Wilkesboro: "Find Your Back" Road

Join the journey as Francisco Martinez, a vibrant force in economic development, shares his transformative story from graphic and web design to spearheading growth initiatives in Wilkesboro. Together, we explore the impact of the Entrepreneur Grant Program and the vital role of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College in cultivating a fertile entrepreneurial landscape. We also delve into the boons of co-working spaces for startups, painting a picture of a community that's not just surviving, but thriving through collaboration and support. Get ready to connect with the heart of our business community at the Wilkes Entrepreneur Network's monthly gatherings. I'm thrilled to welcome you to conversations with Doren Tripp, Laurie Brown-Straps, and other local luminaries, where we stitch together the rich tapestry of our area's entrepreneurial spirit. Discover how these networks expand business horizons, and stay abreast of the economic pulse with updates from the Wilkes Economic Development Corporation. Embark on this episode with us, celebrating the collective efforts propelling Wilkesboro's economic future. For more information visit https://wilkesedc.com/ This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Embarking on a voyage through the transformative world of co-working spaces, we're joined by Doren Tripp, the quintessential serial entrepreneur whose life tapestry is interwoven with threads of innovation from Oklahoma City to the bustling optimism of Wilkesboro. With a backstory that spans continents, Doren's eclectic upbringing has honed his savvy in marketing and real estate, eventually leading him to play a part in the realization of Masthead Coworking. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone intrigued by the potential of communal workspaces to ignite passion and purpose in today's professionals. Craving connection and collaboration in your work life? You'll be captivated by the community-centric haven Doren and others have fostered, where isolation is ousted by an orchestra of networking opportunities and productivity sings in harmony with work-life balance. We traverse the landscape of Masthead Co-working, exploring how the flexibility and diversity of this venture not only bolster individual prosperity but also energize local economies. Join us as we unveil the profound impact of co-working spaces on entrepreneurial ecosystems, where the next wave of innovation is just a shared idea away. Visit https://mastheadcoworking.com/ for more information. This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Have you ever been struck by the allure of a hand-crafted piece of art, only to wish you knew the story behind its creation? That's the magic Jim Lyall and his business partner Steve Key capture in Taupe Gallery, a haven for art lovers nestled in the scenic foothill of the Blue Ridge Mountains. On our latest episode of 'Find your Backroad,' we chat with Jim about the transformation from a modest clay gallery to a vibrant cornerstone of the regional art community. Journey with us as we explore their mission to infuse their area with bright, ever-changing art, and discover how Taupe Gallery has become a magnet for those seeking both beauty and a glimpse into the creative souls of Western North Carolina. "It's worth the drive!" Our conversation with Jim is an odyssey through the gallery's unique collecting process—a testament to their dedication to the arts. They didn't just amass artwork; they ventured into the studios of southern Appalachian artists, gathering not just stunning pieces but the artists' narratives as well. Jim's anecdotes about these 'art adventures' are a compelling invitation to envision how every sculpture, painting, and pottery work is more than a visual treat—it's a chronicle of passion and place. Whether you're an aficionado of Appalachian culture or simply someone who revels in the power of art to enliven spaces, this episode promises to dazzle you with tales from one of the most eclectic collections in the region, all lovingly curated by a former interior designer and a farmer who never met a stranger. Visit their website HERE> This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

From Megan White: We own a Scottish highland cow farm in Hamptonville, North Carolina. We bredScottish highlands and we host events including paint parties, yoga, photographysessions, meet and greets, and educational farm tours. We are passionate abouteducating the public and allowing people to get to know these beautiful animals. A little more about our farm, we are situated in Wilkes County, the foothills of NorthCarolina on 80 acres. Our farmland has been used by our family for over 200years. My husband, Evan and I moved back here after living in Huntersville, NCfor 10 years to pursue our dream of owning a farm. We are currently building ourhouse on the property. We have two young children, Evy (age 2.5) and Beckham(1 year). Evan works for Principal Financial and I am a practicing attorney whenwe are not working on our farm. We have 14 Scottish Highlands, 3 British White Parks, 2 black angus (werescued), 2 donkeys, a horse, a pony, and 9 adorable goats (four are named afterthe Golden Girls.) This fall, we have also taken cows for a little "cow therapy" to 5th Street Ministriesin Statesville and Safe Spot Child Advocacy Center in Wilkesboro. They had thechance to pet, brush, and love on our highlands. As an attorney myself, I know how important these resources are for the community so we like to bring somesmiles! We also attended the 1st Annual Davie County Farm Fest and will bedoing the Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival in Elkin this year. Additionally, we had 60 Wilkes Early College Students visit last week which was really exciting and a firstfor many of them to visit a farm. We really enjoy giving back to the community. Please check us out on our social media accounts and website. Website: https://www.crookedcreekhighlands.com/ FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM Email: megan@crookedcreekhighlands.com This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

The Annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is one of the largest one-day arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast. The Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club owns, operates, and organizes the event each year. The Brushy Mountain Apple Festival is not just this club's largest fundraiser, but has become one of Wilkes County's biggest fundraisers. Over 100 civic, church and other non-profit organizations participate in the festival. For many of them, the festival has become the biggest fundraiser of the year. Over 160,000 people visit this festival during the day and it's FREE. The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro, NC are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, 4 different music stages consisting of Blue Grass, Country, Folk, Gospel, and Appalachian Heritage. Cloggers, folk dancers, rope skippers, and square dancers provide additional entertainment venues for festival goers. Appalachian Heritage crafts are highlighted such as woodcarving, chair making, soap making, pottery throwing, and quilting. When walking through the streets of the festival observing and buying lots of the arts and crafts, Appalachian dulcimers can be heard while the smells of the variety of foods are enticing everyone's appetites. Let us not forget the apples, apples, and apples. Local apple growers set up throughout the festival selling their apples, apple cider, and dried apples. After all, this festival also pays tribute to the fruit grown and harvested each fall by apple orchardists from Northwestern North Carolina. Get more information by clicking This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

The Walker Center was created to address Wilkes Community College’s mission components of culture, business, industry, and training. Dr. David Daniel, WCC president at the time, took the lead in the effort to construct the center and WCC’s Foundation, the development arm of the institution, embarked on a fundraising drive that would raise $2.2 million. In March of 1983, ground was broken on the building thanks to the 1,500 donors who contributed to the vision of the center. When construction was completed, WCC was enhanced by a 33,000 square foot building that featured an 1,100 seat auditorium, lobby, backstage area, and management area. The dedication and ribbon cutting were held on August 24, 1984 and featured the opening performance of Gordon MacRae and Anna Maria Alberghetti. On October 24 of that same year, WCC Theatre held its production of “The Music Man” in the center as a special performance for alumni. Over the years, interest in the John A. Walker Community Center grew as more people realized the tremendous asset such a facility provides. In addition to a vibrant performing arts center and exciting school events program, the center has hosted many business and community events. The increasing demand on the facility indicated a need for expansion. In 2000, a $1.9 million renovation expanded the ballroom, provided additional restrooms, and created a full production kitchen. Get more information and check out the show calendar at https://www.walkercenteronline.org/ This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Swan Creek Wine Appellation within the Yadkin Valley, family-owned Raffaldini Vineyards brings Tuscan charm to North Carolina. Known widely as “Chianti in the Carolinas” Raffaldini currently produces only classically dry Italian style wines ranging from reds like Sangiovese Classico, Montepulciano Riserva, Sagrantino and Grande Riserva with the white being Vermentino and a sparking Prosecco style wine called Auguri. Raffaldini hosts public and private events throughout the year and is the definitive place for lovers of dry wines. The Festa Italiana is held every year during the third week in September. The Festa Italiana is one of the largest Italian celebrations in the southeast and features food vendors, artists, and entertainment from across the United States. Visit their Festa Italiana page for more information. This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

FaithFest is a tremendous undertaking and planning is a year-round endeavor. It takes hundreds of volunteers and an army of supporters to make this happen. Organizers say, "this is not a money-making event, rather it is for the single cause of lifting up and glorifying Jesus Christ." Find out more information or grab your tickets at https://faithfestnc.com/ This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

