Gather ‘Round the Blue Ridge Annual Meeting 2011 – Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

Thank you for attending this great event in honor of the Blue Ridge! Click on the links below for materials from the meeting and to learn more about our work preserving the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains in NC

This year the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area had an exceptional annual meeting, our “Gather ‘Round the Blue Ridge”. It was an amazing gathering of organizations, businesses and people dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich history and diverse heritage found in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. We are so grateful for all of the support we receive throughout WNC each year. Without our friends and partners we could not accomplish all of our goals. We look forward to many more years of successful collaboration and to the continued preservations and celebration of our beloved region. Please continue to help us educate visitors and residents alike about the incredible heritage we have surrounding us every day in Western North Carolina.

Gather ‘Round Program

Gather ‘Round the Blue Ridge 2011 Presentation

Year in Review 2011

Link to article from Smoky Mountain News about the NC Mountain Resource Commission

Here are some photos from the event, taken by Sally Biggers, Black Mountain Digital Media. Enjoy!

Gerard Baker — Keynote Speaker, Gerard A. Baker

becky anderson — Becky Anderson, BRNHA Board Chair

BRNHA Partners — Partners at Gather ‘Round the Blue Ridge

mary jaeger-gale and rob young — Mary Jaeger-Gale and Rob Young, from Chimney Rock.

rob tiger and joe sam queen — Presenter Rob Tiger, CCCRA, with Joe Sam Queen.

Presenter Teresa Ford, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir Environmental Education Center.

Jay Leutze explains the work of the Mountain Resources Commission.

Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis introduces Gerard Baker.

Leesa Brandon, Ann Woodford, and Rob Bell.

Jay Leutze and Carolyn Ward — Jay Leutze, Southern Appalachian Conservancy with Carolyn Ward, BR Parkway Foundation.

Jill Jones and Rob Young with BRNHA map brochure.

Rob Bell with K.C. Cronin, who was honored for her public relations contributions to the BRNHA.

Phil Francis, Emily Epley and Brownie Plaster — Phil Francis networking with Emily Epley and Brownie Plaster from Cleveland Co.

Native American retired National Park Service Superintendent Speech at 2011 Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s annual meeting, Gather ‘Round the Blue Ridge.