FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Allison – MADE X MTNS Partnership Director
amy@madexmtns.com
(828) 253-2834 x42

 

 

MADE X MTNS Launches “Made by Mountains, Loved By Locals” Campaign to Showcase Western North Carolina Outdoor Gear Companies and Retailers

Collaborative campaign spotlights makers and sellers of outdoor gear, and features outdoor recreation across the Western North Carolina region.

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WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA (April 11, 2024) – The MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is excited to launch a groundbreaking regional brand awareness campaign, “Made by Mountains, Loved by Locals,” to highlight the multitude of local gear brands that call Western North Carolina home. The campaign will amplify the collective voice of our vibrant outdoor community and shine a spotlight on the incredible local outdoor gear makers and the gear shops that make our region thrive. 

“The ‘Made by Mountains, Loved by Locals’ campaign celebrates the quality and unique identity of local WNC gear brands, and the interconnectedness and support among them,” says MADE X MTNS Partnership Director, Amy Allison. “It isn’t just about showcasing products; it’s about fostering community, driving business growth, and amplifying brand awareness. Together, we’re sharing stories, supporting local economies, and inviting adventurers to discover the natural beauty of our mountains.

”The MADE X MTNS team has partnered with Asheville-based creative firm, The Uproar Concept, LLC, to bring the campaign to life in a stunning collection of studio and lifestyle imagery. These assets celebrate the creative and authentic stories of WNC’s outdoor companies and highlight the unique terrain and culture that makes Western North Carolina the Outdoor Hub of the East.

The MADE X MTNS Partnership is excited to launch this creative campaign online and with regional retailers including Second Gear, Headwaters Outfitters, Bryson City Outdoors, and REI Asheville, as well as tourism hubs including the Asheville Visitors Center.

“As a locally owned store celebrating 20 years in business, we know first-hand how important cultivating a community is! We’re incredibly grateful for organizations like MADE X MTNS that help to build and support the thriving outdoor community here in WNC, and we’re so lucky to live in a naturally beautiful place like Western North Carolina that offers such an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities,” says Second Gear Marketing Manager, Jesse Goldman.

From innovative designs crafted with passion and purpose to unwavering commitment to sustainability, these brands embody the spirit of the WNC mountains. Look for participating brands including ENO, SylvanSport, Cognative MTB, Pirani, Tentrax, Cane Creek Cycling Components, Fifth Element Camping, Cactus to Pine Goods, Rockgeist Bikepack USA, Tsuga, and many more.

 

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About MADE X MTNS Partnership

The MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, driving outdoor industry growth, and empowering regional storytelling. For more information, visit madexmtns.com or @madexmtns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Allison – MADE X MTNS Partnership Director
amy@madexmtns.com
(828) 253-2834 x42

Outdoor recreation remains a powerful economic driver across North Carolina, according to U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Sixth year of economic data shows outdoor industry provides job growth, builds healthy communities, and supports the economy at the state and national levels.

NORTH CAROLINA (November 21, 2023) – The United States Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released its most current economic data, measuring outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy in 2022. Despite continuing inflation, workforce, and global supply chains and climate challenges, North Carolina’s outdoor recreation economy remains a powerful state driver, ranking 11th in the nation. This year’s report shows that, by BEA measured metrics, outdoor recreation generates $14.6 billion in value added for North Carolina, accounts for 2% of the state’s economy, and 2.9% of employment, or over 146,000 jobs.  

“The latest data highlights that outdoor recreation and its supporting industries have an unwavering impact as an economic powerhouse in North Carolina,” said Amy Allison, director of the MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership. “By championing strategic investments in public lands and infrastructure, fostering outdoor-driven communities, and providing support for the innovative endeavors of outdoor recreation businesses and entrepreneurs, we continue to bolster our region’s economy, while also laying the foundation for a thriving and resilient future.” 

At a national level, these new numbers show outdoor recreation generates $1.08 trillion in gross economic output, accounts for 3.2% of U.S. wage and salary employment, and accounts for 4.98 million jobs. This means the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than mining, utilities, farming and ranching, and chemical products manufacturing.(ORR Website) 

North Carolina has maintained its year-over-year strength in core outdoor recreation sectors, supported by an interconnected network of land management, economic development, entrepreneurial support, business alliances, conservation, tourism, user group advocacy and more. As access, opportunities, investment in greater equity and statewide outdoor investment have expanded, so have many outdoor recreational activities in their economic impact and participation.

