Local conference highlights renewable energy economy

Of the 30 utility-scale solar projects built in the Southeast last year, 21 were in North Carolina. That’s the kind of good news business leaders heard when they gathered June 19 in Asheville to celebrate the successes and discuss the challenges facing the rapidly growing renewable energy industry. (pictured: Ivan Urlaub of the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association; photo by Max Cooper)

The Beat: No place like home

The Asheville area’s natural beauty and friendly beer culture lured Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. to Mills River, despite bigger economic-incentive packages dangled by other suitors, says company founder Ken Grossman. A celebratory mood reigned Jan. 26 as company executives, local business leaders and elected officials gathered near the 90-acre site on the French Broad River, […]

In bed with the Brewers’ Alliance

Pisgah’s here. Wedge is here — aloof rock stars of Asheville beer, confident and not entirely lacking in swagger. French Broad is the proletariat of the scene, big and gentle, unstylish, a touch shambling. Highland: the jetsetter, slick and self-assured. All is revelry, echolalic chatter drowning out the jazz trio.