2026 High Country Economic Kickoff Recap

Information was flying fast and furious at the 10th annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, held January 15, 2026, and hosted by the Boone Area and Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we revisit some of the key discussions from the event, including a one-on-one interview with Dr. Harry Davis, Economist for the NC Bankers Association and longtime App State professor. Other highlights include:

Workforce R&R: Recruitment and Retention Panel
Finding and keeping skilled workers across all industries is a top challenge for Watauga County businesses—and this panel tackles it head-on. Hear from local leaders representing five key local business sectors as they share recruitment realities, retention solutions, and family-focused approaches to policies that are helping keep these businesses in tune with the talent they need to thrive.

Panelists:

• Emily Brinker, Co-Owner, The Speckled Trout Restaurant & Bottle Shop
• Alysia Price, Chief Human Resource Officer, UNC Health Appalachian
• Caren Rodriguez, Chief Marketing Officer, DMJPS PLLC

Keynote Presentation:

Mark Vitner, Economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.