Archived News and Highlights2019
$175 Million for ARC Included in Omnibus Appropriation Act for Fiscal Year 2020 On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2020, appropriating a record of $175 million for ARC funding. The legislation provides new funding for work regarding substance use disorder and continued funding for the POWER Initiative. Legislative update
In the Region This Week: December 19
In this Issue: Three Appalachian-based community organizations, including Opportunity Appalachia, were recently recognized as among the nation's top ten 20 Opportunity Zone Catalysts; With ARC support, the Wise County Industrial Development Authority will conduct a feasibility study to determine the suitability of Appalachian Virginia becoming an innovation hub for the nascent graphene industry. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: December 12
In this Issue: ARC's first of three POWER 2020 Application Workshops was held this week in Pennsylvania to support the newly released Request for Proposals (RFP) to help Region's coal-impacted communities diversify their economies; ARC recently hosted 150 students in Washington, DC as part of the Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP), a for-credit academic program helping Appalachian communities address regional challenges. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC Issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for POWER Initiative
On December 9, 2019, ARC issued an RFP for the POWER Initiative to help diversify the economy in the Region's coal-impacted communities. Strong POWER projects are regional, strategic, and transformational in their approach to economic development. Read the RFP and learn more about the POWER Initiative at www.arc.gov/power Appalachian College Students Convene in Washington, D.C. to Present Ideas for Appalachia's Future
On December 6-7, 2020, ARC hosted 150 students from 15 Appalachian-based colleges and universities at the 19th annual Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) Symposium in Washington, D.C. The symposium's primary framing question was "how do we build on community assets to shape a positive future for Appalachia?" Read the press release In the Region This Week: December 5
In this Issue: The Appalachian Leadership Institute held its second session in Dalton, GA this week, where forty fellows discussed leadership models and community strategies to address economic disruptions in the Region; ARC's Federal Co-Chairman visited the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center in Greenville, which has used ARC support to become an international hub for advanced manufacturing and technology innovation. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Legislative Update On Thursday, November 21, President Trump signed legislation to continue funding operations of all federal agencies, including ARC, at FY 2019 levels. This Continuing Resolution expires December 20, 2019.
In the Region This Week: November 21
In this issue: ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas visits The Biz Foundry, one of eight Entrepreneurship Centers developed in partnership with LaunchTN; ARC provides investment to Otsego county school district in New York for STEM and Workforce development. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: November 14
In this issue: ARC releases Industrial Make-Up of the Appalachian Region, a report examining employment and earnings from 2002-2017 and drawing on data from 15 industry sectors; Bristol, TN hosts an ARC-sponsored Appalachian Gateway Communities Regional Workshop, where communities that border publicly owned lands can learn how to better expand tourism, the arts, and leverage other economic development opportunities. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC Report Finds Positive Post-Recession Employment Growth in Region, Yet Rate Lags Behind Country As A Whole
Drawing on data from 15 industry sectors, new ARC research catalogues how the Region's industrial make-up compare to that of the country as a whole. Overall, while post-Recession employment growth has been positive in Appalachia, it lags behind the growth that was experienced by the country as a whole. The report also finds an overall employment shift across the Region towards professional & technical services; health & social services; and tourism-related jobs. More information and state-by-state fact sheets available at arc.gov/research. Read the press release In the Region This Week: November 7
In this issue: ARC hosts convening of new POWER grantees and prepares for next round of POWER funding to continue diversifying Region's coal-impacted economy; Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas visit West Virginia to discuss state's up-and-coming tech sector and other ARC investments. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: October 31
In this issue: ARC Federal Co-Chairman Tim Thomas and Kentucky Department of Local Government Commissioner Sandy Dunahoo announce $2 million ARC investment to the Morgan County Water District (MCWD) and the City of West Liberty to upgrade the area's water infrastructure; ARC support helps Spring Industrial Park in Holly Springs, Mississippi become the first BNSF Certified Railway Site in the southeast. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: October 24
