Dear Jeff…
It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since you began publishing the Mountain Xpress. During that period of time, Asheville has changed a great deal and the Mountain Xpress has been a big part of that process.
It is really hard to comprehend the changes that have taken place in downtown Asheville since 1994. Restaurants, galleries and breweries have transformed the downtown into a national tourist destination. I think the fact that five new downtown hotels are currently planned confirms the future vibrancy of our community.
We have a lot of people to thank for our success, including Roger McGuire, Julian Price, Doug Bean, as well as you and your parents. We have a come a long way since 1994, and the Mountain Xpress has been a voice for many of our community’s constituencies during that period of time.
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary, and we look forward to Asheville’s next 20 years of progress. — Lou Bissette
Lou Bissette practices law at McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A. He has served as mayor of Asheville (1985 to 1989) and president of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. He is currently vice-chairman of the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina System.
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