Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest city in Western North Carolina (WNC) where it continues to grow and prosper. The Asheville Metropolitan area estimates just over 400,000 people live within a four-county area near the city of Asheville. Locals practice a comfortable, laid-back approach to life that involves many festivals and outdoor activities throughout the year. The city presents a calm, gentle quality. Life passes slowly in Asheville, where people spend time visiting in the local establishments or shopping in farmers’ markets. The architecture reflects the city’s rich history and culture, nestled in the foothills and forests of Appalachia. At night, restaurants and venues come alive with bluegrass and folk music performances. While most areas of the South have suffered in the economic problems of this last decade, Asheville continues to grow. American industries have moved industrial work overseas. Prosperous towns and cities operate commercial economies instead of relying heavily on industrial economies as they had in the past. Asheville is in the process of transitioning away from blue-collar trades into more white-collar, commercial businesses. The city teems with entrepreneurship. Streets are lined with local shops and eateries. Many corporations have recently relocated offices to downtown Asheville. If this trend continues, then the city will continue to grow in the years to come.
3
What will most likely happen if Asheville fails to make a successful transition to a commercial economy?
A.
The economy will stagnate, and the city's growth will slow.
B.
The city will have to transition back to blue-collar trades.
C.
Workers will go on strike, and riots will erupt in the streets.
D.
North Carolina will be forced to secede from the Union.