In this issue: ARC's inaugural Appalachian Leadership Institute kicks off in Morehead, KY with an agenda featuring U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan, shared visioning for the region and more; ARC support helps launch East Mississippi Community College's Communiverity, a state-of-the-art learning facility for skills in advanced manufacturing and other emerging sectors seeking skilled workers. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: October 17
In this issue: Grow Ohio Valley uses ARC POWER support to open the Public Market in Wheeling, WV, a facility where here 40+ local producers can sell vegetables, eggs, milk, meats and more; Outdoor Economy Conference highlights growing economic impact of tourism in Western NC , where over 760 jobs and $8.6 million in local sourcing dollars were generated by outdoor recreation. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: October 10
In this issue: ARC's POWER Initiative announces $44.4 million investment to expand broadband, ignite entrepreneurship and more in Appalachia's coal-impacted communities; ARC Federal Co-Chairman joins Governor Bill Lee in opening new call center in Sneedville, TN, which has already added 50 new jobs in Hancock County. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC Announces $44.4 Million To Diversify Region's Coal-Impacted Communities
On October 8, ARC announced a $44.4 million investment package to expand and diversify the economy in Appalachia's coal-impacted communities through the POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative. These 54 awards are projected to create or retain over 5,700 jobs, leverage more than $39 million in private investment, create and/or retain 2,940 businesses, and train thousands of workers and students within the broadband, entrepreneurship, substance abuse recovery, tourism and other industry sectors across coal-impacted communities in nine Appalachian states. Read the press release In the Region This Week: October 3
In this issue: ARC partners with U.S. Department of Labor to award $14+ million to 10 workforce development initiatives across Appalachia; ARC participates in panel on health equity at The Atlanticfest. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: September 26
In this issue: ARC announces 40 fellows representing all 13 Appalachian states as inaugural class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute; Appalachian communities leverage Opportunity Zone designations to revitalize and attract business. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC Announces Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellows for 2019-2020
ARC announces 40 Fellows to participate in inaugural class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, an extensive nine-month program focusing on skill-building seminars, best practice reviews, field visits, mentoring, and networking. All 13 Appalachian states and a variety of sectors are represented. Read the press release. In the Region This Week: September 19
In this issue: ARC's Federal Co-Chairman joins the Ohio Governor's Office of Appalachia and others to visit recovery and manufacturing-focused projects in Chillicothe, OH; ARC partner, SOAR, hosts 1,300 at their 2019 Summit in Pikeville, KY. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Legislative Update: Senate Appropriations Committee Approves FY 2020 Funding for ARC
On September 12, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2020 Energy & Water Development Appropriations bill which includes $175 million for ARC. Legislative update In the Region This Week: September 12
In this issue: Appalachia Strong, ARC's 2019 Annual Summit, brought 500 doers, thinkers and leaders together to discuss strategies for strengthening the region. What makes Appalachia Strong? Summit attendees answered this question in our latest video; Network Appalachia, a group of transportation experts from across the region, met this week to discuss projects involving highways, ports, rail and more. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: September 5
In this issue: ARC's Substance Abuse Advisory Council issues Report of Recommendations to develop robust recovery ecosystem in Region; ARC's Annual Summit Appalachia Strong: Prosperity. Progress. Growth. underway in Asheville, North Carolina. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Substance Abuse Advisory Council (SAAC) Presents Final Report of Recommendations to ARC
ARC's Substance Abuse Advisory Council (SAAC) presented a final Report of Recommendations outlining proposed steps for supporting a robust recovery ecosystem in Appalachia, including developing community playbooks, model workforce training programs, employer toolkits, and community navigation programs. Read the press release. In the Region This Week: August 29
In this issue: ARC Federal Co-Chairman joins Congressman "GT" Thompson and a host of other state partners to discuss the role federal investment plays in boosting local economies in Appalachian Pennsylvania; ARC support helps Alabama Launchpad reach and support entrepreneurs in Appalachian Alabama, including a combined award of $150,000 to two Birmingham-based startups. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: August 22