“The MADE X MTNS Partnership remains dedicated to fostering the sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation economy, ensuring it stands as a cornerstone of Western North Carolina’s economic prosperity,” said Amy Allison. “We will also continue to recognize the pivotal role of equity in ensuring widespread access to outdoor opportunities, a key factor in advancing entrepreneurship, driving workforce development, and cultivating dynamic and inclusive outdoor recreation communities.”

The coordinated efforts of the MADE X MTNS Partnership, Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC, NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, NC Outdoor Recreation Coalition, Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Dogwood Health Trust further fortify North Carolina’s strong national standing in the outdoor economy. 

The recent data shows that, in 2022:

• • • • North Carolina remains ranked 11th among all states in regards to outdoor recreation’s value-added economic impact. 
      • North Carolina remains ranked 9th among all states in employment (2.9%).
      • North Carolina is ranked 11th in outdoor recreation employee compensation.

The consistency of these annual reports signals a clear return on investing in our natural spaces, public health, and fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, small business growth, and workforce quality of life. Communities across North Carolina are leaning on their outdoor assets as means to attract new businesses and workforce talent, increase quality of life for residents and be sustainable tourism drivers.

This is the sixth consecutive year of data on this critical industry sector and our first look at the sustainability of the outdoor industry in a post-pandemic economy. It clearly remains a national economic pillar and a consistent job creator worthy of continued investment. 

See the full national and state report, and visit madexmtns.com for more information about MADE X MTNS’s mission to grow the outdoor economy and catalyze rural development across Western North Carolina.

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About MADE X MTNS Partnership

The MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, driving outdoor industry growth, and empowering regional storytelling. For more information, visit madexmtns.com or @madexmtns

Download Full Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joanna Brown
joanna@mountainbizworks.org
(828) 253-2834 x32

MADE X MTNS Announces its 2023 Outdoor Gift Guide

Online directory makes it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to support local brands and gift local gear and experiences this holiday season.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA (November 15, 2023) –  MADE X MTNS has made gift shopping for all your outdoor enthusiast family and friends easy this Holiday season with the Outdoor Gift Guide, an online directory that features local outdoor gear and apparel, outside experiences, holiday sales, retail shops, and nonprofit gift donations and memberships.

Featuring local outdoor businesses and organizations, including Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC members, the guide is designed to help shoppers explore the many outdoor brands born in Western North Carolina, find perfect gifts for family and friends, and enjoy special holiday promotions and sales, while helping grow the local outdoor economy in these mountains.

“This gift guide is a great resource for helping connect consumers with our local outdoor brands and nonprofit partners. We are fortunate to have one of the highest concentrations of outdoor gear manufacturers, retailers, and experience providers in the country, right in our backyard,” says Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC Executive Director, Matt Godfrey. “This guide is a great trail map to help you find the perfect WNC gift for your outdoor-loving friends and family!”

More than ever, it is vital to shop with small companies where every purchase makes a huge difference. MADE X MTNS invites you to celebrate our local outdoor industry businesses this Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and throughout the Holiday Season. As a bonus, many of WNC’s local outdoor brands give back to various conservation and outdoor access efforts around Western North Carolina, on Giving Tuesday, and year-round. Visit the WNC Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide at madexmtns.com/giftguide and follow @madexmtns on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.

 

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About the MADE X MTNS Partnership

The MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, growing outdoor businesses, and amplifying outdoor culture. For more information, visit madexmtns.com or @madexmtns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joanna Brown
joanna@mountainbizworks.org
(828) 253-2834 x32

MADE X MTNS Releases 2022 WNC Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide

New website encourages outdoor enthusiasts to support local outdoor industry brands and buy local outdoor products and experiences this Holiday season.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA (November 22, 2022) – The MADE X MTNS Partnership has made gift shopping for all your outdoor enthusiast family and friends easy this Holiday season, with its WNC Outdoor Gift Guide, a gift guide website featuring local outdoor gear and apparel, “trail fuel” (food & beverages), outside experiences, and storewide brand deals.

Featuring Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC member companies, the guide is designed to help shoppers explore the many outdoor brands born in Western North Carolina, find perfect gifts for family and friends, and enjoy special holiday promotions and sales, while helping grow the local outdoor economy in these mountains.

“We all know how important it is to support local businesses year round, and particularly heading into the winter season. This guide is a fun and exciting tool to explore what gear is available for hikers, campers, bikers, paddlers, anglers, hunters, and more, right here in Western North Carolina, as well as local guiding companies that are ready to take you on adventures to make precious memories in these mountains. You might even be surprised to discover companies you didn’t realize are right here in your backyard!” says Outdoor Gear Builders Board Chair, Anna Rawlins.

