(828) 898-5605 info@averycounty.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Economic Development in Avery County

The Avery County Economic Development Council is comprised of nine (9) committee members, our County Manager and a member of the Avery County Board of Commissioners.  We are a diverse group of business specialists consisting of retired corporate executives, current CEO’s & management professionals and entrepreneurs.

Looking to Relocate?

You have found Avery County and done some exploring, and now you might ask yourself…

Why Avery County?
The Avery County Economic Development Advisory Committee works with Avery County Government to encourage and help facilitate the relocation of businesses to and join us in Avery County. Following are some of the great reasons for you to consider a move to Avery County.

Public School and Colleges:

  • Public Schools
    • High performance standards when compared to other state school systems
    • First school system in the nation to provide one-to-one Apple computers to students in grades K-12
    • Avery High School is completing a $21 million renovation
    • Student to teacher ratio average 14-1, K-12 grades
    • Very strong Career and Technology Education
    • Excellent sports facilities
  • Colleges
    • Mayland Community College
      • Source of Workforce Training
      • Small Business Administration Services for development of business plans and evaluation
      • Small Business and Entrepreneur financial support via The MAY Coalition
    • Lees-McRae College
      • Traditional 4-year Liberal Arts College may provide a source for interns for businesses

Health Care Resources

  • Cannon Memorial Hospital
  • Appalachian Regional Healthcare: Full health services with access to specialists in all medical areas
  • Community Care Clinic and Dental Clinic which offer services on a sliding fee scale
  • Avery County Health Clinic (Toe River Health District)
  • Urgent Care Clinics locally rather than having to travel out of county

Chambers of Commerce – work both independently and in collaboration

  • Avery County Chamber of Commerce
  • Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce
  • Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce

Tourism and Seasonal Vacation Area

  • Grandfather Mountain
  • Skiing:
    • Sugar Mountain Ski Resort
    • Beech Mountain Ski Resort
  • Golf:
    • Mountain Glen Golf Club (Private/Public)
    • Sugar Mountain Golf Course (Private/Public)
    • Land Harbor Golf Course (Private/Public)
    • Beech Mountain Golf Club (Private/Public)
    • Elk River Golf Club (Private)
    • Eseeola/Linville Golf Club (Private)
    • Grandfather Golf and Country Club (Private)
    • Linville Ridge Golf Club (Private)
    • Diamond Creek Golf Club (Private)
  • Rafting
  • Mountain Biking
  • Alpine Coaster
  • Pristine native and stocked trout waters
  • Multiple system of Hiking Trails including the most well known of all the Appalachian Trail

Cultural Enrichment

  • Lees-McRae College Summer Theater
  • Lees-McRae College Summer Forum of entertainment programs
  • Historic Banner Elk School Stage Ensemble
  • Weekly Summer Concerts

Restaurants

Avery County provides visitors and residents with food services that range from your familiar fast-food chains, barbecue, casual and ethnic restaurants to Michelin Star restaurants.

County Public Resources and Amenities

  • Public swimming pool in Newland
  • Heritage Park Conference Center
  • Community Garden at Agricultural Extension Service

 

Avery County EDC Resource Directory
Mayland Community College

  • The Small Business Center (SBC) at MCC brings people together to learn, launch, connect and grow. If you’re ready to start a new business or scale an existing venture, the Small Business Center’s programs and services will give you the skills, mindset, and network to succeed. Free and confidential business counseling services are available through the Mayland Small Business Center.  Whether you are thinking about starting a new business or operating an existing business, Mayland SBC counseling services can link you to information and resources to build your business. Sign up for our free confidential counseling and/or classes. For questions or more information, contact Allen Cook via email or (828)766-1295.
    Mayland Community College Small Business Center, Phillips Building: Room 37, Business & Industry Suite, 200 Mayland Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777
  • Industry Training Program – Mayland Community College can offer continuing education and employee training for almost any job imaginable. Through the Customized Training Program, Mayland can assist new or existing industry with pre-employment activities, job-specific processes, continuous improvement, safety, or training in new technology. These services are free to qualifying companies.
    To obtain further information contact Ted Ollis, Industry Training Director, via email or phone: (828) 766-1297.

