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News/Press Releases

Leading manufacturer in diamond-tipped cutting tools announces expansion at Buncombe County facility
5/24/2013
STF Precision will invest $4.5 million in facilities and equipment and add 25 new positions in engineering, production and operations.
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Regional media outlets report on the value of AdvantageWest
5/23/2013
A roundup of recent coverage on the benefits of AdvantageWest to the 23-county region.
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Startup activity in US at a 13-year high
5/23/2013
A new study shows entrepreneurship is growing.
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Innovative summer acting program comes to Asheville
5/22/2013
Professional acting conservatory offers unique summer program, combining acting with outdoor adventure.
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Press Release from Advantage Opportunity Fund recipient Noble Cider
5/21/2013
Asheville's first hard cider company hosts a public release of its inaugural small batch on June 5.
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Asheville Citizen-Times and the value of AdvantageWest
5/20/2013
Editorial lists accomplishments of AdvantageWest as a regional economic development partnership.
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Facts and stats about AdvantageWest and our program of work
5/14/2013
Click here for fact sheets, recent programmatic updates and more.
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WNC Economic Index report for March 2013
5/10/2013
The WNC Economic Index is a collaboration of Appalachian State University and AdvantageWest.
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UNC-TV features a new business incubator in the AdvantageWest region for nature-based businesses.
5/7/2013
Local businesses, including those that use Blue Ridge Food Ventures, can apply for the Accelerating Appalachia initiative through May.
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Local Production Seeking Talent
5/7/2013
An Asheville production is seeking as principles: a mom, a dad, and a daughter.
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CNN Travel names Asheville one of the top 8 best beer towns in the US
5/7/2013
AdvantageWest region continues its growing reputation in the craft beer industry with this latest accolade.
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Trailer released for "Shadows on the Wall", filmed in WNC
5/6/2013
The first official trailer for “Shadows on the Wall,” the sci-fi motion picture recently filmed in western North Carolina this past winter, is now available online at Shadows-Movie.com.
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Burke County electrical manufacturer to add 152 jobs
5/5/2013
Leviton, located in Morganton, received a NC Rural Center grant that will allow the company to expand.
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Screen Artists Co-op offers training for actors
5/4/2013
Open house events on May 8 and May 28
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18 outdoor gear builders of Western North Carolina to demo at Mountain Sports Festival
5/3/2013
13th annual festival takes place May 24-26 in Asheville, featuring music, entertainment and mountain sports.
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NC shares the spotlight with 'Iron Man 3'
5/1/2013
Film made in NC joins others such as 'The Hunger Games,' 'Last of the Mohicans,' and 'The Fugitive,' all made in Western NC
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Last of the Mohicans returns to Chimney Rock - June 15
4/30/2013
2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows features outdoor film screening and guided hikes at Chimney Rock, film location for The Last of the Mohicans
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UNC-TV features Blue Ridge Food Ventures in segment on "North Carolina Now."
4/26/2013
The winners of The Big Tasty contest talk about their food business idea, Vortex Doughnuts, which beat out 58 contestants from around the state.
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Broadband helps NC reach for the stars through WNC institute
4/22/2013
MCNC and North Carolina Research & Education Network (NCREN) serve as a major resource for PARI, the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.
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Business accelerator for nature-based innovators and entrepreneurs featured in radio segment.
4/21/2013
WMIT-FM features Accelerating Appalachia in a Community Spotlight segment on entrepreneurs.
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Google announces a $600 million expansion at its Caldwell County data center in the AdvantageWest region.
4/19/2013
The expansion brings the company’s total WNC investment to $1.2 billion.
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Panel at Western Carolina University, which includes AdvantageWest's CEO, takes a look at the WNC economy.
4/18/2013
A discussion of the region's economy as a unique intersection of creativity and technology.
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AdvantageWest tops $1 million mark in loan financing to early-stage, high-growth startups in Western North Carolina.
4/17/2013
The organization's Advantage Opportunity Fund started in 2007 with $40,000 and thus far has provided seed-stage loans to 26 high-growth startups in the region.
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The latest edition of AdvantageWest e-News is now out.
4/17/2013
News, information, opportunities and events from across our region.
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Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and NC Arts Council partner to launch the Blue Ridge Music Trails of NC
4/17/2013
Initiative to promote the rich traditional music heritage in Western North Carolina
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Pharmaceutical firm in Caldwell County announces expansion.
4/16/2013
Exela Pharma Sciences in Lenoir will create an additional 42 new full-time jobs and invest $8.5 million in a new site.
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Where's the Ultimate Fishing Town? Hayesville, NC.
4/16/2013
Located in Clay County, Hayesville is under consideration as the Ultimate Fishing Town. Cast your vote and the town could win up to $25,000.
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Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park top list
4/13/2013
The National Park Service releases its list of most-visited parks and places, and the AdvantageWest region is at the top.
