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2453 Lynn Road Suite A Tryon, NC 28782
(828) 859-6236
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February 2026 Newsletter
We are thankful 2025 was a wonderful year of growth and welcome 2026.
Start your New Year renewing or beginning your membership with us!
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Our Mission: To provide leadership in business and economic opportunities that enhance the quality of life in our community.
Our Vision: Building Business & Community Prosperity Together.
| | Business After Hours with Share Thy Bread | | |
PLEASE SAVE THESE DATES!
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POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER DATE TBD Thrive Talks with Four Season's The Care You Trust- Topic: "We See The Whole You"
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February 12, 2026 CFCC Annual Awards Dinner & Gala at Tryon Fine Arts Center TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW
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February 19, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: White Oak Medicine
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March 12, 2026 12:00 PM Ribbon Cutting Romeo Coiner Harrelson and Mullins
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March 19, 2026 4:30 PM Ribbon Cutting followed by 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Wheat Creek Outpost
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April 10, 2026 Time TBD Ribbon Cutting The Ice Cream Shop
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April 16, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Deel Behavioral Health
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May 21, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: The Oaks of Saluda
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June 18, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Tryon International Equestrian Center
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July 16, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery
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August 20, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Polk Vocational Services
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September 17, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Iron Key Brewing Company
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October 15, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Looking Glass Creamery
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November 18, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: White Oak of Tryon
Click Links To RSVP
Please RSVP for Events
Would you like to request a ribbon-cutting ceremony or would you like to host a Business After Hours in 2027? Please contact us to reserve a date.
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CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT
Meet Chamber Board Member Elizabeth Estrada
Elizabeth Estrada is a Marketing & Business Consultant, Realtor, and Founder of Rule Your World Marketing. She specializes in developing customized, action-oriented strategies, recognizing that effective solutions are never one-size-fits-all. Known as a connector and problem solver, Elizabeth helps businesses and organizations navigate real-world challenges related to time, budget, and resources.
Elizabeth has studied marketing, business administration, and several foreign languages, including Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish. Her education includes five international study experiences in Japan, China, and Uruguay, where she gained valuable global perspective on business, culture, and communication. She is a recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, recognizing her academic achievement and commitment to cross-cultural engagement.
Deeply involved in the local business community, Elizabeth has served as a Henderson County Chamber Ambassador, Events Chair for the Fletcher Area Business Association, and a member of the Henderson County Young Professionals committe. She is passionate about supporting nonprofits, strengthening community connections, and helping organizations grow with intention and impact. Elizabeth looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the Foothills Chamber of Commerce Board.
| | Member Celebrations and News | | |
Stokes & Company CPAs Welcomes New Accountants
Greenville, SC – Stokes & Company CPAs is excited to announce that Lydia Eisch and Dylan Bodle have joined the firm as an Accountants.
Lydia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Clemson University in December 2024 and her Master’s degree in Accounting in December 2025. She is halfway through the CPA exam process and plans to complete her licensure this year. Her graduate studies included an emphasis in tax, an area she looks forward to continuing to develop as her career progresses. Known for being collaborative, detail-oriented, and adaptable, Lydia enjoys working in accounting because it allows her to help others, collaborate with teammates, and continuously learn in an ever-changing industry. Outside of the office, Lydia enjoys staying active through workouts and hot yoga, as well as cooking and baking, including sourdough.
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Dylan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from USC Upstate and is currently pursuing CPA licensure. Known for being dedicated, hardworking, and a critical thinker, Dylan is eager to continue developing his skills and growing within the profession. Dylan enjoys working in accounting because it allows him to make a direct impact on families and local businesses, an aspect of the profession he finds especially meaningful. Outside of the office, Dylan enjoys spending time with his wife and 15-month-old son, as well as playing golf.
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.
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Four Seasons The Care You Trust
Four Seasons is proud to announce that Jamie Rouse, DNP, AGNP C, ACHPN, CLE, Four Seasons’ Vice President of Palliative Care, has been awarded a 2026 State Award for Outstanding Contributions by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). The AANP honors just one individual per state with this prestigious award.
You can also find the press release online here: Link
| | | The Partnership for Children of the Foothills announces the retirement of longtime Executive Director Barry Gold, who is concluding an extraordinary 26-year tenure marked by transformational growth, regional collaboration, and lasting impact for children and families across Rutherford, Polk, and McDowell counties. Under Gold’s leadership, the Partnership evolved into a cornerstone organization for early childhood development in the region. He successfully guided the agency and board through two mergers with neighboring Partnerships for Children in McDowell and Polk counties while also securing and expanding critical resources for families. He wrote or co-wrote more than $7 million in grant funding, supporting initiatives such as the Nurse-Family Partnership Program, dental care services for low-income children, an 18-county Regional Resilience Initiative, and emergency funding to assist local licensed child care facilities during times of crisis. One of Gold’s most celebrated achievements was the dramatic expansion of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library across the service area. allowing the Partnership to distribute more than 40,000 books each year to preschool-aged children in Rutherford, Polk, and McDowell counties. “Barry’s leadership has left an indelible mark on this organization and on generations of children and families,” said Jen Pace-Dickenson, Chair of the Partnership for Children of the Foothills Board of Directors. “His vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit have shaped who we are today and positioned us well for the future.” | | As the Partnership celebrates Gold’s legacy, it also looks ahead with confidence, welcoming Vanessa Parton as its new Executive Director. Parton brings more than two decades of experience in child-focused service provision, education, and community partnership development. Prior to her new role, she served as Director of the Child Advocacy Center at Family Resources of Rutherford County, where she managed the Center’s operations while performing the critical role of interviewing alleged child abuse victims. Parton maintained a leadership role on Rutherford County’s multidisciplinary team, strengthened community collaborations, and championed services that support children’s safety, well-being, and long-term success. She believes that strong communities are built through compassion, support and meaningful connections, and she strives to contribute in ways that truly make a difference. “I am honored to follow in Barry Gold’s footsteps and grateful for the strong foundation he built at the Partnership for Children of the Foothills, " said Parton. “I plan to honor his legacy by encouraging growth, providing support, and advocating for children and families, knowing that when families are strengthened, children are empowered to succeed with confidence. I am excited to work alongside our board, staff and community partners to continue and grow this important work.” The Partnership for Children of the Foothills remains committed to building strong early childhood systems that support families and promote healthy child development throughout the region. | | |
ARE YOU UTILIZING ALL OF YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS?
2026 invoices have been sent. You can also log into your member hub and pay. Please make sure all contacts, email addresses, phone numbers, websites, logos and information is updated on your member hub. You can also look at the member directory on our website and see how it appears to the public. MEMBER LOGIN
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EMAIL SUBMISSIONS & DATE REQUESTS:
marketing@carolinafoothillschamber.com
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Each Monday we will post submitted member & community events, specials & news on social media. Please email sharable graphics and/or information BEFORE MONDAY
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Each member, over the next few months, will have the opportunity for a social media Member Spotlight. Ensure your contact information is updated in the member hub so you receive the email with information to submit.
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Thrive Talks, a morning gathering for members and the community to network and learn together, will be held quarterly.
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If you would like to host Business After Hours, Thrive Talks or would like a Ribbon- Cutting, please reach out so that we can reserve the date.
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Ensure information is updated and correct on your member hub!
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Your 2026 Board
Executive Board:
Catina Gray – President
Sarah Schweitzer – Secretary
Thomas Compton – Treasurer
Board Members:
Michael Karaman
Nolynn Powell
Elizabeth Estrada
Ben Page
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