Boone and Watauga County share a dynamic and diverse economy that is driven by the presence of a major state university, thriving year-round tourism, a regional medical center and a robust financial and service sector. Other major contributors are a broad-based retail market, agriculture and forest products, and transportation-related businesses. Employers will attest that the caliber of the workforce here is second to none. Employees possess a strong work ethic and possess the skills and ability necessary to adapt to changing technology. Traditionally, Watauga County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. Charleston Forge Boone and Watauga County are home to some 35 manufacturing firms, employing from five to more than 300 employees per firm. Principally, these are highly successful "home grown" companies, which manufacture and distribute items such as leather products, wood furniture components, indoor metal furniture, candies and mints, wire-bound resistors, log homes and specialty paint systems. There is a strong commitment by local government to ensure growth in the private sector of the area economy. More than a decade ago, the Watauga County Board of Commissioners, with help from the Town of Boone, developed an industrial park. Today, the park is thriving and remains completely filled. The County in partnership with Appalachian State University is striving to create and maintain a culture of entrepreneurship in the community.  Watauga County has been designated a "Certified Entrepreneurial Community" by the Advantage West Economic Development Group.   The community offers many resources to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs who are seeking the quality of life benefits that the High Country provides. • One of the lowest annual unemployment rates in southeast • Approximately 47% of properties in the county are absentee-owned • An estimated 1/3 of all new building permits in the county are attributable to seasonal housing • Annual economic impact of the University $506 million in 2006 • Economic impact of tourism $191 million in 2007 • Ski industry employs more than 650 people each year • "Choose and Cut" Christmas tree industry sells approx. 13,000 Fraser Fir trees annually for over $700,000 (plus wreaths & garlands around $200,000). Once you factor in motels, restaurants, hotels, gasoline, etc., approximate economic effect is $14 million. • 96th strongest economy of 577 micropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. according to 2008 rankings by POLICOM Corporation. • Boone was ranked 33rd among 577 micropolitan area towns in 2006 for quality of life by Bizjournals, the online media division of American City Business Journals. • Boone was selected as one of only four multi-sport vacation destinations in North America in the May, 2005 issue of Adventure Sports Magazine. A recent study conducted by ASU's Center for Economic Research & Policy Analysis underscored the economic impact of the university on Watauga Country, which was estimated at $506 million per year. Certainly, agriculture continues to be an important component of the local economy, with Christmas trees and ornamental shrubs leading the way. Choose and Cut Season Tourism is also very important. The Boone area is a year-round vacation destination and a popular spot for business meetings and conventions. In 2007 Watauga County ranked 18th out of North Carolina's 100 counties in the economic impact of tourism. Total expenditures were $191 million, with a payroll of $43.5 million. The value of this huge sector has increased more than 6 percent annually since 1989. The Watauga County District U Tourism Development Authority (WCTDA) is a local tourism development authority by state (North Carolina) and local government (Watauga County) to promote travel, tourism, and corporate travel, sponsor tourist-related events and activities, and finance tourist related capital projects in District U.  District U is defined as the unincorporated areas of Watauga County, North Carolina. The revenue source of the WCTDA is derived from a 6% occupancy tax levied on short-term lodging rentals in the District U area of Watauga County.  Therefore, the foremost objective of all actions of the WCTDA is to strategically market and enhance lodging opportunities in our district.  Contact the Watauga County TDA at (828) 266-1345 or www.exploreboonearea.com.