In my Community Economic Development class, I performed extensive research into the state of the outdoor industry in Asheville, NC. Research was synthesized into a Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) report. This report included recommendations to:

• Capitalize on trends of minorities increasing their outdoor participation to capture this market and support outdoor equity

• Leverage the proximity to Europe as a new target market for tourists given the current US - Euro exchange rate

• Prioritize rebuilding tourist attractions, parks, recreation facilities, and roads in locations that are accessible by diverse communities and that minimize risks of flooding, wildfires, and landslides

• Follow a strategy to sell products in Europe and other locations where the US dollar exchange rate has weakened

• Continue the communities commitment to equity by eliminating pay gaps for female employees in the outdoor industry.