Blowing Rock Chamber says finances 'in the black,' outlines WinterFest and business programs

Robin Miller, director of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, told the town council on a regular meeting night that the chamber finished 2025 “in the black” and is preparing several program and technology changes for 2026.

Miller said the chamber opened the welcome center seven days a week during the high season, added part-time welcome-center hosts for peak hours and tightened costs and automated processes to close the year with a surplus despite a budget that had originally been planned in the red. “We are solvent. We are in the black,” Miller said.

The director outlined a planned overhaul of the chamber’s customer relationship management system that she said will improve data storage, business information and online payment processes; she asked local businesses and members to update their information as the chamber migrates systems. Miller also highlighted a strengthened partnership with the small business development center and said one business has received about “70 to 80 hours” of business consulting through that relationship.

Miller previewed WinterFest activities including a staffed shuttle on Saturday, changes to Art in the Park’s hours (moving to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), plans to move the Home Show to the school auditorium to allow expansion, and early planning for a lakeside symphony. She also described pilot ideas such as a local spending incentive described as “Blowing Rock Bucks” and hospitality workforce training in partnership with the tourism development authority.

The council and attendees offered brief thanks and praise after the presentation. Earlier in the meeting, the police chief introduced Sergeant Daniel Harris and presented him with an advanced law enforcement certificate; the chief told the council Harris “has accumulated over 1,166 hours of training.”

Miller asked the public and business members to be patient during the CRM migration and to update contact data as the chamber implements the new system. The chamber said more details on sponsorship packages and event logistics will be provided as WinterFest and other 2026 events approach.