A Staff Report
In a bid to harness the economic potential of its natural treasures, Bladen County has called upon its residents to contribute their insights through an online survey. This grassroots effort is a part of the “Creating Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE)” program, a state initiative designed to help rural communities in North Carolina capitalize on their abundant outdoor recreation assets to boost local economic vitality.
Bladen County, known for its remarkable outdoor recreation opportunities, is richly endowed with Carolina Bays, trails, parks, and public lands that draw visitors year-round. As part of the CORE initiative, the local planning committee, under the guidance of program coordinator Terri Dennison, Director of Communication and Marketing, Town of Elizabethtown, NC, is embarking on a strategic journey to examine what businesses are required to support these visitors and residents alike. The endeavor also seeks to identify the necessary services and strategies to enhance the local economy, all while ensuring the sustainability of the experience for its residents. Dennison points to examples like when outdoor enthusiasts visit Browns Creek Mountain Bike Park and subsequently patronize downtown businesses, effectively merging recreation and local commerce.
“Bladen County is blessed with an abundance of outdoor recreation,” Dennison said. “Throughout the county, we attract groups of people year-round to our Carolina Bays, trails, parks and public lands. This plan will look at what businesses are needed to support these visitors as well as residents, what services do we need to provide, and how do we boost the local economy by attracting new visitors and yet still providing a sustainable experience for our residents.” Dennison uses the example of when groups ride at Browns Creek Mountain Bike Park and then go downtown to shop and get something to eat.
Outdoor recreation is a significant economic driver in many rural communities across North Carolina. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, outdoor recreation contributed over $11.8 billion to the state’s GDP in 2021. This sector generates more than 130,000 jobs annually, translating to over $5.9 billion in compensation for employees.
The CORE program, an integral component of the Supporting and Strengthening Resiliency in North Carolina’s Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Sectors Initiative, was awarded a $6 million U.S. Economic Development Administration State Tourism Grant. The initiative will culminate in two distinct plans: one focused on the entirety of Bladen County and another tailored to the unique needs of White Lake.
The endeavor is being spearheaded by a collaboration between the Bladen County Economic Development team, Bladens Bloomin Agri-Business, and the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and has received the endorsement of the County Commissioners.
Individuals interested in learning more or contributing to this transformative effort can contact Terri Dennison at tdennison@elizabethtownnc.org or at 910-862-4368. Bladen County’s pursuit of sustainable economic growth through outdoor recreation and natural assets represents a promising path for rural communities aiming to maximize their potential.
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