For Additional Services, Financial Assistance and Support:

  • NC Works Career Center – Services provided: Employee recruitment and for prospective employees all aspects of employment application.
  • Thread Capital, a subsidiary of the NC Rural Center – Along with their statewide network of lending partners, Thread Capital offers financing customized to the needs of you and your business, with loans from $500 to $5 million.They will give you feedback on your business plan, plus provide information about things like the importance of your credit history and the effect it can have on your business.They know how hard it can be starting, sustaining, and growing your own small business. That’s why they can help connect you with resources and networks that exist in your community.
    Contact via email or phone: (919) 212-4950. Address: 4021 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610
  • Mountain BizWorks – provides tailored small business lending to local companies as well as suite of business development classes and one-on-one confidential business coaching. The classes include the flagship Foundations business planning course for startups, ScaleUp course for existing companies with strong growth potential and more.
    For more information contact Chris Grasinger, High Country Regional Manager.
  • The Bootstrapped Business with Brian Hamilton – a podcast dedicated to making business ownership a reality for anyone. A “bootstrapped business” is one that doesn’t require a lot of money, a business plan, or an MBA, but prioritizes getting customers and growing your business.
  • Business Link of North Carolina – Services provided: One-on-one client consultations, customized license & permit information, state & federal forms, contacts for federal, state and local business services, programs & resources, mentoring, financial resources and other small business assistance.
    Contact by phone at 800-228-8443.
  • NC State University. Industry Expansion Solutions – Services provided: Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) is the engineering-based, solutions-driven, client-focused extension unit of NC State’s College of Engineering. Their broad portfolio of solutions and deep industry expertise help organizations grow, innovate and prosper. Their extensive partnerships with business, industry, education and government generate a unique culture of collaboration that provides access to cutting-edge expertise, research, and technology.
    Contact Chris McGraw, Regional Manager, by phone at 919-515-2358. Address: 1005 Capability Drive, Suite 200, Research III, Raleigh, NC 27606
  • NC Department of Community Colleges – Services provided: The Economic Development team provides education, training, and support services for new, expanding, and existing business and industry in all 100 North Carolina counties through our network of 58 community colleges. Additional resources and information are available directly through each service area – ApprenticeshipNC, BioNetwork, Customized Training & Small Business Center Network.
    Contact Dr. Maureen Little, Vice President of Economic Development, by phone at 800-227-0264 & 919-807-7100. Address: 200 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27603
Healthcare
Built in 1999, Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital is an acute care hospital with a full-service emergency department, medical inpatient care, imaging department, laboratory, general surgery, ophthalmic surgery, plastic surgery, pediatric dental surgery, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, The Rehabilitation Center offering physical and occupational therapies, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.

Conveniently located in Linville, the center point of Avery County, Cannon is fully accredited by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

Cannon Memorial is a member of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS). Other entities include Watauga Medical Center, located in Boone and Appalachian Regional Medical Associates (medical practices in both Watauga and Avery Counties).

Medical practices in the Avery community include The Baker Center for Primary Care in Linville, with 8 providers; and Elk River Medical Associated located in Banner Elk with 3 providers. Additionally, Tate Clinic, a general surgery practice, is located in Linville.

Cannon Memorial is currently undergoing construction for expansion of inpatient behavioral health services. Anticipated completion is late summer 2021.

In addition we have additional private practice doctors, nurse practitioners, dentists and pharmacies located throughout the county.

Carmen Lacey, RN, MSN, BC-NA, President and CNO

Visit website

Education

Avery County School System’s mission is “to prepare students for success by providing the best education possible through supportive relationships with students, parents and community”.  Our mission is evident through the actions of outstanding leadership and staff within the Avery County School System.  With a total of nine schools and one virtual academy, Avery County Schools are an excellent place for any child to achieve his or her highest potential.  A strong partnership between the school system and local government is very evident through sustained local funding to support innovative educational opportunities for students throughout grades PreK-12.  In addition to strong financial support from local leadership, our high school is currently undergoing a substantial building program with over $20 million dollars invested in additions and renovations.  Though this and other significant financial investments, our county leadership and elected officials continue to ensure all students have access to the best educational programs and facilities in the state.

Avery County Schools works closely with our citizens and elected officials to place the highest priority on our children – the future of this great county.  In addition to providing a world-class education for all children, the school system and community are proud of the progress made to ensure safe, innovative learning environments for students and staff.  Our school system has continuously been recognized at the regional, state, and national levels for technology advancement.  The Avery County School System was one of the first school systems in the state to provide computers to all students on a 1:1 level.  Students are being prepared for post-high school opportunities through innovative Career and Technical Education programs in partnership with local and regional businesses.  Graduation rates in Avery County continue to exceed the state average.  The Avery County School System consistently ranks within the top 5% of school districts on graduation rate in North Carolina.

Personalization of learning occurs daily throughout our classrooms!  This model has been very successful and the proof is in the data.  The Avery County School System ranks 18th out of 115 school districts statewide in student performance (EOG, EOC, ACT/WorkKeys performance, Graduation Rate, etc.).The district has also produced regional and state winners in science fairs, participated in regional math fairs, Battle of the Books, Enviro-thon, Skills-USA, and Technology Student Association competitions. We have multiple student organizations that offer the potential for leadership and service. Internships are available for students who wish to spend time in their community with career aligned opportunities. We currently have 318 enrollments in

Community College Dual Enrollment courses through Mayland Community College.  In addition, our enrollment percentage of students taking AP courses was 2nd in the High Country for the 2018-19 school year. Regardless of a student’s interest, Avery County Schools have opportunities to match programs with student interests.

