Hello,

Several inches of snow have fallen in Highland County, and we're getting ready to close out 2020!  Here are 5 items we hope you will find useful.  Thank you!

1. Looking for a new way to market yourself in 2021 while supporting local businesses?  Be a sponsor for the Virginia Maple Syrup Trail website!  For $150 for the first quarter of 2021 ($50 a month), you can be listed at https://virginiamaplesyrup.com/sponsors/.  Get creative with your advertising by supplying a discount or special offer.  If interested, please contact Chris Swecker at director@highlandcounty.org.  

2.  Need funding to stimulate new tourism initiatives or assist in the growth of existing programs or events in Highland County?  The 2020 Marketing Assistance Program Application from the Highland Tourism Council is available to view, print and download by clicking on the link below!  Applications will be accepted through the second Friday in January of 2021 (January 8th).  https://www.highlandcounty.org/tourism-council/

3.  The Highland County Chamber of Commerce continues to update the COVID-19 Resource Page with relevant economic and safety information, including the latest December 10th press release from Virginia Governor Northam announcing new mitigation measures to slow the spread.  Stay informed at https://www.highlandcounty.org/covid-19/.

4. FEMA RELEASES NEW FACT SHEET FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ON NIMS IMPLEMENTATION

On December 15th, FEMA released the “NIMS Fact Sheet for Nonprofit Organizations.” The fact sheet identifies the specific activities that are involved in NIMS implementation for state, local, tribal and territorial nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofit organizations are valuable partners to FEMA and play an important role in preparedness, response and recovery efforts. FEMA’s National Integration Center (NIC) updated the Fact Sheet with current NIMS Implementation information to help guide and promote the incorporation of NIMS into nonprofit organizational incident response plans.  

The Fact Sheet revisions were part of a collaborative effort comprised of a dozen nonprofit subject matter experts and stakeholders from the state, local, tribal and territorial levels.

5. Looking for a holiday gift?  Try the new online Chamber store at  https://members.highlandcounty.org/store for some Highland County goodies!