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💼 Let’s get down to biz
BizBrief is your weekly, business-focused companion to the daily newsletter. | Graphic by 6AMCity
Hi there — I’m Cat, Senior Managing Editor of BizBrief, our new weekly newsletter built to highlight our local business community.
BizBrief is your download on the local business landscape, delivering concise recaps — from news and podcasts to events, thought leadership, jobs, and company updates — all in one scroll-worthy newsletter to start your week informed, not overwhelmed.
If you already read AVLtoday, think of BizBrief as its weekly, business-focused companion — zooming in on the stories, opportunities, and conversations shaping the local business community.
I’m thrilled to welcome Jess, who is joining us to help launch BizBrief in AVLtoday. They bring experience covering the local hospitality and dining scene, plus you may have noticed their signature touch behind the scenes of several of our other city newsletters. Jess will share fresh perspectives and stories from across the region.
We want BizBrief to highlight what matters most to you. Got a local business story, podcast, or company update worth sharing? Send it our way or fill out this short survey — your ideas can help guide our coverage.
Asked
Asked
Help shape BizBrief:
Share your own company updates or point us to your favorite local podcasts, press releases, thought leadership, and real estate listings you follow so we can spotlight them in future editions.
$48 million. That’s the amount GE Aerospace will invest into its Asheville facility. The investment is part of a broader $1 billion US expansion, upgrading equipment and boosting production capacity for aircraft engines. (WLOS)
Older Adults
Carolina Village is planning a major expansion of its Hendersonville campus. The proposal includes 60 new independent living residences along with expanded wellness, fitness, and community spaces. The project is pending rezoning approval, with construction potentially starting in 2027. (WNC Business)
Open
The Fresh Market has reopened its Hendersonville store after more than a year of repairs following Hurricane Helene. Read what CEO Brian Johnson shared about the opening. (WNC Business)
Biz
Meanwhile, Costco has reengaged in negotiations for a proposed 160,000-sqft store in Enka Commerce Park, reversing its February withdrawal after infrastructure cost concerns were addressed. The project now hinges on the site going back under contract before zoning and approvals can restart. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Thought Leadership
“A good business cannot be limited to its transactions. This can hold true in any industry. Be the people you want to see — that you want to work with in your city.” That’s Sally Maher, cofounder of Skyland Environmental. In a recent interview with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, she shared her thoughts on sustainability and how it can save local businesses money.
Small Biz
Asheville’s Spice Witch is one of nine semifinalists in The UPS Store Challenge, chosen from over 6,000 applicants nationwide. Voting is open through Sunday, April 5 — show your support daily.
Job
Tanger is hiring a Marketing Director in Asheville to lead strategy for its outlet center. The role focuses on increasing foot traffic and boosting tenant sales. Apply online.
Plan Ahead
Bank OZK is entering the Asheville market with a new branch slated to open Thursday, April 9. Business leaders are invited, along with city officials and community members. (WNC Business)
Tech
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has an interactive demographics map. Local business owners and leaders can use the tool to identify target markets, inform site selection, and search for talent as the Asheville metro continues to evolve. Play with the data.
Events
Agenda
Editor’s Picks
HatchThis! Startup Summit | Friday, March 27-Sunday, March 29 | Times Vary | Hatch Innovation Hub | $29+ | Early-stage founders are welcome to this multi-day startup experience featuring workshops, mentorship, and pitch opportunities.
ATA Women in Textiles Summit | Monday, March 30-Wednesday, April 1 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Embassy Suites | $749 | Make room in your calendar for this national summit bringing together women leaders in textiles.
If you already read our daily product, think of BizBrief as its weekly, business-focused companion. | Graphic by 6AM City
We sat down with our CEO, Ryan Johnston, for a behind-the-scenes look at what fuels BizBrief — and him.
Why introduce a business newsletter?
I think of it less as a newsletter and more as a weekly business section.
What problem does your product solve?
Talking about business together and delivering everything you need to make the most of the city you call home. Like AVLtoday, BizBrief will center on strong reader participation and source from traditional media, influencers, and company communications — creating a community that engages with local business news together.
How will BizBrief differ from all the other local business newsletters?
BizBrief will follow the same formula as our daily AVLtoday newsletter — aggregating, curating, narrating, and highlighting the most important business news from across the local business landscape. The goal: to help local businesses and the professionals who work in them thrive.
20 Artful Way | 164 sqft | $109.39/sqft annually | Modern office space in the RAD View development with high-end finishes, flexible layouts, and proximity to Asheville’s River Arts District, with strong visibility and easy access to major corridors.
22 S. Pack Square, Suite 404 | 1,543 sqft | $3,311 | Skyscraper office space with abundant natural light, private offices, and elevator access in a historic downtown Asheville building with walkable amenities.
Commercial, for sale
473 Hendersonville Rd. | 1,280 sqft | $2,134 | Freestanding commercial building along high-traffic Hendersonville Road with strong visibility, on-site parking, and flexible layout in a key South Asheville retail corridor.
147 S. Bear Creek Rd. | ~100 acres | $1.3 million | Large-scale development opportunity with excellent visibility along I-40, strong frontage, and easy interstate access in Asheville’s growth corridor — ideal for mixed-use, industrial, or investment use.
575 + 605 Sweeten Creek Industrial Park | Multiple suites available | $11.9 million | Flex industrial space with warehouse + office configurations, roll-up doors, and on-site parking in a well-located South Asheville industrial corridor with easy access to Sweeten Creek Rd.
Long time no see, Asheville. We’re all amped to launch BizBrief as a part of AVLtoday. I’ll be working closely with Grace — y’all know Grace — and I’m curious to know what you want to see from our BizBrief coverage.
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