The Western North Carolina Transportation Alliance was launched by local manufacturers to more efficiently manage transportation assets, increase fleet utilization and combat rising costs of fuel and deadhead miles through local partnerships and cooperation. The association of companies within Buncombe and surrounding counties of WNC has grown to include over 40 Transportation, Logistics and Supply Chain professionals from the manufacturing sector. In 2008, the group created a regional Membership Directory and Survey to facilitate intra-company communication, information exchange and partnerships within the region. Quarterly meetings have featured analysis of logistics challenges such as increasing demand, capacity constraints and failing infrastructure, as well as import/export trends and discussion of Inland Port concepts.

Special Alert!

The Economic Development Coalition continues to monitor the potential impact of the recent Haywood County rockslide on shipping and commerce in our region.  The I-40 Travel Advisory is linked for your reference.  Feel free to make copies or forward to relevant staff, customers, clients, vendors and suppliers needing detour routes when traveling from Tennessee, and/or out of state to the West.  

The information will be updated as appropriate at www.I40Detour.com.  Travelers may also check www.NCDOT.org or call the 511 NC travel information line from their cell phones.

Furthermore, The EDC has invited the NC Department of Transportation to address the November meeting of the WNC Transportation Alliance on detours and projected timelines for the clean-up project ahead:  November 12th, 11:30-1:30pm, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce Boardroom.  Please click here to review the complete event invitation and RSVP for an opportunity to engage with our DOT representative, Mr. Jay Swain.

To request additional information, or a copy of the Membership Directory, please contact:

Clark S. Duncan
Director of Business and Industry Services
828-258-6134 t / 828-251-0926 f