Dear Go Local Loyalists, 

As another month has flown by, I’m so appreciative for all the work that has taken place on the Helene recovery. While there is still much to do, many bridges and roadways have reopened, making it easier to navigate around the outskirts of Asheville; our rivers look better and better; and the debris removal has made a noticeable difference. Now what we first see are the trees leafing and in bloom versus the tree root balls. Again, still work to do, but looking so much better!

Last month I started my newsletter by thanking each of you for supporting our local businesses in February during Love Asheville, Go Local Month and through their toughest quarter.  And as our infrastructure is still in repair, so is our local independent business community. Many are still hurting and every week, we read of businesses that have closed. Please continue to support this community with your dollars and words of encouragement. It is vital to maintaining our culture and the things we love most about Asheville. So let’s take action!

Let’s welcome our new Go Local members and then I’ll list 3 ways you can make a difference to our local independent business community.

Welcome to our Newest Go Local Members!

Please help me welcome to the Go Local Movement our new member who joined in this month. You can find them now in our on-line directory and smartphone app.

Asheville Crafted Edge – 15% off production goods

Blue Ridge Poop Patrol – 55% off your first month’s service

JD Power Washing – 10% off first time house wash

Light Shifter Studios – 10 % off to Asheville locals

NC Open Gym – Train for 5 days for only $5

Second Set of Eyes House Cleaning – 1st hour of 2 or 4 hour cleaning session free, $35 value

3 Things To Do To Help Our Local Independent Business Community (besides using your Go Local card!)

As I mentioned at the top of my newsletter, it stays of critical importance for you, our subscribers, to support our Go Local community. Here are 3 easy and tangible ways to help our business community!

1). Referrals/Recommendations – Referrals go a long way in supporting a local independent business, especially on big sites such as Google or Yahoo where positive reviews help a businesses placement in search. Neighborhood ListServs and  newsletters are also great places to refer local independent businesses when neighbors ask.  It only takes a few minutes to give a thoughtful referral or recommendation and it can mean a big difference for a business you support.

2). A Kind Word – When you go into a local boutique, repair store, coffee shop, asking to speak to a manager or owner, and then letting them know what their shop means to you or to just thank them for making Asheville so special, matters. Complimenting a business owner on a display, the product selection, or the joy their store brings you will brighten their day. When you use a local business or professional service, ditto. A follow-up thank-you email, text or note, will let them know they’re appreciated and no doubt will make their day. There is a good chance, they’ll pay that forward. Be kind to their employees, too. We need our work force to know how much they’re needed and respected.

3). Buy, Spend, Purchase…all the words that mean supporting our community with your dollars. If you just take an extra minute to think what you order off of Amazon that can be bought at a local retail store and then buy it locally. We are so fortunate to great shops with unique gifts, clothing, plants, toys, shoes…you name it. It is not a given those stores you love will be here in 6 months, a year or even a few years from now. And they depend on our local community to financially support them with their dollars.

Survey Request & Survey Results

There’s not a month that goes by, that I don’t ask you to participate in a survey, and this month isn’t any different. Only, this time, the request is from me to our 2025 Go Local cardholders who read this newsletter.

Here is a link to our 2025 Card Holder Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoLocalCardholder

If you could take 5 minutes to complete, I’d be so grateful and will incorporate what I learn into becoming a better steward of our local independent business community and your interaction with Go Local through our annual cards.

It is important when I ask you to participate in a survey, that I share the results whenever I have access to them. Below is follow-up from two recent surveys:

WNC Hurricane Helene Impact Survey Report The findings from this study were intended to provide insights and feedback to support decision-making, programming, and long-term recovery.

2025 Asheville Downtown Stakeholder Survey – This is an annual survey fielded by the Asheville Downtown Association. The findings were highlighted in the Annual Meeting held in March. Below is a recap from the Downtown Association on its key findings:

Key Survey Insights: Safety & Business Support

Reflecting on the impact of Hurricane Helene, the 2025 Stakeholder Survey revealed the greatest challenge for businesses was the loss of customers and revenue. Despite significant business interruption, many businesses were turned down by insurance or didn’t qualify for grants, as the impact was largely financial. In fact, 53% of survey respondents received no financial support at all, highlighting the continued need for recovery assistance.

Safety remains a top priority for the city center. A key finding from the 2025 Stakeholder Survey was a notable increase in safety perceptions, with 25% more respondents reporting that neither their employees nor customers had safety concerns than in 2024. Even at night, the number of people who felt “very safe” doubled from last year, reflecting progress driven by both our police department and community engagement.

Update: Go Local is Supporting Bountiful Cities Birdhouse Auction Fundraiser June 28th

I included information in last month’s newsletter about this upcoming fundraiser. For a quick reminder, Bountiful Cities is a local non-profit and Go Local member who’s mission is to increase food security and sustainability throughout our region. They’re holding their annual fundraiser where they’ll auction off birdhouses made by local artists and bird enthusiasts.

A couple of requests. First, attached is a “Call to Artists” to create and donate birdhouses for the auction. If you or someone you know is interested in using yours or their creative talents to build and donate a birdhouse, please scan the QR code on the flyer.

Second, for the month of June, birdhouses will be displayed at local independent businesses in downtown and West Asheville. Here is a current list of where you’ll be able to find them beginning June 1st. But you don’t have to wait until then to drop by. These are great stores to visit to practice “the 3 things” from above on…and I’m sure they’d appreciate seeing you!

Ad Lib Clothing
delighted
Dog & Pony Show –
East Fork 
Flora and Forage
K2 Studio
Sow True Seed
Sparky’s Toys & Gifts
The Hop (West Asheville)
Whist 

Again, Thank-You for Your Continued Support

I continue to be so overwhelmed by the amount of local support shown to our local independent business community. But there is still a long road ahead. I made this request last month and will continue to make it every month. Please continue to support these businesses. They need you and are counting on you to help them survive. Let’s all be there for them so a year or 2 years from now, we can look back and know we showed up for this community that makes Asheville so special.

Like the proclamation says: “Love Asheville” and what better way to do that then to support our local independent business community in whatever way works best for you.

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