Not only are Avery County’s schools extraordinary, the natural beauty surrounding our communities and the welcoming residents make Avery County an outstanding place to live and raise a family.  If you are new to the area or looking to relocate to join our community, we welcome any chance to show off all that Avery County has to offer.  For more information about Avery County Schools, please visit our website at www.averyschools.net.

Dr. Dan Brigman, Superintendent
Avery County Schools

 

Agriculture
N.C. Cooperative Extension
Avery County Center
661 Vale Rd.
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-8270
www.avery.ces.ncsu.edu

Through our office and staff, citizens have access to the resources and expertise of the North Carolina University system and the world. We measure our impacts one citizen and one issue at a time. This document is not inclusive of all that the Avery County Cooperative Extension Center does, but rather a brief snapshot of the breadth and depth of our total work.

The Avery County Cooperative Extension Center partners with groups, associations, organizations, and individuals within our different communities to develop, implement, and evaluate educational opportunities that will provide solutions to the very important issues facing the lives of Avery County citizens. Our programs enrich the lives, land, and economy of both Avery County specifically and North Carolina in general. These programs are developed through listening to our advisory leadership council, programmatic advisory committees, government officials, commodity stakeholders, volunteers, youth leaders, and citizens.

These issues and needs have been identified through different listening sessions such as one on one conversations, surveys, meetings, phone conversations, and other feedback. Once the broad areas of need have been determined, we prioritize the issues, then develop and implement programs to answer those needs. We also have the capability to address issues that may arise during the year after all of the original priorities are set.

Historically, there have been four main program areas that North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has offered to the citizens. However, in these new times, we strive to work as an integrated team, not allowing historic program delineations to reduce our effectiveness. By focusing on identified needs facing Avery County’s citizens, our staff, volunteers, partners, and cooperators can utilize synergy and bring all available resources on a given issue. By networking and collaborating with our partners, our staff can present a high-quality total program that truly impacts the lives of Avery County’s citizens. In many of the programs, the staff and program partners, work tirelessly across their specific disciplines to provide the necessary solutions to today’s problems. By listening to our citizens and striving to understand their needs first, the Avery County Cooperative Extension Center Staff can more efficiently and effectively answer our clients’ educational needs.

From previous environmental scans, the following issues were shown to be of paramount importance to our citizens;

  1. Agriculture in 21st century has changed dramatically since the early 70’s and even since the 90’s. A multitude of issues, agronomic, cultural, plant pharmaceutical, marketing, and political face these farmers today. Being a farmer today is more difficult, regulated, demanding, and costly than at any time in the history of farming. Farmers have to deal not only with the agrarian landscape, but the environmental, political, and public one as well. Our agriculture in Avery has diversified to include local food production, nursery production, landscape maintenance, livestock production, agronomic crops, forage pasture production, forestry, and Christmas Tree production. That being the case, we have selectively programmed in the following areas;
    1. Marketing of value-added crops, development of new markets
    2. Safe application of pesticides
    3. Pest Management, IPM, Conventional, and Organic
    4. Alternative Agricultural production
    5. Pasture Management
    6. Animal Husbandry
    7. Christmas Tree and Ornamental Production
    8. Local Food Production, vegetable, and fruit
  2. There are many issues facing youth in Avery County. Many of these issues center around the sentinel issues facing families and youth, drugs, academic success, citizenship, healthy living, and volunteerism. Our programs have been designed to meet the community at their most deep-seated needs in order to effect positive change. We are now doing specific programming for the established programming instead of doing all administration for it. We also meet the needs through such items listed below;
    1. Academic achievement and educational success through multiple and varied programming in the school system, with a major emphasis placed upon STEM programming.
    2. Citizenship and Leadership are addressed through 4-H Summer WOW day camp programming as well as the establishment of 4-H Clubs and their activities.
    3. Development of life skills is targeted through specific programming in both summer and throughout the school year.
    4. Healthy living programming was implemented at all 4-H avenues, such as our Summer WOW, school enrichment, and club activities.
    5. Volunteerism issues are addressed by providing training, and mentoring of valued, background checked adults.
  3. Chronic diseases and unhealthy living habits are issues that face an overwhelming segment of our population. Many of our chronic diseases may be mitigated through proper living habits that many adults and children are inadequately knowledgeable about. Our programs in this area are such that 4-H and EFNEP work together to reach this periodically forgotten audience. Some of the programs are directed toward the impoverished families that have an unfortunate tendency to be single parents versus a couple. This type of family unit suffers under more strain in this difficult world than others which puts their focus not on healthy living choice but rather survival. Some of the avenues in which this programming is presented to this audience are;
    1. EFNEP educational series for limited income families
    2. EFNEP educational series for youth,
    3. 4-H Clubs, school enrichment, Summer WOW Day camp,
    4. Healthy living challenges.

