The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) has hired Asheville businesswoman Amy Allison as the new director of the state’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.
Allison, most recently marketing director for Eagles Nest Outfitters in Asheville, begins her new role later this month. She will be responsible for promoting the state’s tremendous outdoor recreation industry assets while proactively identifying and recruiting companies interested in relocating to North Carolina or expanding here.
Amy Allison
Allison’s appointment was announced this week before 500 people attending the annual Outdoor Economy Conference in Asheville, the Southeast’s premier event for those looking to grow the outdoor industry in their communities.
In her new position, Allison will be fully dedicated to growing the state’s outdoor recreation industry, which already employs 260,000 people and generates $28 billion annually in consumer spending in North Carolina.
“We’re thrilled to have Amy in this role,” said Christopher Chung, chief executive officer of the EDPNC.
“She has years of public relations and marketing experience in the state’s outdoor recreation industry, developing both domestic and international strategies. And her participation and leadership in organizations committed to growing the industry, including the Outdoor Gear Builders of Western North Carolina, means she is well-connected and able to rally the partnerships that will be needed to support her success.”
Allison, whose credentials include posts at Leave No Trace and as a wilderness guide, is co-founder and board chairwoman of the Outdoor Gear Builders of WNC, a collaboration of outdoor-product manufacturers. She also sits on the advisory council of the Growing Outdoors Partnership, which includes more than a dozen nonprofits, businesses, academic institutions, and government agencies working to expand the outdoor industry across 25 counties in Western North Carolina.
“I’m excited to jump into this role to begin working with the many partners involved in our state’s outdoor industry and to continue to grow and maintain a successful outdoor recreation economy in North Carolina,” Allison said.
“Amy has a unique set of experiences and a deep perspective of the outdoor Industry,” said Sarah Wood, board chairwoman of the North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Coalition, a nonprofit trade association. “She not only brings the perspective of leading a North Carolina outdoor brand, she has a deep industry network across the country and understands the work it takes to build partnerships and the power of collaboration.”