Letter from M7 President, Joe Lasher

Team,

We are all saddened by the loss of our historic Barn at Claxton Farm. As you may or may not know, M7 Event Solutions was essentially formed on that Flat Top lawn in front of that old barn in February of 1996 when Martha Ann Claxton and I met to discuss possibilities. Over the last 14 years, we’ve grown into the company that we are today. The barn evolved with our company over the years with the addition of lights, then restrooms, then stage and bar area modifications. After that came beverage equipment, refrigeration equipment and more storage. A new roof was added and more electricity to accommodate the growing demand. We modified and modified the old barn, always trying to keep the rustic simplicity and charm. It is tragic to lose all of the history and effort that went into making the barn what it was in the end.

I was out of town when the fire occurred Monday evening and cut my trip short. As I drove across NC, I thought of all the personal events that have happened for me in that old barn. My son’s first birthday party; my grandparents 50th anniversary; my sister’s wedding; my tenth anniversary celebration; and countless other personal moments. I did not know what emotions would flow when I saw the charred remains of the building. As I rounded the curve and turned into the gravel drive leading up the barn site, my spirits were lifted. Yes, the barn was gone, but the view and setting were more clear and more majestic than I’d ever seen. I realized that I was experiencing Claxton Farm like I did the FIRST time I met Martha Ann in the winter of 1996. My heart and mind were flooded with possibility!

Shortly after I arrived at the site and had spoken with the investigators, I moved to the side of the Flat Top to reflect on the situation. Porter Claxton drove up and exited his vehicle. We met on the Flat Top lawn like we have 1000 times before, but in this new setting. His first comment was “Joe, this has opportunity written all over it”. He doesn’t know it, but he got the words out before I could.

Folks, I want you to know that the plan is DEFINITELY to regroup and rebuild. And, although the old barn is a tragic loss, we have the opportunity to recreate all that was GREAT about the barn….the charm and simplicity of design….and put it into a fully functional event venue that will allow us to introduce even more people to our mountains and the majesty of Claxton Farm through events held well into the future. We are meeting and discussing this immediately and regularly and will continue to do so until the plans are in place and construction has begun.

Please forward this letter to all past, present and future Claxton Farm Clients. They need to know that we have set up a BLOG at www.claxtonfarm.blogspot.com that they can visit for updates and to share their comments and stories. I strongly encourage anyone that is considering their event at Claxton Farm in 2010 to go forward with securing their date now. Plans will be unveiled over the coming weeks. If they are dissatisfied with the direction we are going, then deposits will be refunded. I truly believe that we are taking a huge step to reassure the community and our industry partners that Claxton Farm will REMAIN a premier event destination long into the future.

Thank you so much for your work and efforts during this time!

With much appreciation,

Joe


Joe Lasher, President
M7 Event Solutions & Catering