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Networking at Cheap Joe's on Nov 15

November 15, 2007

The next High Country Business Network event 5:15-7:00 PM on Nov 15 at Cheap Joe's Art Stuff in Boone. The event is free and open to anyone starting or growing a business, students, community leaders and service providers.

Are you interested in expanding your business? Do you have a business idea you want to pursue? Would it be helpful to talk with others like you who want to pursue a business idea? Would it be helpful to talk with business people and professionals in the community with experience and connections? If you answer “yes” to any one of these questions, plan to attend the High Country Business Network event from 5:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 15th at Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff in Boone. The purpose of the HCBN is to encourage networking and continuing education opportunities among the business and entrepreneurial communities in the High Country.

Anyone in business, interested in starting, expanding or diversifying a business, or connected to the business world is invited. Aspiring entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to attend. All business leaders, financial institution representatives, not-for-profit representatives, community service providers, community leaders, elected officials, school board members, professionals, entrepreneurs, and other interested persons are welcome. The meeting will begin with the opportunity for everyone to enjoy refreshments and network with one another, and then will feature a presentation by Joseph Miller of Cheap Joe’s. Registration is free and may be done by emailing ardi@ardi.appstate.edu or by calling 828-262-6662.

The High Country Business Network (HCBN) is a regional support system for small business and entrepreneur development in the High Country. HCBN is committed to promoting a culture of entrepreneurship by providing networking and educational opportunities to the region's business community. As a regional organization encompassing eight counties (Wilkes, Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey and Caldwell), HCBN creates the critical mass necessary for the High Country business communities to participate in networking activities and business development seminars to encourage entrepreneurs and new business formation. Its intent is to bring business creators together with public and private service providers; professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, insurance brokers; and already successful business people to share ideas, expertise and encouragement.

Three support elements drastically increase the chances for a business to succeed: a business climate that embraces new business start-ups, technical assistance available to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their ideas into viable businesses, and a support network, or sometimes called an entrepreneurial council, to bring business creators together with professionals, public and private service providers and successful business members in a community to share ideas, expertise and encouragement. The High Country Business Network is this third element. A community level entrepreneurial development effort, such as the Watauga Entrepreneur Development Partnership, contributes to the other two support elements.

The Watauga Entrepreneur Development Partnership was established by Watauga County business leaders through the cooperative efforts of ARDI, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission and the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. This Partnership has enjoyed strong success in helping people with new business ideas take positive steps toward establishing a business. Its series of “Start Your Own Business” workshops are designed to “jumpstart” local businesses. The workshops are facilitated by Walker College of Business entrepreneurship faculty, and successful members of the business community serve as mentors for the workshop participants. The seventh series of workshops is currently in process. As the HCBN expands and the reach of the network grows, it is hoped that other counties will develop their own partnerships similar to the WEDP and spread the spirit of entrepreneurship in the High Country.

Directions: Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff is located in the Watauga County Industrial Park. From Boone, turn left into the first entrance to the Industrial Park, Cheap Joe’s is on your right at 374 Industrial Park Drive. The event will be held in the Workshop Room next to the Outlet Store.

For questions email or call Chilton Rogers at rogersc@appstate.edu / 828.262.6662 To RSVP: ardi@ardi.appstate.edu or call 828.262.6662 To be a sponsor of this program, or other HCBN events across the region, contact Brian Crutchfield, HBCN Chair, at bcrutchfield@blueridgeemc.com

The High Country Business Network is a regional support system for small businesses and entrepreneur development in the High Country. HCBN is committed to promoting a culture of entrepreneurship by providing networking and educational opportunities to the region’s emerging and established business communities.

Contact Us

entrepreneur@appstate.edu
828-262-6196