Exploring the WNC Outdoor Industry: A Conversation with Matt Godfrey, Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance Artwork

Exploration Local

Come journey with us as we explore and highlight the people and places that make the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains special and unique. We explore the towns, trails, rivers, scenic byways, businesses, and people that fuel the life & adventurous spirit in these mountains. Listen in on this relaxed conversational style podcast as host Mike Andress interviews Authors, Business Owners, Photographers, Athletes, Adventurers, Travelers and Friends who have a deep connection to the outdoors and directly influence the culture of the Blue Ridge. We’ll even explore the many ways nature & the outdoors can positivity influence our health and well being.

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Exploration Local

Exploring the WNC Outdoor Industry: A Conversation with Matt Godfrey, Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance

September 06, 2023 • Mike Andress • Season 1 • Episode 81

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Get ready to get inspired! Meet our guest for today, Matt Godfrey, the Executive Director of the Outdoor Business Alliance, a man who wears many hats - advocate, business leader, educator, and much more. Matt is no stranger to the outdoor industry, he's been instrumental in shaping it from his early days as a founding board member of the Outdoor Business Alliance. Experience his journey as we walk through the different stages of his career; from his time at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly and corporate America, to his role in a startup.

The Outdoor Business Alliance has come a long way from being a loosely-knit group of outdoor gear manufacturers - it's now a platform, a family for the outdoor industry. Discover how this organization creates opportunities for members to network, share resources, ideas, and more. Learn about the collaboration that has helped Western North Carolina become the outdoor gear hub of the East. Matt and I also discuss the benefits that come with being a member of the Outdoor Business Alliance, such as networking socials, educational opportunities, and promotion on their website and social media.

But what role does the Outdoor Business Alliance play in the greater ecosystem of the outdoor industry? Uncover how the alliance creates a platform for businesses to connect and collaborate, and how it provides access to resources, programs, and networking opportunities. We talk about the partners the alliance works with, like the Waypoint Accelerator program and Mountain Bizworks, and how they support its members and the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina. Join us as we celebrate the passion and love that both Matt and I have for the industry and the community we proudly serve. Trust me, you wouldn't want to miss out on this insightful conversation.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Outdoor Business Alliance
Made X Mountains
Waypoint Accelerator(Deadline for next Cohort is October 12. First Session November 2)
Mountain Bizworks
Outdoor Economy Conference
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
Outdoor Recreation in North Carolina

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

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