Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit Welcomes Parkway Community Leaders to Discuss Regional Opportunities
In the News
September 3, 2026
Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia, and Carolyn Widner, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, welcome attendees to Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.
Attendees discuss ways to unify and support national park’s gateway communities
(Asheville, N.C., Sept. 3, 2026) – The third Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit welcomed nearly 200 attendees to explore paths of regional collaboration in tourism, economic development, outdoor recreation, marketing, and community initiatives within the 29 counties in North Carolina and Virginia that neighbor the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Friends of Southwest Virginia hosted the event Tuesday, Aug. 25, through Thursday, Aug. 27, at Biltmore.
“The summit set the stage for an incredible exchange of ideas and expertise between our mountain communities,” said Carolyn Widner, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. “The Parkway’s 469 miles physically connect the neighboring communities, but we have much more in common in addition to the park that we can share to strengthen our region.”
The event kicked off with three field trips. Attendees toured the design market Marquee to learn about the River Arts District and RiverLink’s recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene. Summit-goers also toured Highland Brewing Company’s 40-acre campus and the Folk Art Center to view works by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.
Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout addressed the group during a reception and dinner Wednesday evening. She noted that between 30 million and 40 million people live within a four-hour drive of the national park and emphasized its deep connections to neighboring communities.
Later during the summit, George Ivey, Director of Blue Ridge Rising, shared updates on the work completed and underway to advance the goals outlined in the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan, including workforce development through youth conservation crews, night sky and viewshed surveys to measure and protect the Parkway’s natural beauty and wildlife, mapping of cycling routes, and trail repairs. The plan’s initiatives were determined through a series of more than 30 listening sessions in gateway communities.
More than a dozen sessions explored the action plan’s key themes: marketing, visitor experiences, a unified regional voice, resource protection, workforce education, and capacity building. The topics included Perspectives on Creating Thriving Communities Through Outdoor Recreation; Understanding Today’s Blue Ridge Parkway Travelers; Brainstorming Our Regional Brand; Giving Back: How Artist-led Engagement Supports Community Initiatives; and Small Budgets, Big Impact: Marketing Initiatives that are Moving the Needle.
“We were thrilled to bring so many great partners from Virginia and North Carolina together in one place,” said Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia. “It was a chance to connect, learn from one another, share ideas, and have conversations that can lead to real opportunities for our communities.”
Speakers at the event included Pamela Brewington Cashwell, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources; Chase Pickering, Vice President of Guest Experience at Biltmore; Susan Mims, President and CEO, Dogwood Health Trust; Rita McClenny, President & CEO, Virginia Tourism Corporation; Scott Hamilton, President and CEO, Golden LEAF Foundation; Sara Williams, Southwest Regional Director, Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission; Maribel Castaneda, Virginia’s Deputy Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources; Chef T (Torrece Gregoire), cookbook author and television star; Graham Sharp, Grammy award-winning songwriter, banjo player, singer, and guitarist with the Steep Canyon Rangers; Benjamin Walls, award-winning photographer; Amy Allison, Director of the North Carolina Outdoor Economy Office; and Bridgett Massengill, President and CEO of the Chattanooga-based Thrive Regional Partnership.
“The summit has been an incredible gathering of arts, conservation, tourism, economic development, local, state, and federal government, as well as nonprofit organizations all focused on rebuilding communities that make the Blue Ridge Parkway a beloved destination and a reason to rediscover the unforgettable Western North Carolina,” Cashwell said.
Biltmore was the presenting sponsor for the summit. The event was also made possible by support from Appalachian Regional Commission, Dogwood Health Trust, Soloviev Foundation, Patrick County Tourism, Visit NC, Designsensory, Destination by Design, Mast General Store, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Explore Asheville, National Parks Conservation Association, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Conservation Corps NC, Blue Ridge Parkway Association, Destination Bedford, Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, Forever Mountain, Great Trails State Coalition, and Tourism Impact Services.
