When Kathy and I first moved to McDowell County, we were excited to explore the area's natural beauty by backpacking and camping on the numerous mountain trails. We have always preferred the charm of small-town communities and have enjoyed getting to know the local businesses in Marion and Old Fort. Over the past year, I have come to appreciate even more how these natural treasures are not just places for recreation; they are also powerful engines of opportunity for the people who live here.
Across Western North Carolina, the outdoor economy has become one of the fastest-growing parts of our regional workforce. According to the Made X MTNS / WNC Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey, Western North Carolina’s outdoor economy generates $4.9 billion in economic output, 48,000 full-time jobs, and $197.5 million in county-level tax revenues each year. From trail construction and forestry to guiding and outfitting, to hospitality and food service, this sector is creating new pathways for employment while strengthening the fabric of our communities. The outdoor economy is about more than hiking boots and bicycles; it is about how the outdoors supports families, small businesses, and a better quality of life for everyone.
That is why I am pleased to announce that McDowell Technical Community College has promoted Jeremy Poore to the new position of Director of Outdoor Economy. He will be based out of our Workforce Development Center in Old Fort. Jeremy brings not only a wealth of professional skills to this position, but also a personal passion for the outdoors and for our county. In this role, he will work closely with community partners, including the McDowell Trails Association, Camp Grier, and the U.S. Forest Service, to develop programs that prepare students for careers in outdoor recreation, hospitality, and other related careers.
This is a significant step for McDowell Tech and for the town of Old Fort. Over the past several years, Old Fort has gained national attention as a model of what is possible when communities, nonprofits, and land managers collaborate to build trails and expand access to public lands. In her “Creating Community” article, Lisa Jennings of the U.S. Forest Service emphasized how collaborative planning with community leaders contributed to the success of recent trail projects. More recently, a Brookings Institution article, “Restoring Outdoor Recreation in Old Fort, NC, after Hurricane Helene” describes the restoration in Old Fort as “starting to put the town on the map.” With Jeremy’s leadership and resources from McDowell Tech, we are well-equipped to help ensure that this momentum translates into real job opportunities.
The timing could not be better. According to the North Carolina Outdoor Economy Office, outdoor recreation grew by nearly 10 percent in 2023, generating $16.2 billion in value-added GDP statewide and supporting more than 145,000 jobs. Locally, we see the impact in the form of new businesses, increased tourism, and stronger partnerships. By training a workforce to meet the growing demands in this sector, McDowell Tech is making sure that McDowell County residents not only enjoy the outdoors but also build sustainable careers and businesses around it.
As John Maxwell writes in The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, “Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who do not.” McDowell Tech is committed to growth that matters; growth that opens doors for our students, strengthens our partnerships, and ensures that everyone in our community has the opportunity to learn, grow, and dream.
Together, let us continue to build a future where McDowell County’s natural beauty is not only a source of pride but also a source of opportunity. McDowell Tech is Right Where You Belong! Discover us at www.mcdowelltech.edu.
