Student Research Economic Impact Summaries
Under CERPA's Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, exceptionally capable and well-motivated students have an opportunity to participate in all phases of social, economic and policy research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Here is a sample of one-page summaries from recent student research projects:
Economic Contributions of Blue Ridge Guide Association Guided Trout Fishing Trips to the Local Economy
The Blue Ridge Guide Association (BRGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the waterways of the South Holston and Watauga rivers. Their mission focuses on conserving the local flora and fauna while protecting the natural beauty of these rivers for future generations. To support ecosystem balance, they offer guided fishing tours, providing anglers with opportunities to enjoy the waters while contributing to the economies of Northeastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina.
The annual economic impact of BRGA can be accessed here.
2021 Beech Mountain Economic Impact Trail Study
The 2021 Beech Mountain Economic Impact Trail Study was conducted between June 1, 2021 and September 6, 2021. A team of four students from the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University served as survey enumerators.
Read more to see impacts
Annual Economic Impact of the Appalachian Theater
The Appalachian Theater, located in the heart of Boone, North Carolina, is a historic venue that has been a cornerstone of the community for over 80 years. Originally opened in 1938, the theater has undergone significant renovations while retaining its classic charm, offering a cozy, intimate setting for a variety of performances and events. With its beautifully restored Art Deco architecture, the Appalachian Theater hosts everything from live music and theater performances to film screenings and community gatherings. Its rich history, combined with its commitment to providing high-quality entertainment, makes it a beloved landmark in the Appalachian region.
Every year, the theater attracts thousands of visitors to the area to see a show, concert, movie, or other performance. The associated direct flow of money into the local economy associated with visitor spending creates a significant economic impact for the local economy.
The estimated annual econmomic impact of the Appalachian Theater can be accessed here.
2023 Blue Ridge Brutal
The Blue Ridge Brutal (BRB) is a long distance road bike ride. The start and finish point isthe Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson, North Carolina. There are 100, 75 and 57 mile ride options and each travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina. All riders spend at least 20 miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
2022 Blood Sweat and Gears
Blood Sweat and Gears (BSG) is a demanding long distance road bike ride with a start and finish point in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. The BSG offers riders 95-mile and 45-mile routes. Both start and finish in Valle Crucis, NC, and share the same roads for the first 33 miles before the 95-mile route turns right towards Snake Mountain. Riders on both routes climb Mast Gap, Rush Branch, and Georges Gap. The 22nd annual BSG was held on Saturday June 25, 2022.
Click here for the report.
2017 Beech Mountain Metric
The Beech Mountain Metric (BMM) is a classic mountain metric century that finishes at the top of Beech Mountain. The BMM is a challenging ride with 8000 feet of climbing. There is also a 43 mile ride with 5600 feet of climbing. The first Beech Mountain Metric was held on Saturday May 17, 2014.
2023 Town of Boone Boonerang Event
Boonerang is a music and arts festival in downtown Boone, North Carolina. The festival was held on June 15-17, 2023. Boonerang is a festival that helps support local musicians and artists. There are multiple stages in addition to activities such as a silent disco, kids’ zone, and local-made vendor market providing such items as pottery, textiles and jewelry. Boonerang visitation counts are made up of both local (Watauga County) and non-local attendees. In total, it is estimated that approximately 3,000 individuals attended the event from out of town.
Click here to read the economic impact report.
2024 Cycle NC Mountain Ride
The Cycle NC Mountain Ride is “3-day cycling festival featuring a variety of route options each day that focus on showcasing the beautiful landscapes [of] Western North Carolina” in Murphy, NC. The event took place beginning on Friday, August 2 and ended Sunday, August 4. Following the 2024 Mountain Ride Cycle NC surveyed 326 participants and received 97 responses. The total economic impact report of the event can be found here.
2017 High Country Beer Fest
The High Country Beer Fest (HCBF) is an annual event where participants can sample craft beers, craft food, enjoy music and attend seminars. It is a non‐profit event that benefits the ASU Fermentation Sciences program and other non‐profit organizations including High Country Local First, High Country Mommies, Blue Ridge Conservancy‐Middle Fork Greenway Association, The Mountain Alliance, and Ivory Tower, Inc. The 10th annual HCBF was held on Saturday, August 26th.
2017 New River Marathon
The New River Marathon (NRM) event includes a marathon, a half marathon, a 5K and a 1mile fun run. The start and finish is along the banks of the historic New River in Boone, NC,one of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the United States. The 2017 New River Marathon was held in May.
Read more to see impacts.
Economic Impact of the 2024 Fire Mountain Bike Trail
The Fire Mountain Bike Trail (FMBT) is a multi-use trail system. The trails are located near the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, North Carolina. There are multiple trail ride options and each travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina and the nearby Great Smoky Mountains.
Click here for the report
High Country Soccer Association
High Country Soccer Association (HCSA) is a youth soccer club serving 4- to 18-year-old soccer players from Watauga, Ashe, Avery, Wilkes counties and beyond. Each year, HCSA hosts over 100 youth travel team league games and three regional soccer tournaments at its field location in Boone, NC. The annual economic impact report of HCSA can be found here.