“The Appalachian Regional Commission is all about regionalism and ARISE-funded multistate projects, including Blue Ridge Rising. It is amazing to see hundreds of people come together to improve the economic viability of their communities,” said Olivia Collier, Director of Regional Development Commissions for the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Blue Ridge Rising unites the 29 gateway communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway around a shared vision for connection, stewardship, and growth. Guided by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, the initiative turns local priorities into coordinated regional action, helping communities strengthen economies, enrich visitor experiences, and invite Parkway travelers to discover the towns and people that define the region’s character. For more information, visit BlueRidgeRising.com.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the nonprofit fundraising partner of the Blue Ridge Parkway, helping to ensure cultural and historical preservation, natural resource protection, educational outreach, and visitor enjoyment now and for future generations. Since 1997, the Foundation has provided more than $24 million in support for the country’s most visited national park unit. To learn more, visit BRPFoundation.org.
Chase Pickering, Vice President of Guest Experience at Biltmore, and Pamela Brewington Cashwell, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wednesday., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Advisor Becky Anderson speaks with a friend during an evening reception on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.Becky Nave, Vice President of Partnership Marketing, Pratiksha Bhattarai, Senior Research Manager, and Rita McClenny, President & CEO, all with Virginia Tourism Corporation, attend a reception on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.Torrece Gregoire, known as Chef T, cookbook author and television star; Graham Sharp with the Steep Canyon Rangers, and photographer Benjamin Walls spoke about how artists support community engagement and philanthropy during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 27, at Biltmore.Volunteers from Conservation Corps North Carolina Colin Kane, Hammad Chaudhry, Elias Shack, and Maddie Villella at the registration table on Tues., Aug. 25, at the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C. Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout speaks with Trish Cerulli of the Cloverlea Foundation at evening reception on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.Sue Wasserman Director of Yancey County’s Tourism Development Authority asks panelists a question during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.James Houchins, Economic Development & Tourism Director for Patrick County in Virginia, welcomes guests to an evening reception on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.Hillary Sherman, North Carolina representative for the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and Susan Mims, President and CEO, Dogwood Health Trust participate in a panel discussion during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia, and Carolyn Widner, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, welcome attendees to Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.Scott Hamilton, President and CEO, Golden LEAF Foundation, and Olivia Collier, Director of Regional Development Commissions for the N.C. Department of Commerce, participate in a panel discussion during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore.Emily Gangi of GROW NC and Holly Nelson with North Carolina Secretary of Department of Natural and Cultural Resources at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Sara William with the Virginia Tobacco Commission with Tyler Hughes and Dani Babcock from The Crooked Road at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Rusty Painter and Anna Behnke from Conservation Trust for North Carolina with Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout, center, at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Sue Wasserman (center), Travel and Tourism Director of Yancey County, and Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout (right) at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Sam Johnson and Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Susan Weidmann from Appalachian State University, Robert Powell from Clemson University and Jessica Icenhour Roberts, Executive Director at Mount Airy Tourism Development (and a Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador) at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Amy Marshall and Olivia Wright from Friends of the Smokies chat with Ryan Robinson from Mast General Store (also a Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador) at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout chats with Trish Cerulli of the Cloverlea Foundation at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Olivia Collier with the Appalachian Regional Commission, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Widner, and Susan Mims of Dogwood Health Trust at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Noah Wilson of Mountain Bizworks and Tim and Heather Murphy of the Health Foundation at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Maribel Castaneda and Heather Barrar, both with the Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger, at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Kayla Milburn of Caldwell County Economic Development and Aaron Flannery of Conservation Trust of North Carolina at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador Brittany Niemeyer at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Danielle Stilwell of Industrial Commons (and a Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador), Kim Case of myFutureNC and Joanna Postlethwaite Brown of MADE X MTNS at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Parkway Assistant Superintendent Shayna Graham and Lisa Bottomley from the Blue Ridge Parkway Association at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Danielle Stilwell of The Industrial Commons (and a Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador) at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jeff Traynor, COO of Forum One, at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Pamela Randolph with Print Distribution Services and Leah Prater from the Birthplace of Country Music at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Parkway Assistant Superintendent Shayna Graham and Bob Peck of Mountainwater Films at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Becky Anderson of Forever Mountain and Kellie Monacell of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation chat at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Summit attendees chat at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Julie Judkins of the Great Trails State Coalition, Megan Foy, and Betsy Brown of Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Susan Mims of Dogwood Health Trust and Carlos Martinez of Henderson County (and a Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador) at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Scott Hamilton with the Golden Leaf Foundation and Olivia