News and Highlights2012
Registration is Open for Webinars on ARC's Appalachian Angel Capital Fund Formation RFP
ARC will hold webinars on May 14 and 15 to answer applicant questions on the recently released Appalachian Angel Capital Fund Formation request for proposals and to provide information on angel fund formation and operation. The webinars will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT. To register for one of the webinars, participants should email their name and organization contact information to angelfunds@arc.gov. Request for proposals Registration Open for Advanced Materials Research Exchange at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
On May 31, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Southern Advanced Materials in Transportation Alliance will host a meeting on the transportation and advanced materials industries, which are projected to have an important economic impact in the South and parts of Appalachia. Economic development officials, representatives of private industry, and public and private researchers are encouraged to attend. Registration for the event is free; the deadline for U.S. citizens to register is May 15. More information Updated Application Guide Available for Rural Jobs Accelerator Grant Competition
An updated application guide listing forms required by agencies participating in the FY 2012 Rural Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is available on the USDA Rural Jobs Accelerator Web Site. The application deadline is May 9. Information on ARC supplemental funding for the grant competition is available on the ARC Web site. Applications Due May 9 for Rural Jobs Accelerator Grant Competition
Appalachian organizations may apply for grants to help support job creation efforts through the FY 2012 Rural Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, a federal funding opportunity in which ARC is a regional funding partner. The primary funding agencies are the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Applicants may apply for up to $715,000 per project from USDA and EDA, and applicants whose project takes place in Appalachia are eligible to apply for an additional $100,000 from ARC. More information Featured Project: Jones Memorial Hospital Computerized Provider Order-Entry System
An ARC grant helped Jones Memorial Hospital, in Wellsville, New York, implement a technology that lets clinicians enter medication orders, diagnostic tests, and procedures into a computer system for transmittal to the pharmacy, radiology, or laboratory. Use of the technology is a key strategy for reducing medication errors and ensuring patient safety. Project summary High School Graduation Rates in Appalachia Approach National Average
 According to a newly released study, the percentage of working-age adults in the Appalachian Region (those age 25 to 64) with at least a high school diploma was only slightly below the national average of just over 87 percent in the 2006-2010 period studied. In 127 of Appalachia's 420 counties, the percentage matched or exceeded the national average. The report was conducted for ARC by the Population Reference Bureau. For more information, see The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2006-2010 American Community Survey. ;
Appalachian Higher Education Network Members to Meet April 22–25
Staff of ARC-supported Appalachian Higher Education Network centers—state-based programs designed to increase postsecondary education attainment—will meet in Washington, D.C., for professional development activities. More information Legislative Update: House Energy and Water Development Subcommittee Approves Increased Funding for ARC for FY 2013
On April 18, the House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development approved legislation containing $75.3 million for ARC's FY 2013 nonhighway programs. Legislative update Population Change in Appalachia Detailed in Report
 The Appalachian Region's population grew about 7 percent from 2000 to 2010, compared with the almost 10 percent growth rate of the United States as a whole, according to The Appalachian Region in 2010: A Census Data Overview, a report conducted for ARC by the Population Reference Bureau. Population change varied greatly within the Region: while one-third of Appalachia's 420 counties lost population during the decade, nearly one in four grew at or above the national average. News brief Featured Project: AdvanceKentucky
In 2008 the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation, in partnership with the National Math and Science Initiative, created AdvanceKentucky, a statewide math-science initiative dedicated to helping Kentucky's students reach new heights in rigorous academic achievement. AdvanceKentucky's mission is to reach out to traditionally underrepresented populations in advanced placement courses and expand access to these classes while increasing student participation and success. Project summary  National Rx Drug Abuse Summit to Be Held April 10-12Operation UNITE will hold the first National Rx Drug Abuse Summit April 10-12 in Orlando, Florida. ARC is partnering with UNITE to support the continuing education of medical professionals and community leaders at the summit. News brief. Growing the Appalachian Food Economy Forum Held April 3–4
 Approximately 330 participants joined ARC's "Growing the Appalachian Food Economy" forum in Asheville, North Carolina, to learn practical ways local food systems can increase employment opportunities, spark entrepreneurial ventures, and build local wealth in Appalachian communities. Video of the April 3 morning sessions is available for viewing. Forum information Featured Project: Georgia Appalachian Center for Higher Education