Contacts

The role of a county agent is to affect positive change. Change is a word that is simple to pronounce, but yet difficult to accomplish. Many times, when change occurs, it can be viewed as negative. Change does not occur with only one conversation, project, or event. To change some aspect of a given response, farming business decision, or personal life decision, takes trust in the individual making the request or suggestion, and it takes acceptance of new knowledge that one may have not recognized prior. It is our responsibility in this non-formal educational system to show that change is not negative, but rather positive. This type of change cannot occur without some form of contact, and usually multiple times. In Avery County, we strive to meet the public in both direct and indirect contacts. For Avery County in 2019 we had 30,008 direct contacts and 145,915 indirect contacts.

Crime Rate
The violent crime rate in a county is ranked on a scale of 1 = low crime to 100 = high crime. Our Avery County violent crime scale registers 14.3, with the United States average at 22.7. This makes Avery County a very safe place to live and operate a business.
Outdoor Activities
AVERY COUNTY IS COOL. The outdoor activities are cool and the weather is pleasantly cool.

Avery’s 3000 ft average elevation provides us with a temperature usually 15 F lower than the South East flatlands. Additionally, the cool nighttime temperatures take the moisture out of the air reducing the humidity. These pleasantly cool temperatures make Avery attractively different when seeking relief from warm weather and something uniquely different in the winter. Avery’s cooler climate also makes vegetation interesting with mountainsides full of native Frazier firs and Christmas tree plantations. Also, some apple orchards remain. The Rhododendrons in and around Avery have found the perfect climate, providing tremendous color in the late spring. Avery’s cool rapidly falling creeks and rivers, with spectacular waterfalls, are ideal habitats for trout. Our cold snaps in the fall enhance the blazing leaf colors, especially visible along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There you might also see bear and deer.

In this uniquely pleasant climate and nature, the outdoor activities offered are abundant. Situated between the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Avery provides hiking to tremendous mountain views and pleasant enjoyment when driving the Parkway.

Golfing on Avery’s high elevation courses in low humidity 80 F temperature during midsummer surely makes the trip from 90+F humidity worthwhile. You get the same exhilaration standing in cool creek water fighting to get that trout out. This cool water carries downriver where rafting, kayaking, and tubing gives you both excitement and relief. Avery resorts offer tennis and pickle ball on excellent courts during a long cool extended summer season. In our communities, there are now two croquet courts used both for recreation and tournaments.

Relaxing, and wine tasting at the increasing number of vineyards are especially popular, since they now serve tapas type food, while some also provide musical entertainment. Many venues are now extended into the fall leaf season by the increasingly popular firepits.

Young people should not be frustrated with these low energy activities, since zip lines and now the Alpine cart rollercoaster provide abundant excitement. Horseback riding on the open mountain pastures with the long views is a family activity that shows off the mountain beauty and provides excitement especially for the young. Adventure “Four Wheeling” with ATV’s is the modern horseback riding and is rising in popularity.

There are no low activity seasons in Avery County since as the trees have dropped their last leaves people want their Christmas trees. Picking the right tree is truly a family activity where the children have more votes in the choice, especially with “choose and cut” where they cover more ground in finding the right one. The day trip here getting the first winter air, then returning “down” with the perfect tree on top of the car, is very satisfying.

You can safely bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway, while enjoying all the beautiful views. Cars drive slowly and respectfully making riding relaxing even for the inexperienced. High-speed downhill mountain biking is offered to the brave by the major ski areas using their lifts to bring the bikers up to the top of the mountain.

Avery gets its first snow in November but not enough for skiing. However, the cool air allows for some of the best snowmaking in the east. The “snow season“ extends into the first days of April, then with fewer skiers than snow. Several areas are now offering snow tubing on manmade snow. Cross Country skiing is available on our numerous public trails. Ski areas also offer snowshoeing and it is also possible to snowshoe on the highest parts of the Appalachian trail where snow stays for long periods. For northern transplants who brought their snowmobiles can find snowy trails at higher elevations especially along the Tennessee border. The major ski areas are now offering ice skating with rentals.

