2008 Press Releases

 December 2008
ARC Announces Winners of Second Round of Renewable-Energy and Energy-Efficiency Grant Competition
In December 2008 ARC announced the winners of the second round of a grant competition to assist Appalachian communities in leveraging renewable-energy and energy-efficiency resources to revitalize their economies.
 November 2008
ARC, West Virginia Governor Manchin, and Benedum Foundation Announce Oral Health Initiative
On November 20, 2008, ARC, the State of West Virginia, and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation announced a new initiative that will establish school-based dental clinics to serve children in West Virginia.
 November 2008
ARC Announces 2008 Jerry W. Davis Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence
The Blue Ridge Crossroads Economic Development Authority in Galax, Virginia, and its four principals were recognized for innovative, creative, and visionary approaches to entrepreneurial development in the Appalachian Region.
 October 2008
President Bush Signs ARC Reauthorization Legislation
President George W. Bush signed the Appalachian Regional Development Act Amendments of 2008 on October 8, 2008. The legislation reauthorizes ARC through September 30, 2012.
 October 2008
ARC Fall Conference to Focus on Workforce Strategies for the Future
ARC's 2008 annual conference, Tomorrow's Workforce: Strategies for Appalachia's Future, will be held October 22–23 in Tupelo, Mississippi.
 September 2008
ARC Announces Winners of Great Smoky Mountains/Cherokee National Forest Gateways Grant Competition
Seven organizations in Tennessee and North Carolina were selected to receive grants through the "Gems of Appalachia" grant competition for their sustainable tourism projects. 
 August 2008
ARC Study: Disproportionately High Rates of Substance Abuse in Appalachia
An ARC-commissioned study has found that Appalachia suffers from disproportionately high rates of substance abuse and mental health disorders. 
 August 2008
ARC and NEA Announce Winners of Grant Competition to Promote Gateway Communities
ARC and the National Endowment for the Arts have announced the winners of a 2008 grant competition to promote natural and cultural heritage tourism development in Appalachia's "gateway communities," which border national and state parks and forests. 
 June 2008
ARC-Commissioned Study Underscores Economic Benefits of the Appalachian Development Highway System
An ARC-commissioned study has found that completion of the Appalachian Development Highway System would yield significant economic benefits for both the Appalachian economy and the broader national economy.
 May 2008
Senator Lamar Alexander and ARC Announce Great Smoky Mountains/Cherokee National Forest Gateways Initiative
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander and ARC announced a grant competition on May 10, 2008, for the gateway communities that are entry points to two of Appalachia's most important natural assets.
 April 2008
ARC and NEA Announce Second Round of Grant Competition to Promote Tourism Development
In April 2008 ARC and the National Endowment for the Arts announced the second round of a grant competition to promote natural and cultural heritage tourism development in Appalachia's "gateway communities."
 April 2008
ARC Announces Second Round of Competition for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants
In April 2008, ARC announced the second round of a grant competition to assist Appalachian communities in leveraging renewable-energy and energy-efficiency resources to revitalize their economies.
 March 2008
ARC and National Geographic Announce Appalachian Driving Tours Map
ARC partnered with the National Geographic Society to produce the Driving Tours Appalachia map, published in the April 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine, to help increase tourism and stimulate economic development in Appalachia.
 February 2008
ARC Announces Winners of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant Competition
Grants totaling $605,000 were awarded in February 2008 to 12 winners of an ARC grant competition to help Appalachian communities revitalize their economies by leveraging renewable energy and energy efficiency resources.
 February 2008
Mississippi Congressman Chip Pickering Honored by the Development District Association of Appalachia
U.S. Congressman Chip Pickering of Mississippi's Third Congressional District received a 2008 Congressional Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia for his service to the people of Appalachia.
 February 2008
Susan Reid Receives 2008 John D. Whisman Vision Award
Susan Reid, executive director of the First Tennessee Development District, received the 2008 John D. Whisman Vision Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia on February 26, 2008.
 February 2008
Appalachian Governors Call for Regional Approach to Substance Abuse Problem
Addressing substance abuse in Appalachia was a key topic at the 2008 ARC Governors' Quorum Meeting, held in Washington, D.C. , on Sunday, February 24, 2008.
 February 2008
Ohio Congressman Zack Space Receives Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia
Congressman Zack Space of Ohio's 18th Congressional District received a 2008 Congressional Award from the Development District Association of Appalachia for his service to the people of Appalachia.
 February 2008
Bush Administration Proposes $65 Million in Funding for ARC in Fiscal Year 2009 Budget
President George W. Bush's proposed FY 2009 federal budget, released on February 4, 2008, requested $65 million for ARC's community and economic development programs.
 January 2008
ARC Urges TV Viewers in Appalachia to Gear Up for 2009 Conversion to All-Digital Television Broadcasting
ARC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration encourage television viewers throughout the Appalachian Region to prepare for the February 2009 national conversion to all-digital television broadcasting.
 January 2008
ARC to Sponsor Conference on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies
The conference Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies, to be held January 23–25, 2008, in Rome, Georgia, aims to enhance understanding of alternative energy production and new conservation technologies.