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WNC outdoor manufacturers showcase products at Mountain Sports Festival, May 24-26.
4/13/2013
18 of the mountains' most innovative outdoor gear manufacturers will show off their wares and demonstrate the latest equipment for enjoying the outdoors.
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Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to build second casino in Cherokee County.
4/12/2013
$110 million casino and hotel to be located in Murphy.
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NC Biotech Center presents AdvantageWest CEO with Leadership in Science and Entrepreneurism Award
4/11/2013
Scott Hamilton is honored for efforts to attract Sierra Nevada to the region, contributing to the area's reputation for craft beer production and fermentation sciences.
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And the winner of The Big Tasty is...
4/10/2013
Blue Ridge Food Ventures announces the winner of a contest to discover the best food business idea in NC.
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The Rural Center and AdvantageWest are among the organizations that helped Stanley Furniture when it shifted production from Asia to WNC
4/9/2013
The move to bring the Young America line to Graham County is already paying off.
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Independent feature film seeks security and CDL licensed drivers
4/9/2013
Help needed through approximately May 18.
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Economic impact studies are released.
4/8/2013
Entities important to the AdvantageWest region's economy have recently released economic impact studies.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Food contest offered rewards to contestants and judges alike
4/7/2013
An update on the winners of The Big Tasty, Blue Ridge Food Ventures' best new food-business contest.
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Info session on April 25 at 6pm for Western Carolina University graduate technology program.
4/4/2013
WCU will offer its Master of Science degree program in Technology at its Biltmore Park learning center in Asheville.
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Mountain Xpress: Doughnuts win first place!
4/3/2013
The winners of The Big Tasty, Blue Ridge Food Ventures' contest to find the best new food-business idea in NC.
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Independent feature seeks special effects makeup assistant.
4/3/2013
Filming dates are April 16-May 15. All filming will take place in Hendersonville, NC.
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Independent feature film still seeking Wardrobe Department Intern
4/3/2013
Position is unpaid/volunteer; filming dates are April 16-May 15.
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Movie shot in WNC features local residents
4/3/2013
One of Western North Carolina’s most notorious killing fields are the center of a new movie being filmed now.
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The latest edition of AdvantageWest e-News is now available.
4/2/2013
Business opportunities, national recognition for WNC, award-winning ventures, upcoming events and more.
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880 The Revolution segment with the winners of The Big Tasty.
4/2/2013
Afternoon host Jeff Messer interviews AdvantageWest's Kathi Petersen and the makers of Vortex Doughnuts.
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The Laurel of Asheville: Report explores valuable and viable local foods
4/1/2013
“An Assessment of Market Potential of Select Value-Added Food Products for WNC” focuses on 8 of the most viable processed products in today’s regional market.
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Oskar Blues, Brevard's newly-opened craft brewery, launches "Brew School" in collaboration with Blue Ridge Community College.
4/1/2013
Cheers to Oskar Blues, already known for its practical approach to business, and BRCC for providing learning opportunities and real-time experience for those interested in a career in the area's fast-growing brewing industry.
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Business accelerator seeks nature-based innovators and entrepreneurs.
3/31/2013
Deadline for applying to participate in Accelerate Appalachia is April 30.
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Transylvania Vocational Services makes cover of national trade magazine
3/27/2013
The March edition of Powder Bulk Solids features article on vocational services organization that blends dry products for commercial bakers
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Prospering in 2013 Conference
3/27/2013
Event hosted by Blue Ridge Communtiy College helps local entrepreneurs and managers with cutting edge business & networking skills.
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Film industry in NC continues upswing in 2013
3/27/2013
The fast start to 2013 is coming off back-to-back record-breaking years for the film industry in North Carolina, which included the making of The Hunger Games in the AdvantageWest region.
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Inc. Magazine: Modern manufacturing ain't what it used to be (it's better)
3/26/2013
Article takes a look at the new, high-tech world of manufacturing
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Hunger Games Fan Tours Offered at District 12 – Henry River Mill Village
3/26/2013
Tours on weekends April thru October.
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NYS3 Introduction to Acting Class - Starts April 2nd
3/25/2013
Acting for Film, Theatre, Movement for Actors, Improv and Vocal Technique
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NYS3 Filmmaking: Process to Product - Starts April 27
3/25/2013
This filmmaking Intensive will provide a practical and comprehensive grounding in the concepts and techniques for both film and digital production.
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Winston Salem Journal: Casino is economic boon to Tribe
3/25/2013
The casino employs 2,500 people and contributes more than $380 million to the area’s economy.
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Now taking applications for Accelerating Appalachia project
3/24/2013
Accelerating Appalachia is going to change the landscape for business startups across the AdvantageWest region.
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"Blue Ridge Naturally" brands WNC as the Napa Valley of natural products
3/24/2013
A coalition of nonprofits and agencies that includes the Natural Products Manufacturing Facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures, is working to grow the natural products industry in the region.
