Home | About Us | Golden LEAF's Work | Western Region

Western Region

Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the western region of North Carolina welcomes tourists from around the world. With light snow in the winter, gorgeous autumn leaves in the fall, and mild weather in the spring and summer, this region captures the glory of every season and captivates every visitor.

Western North Carolina offers a range of economic opportunities, and by using Golden LEAF grants to invest in resources such as broadband connectivity and a diversified workforce, the region has seen successes in the areas of advanced manufacturing, new agricultural opportunities, food ventures, entrepreneurship, film, and tourism. However, some of the challenges facing this region are the high price of land, the changing labor market due to baby boomers reaching retirement age, and infrastructure improvements.

With eco-endeavors becoming economically promising, Western North Carolina has developed the Green Economy Initiative, which is a part of a five-year vision plan. It lays out several environment-related enterprises including attracting solar energy companies, restoring brownfield sites, and focusing on the Bent Creek Institute and natural sciences.

“Rutherford County has focused on broadband as an essential service for its new economy, and Golden LEAF funds have assisted in providing broadband to the county schools, and to all the county’s emergency service locations.” - John Condrey, County Manager, Rutherford County, N.C.