By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — There is pretty, beautiful, practical and even inspirational in the products sold by The Mustard Seed Market and they are liberally sprinkled throughout the High Country. More than that, the company’s high ethical standards and community involvement were recognized on Nov. 1 by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce as “representing the best of Blowing Rock and the surrounding areas” in awarding the business with its 2023 “Business of the Year” award during the organization’s annual meeting and awards luncheon.
Although chilly outside, the Chamber organizers could not have picked a sunnier day for the event, hosted by Appalachian State University in the North End Zone’s Grandview Ballroom overlooking Kidd Brewer Stadium. From Chancellor Everts welcoming remarks to the climactic announcement of Mustard Seed as the “Business of the Year,” the crisply executed event provided a business platform for social engagement and business networking.
Almost every speaker aptly noted that all of the nominees in each awards category were deserving, making clear not only that the decisions were tough ones but that the Blowing Rock Chamber counts among its members some of the best entrepreneurs in the region and state.
“Business of the Year” was a good case in point. The other nominees are both thriving, growing companies, including The Town Tavern and Meadowbrook Inn (owned by Savara Hospitality).
And so it was in every awards category, including:
The Business Impact Award went to The Inn at Ragged Gardens and The Best Cellar Restaurant, recognizing the special impact that the company hosts each Friday night from late spring to early autumn with Music on The Lawn. Other nominees included The Winkler Organization and Appalachian Theatre. The award was presented by The Speckled Trout and Speckled Trout Outfitters.
The New Construction/Renovation Award went to Speckled Trout Outfitters/Rising on Main for their Herculean efforts to reclaim and complete the renovated property next door to The Speckled Trout Restaurant. They were “all in” on the project, even after being confronted with unexpected challenges from the property, including the impact of a natural spring. The other nominees included UNC Health Appalachian for its expansion of Watauga Hospital and the construction of the Schaefer Tower. The award was presented by Blue Ridge Mountain Club.
Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to William Brinker, one of the owners of The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Speckled Trout Outfitters, particularly recognizing his leadership in shepherding the information gathering and organizing a proposal for undergrounding utilities on Main Street. The award was presented by Peak Sanitation.
Outstanding Non-Profit Award went to the Blowing Rock Cares Food Pantry, now hosted and managed by members of Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church along with other community volunteers. The pantry is providing food to as many as 250 families each week and supports 75 Watauga families year ’round. Other nominees were High Country Breast Cancer Foundation and The Children’s Council. The award was presented by Spangler Restoration.
The Community Service Award went to Blowing Rock Women’s Club, which gave $97,000 in college scholarships to area high school graduates in the past year. They raise money from contributions, as well as operating the popular Village Thrift Store on Valley Boulevard. Other nominees were Jim & Joyce Zellner, as well as Jeff Smith of Alair Homes. The award was presented by AMOREM.
The Jerry Burns Ambassadorial Award, presented annually in remembrance of longtime editor of The Blowing Rocket, was given to local resident Virginia Powell for her work in various organizations, including Blowing Rock School. Other nominees included area photographer Lonny Webster and Tom O’Brien, president of the Blowing Rock Historical Society. The award was presented by ERX.
The Outstanding Customer Service Award went to Mountain Vista Window Washing. Other nominees included Food Lion and The Last Straw. The award was presented by Blue Ridge Energy.
The Young Professional Award was shared by P J Hennessey of Granite Insurance and Ashli Kemo of ERX. The other nominee was Whitney Brown. In making the presentation, Judy Current, marketing executive for Lifestore Bank, said it was the first time there had been a tie for this award.
