regional roundup

Henderson County HCPED Announces New Vice President

HENDERSONVILLE - Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development announced a new Vice President, Jamie Justus. Jamie is a native of Western North Carolina and has been in Henderson County since he was 12. He has many ties to the community and knowledge of the area and as he shared, “understands the landscape, people, and culture of our community. Working for Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development would allow me to further serve the community where I choose to live and raise my family. My passion for building relationships and business development would be combined with my love for the place I call home.”

Source: Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development

Jackson County Local Hotel and Restaurant and Town Supported by Grant

DILLSBORO - Under the state’s Economic Infrastructure Program, the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority approved a $104,000 grant, which includes a previous award from February 2023, will support the completion of water system improvements to provide enhanced fire protection, water flow and pressure to serve The Jarrett House/Mount Beulah Hotel, an adjoining restaurant, and the Town of Dillsboro. The company plans to create 12 jobs, which represents an increase from the previous award, with an investment of $966,370.

Source: NC Department of Commerce

Rutherford County Farmland Preservation Plan Adopted By Board of Commissioners

RUTHERFORDTON - The Rutherford

County Farmland Advisory Board of Commissioners voted to adopt the Rutherford County Farmland Preservation Plan in May. This plan analyzes the current state of farming in Rutherford County, identifies the primary challenges and opportunities for agriculture, and presents a set of recommendations to assist government leaders in preserving local agriculture.The recommendations of this plan are intended to directly support the preservation of farmland while also strengthening the county’s agricultural economic development and fostering greater support for the industry.

Source: Rutherford County Board of Commissioners

Swain County Parking Fees Facilitate Park’s Operational Costs

BRYSON CITY - Visitation at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has skyrocketed by 57% over the last decade. Because the Smokies’ operational budget hasn’t seen similar growth, the increase in visitors is starting to take its toll with wear and tear on aging facilities and undue strain on limited staff. This new “Park It Forward” program, with 100% of fees staying in the Smokies, will directly support operational costs for managing and improving services for visitors including trail maintenance, custodial services, trash removal, and supporting more staffing to increase the presence of personnel across the park.

Source: Bryson City/Swain County Chamber of Commerce

Transylvania County Woman-Owned Manufacturing Company Awarded Grant

BREVARD - The NC Rural Infrastructure Authority approved a $200,000 grant that will support the reuse of a 41,000-square-foot building in Brevard. Textile manufacturer and woman-owned company, Siscovers Enterprises, Inc., will use the building to manufacture decorative bedding, pillows, curtains and futon covers. The company expects to create 26 jobs and invest $1,444,550 in the project.

Source: NC Department of Commerce

Watauga County

Seven New Board Members

Added to Boone Area Chamber

BOONE - After completing the membership voting process, and consultation with the Nominating Committee, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce announced it will add seven members to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2023. New members include Carrie Afanador, Shirley Alexander, Angela Heavner, Jim Hamilton, Nathaniel Johnson, Danielle Neibaur, and Amanda White. Each new member was elected to a three-year term from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2026. Upon completion of their initial term, each member is eligible to serve a consecutive three-year term upon mutual agreement of the individual and the Nominating Committee.

Source: Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

WNC Counties Awarded Funding for Economic Development

At the June Board meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $4,495,684 to support 11 projects through the SITE Program in Ashe , Catawba, Columbus, Jackson , Lenoir, Madison , McDowell , Nash, Onslow, Washington, and Wilkes counties.

• $920,034 to Ashe County to enable site work, including clearing, grading, erosion control, stabilization, and other site preparation for a 10.2-acre lot that could house an industrial facility of up to 50,000 square feet within Ashe County’s new industrial park.

• Jackson County was selected to receive assistance through a firm contracted by Golden LEAF to help identify potential industrial sites in the community.

• $24,550 to Madison County Economic Development for the Madison County Industrial Park.

• $1,378,550 to McDowell County to complete select due diligence and for continued clearing and rough grading of the 20-acre site in Universal Technology Park, Phase II.

Source: Golden LEAF Foundation

New Report Shows Regional Economic Improvements

New data released in June by the Appalachian Regional Commission for the 13th annual update of The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2017-2021 American Community Survey indicates that Appalachia continues to improve in educational attainment, labor force participation, income levels, and reduced poverty. Drawing from the latest American Community Survey and comparable Census Population Estimates available as of 2021, ARC’s report, also known as “The Chartbook,” contains more than 300,000 data points comparing Appalachia’s regional, subregional, state, and county levels with the rest of the nation.

Source: Appalachian Regional Commission