Asheville, NC, May 24, 2018 – Ben Teague, currently the Asheville Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County, will be joining Biltmore Farms, LLC as Vice President for Strategic Development starting July 1, 2018.
“I’m sad Ben won’t be with us on a day-to-day basis, but I’m excited that we will keep his expertise in town and continue to work closely with him moving forward,” said Kit Cramer, President & CEO for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, noting that Teague will continue in his current role through the end of June providing for a smooth transition.
Teague will maintain strong ties with the Asheville Chamber and has been nominated to serve on the Asheville Chamber Board of Directors given his new role with Biltmore Farms.
Throughout his ten-year tenure at the Asheville Chamber, Teague has provided leadership in economic development. During that time, the Asheville Chamber’s economic development department was able to secure more than 53 projects representing more than 4,148 direct jobs and $1.2 billion in capital investment in Buncombe County. He also oversaw creation of Venture Asheville, the Chamber’s initiative to support high-growth entrepreneurs. Launched in 2013, Venture Asheville has honed its mentor program and executed 22 angel investment deals.
In his new role with Biltmore Farms, Teague will provide leadership on strategic items including community development, local and state-wide economic development boards and national site relocation firms.
“Given our long term involvement with the Chamber and EDC, we are delighted that Ben will join our team, strengthening our abilities to create jobs, expand the economy, and participate within our community,” said John “Jack” Cecil, President & CEO of Biltmore Farms.
“Working with the Chamber has been the honor of my life. I look forward to continuing being a part of this community and being actively involved with the Chamber to build Western North Carolina,” Teague said.
Biltmore Farms, LLC is a preeminent community development firm devoted to thoughtful growth and the economic well-being of our mountain home. Biltmore Farms consists of four divisions: Biltmore Farms Commercial, Biltmore Farms Communities, Biltmore Farms Homes and Biltmore Farms Hotels.
The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership, and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its four core services: business retention and expansion, small business and entrepreneurship, research, and marketing and recruitment. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and over 80 private investors through AVL 5×5: Vision 2020. Visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development. Learn more about AVL 5×5: Vision 2020 at www.asheville5x5.com.
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is a member organization with over 1,700 member businesses and organizations. Chamber members collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to support the community and each other with the mission of building community through business. The Chamber is home to the Asheville Visitor Center that welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year. To get active in the Chamber, visit ashevillechamber.org.
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