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Federal officials visit Asheville to launch 13-state foodways tour
3/20/2013
The Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission kicks off an effort aimed at supporting local economies through food entrepreneurship, while broadening access to local food supplies.
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Sierra Nevada's East Coast operation in the AdvantageWest region is beginning to take shape.
3/20/2013
Sierra Nevada is one of three major western craft brewers to build expansions in Western North Carolina.
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Allegiant announces nonstop service between Asheville and Tampa-St. Pete
3/19/2013
Service between AVL and PIE begins June 6; special introductory fares now available.
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Entrepreneur from AdvantageWest region profiled in Forbes
3/19/2013
Read about Kara Errickson, an Advantage Opportunity Fund loan client who uses the Natural Products Manufacturing Facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures to make her product, Skinfare.
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Live monthly radio interview on Clear Channel focuses on a loan program for high-growth entrepreneurs
3/18/2013
The Morning Report host Gregg Jansen talks with AdvantageWest CEO Scott Hamilton about the Advantage Opportunity Fund.
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Asheville Citizen-Times profiles a top mentor for the region's entrepreneurs.
3/17/2013
Marketing guru Zane Adams, who helps lead Blue Ridge Food Ventures graduate Buchi Kombucha to success, is now mentoring finalists in The Big Tasty.
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Final Winter Sun Farms pickup of the 2012-2013 season
3/14/2013
A photo from Blue Ridge Food Ventures at the last pickup for subscribers to its winter CSA.
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Asheville Citizen-Times profiles finalists in The Big Tasty contest
3/10/2013
Learn more about the innovative idea called Smoky Mountain Sweet Potato Jerky.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Solar energy is here to stay.
3/10/2013
A look at the solar industry in the AdvantageWest region.
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Nominate someone for the North Carolina Awards
3/7/2013
The awards recognize significant contributions in the fields of Fine Arts, Literature, Public Service, and Science.
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The Rural Center announces AdvantageWest among recipient of grants.
3/5/2013
Grant will evaluate the Certified Entrepreneurial Community(R) program for its potential to support entrepreneurship development in other NC communities.
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121 jobs coming to Macon County with location of tubular products manufacturer.
3/5/2013
Franklin Tubular Products will invest $4 million in local operations.
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National Public Radio profiles WNC entrepreneur
3/5/2013
Brent Manning co-founded Riverbend Malt House to bring local grains to North Carolina-made beers.
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Asheville Citizen-Times profiles finalists in The Big Tasty contest
3/4/2013
Meet a couple whose food business idea is a destination doughnut shop, Vortex Doughnuts.
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The latest edition of AdvantageWest eNews is here.
3/4/2013
News, information, opportunities and events from around the region.
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Blue Ridge Food Ventures executive director to speak at Illinois conference
3/1/2013
Mary Lou Surgi will speak on the subject of food business incubators at a rural economic development conference in Peoria.
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Clean energy goals for WNC announced by coalition of businesses and organizations across region
2/26/2013
The EvolveEnergy Partnership, of which AdvantageWest is an founding member, sets a goal to have every mountain community in WNC using clean energy of some kind by 2050.
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Raleigh News & Observer: Oskar Blues' new Brevard brewery signals future of NC craft beer scene
2/26/2013
CEOs from three of the country’s largest and best-known craft breweries heap praise on the AdvantageWest region.
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Forbes column by AdvantageWest Board Member Henry Doss
2/25/2013
More on innovation in the workplace.
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National Entrepreneurship Week - Roundup of Media Coverage
2/24/2013
AdvantageWest and Blue Ridge Food Ventures celebrated National Entrepreneurship Week February 16-22. Watch videos, listen to podcasts, and see other media coverage here.
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Asheville Citizen-Times profiles finalists in The Big Tasty contest
2/24/2013
Meet the maker of sweet and savory empanadas and hand pies -- one of seven finalists in Blue Ridge Food Ventures' competition to discover the best new food business in NC.
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Clean energy and sustainability tour of Biltmore is a one-time opportunity.
2/19/2013
The special event is March 16 and benefits the Western North Carolina Alliance.
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Forbes column by AdvantageWest Board Member Henry Doss
2/18/2013
"Failure Happens: Innovation and Serendipity" is the title of this week's installment.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Manufacturing in WNC
2/17/2013
Columnist Dale Neal interviews AdvantageWest CEO Scott Hamilton on the state of manufacturing in the region.
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Asheville Citizen-Times profiles finalists in The Big Tasty contest
2/17/2013
Meet the maker of Carolina Mountain Chips & Dips, a finalist in Blue Ridge Food Ventures' best new food product/business contest.
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Manufacturing in Western North Carolina: Fact sheet, media coverage
2/17/2013
Manufacturing in the AdvantageWest region is in the news, thanks to a recent visit to the Linamar Plant by President Barak Obama. Here's a fact sheet and a roundup of media coverage.
