G20 Financial Ministers Meeting Expected To Generate $20 Million For Western North Carolina Economy And Show Off The Blue Ridge Mountains To The World
This weekend, the Omni Hotel in Asheville will host the G20 Financial Ministers. As Secretary Bessent explained in his interview with the Blue Ridge Times, the meeting brings together the financial ministers and central bankers for the top 20 countries around the globe to discuss pressing economic issues and to build relationships to prevent problems.
The Trump administration could have chosen any city in the country for this event, but they selected Asheville, in the heart of Western North Carolina, to show progress in recovery from Hurricane Helene and to demonstrate the President’s commitment to the region. An administration official said, “Choosing Asheville to host the G20 reflects more than just the beauty of this region; it underscores President Trump's commitment to the people of Western North Carolina. Under Secretary Bessent, the Treasury Department is honored to be delivering an event that will support local businesses, generate over $20 million in economic activity, and continue to highlight that this community is not only recovering from Hurricane Helene, it is building an even greater future.”
Hosting the G20 is expected to generate over $20 million in economic value for Asheville and Buncombe County. In addition to the direct impact, the event will generate millions in earned media, showing the world that Western North Carolina is ready for visitors, boosting the tourism economy.
“Explore Asheville works with local parnters to book conferences and events to help support area businesses and local jobs. We are grateful for the direct spending and the spotlight the G20 meeting will shine on the amazing progress we have made together, as well as the important work that still needs to be done across our communities,” Said Vic Isley, President and CEO Explore Asheville. “These types of events showcase the resilience, beauty and creativity of our mountain region.”
Western North Carolina business leader John Anglin said, “I hope the attendees at the summit see that Western North Carolina is not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to invest.” Anglin went on to highlight that North Carolina has consistently been ranked one of the top states for business by CNBC over the last several years, largely because of Republican policies that created a favorable tax and regulatory environment. Anglin went on to say, “Not only does Western North Carolina benefit from a favorable business environment, but the region also has the workforce that businesses need. With the world-class colleges and community colleges across the region, companies can find the people they need with access to training for the jobs of the future.”
The G20 provides an opportunity to reflect on the differences between the Biden administration and the progress made under President Trump’s leadership. Since January 2025, North Carolina has seen $29.2 billion in private capital invested across the state, and over 42,000 new jobs created. Additionally, blue-collar manufacturing workers’ real wages have increased 4.8% since the President’s inauguration.
President Trump made his first trip as President to Western North Carolina, and the G20 shows the progress made in recovering from Hurricane Helene. Since President Trump took office, over $5 billion has been approved to address recovery efforts, and the administration remains committed to finishing the job.
