Meet Our Board--Larry Crosby
Larry Crosby--General Manager, The Foundary Hotel
Share your observations about the differences between tourism in Charleston and Asheville? What can we learn here?
In Asheville there is more tension related to the growth of tourism. Charleston has a long history in the tourism industry and is known to be an international city. The mayor did a great job building around that historical structure and expanding it into other industries creating broad-based growth. The community in Charleston embraces the benefits that tourism has brought to the community, and the overall attitude is richer and more supportive. In Asheville, the tensions around tourism are greater with some people who are vehemently against it and some that are completely for the expansion no matter what. I believe there is room to be in the middle.
Tourism can change the character of a city, but it can be for the better when we work together. In both Charleston and Asheville tourism is a backbone industry; however, in Charleston, it is better marketed to people who work in the industry. Asheville’s work force doesn’t yet look at tourism as a viable career, but in Charleston people seek professions in the tourism and hospitality industries. Charleston has an established structure to support the workforce, with a strong emphasis on the hospitality industry in its higher education. Johnson and Wells was formerly there, and now Trident Technical College has an exemplary culinary and hospitality program. The College of Charleston also has a strong emphasis on careers in tourism. In Charleston, the system is historically structured to support tourism. Perhaps that is an area of possibility that Asheville can explore.
How are Thrive and its board strengthening community connections?
We connect people with diverse opinions about the issues, and have conversations with people who might not all agree. I am having conversations with everyone–people who support tourism and people who are opposed to tourism. I am gaining a lot of knowledge about things that the tourism industry can do better to support people who are building a livelihood in Asheville. Those are tough conversations, but they are worth it and benefit everyone. Ideally, we could help alleviate the tensions we encounter through the work of connection that is the cornerstone of Thrive.
What Thrive work are you excited about right now?
The affordable housing work and mission. It is real work that is exciting and important for our community.
I appreciate how we are working to help people improve their living conditions, and making a positive impact on people’s lives.