The Yancey County Chamber of Commerce held their Members’ Luncheon on Wednesday, January 22nd to a full house at the Burnsville Town Center. After an enjoyable luncheon buffet catered by Pigs ‘n Grits, Chamber Director Elaine Mann welcomed the crowd. Town Manger Heather Hockaday followed with an update on the town’s projects including information about the water system repairs that are ongoing since major damage from Hurricane Helene in September. Both inflow water systems were totally destroyed by the hurricane. County Manager Lynn Austin was the next to address the crowd. Austin praised the Emergency Management and EMS/first responders for their quick actions during Hurricane Helene, saying everyone pitched in to quickly set up a medical facility and respond to the emerging disaster. She mentioned the recovery programs still in place to help people and urged them to take advantage of them.
The main speaker of the event was Graham Fields from AdventHealth. Fields’ presentation included slides of the planned hospital complex in Weaverville. Advent expects to eventually be able to provide 103 beds and include a medical office facility on the property. AdventHealth is a non-profit Protestant health care organization with facilities in 9 states.
Chamber President Jim Parlier gave closing remarks.
