Making It In Asheville

Asheville Daily | Episode 6: Launching 1% for Asheville + Grant Opportunities for Local Businesses In today’s episode, host Tony Ubertaccio highlights the new 1% for Asheville campaign, an inspiring initiative where Asheville businesses pledge 1% of their sales for November and December to support local hurricane relief efforts. Spearheaded by Eric Fabian of Sour House, this campaign unites businesses across sectors in giving back directly to the community. Key topics covered: 1% for Asheville Campaign (00:55) A breakdown of how this initiative works, the importance of contributing 1% of sales versus profits, and the impact this has on local businesses and community resilience. Opportunities for Business Owners (03:08) Insights into how local businesses can get involved in 1% for Asheville and leverage the campaign for community connection and customer engagement. Grant Funding for Asheville (05:01) Updates on available grants from Visit Asheville, Mountain BizWorks, and the Asheville Chamber, with details on the Chamber’s upcoming Craft Your Commerce program for Western North Carolina businesses. Tune in to learn more about supporting Asheville’s recovery efforts and hear the latest on community resources and upcoming events for business owners. For full show notes, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily.

Asheville Daily | Episode 7: Strategic Choices for Asheville Business Owners Post-Hurricane In today’s Halloween episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Bertaccio explores two decision-making frameworks to help local business owners navigate choices in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Tony shares practical tools to weigh options, from financial moves to new business strategies. Key topics covered: Expected Value: Tony explains how business owners can apply this mathematical approach to estimate the potential success of different strategic options by calculating the expected outcomes and likelihood of success. Collateral Benefit: Introducing a new concept, Tony discusses the idea of “collateral benefit”—how certain actions, especially those done in public or collaborative ways, can create ripple effects and unexpected advantages for both your brand and the community. Getting into Action: Emphasizing the importance of momentum, Tony encourages listeners to use these tools as a guide to take meaningful steps forward and invites feedback from the Asheville community on what support they need. For full show notes and more resources, visit: https://makingitinasheville.com/daily. Links: Reach out to Tony with questions and ideas at [email protected]

Asheville Daily | Episode 8: Why Email is Asheville's Biggest Untapped Asset for Local Businesses In today’s episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio dives into one of the most valuable yet underused tools for local businesses—email marketing. As Asheville rebuilds, Tony shares why building and nurturing an email list is critical for customer communication and business recovery. Key Topics Covered: The Power of Email Over Social Media: With platforms like Meta controlling visibility, Tony explains why email offers a near 100% delivery rate, making it essential for connecting with your audience without interference. Crafting Effective Emails: Tips for writing clear, actionable messages that focus on one call to action, whether it’s buying a gift card, sharing a business update, or announcing new offerings. Cross-Promotion with Other Local Businesses: Tony highlights the “Mountain Magic Gift Guide” by Botanical Bones, an excellent example of businesses collaborating to expand their reach and foster community support. Getting Started & Growing Your List: Tony shares resources for those ready to start or grow their email lists and offers guidance on creating a strategy that engages Asheville’s community directly. For full show notes and more resources, visit https://makingitinasheville.com/daily. Links: Mountain Magic Gift Guide – Created by Botanical Bones, featuring women-owned, local businesses in Asheville (https://www.instagram.com/p/DBrLFu9pQv7/)

Asheville Daily Podcast | Episode 7: Musicians Rally for Asheville’s Recovery In this episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio dives into the powerful ways Asheville’s music community is stepping up for post-Hurricane Helene recovery. From major benefit concerts to local collaborations, Asheville’s musicians are making an impact where it counts. Key topics covered: Big Concert Fundraiser: LUKE COMBS, ERIC CHURCH, BILLY STRINGS, and JAMES TAYLOR raised $24 million for Western North Carolina, providing essential funds for the region’s recovery. “Cardinals at the Window” Compilation: This special benefit album, featuring over 130 artists, including Tyler Ramsey and John Charles Dwyer, showcases Asheville’s collective spirit. All proceeds support flood relief in Western North Carolina. John Charles Dwyer’s "Heavy Feathers": Although he recently moved from Asheville, Dwyer’s heartfelt music and fundraising efforts continue to support the community, with songs that capture the resilience and soul of the region. Watch a Live performance of "Heavy Feathers": https://youtu.be/S3UYxdepB_w?si=QdGZkAZm8KZlm6q0 How to Support Local Artists: For listeners looking to aid Asheville’s creative community, Tony highlights stories and artists to follow, inviting listeners to share more about their favorite local musicians. Email [email protected] For full show notes and more resources, visit: https://makingitinasheville.com/daily

