The outdoor economy is a vast subject. In Watauga County, that conversation encompasses the trails, streams, and other features we enjoy daily, while it also covers the businesses that make the "things" we use when we enjoy our favorite outdoor places.

Hundreds of millions of dollars flow through our area annually when it comes to outdoor tourism spending. Who controls those dollars and the projects they fund? Are there plans to rehabilitate the trails and features that got "over used" during the height of the COVID-19 tourism boom?

On this week's Mind Your Business, we'll hear about the Blue Ridge Parkway as an economic driver to our area. Tracy Swartout, Superintendent of the BRP will discuss the dollars generated and how the federal government is working to maintain this important community asset.

We'll also hear from Eric Woolridge with Boone-based Destination by Design and get an update on a refresh of Watauga County's tourism infrastructure master plan, and how dollars generated by heads in beds can be the same money that builds the next new feature for all of us to enjoy.

Mind your Business is produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. The radio show airs each Thursday morning at 10:05AM on WATA (1450AM/96.5FM) in the High Country.

The podcast version of the program is made possible each week by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate and sponsored in part by Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

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