County Background

All About Avery County

History

Avery County is the 100th and last county formed in North Carolina. The county was formed in 1911 from parts of Caldwell, Mitchell, and Watauga Counties. Avery County was named after Waightstill Avery, a colonel in the American Revolutionary War and the first Attorney General of North Carolina (1777-1779). The county seat is Newland which is located at elevation of 3500 feet and has the distinction as being the highest county seat east of the Mississippi.

Our greatest assets in Avery County are our mountains, streams and other natural resources. It is both beautiful and rugged. Avery County attracts tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, skiers, fishermen, and others on vacation seeking escape from the high temperatures off of the mountains.
Our local people are of Scottish descent and settled here during the revolutionary war. This county has deep agrarian roots, and a fierce independence that has been forged over many years of subsistence farming.

It is from this backdrop that the Avery County Cooperative Extension Center serves the citizens of Avery County.

Geography

Avery County has a total area of 247 square miles (158,080 acres) and is extremely rural and mountainous with all of the county’s terrain located within the Appalachian Mountains range. The highest point in the county is Grassy Ridge Bald, which rises to 6,165 feet (1,879 m) above sea level. Most of Grandfather Mountain (whose highest point is Calloway Peak at 5,964 feet), shared with Watauga and Caldwell counties, is within Avery County.

At an elevation of 5,506 feet (1,678 m) above sea level, Beech Mountain (also shared with Watauga County) is the highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi River. At an elevation of 3,621 feet (1,099 m) Newland is the highest county seat in the Eastern United States.

There are many wild trout streams and ski resorts (such as Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain) located within its boundaries. There are outdoor attractions year round and many of our visitors travel to Avery to enjoy its natural agrarian beauty.

Industry

Avery County has no major industries. Tourism is the leading industry in Avery County, generating $51 million in sales each year. The South’s highest ski slopes, nine major golf resorts, and scenic Grandfather Mountain attract visitors year round to support a wonderful variety of outdoor activities, quality restaurants, and lodging facilities. Agri-Tourism has become an important segment of both our agriculture and tourism industries.

The second largest industry is second home construction. The third greatest source of income, by far, comes from agricultural production.

Avery County has been known in the past as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World” and agriculture is the third largest employer and represents approximately $34 million income annually. This industry is in constant flux and ebbs and flows depending upon the rest of the non-agricultural economy.

Demographics

As of the census of 2010, there were 17,797 people, 7,194 households, and 4,422 families residing in the county. The population density was 70 people per square mile (27/km²). There were 13,890 housing units at an average density of 48 per square mile (19/km²).

The racial makeup of the county was 91.9% White, 4.0% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 4.5% of the population was Latino of any race.

There were 7194 households out of which 23.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 28% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.81.

The median income for a household in the county was $34,918. Males had a median income of $25,983 versus $21,652 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,465. Private non-farm employment change was down 23.7%.

There are 13,890 housing units in the county, of which 6,004 are considered seasonal. There were 7,226 vacant units and 1,567 rental units. Avery County has over $4.3 billion in property value. However, 70% of the homes are owned by seasonal residents, or absentee owners who rent their housing as either vacation units of full time residences.

Environmental Scan

The Avery County Cooperative Extension Staff, volunteers, advisory groups, governmental partners, and citizens determine our program areas through environmental scans. It is Cooperative Extension’s way of determining the critical issues in the county. From the last scan we have determine the following content areas, and their subsidiaries are areas of concern for our specific county in 2019. However, even though each issue or area of concern listed below is important, due to fiduciary and personnel limitations, our agents and agency will be addressing specific issues that are deemed critical by the specific programming committees. By focusing on a few of these areas, it is our hope that greater impacts can be made.

  1. Agriculture
    1. Ornamental and Christmas Tree production
      1. Farm Demonstration
      2. Pesticide Education
      3. Propagation/Seedling production
      4. Value Added Production
    2. Landscape development and maintenance
      1. Contractor License Education
      2. Landscape Issues
      3. Turfgrass Issues
    3. Local foods, small fruit, and tree fruit production
      1. New Production Education
      2. Market Expansion
      3. Small Farm Development
      4. Value Added Production
    4. Livestock
      1. Pasture Management
      2. Market Development
      3. Value Added Product
      4. Animal Health Education
    5. Youth
      1. Volunteer Development
      2. Youth K-12 School Enrichment
      3. Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Chronic Disease Risk Reduction
      4. School To Career
    6. Community Development
      1. Volunteer Development
      2. Leadership Development
      3. Resource Development

Agriculture

There are over 135 farmers in Avery County who receive 25% of their disposable income from the production and sale of livestock. Estimated gross sales of livestock (beef, sheep, goats, and horses) were over $2.8 million in 2007. Over 90% of livestock producers in Avery are small, part-time, limited resource farmers. The livestock industry is changing into a value-added industry where the producers are utilizing on-farm sales instead of just taking the animals to the “sale”. Because of this there is a need for education in these particular areas of production.

