McDowell Matters Podcast: Business Banter, News & Stories

In this episode of the McDowell Matters Podcast, we sit down with past and current Marion Rotary Club presidents, Alpo Portelli and Brandi Behlke and learn some good stuff they have done and are doing right here in McDowell County.

This dynamic duo are a powerhouse of energy and ideas and are out to make a big impact through their leadership. The organization, made up of area business owners, is led by the spirit of service. Learn about how the organization started, how they maneuvered through Covid-19, and where they are going. Did  you know that the Rotary contributions to the Food Hub during the pandemic increased the number of families served exponentially? These business owners take their commitment of Service Above Self seriously and it's playing out in beautiful ways throughout the county.

The Chamber works to Serve and Connect for the growth and betterment of our business community. Putting the spotlight on the work and impact of our area nonprofits is a vital part of the collaborative work we do each day.

This episode was brought to you by The City of Marion for the gracious donations of studio space and by AU Media, LLC, whose technical and digital marketing skills make this Podcast possible. 

In the wake of Covid-19 there has been an awakening of sorts around the issue of rural broadband access for our county.  That old saying, "We don't know what we have until we've lost it." became painfully evident during the mass move to the digital realm.  In this episode of McDowell Matters, we sit down with McDowell Commissioner Brenda Vaughn, Rep. Dudley Greene (NC-85), Rep. Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), and Connect McDowell's Keith Buchanan to clarify the issues, identify needs, and discuss solutions to getting McDowell connected.

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Join me as I sit down with the McDowell County Chamber's new Executive Director Kim Effler as we talk about how her leadership will move the Chamber into a new era with new programs, new opportunities, and new events. 

We all know the amazing landscape in and around our community! In this Episode 5 of the McDowell Matters Podcast, we're sitting down with photographer and budding entrepreneur, Alisha Leonard. Her stunning landscape photos capture the beauty of our home. Find out how she got started and where her favorite photo spots are in McDowell. 

Welcome to the McDowell Matters Podcast! We are on the last lap of the Christmas shopping race for 2020! Good news is we have two very talented guests on the show today that make amazing gift items all in one place, Pressley Made. We're talking with Jeanne Riffle of Southern Expression Candles and Amanda Staton of Walnut Street Treasures. Jeanne will have your house smelling perfect for the holidays with scents reminicent of the good ol' South. There names (Santa's Farts) will surely get the conversation and the laughter going at your next gathering. 
Making sure everyone is dressed to the nines--including the pets-- Amanda hand sews her scaled-size bow ties that are perfect for young men and they dress up any hairdo. 

Welcome to the third episode of Women to the Power of 10! In this 5-part series we chat with local women entrepreneurs that turn their creative talent into businesses. We'll met Nikki Hoskins of Oh Hello Sunshine and Miss Kloe Hopman, a 13-year-old business women right here in McDowell! 

In episode two of our 5-part series on Women to the Power of 10,  Onee Pressley of Pressley Made and I invite you to join our chat as we feature Claudia Kiser of Claudia Marie's Elderberry Syrup and Amy Trantham Metcalf who creates high-end wreaths at very affordable prices. We talk about their journey to entrepreneurship, the pitfalls, the blessings, and the funny episodes along the way. 

Women are resourceful, creative, patient, and passionate! Join the conversation on our second episode of Women to the Power of 10 highlighting Claudia Kaiser (Young Living Oils)  and Amy Metcalf who's creative vision turns ordinary materials into stunning wreaths and decor.  "For crafters like me, having a bricks and mortar space to hang my wreaths is a fantastic opportunity," said Amy. 
Claudia is the essential oil expert and can help people with headaches, stuffy noses, or even to stay awake when you're hustling at the job. Her success in the Young Living Oils company is born from trust she says. "People know the quality and the research I do," she adds. "I stand behind the product 100%."

We are excited to highlight 10 innovative, determined, and creative women in a 5-part series for our Women to the Power of 10 series. In this episode we'll meet fem dynamo Onee Pressley of Pressley Made (and a few other businesses) and hear the stories behind Windy Ridge Farm and Front Porch Design. Listen in to find out how ideas can come from unexpected places and how stress-management turned lucrative!