Development of this web site was funded by the Future Forward Economic Alliance.  Future Forward is an economic development initiative in 12 Western NC counties, spearheaded in 2002 by Congressman T. Cass Ballenger. The effort began in response to the decline of manufacturing employment and focused on the need to create a regional economic development strategy as a guide for the future. 

One of the ten strategic actions identified in the process was the need for existing organizations to work together to implement regional strategies. A regional tourism alliance was established among existing convention and visitors bureaus in the area to coordinate existing and future tourism efforts. This web site which includes a regional calendar of events is the group’s first project. The partners will continue to work together to promote the region and market it as a tourism destination.