The Wake Forest University Center for Private Business expands to Asheville

A message shared on behalf of The Center for Private Business

The Center for Private Business is pleased to announce our entrance into Asheville as our fifth major market concentration in North Carolina.
The Center supports and serves 230+ privately-owned businesses with market areas of Winston-Salem and the Triad, Raleigh and the Triangle, Charlotte, Wilmington and now Asheville and Western North Carolina.

“Asheville has long been a city deeply-rooted in craftsmanship and commerce. When exploring the next foothold for The Center for Private Business, it was a natural choice to select Asheville and Western North Carolina,” said Dana Alligood, Executive Director of The Center for Private Businesses.

“Many of our Member companies already work within the Blue Ridge Mountains and the University of North Carolina Asheville has been a valuable bridge to students and alumni leaders. We are excited to engage with UNC Asheville to reconnect with former Family Business Forum companies. There is a long history of family businesses in the region, and our goal is to continue providing programming and workshops to help the communities thrive and support the next generation of leaders.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with The Center for Private Business at Wake Forest,” said UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. “Years ago, business leaders like George Groome and Lou Bissette helped shape what was then the Family Business Forum at UNC Asheville. Our ongoing commitment to family-owned and private business development in Western North Carolina was the driver behind this unique partnership between our public university and Wake Forest.”

An Introduction to Scott Fowler, Western NC Market Manager

Scott Fowler, Founder of Brucemont Communications, joins the Center with 35 years of experience in public relations, marketing, advertising, and community engagement. Scott graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville and has an outstanding track record of assisting with economic development.
“As a lifelong resident of western North Carolina, I’ve seen firsthand how privately held and family-owned businesses serve as the backbone of our region’s economy,” said Scott.

“From Asheville to Boone to the foothills, each community has a distinct entrepreneurial spirit rooted in resilience and innovation. I’m honored to represent this region and help connect its business leaders to the Center’s powerful network of resources, relationships, and educational opportunities that support long-term success.”