The 7th Annual Vision Northwest North Carolina summit is in the books, and discussions around transportation throughout the region highlighted an agenda filled with local leaders and regional experts.

On this week's Mind Your Business, we offer a recap of that day — from keynote discussions to a real life example of why transportation infrastructure matters to areas businesses at the most practical level.

Kenny Flowers, Chief Deputy Secretary of the NC Department of Commerce, delivered a keynote address, which coincided with the May 20th release of North Carolina's new Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan — First in Opportunity. The plan outlines four strategic goals covering infrastructure, economic competitiveness, community well-being, and workforce development.

Of the nine breakout panels that were hosted at Vision Northwest North Carolina, we'l recap the All Roads Lead to Money discussion, featuring Patrick Woodie, President/CEO of the NC Rural Center, and economic development expert Dan Gerlach. The conversation covered the current state of transportation funding, the added strain of Hurricane Helene's $6 billion in road damage, and what a sustainable long-term investment strategy for North Carolina's transportation system looks like.

Finally, we'll hear from Meagan Coneybeer of NC Innovation on the Rootsii sweet potato processing project — and what transportation infrastructure means for its future.

Mind Your Business is written and produced weekly by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. This podcast is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Catch the show each Thursday afternoon at 5PM on WATA (1450AM & 96.5FM) in Boone.

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