When Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill in July 2025, the Federal legislation brought significant changes for business and individual taxpayers.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we continue our examination of the bill and it's impact on tax law for business and individual filers, highlighting key changes that will resonate with High Country businesses and their employees. We are joined by Ralph Polk, CPA and Senior Manager with DMJPS, PLLC, who will break down the legislation and provide insight on topics like depreciation, research & development expenses, and 1099 reporting for businesses. 

He'll also explain the final legislative language related to major campaign talking points like no tax on tips, while also highlighting changes to charitable contribution allowances for certain individual taxpayers.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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Since President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July, those that have funding tied to the legislation have been pouring through the 1,100-page document to understand the impacts.

On this week's episode of Mind Your Business, we visit with Nathan Nipper and Rob Hudspeth (UNC Health Appalachian), Jennifer Greene (AppHealthCare), and Alice Salthouse (High Country Community Healthcare) as they discuss the impacts of the bill on local healthcare and Medicaid services. 

We also unveil this year's Community Award honorees that will be recognized at Spirit of Boone, the Chamber's 76th annual membership gathering on September 18th. 

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Fall is inching closer and that means college football season is just around the corner! As App State kicks off another season, it's football program has placed Boone under the college football spotlight many times over the years. Fans bring renewed energy to The Rock each fall, and their gameday visits to the High Country make the Mountaineers a key economic driver in our region.

It's also no secret that the college football landscape has changed drastically in the last decade, and App State staff have remained creative with how they position the entire athletics department for success, all while the rules that govern collegiate sports continue to evolve by the day.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we welcome App State Athletics Director Doug Gillin back to the program. He'll share details on how his team is working to adapt to a changing financial model while staying cutting edge on the delivery of an elite fan experience. He'll also discuss ways that the local business community can anticipate future schedules that will drive attendance, and how the department has enhanced opportunities to support the department's 17 sports programs.

We'll also preview Encore, the latest professional development course from the Watauga Leadership Institute, which begins September 18th. 

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Business growth is an ongoing thought for just about everyone that listens to this podcast. 

How does my business take the next step? 

The answer to that question may lie within opportunities for professional development or credential attainment. The riddle could also be solved with the help of a neutral set of eyes, examining your business in a way you simply are too close to see.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we tackle the subject of business and professional growth from three different perspectives. Our guests include:

• Dr. Jason Xiong, Associate Dean for Advanced Studies in Business at Appalachian State's Walker College of Business, speaking on the benefits working professionals can gain from seeking graduate degrees and certificates.
• Carmella Tomlinson, Director of the Small Business Center at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute, speaking to the ways the SBC network can help start and grow businesses in a realistic and financially responsible manner.
• Christina Fryzel, Owner of Wahoo's Adventures, on the benefits of the Mountain BizWorks Waypoint Accelerator program, and how professional development through a cohort-style approach can help businesses learn along like-minded industry partners.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Phase I of Hurricane Helene repair along the Blue Ridge Parkway continues in Watauga County, but we are getting closer to completion of a key stretch of roadway between Parkway Elementary School and Bamboo Gap. 

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Leesa Brandon, External Affairs Specialist with the Blue Ridge Parkway and National Park Service. She will provide an update on the phases of work that encompasses Helene repairs throughout our region. We'll also hear an update on ongoing Great American Outdoors Act work along the Parkway in Ashe County and where crews will go next when these projects are complete in the High Country.

For up to the minute information about access, road closures, along with other information about visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit their website here.

Earlier this week, the Chamber released its Q2 Economic Indicators report. We discuss a few of the key topics and discuss some of the efforts and events that are impacting our economy this summer.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Over the years the types of health care offerings in the High Country have continued to evolve. On Friday, July 25th, AMOREM, formerly Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, will mark the opening of a state-of-the-art in-patient care facility in Watauga County, serving the needs of the entire High Country region.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Kerri McFalls, Chief Growth & Development Officer with AMOREM, as we discuss what this type of facility can provide to patients and families in terms of end of life and respite care, and the types of jobs it takes to manage such an operation. We'll go over the details for a special community celebration of the dedication of this facility and we'll discuss ways to continue to fundraise toward the goals AMOREM has set for its growing Watauga campus. 

** Special programming note -- there is a slight bit of digital noise during small portions of our interview that was caused by a passing summer storm here in the High Country. It's not your connection -- it's Mother Nature trying to insert herself in our conversation! **

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

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The Middle Fork Greenway is one of the most significant ongoing economic development projects in the High Country, connecting the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock by 6.5 miles of trail. Each July, Blue Ridge Conservancy conducts its Round Up for the Middle Fork Greenway, which gives local businesses and their customers an opportunity to directly impact this project through fundraising and education.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we visit with Wendy Patoprsty, Director of the Middle Fork Greenway. She provides an update on ongoing construction and planning, new pocket parks and features, and how public art is being used to enhance this special corridor. 

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

With the economic realities of Hurricane Helene recovery coupled with the uncertain nature of the overall economy these days, many people have been asking, "How is business in Boone?"

On this week's Mind Your Business, we answer that complex question from a variety of perspectives. We hear from Chris Burns, Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager for the Boone Branch of Mountain Community Bank. He shares a look at the business landscape from the seat of a local banker, while also highlighting some of the trends the industry monitors as they work with personal and commercial banking customers. 

To get the latest from local businesses themselves, we asked three of our members: How is the summer unfolding for your business and What have your interactions with customers been like this summer? We get those answers and perspectives from Talia Freeman (Beech Mountain Resort), Lucas Underwood (L&N Performance Automotive & Mystery Hill), and Megan Kevorkian (South End Brewing Company).

Finally -- we address the rumor of the week in Boone -- YES, that was a double-decker AppalCART you saw the earlier this week. Find out when it's coming back!

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

On Wednesday June 25th, the Town of Boone Council voted to adopt the Boone Next Comprehensive Plan. This document will drive future vision, development ordinances, transportation projects, and economic development strategy for years to come.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we talk with Boone Mayor Tim Futrelle about the process that led to the approval of Boone Next. We also discuss what comes next as Town Council and staff work to begin to implement the priorities outlined in this plan. Stick around for the very end of the program for Mayor Futrelle's thoughts on the Town of Boone's FY26 budget, which was also approved by Town Council recently. 

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show

Chambers of Commerce all over the country host ribbon-cuttings for their members. More than a picture in the paper, these events are the crossing of a finish line for those that are putting their heart and soul into a new professional veture.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we take you inside a recent ribbon cutting at The Pottery Lot. From the opening comments to a conversation with owner Emily Roberts, you hear the story behind the cutting of the scissors, and understand all that a business must endure to get to that celebratory moment.

It's also Boonerang Weekend in the High Country, another visible showing of what music and the arts provide to our local economy. Of the many gig workers that will assemble to make this weekend's shows possible, there is a local artist that will get the thrill of walking out on stage less than a half mile from where his career started. We hear from budding country music star Adam Church about his Watauga County roots, the thrill of hitting the stage in his hometown, and the details of his own Boonerang experience.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday morning at 9AM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

Support the show