The mission of The Foundation for Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area Businesses is to enhance and ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience in the communities of Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, and the surrounding areas.
Laura served as Executive Director for the Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce for five + years. The communities supported by the Chamber were Bill’s Creek, Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave & Gerton.
Prior to working with the Chamber, Laura spent 25 years in the workforce solutions industry. She held leadership positions for two of the world’s largest staffing corporations working with Global Fortune 500 Corporations.
Laura’s professional strengths include expertise in enterprise sales, business development, project management, operations, finance, and business process improvement. With a strong commitment to “giving back,” Laura has served on numerous boards and has dedicated time and talent to many community-building efforts including Rotary, Collegiate Business Advisory Boards, Performing Arts Centers, and the Chamber of Commerce in several locales.
Laura lives in Lake Lure with her husband of 34 years, Scott Doster. They have a daughter, Taylor Doster, who lives in Nashville, TN. [email protected] (919) 522-7980.
We are actively seeking a new member to the Board of Directors
Christopher Canada is a dedicated and versatile professional with over 14 years of experience in event production, a Service-Disabled Veteran, and a devoted family man.
As the founder of Stagebot® Live LLC, Chris combines his expertise in event-making with a passion for delivering high-quality, memorable experiences. Having studied at Berklee College of Music, and the Monroe Institute, he is deeply passionate about music and acoustic research, constantly exploring how sound and energy can transform and heal.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chris is deeply connected to the Western North Carolina community, forging strong relationships with local industry leaders. He is committed to creating transformative spaces that foster well-being and connection, blending his love for music, innovation, and sustainability. A proud steward of his Lake Lure/Chimney Rock property, Chris is thoughtfully developing it into a space that balances creativity, community, and family values.
Chris's journey is marked by resilience, from his military service to his efforts in rebuilding after a natural disaster. His life reflects a balance of humility, determination, and the desire to leave a positive impact on those around him.
Sunnee Clark, together with her husband, Curt Dennis, bought a vacation rental compound in Lake Lure in 2021. They have been in the vacation rental industry for 16 years. Flipping houses and designing vacation properties in North and South Carolina, while working corporate careers. Their properties were among the first Airbnb betas and launches in Charleston, SC.
After Sunnee’s 20-year corporate careers in marketing and sales with accounts such as Amazon and Lowe’s, she dedicated herself with her husband to operating their Bed Breakfast in Folly Beach, SC. During her time on Folly Beach she volunteered for committees that spanned the private and public sectors. That included, President of the Travel and Visitor’s Promotion Committee, assigned by the City of Folly Beach, where she was responsible for occupancy tax distributions, marketing, and branding to help enhance the visitor experience. She also served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Folly Association of Business, a non-profit with 90 business members. The Association was responsible for raising money through events and festivals, then allocating funds to charities and marketing the community through social media, website, State tourism outlets, and email campaigns.
Sunnee has been involved in multiple union negotiations early on in her career. This experience gave her the basis to never back down and to live with the mantra, “it never hurts to ask and there is a solution to everything”. She has successfully put these words to action in her corporate careers, to include her more recent goal to become a pickleball professional.
Following a 40-year career in State and Federal Law Enforcement that began in Ohio and took her to various posts up and down the east coast. Kathie retired in 2019 from her last assignment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington, DC and settled in Lake Lure.
Kathie is active in the community serving as Vice President of the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge, Chair of the Town’s Lake Advisory Board, and as a member of the Chimney Rock Development Association.
Attention to detail, her “get it done” spirit as well as Kathie’s temperament for rules and governance, makes her critically valuable to the Foundation and the Board.
For 17 years, Michelle called Lake Lure home, raising her children and building her marketing and communications career in the community.
In 2010, she co-founded the Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure, revitalizing the town’s film legacy and attracting thousands of fans from around the world. Therefore, generating years of economic benefit for our local businesses.
Additionally, Michelle served as the publicist for Rutherford County Tourism for seven years, earning millions of media impressions for the towns and businesses of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village. Michelle contributed to the community as a board member for the Lake Lure Olympiad. Raising funds for local nonprofits, and completing two terms as PTO president of Lake Lure Classical Academy.
Michelle’s personal mission is to create opportunities for people to prosper.
Matt is a dedicated advocate for community development, environmental stewardship, and cultural enrichment, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the Lake Lure Foundation Board of Directors. With a professional background in insurance and retail sales, Matt has spent over 21 years contributing to initiatives that foster sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for communities.
As a longtime resident of Lake Lure/Rutherford Co. and an active community member, Matt is deeply committed to preserving the natural beauty and charm of Lake Lure while supporting initiatives that celebrate its rich history and foster vibrant local engagement. He is very excited to help lead fundraising efforts, organizing community events, spearheading the rebuild revitalization of our beautiful communities.
Matt holds a BSBA from Western Carolina University. When not working on Foundation initiatives, Matt enjoys Hornets and Panther games, boating on Lake Lure and volunteering, further connecting with the region he loves.
With a vision for a thriving and resilient Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave & surrounding communities, Matt continues to bring strategic insight and compassionate leadership to the Foundation’s mission; protecting, enriching, and promoting the unique treasures of Lake Lure.
Hurricane Helene left a lasting impact on Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, and Bat Cave. Your donation helps local businesses rebuild and thrive.
Donations can be made to:
The Foundation For Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area Businesses
The mailing address is PO Box 113, Lake Lure NC 28746
Please include your address and/or email so we can send you a donation confirmation letter.
Check-in is typically between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, while check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you need an earlier check-in or a late check-out, please let us know in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Yes, a complimentary breakfast is included with your stay. We offer a variety of freshly prepared options each morning, catering to different dietary preferences. Breakfast is served between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM in our dining area.
Yes, we provide free on-site parking for our guests. Please let us know if you require parking when you book your stay, as spaces are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We understand that pets are part of the family, but unfortunately, we do not allow pets at our Bed and Breakfast to ensure the comfort of all our guests. We recommend nearby pet boarding facilities if you are traveling with your furry friends.
Staying at The Foundation For Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area Businesses was the highlight of our trip! The location was perfect, nestled in a peaceful setting yet close to all the local attractions. The hosts went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Breakfast was a delightful experience each morning, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique and memorable stay!
Our stay at The Foundation For Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Area Businesses was nothing short of perfect! The charming atmosphere, delicious homemade breakfast, and warm hospitality made us feel right at home. The rooms were cozy and beautifully decorated, and we loved the attention to detail in every aspect of our stay. We can't wait to return for another relaxing getaway!
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