From White Lightning to Lightning Fast! The "Wilkesboro: Find Your Back Road" Podcast covers all the people, places, and things that make Wilkesboro a one-of-a-kind Mountain destination. Enjoy lively conversation with hosts as they welcome artists, local business leaders, event organizers and creatives from Wilkesboro. To request an interview spot or to advertise in front of this podcast, email us at info@wilkescountytourism.com. (This program is also aired on BizRadio.US.) This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

As the daughter of a minister and kin to a lot of church folk Nikki grew up listening to traditional gospel/christian music and spent much of her grade school days involved in school band playing clarinet and oboe. But, despite her early exposure to music, it wasn’t until the tender age of 28 when she finally began to start making music of her own. Nikki was born and raised in North Carolina but Chicago is where she found her first home as a performer and songwriter. Starting out in the open mic scene it didn’t take long for her to garner local support and make her way to some great stages around the midwest: opening for acts such as Jaime Wyatt, Caroline Spence, Boo Ray, and Sean Watkins. She is a former winner of the awarded Uncommon Ground Songwriting competition; she has been voted as a ‘Judge’s Pick’ in the Nashville Rising Song contest, and recently had her single Love.Save.Me make it to the semi-final round of the International Songwriting Competition. Nikki finds a way to combine captivating melodies and insightful lyrics with a voice full of raw passion. Her music is unapologetic in it efforts to grapple with real life; and yet elegantly embodies the essence of her “Carolina Soul”. Connect with her and her music at https://missnikkimorgan.com/ This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Guest: Thomas Wayne Nicholson, CIV USARMY CESAW This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Created and written by Tanille Yow Ulm, Rick Balentine and Mark Rickerby of Temple Gate Films, "Wilkes County Line" is an exciting family friendly film centered around the love of racing, the love of family, and the drive to bring back racing to the North Wilkesboro Speedway and revitalize a local economy. Please subscribe to Temple Gate Films to follow updates on this film, as well as our other projects in development. https://www.templegatefilms.com/wilkes-county-line This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

