Asheville Reporter

Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Jan. 10.

Happy 2020! We’re back with the scoop on what’s going on in the Western North Carolina business world. If you dream of owning your own home, but don’t know how you could afford it, Habitat For Humanity is accepting applications for its affordable home ownership program. Read on for more details, and other grants that have opened up in the New Year.

Award

Nominations are still for the 2020 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award. Created in 1979, the award recognizes individuals, groups, and businesses that make significant contributions to the community through volunteer service. Nominations for Buncombe County are now open, and may be made online or by mailing in the  printable form. by Jan. 21, 2020.

Data 

Does your website need some TLC? ashevilleMARKETER is offering free audits to local businesses this month. Their audit package includes a personalized video evaluation of your website, and a list of ideas and strategies for optimizing lead generation. Claim your free evaluation here.

Hire 

There will be two new faces on the board of the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs this year. Paul Vest, president and CEO of the YMCA of Western North Carolina will serve as chair beginning in 2022 and Melissa Bailey Logan, president and CEO of the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, will serve on the board. The North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs is a coalition of 25 YMCA associations that works to build the capacity of all the state’s YMCAs, collaborate on statewide initiatives, and more. 

Opportunity 

Friday Staffing Services has immediate openings in from Flat Rock to Asheville, and multiple second shift positions that have opened up near the Hendersonville and Brevard area.  All are immediate openings – no resume and no experience required for most! They are now accepting online applications at www.friday-staffing.com.

Express Employment Professionals have 60+ openings for associate positions in every field from admin work to industrial lighting. Visit their website for more info.

Partnership 

Immedion LLC, a data company that provides IT services, cloud storage, and more, has announced a partnership with Veeam Software that will enhance their backup services. Veeam Cloud Connect services will enable clients to smoothly back up their data into Immedion’s super-flexible cloud.

Resources

Do you dream of owning your own home in Asheville, but don’t know how you could afford it? Habitat For Humanity is now accepting applications for its affordable home ownership program. The program aims to help local residents who earn 70% of less of the area median income. They will be holding information sessions throughout the month of January to learn more. Get details online or by calling them at 828-251-5702. Bring proof of income for one-on-one application assistance after the info session, or by appointment. 

ScaleUp grant applications are officially open. ScaleUp is a program offered by Mountain Bizworks, and works with existing small businesses to realize their growth potential, and generate high quality jobs in Western North Carolina. Up to 15 companies will be admitted to this year’s cohort. Applications will be accepted through January 31. 

United Federal Credit Union donated more than $1,500 to local families and organizations in 2019 thanks to their Pay It Forward initiative. As part of the Pay It Forward, United provides $15 to every employee to give to a needy individual, family, or organization of their choice. 

Help your employees help themselves. Applications for the Business Accelerator Grant are now open. Employers may apply for a grant of up to $10,000, through which they may address employee’s skill gaps with training, skill upgrading, and more. Applications are due on January 31. Click here to apply. 

Just For Fun 

The New Year brought a new baby for the Casteel family! Noah Tyler Casteel was born to his parents Amanda and Jordan at 1:08 p.m. on January 1, 2020 at The Baby Place at Adventhealth – the first baby born there in 2020. 

Original source: https://www.ashevillechamber.org/news-events/business-buzz-1-10-20/