WNC: MADE X MTNS

It feels like both a lifetime and just a moment has passed since Helene unleashed its wrath on Western North Carolina. Together, we're facing the heartbreak of destruction, but simultaneously seeing the sheer heroism of our communities. We've heard devastating and terrifying experiences, and yet have seen absolutely amazing relief efforts in response. We ask people often how these mountains make them who they are, and we're seeing that innovative, neighborly, and indomitable spirit in action every day as people are showing up for each other in every way. Like many small businesses, our outdoor industry members have a long road to recovery. Some have lost everything. Others who may have weathered the storm are now suffering due to travel and visitation in the region being severely impacted. It will be a long winter ahead for everyone. The Outdoor Business Alliance has started a fund to help its outdoor industry members recover, rebuild and be more resilient in the months ahead. Please donate, if you feel called to, by visiting: https://lnkd.in/eYmkcYMD. #wnc #outdoorindustry #helene

Friends and colleagues near and far... First, we want to thank first responders and volunteers for their incredible continuing service during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We've seen truly heroic actions and an incredible rallying of community in the past days. We know it will continue to take a village to recover. Our team is safe but operating with severely limited communication services and power for the foreseeable days. We've begun reaching out to community partners, our outdoor industry community, and our event partners in Cherokee. Once the immediate crisis has passed, we will be able to assess and share more accurate information about the Outdoor Economy Conference with our greater community. Thank you for your patience with our team as we also work to recover and reconnect to essential services in our homes throughout the region. We hope everyone stays safe, and if you want to help, we encourage you to seek out organized and reputable resources who are collecting vital aid to transport into Western North Carolina. Our communities need this support now more than ever. Thank you for your support, and we’ll be in touch again as soon as possible. #outdooreconomy #madexmtns #wnc #helene #hurricanehelene

Happy Fall, y'all! The leaves are starting to crisp, cooler mornings are becoming more plentiful, and the Outdoor Economy Conference is just around the corner. #madexmtns #outdooreconomy #wnc #autumn #fall

Have you checked out the 2024 Outdoor Economy Conference Agenda yet? New sessions and excursions are being added! https://lnkd.in/eyYaC3-8

This is so exciting! So much work and effort lies behind this decision and this moment. It will be incredible to be able to celebrate during this year's Outdoor Economy Conference!

Have you checked out the 2024 Outdoor Economy Conference agenda so far? We can feel the momentum building and we can't wait to see you there! Tickets at outdooreconomy.org

#madebymountainslovedbylocals on the road! Our partners Food For Adventures checked in from their nationwide adventures to share a couple of snaps from the road, featuring WNC gear brands SylvanSport, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Inc, Recover Brands, Pirani Life & Hellbender Paddleboards. Next, they're headed up north for cooler Fall temperatures, bringing the good word of WNC's amazing #outdoorindustry. #madexmtns #wnc #outdoorrecreation #outdoorgear ??: @food_for_adventures

SNEAK PEEK ??? - "The French Broad Paddle Trail" A brand new film about one of NC's state trails in Western North Carolina - The French Broad Paddle Trail - made in collaboration with MountainTrue, RiverLink Inc., Conserving Carolina, FindOutdoors and Headwaters Outfitters. Filmed by Robb Leahy. Stay tuned for the online premiere! #madexmtns #wnc #outdoors #river #trail

Who will we see at the The Great Trails State Coalition Conference in Winston Salem this week? Be sure to join us on Wednesday Sept. 11 at 4pm in the Winston 2 Room for the Great Trails State Film Festival! MADE X MTNS is a proud partner of this portion of the program, and we'll be debuting a brand new film about one of NC's state trails located in Western North Carolina - The French Broad Paddle Trail - made in collaboration with MountainTrue, RiverLink Inc., Conserving Carolina and Headwaters Outfitters Inc.

A big congratulations to multiple WNC communities who are new recipients included in a total of $17.9 million in Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) and Accessible Parks grants! “These awards through the?Parks?and?Recreation?Trust Fund?and?the Accessible?Parks?Grant will bring tremendous impact to communities across North Carolina by providing more?parks, more trails?and?more accessible?recreation,” said Governor Cooper. See the full announcement and all 22 NC awardees: https://lnkd.in/eBuvzXwt