About Us
David and Betty established Ridgetop Associates in 1985 to assist clients with governmental affairs and public policy needs, economic development pursuits, public relations and special project management. They have spent their professional careers helping communities, non-profits and private companies develop strategic collaborations and partnerships to meet their goals.
Betty and David Huskins also own and operate
Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages and Spears BBQ in Linville Falls, North Carolina.Learn more about Betty & David Huskins
Highlights of Ridgetop Associates Accomplishments include:
- Established Economic Development Commission in Avery County
- Revitalized Economic Development Commission in Macon County and developed long-range strategic plan.
- Developed initial Land Use and Growth Management Plans for Avery and Macon Counties
- Betty served as Sr. V.P. of the AdvantageWest Economic Development Group, 2001 – 2009
- Created Smoky Mountain Host of North Carolina, Inc.
- Created intergovernmental cooperative agreement between Highlands, Franklin and Macon County
- Secured Congressional designation for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area – 23rd. in the US (Crafted legislation and shepherded through NC General Assembly and the US Congress)
- Organized statewide workforce development conference held in Greensboro, NC in 2002 in cooperation with NC Chamber of Commerce organization & AdvantageWest
- Created MountainSouth USA, an international marketing initiative in conjunction with Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee,
- Lead Facilitator for AdvantageWest in the development its Five Year Vision Plan and Blue Ridge Food Ventures
- Lead Facilitator in the establishment of the Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council and the Blue Ridge Angel Investors at AdvantageWest
- Business Recruitment
- Outboard Marine Corporation
- Owens-Brigham Corporation
- ADDCO Manufacturing
- Duotech Corporation
- Mirteck Corporation
- Smart Destinations, Inc.
- Agency Funding Secured for Clients
- NC Rural Economic Center
- NC General Assembly Direct Funding
- Clean Water Management Trust Fund
- US Housing & Urban Development
- Appalachian Regional Commission
- NC Department of Transportation
- Tennessee Valley Authority
- US Department of Commerce
- US Department of Interior
- National Park Service
- US Forest Service
- NC Department of Commerce
- Z Smith Reynolds Foundation
- Golden Leaf Foundation