Collier with the Appalachian Regional Commission during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Hillary Sherman, North Carolina representative for the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and Susan Mims, Dogwood Health Trust, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Catherine Fox with Friends of Southwest Virginia moderates a panel discussion on Positioning the Blue Ridge Parkway for Tomorrow’s Visitor during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Rusty Painter and Anna Behnke with the Conservation Trust for North Carolina during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Colin Kane of the Conservation Corps of North Carolina during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Megan Biddix of Destination by Design speaks with attendees during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Hillary Sherman, North Carolina representative for the U.S. Economic Development Administration, and Olivia Collier with the Appalachian Regional Commission during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Sue Wasserman, Travel and Tourism Director of Yancey County, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Maribel Castaneda, Deputy Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources for the Office of Gov. Abigail Spanberger; Amy Allison, Director of the N.C. Outdoor Economy Office; and Amy Camp of Cycle Forward, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Maribel Castaneda, Deputy Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources for the Office of Gov. Abigail Spanberger; Amy Allison, Director of the N.C. Outdoor Economy Office; Amy Camp of Cycle Forward, and Ryan Robinson with Mast General Store, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Amy Allison, Director of the N.C. Outdoor Economy Office, and Amy Camp of Cycle Forward during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Guy Gaster with Visit NC shares visitation information during a session at the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Attendees listen during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jesse Pope, President and CEO of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, listens during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Rita McClenny, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, kicks off the session Understanding Today’s Blue Ridge Parkway Travelers during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Bradley Spiegel with Equinox at lunch during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Heather Barrar, from the Office of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, with Amy Allison, Director of the N.C. Outdoor Economy Office, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.A comment card reads: “New to the Blue Ridge! We love it here! We want to grow visitor experiences and improve local economies.”Attendees’ comment cards share how their Parkway community is rising during the summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Amy Marshall with Friends of the Smokies, Bernadette Peters with the Town of Sylva, and Jessica Lawrence, Catherine Fox, and Michelle White with Friends of Southwest Virginia during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Betsy Brown with the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, George Ivey, Director of Blue Ridge Rising, and Amy Allison, Director of the N.C. Outdoor Economy Office, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Guests enjoy lunch at Deerpark during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Kim Case with myFutureNC connects with Scott Elliott and Emily Gangi with the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout and Assistant Superintendent Shayna Graham talk during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jessica Lawrence, Michele White, and Jen Otey with Friends of Southwest Virginia are ready to welcome attendees during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chief Financial Officer Kellie Monacell and Director of Engagement & External Affairs Kristina Ramsey with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation are ready to welcome attendees during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Shannon Odom of Destination McDowell poses a question during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jim Halsey listens to the presenters during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Assistant Superintendent Shayna Graham listens during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chase Pickering, Vice President of Guest Experience at Biltmore, discusses his work with Jane Goodall during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chase Pickering, Vice President of Guest Experience at Biltmore, speaks about Biltmore’s conservation legacy during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Kim Davis, Executive Director of Friends of Southwest Virginia, addresses attendees during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Carolyn Widner, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, welcomes nearly 200 attendees to the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Carolyn Widner, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, kicks off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Danielle Stilwell of The Industrial Commons and Kim Case with myFutureNC connect during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Shyla Miller with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Coley Bartholomew with Southwestern Commission, and Rita McClenny, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation settle in for a session during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chase Pickering, Vice President of Guest Experience at Biltmore, with Pamela Brewington Cashwell, North Carolina Secretary of Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Amanda Lugenbell with the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority, Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador Larry VanHoose, Executive Director of the Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce, Jessica Icenhour Roberts with the Mount Airy Tourism Development Authority, Lisa Bottomley of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, and Pamela Randolph of Print Distribution Services during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Ryan Robinson of Mast General Store, and Noah Wilson with Mountain BizWorks catch up during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Attendees prepare for the opening session of the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Buck Brice with Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, and Bob Peck, Mountainwater Films, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jessie Birkhead from Conservation Corps of North Carolina and Joanna Brown with MADE x MTNS WNC on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Cathy McDonald and Blair Belt-Clark with Mayland Earth to Sky Park, Margaret Thiele of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, and Amanda Pastore of Mayland Earth to Sky Park, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Michelle Summey of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association meets Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador