Chase Davis

TDA President Vic Isley plans to go full speed ahead in promoting tourism NEW STRATEGIES: Vic Isley, Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority president and CEO of Explore Asheville, says the TDA is implementing several new strategies to bring in more tourism, including a new destination app. Photo courtesy of BCTDA Vic Isley is well aware of the local criticisms that tourism is overpromoted, bringing too many visitors and pushing Asheville’s cost of living out of reach for many.

With over 34 years of experience in fire safety, few people understand the inner workings of a fire department quite like Asheville’s recently hired chief, Michael Cayse. “Regardless of what community you are in or the size of your department, the mission of a fire department is always the same,” Cayse says. “Every community may have different interests and goals, but in the end, our job is to help citizens in their times of need, whether that need be a medical issue, a fire or a rescue.

Up, Up and Away: Buncombe County’s living wage keeps climbing Volume / Issue February 21, 2024 Cover Design Credit: Scott Southwick Cover Photography Credit: iStock According to Just Economics of Western North Carolina, which has been calculating the local living wage since 2008, a single person working full time in Buncombe County needs to make $22.10 per hour to afford basic expenses.