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Staff & Information Hosts

Staff 

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Elaine Mann

Executive Director

Appointed as the Yancey County Chamber Executive Director in 2024, Elaine Mann brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship. She has a proven track record of building small businesses, including a communications company that grew into a multi-million-dollar venture—skills that position her well to lead the Chamber. Before moving to Burnsville in 2020, Elaine served as the Executive Director of the Florida Business Incubator, where she supported local businesses and encouraged innovation. She joined the Yancey Chamber in 2021 and has since been involved with the Special Events Committee, deepening her understanding of the needs of local businesses and their owners. Elaine says, "Being Chamber Director is more than just a job for me. Yancey County has a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere that draws people in. I’m passionate about preserving that history while showcasing everything from natural resources to our arts community and our lively downtown." Elaine is focused on growing the local economy and supporting Yancey County businesses while maintaining the warmth and culture that make this area so special. With her experience and dedication, she brings fresh ideas and a strong commitment to ensuring Yancey County remains a great place to live, work, play, and stay. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, Elaine invites you to explore, discover, and create lasting memories in Yancey County.

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Pete Krudler

Member Services Manager
Crafts Fair Organizer

Pete Krulder serves as the Member Services Manager and Crafts Fair Organizer for the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce, where he supports local businesses and fosters economic growth in Burnsville and beyond. Committed to community engagement, he works closely with Chamber members to provide valuable resources and networking opportunities that empower them to thrive. A retired professional from the Florida Park Services, Pete brings extensive experience in operations, event management, and public service. His leadership background also includes a distinguished military career, further enhancing his ability to coordinate large-scale initiatives with precision and dedication. As the organizer of the renowned Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair, Pete plays a vital role in showcasing the region’s talented artisans and attracting visitors from across the country. His passion for preserving and promoting local craftsmanship contributes to the fair’s ongoing success. Now residing in Burnsville, NC, Pete enjoys hiking, fly fishing, and actively engaging in the community, using his expertise to strengthen the Chamber’s services and support the area's thriving culture and economy.

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Kat Bauer

Program Manager

Katherine Bauer is the owner of Bauer Ridge LLC, a vacation rental business in Burnsville, NC, which she launched in 2020. She specializes in property management, guest relations, and social media marketing, driving high occupancy rates and positive guest experiences. In addition to her business, Katherine has a strong background in community engagement and event management. She recently served as Interim Assistant to the Director at the Yancey County Chamber of Commerce, where she helped organize fundraisers and improve organizational processes. Previously, she worked as Program Coordinator for Preserving A Picturesque America and as Magnet Coordinator for an elementary school in Napa, CA. Katherine was an elementary school teacher for nearly 20 years and taught in 5 states. Most of those teaching years were in Raleigh and Charlotte, NC. Katherine is passionate about service and community involvement, and was named the New Mexico State Park Volunteer of the Year in 2018 for her work at Navajo Lake State Park. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Austin Peay State University. After living in 8 states, Europe, and traveling for four years full-time with her husband across the United States, Katherine has settled on an east/west ridge near Burnsville. “Where the sunrise meets the sunset”

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Linda Davis

Visitor Experience Coordinator

Linda grew up in Jackson County and later in Macon County, NC. She attended the University of Colorado. Her background includes Journalism, working for the VA Hospital, Marketing and Business Development for Restoration Companies and as a Social Media Consultant for small businesses. She and her Partner, Nate, enjoy traveling, hiking, waterfalls and Football. Linda has two daughters, four Grandchildren and six rescue animals- a Chihuahua and five cats.

Information Hosts

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Chris Carter

Chris has a degree in fine art, sings with the community chorus and is currently the President of the Yancy History Association Board.  She has been in Burnsville and volunteering with the Chamber since 2008.  Chris decided to volunteer with the Chamber and Visitor Center because the staff  in the office was so helpful when she and her husband first moved to town and were building their home.  She wanted to pay it forward.

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Hope Martin

Both Hope and her husband Larry served in the Air Force.  After he retired, they moved to Burnsville and have lived here for 26 years.  Hope has been serving the Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center as a volunteer for 22 years.  Her husband accuses her of being 'stubborn as a mule' and she has a daughter living in Austin, TX.

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Natalie Gideon

Natalie, a native of Wallace, NC, brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry and has held her North Carolina Real Estate license since 2009. She currently serves as the Broker-In-Charge at RE/MAX Results in downtown Burnsville. In addition to her North Carolina license, Natalie is also licensed to sell real estate in Tennessee and Georgia. Having grown up in a small town, she deeply values the importance of community and is committed to fostering growth and success for local businesses.

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Jim Parlier

Born in Raleigh, NC, Jim moved to Florida as an infant. He returned to North Carolina in 1973 and moved to Yancey County in 1986. Jim worked as an agent for the NC Farm Bureau for 39 years. He has three successful adult daughters, all who grew up in Yancey County. They frequently return to visit the place they love. Jim also has three grandsons.

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Christine Grubbs

Originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin, Christine lived five years in Manassas Virginia, and moved to Burnsville in 2021. She worked as an Aviation Electronics Technician with a national air carrier for 20 years. After aviation Christine turned her love for photography into a business, Redfox Creations, artistic photography. She has volunteered with the Manassas visitors center and the Manassas Museum for 5 years as well as being a vendor and assistant at the local farmers market. Currently Christine is a vendor at the Yancey County Farmers market, a member of the Yancey Chamber, and a member of Toe River Arts Council.

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Fran Strawn

A native of Wisconsin, Lucy launched her career as an operator for The Telephone Company.  She worked at Mercer University in Atlanta, the National Theatre in Washington, DC (where she lived on a houseboat), and most recently at Mountain Electronics in Micaville.  Since moving to Yancey County in 1993, Lucy has founded book clubs, fostered & adopted dogs, instigated community-wide amusements, facilitated fundraisers, and kept local politicians on their toes.  A resident of the historic district, Lucy is a downtown advocate who served as Yancey Chamber Board President in 2020.  She is married to Jim Parlier.

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106 W Main Street
Burnsville, NC 28714
828-682-7413
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