July 2026 Newsletter

Welcome New Silver Sponsorship Member

Welcome New Members

Unleashing Flow, LLC

Upcoming Opportunities

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 volunteer 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.

 

Ribbon Cuttings

We are half-way through 2026 and have been honored to help host ribbon cuttings to celebrate the growth and beginning of eleven of our members' businesses and organizations with many more planned in the coming months! We hope you will join us in celebrating with our neighbors and community members. We provide the scissors and have beautiful new ribbon created by Yetees, with the logo of our Ribbon Cutting Sponsor Uptown Girl Salon. If would like to request a ribbon cutting, please reach out to marketing@carolinafoothillschamber.com

Business After Hours

This year we have had a variety of settings for our Business After Hours. We have enjoyed learning about these members businesses and organizations, welcomed and met new members and have been impressed with the door prizes members have donated! We invite members and potential members to attend these events where you can network, meet other members and support each other in a fun atmosphere. Our next Business After Hours will be hosted by Stubborn Mule on July 16th. We have a few hosting dates left in 2027 if you would like to request to host.

Join us! RSVP here: https://business.carolinafoothillschamber.com/ap/Events/Register/yEFOjgKCeCoCR

 

Fright Fest 2026 October 22-24

Sponsorship Link

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

Scare Actor Volunteer Link

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

  • July 7, 2026 5:00 PM Ribbon Cutting for: Souls 'n Bloom
  • July 16, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery
  • July 21, 2026 7:00 PM Mix & Mingle For Foothills Fright Fest: Tryon Depot
  • August 20, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Polk Vocational Services
  • September 17, 2026 5:30 PM Business After Hours: Iron Key Brewing Company
  • September 19, 2026 Carolina Foothills Music Festival: Looking Glass Creamery (September 26 Rain Date)
  • 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

Member Celebrations and News


Stitching Fox Needlepoint Celebrates 6th Anniversary


Stitching Fox Needlepoint is nestled on the NC/SC border, serving WNC and the Upstate for the past six years as a full-service needlepoint shop. With an expert team and an emphasis on education, Stitching Fox carries one of the largest selection of canvases and threads in the region and hosts year-round retreats and classes. Needlepoint as an art form has enjoyed several surges in popularity in recent years, as the popularity of analog activities and “grandma hobbies” continues to rise on TikTok and Instagram due to its relaxing nature and creative, welcoming community. Stitchers start with a design handpainted onto a mesh canvas, then use various threads to stitch the design as marked and create an heirloom-quality finished product such as a pillow, ornament, coaster, Christmas stocking, leather belt, and more. 


Kathryn McMahon, owner and creator of Stitching Fox Needlepoint, is available for interviews regarding the art of needlepoint as a hobby as well as her story as a small business owner. 


The public is invited to the Stitching Fox Needlepoint birthday party Thursday, July 16th, 4-6pm, and the shop will be celebrating with six weeks of promotions and client perks online and in-store.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT


Anne Day

Inducted as Rotary President


Anne Day was kind enough to share some of the history of the Tryon Rotary Club and her involvement with the organization.


  • How long has Rotary been in Tryon?

The Rotary Club of Tryon was established in September of 1927. We will be celebrating 100 years next year.

  • How long have you been a member?

I originally was a charter member of the Tryon Thermal Belt Rotary Club which was established in the 1980's by a group of people led by Ed Brittain. This group met in the evenings as the members all had day jobs. It has since disbanded. I have been a member of this Club for three years.

  • What led to you taking on this position?

There is a nominating committee that meets every year. Then they offer the position. Once you accept you are elected by the membership and are the President Elect for one year.

  • Do you have any goals or special interests you want to share?

Our Club, in the past, has run the Fourth of July Bike Race and was responsible for the installation of the Clock Tower in Tryon. Currently we provide the Reading is Fundamental Program twice a year in Tryon, Polk Central and Sunny View Elementary. We also have an active Interact Club at Polk County High. There are future plans to start a program at the Middle School under the leadership of out Youth Services Chairman, Megan Conner.  

We have sponsored the Story Walk at Stearns Park and currently provide funds for the Character Strong program at Polk Central with plans to expand to Tryon Elementary this Fall. We send Interact members to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy) every year. We provide approximately $40,000.00 in scholarships to graduating seniors with the option to re-apply yearly up to 4 years. We have placed a small Library at Harmon Field and are almost ready to put a Lost & Found Box there as well. We raise money by selling nuts during the holidays in front of the IGA. A program that was started by the late Ray McLees.

Our biggest fundraiser is Shrimpfest, held annually in September. Shrimp and Brats and all the fixings Live music and a great silent auction.


Several possible new projects are on the horizon. Some wonderful new members have joined our Club. I'm hoping to bring more visibility of our Club and what we do to our Community.

We meet weekly every Thursday at the Tryon Presbyterian Church on Harmon Field Road. We gather around 11:45 for lunch and then have a program from varied people within the community. We finish right around 1:00 pm. The community is always welcome to attend.


Anne Foster Day

Rotary Club of Tryon

President Elect 2026-2027

Business After Hours Network Ninja


Our first "Network Ninja" award was presented to Brian Test of Carolina Foothills Tours at the Tryon International June event. The award was created by Top Tier Fabrication. The Network Ninja award is presented to an attendee who utilizes their time at the event to network, meet, introduce other members.

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

Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce | www.carolinafoothillschamber.com