Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC
The Chamber Board of Directors represent a cross-section of business and professional leadership in the community. The Chamber serves two primary purposes.
One as a Chamber of Commerce which provides leadership to support the local business community promoting favorable economic growth in the area.
The second purpose as Visit Highlands, NC (destination marketing) which informs, connects, and inspires our residents and visitors with the goal to drive destination economic impact, job creation, community sustainability, and quality of life. Genuine and unselfish interest in the Chamber and Visit Highlands, NC objectives is the first requirement for Board Members and Tourism Development Members.
Our Board is guided by our Missions, Visions and Values
Chamber
Mission: We strive to enhance and promote economic vitality and quality of life in the Highlands community.
Vision: To be the most valuable resource forging partnership between businesses and residents for prosperity while preserving the uniqueness of Highlands.
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors holds meetings on the third Tuesday every other month at 10:30 a.m. following the Visit Highlands, NC meeting in the Highlands Chamber of Commerce Conference Room.
Visit Highlands, NC
Mission: To promote travel to Highlands NC for the economic benefit of all.
Vision: To be a year-round destination for those seeking an authentic leisure experience that makes the most of the area’s resources and unique culture.
Values:
- Research-driven organization.
- Maintain brand consistency.
- Preserve the unique culture of Highlands.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC financial statements for the use of Occupancy Tax are available for review upon request. Please email director@highlandschamber.org to make an appointment.
2024 Board of Directors
Chairperson
Blye Hunsinger - Old Edwards Inn
Vice Chairperson
Brian Lewis - Highlands Smokehouse
Treasurer
Elizabeth Swift-Bennett - Swift Accounting
Directors
Shayna Bigazzi - Altaterra Events
Bill Bubenick - Elevation of Highlands
Pat Gleeson - Christie's International Real Estate
Leigh Hartman - Calder's Coffee
Charlotte Muir - Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
Immediate Past Chair
Tricia Cox - Berkshire Hathaway
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce Board meetings are held the third Thursday of all odd numbered months (7/18, 9/19, 11/21) at 9am Meetings are held at 108 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741.
Highlands Tourism Development Commission
Appointed by Macon County
Brian Stiehler, Chair - Town of Highlands Commissioner
John Shearl - Macon County District 1 Commissioner
Bill Futral - Futral Construction, Small Accommodations
Thomas Keenan, Old Edwards Hospitality, Large Accommodations
Bill Bubenik - Elevation of Highlands, Retail
Kaye Craig - Ugly Dog Pub/The High Dive, Restaurant
The Highlands Tourism Development Commission meet 8:30am on the fourth Thursday of even months (12/12) at 108 Main Street, Highlands, NC, 28741.
About Us
The town of Highlands was founded in 1875 by two developers living in Kansas who, according to legend, took a map in hand and drew a line from New York to New Orleans. Then they drew another line from Chicago to Savannah. These lines, they…
Contact
THE HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISIT HIGHLANDS, NC Physical Address: 108 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit us at 108 Main Street to learn more about Highlands. We have maps, brochures and more waiting for you, and we're always happy to answer questions.