There are approximately 45 local food producers of varying size and skill. This portion of the agricultural segment has multiple challenges including pre- and post-harvest quality issues, GAP certification, pest information, management strategies, and business planning.

Production of native ornamentals is the second largest agricultural commodity in Avery County, generating $7-9 million annually. Growers must constantly improve quality and consistency of shape, color, grade, and root ball of their product. Collected and cutback material is considered suspect by many buyers because of poor survivability. Availability of quality nursery-grown plant materials is vital to maintaining or increasing existing markets. Presently, this segment of the market is undergoing a major change, and the new growers need production, business, and marketing education. New invasive diseases, insects, and weeds are becoming issues within our counties. Educational efforts will focus on addressing these areas.

Production of Fraser fir Christmas trees accounts for $22-25 million annual income, the largest agricultural commodity in Avery County. Avery County growers are rapidly approaching a major transition, from one generation to the next. With this transition, comes inherent challenges, primarily, the question of whether this land will stay in agricultural production or be divided and sold to development. The heirs to the majority of this land are not farmers, but rather professionals who have moved either physically away from the farm or ideologically moved away.

Avery County growers need to improve their business management skills as a means of maintaining their profit margin. Decision making needs to be based on cost-benefit analysis, enterprise budgets, and farm record keeping. Growers must develop new marketing techniques, identify new product niches, and seek markets for new regions of the country. Growers need to evaluate and adopt new chemicals, equipment, and techniques on the basis of cost-effectiveness, utility and environmental impact. Growers need to coordinate cultural practices, fertility, and harvest practices to insure that a quality product reaches the consumer. Presently, the oversupply of Fraser fir is over, and one casualty of this over supply is that we have reduced the number of growers from 950 to just 450. However, the acreage will likely remain very similar to the early 2000’s. Education based upon these changing times will help growers transition into and out of markets, with such issues as Elongate Hemlock Scale and how other states are viewing these problems, as well as possible resistance of Balsam Twig Aphid to commonly used pesticides, and the multiple new invasive species of insects, diseases, and weeds that are creating challenges for our growers.

Jerrold T. Moody
County Extension Director
Office: 828-733-8270

Entrepreneurs Start Here

Whether you are starting a new business, growing an established company or relocating these are daunting undertakings. There are so many questions – “Where do I?”, “How do I?”, “Who knows about that?”, “Which is the correct regulatory agency?” and the list goes on and on. Well whether you are considering a move to Avery County or are already here the combination of our county officials and Economic Development staff are at your disposal to assist you each step of the way. We already know all – the who, what, where and how answers, so you don’t have to spend your precious time doing the research yourself. While Avery County may be small & rural that gives us the advantage of providing personalized service to address you specific needs.

Whether you have a business related question and/or concern or seek information about the quality of life here in Avery County check out our web site pages and if you need more information click on our “Contact Box” to call or e-mail us.

EDC in Avery County

Whether you are a sole proprietor, new or experienced entrepreneur, member of a site selection task force seeking a new or additional business site we are your “go to” one-stop referral source.

EDC in Avery County

 

Charter

The Avery County Economic Development Advisory Committee shall serve as an advisory body for the Avery County Board of Commissioners and the Avery County Manager.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Avery County Economic Development Advisory Committee is to encourage and support the retention and expansion of existing businesses within the county area, support local infrastructure projects, work to attract new business opportunities to increase the local tax base and improve the quality of life for residents.

The Avery County Economic Development Council is comprised of nine (9) committee members, our County Manager and a member of the Avery County Board of Commissioners. We are a diverse group of business specialists consisting of retired corporate executives, current CEO’s & management professionals and entrepreneurs. Our career backgrounds range across the board from manufacturing, education, health care, utilities, retail and wholesale. Some of our members are Avery County natives with their family heritage going back multiple generations; other are expats from more northern states. Our diversity is our greatest strength.

We have two (2) primary goals, each sharing equal priority:

(1) To ensure the success, growth and retention of our current businesses.

(2) To attract new commerce to Avery County.

Whether you are a sole proprietor, new or experienced entrepreneur, member of a site selection task force seeking a new or additional business site we are your “go to” one-stop referral source.

All of us who comprise the Avery County Economic Development Committee love and live by our county slogan—“Together…We are Avery County”. Please do not hesitate to contact us; it would be our pleasure to share our knowledge, experience and wisdom in assisting you in making your business vision a reality.

The Avery County Economic Development Council is your one stop referral resource whether you are an entrepreneur, a new business start-up, a business entering a growth cycle or an established company wishing to expand or relocate.