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Asheville Scene takes a look at the doughnut business...including two Big Tasty finalists
2/15/2013
Among the 8 finalists in Blue Ridge Food Ventures' best new food business contest are two doughnut businesses.
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880 The Revolution segment on AdvantageWest and its program of work
2/15/2013
A live studio interview on "The Jeff Messer Show".
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Transylvania County official interviewed on biofuels grant awarded to WNC region
2/14/2013
The Biofuels Center of NC awards its largest single grant ever to grow the biofuels industry in the AdvantageWest region.
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News Radio 570 WWNC interviews AdvantageWest CEO about manufacturing in WNC
2/13/2013
Scott Hamilton appeared live with Gregg Jensen in advance of President Obama's visit to the Linamar plant in Buncombe County. Hear the interview here.
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Officials with WNC Film Commission join NC Film Office in promoting the state as a location for filmmakers.
2/11/2013
The trip included an LA reception attended by about 200 film industry professionals
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Macon County's Luxury Therapeutics receives national award from US Chamber of Commerce
2/11/2013
See the press release from Macon County EDC here.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Important rewards await Big Tasty Winners
2/10/2013
A look at the finalists in a contest from Blue Ridge Food Ventures to discover the best new food business idea in NC.
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Asheville Radio Group interview about a project to significantly advance the biofuels industry in WNC
2/3/2013
AdvantageWest CEO Scott Hamilton is interviewed on Asheville Area Focus about a grant of more than $766,000 from the Biofuels Center of NC.
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Blue Ridge Food Ventures announces finalists in The Big Tasty
1/31/2013
From a field of 58 entries, eight finalists have advanced to the next level in this first-ever best new food business idea contest.
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Printing ink supplier, Siegwerk EIC, invests $3 million to expand Morganton facility
1/31/2013
The company’s Burke County facility is its primary manufacturing hub for water and energy cure technologies. With current employees numbered at 110 people, Siegwerk plans to hire 18 additional workers.
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The latest edition of AdvantageWest e-News is now out.
1/31/2013
News, opportunities, events and more from around Western North Carolina.
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Global defense supplier to create 53 new jobs in Rutherford County.
1/29/2013
Manroy Defense Systems will expand current operations in Spindale, generating additional capital investment of more than $600,000 in facility improvements.
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New website empowers citizens to map broadband access in WNC
1/29/2013
WNC residents with sub-par or no broadband Internet access can document their experience to share with policymakers thanks to a new website from area nonprofit.
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AdvantageWest member of Board of Directors named to Charlotte branch board of Federal Reserve
1/28/2013
Paul Szurek, chief financial officer of Biltmore Farms, will serve a two-year term on the Charlotte branch board of directors of the Fifth Federal Reserve District Office, based in Richmond VA.
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Professional film crew training course starts Feb. 10; open house event is Feb. 2
1/26/2013
Press release from the Screen Artists Co-op, dedicated to creating opportunities in the filmmaking industry for qualified professionals in the region.
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100 jobs coming to Buncombe County; job fair is February 8 in Arden.
1/24/2013
Teleservices company GRFS is adding 100 new positions for call center agents.
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Voice & Presentation Skills Weekend Jan 19 - 20
1/18/2013
The New York Studio for Stage & Screen in Asheville announces an upcoming weekend workshop dedicated to the health and improvement of the human voice.
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Biodiesel Magazine reports on the growing biofuels industry in WNC
1/17/2013
AdvantageWest and partners receive the biggest grant in the history of the Biofuels Center of NC to accelerate biofuels production and utilization.
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Hendersonville Times-News reports on grant awarded to AdvantageWest & partners to advance biofuels in WNC
1/17/2013
The Biofuels Center of NC awards $766,256, the largest in its history.
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Logo contest for group serving small businesses has prize of $250
1/17/2013
Deadline for the "Spark Tank" logo is February 9. Get details here.
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Grant of $766,256 coming to WNC for clean energy project
1/16/2013
Biggest award in granting entity’s history will measurably advance the biofuels industry in WNC
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JELD-WEN, inc. expansion to bring 49 new jobs to Wilkes County
1/16/2013
JELD-WEN will open a composite doorskin manufacturing operation in North Wilkesboro, and generate a capital investment of $4.8 million.
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Sign up today: Workshops on small business lending
1/15/2013
Series of SBA workshops for startup and existing businesses are being held across NC, starting Jan. 22 at A-B Tech.
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Press Release from NC Gov Bev Perdue: Pharmaceutical Manufacturer To Create 38 Jobs in Caldwell County
1/3/2013
Exela Pharma Science will expand its Lenoir facility, investing $8.5 million.
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Press Release: Screen Artists Co-op Launches Talent Agency and Professional Film Crew Training Course
1/2/2013
Open House on January 9 to provide information on training opportunities for a career in the filmmaking industry
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National League of Cities features Blue Ridge Food Ventures clients in case study
1/2/2013
A case study of Asheville and its resources and efforts in supporting entrepreneurism.