Asheville Daily | Episode 6: Where to Find Open Businesses, Resources for Owners & Asheville's Road to Recovery In this episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio continues the conversation on Asheville’s progress post-Hurricane Helene. He covers which businesses are open, which resources are available for visitors, and practical advice for business owners looking to get back on track. Key topics covered: Exploring What’s Open: From the Asheville Airport to Wrong Way River Lodge, Tony shares key updates on businesses, parks, and restaurants open to visitors and locals. He highlights Explore Asheville’s comprehensive list of open and closed spots, perfect for planning a visit. Supporting Local Business from Afar: Discover “Love Asheville from Afar,” a program allowing patrons to buy gift cards and donate to over 600 Asheville businesses, along with the “Always Asheville Fund” providing emergency grants to small businesses. Critical Website Updates for Businesses: Tony emphasizes the importance of accurate online information for businesses. He shouts out Alyssa Phillips of Amped Design, who offers website support for affected businesses to improve communication and customer engagement. Looking Ahead: Tony teases new collaborative projects in Asheville aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing revenue opportunities as the community rebuilds. Reach out to [email protected] for support. For full show notes and more resources, visit: https://makingitinasheville.com/daily Time Stamps and Notes: Asheville Update (00:00 - 01:54) Openings and Closures (01:54 - 02:48) Supporting Asheville Businesses (02:48 - 05:26) Importance of Online Presence (05:26 - 07:25) Call for Collaboration (07:25 - 09:22)

Asheville Daily | Episode 5: How Open is Asheville Really? Navigating Water Safety & Local Business Recovery In this episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio explores the theme of “openness” as Asheville recovers from Hurricane Helene. Tony breaks down key questions around what it means to be “open” for business in Asheville right now and shares insights on the current state of water safety and infrastructure repair. Key topics covered: Business Openings and Closures: A look into which Asheville businesses are open, how they’re adapting post-storm, and considerations for potential visitors. Water Quality and Testing Updates: Tony explains Asheville’s water testing process, the boil water notice, and which safety measures residents should be aware of. Visitor Support vs. Staying Away: Addressing the question many are asking—should people still visit Asheville? Tony explores how tourism can support local businesses and shares ways non-locals can help, even from afar. Upcoming Listening Session: Local business owners and community members gather today for a listening session hosted by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, Venture Asheville, and Hatch Co-Working. For full show notes and more resources, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily. Links: Water Testing Info: Asheville’s latest updates on water quality and boil water notices. Asheville.gov/service/water-quality-advisories

Asheville Daily | Episode 4: The Power of Listening & Practical Email Tips for Overwhelmed Business Owners In this episode of the Asheville Daily, host Tony Ubertaccio reflects on the importance of listening during times of recovery and shares a beautiful quote from the West Asheville Yoga community that speaks to the tension between moving forward and taking the necessary time to heal. Key topics covered: Business Listening Session: Tomorrow’s collaborative event with Venture Asheville, Asheville Chamber of Commerce, and Hatch Co-Working to hear the needs of local business owners. The Gift of Listening: Tony discusses how asking clarifying questions can improve how we show up for one another. Inbox Overload Solutions: For business owners feeling overwhelmed by post-Hurricane Helene inboxes, Tony shares two practical methods—filing “inbox bankruptcy” or filtering out marketing emails. Upcoming Content: Next week’s episode will dive into the community's business needs and highlight Mission Health’s response during the hurricane. For full show notes and more resources, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily. Request: Mission Health Response: Share your stories and insights by emailing [email protected] and using the subject "Mission" General Content: Share your stories and insights by emailing [email protected] and using the subject "Daily" About the Asheville Daily Podcast The Asheville Daily podcast shares daily updates and reflections on the local business community. Hosted by Tony Ubertaccio, this podcast is your go-to for stories and news that matter to Asheville. Got a story or request? Reach out via email at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @makingitinasheville.