Our goal is to be your “go to” resource to compliment your efforts and assure your success.

We will assist your business with:

  • writing a business plan
  • startup capital requirements
  • rules & regulation compliance
  • employee recruitment
  • job training reimbursement
  • educational & advanced training opportunities and all other aspects of starting or operating a retail, wholesale, tourism, hospitality, agricultural, commercial or light manufacturing business.

Avery County is a diverse community that welcomes new business. Come join us and let our motto be yours.

“Together…We are Avery County!”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the activities in the area?
Activities abound year round including hiking, biking, rafting, tubing, golf, horseback riding, antiquing, fishing, zip line, swimming, skiing, snow board, theater, art festivals, art galleries, excellent cuisine & shopping, wineries, breweries and unique entertainment.
How is the climate in the area?
The region provides four distinct seasons. Average snowfall per year is 39 inches. July is the hottest month with an average of 76.5 degrees. Rainfall averages 58 inches per year.
What education opportunities are available?
Avery County Schools consists of three innovative high schools (grades 9-12) combined at one location, two middle schools (grades 6-8), and five elementary schools (grades Pre-K – 5) with approximately 2150 students and approximately 400 employees. Our goal is to be the best ”rural” education system in the nation. Also, accredited charter schools are available in the area. Higher education opportunities consist of Mayland Community College, Lees-McRae College and Appalachian State University in the adjoining county.
What is the population in the area?
Per the 2018 census, the average population is 17,505 and during the summer months the population can more than double to over 40,000.
What are the common spiritual denominations?
A wide variety of denominations exist in Avery County, such as Evangelical, Catholic, Christian, Episcopal, Lutheran, Seventh-Day Adventist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, and more.
How many distinct townships are in Avery County?
There are eleven distinct townships in Avery County: Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Crossnore, Elk Park, Linville, Linville Falls, Newland, Pineola, Plumtree, Seven Devils, and Sugar Mountain.
What is the Avery County Sales Tax Rate?
6.75% is the combined state & county sales tax rate.
What is the Property Tax Rate?
The median property tax in Avery County, North Carolina is $561 per year for a home worth the median value of $155,100. Avery County has one of the lowest median property tax rates in the country, with only two thousand three hundred two of the 3143 counties collecting a lower property tax than Avery County.
Is Broadband Access available?
67% of the county does have access to internet. Reach the goal of 100% accessibility is a top priority for the county.
Is there traffic congestion?
Congestion is minimal except during peak times.
What shopping is available?
Major food chains in the area are Food Lion, Lowes Foods and Ingles plus multiple pharmacies, building supply and hardware stores, plus numerous specialty stores located throughout the county. View the shopping section in the Avery County Guide for more information.
What dining is available?
Avery County has more diverse restaurants than one can count offering a wide variety of cuisine to meet all needs. View the Dining section in the Avery County Guide for more information.

Cannon Memorial Hospital

Cannon Memorial Hospital Video was produced by The Avery High School Broadcasting Class 2022-23.

Avery County High School

Avery High School Video was produced by The Avery High School Broadcasting Class 2022-23.

Avery County Cooperative Extension

Avery County Community Center

Avery County Pool

Thriving Businesses in Avery County

In the heart of the Western North Carolina Mountains is a picturesque and unique area known as Avery County.

Come see us and you may never leave. It has the best of four seasons and everything you could possibly hope for, from taking a break to relax and breathe, to fine dining, shopping, festivals, and all outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, golfing, skiing, and so many more.

This area has managed to keep its small town feel but has all the amenities of a big city.

Cannon Memorial Hospital, located in Linville, the center of Avery County, is fully accredited by the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization, has renovations underway; Avery County High School located in Newland, just 10 minutes west of Grandfather Mountain, is being expanded to offer our children a school they can be proud of as well as an excellent education to prepare them for college or with work force skills; and in Banner Elk is the home of Lees-McRae College.

Take a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stop to view the ski slopes, Newlands new swimming pool designed for the disabled and walk across the swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain, and everything in between.

This is why people come, visit, and make their homes here.

Dave Smith

Real Living Carolina Property

Avery County, like the rest of the High Country, is blessed with abundant natural beauty and plenty of year-round outdoor activities that lure visitors from all around. Having Been in business on Beech Mountain for 41 years, I feel fortunate to see the area develop and grow with it.

Just having natural resources is not enough to sustain a community or region and this is where Avery County shines. The county is blessed with an extensive network of community minded individuals and entities who support each other. From the active local Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Development Authorities and Economic Development Agencies to the “every day” residents who donate their time and efforts to showcase the county to the rest of the world, we all work together.