NC Sassenach Tours is hosting “Springtime at Fraser’s Ridge” at Leatherwood Mountains Resort from May 19-21. In addition to two cast members from the Starz Outlander Series (Murtagh and Jocasta!), we’ll have Scottish Highlands Dance, music and educational programs with Highland Echoes, entertainment from KIR (Kirk McLeod’s Seven Nations Trio) and other local performers, in addition to workshops, vendors, regiments and clan representatives. Come join us for this NC Scottish experience! For more information or to make reservations visit: https://ncsassenachtours.com/springtime-at-frasers-ridge/ This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Guests: Ashley Barton, Executive Director & Kayla Merrell - Programs & Outreach Director for Wilkes Art Gallery sit down with Matt to discuss the big Art Treasure Hunt and more! Wilkes Art Gallery is a non-profit arts-based organization nestled in the beautiful foothills of Western North Carolina in historic downtown North Wilkesboro. Art exhibits on display are free and open to the public. Art classes for children and adults in clay, drawing, sculpture, pottery, stained glass, painting and more are available. Art parties for groups and organizations are available, as are space rentals for corporate or private parties and receptions. Art workshops and special guest artist lectures also occur throughout the year. Wilkes Art Gallery’s mission is to make the diversity, creativity, and critical thinking found in the visual arts more accessible to the greater Wilkes County community by providing opportunities to experience the visual arts in a dynamic, meaningful and personal way and helping to enrich the lives of the participants through experiences that are both educational and therapeutic. Visit https://www.wilkesartgallery.org/ for more information about the Hunt and other great offerings. This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith shared his vision for the future of North Wilkesboro Speedway during the Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce 75th Membership Celebration recently. Earmarked within the North Carolina state budget that was passed in November was $18 million toward infrastructure improvements at the historic 0.625-mile facility. That money, Smith said, will go a long way toward modernizing the iconic venue to bring motorsports, concerts and other entertainment options to the Wilkes County region. “The future of North Wilkesboro Speedway is bright,” Smith told a group of 250 people gathered for the event. “There is a great opportunity to revive this fantastic venue to be, not just a race track, but a place that can host lots of events, a place that people will come to from far away and enjoy the community, enjoy the region and enjoy special events.” Thanks to the efforts of local volunteer groups, cleanup around the 75-year-old race track began several months ago and attention can now turn to prioritizing the necessary upgrades and refurbishment projects to reopen North Wilkesboro Speedway. Smith highlighted his vision for the property through a series of renderings that showcased not only a return to racing, but also alternative uses like serving as a concert venue. In this episode of the show, we sit down to talk with Terri Parsons, wife of late NASCAR legend and Hall of Fame inductee Benny Parsons. Visit https://www.northwilkesborospeedway.com/ for more information and to find out how to get involved. This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Denis Lachapelle is chair of Wilkes Comic Con. A life-long artist, geek, and gamer, for several years he produced fan art and commissions at comic book conventions throughout the state as Coffee Bruin Studios. Together with his co-chair Wendy Harmon, they produce the areas only Geek Culture convention. Now held twice a year, Wilkes Comic Con is an event that celebrates comic art, pop culture, cosplay, gaming, and comic books and collectibles. Known as the con that was created by artists for artists and the community, the Winter 2022 event features: The Marketplace with over 50 vendor tables Wilkes Comic Con will be held at the Stone Center for the Performing Arts on January 22, from 10 AM – 5PM. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for 13 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at https://wilkescomiccon.com/tickets/ or at the door. For more information, including a list of events, special guests, and vendors, please go to wilkescomiccon.com https://wilkescomiccon.com/ https://www.facebook.com/WilkesComicCon/ https://twitter.com/ConWilkes Email: denis@wilkescomiccon.com This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Megan Barnett, Personal Trainer and Advocate joins us to talk about Hive Fitness Studio, personal training, and her work in the community advocating for LGBTQ+ youth, as well as some of her favorite things to do (and eat) around Wilkesboro. Visit https://trainwithhive.com/ for more information. This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Christie Younger is an American artist who lives and works in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Her paintings are collected internationally, shown in several acclaimed galleries across the Southeastern United States, and have been featured on HGTV. She has a diverse background and education in fine art along with biological science. This along with her love of nature brings to life her unique artistic perspective which ultimately is intended to convey light, beauty, and simplicity while simultaneously expressing the complexities within a subject finding balance between contradictions and beauty in imperfection. For purchase info, commission info, gallery representation, current exhibitions, & more visit her website. Or email her directly at christieyoungerart@gmail.com. www.christieyounger.com This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Wilkes Chamber of Commerce President Linda Cheek sits down to chat with Matt about the upcoming parade, lighting ceremony, shopping events, activities and more. Linda Cheek, a Wilkes County native, has served as the president of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce for twenty-three years. Linda has and continues to be involved with various boards for business and industries as well as non-profit organizations in Wilkes and across the State of NC. Linda’s favorite pastime is spending time with her five grandchildren and enjoying the great outdoor amenities in Wilkes. For more event and local business information visit https://www.wilkeschamber.com/ For more information about, and to plan your, visit to Wilkesboro go to https://www.wilkescountytourism.com/ This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.

Presley Barker is seventeen years old and has been singing and playing guitar since the age of seven. Living in the NC mountains and listening to Doc Watson on the radio inspired Presley to begin playing music. He has had the opportunity to be on the “NBC Today Show” with Al Roker. He has played the National Folk Festival, Richmond Folk Festival, Lowell Folk Festival, Montana Folk Festival, Masters of Steel String Guitar Event in Washington, D.C., PBS Song of the Mountains Show, David Holt's State of Music, Silver Dollar City, Dollywood, and Carolina I The Fall and Merlefest. Presley also appeared on NBC's "Little Big Shots" with Steve Harvey and "Wonderama" TV show in New York City. He was featured in the Documentary “Fiddlin” movie in 2018. Also in 2018, Presley was invited by Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs to play the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. At age ten, Presley released his first solo album entitled "JUST-TEN" in the fall of 2015. He has since released two country singles “Middle of Somewhere” and “Time Machine”. Mostly recently, Presley was on Season 4 of American Idol. https://www.instagram.com/thepresleybarker/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/thepresleybarker This program is sponsored by Wilkes EDC. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Wilkes County serves as the pivotal hub connecting businesses, communities, and opportunities throughout the region. Visit https://wilkesedc.com/ for more info or to connect. Be sure to visit BizRadio.US to discover hundreds more engaging conversations, regional events and more.