One year after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, Asheville-based Earth Fare executives say the storm tested both the company and the community – and revealed the strength of partnerships forged during crises.
Laurie Aker, director of marketing, described the experience as “literally like we were in ‘The Walking Dead.’ There was absolutely no communication.”
Aker, who lives in Asheville, recalled that by the time the storm hit on Friday, Sept. 27, “The power went out, and we saw trees outside of our window – it’s almost like when you watch The Weather Channel, the hurricanes in Florida, those palm trees that lay way back. Just imagine a huge, 200-foot oak tree doing that.”…