Chamber Shapes the Region

Written By: Stephanie Edwards - Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce | Issue: 2019/09 - September

Headlines in national travel and lifestyle publications feature Cashiers and surrounding communities’ tourism appeal, vacation homes, recreation, culinary and cultural arts, and more. 

The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce works closely with the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority to promote the destination through earned and social media directed at those who are attracted to the Plateau’s natural beauty, active lifestyle, outdoor recreation options, upscale dining and shopping, and high elevation temperatures. 

Private investment is increasing not only from traditional sunbelt feeder markets like Atlanta and Florida, but also from expanded areas beyond the southeast as the appeal of the Plateau becomes more widely known. 

 In 2018, Jackson County hospitality industry receipts increased to $195 million and created more than 18,000 jobs. Visitors fill vacation home rentals, wedding venues, restaurants, shops and hotels, and often become future investors, homeowners and new club members.  

Related chamber strategic initiatives to support this commercial, population and tourism growth include Pedestrian Mobility and Safety (crosswalks, sidewalks and greenways); Universal Broadband (infrastructure and fiber connectivity); and Workforce Development (recruitment, retention, housing and transportation).   

Benchmarks for this local economic activity include the comprehensive Cashiers Small Area Plan adopted this year by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, which created a formal framework for Cashiers Area community development and future county investment. Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority’s new $9.5 million Horsepasture wastewater treatment facility coming online in 2021 is also a major achievement. High Hampton Resort’s partnership with Blackberry Farm and its renovation/expansion will create a year-round, world class resort reopening in 2021. The Village Green’s new 5,700-square-foot all-weather, all-year public facility will open this fall.   

And numerous small businesses are opening in the area and joining the Chamber’s 400+ members in its mission to provide extraordinary leadership in the Cashiers Area as an advocate for business, information source for the community and conduit for building destination awareness and responsible growth. 

We invite businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals to join us in support of economic and community development efforts and to stay in the know about the Cashiers Area.  For more information call (828) 743-5191 or visit Cashiers411.com.