Western North Carolina: Regionalism - A Collective Competitive Advantage

Abstract

When competing for new business and economic growth, it is rare for two counties to work together. In Western North Carolina, however, twenty-three rural counties are doing just that. Western North Carolina is one of seven North Carolina regions that were established during the early 1990s. What makes this region unique is its umbrella organization, Advantage West. Since 1994, Advantage West has marketed and promoted the region and each of its counties. In doing so, the organization has created innovative tools for regional development such as the Certified Industrial Sites program. Advantage West is the only regional organization in North Carolina to focus on three specific program areas - travel and tourism, film, and industrial marketing.