Each year, the RiverLink board of directors honors businesses in and around the French Broad River watershed that have made significant contributions to its rebirth as a destination where everyone is invited to live, work and play.

RiverLink in past years has honored Jolene Mechanic and the Phil Mechanic Studios for bringing diverse programs and vibrancy to the river, and also John Payne for his incredible sculptures. The Clingman Café and 12 Bones have both been recipients for pioneering great food along the urban riverfront. James Green, owner of Green’s Mini-Mart and AVL Technologies, a high-tech satellite manufacturing giant, have each been honored as important RiverBusinesses.

This year RiverLink is delighted to honor Silverline Plastic, The Pink Dog Creative Studios, and the Wedge Brewery. Silverline Plastics has been doing business along the French Broad River for several generations. Ricky Silver, the president and CEO of Silverline, has served on the RiverLink board of directors and is the current chair of the newly formed River Commission. Silverline will donate conservation easements along its property in the riparian corridor for the establishment of a greenway. This is the first step in establishing a Wilma Dykeman extension of the greenway into Woodfin that reaches all the way to Madison County. Silverline‘s donation is a giant step toward implementation of this ambitious plan.

Pink Dog Creative Studios on Depot Street is the brainchild of Randy Schull and Hedy Fisher, two longtime Asheville artists, entrepreneurs, and activists. Randy is an architect, artist, and sculptor who has transformed old manufacturing space into artist studios, a new restaurant, and a theater.

Tim Schaller and the Wedge Brewery was also honored. In a town full of amazing microbreweries, the Wedge has distinguished itself as a destination to gather, watch movies, eat peanuts, and visit the river.

RiverLink is pleased to honor these ‘voices’ of the River—a manufacturer, a developer, and a microbrewery—who have helped revive the river and who have made it their home. The winners will be honored at RiverLink’s annual dinner in February (check the website for details, riverlink.org). Fortunately, we can all enjoy their contributions every day.

Karen Cragnolin is the executive director of RiverLink, a regional nonprofit organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to work, live and play. For more information visit riverlink.org or call 828.252.8474, ext. 16.