WELCOME
The Business Alliance of Upper Transylvania (BAUT) is a volunteer-led outreach of the Historic Toxaway Foundation. Membership in the Alliance is free, thanks to underwriting by our parent organization.
BAUT is made up of member businesses that operate within and serve western or “Upper” Transylvania County, NC which includes the communities of Rosman, Balsam Grove, Quebec, Lake Toxaway, and Sapphire.
Upper Transylvania County is defined on three sides by county borders, and approximately on the fourth (eastern) side by the red line on this map.
BAUT Principles
Mission: To be the “Voice of Business” and serve as the champion for a healthy, vibrant, and prosperous local business community through leadership, education, collaboration, and innovation.
Purpose: We advocate for and act as a catalyst for an expanding Corridor business community that can provide the year-round products and services that businesses, residents, and visitors seek.
Vision: For the Corridor communities to be proactive in attracting full-time businesses, residents, and visitors.
Values: Our Strategic Plan outlines the following guidelines for our operation.
BAUT History
The original Toxaway Business Alliance (later renamed the Red Feather Business Alliance) was established in 2018 and facilitated by local volunteers including the late Tony Austin, Carole Hargis, and others. Significant first initiatives for the Alliance were the development of the Red Feather Guide, a monthly newsletter of events, and a series of networking events that were just gaining momentum when the coronavirus pandemic changed everything.
As COVID restrictions finally began to ease in late 2020, the HTF Board of Directors approved a plan to further strengthen and grow the Alliance. As a part of this renewed effort, a redesigned logo and a third moniker (the Business Alliance of Upper Transylvania) have been adopted to better represent our unique geographic area.
BAUT Goals
FOR MEMBERS
We engage with local business owners, employees, and other interested individuals to promote opportunities to network and learn, market their products and services, and celebrate the accomplishments of our local Upper Transylvania business community.
Please visit our WHY JOIN page to see all of the benefits of becoming a member! If you have questions or need help, contact us at info@bautc.org.
FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS
We also act as a resource for local residents and area visitors, helping to locate and promote specific products and services and increase awareness of attractions and events within our footprint.
The Business Alliance of Upper Transylvania (BAUT) produces and distributes the free Red Feather Guide, a weekly digital publication showcasing activities and special offerings in our area. Click the logo above to see the latest online version. Or subscribe to the online version, which publishes each Wednesday, by completing the form below. Note: You can opt-out from the distribution list at any time.
A seasonal print Historic Toxaway Visitor Guide (providing information about local businesses offering dining, shopping, lodging, and entertainment) is also available for pick-up at many local businesses along the Historic Toxaway corridor.