As the world becomes smaller due to technology and more people are realizing they can work from home, we are witnessing a surge in full-time residents. As our demographics evolve and more opportunities for business unveil themselves, Avery County has the infrastructure and goodwill to facilitate just about any enterprise. Unlike larger communities, Avery County does not saddle its businesses with burdensome regulations. I look forward to continued success as Avery county grows!

Fred Phohl

Owner, Fred's General Mercantile

We like to do business in Avery County because the people here are genuine, the mountains are beautiful, and the pace is pleasant.

Kimberley Jochl

Vice President, Sugar Mountain Resort

Evident by its growing seasonal and full-time population, Avery County is a premier location in NC to operate a business. Cool temperatures, safe communities, and a growing array of amenities provide businesses and families alike with what they need to be successful.

Trey Oakley

CEO, Williams YMCA

Grandfather Mountain is one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet, home to black bears, bald eagles, elk, cougars and river otters, as well as 72 native rare and endangered species.

While the nonprofit nature park is, perhaps, best known for its Mile High Swinging Bridge, the sense of community on this lofty mountain is much more down to Earth.

Or, in this case, down to Avery County.

The wonders of Grandfather Mountain are very much tied to their geographic location, and as the highest-elevation county seat in the Southeast, Avery County — like Grandfather Mountain — is a very special place.

An outdoors enthusiast’s dream, Avery County offers snowsports, watersports, golf, hiking and more, while services and amenities — as well as proximity to Appalachian State University, Lees-McRae College and Mayland Community College — make recruiting staff as natural as fresh winter snowfall.

But it all starts with hospitality. It’s a way of life at Grandfather Mountain, and Avery County’s outstanding local workforce is an invaluable resource in ensuring second-to-none customer service — in the park and beyond, from restaurants to lodging to retail and more.

And with two robust chambers of commerce in their corner, businesses thrive through a sense of collaboration, rather than competition.

In short, it’s a community like no other. It’s a community that’s uniquely Avery County — a mile high above the rest.

Frank Ruggiero, TMP

Director of Marketing and Communications, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Avery County is a great place to live and work. Those of us that live here year-round are fortunate to live in a place filled with beauty and extensive outdoor activities to keep us busy. It is for this same reason that so many people from all over the world come here to vacation. Some come for the day and many others come for weeks at a time. We chose Avery County to develop our business for several reasons.

First, the State, County, Town of Banner Elk, and The Village of Sugar Mountain officials were incredibly supportive and helped us with each step in the process; from market research, business plan development, and building design, to permitting and zoning ordinances compliance. If we had a question, concern or just needed a little guidance, someone was always willing to help us. We spent a few years getting to know the people who have lived here for years and those who own business here. We took as much advice from them as they were willing to offer. Thanks to the support we have received, it has been it easy to build, own and operate our small business.

Second, we retired here after 26 years of Military service and feel very much at home here. We have known for many years that we wanted to build a Mountain Coaster and what better place to do it then right where we live. This is our Family business, designed to provide other families with fun and excitement, while spending their vacation in this beautiful place we call home.

Eric & Tara Bechard

Owners / Operators, Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

I love the fact that working from Avery County gives me access to all of western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.  We even pull clients from Virginia and South Carolina.
Debbie Guinn

Classic Stone Works

Avery County is a great place to do business. The natural beauty of Avery County has really done the heavy lifting of drawing folks here to visit, and it’s become an especially sought-out place for people looking to change their pace and connect with nature. We think there’s so much potential for business to grow in a positive way here by creating opportunities for visitors to engage with our beautiful mountain atmosphere. We also have the advantage of an already thriving community of local businesses who strive to support one another. As it’s been said before, a rising tide lifts all boats, and our winery has certainly benefited from the success of other wineries, restaurants, and artisans doing business here in Avery County.
Jessica Boone

Linville Falls Winery

Beech Mountain Biking

Avery County has a magnetic pull that draws in visitors, while giving locals a deep sense of pride knowing they get to live and work here. The business climate in Avery County is supportive, forward thinking, and innovative. Beech Mountain Resort has been in operation over 50 years and without the support of our county and local business partners we would not be here. Avery County has given us the opportunity to grow, while fostering a quality of life for our staff. Avery County has given us the opportunity to enhance our business model, develop local partnerships, and collaborate with other local vendors. The stable economy and vibrant energy of Avery County is a consistent benefit to our business. We are thankful that we get to live and work in such a beautiful place.
Talia L. Freeman

Director of Marketing, Beech Mountain Resort, Inc.

We’re Here To Help! Contact Us Now!

 

Phillip Barrier, Avery County Manager
phillip.barrier@averycountync.gov
828-733-8201
Kate Gavenus, Avery County EDC Chairperson

828-387-0994

info.averyedc@gmail.com