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Asheville Citizen-Times profiles an AdvantageWest Advantage Opportunity Fund client
12/30/2012
Cherokee County company Native Touch taps the healing power of plants.
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Zentric, Inc. headquarters locates in Henderson County, creating 116 jobs
12/21/2012
The $7 million investment will allow the company to further develop battery and solar technologies through research and design.
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2012 record-breaking year for NC film industry
12/21/2012
As in 2011, North Carolina witnessed another year of record-breaking film numbers as 2012 comes to an end.
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NBC News: Manufacturing is on the rise in the South
12/20/2012
In 2012, manufacturing accounts for 20% of NC’s gross domestic product, not including recent announcements that will add to manufacturing employment in the near future.
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Smoky Mountain News explores the WNC Economy
12/19/2012
A look at the improving economy in the AdvantageWest region includes an interview with AW President & CEO Scott Hamilton.
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WCQS-FM public radio interviews AdvantageWest CEO about the WNC economy
12/18/2012
News Director David Hurand talks with Scott Hamilton about the improving economy in the AdvantageWest region.
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WLOS-TV segment on Winter Sun Farms
12/17/2012
The News 13 Health Alert reports on Blue Ridge Food Ventures' winter CSA, Winter Sun Farms and its health benefits. Subscriptions are still available!
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Asheville Citizen-Times: WNC Economic Index hits 5-year high
12/17/2012
Promising news for the region as revealed by the latest WNC Economic Index, a collaboration of AdvantageWest and Appalachian State University.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Step in right direction to sustainability
12/16/2012
An endorsement of the biofuels pilot project underway that involves AdvantageWest, Biltmore, Blue Ridge Biofuels and a number of other partners.
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The latest edition of AdvantageWest eNews is now out.
12/13/2012
Seasonal opportunities, news, deadlines and events.
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Asheville Citizen-Times reports on biofuels project
12/12/2012
The Field to Fryer to Fuel project, spearheaded by AdvantageWest, is a grant-funded pilot to grow canola, press it into food grade oil for area restaurants, then converted to biofuel.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Land-based businesses promoted; conference designed to boost WNC entrepreneur community
12/8/2012
A look back at AdvantageWest's Venture Local Conference
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Holiday Marketplace at Blue Ridge Food Ventures showcases local flavor
12/6/2012
Winter Sun CSA also begins distributing its cold-weather bounty
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WZGM radio interview with AdvantageWest VP of Entrepreneurship Matt Raker about the upcoming Venture Local conference
12/4/2012
Live guest appearance on Take A Stand with Matt and Agnes.
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Made in WNC: The Holiday Marketplace at Blue Ridge Food Ventures
12/2/2012
The Asheville Citizen-Times takes a quick look at the Dec. 5 Holiday Marketplace, where shoppers can find all items made in WNC.
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Asheville Area Focus radio program on Venture Local
12/2/2012
Asheville Radio Group News Director Bill McClement interviews AdvantageWest's Emily Breedlove about the Dec. 7 Venture Local Conference.
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Clear Channel focuses on sustainable entrepreneurship in WNC
12/1/2012
AdvantageWest's Matt Raker is interviewed on the public affairs program "Changes" in advance of the Venture Local Conference in Asheville.
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The latest edition of AdvantageWest e-News is now out.
11/30/2012
Info on upcoming events, plus a links to photos, video and more of the Economic Summit.
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Live monthly radio interview on Clear Channel focuses on upcoming AdvantageWest events
11/29/2012
AdvantageWest President & CEO Scott Hamilton talks with host Gregg Jensen on The Morning Report about upcoming events and opportunities to buy local, venture local and eat local.
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The Laurel of Asheville: Tasty gift boxes from Blue Ridge Food Ventures support young businesses
11/29/2012
A look at holiday gift ideas from Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
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Mountain Xpress profiles an AdvantageWest Advantage Opportunity Fund client
11/27/2012
Noble Cider vies to be the first company to bring hard cider to the area.
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Highlights of the 2012 AdvantageWest Economic Summit
11/25/2012
Some 400 businesspeople, economic developers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, educators, media and others attended our Nov. 19 event. Here's media coverage and more.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Event aims at local businesses
11/25/2012
AdvantageWest's Venture Local Conference is coming Dec. 7.
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Mountain Xpress: AdvantageWest Economic Summit focuses on innovation
11/20/2012
Highlights from the panel discussion.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: WNC is poised as center of innovation
11/18/2012
A conversation with one of the panelists for the 2012 AdvantageWest Economic Summit.
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Spice Up Your Holidays!
11/18/2012
Check out this holiday recipe from Blue Ridge Food Ventures' winter CSA, Winter Sun Farms - and while you're at it, enter the Asheville CVB's Spice Up Your Holidays contest.
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Mountain Xpress feature on Winter Sun Farms - sign up today!
