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As the first rays of light rise behind the highest mountains of Peru, the new wisdom keepers watch in awe. “You see, it is as I told you.” They have just entered their 18th year of life, and this dawn is the first light their eyes have ever seen.

Before this day, they have listened to the stories of the world woven together without candlelight, moonlight, or any source shining on them. Living in such an introspective way, wisdom arises from within, as these new priests live their first years in complete darkness so as not to let the outside world distract them.

{as told by Wade Davis in “Light at the Edge of the World”}

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The Threads of our Community

We love serving our Western North Carolina Region. Art and history abound here, from the textile companies preserving local heritage, to the eclectic array of musical talent that can be heard all throughout the WNC region. And, as everyone knows, the food found in this area just can’t be beat. Below are many cultural experiences you won’t want to miss:

ART

Matt Tommey is an award-winning Woven Sculpture artist who uses locally harvested wood, vines and branches to make his stunning work. Visit him at River Oaks Studio in Asheville’s River Arts District. {MATT TOMMEY’S WORK SHOWN ABOVE AND IN PROGRESS, BELOW}

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Echoview Fiber Mill is a “spinning mill, knitting operation, and design house based in Weaverville, NC. They make high quality and beautifully designed home goods, accessories, and craft knitting and weaving yarns using natural fibers like wool, alpaca, silk, mohair, and organic cotton.” When you visit, you can see the mill in action, and purchase your favorite craft goods in their beautiful shop.

Folk Art Center is “home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. In addition to an Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, the center houses three galleries, a library, and the Guild's oldest craft shop.”

MUSIC

Country Music - Life is always good when there is a new Ken Burns documentary. This 8 part film series shows never seen before photos and footage of the icons of country music, that shaped a genre that was based on “ballads, blues and hymns performed in small settings” and gained world-wide recognition in the 20th century.

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Asheville Symphony Orchestra - Celebrates music of all forms, from the traditional Masterworks Series, to that of The Beatles. Be sure to be part of the special celebration next May, as the ASO celebrates the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven! {WATCH THE TED TALK (LEFT) FOR MORE CLASSICAL INSPIRATION}

FOOD

Karma Café - Sit down for a delicious, healthy meal at one of the top 20 places in Asheville to get a delicious dinner under $10 by AVL Today. A non-profit operated by Asheville Community Yoga, here you will find an organic and whole foods menu with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options and desserts made with unrefined sugars. Delight in build your own bowls, “The Best Darn Sandwich,” and they have Buchi and Shanti on tap!

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Highlighting Excellence

We wanted to highlight a special referral partner of our’s — Kaplan CFO Solutions. Kaplan CFO is a team of veteran CFOs who work onsite with small and mid-sized companies to help navigate change. The company stands on 3 pillars that allow them to provide stellar service:

  • Onsite: they don’t just consult with your team, they become an integral part of it, overseeing day-to-day financial operations and mentoring the next generation of leaders.
  • Accountable: they take ownership of their responsibilities to you; when they say they will do something, you can count on it getting done, and getting done right.
  • Connected: they are the hub of an extensive partner network — bankers, risk managers, HR experts, attorneys and more — that provides extended and synergistic value.
Kaplan CFO enables clients to leverage the expertise of a seasoned CFO, without having to incur the high cost of a full-time C-level employee. One of our favorite things about working with Kaplan CFO on behalf of our mutual clients is the ability to provide a best-of-both-worlds solution: financial expertise with state-of-the-art Human Capital Management solutions and service. Together we have helped our clients save money and simplify their employee management experience. For more, visit their website here. 

bf9b59_9d0aa6200d2843a8903a1b6b0fd728f0KEN KAPLAN, CEO & Managing Partner

At 29 he became one of the youngest General Managers of a Fortune 500 subsidiary. In 1998, as VP/CFO of a national medical supply manufacturer, he led a successful ownership transition by raising $16.5 million in debt and equity, negotiating the successful sale of the company three years later. Since then, Ken has engineered successful turnarounds at two multi-generation, family-owned companies and managed exponential growth as the CFO of a solar design & installation company, which was ranked as Inc. Magazine's 46th fastest growing company for 2011.

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Impactful Managers Lead by Example

Leadership styles have a significant impact on team performance, employee morale, and overall workplace productivity. Although most business leaders and team managers understand the importance of training, goal setting, and establishing clear expectations, far too few realize the impact of their thoughts, beliefs, and actions on the workplace environment.

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The Business of Gratitude

Employee engagement is fast becoming a top priority for companies. Gallup reports that on average, an astonishingly low percentage (30%) have been engaged at work over the past 18 years. Retention and recruiting are essential components as well, as the new-hire pool remains sparse. When an employee is truly engaged and loyal, they are operating at a high level of performance, and they successfully incorporate the company’s mission, vision and values into everything they do.

Read more

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As the year winds down to an end, new themes for the coming year are slowly rising to the surface. 2020 will bring the 20th anniversary of serving Western North Carolina for Platinum Group. We look forward to a year of celebration, connecting with our wonderful clients and the community at large. We hope the remainder of 2019 brings you rest, reflection, and joy.    

Be Well,

Michael

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