BLAZING AHEAD.

This is the fifth year that Business North Carolina has highlighted business and civic leaders from smaller communities that often don't receive much of a media spotlight. Here are some updates from previous Trailblazers.

2018

Sara Bell was featured in our inaugural Trailblazers because of the success of Saluda-based Green River Adventures and The Gorge Zipline, which she started with her husband. Tim. Last year, Sara was named CEO of the Polk County Community Foundation, which manages more than $75 million. "With her impressive entrepreneurial background and deep commitment to both Polk County and the Foundation, she is the perfect person to write the next chapter that the Foundation will play in our community," board chair Tom Jackson said.

The Bells' adventure business employs more than 70 people in peak season for a variety of wilderness experiences, including one of the steepest and longest ziplines in the nation.

2019

Asheville restaurateur Katie Button filmed a third season as the host of Magnolia Network's "From The Source." a series exploring the origins and stories behind different food ingredients. It is expected to air later this year. Katie Button Restaurants has expanded beyond its Curate restaurant in downtown Asheville to include an online marketplace, wine club and culinary journeys to Morocco. Portugal and Spain. Earlier this year, the group added La Bodega by Curate, a market, pintxo, wine bar and cafe in Asheville.

Curate Bar de Tapas won a 2022 James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Hospitality, highlighting a decade's worth of hard work and success.

2019

Outdoor apparel retailers Cory McCall and business partner Rob Casborro closed their Outdoor 76 store in Cherokee because of a lack of business during the winter season. After consolidating resources, the owners reinvested in their Franklin and Clayton, Georgia locations, which have seen significant growth year after year.

In June, Outdoor 76 helped get the City of Clayton and Georgia's Rabun County established as the 51 st designated Appalachian Trail Community, a program that helps promote the famous trail running from Georgia to Maine. Local officials say the designation will help attract more hikers to visit the area.

In 2019. McCall was appointed to the Southwestern Community College board of trustees.

2019

Sadrah Schadel and Mike Woliansky of No Evil Foods in Weaverville have gained attention for their leadership in sustainability while continuing to expand...