Watauga Opportunities Receives Boone Chamber 2020 Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development

Watauga Opportunities, Inc produces a variety of products within three manufacturing divisions: medical devices, custom plastic thermoforming, and packaging/ subassembly. They also serve as a non-profit community rehabilitation program providing vocational training, job placement, employment opportunities, community opportunities and residential services to adults who have barriers to employment and community inclusion.

With dedicated space to assemble test tubes and other equipment for the medical industry, the Boone-based organization has become a major contributor to the nation’s much needed COVID-19 test kit supply.

Working with Sarstedt, Inc out of Spartanburg, Watauga Opportunities, Inc received an initial order in March to assemble 750,000 collection sample vials for use in COVID-19 test kits. Just one month later, Sarstedt returned to order 1 million vials. As demand continued to increase, Watauga Opportunities began to hire staff at a time where many other industries were forced to shed workforce.

Now with a standing order for nearly 2 million vials per month, Watauga Opportunities, Inc completes a significant step in the supply chain that provides COVID-19 test kits to the Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, and North Carolina-based Lab Corp. In early December, the staff in Boone passed the 10 million mark of vials assembled.

In addition to their enhanced manufacturing work, Watauga Opportunities continues to offer a wide array of vocational services for people with disabilities in a variety of virtual and in-person settings. Their Pre-Employment Training Services reach students in 25 high schools from Asheville to Sparta, providing students virtual job training and other curriculum to prepare them for life after high school.
WOI staff have partnered with some businesses to provide socially-distanced work plans to allow for in-person employment to continue, or have provided alternate programming in a virtual setting to continue to distribute their vocational services. Close to 750 Watauga Opportunities clients are served by the agency annually.

The Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development recognizes individuals and/or organizations who have worked for the orderly growth and development of Boone and Watauga County. Adams served as a local banker and provided an influence on many Chamber committees in the organization’s formative years. This award is sponsored annually by Wells Fargo.

"I must say, that the partnership we have enjoyed with your organization has been truly that, a partnership. In every way, we have felt that anytime we have needed to introduce a new product or improve an existing product which you produce for us, the reception and assistance has been spectacular."
~ Joseph Miller, COO - Cheap Joe's Art Stuff

"Our daughter Beth has had the opportunity to participate in a number of special needs workshops. Without question, she has enjoyed her experiences at Watauga Opportunities more than any other. While most of us do not look forward to returning to work on Monday mornings, she can't wait! Her enthusiasm is due entirely to the encouraging, supportive environment that is demonstrated by each staff member." ~ Michael & Cindy Haworth

"I continue to see wonderful relationships evolve and students receive guided attention toward their next steps in life. I firmly believe this program (Pre-ETS) is life changing in many aspects."
~ Kevin Huskins, Principal - Mountain Heritage High School

"Pre-ETS has given hope to my students that they will be able to find employment and be productive citizens."
~ Peggy Starnes, Exceptional Children Teacher - South Caldwell High School

"(Students) have been able to reflect on their post-secondary plans and make realistic goals. I hope that this partnership can continue to benefit our students and prepare them for life after high school."
~ Hannah Massey, Exceptional Children Teacher - Watauga High School

"The Pre-ETS program is a great asset to our school and students. Parents are also very happy that students have a way to explore job interests while in high school."
~ Donna Barnes, EC Teacher - South Caldwell High School

"The Pre-ETS program is a tremendous help to students. Our students are learning the skills they will use to become good employees."
~ Megan McKinney, EC Teacher - Mitchell High School

"Our daughter, Natalie, has participated at Watauga Opportunities for five years and during this time we have been delighted to see substantial improvements in her social and personal skills. The people at Watauga Opportunities are incredibly dedicated, professional, and loving."
~ Rashna & Craig Werner

"Watauga Opportunities and Chris have been a part of Come Back Shack's team for 25 years. Chris works hard, interacts with customers, and is extremely reliable. We know Chris will be a part of our lives forever."
~ Tony Mansoor et al. - Management Team/Come Back Shack

"Michael is always prompt, gives a full hour's work, is eager to learn, asks for additional responsibilities, and above all shares a smile with everyone. I frankly don't know who has benefited more from this relationship...Michael or our gang."
~ Carolyn Fogle - Manager/Cheap Joe's Art Stuff

"ASU has benefited greatly from its relationship with WOI. Their staff have been instrumental in helping identify qualified, motivated, and dedicated individuals - like Joe Eller - who are valued employees working in our Dining Services department."
~ Pat Weaver - Food Services, Appalachian State University