Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Award

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

Nice to have an inside guy. Even nicer to see community relations going better.


https://today.appstate.edu/2026/01/22/l ... l7zEIJsfcQ

[AppfaninCAALand]

Forgive my ignorance, I haven't lived in Boone for over 20 years, and while I make it to town as often as I can, I don't know Boone today like a local would.

My question is this: are there enough "large businesses" in Boone to make this an actual award? I assume the way the press release is written that the university doesn't win it every year, so who would be some examples of the types of businesses that would have won it in the past? Other than the hospital, who else would be large enough to qualify as "large"? And is a state university really a "business"?

I am not trying to be snarky, I am legitimately interested.

[WASU 93]

Forgive my ignorance, I haven't lived in Boone for over 20 years, and while I make it to town as often as I can, I don't know Boone today like a local would.

My question is this: are there enough "large businesses" in Boone to make this an actual award? I assume the way the press release is written that the university doesn't win it every year, so who would be some examples of the types of businesses that would have won it in the past? Other than the hospital, who else would be large enough to qualify as "large"? And is a state university really a "business"?

I am not trying to be snarky, I am legitimately interested.

Quick research: They currently do a Large Business, Small Business and Start-up each year:

2019--Animal Emergency Clinic of the High Country (which also owns Pet Care Clinic of the High Country and Ridge Runner Pet Lodging)
2022--AMOREM---non-profit Hospice Agency
2023--MOLTOX, inc.--lab equipment manufacturer
2024--Tarheel Capital/Wendy's-- that manages 87 restaurants

and then I found this list:
1987-Mast General Store
1988-Charleston Forge
1989-Carroll Leather Goods
1990-Ribbon Textiles
1991-Mystery Hill
1992-Tree Dimensions
1993-Appalachian Brian Estates
1994-Watauga Ready-Mix
1995-Hastings Company / Hardee's
1996-WATA Radio
1997-Appalachian Ski Mountai
1998-The Mountain Times
1999-Quality Inn & Conference Center
2000-Bare Essentials Natural Market
2001-Cheap Joe's Art Stuff
2002-WJ Office City
2003-Footsloggers
2004-Pepper's Restaurant
2005-Boone Drug
2006-Makotos Japanese Steakhouse
2007-Carefree Companies
2008-Boone Mall / H.L. Libby
2009-Chetola Resort
2010-Appalachian Regional Healthcare System
2011-Peddler Steakhouse
2012-Pete & Will's Tar Heel Basement Systems
2013-ECRS
2014-US Buildings
2015-Watauga Opportunities
2016-Tweetsie Railroad
2017-Nationwide Insurance - Chuck Eyler
2018-Blue Ridge Realty & Investments
2019-Animal Emergency Clinic of the High Country
2020-Paul H. Broyhill Wellness Center
2021-Mustard Seed Market
2022-AMOREM
2023-MOLTOX®
2024-Tar Heel Capital/Wendy's

[fjblair]

Forgive my ignorance, I haven't lived in Boone for over 20 years, and while I make it to town as often as I can, I don't know Boone today like a local would.

My question is this: are there enough "large businesses" in Boone to make this an actual award? I assume the way the press release is written that the university doesn't win it every year, so who would be some examples of the types of businesses that would have won it in the past? Other than the hospital, who else would be large enough to qualify as "large"? And is a state university really a "business"?

I am not trying to be snarky, I am legitimately interested.

"Large" is generally and widely defined as 50 or more employees, but I don't know what the threshold is for the Boone Chamber. If it's 50 there are numerous businesses that would qualify.

[TractorApp]

Given how much good is done by Samaritan's Purse around the world, I find it odd that they are not a past winner. I hope the Boone community appreciates the reach of Samaritan's Purse and all they good work they do serving hurting people everywhere.

[spacemonkey]

Forgive my ignorance, I haven't lived in Boone for over 20 years, and while I make it to town as often as I can, I don't know Boone today like a local would.

My question is this: are there enough "large businesses" in Boone to make this an actual award? I assume the way the press release is written that the university doesn't win it every year, so who would be some examples of the types of businesses that would have won it in the past? Other than the hospital, who else would be large enough to qualify as "large"? And is a state university really a "business"?