John McEnhill of Buffalo Mountain Ziplines during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Catherine Fox with Friends of Southwest Virginia, Trish Cerulli of the Cloverlea Foundation, and Michelle Crumpacker with Destination Bedford chat during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Olivia Wright and Amy Marshall represent Friends of the Smokies during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Marielle DeJong and Nina Ardle represent The Pisgah Conservancy during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Tina Murray, Erin Simons, and Kim Davis with Friends of Southwest Virginia, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Trish Cerulli of the Cloverlea Foundation and Michelle Crumpacker with Destination Bedford, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Amanda Pastore and Cathy McDonald, both with Mayland Earth to Sky Park, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Guests stop by information stations for Destination by Design, Cycle Forward, and Designsensory during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jason McDougald with Camp Grier, Amy Allison, Director of the N.C. Outdoor Economy Office, and Bernadette Peters, Economic Development Director for the Town of Sylva, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Friends of Southwest Virginia Executive Director Kim Davis and Heather Barrar from the Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Anna Chandler, Shana Bushyhead Condill, and Adelia Crowe with the Museum of the Cherokee People during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador Jessica Icenhour Roberts, Executive Director of Mount Airy Tourism Development, Blue Ridge Rising Director Goerge Ivey, Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador Mark File, and Lisa Bottomley with the Blue Ridge Parkway Association during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chase Pickering, Vice President of Guest Experience at Biltmore, talks with Blue Ridge Parkway Assistant Superintendent Shayna Graham and Superintendent Tracy Swartout during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Cheryl Hyde of the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce chats with George Ivey during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Maddie Bell, Chris Wise, Mary Blair, and Kristin Majni of Designsensory, a summit sponsor, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Amy Camp of Cycle Forward and author of Deciding on Trails is ready for visitors during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Amber Bateman during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25 kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.CThe Marquee sign welcomes attendees to a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Attendees during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Cynthia Tessien and Barbara and Jim Halsey listen during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Attendees listen during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Attendees listen during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Robert Nicolas, co-owner of Marquee, and Lisa Raleigh, Executive Director of RiverLink speak during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Lisa Raleigh, Executive Director of RiverLink speaks during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Robert Nicolas, co-owner of Marquee, and Lisa Raleigh, Executive Director of RiverLink speak during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Bernadette Peters, Economic Development Director of the Town of Sylva and a Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Allison Leonard from Our State magazine, Brianna Robinson with Bridge the Gap Marketing and Sue Wasserman, Travel and Tourism Director of Yancey County during a field trip on Tues., Aug. 25, to Marquee, kicking off the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Board Chair Sam Johnson and his wife Betty arrive at the Blue Ridge Rising Summit on Tues., Aug. 25 in Asheville, N.C.Bags with goodies from sponsors at the Blue Ridge Rising Summit on Tues., Aug. 25 in Asheville, N.C.Gwen Hill from Friends of Southwest Virginia and Kelly Fain from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation welcome attendees to the Blue Ridge Rising Summit on Tues., Aug. 25 in Asheville, N.C.A sign welcomes attendees to the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Tues., Aug. 25 in Asheville, N.C.Gift bags for keynote speakers provided by Explore Asheville are shown on Tues., Aug. 25 at the start of the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation advisor Ben Hill listens during the closing session Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Bridgett Massengill, President & CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership, speaks about her organization’s efforts to convene partners across the tri-state, greater Chattanooga region to address the complexities of regional growth during the closing session of the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Nonprofit consultant Whitney H. Montgomery during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Tina Murray with Friends of Southwest Virginia during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Robert Sponder with Milan Hotel Group with Cheryl Hyde with the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Lynn Crump, Scenic Assets Manager with Scenic Virginia, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Advisor Ben Hill and Trustee Roberts Bass talk while enjoying lunch during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout speaks with Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador John McEnhill of Buffalo Mountain Ziplines during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chris Cavanaugh with Magellan Strategy Group participates in a branding breakout session during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador Danielle Stilwell with The Industrial Commons and Blue Ridge participates in a branding breakout session during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Shannon Odom with Destination McDowell participates in a branding breakout session during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Becky Nave with Virginia Tourism Corporation participates in a branding breakout session during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jeff Bary, Professor of Physics and Astronomy Department at Colgate University, speaks about dark skies research during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Dodie Stephens, Vice President of Marketing for Explore Asheville, shares branding insights during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chef Torrece Gregoire, known as Chef T, with Barbara Halsey of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Ann Cundy of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and Catherine Fox with Friends of Southwest Virginia during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chase Pickering, Vice President of Guest Experience at Biltmore, photographer and conservationist Benjamin Walls, and Jesse Pope, President and CEO of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. Chef Torrece Gregoire, known as Chef T, Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers, and