by Think Currituck, on 11/5/21 12:44 PM
When it comes to tourism, much of the Outer Banks enjoyed a record-setting summer. People from all over the country and around the world continue to flock to our beaches. Revenue from rentals, restaurants and recreation are up.
That's the good news.
The bad news is that many local businesses are struggling with issues like labor shortages, lack of workforce housing, supply chain issues and rising materials costs.
But here's more GOOD news: if you're a local business owner, you're not alone. Local leaders have realized that the best way to solve these problems is by working together, so they've organized a summit to get things rolling.
You can join the discussion on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Currituck Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Coastal Economic Summit.
Twiddy & Company Realtors are sponsoring the event, which will run from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Currituck Cooperative Extension Center.
This event will give attendees insight on the future of the northern Outer Banks economy.
Experts will be on hand to discuss the current economic state of the Outer Banks as well as the region's economic future. Topics will include current issues affecting the Outer Banks including housing, workforce and service areas. There will also be a focus on strategies for both short-term recovery and long-term growth of the Outer Banks and northeastern NC tourism industry.
RELATED READ: NC Tourism report reveals economic impact of COVID
Keynote speakers include Whitney Knollenberg, Ph.D, a North Carolina State University assistant professor of Parks and Recreation, and Tourism Management and Jane Harrison, Ph.D, a North Carolina Sea Grant coastal economics specialist.
Knollenberg’s research is about how synergies can be built between tourism and other industries that seem not so related such as agriculture and craft beverage production, as well as finding ways to develop tourism that maximizes its positive impact.
Harrison’s speciality is applying economic analysis to meet the needs of coastal stakeholders. She is constantly collaborating with city planners, private businesses, elected officials, and residents to preserve natural resources, as well as making smart, long term infrastructure investments for the communities.
Along with the two keynote speakers, there will be a panel of local experts including:
- Willo Kelley, chief executive officer of the Outer Banks Association of Realtors
- Tameron Kugler, director of Currituck County Travel and Tourism
- Daniel Lewis of the Outer Banks Restaurant Association
- Emily Nicholson, assistant director, Northeastern Workforce Development Board
This is a FREE event, but registration is requested.
Click HERE to register