In this issue: ARC Federal Co-Chairman and Senator Shelley Moore Capito tour West Virginia to see ARC investments, discuss capital access with ARC partners and more; Using support from ARC and state partners, BRIGHT Kentucky is building the next generation of leadership in Appalachian Kentucky. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: August 15
In this issue: Through the ARC-sponsored Appalachian Gateway Community Initiative, Mercer County, WV developed the Peak of Bloom festival to capitalize on the area's natural & cultural assets; Main Street Alabama will use ARC support to help two towns continue revitalizing historic buildings and attracting new business. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: August 8
In this issue: ARC support helps pave the way for business growth in Taylor, Pennsylvania, where a Local Access Road grant will help retain/create over 2,800 jobs in Stauffer Industrial Park; Base Camp Coding Academy will use ARC support to transform an abandoned factory into a multi-use training facility and tech incubator in Missississippi. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: August 1
In this issue: ARC awards $215,000 to pilot ride-to-recovery program in Huntington, WV in an effort to bridge transportation gaps for people in long-term recovery; ARC's Appalachian Teaching Project Summer Fellow spearheads impact evaluation study of ARC investments and finds a majority of projects outperformed goals for job and business creation, worker training and more Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: July 25
In this issue: 62 students and 16 teachers from every Appalachian state spend summer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of ARC/ORAU Summer STEM Program; Innovation Readiness Training in Appalachian New York enables Department of Defense to meet training needs while helping Cortland and Chenango counties address medical needs. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: July 18
In this issue: A new report summarizes findings from six ARC hosted Recovery-to-Work listenings sessions and offers five key themes that will be used by ARC's Substance Abuse Advisory Council to make final recommendations later this year; ARC support will help Houston, Mississippi develop more warehouse space to expand furniture manufacturing sector. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. New Report Summarizes Findings from Six ARC Recovery-to-Work Listening Sessions
ARC has released a new synopsis report of the Recovery-to-Work listening sessions hosted by the Commission in six states (Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia) from December 2018–April 2019. The report summarizes the outcome of those community-based discussions and identifies five common themes that ARC should consider when addressing the economic issues stemming from substance abuse. ARC's Substance Abuse Advisory Council—a 24-member volunteer advisory group with members representing each of the 13 Appalachian states—will use this information when preparing their final recommendations for the Commission to review this September. Read the press release. In the Region This Week: July 11
In this issue: Registration is now open for Appalachia Strong, ARC's 2019 Annual Summit September 4-6 in Asheville, North Carolina; ARC support helps partners in Appalachian Kentucky transition dislocated workers into digital careers. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: June 27
In this issue: ARC issues County Economic Status Designations for FY 2020, an annual report that helps determine ARC match requirements and overall investment strategies; ARC seeks partner to help conceptualize and conduct a high-school entrepreneurship summer program. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Appalachian County Economic Status Designations for Fiscal Year 2020 shows lowest number of designated distressed counties in over a decade.
ARC has released its County Economic Status Designations for Fiscal Year 2020, which annually ranks the economic status of each of the Region's 420 counties using a composite index formula drawing on national data. According to ARC's County Economic Status Designations for Fiscal Year 2020, 80 counties will be considered distressed, the lowest number of designated distressed counties since 2008. The County Economic Status Designations are primarily used to help the Region's 13 states develop economic investment strategies for the forthcoming year. Read the press release. Legislative Update On June 19, the U.S. House of Representative passed the FY20 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Act, which includes $170 million for ARC in the forthcoming fiscal year (the highest non-highway funding in ARC's history). This appropriation includes $50 million for POWER, $10 million to continue a program of broadband deployment in distressed counties in Central Appalachia, and $10 million for projects focused on workforce reentry strategies for Appalachians in long-term recovery from substance abuse disorder. The balance will fund ARC's regular programs. These are the same funding levels recommended by the House Appropriations Committee in May, 2019. Senate action remains pending.
