BP Solutions Group, a family-owned printing and packaging company based in Asheville, North Carolina, has acquired Blue Ridge Printing, also located in Asheville. This acquisition merges two well-established local companies, enhancing their combined capabilities in the printing industry. Founded in 1974, Blue Ridge Printing is renowned for its craftsmanship and high-quality commercial printing. BP Solutions Group, formerly Biltmore Press, has a 99-year history and offers a wide range of printing, packaging, labeling, and fulfillment services. The merger allows BP Solutions Group to expand its services and strengthen its market position, benefiting customers with a more comprehensive suite of solutions. This move aligns with industry trends of consolidation and is expected to positively impact the Western North Carolina economy.
Anniversary:
Mast General Store and Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) are celebrating their 25th anniversaries together with a “Together 25” event on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot behind the Biltmore Avenue Mast Store in Asheville. ENO, which began as a small business operating out of a van, has revolutionized the outdoor experience with their DoubleNest Hammock and innovative suspension systems. Mast Store was one of the first retailers to carry ENO products. The event will feature free cupcakes for the first 100 guests, popcorn, candy, and opportunities to try out ENO’s hammocks and other products. For more information, contact the Mast Store in Asheville at 828-232-1883.
Happenings:
Momentum Gallery is hosting an Artist Talk featuring internationally renowned glass and mixed-media artist Tim Tate on Thursday, July 18th, from 5 to 7 pm. Tate will discuss his process and inspirations. Light refreshments will be provided, and the event is free and open to the public. Tim Tate, known for his Lenticular Series, blends traditional craft with new media technology to create works that explore moving images and infinite mirrors. His pieces, which create the illusion of limitless space, are in the permanent collections of several museums, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Tate has received numerous accolades, including recognition as a “Rising Star of the 21st Century” by the Museum of American Glass and the Virginia Groot Foundation award for sculpture. His public art commissions include reimagining the historic doors at the Library of Congress. Learn more.
The Leading With Race Summit, part of Buncombe County’s Racial Equity Action Plan, will be held on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 35 Woodfin St. County staff will provide updates on the plan’s goals and strategies. The event will feature performances by local Black musicians and a culturally informed talk and dance lesson by representatives from Atsila Anotasgi, Museum of the Cherokee People. Attendees will learn about the plan’s accomplishments and next steps. The summit is free, open to the public, and suitable for all ages, with activities for young people, food trucks, and vendors on site. Registration is encouraged but not required. RSVP here.
Evoke Vitality is hosting a community race at Carrier Park on Saturday, August 3rd, with the starting line located near the event pavilion and restrooms. The race will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m., and participants are encouraged to arrive by 8 a.m. Registration costs $25 for early birds who register by July 20th, and $30 for those who register after. Participants can register and make payments through the Evoke Vitality website or via text request to 828-222-0501, where payment can be processed through their patient account. The event aims to motivate participants to get active and promote awareness of local holistic physical and mental health services. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Sensorium Neuro Wellness to support underserved youth with services for anxiety, ADHD, and depression. The event is sponsored by Evoke Vitality, Asheville Hyperbaric Chamber, Asheville Performance Bodywork, Body & Soul Healing, and Sensorium Neuro Wellness. Learn more & register.
The MO Summit will return to Asheville, N.C., from April 21-23, 2025, at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel after a five-year hiatus. This premier event for impact CEOs will feature core panel discussions and extensive networking opportunities, focusing on redefining capitalism and addressing social and environmental issues. Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville, highlights the summit’s role in promoting balanced and sustainable growth. The event, expected to attract over 100 high-impact CEOs, will showcase Asheville to new visitors, enhancing the local economy. Presented by Big Path Capital and supported by Explore Asheville and the Asheville-Buncombe Economic Development Coalition, the summit is anticipated to generate nearly a quarter of a million dollars in direct economic impact. More details are available at mo-summit.com.
Partnership:
The YMCA of Western North Carolina has formed a strategic partnership with Hopscotch Primary Care to enhance healthy aging programs for older adults in the region. Hopscotch Primary Care will now sponsor healthy aging programming at eight YMCAs in Buncombe, Cleveland, McDowell, and Mitchell counties. This partnership includes monthly workshops led by Hopscotch healthcare professionals for people aged 65 and up, a demographic that comprises 20 percent of North Carolina residents and over 30 percent of YMCA members in the area. The YMCA offers various classes and programs to help seniors stay active, maintain health, and build social connections. The Hopscotch-sponsored programs, starting this month, will include wellness workshops, talks with healthcare providers, and social clubs at participating YMCAs. This collaboration aims to provide personalized care and improve the quality of life for seniors, aligning Hopscotch’s healthcare services with the YMCA’s health and well-being programs. This partnership is expected to empower seniors to lead healthier lives and enhance their overall well-being. Learn more.