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Polk, Henderson counties lead state in tourism gains

Flat Rock Business

‘Mamma Mia!’ and magic parking at Playhouse

On opening night of “Mamma Mia!” last month, I spotted Bill McKibbin striding toward the Lowndes house on the great flat rock.   Read Story »

Henderson County Business

Don't miss this week's Lightning (5)

You won't want to miss this week’s Hendersonville Lightning.   Read Story »

Mills River Business

Pardee wants to build day surgery center in Mills River

Facing population growth and greater demand for day surgery, Pardee UNC Health Care is seeking state approval for a new ambulatory surgery center in Mills River. The hospital on Wednesday filed a certificate of need application for the ambulatory surgery center, which would provide outpatient, same-day surgical procedures on land the hospital bought in December 2015 for $1.75 million. Pardee filed the CON in response to population growth in northern Henderson County, the hospital’s increasing surgery volume and a consumer desire for more affordable surgical options, the hospital said in a news release. In its application to state regulators  Pardee said it would decertify two inpatient operating rooms and move the licenses to the new ambulatory surgery center that would house two operating rooms and two additional procedure rooms. The hospital anticipates a decision from the state some time between Nov. 30 and Jan. 31. “Health care is a dynamic and ever-changing business, and we are committed to leading the transformation of care across the region we serve,” said Jay Kirby, president and CEO of Pardee UNC Health Care. “Our mission is to provide affordable, patient-friendly, accessible and efficient sites of service. The community will benefit from having a lower-cost option for surgical services along with state-of-the-art technology.” “As health care needs in our community grow due to the population shifts toward Henderson County, we feel it is our duty to be responsive to accommodate additional patients in an efficient and affordable manner," he added.   Read Story »

Hendersonville Business

Everything's smooth at Mountain Juicery

Ashley and Walker Covington had everything a couple could want in Raleigh — good jobs as a CPA and schoolteacher, respectively, and a big city with plenty for young people to do.   Read Story »

Henderson County Business

TIGHT LABOR MARKET: Area has 2 jobs for every worker

When Publix holds a jobs fair this weekend, the Florida-based supermarket chain will find that it’s hunting in a sparse field.   Read Story »

Flat Rock Business

'Mamma Mia' a box office smash before it opens

When it opened the season, the Flat Rock Playhouse schedule had a fill-in-the-blank for what it teased would be a "blockbuster summer musical." The marketers turned out to be right. "Mamma Mia" has already sold out its four opening weekend performances and tickets are going fast for the entire four-week run.   Read Story »

Laurel Park Business

Young entrepreneur crusades 
for low-cost college alternative

Grayson Marshall, a fresh-faced 21-year-old with brown eyes and a thick shock of dark hair, believes student debt is a national crisis —an avoidable one at that.   Read Story »

Mills River Business

Gaia Herbs adding 30 jobs in Mills River

MILLS RIVER — Brevard-based Gaia Herbs, which has grown from a $2,000 startup in the Boston suburbs to a $50 million supplier of herbal supplements, announced Wednesday that it would expand its operations in Mills River, creating 30 new jobs and investing $12.2 million at a new facility in Broadpointe Industrial Park for office­s, production and warehousing.   Read Story »

Henderson County Business

Ask Matt ... about new sandwich shop

Q. What do you know about the new restaurant in Horse Shoe on Highway 64 West? The corner storefront in the Horse Shoe Plaza mall has been less than kind to restaurants. Casualties include MoJo's Coffee, the Horse Shoe Grill, and just recently Bandana's. But there is a new chef in town and her name is Sandi Novak. I asked her why when so many other eateries have failed, hers would break the chain. Novak said it's a combination of knowing the business and knowing what customers want. The business part is hard to dispute. Novak has 30 years in the food service industry and holds a CIA certification (that's Culinary Institute of America, folks). Her concept is light breakfasts and pastries but you can get a breakfast wrap if you want. The lunch menu offers 10 different sandwiches plus soups and salads. You order at the counter and food is brought to your table but it's not served on china. Sandi's Kitchen uses eco-friendly biodegradable plates and cups. She said it saves water too. Sandi's Kitchen is open from7:00 am to 2:30 pm Monday through Saturday. They plan to do lunchtime catering in the future. Hey, if you can make it in Horse Shoe Plaza, you can make it anywhere! Q. How are the animals housed at the county animal shelter cared for at night and are they safe? Yes, they are safe. Brad Brayfield, Director of the Henderson County Animal Services Center confirmed that there is an employee at the Stoney Mountain Road facility every day to feed and clean but there is no one on a continual basis during non-operating hours (5:00 pm to 8:00 am and on weekends). Brayfield did share that our local law enforcement officers are trained to properly check-in dogs and cats when the Center is closed to the public. Based upon what I observed at the facility and my "conversations" with the dogs and cats, there was no reason to believe that the animals were not well cared for and secure. Q. I read where the Mills River Town Council voted for a 5-lane widening of NC 191 from NC 280 to Mountain Road. Will they really need all five lanes over the French Broad basin where it is swampy and a center turning lane is questionable? According to Brian Burch, NCDOT Division Engineer, the NC 191 project (R-2588-B) is being designed for a 5-lane undivided section within the town of Mills River but only a median divided 4-lane section from Ladson Road to South Rugby Road. This would include the river crossing. Burch added that the 4-lane section is the state's preferred highway alternative. However, Mills River asked for the five-lane design and it should function adequately when built. * * * * * Send questions to askmattm@gmail.com.   Read Story »

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