Surry County is located on the northern border of our state with Virginia, due north from Winston-Salem. The eastern two-thirds of the county lies within the Piedmont, a region of gently rolling hills and valleys. The western third of the county lies within the Blue Ridge Mountains, and they dominate the county's western horizon. The county seat is Dobson, but the most famous town is Mount Airy, immortalized as Mayberry on the Andy Griffith Show. (Thanks to webshots.com for the link to Andy and Opie above.)

Background.

Challenges in creating employment.

Specific questions that the class can choose to address.

• Attracting new industries and the role of incentives.
• Can tourism replace manufacturing? 
• Employment from creating a minor-league baseball team.