In the Region This Week: June 20
In this issue: ARC Application Writing Workshop helps 70 local leaders, development professionals and community representatives in North Carolina learn how to craft stronger grant proposals; With ARC support, Genesee Valley School District launches on-site dental program to bring health care access to students - an important step in overcoming the county's low dental access rates. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: June 13
In this issue: ARC support helps Community Colleges of Appalachia double membership and hold its largest conference to date, during which regional colleges were honored for their outstanding initiatives; SWVA's 19 counties are finding economic boosts through natural and cultural assets. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: June 6
In this issue: ARC hosts 200+ at two free grant-writing workshops for DOL WORC grants, which offer up to $2.5 million for workforce development programs in Appalachia; ARC support helps Williamson, WV conduct broadband study to eventually enhance internet access across Mingo County. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In Focus, June 2019: Charting Appalachia's Economic Growth
Dive into the 300,000 data points about Appalachia's socioeconomic experience in The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2013–2017 American Community Survey, also known as "The Chartbook," and learn more about how this data is driving ARC research in this issue of In Focus: Issues and Ideas Shaping Development in Appalachia. Read more and subscribe. In the Region This Week: May 30
In this issue: ARC Federal Co-Chair visits Tennessee investments, including an update on Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative's expansion of broadband into unconnected areas; ARC partner, Spark Center SC, helps a Spartanburg business resume operations just days after a 2017 tornado devastated their headquarters. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Legislative Update On May 21, 2019, the House Appropriations Committee approved the FY20 Energy & Water Development Appropriations, which includes $170 million for ARC in the forthcoming fiscal year (the highest non-highway funding in ARC's history). Of this appropriation, $50 million is to continue the POWER Initiative to diversify the economy in Appalachia's coal-impacted communities, $10 million is to continue a program of broadband deployment in distressed counties in Central Appalachia, and $10 million is to focus on workplace re-entry strategies for those in long-term recovery from substance use disorder. The balance will fund ARC's regular programs. The House is expected to consider the full Appropriations bill in June. Senate action is pending.
In the Region This Week: May 23
In this issue: Over 300,000 data points about Appalachia's income, employment, as well as education, computer access, housing, and transportation and other indicators now available; POWER Initiative grantees gather in Athens, Ohio, to meet, learn, and share. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Funding Opportunity Available for Workforce Development!
The U.S. Department of Labor is making $29 million available via the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative to implement innovative approaches to provide enhanced training and support activities to dislocated workers, new entrants in the workforce, incumbent workers, and individuals affected by substance use disorder returning to work. Successful awards, ranging from $150,000 - $2.5 million, will support workforce development activities that prepare eligible participants for good jobs in high-demand occupations aligned with a state, regional, or community economic development strategy. Communities across Appalachia, especially those underserved by other resources, are encouraged to apply. Read the RFP, and register for free grant-writing workshops June 4 in Jamestown, New York, and June 6 in Johnson City, Tennessee ARC Releases The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from 2013-2017
ARC released The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2013-2017 American Community Survey, also known as "The Chartbook." Drawing from the American Community Survey and comparable Census Population Estimates, the report contains over 300,000 data points about Appalachia's demographics, income, employment, as well as education, computer access, housing, and transportation and other indicators. In addition to the report, ARC has released five companion fact sheets featuring Chartbook data. Read the press release. In the Region This Week: May 16
In this issue: ARC's Substance Abuse Advisory Council holds inaugural meeting in Knoxville and begins developing recommendations for building recovery ecosystems; Webinar on shale manufacturing brings ARC partners and industry experts together to discuss the economic opportunities associated with the Utica and Marcellus shale basins. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC Announces Substance Abuse Advisory Council
ARC has announced the formation of the Substance Abuse Advisory Council (SAAC) to develop recommendations for ARC to consider as part of a strategic plan to build and strengthen a recovery ecosystems in Appalachian communities. The 24 member volunteer advisory group represents each of the Region's 13 states, and includes leaders from law enforcement, recovery services, health, economic development, private industry, education, state government and other sectors. Read the press release. In the Region This Week: May 9
In this issue: ARC celebrates Small Business and Infrastructure weeks by highlighting the importance of both to Appalachia's economic development; Using an ARC grant, Northampton Community College will train nearly 300 students for truck driving jobs in Pennsylvania. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: May 2
