At the 116th Annual Meeting in June, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding companies and individuals.
This year the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce set out to launch a new award honoring women in our business community. The Women Entrepreneurs, Best in Business Award, sponsored by Webb Investment Services and Verve Magazine, recognizes a woman who demonstrates the transformation of her dream into reality and who exhibits the traits of an entrepreneur such as: willingness to take risk, personal drive, focus, innovation and business acumen.
Candidates are nominated by members of the community and the winner is chosen by a selection committee comprised of Chamber staff and local business women.
This year’s award goes to Julie Stehling of Early Girl Eatery. Julie’s down-to-earth, friendly manner has earned her a great reputation and respect in the community. Julie and her husband have created a thriving business founded on great food and friendly service. The couple opened the restaurant in 2001 with a strong commitment to locally sourced food. Verve Magazine’s July 2013 issue included a profile of Julie.