The AVL Daily | Episode 3: Local Business Recovery & Resources After Hurricane Helene In today’s episode of the Asheville Daily podcast, host Tony Ubertaccio shares updates on the local business community as it continues to recover from Hurricane Helene. We dive into the story of Rockgeist, a local bikepacking gear company that experienced 5 feet of flooding. Tony shares a personal encounter with Rockgeist’s owner, Greg, and the challenges of keeping a business afloat post-disaster. Key topics: Rockgeist’s Flood Recovery: How they’re handling the aftermath of 5 feet of water damage and ways you can support, including their GoFundMe campaign and gift card purchases. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): How local businesses and employees affected by Helene can file for assistance. You have 39 days left to apply for DUA. Visit des.nc.gov for more details. Asheville Business Recovery Center: Free workspace and resources are available at the Chamber of Commerce for displaced businesses. Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Business Listening Session: Coming up this Friday to help local businesses share their needs and challenges during recovery efforts. For full show notes, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily Links: Rockgeist Flood Recovery Fund: Support Rockgeist Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Visit DES Business Recovery Center: Asheville Chamber of Commerce Info About the Asheville Daily Podcast The Asheville Daily podcast delivers local news, updates, and stories impacting the Asheville business community. Hosted by Tony Ubertaccio, this daily podcast is your go-to for all things Asheville. Got a story to share or know a business in need? Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @makingitinasheville.

Daily Asheville Business Updates | October 22 In today's episode, we bring you the latest updates on the impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville’s business community. Highlights include: Downtown Open Doors Event: Local businesses participating with a welcoming gesture by displaying balloons on their doors. The event will continue on October 26, inviting locals and visitors back downtown. There's also a Halloween plan for Thurs 10/31. Biltmore Estate Reopening: Asheville’s fifth-largest employer, the Biltmore Estate, will reopen on November 2. This announcement comes just in time for their famous Christmas at Biltmore celebration. Water Restoration Milestone: The City of Asheville has lifted the fire watch code as water has been restored to all commercial buildings with sprinkler systems. While water is not yet potable, this is a significant recovery step. Kickstarter Success: The Asheville Arts Flood Collection, featuring 54 local artists, has raised over $100,000 on Kickstarter. Support local arts through this exciting campaign. Pro Bono Design Support: Alyssa Phillips of Amp’d Design is offering free graphic design assistance to businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Reach out for help with websites, branding, and more. For complete show notes, visit: makingitinasheville.com/daily. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share! We’ll be back tomorrow with more Asheville business updates. Links & Resources: Downtown Open Doors Event: October 26 Biltmore Estate Reopening: November 2 Asheville Arts Flood Collection Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ashevilleflood/the-asheville-artists-flood-collection Amp’d Design by Alyssa Phillips: https://www.ampddesigns.com/helene-update ##About Making It In Asheville Making It In Asheville is a daily podcast dedicated to sharing business stories and news with Asheville's business owners, fans, and entrepreneurs. We dive into the latest developments and highlight the local community’s resilience and creativity. Have a story or news tip? Reach out to us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram at @makingitinasheville.

The Asheville Daily: A Podcast of Hope and Strength Three weeks ago, Hurricane Helene swept through Asheville and Western North Carolina, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. As roads closed and trees fell, neighbors rallied, chainsaws roared, and our community began the long process of recovery. Amid the challenges, there’s been a surge of hope, resilience, and togetherness that can’t be ignored. In this new series of Making It In Asheville, we’re shifting our focus to daily episodes that shine a light on the incredible efforts of local businesses, community members, and organizations working to rebuild Asheville stronger than ever. Hosted by Tony Ubertaccio, this podcast will cover stories of resilience, uplifting news, and the promising initiatives taking place across our city. Over the next two months (or more), tune in every day to hear the good news from Asheville—stories of businesses reopening, fundraising efforts, and the inspiring ways our community is coming together to rise above the challenges. For more information and daily updates, visit: https://makingitinasheville.com What to Expect: Daily stories of businesses reopening and community resilience Interviews with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens Updates on fundraising campaigns and local recovery efforts Positive news and inspiration from across Asheville and WNC Subscribe to Making It In Asheville for daily stories of hope and rebuilding, as we document our city’s journey toward recovery. Together, we’ll highlight the best of Asheville as it moves forward. Follow us on: Instagram: https://instagram.com/makingitinasheville LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/making-it-in-asheville Learn more about our host and sponsor: Making It In Asheville: https://makingitinasheville.com Shackproperties: https://shackproperties.com