Today North Carolina Senate Majority Whip and Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee Rick Gunn announced the appointment of Asheville businesswoman Amy Allison as the next director of the N.C. Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. Allison will be focused on identifying and recruiting companies interested in relocating to North Carolina or expanding into the state, as well as focusing on collaboration among the state’s existing attractions and outdoor brands and communities.
Working as part of the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC), Allison will be fully dedicated to growing the state’s outdoor recreation industry, which already employs 260,000 people and generates $28 billion annually in consumer spending in North Carolina.
“I’m thrilled to continue to support this economic engine for our state,” states N.C. Senator Gunn. “North Carolina is primed to see continued economic growth in the outdoor industry, and with Amy at the helm and groups like the NC OREC Coalition, Outdoor Gear Builders and Waypoint Accelerator, among others, we have the right momentum and support to make it happen.”
Among Allison’s credentials, including posts at Leave No Trace and as a wilderness guide, she is the co-founder and board chairwoman of the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, and sits on the advisory council of the Growing Outdoors Partnership.
“We’re thrilled to have Amy in this role,” said Christopher Chung, chief executive officer of the EDPNC. “She has years of public relations and marketing experience in the state’s outdoor recreation industry, developing both domestic and international strategies. Her participation and leadership in organizations committed to growing the industry, including the Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina, means she is well-connected and able to rally the partnerships that will be needed to support her success.”
“Amy has a unique set of experiences and a deep perspective of the outdoor industry,” said Sarah Wood, Board Chairwoman of N.C. OREC Coalition and operations director at Industry Nine Componentry. “She not only brings the perspective of leading a North Carolina outdoor brand, she has a deep industry network across the country and understands the work it takes to build partnerships and the power of collaboration. The N.C. OREC Coalition stands ready to fully support Amy in her work ahead.”
“Outdoor industry plays a huge part in North Carolina’s economy,” says Allison, “Our state’s natural assets provide the foundation for a healthy outdoor economy and help cultivate a way of life that makes North Carolina attractive to new and expanding outdoor companies. I’m excited to jump into this role to begin working with the many partners involved in our state’s outdoor industry and to continue to grow and maintain a successful outdoor recreation economy in North Carolina.”
