring counties in North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s rise to the challenge and show the true strength of our business community. #helenesupport #wncstrong #hurricanehelene #

Looking for some ways to help Western NC? Here are some ways to give.

Let’s Support Those Impacted by the Hurricane: Donate Your Hotel Points Thanks to a post I saw on Instagram from Katherine Miller, I wanted to share this thought. I have been trying to think of how I can offer support to those impacted by Helene and those that will be impacted all over again by Milton. So many families have lost everything, and while we all want to help, it can be hard to know where to start. Thanks to Katherine, this is something that many of us #roadwarrios can do and it is a simple way to make an impact by donating your unused hotel points to support relief efforts. Many hotel chains allow you to donate points directly to organizations like American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, and Team Rubicon—all working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and comfort to those who’ve been affected. Here’s how you can help: Check with your hotel’s rewards program to see if they have a donation option for disaster relief. Choose a trusted organization that’s on the front lines helping families rebuild. Make your donation—even a small amount can provide temporary housing for those who’ve lost their homes. In times like these, every bit of support makes a difference. If you have hotel points sitting around, this is a great way to put them to good use and help those who need it most. I know we all want to help in any way we can. Whether it’s donating points, sharing resources, or simply spreading the word, together we can make a real impact. Groups like Marriott Hotels and Hilton Hotels & Resorts allow you to donate your points to the charity of your choice or disaster relief. Let’s step up and support the people and communities who need us right now. ?? #HurricaneRelief #DonateHotelPoints #CommunitySupport

It's just past 10:30am on Friday, October 11th 2024. Hurricane Milton hit FL Wednesday evening/night and caused significant damage. ConnectWise is headquartered in Tampa and over 500 colleagues currently live in FL. With Hurricane Helene causing damage only 2 weeks before Milton, we have many colleagues trying to balance their new realities. As an organization, we have business continuity plans in place, and we are supporting and helping our colleagues navigate as best we can. I want to thank those who have used LinkedIn to reach out and offer support. It is much appreciated ?? Now for my "soapbox" moment. I have a recruiting background, and much of my time was spent reaching out to potential candidates on LinkedIn. One rule I had, was to make sure I didn't send any generic "pitch" messages to candidates at the wrong time (based on their location). It is imperative for those in sales, recruiting, etc., to pay attention to the news, weather, etc. It's rather insensitive to send messages to someone who could have just lost their home, asking if they are interested in spending money on your service. ?? If your messages are on auto-send, separate the impacted geographies before sending. Of course we can't possibly know every time someone is going through something trying in their life, but we can definitely be aware of some of it. I urge our LinkedIn professionals to demonstrate decorum, as it truly goes a long way. We are thinking of those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. If you are able and feel compelled to contribute, we have stood up a GoFundMe for our impacted colleagues. Link is below. https://gofund.me/c3c46022

Wow. Yesterday I took a drive out to Outward Bound to drop off equipment for their Florida lodge. I cant describe the amount of devastation remaining from the flooding of the Swannanoa River. 4 weeks out from the storm and there is still so much to do. This disaster has displaced so many people, many that were financially vulnerable to before the storm. Entire communities were flattened or floated down the river. While driving by the Asheville Christian Academy I noticed entire houses flattened and laying on the sports fields. Its hard to put into the words the emotion from a passerby let alone those who are living in tents in front of their once homes. Floridians are probably used to the amount of water ingress to their properties but I am amazed by the amount of debris that was thrown down river in a matter of hours. For miles along this route there are businesses, homes, tools, household appliances, clothing, yard equipment, chemical containers, in ground gas station tanks, holding tanks, trees, branches all mangled and strewn across fields, forests, and other properties. Hundreds of cars, semi trucks, and equipment flattened, torn apart, and wrapped around trees. Bridges across the region that should have held were demolished by the debris buildup and hydraulic pressure from 30' feet of excess water. I sit feeling both blessed and guilty to have so little issue from this storm no more than 10 miles away. Unable to comprehend the feeling of absolute loss and a fear of what is to come for the people. To rebuild is to fear every rain event, to leave with nothing after such devastation, disheartening. There is always a glimmer of hope for those of us surrounding an event of this magnitude and scale. People inside the catastrophic area have nothing left, no utilities, no phones, no cars, no homes, no food, no consistent water, relying solely on the goodness of others and support from outside their world. At some point those people will leave to go on to the next disaster, the news cycle will move along to the election, to the next war. What is to become of the area that was so ravaged? The time to support local non profit organizations in the region is now, help them to continue the work into the future, allow them the financial foundation to rehome those in need, continue providing support to the people on the fringe. My thoughts and prayers to all affected by this storm and especially the Swannanoa area residents. https://lnkd.in/g4iH4CHX https://lnkd.in/gWJa7zpk https://bountyandsoul.org/ https://cfwnc.org/ https://lnkd.in/g2CRWGi6

