It has been a while since I have personally reached out to our membership.  Mostly because I took a year away from the Chamber.  In light of events on September 27, and with the resignation of Yates, I was asked if I would be willing to step in and help our beloved Chamber through these rough waters.  Of course, I agreed.  Those who know me, know I have extreme respect for our community, its businesses, its future successes but also to plug in and help us recover and rebuild.

An important step we made, with a small local group of business owners, leaders and residents, we have focused most of our attention in supporting the formation of a 501(c)(3).  This Charitable Non-profit is strictly missioned to support our area businesses through not only this crisis, but in an on-going effort through all the ups and downs of our region.  Feel free to check out their website http://www.foundation4lakelurechimneyrock.com.  The Foundation board will be sending out more detailed information, along with grant opportunities, in the next couple of weeks.

With regard to the Chamber, it is important you know the work we are performing, behind the scenes.  For instance, today we are attending a meeting in Swannanoa with the WNC Chamber of Commerce Executives Association.  We are meeting with our State and Local representatives to discuss the impact to our areas and the assistance we still need.  The focus, for our specific communities, will be to push getting another entrance to the Park built and get Chimney Rock Park opened and operating ASAP.  Not in lieu of rebuilding the main entrance, but while they are rebuilding the other bridge in the Village and working to open the Village.  Our businesses, residents and surrounding communities need this to happen, it is critical.

Moving forward, I will personally make an effort to keep our members updated on our work in progress.  The weekly updates from our PR/Marketing, will change from a weekly update to monthly.  Since we are functioning with a skeleton team, we are making adjustments as we work through these changes.

Lastly, we ended our lease at the Arcade to provide the Town of Lake Lure with office space.  If you need us, send an email to the info@hickorynutchamber.org or leave us a voice message.  Our phone is still connected and working.  We will respond within a couple of days.

Until the next time, stay safe, stay strong and stay connected.

Laura P Doster
Disaster Relief Director

Join Us in Rebuilding and Revitalizing the Chamber

Like so many in our community, the Chamber of Commerce of Hickory Nut Gorge is ready to rebuild and grow stronger than ever. Our local businesses need the Chamber’s support, and many business owners are eager to be part of this revitalization.

To strengthen our efforts, we are looking for dedicated business owners who are interested in serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Board members play a vital role in guiding the Chamber’s initiatives, supporting local businesses, and shaping the future of our community.

If you are passionate about contributing to the success of our local economy and want to be part of the Chamber’s leadership, we invite you to apply. Click the link below to complete the interest form:

👉 Apply to Join the Chamber Board

Thank you for your commitment to our community. Together, we can rebuild, support, and thrive!

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The Chamber Partners with new Foundation Dedicated To Businesses

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene struck the Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and Bat Cave areas, devastating local businesses and livelihoods. While the community's natural beauty and charm sparked an outpouring of support, it quickly became clear that recovery efforts lacked coordination and focus. To address this challenge, a group of passionate locals and organizations came together to form the Foundation for Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area Businesses, with the mission to foster long-term sustainability and resilience in the region.

Now, the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge is proudly partnering with the Foundation to support the rebuilding and development of businesses in our area. By combining resources, expertise, and a shared vision, this partnership will help unite the community, strengthen the local economy, and ensure that the businesses of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and Bat Cave not only recover but thrive for generations to come. Through collaboration, dedication, and the support of those who love this area, we are determined to help our community Rise, Build, and Thrive.

DONATE TODAY: https://foundation4lakelurechimneyrock.com/home

​BUSINESS FINANCIAL SUPPORT

• https://www.mountainbizworks.org/helene/fund/
• https://lending.sba.gov/search-disaster/?disaster=NC-20007
• https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
• https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/by-category-or-agency
• https://www.usa.gov/disaster-financial-help

Assistance for Individual Property and Businesses

• On September 29, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of North Carolina, including Rutherford County, to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene. The President's action makes federal funding 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 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. This includes:

• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
• 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.
• 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.

Grants

• Truist Foundation: Our grants support medium- and long-term recovery and resilience-building efforts in communities affected by natural and human-made hazards, including conflicts and humanitarian crises. We do not accept unsolicited proposals. The results of our assessments determine which nonprofit organizations will be invited to apply for funding. Learn more about our grantmaking process. https://disasterphilanthropy.org/funds/truistfoundation/
• RHI Legacy Foundation: RHI Legacy is committed to impacting health and wellness in Rutherford County by making grants to support organizations and initiatives aligned with the Foundation’s grant focus areas: Chronic disease, Healthy Eating, Active Living. www.rhilegacyfoundation.com

•  The Community Foundation for Western NC (CFWNC) Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery Effort: (Regional Funders, Donors and Others Coordinating for Hurricane Relief in Western North Carolina). CFWNC activated its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund to accept and disburse funds supporting a regional response and relief efforts in 18 counties of Western North Carolina including the Qualla Boundary on September 29. Funds ensure that nonprofits have the resources they needed for the critical early response and continuing recovery. Administrative fees are waived so that every dollar goes directly to assistance.  *To donate by check: make your check payable to The Community Foundation and mail it to 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Ste. 300, Asheville, NC 28803; please include EDRF in the memo line. $17,498,653 in 394 Grants Awarded as of 1/1/25. To apply for a grant visit:  https://cfwnc.org/initiatives/hurricane-helene-relief-and-recovery

• North Carolina Community Foundation: Bringing together generous people and connect them to causes and organizations they care about. Mission: to inspire North Carolinians to make lasting and meaningful contributions to their communities. The North Carolina Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide assistance in the months and years ahead. “Our Disaster Relief Fund is going to be providing help with long-term recovery and unmet needs. It will complement the work already underway in western North Carolina with grants going out to organizations in early 2025,” said NCCF President and CEO Jennifer Tolle Whiteside.  More than $10 million has been raised so far for the Disaster Relief Fund, including a $7.5 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc. Visit the following link to apply for a grant: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=nccommunityfoundation

You Deserve A Great Getaway!

Looking for the perfect getaway that gives back? When you book your next adventure with one of the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge's special trips, you're not just treating yourself to an unforgettable experience—you’re directly supporting our local community's recovery efforts. 

Hurricane Helene left its mark, and we’re dedicated to helping our business members access the resources they need to bounce back. By choosing a Chamber getaway, you're lending a hand to our beloved local businesses as they rebuild stronger than ever.

Enjoy the beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge and know that each trip you book is a step toward revitalizing our community.
Book your getaway today and make a lasting difference!

Secure your dream getaway now with our exclusive Book It Now options!