A Few Highlights from the 2013 Study
- Lake Lure and Chimney Rock are projected to grow slowly over the coming years. The recommendations in the study are designed to provide ways to target desired demographics through marketing and product development.
- Investors come to a community that has a plan, and a demonstrated commitment to that plan through public infrastructure and that stands ready to partner with the private sector to see a project come to fruition. The public-private partnership is alive and thriving in communities big and small. Lake Lure & Chimney Rock Village should explore what kind of incentives, infrastructure, and other tools it will bring to the table to work with the investment community.
- The visitor market will change as the offerings at Chimney Rock State Park continue to evolve. This represents a tremendous opportunity for both communities to cultivate the visitor who is interested in outdoor activities, heritage tourism, and nature-based tourism.
- Through the results of the project, both communities now have important and tangible tools to help craft a message that can be deployed with and through Rutherford County Tourism, the new Hickory Nut Gorge Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and community stakeholders to market the community in a cohesive way.
- The findings represent the direct input and feedback from a broad cross-section of participants – visitors, businesses, elected officials, residents, seasonal residents, young professionals, artists, tourism industry professionals, and accommodations.
- Their feedback and their perspective about Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village have provided a truly honest and open evaluation of our strengths, but also our challenges and our opportunities.
