EDC Announces New Director of Research

The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville – Buncombe County (EDC) announces the promotion of Heidi Reiber to the Director of Research. Reiber replaces Tom Tveidt who left the EDC staff in late November of 2009. Reiber formerly served as the research analyst at the EDC and has over eight years of analyst experience in the Asheville community.

The research department of the EDC provides valuable data on the Asheville metropolitan area to the community, its leaders, local business owners, and companies considering a move to the area. The research department specializes in industry-specific market research, economic impact studies, demographic information, as well as historical trends and area comparisons. “I look forward to working closely with our region’s businesses and partners to help our community thrive,” said Reiber.

Reiber, a lifelong resident of Asheville has a Bachelor of Science degree in management from UNC Asheville and a Masters in public affairs from Western Carolina University. Reiber intends to focus the research department’s efforts on applied research -- results driven research applied to specific real world situations, questions, or issues. “We are very pleased to have Heidi step into this leadership role. She has been a valuable member of our EDC team over the past 16 months and we know she will exceed the community’s expectations,” stated Ben Teague, Executive Director of the EDC.

Economic and demographic research information is available through the EconomicDevelopmentAsheville.org website. Reiber can be reached at 828.258.6120 or hreiber@ashevillechamber.org.