MADE X MTNS wants you to celebrate and support local outdoor companies on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Plus, many of these local companies will use Giving Tuesday to give back to various conservation and outdoor access efforts around Western North Carolina. Visit the WNC Outdoor Holiday Gift Guide at madexmtns.com/gift-guide and follow @madexmtns on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.

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About WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership

The WNC: MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, driving outdoor industry growth, and empowering regional storytelling. For more information, visit madexmtns.com or @madexmtns

About the Outdoor Gear Builders
The Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC are Western North Carolina-based companies collaborating to share talents, encourage new ideas and inspire each other. The OGB believes that outdoor-focused businesses should support one another, for the good of our economy, environment, and sanity! OGB provides the support network and resources to help its members thrive. Learn more at the OGB website.

Download Full Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Allison
amy@mountainbizworks.org
(828) 253-2834 x42

Outdoor recreation remains a strong economic driver in North Carolina, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Fifth consecutive year of economic data shows outdoor industry provides job growth, builds healthy communities, and supports the economy at the state and national levels.

NORTH CAROLINA (November 10, 2022) – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) has released economic data for 2021 demonstrating outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy. Despite less than ideal conditions surrounding inflation, workforce, and global supply chains, North Carolina’s outdoor recreation economy showed strong growth in 2021, with a 22.6% increase in total outdoor recreation spending that outpaced the national average of 21.7%, according to the BEA Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account. This year’s report shows that, by BEA measured metrics, outdoor recreation creates $11.8 billion in value added for North Carolina, accounts for 1.8% of its GDP, and supports over 130,000 jobs.

“This new data shows that the outdoor recreation sector continues to be a powerful economic force in North Carolina,” said Amy Allison, director of the MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership. “By investing in public lands and infrastructure, building outdoor-centric communities, and supporting outdoor recreation businesses and entrepreneurs, we continue to advance North Carolina’s status as the Outdoor Industry Capital of the East!”

At a national level, these new numbers show outdoor recreation generates $862 billion in economic output, comprises 3% of U.S. employees and creates 4.5 million jobs. This means the outdoor recreation economy contributes more to the U.S. economy than farming, oil and gas extraction, mining, and utilities. (ORR Website)

North Carolina has continued to see year-over-year gains in core outdoor recreation sectors, supported by an interconnected network of land management, economic development, entrepreneurial support, business alliances, conservation, tourism, user group advocacy and more. Cycling, boating and fishing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking and camping, hunting, shooting and trapping, and other outdoor recreational activities have all seen consistent year-over-year growth in economic impact and participation. This includes impressive gains from 2020 to 2021 as access, opportunities, and statewide outdoor investment have expanded.

“The MADE X MTNS Partnership will continue to work to support the growth of the outdoor recreation economy so that the outdoor sector remains a pillar of the region’s economic prosperity,” said Amy Allison. “Access to public lands is fundamental for economic vitality, as well as communities’ and residents’ health and wellness. Outdoor recreation continues to be a driving force for entrepreneurship, workforce development, talent retention and recruitment, and the cultivation of thriving outdoor recreation communities.”

The coordinated efforts of the MADE X MTNS Partnership, Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, NC Outdoor Recreation Coalition, Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Dogwood Health Trust further fortify North Carolina’s strong national standing in the outdoor economy.

The recent data shows that, in 2021:

• North Carolina ranked 11th among all states in regards to outdoor recreation’s value-added economic impact.
• North Carolina ranked 9th among all states on employment growth, out-pacing national averages (13.8% vs national average of 13%).
• North Carolina out-paced national averages on compensation (17.2% annual growth, totaling $5.9 billion, vs. national increase of 16.2%).

At the state level, these consistently positive annual reports display the return on investing in our natural spaces, public health, and fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship, small business growth, and workforce quality of life. Communities across North Carolina are benefiting from access to the outdoors, and are, in turn, encouraging new business starts and/or recruitments, becoming economic and job creation drivers.

This is the fifth consecutive year that BEA has released government data on this critical industry sector. This year’s report shows how the outdoor industry, which played a vital economic and social role throughout the pandemic, has since sustained strong growth and has continued to bolster local economies. The outdoor recreation economy remains a national economic pillar and a consistent job creator worthy of continued investment.

See the full national and state report, and visit madexmtns.com for more information about our mission to grow the outdoor economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region.

