Western North Carolina Economic Development Group

AdvantageWest CEO Scott Hamilton announces the promotion of Pam Lewis to senior vice president of entrepreneurial development. AdvantageWest is the regional economic development commission serving the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina.

Lewis was one of the organization’s first staff members, hired in 1995 soon after the commission was chartered by the N.C. General Assembly. In 1999, she left to become the executive director of travel and tourism for Burke County and rejoined AdvantageWest in 2005.

“Pam has played a key role in the development and management of entrepreneurial initiatives such as the Certified Entrepreneurial Community(SM) program,” said AdvantageWest Board Chairman Tommy Jenkins.

“With Pam’s assistance, 14 communities in the region have completed or are in various stages of the rigorous, five-step process to become certified as entrepreneur-ready. We are particularly proud because the AdvantageWest region is the first in the nation to initiate such a comprehensive program. Pam has played a significant role in making that happen.”

In announcing the promotion, Hamilton noted, "As our entrepreneurial program has grown over the past two years, Pam has grown with the role and responsibilities. Her commitment and dedication along with her program leadership, development and vision have earned her this new role and the responsibilities it brings with it.”

One of Lewis’ recent accomplishments was the successful launch of Juicy Ideas, a competition that combines a spirit of entrepreneurism with environmental responsibility. The inaugural contest involved 268 teams of college students from five states.

She has also been integrally involved in the development and orchestration of numerous conferences for entrepreneurs, and is a member of advisory boards and committees for numerous organizations, including the Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council; the Technology Commercialization Center, the Business Incubator at AB Tech; and the High Country Business Development Network Board, among others.

Last March, Lewis was one of 25 women recognized for their professional achievements and efforts to support the advancement of women as a YWCA Tribute to Women of Influence honoree.

“Pam’s promotion to Senior Vice President is most appropriate,” said Mike Fulenwider, a member of the AdvantageWest board of directors and champion of the commission’s entrepreneurial programs.

“Pam is the heart of our entrepreneurial initiative, which I personally believe is one of the critical tools we must use to embrace the challenges of this new economy. Her focus and dedication will insure our success.”

AdvantageWest is the regional economic development commission serving the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina. The major job creation programs of AdvantageWest are Blue Ridge Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, Blue Ridge Food Ventures, Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council, the Certified Entrepreneurial Community(SM) program and the green-collar jobs initiative, AdvantageGreen. Other AdvantageWest programs are the Creative Commerce Commission, which includes the WNC Film Commission, and the international tourism marketing program, MountainSouth USA. Chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1994, AdvantageWest is a non-profit, public-private partnership. For more information, visit advantagewest.com or call 828- 687-7234.

Press Release: AdvantageWest Names Senior VP of Entrepreneurial Development