BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR 10th ANNUAL 4 UNDER 40 AWARDS

BOONE, NC - Sixteen members of the High Country community have been selected as category finalists for the 10th-annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards. This showcase of emerging leaders is presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, set for Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. Red carpet arrivals and a pre-event reception set the stage for an evening of celebration and recognition.

To commemorate the 10th-anniversary of this leadership showcase, a strong contingent of past honorees have been invited to return for this year’s festivities, and members of the first 4 Under 40 class will participate in the evening’s award ceremony.

This year, 42 nominations were received across four categories: Business Owner, Education Professional, Non-Profit Professional, and Rising Star. Nominees were acknowledged for their business achievements, community and civic involvement, and other related activities.

The finalists for each category are listed below:

Laura Edmonds, Owner, Helpwell Co.

Trevor Moody, Owner, Lily's Snack Bar

Garrett Norris, Owner, Norris Plumbing Co.

Tiffany Weitzen, Co-Owner, Wonder Pelvic Therapy & Wellness

Jackie Garner, Associate Director, Employer Relations and Student Programming Department, Walker College of Business, Appalachian State

Bethany Gonzalez, Associate Director, Student Veterans Center, Appalachian State

Megan Laws, Kindergarten Teacher, Parkway School

Ashley Roberts, Instructional Technology Specialist for Curriculum, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

John Caveny, VP, Conservation & Education, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Shane Hillman, Program Director, F.A.R.M. Cafe

Myles Stacy, Family Caregiver Support Specialist, High Country Council of Governments

Willard C. Watson, III, Program & Outreach Director, The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

Shirley Alexander, General Manager, Booneshine Brewing Company

Will Burrow, Head Winemaker, Grandfather Mountain Vineyard & Winery

Kate Prisco, Assistant Director for Parks and Recreation, Town of Beech Mountain

Dr. Kelly Whiteley, Associate Dentist, Mountaineer Dental & Sleep Center

"For 10 years, the 4 Under 40 Awards program has elevated the High Country's next group of emerging leaders. This year's class is one of the most well rounded and professionally accomplished classes we've recognized to date, which shows the consistency of leadership development and the spirit of entrepreneurship in our community," said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.

"When you look back over our past honorees and finalists, you can't help but notice how their professional profiles have continued to advance, and their roots in the community have deepened. It will be exciting to see this class continue that same growth, while also getting to benefit from the relationships and opportunities that are forged as more people get to know them. We are excited to celebrate this year's class and look forward to what comes next for them as they step into to the local leadership spotlight."

All finalists will be recognized as part of the 10th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards ceremony. The Chamber will also present the annual Respect Your Elder Award recipient, which goes to a community member who serves as a strong mentor for the next generation of leaders.

The pre-awards reception begins at 5:30pm and the awards ceremony will begin at approximately 6:15pm. Tickets are $39 and include heavy hors d'oeuvres and two drink tickets for each attendee.

Limited award sponsorships are available, which include event tickets, the opportunity to introduce the category finalists, and other amenities. If you’d like more information, please contact David Jackson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..