Announcing the launch of the Western North Carolina Outdoor Recreation & Community Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina We recognize that in the wake of Hurricane Helene, there are critical, immediate needs are still being addressed—shelter, food, safety, and essential services. Our hearts are with everyone who has been affected, and we cannot express enough gratitude to the first responders, volunteers, and organizations who are tirelessly working to provide relief on the ground. As Black Mountain and Montreat residents, we know this recovery will take a significant amount of time and resources. That’s why we’ve launched Rebuild Black Mountain, focusing on the long-term recovery — ensuring that once immediate needs are met, we have the resources to rebuild our community for the future. This donor-advised fund is focused on the long-term recovery, sustainability, and growth of Black Mountain, with a special emphasis on restoring the outdoor spaces that are vital to our local economy. Trails, parks, playgrounds, and public spaces are more than just amenities—they are the backbone of our community, and we need your support to help rebuild them. Tourism accounts for 20% of Buncombe County’s economy and supports 14% of jobs—restoring these spaces is critical to our town’s economic recovery. We chose to partner with The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina because of their trusted experience and proven ability to manage funds with care. They’ve earned our trust, and we’re grateful for their support during this challenging time. Join us in securing a brighter, more resilient future for Black Mountain. Donate today and learn more about our mission here: https://lnkd.in/eGe4Dgwm #RebuildBlackMountain #CommunityResilience #BlackMountainNC #DonateNow #HurricaneHelene #BlackMountain #BlackMountainNC #WNC #DisasterRecovery #DisasterRelief #Helene #WesternNC #OutdoorRecreation #CommunityFund #SupportLocal #OutdoorSpaces #EconomicRecovery

For those that know me, I usually don't ask for much, and am happy to do what I can to support others in need .. and right now, Asheville (& the surrounding area) needs help! My connection to Western North Carolina runs deep thanks to my kids; 2 are graduates of Appalachian State University (as well as a daughter-in-law), another is a graduate from Western Carolina University (as well as a daughter-in-law). The WCU grads live outside Asheville (as does my daughter-in-laws family). Further, the aforementioned App State grads, my daughter and son-in-law were engaged in Boone (at Howard's Knob), as well as my other son and daughter-in-law (on Beacon Heights Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway) ... so, the NC High Country has and will always have a special place in my heart! Recently, Hurricane Helene brought unimaginable destruction and damage to this beautiful and historic city. The Hospitality business is integral to the culture and commerce of the Asheville community. Recently, my friend Alan Roberts, brought to my attention another friend Teddy-James Roqué of The Asheville Hotel Group who made us aware of the "Always Asheville Fund" that was started by Explore Asheville, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit. This fund has been set up to specifically help the small independent travel and hospitality businesses throughout Asheville and Buncombe County recover from the devastating impacts and aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This support is crucial: according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a disaster. We want to change that statistic for the area’s local entrepreneurs, ensuring their stories continue to shape our community’s future. If you would like to join me to help and stand with Asheville’s resilient small businesses—the artists, chefs, brewers, makers and more who give the ever-evolving Blue Ridge Mountain community its character. Your donation—large or small—will aid in part to sustain this deeply rooted, creative community. Click the link below to learn more about the fund, their work, and how to give. hashtag#mountainstrong hashtag#LoveAshevilleFromAfar hashtag#AlwaysAsheville hashtag#HeleneRecovery hashtag#WNCRecovery https://lnkd.in/ecxYdCA8 Always Asheville

How much is 40 trillion gallons of water? Hurricane Helene dropped 20 inches to over 30 inches of rain in some areas… that’s an estimated 40 trillion gallons of rain. Remember: 1 million seconds is 11.5 days. 1 billion seconds is 31 years. 1 trillion seconds is 32,000 years. 40 Trillion is A LOT. - 40 trillion gallons of water is enough to fill the Dallas Cowboy’s stadium 51,000 times. - 40 trillion gallons of water is enough to cover the entire state of North Carolina with 3.5 FEET of water. - 40 trillion gallons of water is enough to fill 60 MILLION Olympic-sized swimming pools. - 40 trillion gallons of water is 619 DAYS of water flowing over Niagara Falls. - If 1 gallon of water evaporated every second, it would take nearly 1.3 million years for 40 trillion gallons of water to go away. This is an unprecedented amount of rain already falling on an area that had just received ground-saturated rain. Oh... We have more storms coming, too! Help us out by spreading the word: donations, volunteers, or just a repost to get in the public eye: https://lnkd.in/eie9Sbd5