Blowing Rock has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the southeast (3.5%), and its economy is based mostly on retail and tourism revenue. In recent years, tourism revenue has been averaging about $150 million a year for Blowing Rock and surrounding areas. Largely due to this, the area provides a plethora of different employment opportunities. There are several different types of jobs including education, medical, retail sales, lodging, government, manufacturing, food service, grocery, and ski area jobs. The largest percentage of job opportunities in the area is in the educational, health, and social services, at almost 25%. Retail sales follow at about 17%, accommodation and food services at 12%, and finance, insurance, and real estate at 11%. By far, Appalachian State University is the largest employer in the area, supplying more than 1,000 jobs. Appalachian Ski Mountain offers many different job opportunities on the mountain from lift operators to ski instructors. Blowing Rock Hospital employs over 200 people from doctors to janitors. Chetola Resort offers many opportunities for almost 200 employees including, lodging, customer service, food service, and more. Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway also has over 215 employment opportunities including retail associates, management, and food service. Many of the jobs available in the area are dependent on tourism, and are therefore seasonal. For updated information and job offerings, go to the Mountain Times online at www.mountaintimes.com.