2011 Press Releases

 December 2011
Appalachian Diabetes Coalitions Win Grants for Community Initiatives
Five Appalachian diabetes coalitions have been selected to receive grants and support services through the Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project, funded by ARC, CDC, and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.
 December 2011
Appalachian Communities Damaged by Tornadoes are Focus of Sixth ARDI Workshop
Participants in the December 5, 2011, Appalachian Regional Development Initiative workshop sponsored by ARC and USDA learned about federal resources and technical assistance available to help promote long-term economic recovery in Appalachia's tornado-damaged communities.
 November 2011
ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl and Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear Announce New Philanthropy Initiative
The Appalachian Rural Development Philanthropy Initiative will support the development of permanent, accessible community foundations in Appalachian Kentucky's economically distressed counties.
 October 2011
ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl Joins President Obama on Visit to Appalachian Higher Education Network School
On October 17, 2011, the president visited North Carolina's West Wilkes High School, which participates in an ARC program to encourage high-school graduates to undertake postsecondary education.
 September 2011
ARC Launches Global Appalachia Export Initiative
The $1.5 million Global Appalachia export program will enhance small-business exporting in the 13 Appalachian states and will support the export of Appalachia's unique products and assets. The program is projected to generate $150 million in export revenues over the next three years.
 September 2011
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Grant Will Bring “New Ideas and New Energy” to Combating Diabetes in Appalachia
A $2.6 million grant made through the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation's Together on Diabetes initiative will go to a public-private partnership with ARC, Marshall University, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to support community mobilization efforts combating diabetes in Appalachia.
 July 2011
ARC-Supported Heartwood Artisan Gateway Officially Opens in Southwest Virginia
Heartwood is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors annually in the next several years and create a $28 million regional economic impact.
 July 2011
Microsoft Partners with ARC to Provide $2 Million in Software to Appalachian Nonprofits to Enhance Job Skills
On July 20, 2011, U.S. Senators Jay Rockefeller and Roger Wicker joined Microsoft Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs Fred Humphries and ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl on Capitol Hill to announce Microsoft's partnership with ARC to distribute $2 million in software to Appalachian nonprofits.
 June 2011
White House Drug Policy Director Encourages Appalachian Communities to Combat Substance Abuse
White House Office of National Drug Control Policy director Gil Kerlikowske spoke June 27 at a conference for community coalitions selected to participate through ARC's 2011 Competition for Community-Based Substance Abuse Initiatives.
 June 2011
White House Rural Council Gives ARC New Opportunities, ARC Federal Co-Chair Says
The council, established by President Obama's executive order on June 9, 2011, will help coordinate government programs and maximize the impact of federal investments to promote economic prosperity and quality of life in rural communities.
 June 2011
ARC Announces Winners of Grant Competition for Community-Based Substance Abuse Initiatives
Thirty grassroots community groups will receive training, technical assistance, and $5,000 grants for expanded efforts to combat substance abuse in their local communities.
 May 2011
Ohio Congressman Steven LaTourette is Honored by Development District Association of Appalachia
LaTourette received the DDAA's 2011 Congressional Award for his support for community and economic development efforts in Appalachia.
 May 2011
ARC Announces Winners of Fourth Round of Grant Competition for Planning and Implementation of Community Energy Projects
Ten projects in six Appalachian states will receive a total of $538,915 in funding through a grant competition to help communities leverage renewable-energy and energy-efficiency resources to revitalize their economies.
 April 2011
ARC Launches "Civil War: The Home Front" Mapguide to Appalachia
The new "Civil War: The Home Front" mapguide to Appalachia, developed in conjunction with the 150th commemoration of the American Civil War, aims to boost tourism in the Appalachian Region.
 April 2011
ARC Announces New Substance Abuse Initiatives Grant Competition
Applicants must be located in one of 196 eligible counties and must submit a letter of interest by 4:30 P.M. (EDT) on May 16, 2011.
 March 2011
Mike Beatty Receives 2011 John D. Whisman Vision Award
The Development District Association of Appalachia recognized Beatty for his work championing regional planning and development in Appalachian Georgia.
 March 2011
ARC Announces Netbook Computer Initiative for Decatur, Alabama, Schools
An ARC grant to Alabama's Decatur City Schools will support an effort to use technology to reverse a trend of declining student attendance and achievement in the fifth grade.
 March 2011
Kentucky Civic Leader Pat Bell Receives 2011 Donald R. Myers Humanitarian Award
Bell was honored by the Development District Association of Appalachia at its 2011 annual conference.
 March 2011
Green Energy Programs of Appalachian Schools Highlighted in New ARC Report
The report Green Schools and Sustainability in Appalachia: Case Studies in Rural Practice illustrates how six Appalachian schools are providing critical leadership and training for the emerging green energy industry and helping communities develop markets for green products and services.
 February 2011
Obama Administration Requests $76 Million for ARC for FY 2012
President Obama's proposed fiscal year 2012 federal budget includes $76 million for ARC's community and economic development programs.
 January 2011
ARC Cites Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center as Example of Public and Private Partnerships in Action
The Alleghany Highlands Agricultural Center will begin work on a new processing and marketing facility near Monterey, Virginia, using funds leveraged through an ARC grant.
 January 2011
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear Elected 2011 ARC States' Co-Chair
Beshear was chosen by his fellow Appalachian governors to serve as ARC states' co-chair in 2011.