The AdvantageWest region, encompassing the 23 westernmost counties of North Carolina, stretches from Virginia to Georgia and covers nearly 10,000 square miles (16,090 square meters) — an area that is larger than eight U.S. states. Against the spectacular backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western North Carolina is a sought-after destination for established corporations, entrepreneurs, visitors, retirees and members of the creative class, such as filmmakers, writers, artists and digital media technologists. Publications from Money, Kiplinger's and Entrepreneur, to Modern Maturity, AmericanStyle and Rand McNally Places Rated Almanac have written about the region’s diverse appeal, which includes:

• Fiber optics-based broadband connectivity that is the envy of most rural regions
• Attractive tax incentives and grants
• Imbedded green culture within the region
• Organized networks of entrepreneurs and angel investors
• Nationally ranked universities, community colleges and private colleges
• A skilled, creative and motivated workforce of more than a half million
• A transportation infrastructure that includes I-40 and I-26 and Asheville Regional Airport, offering flights on AirTran, Continental, Delta, and US Airways to any destination in the world.
• Vibrant communities offering a broad array of recreational opportunities
• National heritage destinations, including the Qualla Boundary, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
• One of the world’s most biologically-diverse ecosystems

Major companies located in the AdvantageWest region include: Altec Industries, ArvinMeritor, Baxter Healthcare, Borg Warner Cooling Systems, Borg Warner Turbo Systems, Continental Teves, GE Aviation, GE Lighting Systems, Google, UPM Raflatac, Volvo Construction Equipment’s North American Headquarters, and Wilsonart International.

The region is also increasingly recognized as an alternative-energy hub with the 2008 announcement that California’s Vanir Energy LLC would make its headquarters in Western North Carolina, where the company’s first project would be the world’s largest solar thermal installation for heating and cooling. Also located in the AdvantageWest region is FLS Energy, which provided solar panels for the first Platinum LEED-certified hotel in the U.S. Sundance Power Systems, Inc., one of the largest renewable energy firms in the Southeast that has been in business for more than a decade, is also located in the region.

Chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1994, AdvantageWest is a non-profit public/private partnership whose primary focus is marketing to corporations relocating, expanding, or opening new facilities in the region. The organization also maintains a menu of programs tailored around the capital and technical support needs of start-up companies. In 2007, AdvantageWest unveiled a national program that certifies counties and municipalities as entrepreneur-ready. It also developed the largest culinary business incubator program in the Southeast, with an 11,000-square foot FDA-inspected commercial kitchen aimed at supporting food entrepreneurs, farmers, and makers of natural products.

In addition, AdvantageWest is a strong, strategic supporter of the tourism industry and maintains the Western North Carolina Film Commission, helping to bring in major motion pictures and independent films. Major motion pictures filmed in the region include: Dirty Dancing, Forest Gump, The Fugitive, Hannibal, The Last of the Mohicans, and Patch Adams.

AdvantageWest has been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Southeast Tourism Society and the Southern Economic Development Council, among others, for its best practices as an economic development group.

Advantage West Economic Development Group
134 Wright Brothers Way

Fletcher, NC 28732
Phone: 828-687-7234

Fax: 828-687-7552

www.advantagewest.com