What are the myths and what are the realities about economic development and the workforce in our area? What do current trends and opportunities say about our future? The answers may surprise you.

Leadership Asheville Forum will sponsor an in-depth discussion of this important topic at noon on January 26th with two local experts: Clark Duncan of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Erica Anderson of the Land of Sky Regional Council.

Clark Duncan is Senior Vice President for Economic Development and Executive Director for the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. His accomplishments in the field are too numerous to mention here, but they include industry retention and expansion, new employer recruitment and equitable workforce development strategies. During his 15-year career, Duncan has supported the expansion or recruitment of over 60 Buncombe County employers, leading to the creation of 6,000 new jobs and over $2 billion in new investment in Asheville and Buncombe County.

Erica Anderson joined the Land of Sky Regional Council in 2010. She leads the Council's Planning, Transit and Transportation Divisions in budget, personnel, partnerships and project development and management. Erica holds a B.S. from Colorado State University and a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech. She also worked as a Peace Corps volunteer in Morocco and enjoys experiencing world cultures. gardening and the outdoors.