In this issue: ARC Federal Co-Chair joins South Carolina Department of Commerce to see investments at work, including several projects expanding local entrepreneurship; ARC POWER partner, Robert C. Byrd Institute?s Appalachian Hatchery, hosts an expo connecting local businesses in the auto industry supply chain with major automotive companies. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: April 25
In this issue: West Virginia Forest Products Cooperative uses an ARC POWER grant to create economic opportunities for regional forest products; New report uses ARC data to examine impacts of a declining coal industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: April 18
In this issue: ARC listens for solutions to the substance abuse crisis at sixth Recovery-to-Work listening session in Beckley, WV; With ARC support, the second annual RoboRave in Oxford, NY tripled in size, enabling more Appalachian students to develop skills for Industry 4.0 careers. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Issue Brief Offers Practical Recommendations to Address Opioid Misuse
Health Disparities Related to Opioid Misuse in Appalachia is a new issue brief offering practical strategies, replicable best practices, and recommendations to help Appalachian communities address opioid misuse and overdose deaths. This brief is one of three capstone reports developed as part of, Creating a Culture of Health in Appalachia: Disparities and Bright Spots, an ARC and Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky health research initiative, with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Read the press release. In the Region This Week: April 11
In this issue: ARC announces the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a professional and economic development training program that equips upcoming leaders with the tools needed to address the region's most pressing issues; the ARC-supported Lineman Training program at Somerset Community College celebrates 10 years of training over 1,100 students for careers in the utility industry. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC Announces Appalachian Leadership Institute
ARC is now accepting applications for the inaugural class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a new leadership and economic development training opportunity for the Region's community leaders. The program includes an extensive nine-month curriculum focusing on skill-building, seminars, best practice reviews, field visits, mentoring, and networking. Eligible applicants include representatives from Appalachia's public, private and non-profit sectors who work and/or live in the Region. Applications are due June 1. Learn more at www.arc.gov/leadershipinstitute. In the Region This Week: April 4
In this issue: ARC announces $3.36 million in new POWER investments to strengthen substance abuse recovery and create economic opportunities via agriculture in coal-impacted communities; Lenoir, NC uses ARC support to clear debris and pave a path toward economic development. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC Announces $3.3 Million to Continue Economic Growth in Region's Coal-Impacted Communities
ARC announces three major awards, totaling $3.36 million, to continue supporting economic diversification in the Region's coal-impacted communities. These investments, made via the POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, focus on strengthening responses to the substance abuse crisis Kentucky and Ohio, and building a sustainable local food system in North Carolina. Read the press release. In the Region This Week: March 28
In this issue: SustainU, a subsidiary of ARC partner Coalfield Development Corporation, will sell recycled shirts via @Shirt kiosks in five MLB stadiums this season; Through an ARC-supported loan fund, Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance awarded $200,000 to McGregor Industries maximize output and create new jobs for the area. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: March 21
In this issue: Representative Robert Aderholt and ARC host Recovery-to-Work listening session in Alabama to discuss long-term substance abuse recovery strategies; Regional economic leaders honored at DDAA conference, including those with a history of service to Appalachia. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. President Trump's FY 2020 Budget Proposal of $165 Million for ARC is Largest Administration Request in Agency History
President Trump's FY 2020 Budget Request for $165 million is the largest Administration budget request for non-highway activities in ARC history. The proposal includes four complementary funding activities: $73 million for the base Area Development program; $50 million for the POWER Initiative to continue investment in communities that have been adversely affected by the decline in the coal industry; $32 million for assistance targeted to distressed communities through work in broadband, workforce development, and basic infrastructure; and $10 million for a new regionally competitive program focusing on workforce reentry for individuals in recovering from substance abuse disorders. The request for $165 million is level funding with ARC's current appropriation. Read ARC's FY 2020 Budget Justification. In the Region This Week: March 14
In this issue: ETSU seeks some of the 2,250 alumni of the ARC-supported Appalachian Teaching Project to register for the ATP Alum Network; the $6.2 million ARC and TNECD invested last year includes broadband and wi-fi opportunities to connect communities. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: March 7
In this issue: More than 500 attend ARC's regional POWER workshops for application guidance; an Appalachian Ohio energy tech incubator, of which ARC was an early investor, is recognized nationally by Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: February 28
In this issue: Governors of Appalachian states attend ARC's annual quorum meeting, which included a special discussion on addressing substance abuse; New data provides state-by-state breakdown of $125.6M invested by ARC in 2018. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC FY 2018 Year-In-Review Investment Data Now Available