I am not trying to be snarky, I am legitimately interested.

Peabody's....if not....shame on the present students.

[BambooRdApp]

Given how much good is done by Samaritan's Purse around the world, I find it odd that they are not a past winner. I hope the Boone community appreciates the reach of Samaritan's Purse and all they good work they do serving hurting people everywhere.

Would they be considered a "business" since I assume they are categorized as a nonprofit entity?

[mike87]

Given how much good is done by Samaritan's Purse around the world, I find it odd that they are not a past winner. I hope the Boone community appreciates the reach of Samaritan's Purse and all they good work they do serving hurting people everywhere.

Would they be considered a "business" since I assume they are categorized as a nonprofit entity?

I'd think they would be same as App. Kinda disappointed that they wouldn't be on the list for last year. They did a lot of good for the area. Probably political, which is a dang shame. Please don't take that as a political statement either. it's really just sad.

[asu2000]

Given how much good is done by Samaritan's Purse around the world, I find it odd that they are not a past winner. I hope the Boone community appreciates the reach of Samaritan's Purse and all they good work they do serving hurting people everywhere.

Would they be considered a "business" since I assume they are categorized as a nonprofit entity?

I'd think they would be same as App. Kinda disappointed that they wouldn't be on the list for last year. They did a lot of good for the area. Probably political, which is a dang shame. Please don't take that as a political statement either. it's really just sad.

I believe part of the process is the business / organization needs to be a member of the Boone Chamber, not sure if SP is a member or not, most if not all winners are usually members.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

Given how much good is done by Samaritan's Purse around the world, I find it odd that they are not a past winner. I hope the Boone community appreciates the reach of Samaritan's Purse and all they good work they do serving hurting people everywhere.

Would they be considered a "business" since I assume they are categorized as a nonprofit entity?

I'd think they would be same as App. Kinda disappointed that they wouldn't be on the list for last year. They did a lot of good for the area. Probably political, which is a dang shame. Please don't take that as a political statement either. it's really just sad.

I believe part of the process is the business / organization needs to be a member of the Boone Chamber, not sure if SP is a member or not, most if not all winners are usually members.

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

[BambooRdApp]

Given how much good is done by Samaritan's Purse around the world, I find it odd that they are not a past winner. I hope the Boone community appreciates the reach of Samaritan's Purse and all they good work they do serving hurting people everywhere.

Would they be considered a "business" since I assume they are categorized as a nonprofit entity?

I'd think they would be same as App. Kinda disappointed that they wouldn't be on the list for last year. They did a lot of good for the area. Probably political, which is a dang shame. Please don't take that as a political statement either. it's really just sad.

I believe part of the process is the business / organization needs to be a member of the Boone Chamber, not sure if SP is a member or not, most if not all winners are usually members.

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

[mike87]

Would they be considered a "business" since I assume they are categorized as a nonprofit entity?

I'd think they would be same as App. Kinda disappointed that they wouldn't be on the list for last year. They did a lot of good for the area. Probably political, which is a dang shame. Please don't take that as a political statement either. it's really just sad.

I believe part of the process is the business / organization needs to be a member of the Boone Chamber, not sure if SP is a member or not, most if not all winners are usually members.

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

I don't think Samaritan's Purse is a member of the Chamber. My complaint is withdrawn. It is nice to see the University be involved with the town like this. Hasn't always been that way.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

Would they be considered a "business" since I assume they are categorized as a nonprofit entity?

I'd think they would be same as App. Kinda disappointed that they wouldn't be on the list for last year. They did a lot of good for the area. Probably political, which is a dang shame. Please don't take that as a political statement either. it's really just sad.

I believe part of the process is the business / organization needs to be a member of the Boone Chamber, not sure if SP is a member or not, most if not all winners are usually members.

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

That could be the case with App St as well, but I am not sure what App has done that some might find offensive, unless educating people is offensive to some.

I am sure there are plenty that love the leader of SP, but there is no denying that person is very polarizing. Some of that concern is what many consider excessive salary of those at the top of the organization, some of the criticism is about their basic operations. Some is about the underlying belief system of SP and their leaders. Regardless of the reasons many have less than positive thoughts about SP.

