Hello Friday.
April 26 2024
From small businesses to startups + more, Asheville’s business game is strong. It just so happens that we’re following in the steps of the Tarheel State itself — business network CNBC just ranked North Carolina at the number 2 spot for its annual Top States for Business.
The study primarily uses publicly available data from federal + state-specific sources. Based on this, the team created over 85 different metrics in 10 key categories of competitiveness.
So how does it work?
Each category is weighted based on how often states use them in economic development marketing materials. States earn a maximum of 2,500 points across categories, and those with the most points are the best ones for business. Virginia came in at number 1 with 1,587 points, NC was a close second with 1,546 points.
What are this year’s categories?
- Cost of doing business
- Infrastructure
- Life, health, and inclusion
- Workforce
- Economy
- Business friendliness
- Access to capital
- Technology and innovation
- Education
- Cost of living
With a steady influx of educated workers, NC scored high in categories like economy + workforce. Officials noted that multiple + diverse companies, like Apple, are locating and expanding here. NC scored lower in categories of life, health, and inclusion. North Carolina was followed in the rankings by Utah, Texas, and Tennessee.
What major company would you love to see move to Asheville?
We want to dream along with you.
Show
- The Mug Band | Thurs., July 15 | 7-9 p.m. | Black Mountain Veterans Park, 10 Veterans Park Dr., Black Mountain | Free | Classic blues tunes. 🎸
- Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy | Thurs., July 15 | 7 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave. | $12+ | Featuring Cary Goff + other premier Asheville comics. 😂
Arts
NowOpen
- Ribbon Cutting for S&W Market | Thurs., July 15 | 4-6 p.m. | S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave. | Free | Celebrate Asheville's newest food hall located in the historic S&W Building. 🍴
Try This
- Creative Hangout | Thurs., July 15 | 5:30-7 p.m. | WEDGE at WEDGE STUDIOS, 37 Paynes Way, Ste. 001 | Free | Meet and greet other local creatives in a fun + low stress space. 🎨
Film
- Jaws | Thurs., July 15 | 8 p.m. | Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave. | Free | Celebrate Shark Week and enjoy the classic ‘75 Spielberg blockbuster. 🦈
Drink
- Pints for a Purpose | Thurs., July 15 | 5-8 p.m. | Hi-Wire Brewing: Big Top, 2A Huntsman Pl. | Free | Grab a pint + learn about the Solarize Asheville-Buncombe campaign. 🍺
PlanAhead
- Playful Parent Meetup | Sat., July 17 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Malvern Hills Park, 75 Rumbough Pl. | Free- Donations encouraged | Take advantage of complimentary childcare to connect with other parents + learn ways to improve your parenting experience. 👪
Featured PlanAhead
- LIVE! An Asheville Arts Benefit Series: Yolanda Rabun | Sat., July 17 | 8 p.m. | Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave | $42 | Enjoy happy hour from 7-8 p.m. prior to the performance, an evening of sultry soul + jazz with a rich-voiced songstress, with a portion of proceeds going to Buncombe County Schools Choral Programs.
Find more of the week’s local events in our July PlanAhead.
Whatever you think term life insurance costs — it’s probably less.
Haven Life Insurance Agency offers an easy way to buy affordable term life insurance coverage online. A 35-year old female in excellent health can purchase a $500,000, 20-year Haven Term policy for as low as $18/mo. That’s peace of mind for the price of a large cheese pizza.
Visit Haven Life and discover how simple getting life insurance actually is. Some disclosures and limitations apply — see site for full details.
Weather
- 83º | Partly cloudy | 24% chance of rain
Civic
- County Commissioners have unanimously approved the Homeowner Grant Program, an initiative designed to provide lower-income homeowners with property tax assistance. Eligible families can receive up to $300. Applications will become available Aug. 1. 💰
ComingSoon
- There’s a new and unique arts space in WNC. Continuum Art Collective (147 Ste. C 1st Avenue East, Hendersonville), a tattoo studio, art gallery, education space + venue for live music, will celebrate its grand opening Sat., Aug 7 from 12-10 p.m. with an art market and live entertainment. 🖼️
Edu
- The A-B Tech Foundation has partnered with Bank of America to expand its Skills Training Employment Program (STEP). It offers low income folks access to job training and placement through occupational skills training, English-language education, basic literacy + more. 👏
Drink
- Mocktail Bar, the name of the city’s first prospective alcohol-free craft cocktail bar, is looking for a location. Local (and sober) bartender Ron George of The Social is scouting for spots for the venture, which he hopes to launch next year. In the meantime, peep Ron’s picks for booze-free sips. 🍸 (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Outdoors
- On Sat., July 17 the WNC Photo Tours’ Protect Pisgah initiative is teaming up with other local initiatives including Save our Smokies to tackle the trash at Max Patch. As an incentive, WNC Photo Tours is offering a free, 3-hour photo tour + lesson for participants. ⛰️
TheBuy
- Need a way to stay organized and enjoy some natural eye candy? The Great Smoky Mountains Association 2022 wall calendar is now available. Featuring images of wildlife from the park, as well as info on each featured species, it’s available in the park’s visitor center bookstores and online. 📆
Job
- Full time job opportunities are popping off at Poppy’s Popcorn. The popcorn pros are hiring for its kitchen, packaging, shipping, and delivery. Positions include day or evening shifts, benefits after 90 days, and a starting rate of $15 an hour. Interested? Get in touch.
Health
TryThis
List
- Mid-century modern furniture purveyors Atomic Furnishing & Design (124 Swannanoa River Rd.) has been named 1 of the 50 best vintage furniture stores in the country by Domino magazine. The shop got high marks for its 50s and 60s decor, statement pieces, and freshly upholstered chairs. 🛋️
Coronavirus
- Check out the latest COVID-19 stats for NC from the Department of Health and Human Services here. As of Wednesday afternoon, 18,217 cases and 327 deaths have been reported in Buncombe County. See more Buncombe County-specific info here.
- There will be a COVID-19 Vaccine Pop Up at Enka Middle School (390 Asbury Rd.) today from 2-6 p.m. Free and available for anyone over the age of 12, everyone who gets vaccinated will receive a single day Buncombe County pool pass.
WaterCooler
- The Asheville City Soccer Club men's and women’s teams are headed to the playoffs. Both teams will go up against the Charlotte Eagles today in the regional semi finals of the Carolinas conference. ⚽
Biz
- Looking to start or expand a brewery or kombucha facility? MB HAYNES can help, specializing in tank system expansions, process piping, and can lines. Learn more. 🍻
The freshest news has just dropped: ASAP has announced the farms included in its 2021 Farm Tour, which returns Sept. 18-19.
What does the family-friendly tour entail? The chance to visit a slew of farms throughout Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, and more so you can get to know WNC’s vibrant farming communities through guided tours, demos, hands-on activities, and (maybe most importantly) tastings. Nab your car pass and don’t forget to bring along a cooler for purchases. 🥕
#DYK that your photos and quotes could be featured in our newsletter?
Just use #AVLtoday on social media.
Whoa — 48% of you said that if you were to make a movie about Asheville, you’d highlight the area. We do have some breathtaking surroundings. If you’d like to see more photos of our city, be sure to follow us on Instagram where we share the most beautiful WNC photos — like this one.
💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?
✏️️ Want to write an article for us? Find out how here.
👀 Want your business featured in our newsletter? Learn more about advertising opportunities here.
📖 Check out our Editorial Ethics Policy here.
Did a friend forward this to you?
It can be in your inbox tomorrow a.m.
|
