Chimney Rock business rebuilds with state support after hurricane

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein will deliver his first State of the State Address, focusing on his vision for the state’s future while emphasizing ongoing recovery efforts in the western part of the state following Hurricane Helene.

The governor plans to urge the General Assembly to prioritize investments in economic opportunity, workforce development, families and children, public schools, and public safety, according to a statement from his office.

Several distinguished guests will join Stein for the address, representing diverse communities and issues across the state. Among those invited are Ashley Cook and Freddy Carpenter of Avery County, who have been instrumental in hurricane recovery efforts. The pair “hauled food, propane tanks, heaters, and anything else that their neighbors needed” throughout their county, with Cook using social media to connect people with essential resources.

Matt and Michelle Banz, owners of the Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine in Rutherford County, will also attend. Their tourist attraction suffered severe damage during Hurricane Helene when the Rocky Broad River flooded their store, causing floor collapse and merchandise damage. Their business, which has operated for 21 years, received support through the Governor’s Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative.

Highlighting workforce development, sisters Haylee and Emily Orellana of Surry County will represent successful apprenticeship programs. Emily began her pre-apprenticeship during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing both medical care and translation services, while her younger sister Haylee is now pursuing a similar path. Both participate in the Surry-Yadkin Works apprenticeship program at Northern Regional Hospital.

Ali Setser, principal of Eastern Elementary School in Pitt County, will represent education initiatives. Her school offers free meals to all students through USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision, aiming to improve health, attendance, behavior, and learning outcomes.

The governor has also invited educators, including 2023 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Jones from Orange County, who teaches 10th grade English at Chapel Hill High School and was recognized for “fostering student agency and building authentic trust with students.”

Law enforcement will be represented by Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough, whose career spans four decades, including service as a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Debbie Dalton of Mecklenburg County rounds out the guest list. Following her son Hunter’s fatal fentanyl overdose in 2016, Dalton founded the Hunter Dalton #HDLife Foundation to provide education and resources aimed at preventing drug overdoses.

The State of the State Address traditionally allows governors to outline legislative priorities and showcase initiatives from across North Carolina.