App St is not perfect but I don't think these two large organizations are going to really compare on a list of concerns that those that have relations with either would express.

[BambooRdApp]

I'd think they would be same as App. Kinda disappointed that they wouldn't be on the list for last year. They did a lot of good for the area. Probably political, which is a dang shame. Please don't take that as a political statement either. it's really just sad.

I believe part of the process is the business / organization needs to be a member of the Boone Chamber, not sure if SP is a member or not, most if not all winners are usually members.

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

That could be the case with App St as well, but I am not sure what App has done that some might find offensive, unless educating people is offensive to some.

I am sure there are plenty that love the leader of SP, but there is no denying that person is very polarizing. Some of that concern is what many consider excessive salary of those at the top of the organization, some of the criticism is about their basic operations. Some is about the underlying belief system of SP and their leaders. Regardless of the reasons many have less than positive thoughts about SP.

App St is not perfect but I don't think these two large organizations are going to really compare on a list of concerns that those that have relations with either would express.

There are quite a few local folks that are not affiliated with App. St. that believe that App. St. has ruined Boone...The amount of property, the number of students, excessive number of student rental housing, pricing nonstudent renters out of the market...Not saying that is my opinion, however, it is the opinion of quite a few people...so, as.stated, the same could be said about App St. in someone's mind. Just like you me may have issues with SP, someone else with App. St.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

I believe part of the process is the business / organization needs to be a member of the Boone Chamber, not sure if SP is a member or not, most if not all winners are usually members.

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

That could be the case with App St as well, but I am not sure what App has done that some might find offensive, unless educating people is offensive to some.

I am sure there are plenty that love the leader of SP, but there is no denying that person is very polarizing. Some of that concern is what many consider excessive salary of those at the top of the organization, some of the criticism is about their basic operations. Some is about the underlying belief system of SP and their leaders. Regardless of the reasons many have less than positive thoughts about SP.

App St is not perfect but I don't think these two large organizations are going to really compare on a list of concerns that those that have relations with either would express.

There are quite a few local folks that are not affiliated with App. St. that believe that App. St. has ruined Boone...The amount of property, the number of students, excessive number of student rental housing, pricing nonstudent renters out of the market...Not saying that is my opinion, however, it is the opinion of quite a few people...so, as.stated, the same could be said about App St. in someone's mind. Just like you me may have issues with SP, someone else with App. St.

I am sure that there are some locals that have complaints about App St. I am sure that there are some that would prefer Watauga be closer to what Ashe County is like, or other mountain counties that don't have a very robust economy. I do wish the university would build a lot more on campus housing so some of the off-campus housing would be available for county residents and maybe lower in price. Housing prices are a concern just about everywhere so to hold that solely against App St seems a bit unfair and illogical. Not that people can't take a stand that is completely illogical. If the university was not in Watauga, there is no proof that there would be a housing boom in the area. Is there a housing boom in Mitchell County for homes that are affordable to wage earners? I am not aware of anything happening in the mountains of NC that are bringing down housing vis-a-vis wages for a given area. To blame App St only goes so far with me, though it is a fair and honest complaint to have about housing all over the state and country, and many other countries for that matter.

I would ask anyone that has a serious problem with App St to consider what that area would be like without App St being there. I imagine many of those that could be complaining about App St would change their mind if they had to live without what App St brings to the area. But yes, there are things that could be better, and there would be a lot of things worse.

[BambooRdApp]

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

That could be the case with App St as well, but I am not sure what App has done that some might find offensive, unless educating people is offensive to some.

I am sure there are plenty that love the leader of SP, but there is no denying that person is very polarizing. Some of that concern is what many consider excessive salary of those at the top of the organization, some of the criticism is about their basic operations. Some is about the underlying belief system of SP and their leaders. Regardless of the reasons many have less than positive thoughts about SP.

App St is not perfect but I don't think these two large organizations are going to really compare on a list of concerns that those that have relations with either would express.

There are quite a few local folks that are not affiliated with App. St. that believe that App. St. has ruined Boone...The amount of property, the number of students, excessive number of student rental housing, pricing nonstudent renters out of the market...Not saying that is my opinion, however, it is the opinion of quite a few people...so, as.stated, the same could be said about App St. in someone's mind. Just like you me may have issues with SP, someone else with App. St.

