Boone and Watauga County share a dynamic and diverse economy that is driven by the presence of a major state university, thriving year-round tourism, a regional medical center and a robust financial and service sector. Other major contributors are a broad-based retail market, agriculture and forest products, and transportation-related businesses. Employers will attest that the caliber of the workforce here is second to none. Employees possess a strong work ethic and possess the skills and ability necessary to adapt to changing technology. Traditionally, Watauga County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. Charleston Forge Boone and Watauga County are home to some 35 manufacturing firms, employing from five to more than 300 employees per firm. Principally, these are highly successful "home grown" companies, which manufacture and distribute items such as leather products, wood furniture components, indoor metal furniture, candies and mints, wire-bound resistors, log homes and specialty paint systems. There is a strong commitment by local government to ensure growth in the private sector of the area economy. More than a decade ago, the Watauga County Board of Commissioners, with help from the Town of Boone, developed an industrial park. Today, the park is thriving and remains completely filled. The Chamber is currently working with the state, county, town and the administration at Appalachian State University to locate and develop a business center complex that would accommodate the growing technology segment and complement existing businesses. The community offers many resources to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs who are seeking the quality of life benefits that the High Country provides. • One of the lowest annual unemployment rates in southeast • Approximately 47% of properties in the county are absentee-owned • An estimated 1/3 of all new building permits in the county are attributable to seasonal housing • Annual economic impact of the University $407.1 million in 2000 • Economic impact of tourism $179 million in 2006 • Ski industry employs more than 650 people each year • "Choose and Cut" Christmas tree industry sells approx. 13,000 Fraser Fir trees annually for over $700,000 (plus wreaths & garlands around $200,000). Once you factor in motels, restaurants, hotels, gasoline, etc., approximate economic effect is $14 million. • 102nd strongest economy of 576 micropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. according to 2007 rankings by POLICOM Corporation. • Boone was ranked 33rd among 577 micropolitan area towns in 2006 for quality of life by Bizjournals, the online media division of American City Business Journals. • Boone was selected as one of only four multi-sport vacation destinations in North America in the May, 2005 issue of Adventure Sports Magazine. A recent study conducted by three Appalachian faculty members underscored the economic impact of the university on Watauga Country, which was estimated at $407.1 million per year. Certainly, agriculture continues to be an important component of the local economy, with Christmas trees and ornamental shrubs leading the way. Choose and Cut Season But, tourism is our bread-and-butter industry. The Boone area is a year-round vacation destination and a popular spot for business meetings and conventions. In 2006 Watauga County ranked 18th out of North Carolina's 100 counties in the economic impact of tourism. Total expenditures were $179 million, with a payroll of $42 million. The value of this huge sector has increased more than 6 percent annually since 1989. The Chamber houses the Boone Convention & Visitors Bureau, which helps promote the area to potential visitors, meeting planners and motor coach operators. Whether you like to ski in the winter, hike in the fall, canoe in the summer, fish in the spring or just enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is the place! The next time you need to plan a vacation or business meeting, call the Boone Convention & Visitors Bureau at - (800) 852-9506 or (828) 262-3516. Our staff will be happy to provide you with up-to-date information on lodging, restaurants, attractions and all your other needs. The Chamber can provide referrals to a number of conference centers and resorts as well as 15 different Bed & Breakfast Inns, ranging from one that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places to a AAA four-diamond rated property.