Grab a drink and join Jason as he discusses a topic on most WNC residents minds:

Sustainable Outdoor Recreation & Economic Development for Rural Communities

One challenge rural communities (and I would include all of WNC in that rural definition) have with the tourism economy is gentrification. This presentation will address nonprofits' role in economic development as it relates to workforce development, affordable housing, quality of life, etc.

Essentially how do we create communities and an economy where the essential workers (teachers, government employees, small business owners, service workers, etc) can live where they work. I'll be talking about how three nonprofits in Old Fort are working to answer some of those questions by discussing how we've catalyzed our economy while at the same time investing in projects that support workforce development, housing, and small businesses development

Jason has been involved in the outdoor industry professionally for almost 40 years and recreationally his entire life. In 1987. Jason has a Master’s degree in education and has been a fourth grade teacher, climbing guide, wilderness instructor, and camp director.

Since joining Camp Grier in 2013 he has helped lead the organization into an era of expansion and growth by partnering with the USFS and other community based organizations to grow the outdoor economy in Old Fort.

These efforts have led to $8M invested in public outdoor recreation infrastructure in Old Fort which is catalyzing more than $75M of nonprofit and impact investments in tourism, workforce development, commercial retail, and workforce housing projects.

Introducing CONFLUENCE. We had so much fun with you at our customer appreciation party earlier this summer that we decided to do it every month. We are starting out simple, but we have big dreams for what this concept will grow into. On the last Saturday of every month, we invite you to come out to the distillery and we will feed you, for free. There will be discounted cocktails, and 5% of sales will be used to purchase school supplies for local classrooms. We may even throw in some curveballs here and there; so mark your calendars, bring your appetite, your family, and your friends because this is a day for us to celebrate you, our neighbors.

Food available from 5pm-7pm

Cocktail Specials all day!

Are your an educator? We would love your input via this short form we put together: Educator Survey