03-06-2025
Western North Carolina ‘open for business' to highlight tourism industry after Helene
BOONE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — It's 'Open for Business Week' in western North Carolina as state leaders want to drive business to the area hardest hit by Hurricane Helene.
Officials want to highlight businesses, festivals, destinations and other events to promote the community.
Improvements, full closure Blue Ridge Parkway postponed to accommodate Helene recovery
'Visitors are the lifeblood of the area, tourism, hospitality,' said Will Johnson, co-owner of The Todd Mercantile in Watauga County. 'Boone, West Jefferson, Todd, we're right in the middle. We rely on tubers for the river in the summer just to keep our business going.'
North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein visited Watauga County Monday to highlight the initiative. It runs through Sunday, June 8.
Chambers of Commerce in towns throughout WNC have individual plans on how to highlight businesses. In Boone, there will be multiple outdoor events and ribbon cutting ceremonies from mid-to late week.
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