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NEWS | EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES | & MORE

In This Issue | September 13, 2021
Annual Meeting | Partner Resources & Ops | Visitor Guide Order Info | African American Heritage Trail | Trips & Trade Shows | Event Calendar | COVID Resources & Relief | Asheville Symphony Concert | Pro Tips & Tricks

Last-Minute Reminder!
Join us for an afternoon of inspiration, celebrating & networking

It's not too late to sign up for our Annual Meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. Doors open at 2:30; program begins promptly at 3; hospitality and networking follow from 4:30–6 p.m.

Please review Thomas Wolfe Auditorium’s health and safety requirements here. Remember to bring your mask, proof of vaccination, and a government-issued ID. A negative COVID test result within 72 hours of the event is also accepted for entry. Thank you for your kind compliance with these protocols to keep everyone safe. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register Now

PARTNER RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES

Attract visitors to your business from ExploreAsheville.com 

DTN is a digital company that Explore Asheville partners with to produce and publish paid content on our website. The goal of this content is to help inspire ExploreAsheville.com visitors to become your customers. Heads up: In the coming days or weeks, you may get an email and/or phone call from DTN about this great opportunity.

Make sure you're ready for fall visitors! Order Visitor Guides now for free delivery next week

This month's deadline to stock up on Visitor Guides is Sept. 20 at 5 p.m. for delivery Sept. 22 and 23. Place your order now. Reminder: Even if you previously signed up to receive monthly deliveries, we still need a completed form each month.

FEMA disaster aid now available

Small businesses and residents who suffered losses from the recent flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fred can begin applying for assistance from FEMA. Get details here.

TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FUND

Asheville's African American Heritage Trail moves forward; public input invited throughout September

Plans for an African American heritage walking trail supported by the Buncombe County TDA through the Tourism Product Development Fund are moving forward after a delay caused by the pandemic. The trail will connect historic Black communities in and around downtown Asheville with sites and stories ranging from well-known landmarks visible in the community today to the unsung heroes and under-recognized achievements and contributions by the Black community in the past. Throughout the month of September as part of the next phase of the trail's development, the public is invited to help shape its themes and content.

Provide Your Input

GROUP GURUS: UPDATES FROM SALES

Making connections to bring back group travel

Members of Explore Asheville's Sales team continue connecting with meeting planners and professionals in special target industries to bring groups to Asheville. In recent weeks they've attended or exhibited at Connect Corporate, Prevue Meetings & Incentives Visionary Summit and Outdoor Retailer Expo & Conference, and hosted events that include a meetup with Atlanta-based planners at a Braves baseball game.

Check Out Other Group Sales Plans

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

 

COVID RESOURCES & RELIEF

A roundup of new information for business owners

  • COVID TESTING GUIDE: Buncombe public health experts have created a downloadable guide for employers and workers.
  • VACCINATION GUIDE: A downloadable flyer on vaccinations to display or hand out is also available from Buncombe County Dept. of Health & Human Services.
  • SMALL-BUSINESS GRANTS: The One Buncombe Fund is expected to be replenished this fall, providing financial assistance for the community's small businesses.
  • SAFETY PROTOCOLS AT LIVE EVENTS: The Asheville Area Arts Council is hosting a virtual AVL Arts Town Hall on Sept. 21 at 12 p.m. on implementing health and safety protocols at local live events.
  • LEGALITIES AROUND VACCINES FOR EMPLOYEES: View the virtual Town Hall recently hosted by Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce with attorney Sabrina Rockoff.
  • FINANCIAL & OTHER ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYEES: Programs are available for residents who qualify, including help with rent, utilities, food, healthcare or other needs. 
  • INPUT ON OUTDOOR SHARED SPACE: Provide feedback to the City on temporary initiatives that have enabled 100+ businesses and organizations to quickly expand outdoors into adjacent public spaces and parking lots.

COMMUNITY NOTES

Symphony in the Park: A Celebration of the Arts

The Asheville Symphony's much-anticipated return to live performance will take place Sept. 19 at Pack Square Park, sponsored by Buncombe County TDA and offered at no charge to the public. The event will feature a broad range of music from Copland, Brahms and Gershwin to Bernstein, Rodgers & Hammerstein and John Williams – plus Queen and Prince!

Get Details

TIPS |  FACTS | FAQs | UPDATES

Check out the TOURISM COMMUNITY UPDATE: Highlights of Buncombe County TDA Meetings
August's meeting included an update on the impact of the Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund, including the inspiring personal stories of partners from The Flying Bike, Ginger's Revenge, Sole82, and Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack. Take a look!

Q: How do I make changes to my Google listing? A: Keeping your Google My Business Listing up to date is critical for bringing business to your doorstep! Check out these resources on how to make it happen.

With fall on the way, it's time to check the images on your ExploreAsheville.com listing. High-quality, high-resolution images can lead to more click-throughs. Photos should be at least 640 pixels wide and 480 pixels tall. Need help?

Each month, Explore Asheville generates a statistical report of our output, providing a snapshot of the local tourism economy month-to-month. Take a look at the latest edition of the Destination Dashboard here.

Find Out How
Learn More

 

Open Now

IN THE NEWS

Asheville named one of the Top 15 Cities in the U.S.!

Just announced by Travel + Leisure: Asheville is one of the Top 15 Cities in the United States, as voted by readers who rated cities based on sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. Read (and share!) the story here.

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