Data shows that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) invested $125.6 million in 522 economic development projects during FY 2018. These region wide investments will be matched by $188.7 million, and will attract an additional $1.5 billion in leveraged private investment (LPI) into Appalachia. In addition, these investments are projected to create or retain 26,600 jobs, as well as train or educate 34.000 students and workers. State-specific fact sheets summarizing ARC's direct investments, as well as the matching funds attracted and leveraged private investment dollars generated by these investments, for each of the 13 Appalachian states are also available. Read the Press Release. In the Region This Week: February 21
In this issue: ARC celebrates National Entrepreneurship Week by highlighting the building blocks and resources needed to establish thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems; $22.8 million in newly announced POWER investments includes support for programs supporting entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship education across Appalachia. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. ARC Announces $22.8 Million to Expand and Diversify the Economy in Appalachia's Coal-Impacted Communities
On February 21, ARC announced $22.8 million to expand and diversify the economy in Appalachia's coal-impacted communities through the POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative. These 33 awards are projected to create or retain nearly 1,000 jobs, benefit over 3,300 students and workers, and leverage more than $21.8 million in private investment into manufacturing, agriculture, technology, substance abuse recovery, broadband development, and other industry sectors across coal-impacted communities in nine Appalachian states. Read the Press Release. In the Region This Week: February 14
In this issue: ARC support helps open new access road to Fulton County Medical Center, paving way to expansion; Georgia Northwestern Technical College campus offers new certificate program for students entering automotive-related fields. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In Focus, February 2019: Strengthening Economic Resilience in Appalachia
Recent research published by ARC identifies common factors inherent in bolstering economic resilience in the aftermath of economic disruptions, and profiles ten communities which have recently transitioned from economic shock to economic resilience. Read more and subscribe to ARC's quarterly newsletter exploring issues and ideas shaping development in Appalachia. In the Region This Week: February 7
In this issue: New research identifies common themes and community case studies in economic resilience; community colleges prepare for upcoming National Entrepreneurship Week. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. New Research Documents Economic Resilience Across Appalachia
Strengthening Economic Resilience in Appalachia, identifies factors common across communities experiencing persistent economic growth in the aftermath of the 2008 Recession and other economic disruptions. The research includes a statistical analysis of key factors common to economic resilience, as well as a guidebook featuring ten communities that have rebounded after experiencing significant economic shocks. Read the Press Release. In the Region This Week: January 31
In this issue: ARC POWER grant helps groups in Kentucky develop long-term substance abuse treatment strategies; West Virginia's Mon Forest Region uses ARC support to launch Recreational Economies Initiative. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: January 24
In this issue: ARC's POWER 2019 workshop series begin in Guntersville, Alabama; ARC investment will help Washington State Community College upgrade facilities to prepare 500 students for a variety of high-demand health careers. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: January 17
In this issue: ARC co-hosts second listening session in Recovery-to-Work series with members of Governor Roy Cooper's cabinet in Wilkesboro, NC; The ARC/ORNL Summer STEM Program offers an all-expenses-paid learning opportunity to students and teachers in Appalachia. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. In the Region This Week: January 10
In this issue: Appalachia's governors elect North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to serve as ARC's 2019 states' co-chair; Request for Proposals (RFP) for ARC's 2019 POWER Initiative released, making an additional $45 million available to strengthen the economy in the Region's coal-impacted communities. Read more and subscribe to ARC's weekly snapshot. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to Serve as 2019 ARC States' Co-Chair
Elected by the Region's governors, NC Governor Cooper will serve as ARC's 66th states' co-chair. As part of ARC's federal-state partnership structure, the states' co-chair is primarily responsible for working directly with the federal co-chair to oversee economic growth and development across the Appalachian Region. Read the Press Release. ARC Issues Request for Proposals (RFP) for 2019 POWER Initiative
The RFP for funding via ARC's 2019 POWER Initiative is now available. Applications accepted as of February 1, 2019. Read the RFP, review application resources, and learn more about this opportunity at www.arc.gov/power.. ARC 2019 POWER Initiative Regional Workshop Series
ARC will be hosting workshops in Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Viriginia on how to prepare a competitive application for funding available through ARC's 2019 POWER Initiative. Register now at www.arc.gov/workshops. Join the ARC team!
We are currently recruiting for several positions including Program Analyst [Infrastructure], Program Analyst [Evaluator], and a Human Resources Generalist. Learn more about these opportunities. Recovery-to-Work Listening Session
On January 15, 2019, ARC and Governor Cooper's Office will be hosting a public listening session on recovery-to-workforce pathways and other economic impacts related to Appalachia's current substance abuse crisis in North Carolina. Read more |