I am sure that there are some locals that have complaints about App St. I am sure that there are some that would prefer Watauga be closer to what Ashe County is like, or other mountain counties that don't have a very robust economy. I do wish the university would build a lot more on campus housing so some of the off-campus housing would be available for county residents and maybe lower in price. Housing prices are a concern just about everywhere so to hold that solely against App St seems a bit unfair and illogical. Not that people can't take a stand that is completely illogical. If the university was not in Watauga, there is no proof that there would be a housing boom in the area. Is there a housing boom in Mitchell County for homes that are affordable to wage earners? I am not aware of anything happening in the mountains of NC that are bringing down housing vis-a-vis wages for a given area. To blame App St only goes so far with me, though it is a fair and honest complaint to have about housing all over the state and country, and many other countries for that matter.

I would ask anyone that has a serious problem with App St to consider what that area would be like without App St being there. I imagine many of those that could be complaining about App St would change their mind if they had to live without what App St brings to the area. But yes, there are things that could be better, and there would be a lot of things worse.

And a great many people would have suffered worse if SP was not there "insert whatever disaster" that occurred in their respective community.

[mike87]

I'd think they would be same as App. Kinda disappointed that they wouldn't be on the list for last year. They did a lot of good for the area. Probably political, which is a dang shame. Please don't take that as a political statement either. it's really just sad.

I believe part of the process is the business / organization needs to be a member of the Boone Chamber, not sure if SP is a member or not, most if not all winners are usually members.

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

That could be the case with App St as well, but I am not sure what App has done that some might find offensive, unless educating people is offensive to some.

I am sure there are plenty that love the leader of SP, but there is no denying that person is very polarizing. Some of that concern is what many consider excessive salary of those at the top of the organization, some of the criticism is about their basic operations. Some is about the underlying belief system of SP and their leaders. Regardless of the reasons many have less than positive thoughts about SP.

App St is not perfect but I don't think these two large organizations are going to really compare on a list of concerns that those that have relations with either would express.

I think App's offense was offensive to many last year. Glad the Chamber chose to overlook that.

[fjblair]

I imagine one has to be a member as well. SP is based in Boone, but they also have operations in Wilkes County it seems and their airplanes are based at PTI. They may not want to join any of them to save on money in joining for not much benefit or they do not want to join one and ignore the other two.

And to be frank there are clearly those that think highly of SP, but there are also others that have an exact opposite reaction and would be highly offended if BACOC gave SP an award.

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

That could be the case with App St as well, but I am not sure what App has done that some might find offensive, unless educating people is offensive to some.

I am sure there are plenty that love the leader of SP, but there is no denying that person is very polarizing. Some of that concern is what many consider excessive salary of those at the top of the organization, some of the criticism is about their basic operations. Some is about the underlying belief system of SP and their leaders. Regardless of the reasons many have less than positive thoughts about SP.

App St is not perfect but I don't think these two large organizations are going to really compare on a list of concerns that those that have relations with either would express.

There are quite a few local folks that are not affiliated with App. St. that believe that App. St. has ruined Boone...The amount of property, the number of students, excessive number of student rental housing, pricing nonstudent renters out of the market...Not saying that is my opinion, however, it is the opinion of quite a few people...so, as.stated, the same could be said about App St. in someone's mind. Just like you me may have issues with SP, someone else with App. St.

I am sure that there are some locals that have complaints about App St. I am sure that there are some that would prefer Watauga be closer to what Ashe County is like, or other mountain counties that don't have a very robust economy. I do wish the university would build a lot more on campus housing so some of the off-campus housing would be available for county residents and maybe lower in price. Housing prices are a concern just about everywhere so to hold that solely against App St seems a bit unfair and illogical. Not that people can't take a stand that is completely illogical. If the university was not in Watauga, there is no proof that there would be a housing boom in the area. Is there a housing boom in Mitchell County for homes that are affordable to wage earners? I am not aware of anything happening in the mountains of NC that are bringing down housing vis-a-vis wages for a given area. To blame App St only goes so far with me, though it is a fair and honest complaint to have about housing all over the state and country, and many other countries for that matter.

