By David Rogers. BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — A report from the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and commissioner appointments to external boards and committees proved to be the only business of note for the January 13 meeting of the Blowing Rock Board of Commissioners and Town Council.
Mayor Pro-Tem and Commissioner David Harwood was appointed to the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee for the High Country Council of Governments.
Commissioner Doug Matheson was appointed by his fellow commissioners to serve as the town council’s representative on the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority board.
A certain amount of consternation arose in the appointment of a Blowing Rock representative to the Watauga County Economic Development Commission when it was brought up that the Blowing Rock representative does not have to be a sitting member of the Blowing Rock town council.
Former Commissioner Pete Gherini has been serving as the Chairman of the Watauga County Economic Development Commission and, according to Mayor Charlie Sellers, has expressed an interest and willingness to continue serving on the EDC board.
Mayor Sellers may have prematurely called for a vote on the reappointment of Gherini to the EDC without an opportunity for discussion after the motion received a second, a point of order brought to light when Commissioner Melissa Tausche wondered that if the appointment didn’t have to be a sitting member of Blowing Rock’s town council, should the they not open the opportunity up for others in the community who might be interested.
Since four “aye” votes on the motion had already been cast, the commissioners elected to overlook the procedural misstep and re-appoint Gherini to the EDC, but will consider the alternative possibility of opening up the opportunity for other applicants in the future.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Police Chief Nathan Kirk presented a special award to Sergeant Daniel Harris who has accumulated over 1,166 hours of training.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UPDATE
Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce CEO Robin Miller gave an update on the Chamber, reviewing 2025 and looking ahead at 2026. Highlights of her comments:
- The Chamber of Commerce is event-driven, the major source of revenue coming from special events.
- In 2025, we offered a Welcome Center seven days a week through “the season.” In the shoulder season and slower times, the Chamber staffs the Welcome Center on Saturday and Sunday, and on holidays when visitor traffic to town is heavier.
- Financially, the Chamber is solvent and “in the black”, which she attributes to cost-cutting measures and revenue initiatives.
- She emphasized the Chamber’s partnerships with the Tourism Development Authority as well as Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, as well as the Town. “We have a very strong partnership with CCC&TI’s Small Business Development Center. “Greg comes into our office every other week on Tuesday morning to meet with current businesses, businesses that are struggling, businesses that might want to sell and also with people with business ideas.”
- Miller reported that the Chamber is overhauling its customer relationship management technology (CRM), advising Chamber members that there may be some “hiccups” along the way as the new systems are implemented. “We are a small but might team, doing our best while simultaneously launching a 4-day event (Winterfest).”
- Miller added a request for any business owners or member watching the town council meeting to make sure their business data is updated and accurate.
- New members are walking in the door.
- The Partnership program has been slightly revamped.
- The Sponsorship packages are also being redesigned.
- Economic impact “… is our main goal.”
- “You cannot talk about something in the town without talking about parking.” Miller said she is talking with people about several ideas, “… but one of the things we can’t forget about parking enforcement from the private lot is the employees.”
- Miller emphasized that the Chamber is continuing to listen regarding how things in town can be better for residents and businesses.
- In addition to the Chamber’s primary events (Winterfest, Art in the Park, Symphony, Home Show and Leadership Challenge, Miller said they are considering additional opportunities, with special mention of a potential “Taste of Blowing Rock” a hospitality training programs.
OFFICIAL REPORTS & COMMENTS
- Mayor Charlie Sellers reminded all that the town council’s winter retreat will take place on Jan. 26-27 at the Blowing Rock Conference Center.
- Commissioner David Harwood thanked Interim Town Manager Lane Bailey for “stepping up,” especially for taking on the Winter Retreat after such a short time on the job.
- Commissioner Wayne Miller seconded Harwood’s comments, saying of Bailey, “It has been a pleasure to work with you.”
- Commissioner Doug Matheson pointed out that the North Carolina House of Representative committee on property taxes will be meeting on Jan. 14, 10 a.m. “One of the things I am hearing is they are looking at reductions for seniors and people with disabilities… They are still trying to take over property taxes.”
- Melissa Tausche thanked Mr. Bailey for putting together “… a wonderful orientation for Wayne (Miller) and I (as newly elected commissioners).” She also reported that she had sent out a survey question to 500 residents asking what each one felt were the major concerns in Blowing Rock. She received responses from 17 percent of voters, so is extending it to more, if not all voters and will share the information at a later date.
- Interim Town Manager Lane Bailey:
- The Winter Retreat is Jan. 26-27.
- “I have seen more snow since I have been here (roughly two months) than I have in the last four years, so I am loving that — with apologies to those looking for an early spring!”
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m., after just 30 minutes.
