|
SAVE THE DATE!
ROCK THE CHAMBER
September 19, 2026 3:30-8:00
Looking Glass Creamery
| |
Sponsor, Network, Volunteer, Have Fun!
We are looking for community members who want to have a good time, network, and sponsor the event. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are available and if you want to be a part of this event no matter how big or small, please email marketing@carolinafoothillschamber.com.
| | | |
Event Times:
22nd: 6:00 - 9:30
23rd: 6:00 - 9:30
24th: 5:30 - 9:30 (Kids night) -Trunk or Treat: 5:30 - 7:00
*Please Note: Haunted Areas Will Not Open Until Dark
| | Planning is underway for Fright Fest 2026. We are currently welcoming volunteers (Chamber and Community Members) to take part in planning and carrying out this fantastic community event. If you would like to serve on the committee, please reach out to Nolynn Powell: HERE | |
-
August 12, 2026 6:00 PM Her Legacy Toast: The Fitzgerald
-
August 18, 2026 5:30 PM Joint Ribbon Cutting for Old Mill Market Square & Acting Up Fantasy Events: Old Mill Market Square
-
August 20, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Polk Vocational Services
-
August 27, 2026 11:00 AM Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Stonecrest Stable
-
September 17, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Iron Key Brewing Company
-
September 19, 2026 3:30-8:00 PM Carolina Foothills Music Festival: Looking Glass Creamery (September 26 Rain Date)
-
October 3, 2025 Cruise the Foothills Car Show: Old Mill Market Square
-
October 15, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Looking Glass Creamery
-
October 22, 23, 24 2nd Annual Foothills Fright Fest: F.E.N.C.E
-
November 18, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: White Oak of Tryon
-
January 21, 2027 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Tryon Little Theater
-
February 18, 2027 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Mountain Sky Builders with Skytop Cabinets
-
March 18, 2027 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Firefly Cove Properties
-
April 15, 2027 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Barking Fox Farm and Guesthouse
-
May 20, 2027 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Saluda Outfitters with Green River Eddy's Tap Room
-
October 21, 2027 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Purrrfect Bark
| | | Tell us about Higher Academia. What services and what needs for children & families does it provide?
Higher Academia is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 with the mission of empowering youth and their families through education, mentoring, and tutoring. Our programs motivate and support academic excellence and social responsibility by building self-esteem and educational competence. We primarily offer homework assistance, individual subject tutoring, and mentorships to ensure the academic success of students facing economic and health crises. Our goal is to change the trajectory of a child’s life by engaging them at a young age and retaining them through college. We provide comprehensive resources for their educational and developmental needs, including literacy skills, recreation, arts and cultural activities, leadership development, ACT/SAT prep, college and scholarship application support, and personal support throughout college. In our afterschool program, we have provided academic support, homework assistance, classwork recovery, robotics, summer camps, and enrichment activities. We also offer daytime academic services for students who are suspended, expelled, or unable to attend school during regular hours, providing structured, aligned support to ensure continuity in learning.
What led you to found Higher Academia?
In 2010, I worked as an Employment Consultant for the North Carolina Division of Employment Security during a major migration of industries under NAFTA. Many local businesses closed or moved operations overseas, creating a significant employment gap. Many displaced workers lacked the skills needed for the remaining local jobs, and many were reluctant or unable to travel far for work. As a result, many individuals decided to return to school after being away from the classroom for 30 or 40 years. Witnessing their challenges inspired me to find a way to change the trajectory for future generations. I wanted to inspire young people to pursue their dreams—whether that meant college, a trade, or starting a business—and help them recognize that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.
| | |
How many children/families do you serve?
Over the past six years, we have supported more than 150 families throughout Polk and Rutherford counties.
How many employees do you have?
On average, we employ two to three staff members each school year, with plans to expand our team in the near future. Much of our work is also supported by dedicated volunteers, including retired educators, upperclassmen from Polk County Schools, Early College students, and other members of the Polk County community.
What has changed and what has stayed the same over the years as you have worked with the community and youth?
