Business Buzz: February 26, 2025

February 26, 2025

Expansion:

  • Events by Cúrate has announced the reopening of La Bodega by Cúrate as a versatile event venue in downtown Asheville. Led by Chef Katie Button and hospitality expert Felix Meana, the space will accommodate corporate events, weddings, cooking classes, and live performances, with catering from the James Beard Award-winning Cúrate Bar de Tapas. A Pintxo Party with Chef Edward Lee on March 19 will celebrate the launch. Bookings for private events open immediately after. Learn more at curatetapasbar.com/events.
  • True Metal Supply has expanded its operations with a new manufacturing facility and showroom in Asheville, NC, enhancing service and production capacity for customers across the Southeast. The new location will offer a full range of metal roofing, siding, and post-frame building materials, along with an expanded product line. This expansion supports the company’s commitment to efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. A grand opening event will be announced soon. True Metal Supply operates locations in Asheville and Knoxville, serving builders and homeowners nationwide.

Funding:

  • A-B Tech, in partnership with Per Scholas North Carolina, is offering free IT support training to help fill tech job vacancies in Western North Carolina. Funded by a $1 million grant from The BlackRock Foundation, the program provides bootcamp-style training valued at over $10,000 per course, aiming to equip individuals with skills for high-wage, remote tech jobs. With North Carolina’s tech sector growing but rural communities facing job shortages, this initiative seeks to bridge the workforce gap and support economic recovery following Hurricane Helene. The first cohort begins February 24, with a goal of training 530 students statewide in the next two years.

Happenings:

  • North Carolina Stage Company will present The Lehman Trilogy from March 13 to April 6, 2025, bringing the epic, Tony Award-winning play to Asheville. Directed by NC Stage co-founder Charlie Flynn-McIver, the production follows three immigrant brothers who build a financial empire that ultimately collapses in the 2008 recession. Starring Adam Kampouris, Philip Kershaw, and Willie Repoley, the play spans nearly two centuries of family and economic history. Performances will take place at NC Stage in downtown Asheville, with special discounted ticket options available. More details and tickets at ncstage.org or 828-239-0263.

Hire:

  • AdventHealth Hendersonville has welcomed back Christina Harwood, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, as its new Director of Cancer Services. Harwood, who previously held leadership roles at AdventHealth and most recently served as Chief Nursing Officer at CarePartners Health Services, brings over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience. In her new role, she will oversee inpatient and outpatient cancer care across multiple locations, focusing on whole-person, compassionate care. She was drawn back to AdventHealth for its commitment to innovation and mission-driven service. Harwood and her family reside in Pisgah Forest, and she enjoys outdoor activities, upcycling, and reading.

Partnership:

  • IFB Solutions has named Maximus and Guidant Global as its 2024 Partner of the Year for their commitment to creating accessible job opportunities for people who are blind. Since partnering in 2022, the companies have helped integrate blind and visually impaired employees into remote customer service roles, providing vital accommodations and support. This initiative has already created life-changing employment for 30 individuals, with plans for further expansion. IFB Solutions, the largest employer of people who are blind in the U.S., continues to drive workforce inclusivity with its partners. More information at ifbsolutions.org.