The Valley Echo turns one

What a year it has been

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
March 14, 2021

I put a lot of thought into what I wanted to write to mark the occasion as March 14, the one-year anniversary of the launch of The Valley Echo, approached. But my mind, like a lot of people’s, kept going back to just three simple words — “what a year.”

It wasn’t exactly a lot to build on when trying to appropriately convey the complex emotions and poignant experiences involved in establishing a business that allows me to pursue a passion of mine while providing an important community service. 

At the same time, however, the last 365 days we’ve all experienced — as a community, country, planet — “what a year” almost seems like the only way to sum it all up. It’s a moment in history we’ve all shared, and while it’s been highlighted by sorrow, fear and uncertainty, it has also contained more than its fair share of new beginnings and triumphs. 

Fred McCormick

I was excited when, along with my team which initially only consisted of myself, my wife and my incredibly creative sister-in-law and designer, Kendra Diaz, we clicked “publish” on the first story of a brand new community news website based right here in the Swannanoa Valley. The enormity of the situation we were facing became clear hours later when the governor announced an executive order closing schools and a palpable feeling of uncertainty arose within the community.

I had no idea what to expect. 

The first few weeks, maybe months, were filled with fear, self-doubt, a major inability to focus and a good deal of questioning the wisdom of starting a business for the first time in my life during a pandemic. As someone who has been in regular contact with a diverse range of people on a wide array of topics over the years, I was troubled by the thought that community businesses, organizations, institutions and the people who rely on them were also facing such an enormous burden. But, as my family, friends and supporters constantly reminded me, people need to know about what’s going on in their community now more than ever. 

It seems like a disturbingly growing number of folks are mired in daily political and philosophical debates on social media while people who live right down the street from us are doing amazing things. Ordinances are passed within driving or walking distance of our front doors and nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to meet the needs of people we know and interact with daily. 

Here in the Swannanoa Valley, it’s been my sincere honor these last seven years to meet so many local people who dedicate themselves to making the world around them a better place and tell their stories. 

The virtual world, with its binary narratives and dueling comment sections, can often make the physical world seem a little gloomier than it is. And, this year we’ve all spent much more time in it thanks to COVID-19.

So when I set out in a pandemic-stricken world to report for The Valley Echo, I was unsure what to expect, but I wanted to produce stories that helped people who were isolated feel connected to the community. I talked to local business owners, many of whom found creative and brilliant ways to survive while the economy came to an abrupt halt. Local nonprofits scrambled to meet growing demands for services, and I wanted readers to know about that, too. 

I quickly found that while so many people were quarantining in their homes, the Swannanoa Valley was humming along, although at a different pace. I talked to people in the community who acknowledged feeling the same unease I was feeling, but who refused to let the seemingly dark times keep them from pursuing their respective missions right here at home. I was, as I have been so many times in my 14 years living here, inspired by this community. Not only did the people here refuse to give into the fear we all experienced, many of them emphasized to me the importance of The Valley Echo and its mission.

A socially distanced parade for the Owen High School class of 2020, organized by the community in June of 2020, was one of many examples of how life in the Swannanoa Valley changed during the pandemic. Photo by Fred McCormick

My vision for this community news website was simple: make timely, accurate local news free and accessible.

That’s not an act of pure benevolence, it’s what I perceive to be a vital service to the community we all love. However, to do that, I needed support from local businesses who shared that vision. The roughly 250 hyper-local stories published on The Valley Echo in its first year would not have been possible without the advertisers you see on the website. Many have been with us since the inception of the website, and others have joined during a global pandemic. It is my belief that these supporters are investing in an informed and connected community. If you agree, and enjoy free access to local coverage, thank them when you see them. 

Snow falls on an empty parking lot at Black Mountain Brewing where a mural of Roberta Flack was installed in the summer of 2020. Photo by Fred McCormick

With their backing, The Valley Echo has been able to produce tens of thousands of words covering last year’s local general election, important information about town government, stories about inspirational mural projects in Black Mountain and Old Fort and in-depth features on the fascinating and sometimes complicated history of the community. We’ve covered community fundraisers like Deck the Trees, initiatives addressing food insecurity, a tropical storm and a socially distanced parade for the Owen High School class of 2020 organized by members of the community.

Speaking of Owen, this year I saw student-athletes I’ve watched work incredibly hard in their respective sports since middle school face the possibility that they may not compete as seniors. Fortunately, many of those athletes have returned to action, wearing masks and in front of limited crowds. The Valley Echo is proud to bring exposure to student-athletes from Owen, Asheville Christian Academy, Warren Wilson and Montreat Colleges through our sports coverage.

While 2020 was a year I could have never imagined, I’m thrilled to say that with the support of local readers and advertisers The Valley Echo is poised for a strong 2021. That starts with the launch of our newsletter: The Valley Review presented by Foothills Local Meats.

This publication will regularly deliver local coverage from The Valley Echo straight to the inbox of subscribers for no charge. The Valley Review will bring you the top stories, photos and other community content from “your online source for community news.” The newsletter is a convenient way to stay informed, and it’s made possible through the support of Foothills, one of the many businesses that help make the Swannanoa Valley an incredible place to call home. 

Another common question I’ve heard in the first year of The Valley Echo is from readers asking how they can support it. The answer to that is easy: read it, share it, and tell other people who care about the Swannanoa Valley to do the same and thank our advertisers. 

As we celebrate one year of keeping news local, The Valley Echo wants you to have the opportunity to experience some of the best of what your community has to offer. With the support of our sponsors, Greybeard Rentals, Black Mountain Brewing, Black Mountain Kitchen + Ale House, SMOKE Black Mountain, WNC Outdoor Collective, BlackMTN Adventure Apparel, Foothills and BAD Craft, we will offer our social media followers a chance to win some pretty amazing prizes. 

I wish I could tell you what they are, but you’ll have to keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages beginning Monday, March 15 - Friday, March 19. If you, like me, are a fan of the creative and innovative businesses that proudly call the Swannanoa Valley home, then you will want to follow the instructions on each daily post and enter. 

What I can tell you is that news in the Valley isn’t slowing down. In fact, according to the first few pages of The Valley Echo, things have been pretty busy around here lately. I can also tell you that I still wake up most days and can’t believe I get to live here, and report on the people and events that matter to this community. 

Thank you all for that, and for the kindness and support so many of you have shown me and The Valley Echo throughout 365 days that were scary at times, but ultimately reinforced why there is no place I’d rather be.

What a year it has been.