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LOOKING GLASS OUTFITTERS: MUCH MORE THAN SURVIVAL
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| Phil Hoffman & associate Marcus Webb |
Entrepreneurs are known as risk-takers, but when Phil and Jessica Hoffmann purchased Looking Glass Outfitters in September 2008, there was evidence that tough economic times were ahead. The problem was that there was no way to predict what the full impact would be on their business.
The outcome: Their company has grown about 30% in the past 15 months. And it is by no means a matter of luck.
“We are pleased about the way our business is going. We’ve worked very hard to attract new and repeat customers,” Phil comments, “and part of it is due to networking with others in the outdoor recreation sector.” more |
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NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Local professionals and practitioners in the construction, design and real estate industries are invited to attend two half-day conferences on Tuesday, February 2 featuring presentations and discussion sessions on managing and growing their business in 2010. The event will hosted by Blue Ridge Community College and will take place at the Conference Hall on the Flat Rock campus.
The morning conference, “Prospering in 2010” will be presented from 8:00 to 12 noon and will feature three tracks: construction/landscape, design professionals (architects, landscape architects and interior designers) and real estate.
The afternoon session will be “Top 2010 Renovation Trends” from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A basic objective is to stimulate greater interest in renovation as an alternative and to help connect professional resources with property owners and others interested in renovating. more |
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NEW BUSINESS COURSES INTRODUCED IN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS
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| Joe Kolinsky, Scott Elliott and Bill Layton |
The October 2009 Newsletter reported that members of the business community were teaming up with high school teachers to help students gain knowledge and skills about personal financial matters, learn about entrepreneurship and be better prepared to enter the world of work.
The pilot project involving those courses was completed at Brevard, Davidson River and Rosman high schools in December, using materials developed by Junior Achievement, Inc. and funded by United Way of Transylvania County.
A total of 57 students were involved in the project – 33 from Brevard (two classes), 12 from Davidson River and 12 from Rosman. The post-course evaluation ratings showed that 85% felt the course connected what they learned in the classroom to real life, and about 75% said it helped prepare them for the future as well as made school more interesting. The course content was integrated with civics, social science and marketing classes. more |
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FEBRUARY EVENTS
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| Jessica Lee |
Porter Center
Jessica Lee, violin
Friday, February 12, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Tickets $25/$10 students & children
The Sounds of Silents
with Vance Reese, organ
Sunday, February 14, 2010 at 3:00 PM
Tickets $10
Asheville Symphony Orchestra
with Daniel Meyer, conductor
Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 3:00 PM
Tickets $30/$10 students & children
TC Arts
Gallery Exhibit: Body & Soul
February 12 – March 12
Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 8:00 PM
Tickets $10
For more information visit www.tcarts.org or call (828) 884-2787. |
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Film Festival
March 19-20
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Quote of the Month
“Business is not just doing deals; business is having great products, doing great engineering, and providing tremendous service to customers. Finally, business is a cobweb of human relationships.”
Ross Perot – Entrepreneur, Chief Executive Officer
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Remember Your
Valentine in a special
way this year with a
Weekend in
beautiful Brevard, NC.
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Waterfall of the Month
Moore Cove Falls
January 2010
Photos courtesy of
Rich Stevenson
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Meetings
Thursday, Feb. 11 - 8:00AM
Economic Development Advisory Board will meet in the 2nd floor DSS building conference room.
Thursday, Feb. 18 - 7:00PM
Planning Board will meet in the Community Services Building conference room. |
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