Outdoor Recreation
WHERE THE GREAT OUTDOORS CAN ELEVATE YOUR OPERATIONS.
AN ABUNDANT OUTDOOR RECREATION WORKFORCE
With 260,000+ jobs in the category and counting, North Carolina’s blend of the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast along with its highly skilled and educated workforce makes our state poised for expansive growth.
A superior transportation infrastructure
With over 3,200 miles of rail track, 2 deep water seaports, 4 international airports and a central location, North Carolina offers convenient access to the entire United States and beyond. Day-trippers, out-of-towners, and destination-seekers welcome.
A tax rate that won’t cut into your profit margin
At 2.5%, North Carolina has the lowest corporate income tax in the United States. Not to mention, we rank No. 1 for lowest state and local tax burden in the U.S. according to Ernst & Young.
“Operating a company in the Outdoor Industry from North Carolina is just a natural fit. There is no better place in eastern North America to enjoy the outdoors. Add that we are a one-day drive from 70 percent of the US population, and you’ve got the best outdoor business climate imaginable.”
– Tom Dempsey, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer, SylvanSport
Industry Support
Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina
A coalition of regional companies that collaborates to share talents and responsible manufacturing practices, foster innovation, and inspire each other.
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North Carolina State Parks
North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation exists to protect North Carolina’s natural diversity, to provide and promote outdoor recreation opportunities, and to exemplify and encourage good stewardship of North Carolina's natural resources for all citizens and visitors in North Carolina.
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Growing Outdoors Partnership
A thriving network of outdoor equipment companies, that works with a variety of regional partners to advance the outdoor recreation industry.
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Textile Protection and Comfort Center at N.C. State University
This world leader in laboratory-based instrumented systems, has facilities devoted to analysis of heat and flame protection, chemical resistance and comfort performance.
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NC OREC Coalition
A non-profit trade association made up of member companies and organizations, that advocates on behalf of the outdoor recreation industry at the government and executive agency level.
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American Whitewater
Based in Cullowhee, N.C., is a national membership organization that advocates for the preservation of whitewater rivers throughout the U.S., and connects the interests of recreational river users with ecological data to preserve whitewater resources.
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