Breweries in the Asheville metro area account for one-third of the state’s Breweries Industry total output, value added (GRP), and employment; as well as 24% of total labor income according to a new Asheville Metro Area Breweries Contribution Analysis released today by Riverbird Research, a division of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Previously evaluated in 2016, this updated analysis provides a baseline snapshot of the economic contribution of this fast-growing industry.
“This analysis recognizes the significance of the brewing industry as an economic driver for our community and the state,” said Clark Duncan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The study highlights the explosive growth the industry has experienced over the last decade to become the second largest manufacturing employer in the Asheville Metro.”
The brewery industry has created or supported thousands of jobs in the four-county Asheville Metro area. What this has meant for the region is that the industry contributed not only the jobs it created directly, but also through multiplied or spin-off economic effects, whereby additional economic activity occurred in the local economy due to the presence of these businesses. Residents saw additional job opportunities, labor income (earnings) and production were generated, and many other industries were involved in sustaining breweries as part of the supply chain. In addition to contribution estimates, the industry has expanded the area’s manufacturing presence and workforce and remains closely linked to the craft and outdoor culture the region is known for.
Key Findings: Breweries Contribution 2019, Asheville MSA
Duncan said: “The capabilities of Riverbird Research serve to strengthen our collective understanding of the growing jobs, wages and economic impact of this important industry on the families and economy of the region. These kinds of studies build on our knowledge and can help identify issues the industry might face in terms of infrastructure, supply chain, training or public policy.”
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About Riverbird Research:
Riverbird Research is a division of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce with over 25 years of combined experience in data and systems analysis. The Riverbird Research team leverages well-informed expertise in labor market data, demographic and economic research and economic impact analysis to communicate regional assets and opportunities. Learn more at www.riverbirdresearch.com.
About The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County
The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC) 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 the AVL 5×5 Campaign.
About the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce:
For more than 120 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for economic vitality in our community. The Asheville Chamber connects more than 1,500 member organizations, both large and small, representing more than 80,000 employees, to valuable resources such as economic development and research, business education, marketing opportunities and advocacy. Asheville Chamber initiatives have stimulated economic development, influenced public policy and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses. Learn more at www.ashevillechamber.org.
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