ECONOMY

University of North Carolina Asheville offers many educational opportunities.

FRUITLAND BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE

828-685-8886 Fruitland.edu

Established in 1946, the purpose of Fruitland Baptist Bible College’s educational programs is to equip the next generation of Christian leaders to become thinkers who think with a Biblical worldview and serve with a compassionate heart just as Christ served others. FBBC offers an Associate Degree in Religion/ Christian Ministries. The College also partners with The College at Southeastern to offer an accredited Bachelor of Arts degree. FBBC is a member of the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities and Fruitland is a ministry of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY HENDERSONVILLE

828-697-0105 Wingate.edu/Academics/Hendersonville

Wingate University’s Hendersonville campus offers a fully accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) program and Masters of Physician Assistant (PA) studies. Both programs emphasize small classes, a student-centered environment, service to the community and reallife experiences in problem-solving and application of skills. Wingate University School of Pharmacy graduates engage in more than 2,150 hours of pharmacy practice experience in hospitals, community pharmacies and medical clinics. The PA studies program is integrated with local hospitals and healthcare providers. Wingate University’s healtheducation facility located next to Pardee UNC Health Care is a joint venture of Wingate, Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, Blue Ridge Community College and Pardee UNC Health Care.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE

828-251-6600 UNCA.edu

UNC Asheville offers an education that is adaptive, affordable and relevant as the only dedicated liberal arts and sciences campus in the University of North Carolina System. Award-winning faculty, a nationally acclaimed undergraduate research program and small class sizes foster connections between curiosity and critical thinking, courage and challenge, imagination and impact, opportunity and responsibility. Learning at UNCA extends well beyond classroom walls. Focusing on undergraduate studies, UNC Asheville prepares the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals through facultymentored research projects, careerrelated internships, study-abroad experiences and service projects that make an impact at home and around the world. UNC Asheville is home to 3,300 undergraduate scholars with more than 30 major areas of study, 16 NCAA Division I athletic teams and an award-winning, internationally known Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Immaculata Catholic School provides academic and religious instruction.

Production employee with a Henderson County manufacturing company.

The Perfect Climate For Growing Businesses

With its diverse economic sectors, strong workforce and entrepreneurial spirit, Henderson County is not only a place where retirees enjoy the fruits of their labor but also where new businesses take root and well-established industries thrive.

As with many rural areas, the education and healthcare sectors are top employers. Independent stores in bustling downtown Hendersonville and throughout the county make the retail sector robust. Retiree wealth helps bring strength to the financial and professional services sector. And agriculture, manufacturing and tourism remain cornerstones of Henderson County’s economy as the burgeoning craft beverages industry here also continues to flourish.

AGRICULTURE

Since William Mills planted his first apple tree in the Fruitland area of Henderson County at the end of the 18th century, agriculture has been a staple of Henderson County’s economy. Apples are still king here with the county being ranked first in apple production in all of North Carolina, growing up to 80% of the state’s entire apple crop on more than 150 orchards in Henderson County. Having that many apples to manage also has spawned other related ventures such as packing houses, traditional and hard cider producers and many roadside stands. In addition to apples growing in Henderson County, berry production is increasing in the county and the area is becoming known for grape production for wine. Local farms also produce a wide variety of field crops and nursery and sod crops, as well as beef cattle and other livestock. In recent years, “agri-tourism” has added to this sector’s bottom line. Farmers markets, “u-pick” operations, hayrides, farm tours and tasting rooms can all be found in Henderson County. For more about farmers markets in Henderson County, turn to page 58-59. With the popularity of locally grown foods, agri-tourism and craft beverages, agriculture here has become even more significant. Today, 557 farms with nearly 38,000 acres operate within the county. Agribusiness in Henderson County employs more than 8,150 people and brings in annual receipts of $400 million. To help ensure that agriculture remains a growing sector in the local