photographer Benjamin Walls during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation CEO Carolyn Widner poses questions during the Giving Back: How Artist-led Engagement Supports Community Initiatives session during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Dr. Bob Powell, Director, Institute for Parks, Clemson University, talks about Clemson Park Break’s Blue Ridge Parkway viewshed analysis project during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Greg Hitchin, with Waynesboro, VA Economic Development and Tourism, shares insights during the Small Budgets, Big Impact breakout session at the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.The Small Budgets, Big Impact breakout session at the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Bridget Herbig with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area listens during the Small Budgets, Big Impact breakout session at the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Kristina Ramsey with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation prepares to speak during the breakout session titled, Small Budgets, Big Impact, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. Lynn Crump, Scenic Assets Manager with Scenic Virginia, shares information about on the topic of Protecting the Parkway’s Viewsheds during a breakout session at the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Chef Torrece Gregoire, known as Chef T, speaks during a panel session on the topic of Giving Back: How Artist-led Engagement Supports Community Initiatives, along with Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers, and photographer Benjamin Walls.Musician Graham Sharp of the Steep Canyon Rangers speaks during a panel session on the topic of Giving Back: How artist-led engagement supports community initiatives, during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jason Urroz with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation updates the audience on Blue Ridge Rising projects, including efforts to increase internet access on the Parkway, during the summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jason Urroz with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation updates the audience on Blue Ridge Rising projects during the summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.
during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Olivia Collier with the Appalachian Regional Commission welcomes attendees to the session Blue Ridge Rising: Recent Highlights and Previews during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Bobby Chappell with Tourism Impact Services talks with Chris Cavanaugh with Magellan Strategy Group during the summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.William Shepley of Alleghany County, N.C., and Barbara Halsey with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area during the summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Gwyn Hill and Erin Simons with Friends of Southwest Virginia with other attendees at breakfast during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. Chris Simpson with Blue Ion talks with other attendees at breakfast during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Shana Bushyhead Condell with the Museum of the Cherokee People and Margaret Thiele and Jesse Pope, both with the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, during the summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Presenter Olivia Collier with the Appalachian Regional Commission with Blue Ridge Rising Director George Ivey during the summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador Mark File with Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation CEO Carolyn Widner during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Rising Ambassador Brywn Phillips with Mayland Community College joins guests at breakfast during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout talks with community leaders at breakfast during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Maribel Castaneda talks with other attendees at breakfast during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Summit-goers enjoy breakfast during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jason Urroz with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation talks with other attendees during the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Thurs., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. Tyler Hughes from The Crooked Road and Morgan Herbert from Mount Rogers Regional Partnership enjoy an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Treasurer Roberts Bass talks with friends at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout gives remarks at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout gives remarks at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent. Tracy Swartout gives remarks at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Sam Johnson of Wild Bearings and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Board of Trustees Chair, gives remarks at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. Sam Johnson of Wild Bearings and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Board of Trustees Chair, gives remarks at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.James Houchins, Director of Tourism for Patrick County and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Board of Trustees Vice Chair, gives remarks at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Becky Nave, Pratiksha Bhattarai and Rita McClenny from Virginia Tourism Corporation at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Executive Director at Destination McDowell Shannon Odom, Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Widner from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Yancey County TDA Director Sue Wasserman, and Sarah Odom of Camp Grier at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Tyler Hughes and Dani Babcock from The Crooked Road speak with Jeff Bary of Colgate University at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout speaks with Anna Behnke and Rusty Painter from Conservation Trust for North Carolina at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C. Tim and Heather Murphy of the Health Foundation speak with Roberts Bass and Sam Johnson from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation Board of Trustees along with Betty Johnson at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Jeff Traynor, left, speaks with Carlos Martinez at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Blair Belt-Clark from Mayland Earth to Sky Park with Trish Cerulli of the Cloverlea Foundation at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Kelly Fain and Carolyn Widner of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.CAttendees gather at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.Mary Winter Blanchard from Augusta County Economic Development and Tourism, Amie Diehl from Visit Haywood, Patty Williams from Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism, and Rebekah Castle from Augusta County Economic Development and Tourism at an evening reception during Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit on Wed., Aug. 26, at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C.