11/17/2012
Blue Ridge Food Ventures' winter CSA is now accepting membership for the 2012-13 season. Learn more here.
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Ashe County signs on to AW's Certified Entrepreneurial Communities program
11/14/2012
From the Jefferson Post: Ashe County will participate in the Certified Entrepreneurial Community Program in partnership with the Advantage West Economic Development Group.
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Moog Music executive is featured in Asheville Citizen-Times
11/11/2012
Mike Adams will be a panelist at the AdvantageWest Economic Summit.
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AT&T announces $14 billion expansion
11/8/2012
Investment will significantly expand wireless and wireline broadband networks, support future IP data growth and new services
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Charlotte Observer profiles a Blue Ridge Food Ventures graduate
11/5/2012
The owner of Bushelle Seasonings got her business off the ground with the resources and commercial kitchens at Blue Ridge Food Ventures.
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North Carolina named America’s ‘Top Business Climate’
11/1/2012
Site Selection Magazine ranks NC #1 for the 10th time in 12 years as the best state to do business.
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170 jobs coming to Caldwell County
10/24/2012
Woodgrain Millwork Inc, a leading producer of wood millwork, will locate a new facility in Lenoir, investing more than $8 million
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Chronicle for Higher Education: WNC builder to sell ASU solar house in kit form
10/24/2012
The modular sustainable house that App State students designed and entered in the U.S. Dept of Energy’s Solar Decathlon is being marketed nationwide by Deltec.
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Press Release from Land-of-Sky Regional Council: Joe McKinney Named NADO Executive Director
10/22/2012
The Executive Director of LOSRC since 2003 will join National Association of Development Organizations on Oct 29.
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Blue Ridge Food Ventures executive director is named 2012 WNC Woman of the Year
10/18/2012
Mary Lou Surgi won the honor in the nonprofit category
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Workshops on Rural Center grant & loan opportunities
10/18/2012
Locations in AdvantageWest region include Wilkes and Henderson counties
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AdvantageWest Seeking Part-Time Grants Coordinator
10/16/2012
AdvantageWest is accepting applications for a part-time grants coordinator position until Tuesday, October 16th.
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Live monthly radio interview on Clear Channel regarding AdvantageWest activities
10/11/2012
News Radio WWNC's Jerri Jameson hears about AdvantageWest's upcoming Economic Summit on November 19 from President & CEO Scott Hamilton
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Open Data Day Conference - Oct 16 in Asheville
10/10/2012
Open Data Day highlights the problems behind a lack of easily accessed government data, and how solutions can help the community in multiple ways. Sign up by Oct 12.
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Region's economy grows, according to WNC Economic Index for August
10/9/2012
The report, sponsored by AdvantageWest and Appalachian State University, tracks economic activity in the region.
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Sign up now for the 2012 AdvantageWest Economic Summit
10/9/2012
"The WNC Innovation Ecosystem: What's Missing?" Join us for a reception and discussion about innovation and economic development on Mon Nov 19 in downtown Asheville.
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Hendersonville Times-News article on Winter Sun Farms
10/7/2012
The Blue Ridge Food Ventures CSA provides local produce throughout the winter.
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Mix 96.5 WOXL interview about The Big Tasty contest
10/4/2012
Morning personality Tammy Jones interviews Blue Ridge Food Ventures Executive Director Mary Lou Surgi
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More than 100 new jobs coming to AdvantageWest region
10/4/2012
Good news across WNC with job announcements in Caldwell, Henderson and Polk counties
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Manufacturer announces expansion at North America facility in Henderson Co.
10/4/2012
Blue Ridge Metals will add 20 jobs and invest $20 million.
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The Fresh Market offers shelf space for winner of Blue Ridge Food Ventures' contest, The Big Tasty
10/4/2012
Deadline for best new food product or service competition extended to Oct. 31.
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TopFloorStudio of Asheville featured in New York Times
9/28/2012

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Local entrepreneur featured in the New York Times
9/21/2012
A young businessman continues to succeed in the AdvantageWest region -- here's how.
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Reminder: BREC Breakthrough Challenge to help new and startup businesses
9/20/2012
Deadline to apply for free program is Sept 30
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Live monthly radio interview on Clear Channel regarding AdvantageWest activities
9/20/2012
WWNC interviews AdvantageWest President & CEO Scott Hamilton on three upcoming events targeting entrepreneurs.
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Internationally recognized leader in the sustainable design field and recipient of 2012 Buckminster Fuller Challenge comes to Asheville on Friday, Sept. 28
9/19/2012
Forum at UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium is offered by AdvantageWest’s Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council and AdvantageGreen
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NC Entrepreneurship Summit in Asheville Sept 24-25
9/17/2012
Sign up today!
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Winston-Salem Journal reports on The Big Tasty, a contest for entrepreneurs developed by Blue Ridge Food Ventures
9/16/2012
Contest aims to find the best new food product or food service idea in NC.
