BREC Meeting Last Night

Last night in my presentation to members of the Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council I noted that they seem to be at the same stage that the Triad entrepreneurial community was seven years ago. Given where the nexus of activity in the western NC counties lies (Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock) there's more of an emphasis on tourism and recreation-based businesses than there was in Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point. However, there are other new businesses engaged in technology and manufacturing.

Some thoughts:

• There was a lot of entrepreneurial energy in the room, and it will be interesting to see how the business and academic communities nurture it. I spoke with a number of creative folks who are starting or running businesses that span a broad range of industries, and their enthusiasm is infectious.
• The cost of living in Asheville, Boone and Blowing Rock is skyrocketing, and I wonder if or how this will be addressed since it clearly impacts ability to hire/retain workers. Yeah, the culture in each of those communities is attractive to the all-important young professionals, but they have to pay the rent, too.
• ASU's Walker College of Business has initiated an entrepreneurship program. It's in the early stages but seems to have a very practical focus on business creation.
• Jim Roberts, who I've known since his days running entrepreneurial support group Firstround, is the catalyst behind BREC. He has an uncommon talent for connecting people whose interests are aligned. I hope the entrepreneurial community takes advantage of this.

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