- What has changed: There is a much greater need for both academic and social-emotional support. Over the past six years, families in our region have experienced COVID-19 and Hurricane Helene, which have caused unresolved trauma for some children, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and behavior. Through a cohort I completed with the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs, we have focused on identifying and addressing these trauma responses within our center.
- What has stayed the same: Families remain deeply concerned about their children's well-being, safety, education, and futures. We continue to live in a county that truly puts children first.
As our area evolves, what do you see as changing or growing as a need when it comes to childcare and education within our community?
As our community grows, I see an increasing need for childcare services. New housing development is bringing younger, working families to the area. While some parents may work outside the county, many prefer to keep their young children close to home within our community.
What are some goals or special interests you would like to share?
We are exploring some expansion ideas to meet the needs of the students in our area. In order to better meet those needs, we implore you to complete the survey so we may form a more in depth view of the needs.
| | Member Celebrations and News | | |
Tryon Little Theater is excited to share the upcoming schedule of events for their upcoming season. With a long history dating back to the 1890's, they have been entertaining our communities for decades! They invite you to come out and enjoy their shows. Tickets and information are available via website links below.
(Photo courtesy of TLT from last season)
| | |
-Aug. 13, 2026: TLT Fundraiser Night at Spartanburgers Baseball game, Fifth Third Park, Spartanburg. Tickets: https://www.milb.com/hub-city/tickets
- Sept. 17-20 & 24-27, 2026: "Something's Afoot," TLT Workshop (516 S. Trade St., Tryon). Tickets: TLTinfo.org
- Nov. 12-15 & 19-22, 2026: "12 Angry Jurors," TLT Workshop (516 S. Trade St., Tryon). Tickets: TLTinfo.org
- Dec. 10-13, 2026: "Sanders Family Christmas," Sunnydale, (334 S. Trade St., Tryon). Fundraising event for TLT's Home Sweet Home Refurbishment campaign. Tickets at the door.
- Mar. 11-14 & 18-21, 2027: "Little Women," TLT Workshop (516 S. Trade St., Tryon). Tickets: TLTinfo.org
- May 6-9 & 13-16, 2027: "The Sweet Delilah Swim Club," TLT Workshop (516 S. Trade St., Tryon). Tickets: TLTinfo.org
| |
Stokes & Company CPAs Congratulates Jocie Tucker as Senior Accountant
Stokes & Company CPAs is excited to announce that Jocie Tucker has joined the firm as an Accountant. A graduate of Western Carolina University Honors College, Tucker earned degrees in Accounting, Finance, Spanish, and Economics. She brings four years of experience in tax and accounting, specializing in trust and estate taxation.
Tucker is passionate about helping people and building meaningful relationships while providing trusted financial guidance. Her commitment to serving clients aligns with Stokes & Company's mission of delivering personalized accounting and advisory services. Outside of the office, Tucker enjoys spending time with her husband, family, pets, and church community. She also embraces what she calls her "meemaw era" by spending her free time embroidering, making blankets, and preparing homemade applesauce.
| | |
Jocie Tucker- Senior Accountant
About Stokes & Company, CPAs
For over 25 years, Stokes & Company, CPAs has been a trusted partner for businesses and individuals, delivering expert accounting, tax, and advisory services tailored to their unique needs.
| |
Business After Hours Network Ninja
Our "Network Ninja" award for July was presented to David Jordan of LegalSheild at the Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery July event. The award was created by Top Tier Fabrication. The Network Ninja award is presented to an attendee who enthusiastically utilizes time during the event to network, meet, introduce other members and make connections.
| | | | |
MEMBERS
ARE YOU UTILIZING ALL OF YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS?
Have you logged into your member hub and updated information? MEMBER LOGIN. A member logo for your website (pictured) and window cling for your business are available. Reach out and we will ensure you receive them.
| | | |
Your 2026 Board
Executive Board:
Catina Gray – President
Sarah Schweitzer – Secretary
Board Members:
Michael Karaman
Nolynn Powell
Elizabeth Estrada
Ben Page
Ty Townsend
Jessica Spivey-Toney
Laura Evans
| | | | | |