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Deadline for Blue Ridge Food Ventures contest for entrepreneurs is Oct 15
9/16/2012
The Big Tasty seeks the best new food product or service idea in NC
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Asheville Airport to offer non-stop Fort Lauderdale flights
9/11/2012
Low-fare carrier Allegiant Airlines will begin non-stop service from AVL to Fort Lauderdale FL beginning Nov 15.
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Local natural products entrepreneur featured in Asheville Citizen-Times
9/11/2012
Asheville Citizen-Times profile of local entrepreneurial company Maddie Hayes Naturals. Business uses the natural products manufacturing facility at Blue Ridge Food Ventures to make an all-natural insect repellent and lip balm.
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Gov. Perdue announces 152 jobs coming to Burke County
9/10/2012
Leviton plans to expand its electrical wiring manufacturing facility in Morganton
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Economy in AdvantageWest region improves
9/10/2012
The WNC Economic Index and Report, a cooperative effort of AdvantageWest and Appalachian State University provides a timely and accurate account of WNC economic conditions.
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Asheville Radio Group interviews federal officials and leaders with AdvantageWest, and Land-of-Sky Regional Council
8/26/2012
The public affairs program "Asheville Area Focus" discusses a $815,000 grant to support expansion of agriculture and natural resource industries in the AdvantageWest region.
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Asheville Citizen-Times Editorial: AgriVentures grant should boost WNC jobs
8/23/2012
Editorial about the grant award from the EDA, USDA and ARC to support expansion of agriculture and natural resource industries in WNC.
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Jefferson Post article on AdvantageWest gathering of economic development and community leaders
8/20/2012
The AdvantageWest Board of Directors meets with High Country economic developers in Ashe County.
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High Country Press: Local economic leaders and AdvantageWest gather in Jefferson
8/19/2012
Coverage of the August 2012 Board of Directors meeting in Ashe County, which included economic development, community and business leaders from Ashe, Alleghany, Caldwell, Watauga and Wilkes counties.
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Blue Ridge Food Ventures announces contest for entrepreneurs with a big idea for a food product or service.
8/18/2012
Deadline to enter "The Big Tasty" is October 15. Press release, entry forms and more here.
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Watauga Democrat: Coverage of AdvantageWest Board of Directors meeting in Ashe County
8/16/2012
Economic developers share business assets at a gathering of leaders of Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Caldwell and Wilkes counties.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Farmers could get help in new markets
8/16/2012
Federal and local officials herald the new $1.6 million WNC AgriVentures Project during a tour of Blue Ridge Food Ventures
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Hendersonville Times-News: $815,000 grant won by AdvantageWest and Land-of-Sky Regional Council
8/15/2012
Federal grant will support NC agriculture economy, spur jobs
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Live monthly radio interview on Clear Channel regarding AdvantageWest activities
8/9/2012
Blue Ridge Food Ventures Executive Director Mary Lou Surgi provides an update on the exciting activities and events going on at BRFV.
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AdvantageWest-led AgriVentures project wins $815,000 from Rural Jobs & Innovation Accelerator Challenge
8/1/2012
Aim of $9 million challenge is to spur job creation and economic growth in rural regions across the country.
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Lowe's to add 165 new jobs in AdvantageWest region
7/31/2012
Home improvement retailer Lowe's will add 175 new full-time jobs at its Customer Support Center in Wilkesboro.
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Saluda one of five small towns selected for NC Dept. of Commerce Main Street program
7/31/2012
The N.C. Department of Commerce announced today that five new communities have been chosen to participate in the Office of Urban Development's 2012 Small Town Main Street program.
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Press Release: Free workshops to help WNC manufacturers expand opportunities in producing renewable energy equipment
7/30/2012
Forums held across AdvantageWest region starting 8/14 address market trends, product development and supply chain opportunities
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Live monthly radio interview on Clear Channel regarding AdvantageWest activities
7/25/2012
President & CEO Scott Hamilton talks about AdvantageWest's WNC Film Commission.
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NC Film Production for 2012 Already Exceeds 2011 Record-Setting Numbers
7/25/2012
35 productions to date account for $300 million in spending, 16,000 job opportunities
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AdvantageWest Announces Series of Renewable Energy Supply Chain Mfg. Opportunities Forums
7/25/2012
A series of three workshops that seek to leverage the tremendous market growth for renewable energy equipment – both global and domestic – into increased industry activity and new manufacturing jobs in Western North Carolina.
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AdvantageWest gets grant to "grow" biofuels industry
7/18/2012
Asheville Citizen-Times: Farmers, area restaurants and energy-conscious drivers could benefit from a pilot program to develop homegrown biofuels in the mountains.
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10 reasons why Apple, Facebook & Google chose NC for their mega data centers
7/14/2012
Influential tech blog addresses NC's emergence as a hub for data centers, including Facebook and Google, here in the AdvantageWest region.
