Strength in numbers

We're getting ready to host a special event in conjunction with the local chamber of commerce (Ashe County) and it highlights an important point: Networking is good.

When we started this business several years ago, we were small, but we had big visions. So we made it a priority to join the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce and High Country Host. We might have had a small cash flow, but our membership status in those organizations put us on a par with Ashe Federal Bank and Grandfather Mountain. And when opportunities to decorate the Ashe Chamber office or put up a holiday display at High Country Host popped up, we jumped at the chance!

We also became members of the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, along with the local Ashe Co. version (and the neighboring Mt. Rogers Christmas Tree Assoc.) and the National Christmas Tree Association. All of those, particularly the state association, have paid off, both directly and indirectly. Those memberships have afforded us opportunities to get involved in the industry and receive contacts that we might not have made.

Maybe the secret is out because more Choose and Cut and related Christmas Tree businesses are joining the chamber. The downside is that we won't be the big fish in the small pond anymore, but the upside is that there is truly strength in numbers and the more options that customers have the more likely it is they will make Ashe County their destination to buy a tree, etc.

Here's some photos from our After Hours event!
http://www.ashechamber.com/enews133.htm