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About WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership
The WNC: MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, driving outdoor industry growth, and empowering regional storytelling. The Partnership includes Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, Mountain BizWorks, and the NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, as well as numerous stakeholders including regional universities, rural communities, economic development, and conservation organizations. With support from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Dogwood Health Trust, the WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership celebrates, supports, and builds a stronger sense of pride around our region, our people, and the extraordinary outdoor recreation industry and culture that these mountains have made. For more information, visit madexmtns.com or @madexmtns

Download Full Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joanna Brown
joanna@mountainbizworks.org
(828) 253-2834 x32

WNC: MADE X MTNS Launches Innovative Building Outdoor Communities Program

Launch Event & Workshop welcomes over 100 attendees representing 22 counties and Qualla Boundary.

ASHEVILLE, NC (September 21, 2022) – The WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership officially launched the Building Outdoor Communities Program (BOC) on September 19-20, welcoming over 100 attendees for an introduction to this 2-year outdoor community economic development initiative. This place-based program will be focused on capacity building, technical assistance, training, connectivity, and education for communities seeking to advance their outdoor economy goals.

“It was an incredible celebration to host a diversity of stakeholders from across Western North Carolina in the same room to envision opportunities and strategies for thriving outdoor communities,” said Building Outdoor Communities Specialist, Bradley Spiegel.

Participants in this 2-day launch included community leaders, regional councils of government, economic developers, tourism professionals, land managers, user groups, academics, planners, public health organizations and more, all working together to grow Western North Carolina’s outdoor recreation economy.

Pisgah National Forest District Ranger, Jennifer Barnhardt, reflected: “Counties and land managers like the U.S. Forest Service can proactively collaborate, strengthen relationships, and further discuss the importance, uniqueness and value of WNC counties and communities that are intertwined by the National Forest lands. I am very grateful to be at the table and I want to highlight there is plenty of room for others as this program progresses,” she adds.

Vital partners in this work are Appalachian State University’s Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis, six regional Councils of Government, and West Virginia University’s Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. Teams will embark on a 7-month deep dive into data collection with community cohorts from September 2022 through August 2024 to strategically assess and prioritize outdoor infrastructure and economic development goals, forge pathways to implementation, and create an outdoor economic impact toolkit, so community leaders can be equipped with data to leverage future project investments.

“The presentations and site visits sparked some great discussions and ideas on how to grow the outdoor recreation economy in our region. The high level of energy in the room confirmed the value and timing of this work,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation North Carolina Development Director, George Ivey.

Communities that successfully participate will gain the crucial user data needed to advance their outdoor recreation planning goals and will be eligible for technical assistance funds through a matching grant program to advance their top priorities.

To stay in-the-know about program updates, key events, and major milestones, join the Building Outdoor Communities mailing list.

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About WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership
The WNC: MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, driving outdoor industry growth, and empowering regional storytelling. The Partnership includes Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, Mountain BizWorks, and the NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, as well as numerous stakeholders including regional universities, rural communities, economic development, and conservation organizations. With support from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Dogwood Health Trust, the WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership celebrates, supports, and builds a stronger sense of pride around our region, our people, and the extraordinary outdoor recreation industry and culture that these mountains have made. For more information, visit madexmtns.com or @madexmtns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lilley Euges
lilley@mountainbizworks.org
(828) 253-2834 x16

Mountain BizWorks Announces a New Series of Education Opportunities for Outdoor Business Entrepreneurs

Foundations for Outdoor Businesses and Waypoint Accelerator aim to support outdoor businesses from start to growth.

ASHEVILLE, NC (July 21, 2022) – Mountain BizWorks is announcing a call for outdoor entrepreneurs to enroll in its Foundations for Outdoor Businesses and Waypoint Accelerator programs. These courses are designed to support entrepreneurs and businesses in the ideation and growth phases respectively. While the wildly popular and competitive Waypoint Accelerator’s application is open for its fourth cohort, Foundations for Outdoor businesses will welcome its first cohort on a first come, first-served basis with no prerequisites.

There is no surprise that outdoor entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina are in need of custom-tailored business resources. Boasting a greater density of outdoor focused companies than anywhere else on the east coast, Western North Carolina serves as the perfect launching point for any outdoor entrepreneur interested in capitalizing on the growth potential of the outdoor industry.

“It became very obvious that the demand for outdoor industry-specific business classes is overwhelming,” said Matt Godfrey, lead facilitator for Foundations for Outdoor Businesses and the Waypoint Accelerator. “By offering courses that are designed for beginning and growing businesses, we feel that we can adequately support our outdoor industry and continue to solidify WNC as the outdoor industry hub of the east coast.”

