• Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber Welcomes New Executive Director

    Melinda Hester Executive Director

    The Board of Directors of the Black Mountain/Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Melinda Hester as the new Executive Director effective Jan 1st, 2024.

    Ms. Hester was the first full-time Executive Director at the Edisto Chamber of Commerce in South Carolina. During her five years of service, she grew Chamber membership from 85 to 150. She then served six years in Haiti as a missionary, the administrator of a medical facility, and In-Country Field Director. Upon her return to the U.S., Ms. Hester accepted the position of administrator and finance officer for the Edisto Island Open Land Trust, whose annual revenues were over one million dollars at the time of her departure.

    Ms. Hester’s extensive 24-year tenure in the nonprofit sector is set to breathe new life into the Chamber’s aspirations. Her adeptness in fundraising, event coordination, and fiscal management positions her background as a driving force, poised to strengthen and elevate the Chamber even further, guiding it toward its full potential.

    Melinda warmly encourages everyone to reach out to her, extending an open invitation to call or drop by with any thoughts, concerns and suggestions.

    Please join us in welcoming Melinda to our Black Mountain Community and be sure to say hi when you see here out and about in town.

    Black Mountain Swannanoa Board of Directors

  • Tim Helms Appointed as Interim Director

    We have hired an Interim director, Tim Helms.

    Tim brings a wealth of knowledge along with Chamber experience. He served as director of the Gaston County Chamber and is a certified Chamber Executive. Tim previously was president of a manufacturing company and has been involved in business education at the community college level. He has extensive leadership experience, including serving as the current Mayor of Montreat. Our shared vision is for Tim to serve in our transition while also helping to guide us strategically; as we look to improve service(s) to you our partners and the great community we serve in the Swannanoa Valley. Please keep an eye out for Tim within the community, he will be meeting with as many partners as he can to gather YOUR input as we plan the future of our chamber.

    Thank you for your support!

  • Our Mission and Purpose

     

    Founded in 1923, the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the general welfare and prosperity of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley, so that its citizens and all areas of its business community shall thrive.

    • Governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership
    • Funded by partnership dues, ad sales, and events including the annual Sourwood Festival

    Our Purpose in The Community

    • Promote Members through marketing opportunities, sponsorships, and networking
    • Promote connectivity of businesses and the community to reinforce buying locally, & supporting the local economy
    • To serve as a voice for the local business owners and industries with local government and TDA organizations
    • Facilitate operations of the Visitor Center which serves over 30,000 visitors annually. One of only two centers in Buncombe County

    Chamber Member Benefits

    • Free listing on our website by category, up to 100 words, and a picture or logo. over 13,000 visits per Month. Value $1200/yr
    • Free listing by category in our annual Visitor, Relocation, and Member Directory over 45,000 printed – distribution in over 350 locations across North Carolina Value $500
    • Free rack space at the Visitor Center visited by over 30,000 annually – Value-$1200/yr
    • Visitor guide directory Sent to inquiries from website/phone – Value $50/mo
    • Postings in the weekly newsletter -Value $50
    • Free Social Media postings, sharings for events, grand openings, Special offers Value $500-$2000
    • 10% Discount for a booth at the Sourwood Festival
    • Free Ribbon cutting for members
    • Free networking and social events
    For more information about who we are, member benefits, and how we can help, we invite you to reach out to us at: director@blackmountainchamber.com