Connect to Resources and Expertise
The EDC staff is well connected to the critical business resources of the Asheville region. Utilize our in-depth knowledge, relationships, and expertise to facilitate every aspect of your business research, relocation, development, and growth.
The EDC Board and staff serve as the lead economic development agency for Asheville and Buncombe County. Our mission is “to responsibly leverage the community’s unique assets to attract, create, and expand business opportunities while improving the well being of our citizens.” We focus on core business objectives that include Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Business and Industry Services, Marketing, and Economic Research.
Each member of our Economic Development staff is ready to serve you. Reach us by phone or email, and let us know how we can help answer your questions or facilitate your business development needs.
Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County
2008/2009 Board Roster (PDF)
Mr. Robert Sipes, Chair
Progress Energy
E. Ray Denny
Vice President, Economic Development
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
Economic Development Coalition for
Asheville-
Buncombe County
Role
Responsible for the oversight and supervision of the EDC's business/industry recruitment, retention and expansion programs
Liaison to numerous public/private sector organizations and partnerships promoting community and economic development throughout the region
Contact Information
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development Coalition
36 Montford Avenue/PO Box 1010
Asheville, 28801/28802
rdenny@ashevillechamber.org
P: (828) 258-6128
F: (828) 251-0926
Administrative Assistant
Debra Harris
Administrative Assitant, Economic Development
dharris@ashevillechamber.org
P: (828) 258-6117
SMALL BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Carol Hensley, Assistant Vice President
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
chensley@ashevillechamber.org
P: (828) 258-6116
Click to view Small Business Resources
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY SERVICES
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Clark Duncan
Director of Business & Industry Services
Role: In collaboration with numerous public, private and non-profit organizations, the group facilitates the delivery of a broad range of services including, but not limited to the following:
- Work Force/Training
- Infrastructure/Utilities
- Finance/Taxation
- Regulations
- Business Expansion
- Incentives
P: (828) 258-6134
Marketing & Recruitment
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Alice Briggs
Director of Marketing
Role: Responsible for marketing Asheville and Buncombe County to technology-based companies that can benefit from our community’s unique assets. Once identified, this program will deliver comprehensive site selection services to the client including information about real estate, work force, business climate, financial incentives, etc.
abriggs@ashevillechamber.org
P: (828) 210-2729
Looking for special information on the Asheville area? Doing market research for a new business? Need to know the economic impact of your business or project? Want to compare Asheville with another community?
Besides publishing detailed economic and demographic information on the Asheville area, the Asheville Metro Business Research Center offers a wide-range of specialized economic research services:
- Industry-Specific Market Research
- Economic Impact Analysis
- Neighborhood Level Demographics
- Historical Trends and Area Comparisons
- Consultation and Advice
Call for information: (828) 258-6137
Asheville Metro Business & Industry
Directory 2007
(in print Member - $35.00 Non Member - $40.00)
Comprehensive directory of over 600 companies in the four-county Asheville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Tom Tveidt, Director
Asheville Metro Business Research Center
Role: The Research Center serves as the primary repository of economic data for the Asheville Metro Area. The role of the center is to provide accurate and objective information and analysis of the economic and demographics trends in the Asheville area. The goal of the Asheville Metro Business Research Center is to enable better decisions by business, community, and public organizations, leading to enhanced economic vitality for the region.
ttveidt@ashevillechamber.org
P: (828) 258-6120
ECONOMIC RESEARCH
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Heidi Reiber , Research Analyst
Asheville Metro Business Research Center
Role: Research Analyst providing and updating demographic information on the Asheville Metro area for the public, and constructing the Asheville Metro Business & Industry Directory annually.
hreiber@ashevillechamber.org
P: (828) 258-6137
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