Western North Carolina Chambers Launch #WNCOpenforBusiness Week to Kick Off Summer Tourism Season


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:            June 2–8, 2025
Contact:      Tonia Stephenson
                     President & CEO, Burke County Chamber of Commerce
                     336.689.5438
                     tstephenson@burkecounty.org
 
Western North Carolina Chambers Launch #WNCOpenforBusiness Week to Kick Off Summer Tourism Season

Western North Carolina – To kick off the summer tourism season and drive visitor traffic, the Western North Carolina Chamber Business Coalition is pleased to announce #WNCOpenforBusiness Week, taking place Monday, June 2 through Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Throughout this designated week, local Chambers of Commerce across Western North Carolina will spotlight events and initiatives that showcase the region’s ongoing recovery following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Chambers will continue working throughout the summer with event organizers, partner agencies, and local businesses to emphasize that the region's popular travel destinations, festivals, and small businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors.

“Our region saw significant damage during Hurricane Helene; however, most of Burke County is back open and eager to welcome visitors. We want people to come enjoy our beautiful trails, parks, rivers, and more,” said Tonia Stephenson, President & CEO of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce. “Our region has suffered great loss through the hurricane, but we are rebuilding, we are resilient, and we are OPEN FOR BUSINESS!”

Images, videos, and other content celebrating the region’s comeback will be shared throughout the summer by Western North Carolina Chambers of Commerce via social media and traditional media outlets. Businesses are encouraged to use the hashtag #WNCOpenforBusiness in any related content to unify messaging and amplify visibility.

Several signature events during the week will feature symbolic ribbon cuttings and community celebrations, providing a visual representation of resilience and excitement as the region enters a key period for economic recovery and tourism.

Key Events During #WNCOpenforBusiness Week:

Monday, June 2
– Visit from North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein – Watauga & Ashe Counties
– Asheville Area Chamber Annual Meeting – Omni Grove Park Inn, 5:00–8:45 PM

Tuesday, June 3
– Ribbon Cutting – Town of Blowing Rock – Blowing Rock Town Hall, 1:30 PM

Wednesday, June 4
– Boone Area Chamber Board Photo Op – Doc Watson Statue, Downtown Boone, 12:00 PM

Thursday, June 5
– Forks & Corks: Local Savor 2025 – Hackney Warehouse, Murphy, 5:00–8:00 PM
– Asheville Chamber Business After Hours – The Reserve at Gashes Creek, 5:30–7:00 PM

Friday, June 6
– Music on the Lawn – The Jones House, Downtown Boone, 6:00 PM
– Ribbon Cutting and TGIF Outdoor Concert – Burke County Old Courthouse Square, Downtown Morganton, 6:30 PM

Saturday, June 7
– Ribbon Cutting – Town of Old Fort – Water Street & Catawba Avenue, 10:30 AM
– Livermush Festival – Downtown Marion, 5:00–9:00 PM (Ribbon cutting at 6:00 PM)
– Ashe Bash – Ashe County Government Complex, Jefferson, 6:00 PM

For a full schedule of #WNCOpenforBusiness Week events and additional programming throughout the summer, contact your local Chamber of Commerce in Western North Carolina.
 
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