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Site Selection magazine recognizes craft beer industry in AdvantageWest region
7/13/2012
Plans by Sierra Nevada and New Belgium to locate operations in WNC, plus dozens of local craft breweries, draw national attention to the region.
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International food manufacturer to bring 305 jobs and invest $12 million in Rutherford County
7/13/2012
Valley Fine Foods, which produces gourmet pasta products including organic and gluten free, announces its decision to bring its east coast facility to Forest City.
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CNBC Ranks North Carolina 4th Best State for Doing Business
7/10/2012
States scored based on: cost of living and doing business, workforce, quality of life, economy, transportation and infrastructure, technology and innovation, education, business friendliness, and access to capital.
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Departures Magazine interviews Blue Ridge Food Ventures Exec Director Mary Lou Surgi
7/7/2012
Article "How Asheville got its culinary cool" covers the local food scene
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AdvantageWest is featured on WLOS-TV's Spotlight Carolina
7/5/2012
This interview with AdvantageWest CEO Scott Hamilton also aired on WMYA-TV.
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Economic developer in AdvantageWest region is named Economic Developer of the Year
7/5/2012
Congratulations to Asheville’s Sam Powers, honored by the NC Economic Developers Association
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Sierra Nevada invites local brewers to California facility
7/1/2012
The No. 2 craft brewer in the US is locating its East Coast manufacturing & distribution operation in the AdvantageWest region.
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Asheville Citizen-Times: Region is seeing increase in manufacturing jobs
7/1/2012
While the textile industry has seen loss, in general manufacturing has been gaining jobs monthly for more than year in the Asheville area.
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Blue Ridge Food Ventures graduate has the region "on fire"
6/29/2012
Asheville Citizen-Times profile of the creator of Lusty Monk Mustard, entrepreneur Kelly Davis
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Biofuels Center of NC funds Field to Fryer to Fuel project
6/25/2012
AdvantageWest and partners win $130,000 grant to accelerate the biofuels industry in WNC.
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Linamar Asheville Announces $75M Expansion and 250 New Jobs
6/21/2012
The 250 jobs announced for the Canada-based Skyland manufacturing plant are on top of the 400 positions announced in 2011.
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NBC-TV's "The Biggest Loser" seeking contestants in NC
6/20/2012
A casting call will take place July 14 in Raleigh.
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Hickory Daily Record: "Hunger Games" site boosts tourism
6/20/2012
Tourism is up 200% in Burke County, with about 75% of that said to be directly related to "The Hunger Games."
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Charlotte Observer: The need to support Generation Z’s ‘My own thing’ economy
6/19/2012
AdvantageWest's Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council is mentioned as one resource for supporting new business.
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Live monthly radio interview on Clear Channel regarding AdvantageWest activities
6/14/2012
A monthly conversation between AdvantageWest President & CEO Scott Hamilton and Jerri Jameson, with The Morning Report on News Radio 570 WWNC.
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Hendersonville Times-News: Sierra Nevada update
6/10/2012
Progress on construction of Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's East Coast manufacturing & distribution operation in AdvantageWest region
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Story in southeast publication features Blue Ridge Food Ventures
6/6/2012
Breathe magazine discusses women entrepreneurs, including BRFV artisan food makers.
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Raleigh News & Observer: Conservation is brewing benefits
6/4/2012
Article credits the AdvantageWest region’s abundant clean water and high quality of life generated by outdoor recreation opportunities for decisions by major breweries Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, and Oskar Blues to locate here.
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AdvantageWest eNews for June 4 2012 is now online.
6/4/2012
Upcoming opportunities for businesses and job-seekers, plus info on the 48 Hour Film Project and Blue Ridge Food Ventures' presence at the Asheville Wine & Food Festival
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Asheville Radio Group interviews Mary Lou Surgi, Executive Director of Blue Ridge Food Ventures
6/3/2012
Listeners of the public affairs program "Asheville Area Focus" get an update on on the shared-us food and natural products business incubator and processing facility.
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Furniture manufacturer to locate in McDowell County
6/1/2012
SBFI North America, a manufacturer of trading desks and control room furniture, will locate its operations in Old Fort, creating 25 jobs and investing more than $1.4 million.
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Macon Co News: Venture Local movement taking Franklin by storm
5/31/2012
AdvantageWest CEO Scott Hamilton explains how the Venture Local model can promote overall economic development.
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SyFy Channel buys WNC "Hunger Games" filming location
5/29/2012
Henry River Mill Village to be featured on network's "Hollywood Treasures" on June 6.
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The Hunger Games, filmed in the AdvantageWest region: Continued media coverage
5/27/2012
This blockbuster film continues to garner media attention around the world. Here’s a small sample.
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“The Hunger Games” continues its phenomenal success
5/27/2012
Shot in the AdvantageWest region, the Lionsgate film has grossed $637,680,781 worldwide
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USA Today: Craft beers brew up booming business
5/25/2012
Asheville's thriving craft brew scene is featured.
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