I would ask anyone that has a serious problem with App St to consider what that area would be like without App St being there. I imagine many of those that could be complaining about App St would change their mind if they had to live without what App St brings to the area. But yes, there are things that could be better, and there would be a lot of things worse.

The issues many residents have with the university and its growth are far more than just housing costs.

[asu2000]

My take - App needs to drop 1,000 students from the Boone Campus immediately. Apparently its 18,000 for Boone with the remainder being online and hickory? No matter the number App needs to be tougher on getting in rates and drop some students - the town is not handling the amount of students well. There is no parking for anything and the only thing is being discussed to be built is parking decks and student type housing. Does your area charge $1,000 for a 1-bedroom so that 2 students can rent it. Family life is not affordable to live here, nor move here and what family wants to live in student apartment development - its only somewhat affordable if you already live here. I understand the economics of the rate is market driven. Trust me look online for what you can rent for at 2,500 a month and see how old it is and then look at housing in the $300,000 - $400,000 range, its not there. All new announced projects are based on the number of beds it will provide, that is not family life or a community where families will be. Its no longer announced in the area as providing X number of homes or condos. its will provide 800 beds or some high density number. Less Students is only part of the equation but its the quickest way to start some easing of the issues in town and the county. It would immediately free up some housing options. Other parts of the equation are new builds but that takes years to complete, covid was a rush to the area of people and stacked the deck against Boone that was already behind and the university hasn't stopped adding bodies to the town. I love App but its too much for the town on a regular basis. If you only visit for football weekends and other vacation days your not getting the full run down.

[McLeansvilleAppFan]

On the last paragraph..same could be said about App. St.

That could be the case with App St as well, but I am not sure what App has done that some might find offensive, unless educating people is offensive to some.

I am sure there are plenty that love the leader of SP, but there is no denying that person is very polarizing. Some of that concern is what many consider excessive salary of those at the top of the organization, some of the criticism is about their basic operations. Some is about the underlying belief system of SP and their leaders. Regardless of the reasons many have less than positive thoughts about SP.

App St is not perfect but I don't think these two large organizations are going to really compare on a list of concerns that those that have relations with either would express.

There are quite a few local folks that are not affiliated with App. St. that believe that App. St. has ruined Boone...The amount of property, the number of students, excessive number of student rental housing, pricing nonstudent renters out of the market...Not saying that is my opinion, however, it is the opinion of quite a few people...so, as.stated, the same could be said about App St. in someone's mind. Just like is wiyou me may have issues with SP, someone else with App. St.

I am sure that there are some locals that have complaints about App St. I am sure that there are some that would prefer Watauga be closer to what Ashe County is like, or other mountain counties that don't have a very robust economy. I do wish the university would build a lot more on campus housing so some of the off-campus housing would be available for county residents and maybe lower in price. Housing prices are a concern just about everywhere so to hold that solely against App St seems a bit unfair and illogical. Not that people can't take a stand that is completely illogical. If the university was not in Watauga, there is no proof that there would be a housing boom in the area. Is there a housing boom in Mitchell County for homes that are affordable to wage earners? I am not aware of anything happening in the mountains of NC that are bringing down housing vis-a-vis wages for a given area. To blame App St only goes so far with me, though it is a fair and honest complaint to have about housing all over the state and country, and many other countries for that matter.

I would ask anyone that has a serious problem with App St to consider what that area would be like without App St being there. I imagine many of those that could be complaining about App St would change their mind if they had to live without what App St brings to the area. But yes, there are things that could be better, and there would be a lot of things worse.

The issues many residents have with the university and its growth are far more than just housing costs.

App St is clearly the BMOC in the area. I know it is not possible but it would be interesting to plop some of these people down in a county in the mountains that is without an App St like employer. I am sure some would love that sort of thing, but I am sure many would be happy to have Boone and App St and all it offers, the good and the bad.

One of the nice things about this award is that we are all aware of some of the tensions with the last chancellor. Some of those tensions may still not be fixed, and they may never be, but the award must at least be seen, if not worthy in its own right, at least an attempt for App St to be moving in the right direction, and that is worth something.