Duke Energy was the sponsor and Grace Ridge Retirement Community served as the host for the Chamber's 2015 Legislative Breakfast in

Rep. Hugh Blackwell makes a point during the Q&A session at the Legislative Breakfast on April 25, as Sen. Daniel (left) and Reps. Hager and Dobson listen.

April. All four area legislators again responded to the Chamber's invitation to participate in the event that traditionally attracts a full house. This year about 100 Chamber members and guests heard from State Senator Warren Daniel, Burke County Representatives Hugh Blackwell and Mike Hager, and McDowell County Representative Josh Dobson. Before taking questions, each of the lawmakers updated the audience on key issues in the General Assembly, including legislation that each have introduced, supported or opposed.
 
 

Case Farms donated $20,000 to the Morganton Community House renovation project in April, adding to a growing list of private donors. 

Charles Rigdon, Case Farms Vice President and General Manager, and Jason Middlecamp, Division Controller, presented the donation to Morganton Mayor Mel Cohen and Morganton Main Street Director, Sharon Jablonski.

"The Community House is a venue we utilize regularly for corporate meetings and company banquets," said Hector Velez, Case Farms human resources manager in Morganton. "When we heard the City of Morganton had plans to renovate the Community House, we were more than happy to provide financial support to the project. We are thrilled to see the renovations unfold over the course of the next three years."

Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge believes patients and their families are trusted partners. Patients and family members offer unique ideas and perspectives that enhance care and services across Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge.
 

Community members who have had direct experience as a patient, family member or caregiver at Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge, and are interested in becoming a patient and family advisory council member, may learn more by visiting the Patient and Family Advisors website.

With its renowned Donald Ross-designed course as a backdrop, Mimosa Hills wined, dined and wowed a large crowd at an April Business After Hours. Inside the club house many guests saw the refurbished foyer and restaurant for the first time. A new bar, designed by Chris Bergelin and crafted by Mark Bennett, is the centerpiece of the foyer. While guests dined on creative appetizers and sampled libations downstairs,

others enjoyed a wine tasting on the second floor. Mimosa Hills is currently introducing a new $20 per month social membership and other new features and options in its member-ship package. 

For more information on everything that's new at Mimosa Hills, contact Ansley Mace, Mimosa Hills Marketing & Membership Coordinator, at 828-437-2967. 

The Valdese Town Council has narrowed down its options for revamping two blocks of downtown sidewalks across from the Waldensian Presbyterian Church and Wells Fargo bank. .Council also directed staff to seek up to $200,000 for the work and then report back at its June meeting on the total expected cost of the project.  The project would replace the existing sidewalks with brick pavers, precast concrete curb planters and concrete footing for planters, as well as fiberglass planters. The planters would hold ornamental grasses and perennials, shrubs, crape myrtle trees and trident maple trees.The sidewalks also will have recycling bins and trashcans and, designs show benches along the sidewalks, as well. The town already has a landscape architect firm under contract, Landscape Designs in Charlotte, the same firm that is doing the landscape design for the new Broughton Hospital.