Calendar of Events

Expand 23 is where women entrepreneurs come together to expand their possibilities and opportunities! You’ll get to meet and network with other women who are also on the entrepreneurial journey. And there are many fabulous workshops to choose from!
This is where a bigger vision for you and your business will be unlocked with other go-getting women. At Expand 23, you will be inspired to expand your vision of yourself and for yourself.
Surround yourself with women who are as determined as you to grow and succeed.
Tier two early bird pricing of $119 is in effect now. More information at plrconnectevents.com/expand-23

Website: https://go.evvnt.com/1701385-3?pid=10412

Category: Lifestyle | Women

The Reuter Family YMCA is one of seven local YMCAs operated by the YMCA of Western North Carolina, a nonprofit that strengthens local communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1889, the YMCA of WNC engages more than 100,000 people – regardless of age, income, or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the region’s health and well being, and provide opportunities to give back and support the community. For more information, please visit ymcawnc.org.

Join them to celebrate a greener future for the Reuter Family YMCA! You’re invited to a ribbon cutting to mark the installation of solar panels on the facility roof. This project was made possible by YMCA members Pete and Pat Wallenborn. Their generous gift helps the Y take a significant step toward sustainability and demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship. The Wallenborns will be recognized at the event. Attendees include representatives from Sundance Solar, the YMCA, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Light refreshments will be served. Meet at the front entrance of the Reuter Family YMCA on the Biltmore Park side. In case of rain, the event will be held in the lobby.

Fastest Labs is a drug, alcohol and DNA collection company that prides itself on accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. They specialize in providing fast and affordable drug and alcohol testing to employers and other organizations seeking to implement drug testing programs for their employees and members. Their franchise structure and certified collection site network allows them to provide stellar drug, alcohol, and DNA testing services in locations all over the country, with branches owned and operated by local business people.

They look forward to you joining them at the event as they celebrate one of their newest locations to service the community.   The event will be held from 11am – 12pm with light refreshments.

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership.

Making connections is key to meeting business goals and building brand awareness. Mega Networking lets you do just that. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you’ll meet business contacts from a variety of industries, gain exposure for your company and learn about other local businesses.

Held just twice a year, Mega Networking’s structured, “round robin” approach allows you to make valuable connections in a small group. Each person has a chance to share about their business, and a table leader moderates to put you at ease and keep the group on track. As you rotate from table to table, you’ll interact with most of the attendees, allowing you to make numerous connections in just one morning.

You’ll leave with great leads, great ideas and positive energy to keep your business moving forward.

Helpful tips:

• *     Practice your “elevator speech” ahead of time so you can share your most important information in one minute.
• *     Bring a little something to help others remember you and your business (something visual yet simple, AND your business card).
• *     Stay “portable” — you’ll be moving from table to table throughout the morning.
• *     If you’re a newcomer to this event, arrive a little early so you can settle in comfortably at your first table and learn the flow of the event without being rushed.
• *     Schedule time now on your calendar to follow up soon with those you meet.

Cost is $45 per Chamber member, $75 for other attendees.
Limited to 1 attendee per organization and five attendees per business category.

Table Host Sponsorship – serve as moderators for each table during the connection rounds rather than rotating as other attendees do. Previous experience at Mega Networking is preferred and extremely valuable for serving in the Table Host role. Table Hosts are encouraged to decorate their table in a fun and festive manner representative of their business. 

If you’re considering Chamber membership and would like to attend this event we welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Membership Development Specialist, at [email protected]

Join us in celebrating outstanding women in business!  This fall, we will gather in the lovely, historic Grove Park Inn to make valuable connections and learn from other women who have made significant strides in their careers while offering valuable support to others in the workplace and greater community.

The year 2023 is also the Chamber’s 125th Anniversary year, and our WomanUP Celebration will feature historical as well as forward-thinking elements to inspire, support and engage women in our region.

We’re looking forward to celebrating with you!

Outstanding Women in Business Awards:

• Outstanding Woman Nonprofit Leader, presented by TD Bank
• Woman Executive of the Year Award, presented by MAHEC
• Women Entrepreneurs, Best in Business Award, presented by Webb Investments Services, Inc.
• Rising Star Young Woman Professional Award, presented by Western Carolina University
• Impact Award, presented by Kudzu Brands
• STEM Award, presented by Pratt & Whitney
• Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by First Bank

Nominations will be accepted beginning in early July. Submit a nomination here: WomanUP Award Nominations

Deadline to submit nominations is August 10.

WomanUP is an initiative from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce focused on women in business who wish to build a strong network of women intent on inspiring one another to achieve individual potential; supporting each other in business endeavors; and creating a legacy through mentorship.

Chamber Event Refund Policy:  The Chamber requires payment in advance for admission to all Chamber events. Chamber event fees (regardless of attendance) are refundable only if a cancellation notice is received at least two weeks prior to the event. Event Refund & Photo Policy

Coffee & Networking 8:30am

Program 9-11:30am

Program Overview:

• The French Broad River Partnership is a collaboration of business, nonprofit, and government stakeholders all interested in the water quality and economic impact of the watershed in our region.
• Our 5th Annual Meeting will be held the morning of Wednesday, November 8th at the A-B Tech main campus with an expected attendance of 100 to 150 people.
• The 2.5 hour program features three moderated panel discussions on The French Broad River Watershed :: The Intersection of the Environment + Economy.
• Our panels include: State + Local Elected Officials and Government, Industry Stakeholders, and Business + Tourism leaders.
• The moderated panel discussions are designed to be energetic, informative, collaborative, and representative of multiple perspectives followed by a brief audience Q&A.