The Waypoint Accelerator is the first program of its kind east of the Rockies, and is facilitated through a partnership between Mountain BizWorks, the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), and the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC. It is designed for businesses that have already launched, and are planning for their next phase of growth. This 12 session intensive program provides cohort members the unique ability to be embedded in a strong network of mentors and peers that can help refine their business model, provide critical feedback, and offer guidance toward their next waypoint for growth.

Conversely, Foundations for Outdoor Businesses provides entrepreneurs with the critical framework and support needed to successfully launch their new ventures. Cohort members will work alongside one another to build business plans, gain an understanding of finances and accounting, and set goals to get their businesses off of the ground. The course material has been adapted from Mountain BizWorks’ renowned Foundations for Business Planning course, which has supported over 10,000 entrepreneurs over the past two decades.

Interested outdoor companies can apply to Waypoint until October 6, with a live Info Session and Q&A set to take place on August 26 from 12 – 1pm. Registrations for Foundations for Outdoor Business will be open until the class starts on September 7.

Full program details and the online applications are available at mountainbizworks.org/outdoors.

Foundations for Outdoor Businesses Waypoint Information Session

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bradley Spiegel
bradley@mountainbizworks.org
(828) 253-2834 x33

First of its Kind “Building Outdoor Communities” Economic Development Program Launches in Western North Carolina

WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership launches transformative program to support communities across 25 counties in developing their outdoor economies.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, NC (July 12, 2022) – The WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership is launching a new outdoor-driven community economic development initiative, Building Outdoor Communities (BOC), spanning 25 Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary. Building Outdoor Communities focuses on capacity building, technical assistance, training, connectivity, and education for communities seeking to advance their outdoor economy goals. The program begins with a community open house series in August, and will formally launch with a workshop in Boone, NC on September 19-20, 2022. Program applications open Tuesday, July 12th and will close on Friday, August 26th. The schedule of events, application details, and event registration are all available on the MADE X MTNS Building Outdoor Communities webpage.

The WNC: MADE X MTNS Building Outdoor Communities Program is funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) initiative, with support from Mountain BizWorks and the Dogwood Health Trust, as well as numerous regional stakeholders.

“Overwhelmingly, rural community leaders see the value and importance of leveraging and caring for their outdoor assets. This program will provide them with targeted assistance to assess, analyze, and prioritize outdoor infrastructure investments, grow their outdoor economies, and truly take WNC to the next level as the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East,” says Noah Wilson, Mountain BizWorks’ Director of Sector Development.

In partnership with Appalachian State University’s Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis, six regional Councils of Government, and West Virginia University’s Brad & Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, the Building Outdoor Communities program team will coordinate with local Community Working Groups to strategically assess and prioritize outdoor infrastructure and economic development goals and forge pathways to implementation. The team will create an outdoor economic impact toolkit, so community leaders can be equipped with data to leverage future project investments. Community Working Groups that successfully complete the capacity building portion of the program are eligible for technical assistance funds to advance their community’s top priorities.

“The NC Appalachian Regional Commission program is excited by the potential of this initiative to create investment-ready outdoor infrastructure projects that can catalyze greater talent attraction and economic development opportunities across the region,” says Olivia Collier, NC ARC Program Director.

The September 19-20 program Launch Event & Workshop is open to WNC stakeholders seeking to engage within Community Working Groups throughout the duration of the program. To stay in-the-know about program updates, key events, and major milestones, join the Building Outdoor Communities mailing list.

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About WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership
The WNC: MADE X MTNS (Made By Mountains) Partnership is working to expand the outdoor industry and economy across North Carolina’s Appalachian region and catalyze rural development by building vibrant outdoor communities, driving outdoor industry growth, and empowering regional storytelling. The Partnership includes Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, Mountain BizWorks, and the NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, as well as numerous stakeholders including regional universities, rural communities, economic development, and conservation organizations. With support from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Dogwood Health Trust, the WNC: MADE X MTNS Partnership celebrates, supports, and builds a stronger sense of pride around our region, our people, and the extraordinary outdoor recreation industry and culture that these mountains have made. For more information, visit madexmtns.com or @madexmtns on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Building Outdoor Communities Program Page Building Outdoor Communities Program Details & FAQ Building Outdoor Communities Application Register for WNC Open House Events Register for Launch Event & Workshop