GACHE provides competitive grant funding to high schools in distressed, at-risk, and transitional counties in Appalachian Georgia for programs to increase the schools' post-secondary education enrollment rates. Since January 2006, GACHE has funded programs in 43 schools serving more than 100,000 students, including 24,500 high-school seniors. Project summary Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project to Sponsor Diabetes Coalition Conference March 27-30
The Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project (ADCTP) is sponsoring its fourth diabetes coalition conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 27-30, 2012. The conference will provide a forum for diabetes coalitions throughout Appalachia to share best practices and will help enhance the skills of coalition leaders to mobilize community efforts. The ADCTP is a partnership supported by ARC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation. News brief Appalachia Funders Network Holds 2012 Annual Meeting
On March 28–29, the Appalachia Funders Network held its third annual meeting, "Accelerating the Economic Transition of Central Appalachia," in Berea, Kentucky. The network is a group of public and private grant makers that works to promote an entrepreneurial-based Appalachian economy. News brief New Appalachian Development Highway System Status Report Available
 A report on the status of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS) as of September 30, 2011, is now available for download in PDF format. The report includes an overview of the highway system and details on the status of highway corridors in each Appalachian state. At the end of FY 2011, 88 percent of the 3,090 miles authorized for the ADHS were open to traffic or under construction. Full report ARC to Co-Sponsor March Conference on Financing Rural Small Businesses in Appalachia
On March 23, 2012, ARC will co-sponsor the one-day conference "Access to Capital and Credit: Strengthening Rural Businesses" in Lexington, Kentucky. Speakers will include ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl, USDA Rural Development Deputy Undersecretary Doug O'Brien, and Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Director Donna Gambrell. Registration for the conference is free. Event information Ohioan Bob Proud, Clermont County Commissioner, Receives 2012 Donald R. Myers Humanitarian Award
Bob Proud was recognized by the Development District Association of Appalachia at its 2012 annual conference for his work as founder of the Whole in My Heart military support group, which provides assistance to the families and friends of deployed troops. Press release Registration Now Open for 2012 Development District Association of Appalachia Conference
The 2012 DDAA conference, Working Together for a Better Region, will be held March 18–20 in Arlington, Virginia. The conference will highlight best-practice development programs and activities from across Appalachia, and share ideas on how LDDs can adapt strategically to better meet communities' needs and enhance their programs and services to help strengthen local economies. ARC-ORNL 2012 Summer Science Programs Application Materials Available
Applications are now being accepted for the summer 2012 ARC-Oak Ridge National Laboratory high school math-science-technology institute for students and teachers, and the middle school science academy for students. Both programs are all expenses paid and offer the opportunity to work with world-class scientists. Applications for both programs are due March 2, 2012.. Application information Appalachian Businesses to Seek Export Sales Boost through Shanghai Trade Fair
Home-furnishings and wood-products businesses seeking to expand export sales to Asia and the Pacific Rim can apply to join an Appalachia USA delegation traveling to the September 2012 Furniture Manufacturing and Supply China trade fair in Shanghai. Qualified Appalachian businesses can take advantage of discounted exhibit costs by joining the delegation. Applications must be submitted by February 21. News brief Legislative Update: Obama Administration Requests $64.8 Million for ARC for FY 2013
President Obama's proposed FY 2013 federal budget, released on February 13, 2012, requests $64.8 million for ARC's community and economic development programs. Legislative update Legislative Update: Senate, House Committees Approve Surface Transportation Bills
On February 2, 2012, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs approved legislation that would authorize Appalachian transportation-related activity. Legislative update Alabama Governor Bentley to Serve as 2012 ARC States' Co-Chair
Governor Robert Bentley has been selected by his fellow Appalachian governors to serve as the Appalachian Regional Commission's 2012 states' co-chair. Press release Legislative Update: President Obama Signs FY 2012 Funding Legislation
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, contains level funding of $68,263,000 for ARC's nonhighway programs. Legislative update 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. Press release 2011
Appalachian Students Present Research at 2011 Appalachian Teaching Project Conference
On December 2 and 3, 2011, 150 students and faculty representing 14 Appalachian colleges and universities participated in the annual Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) conference in Washington, D.C. The ATP gives college students the opportunity to engage in research projects that address endemic challenges facing communities in the Region. 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. Press release New Startup Appalachia Entrepreneurship Effort to Help Align Development Efforts of Public and Private Grant Makers
On November 8, 2011, ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl and USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Doug O'Brien met with state Rural Development directors from Central Appalachia, ARC representatives, and members of the Appalachia Funders Network steering committee in Abingdon, Virginia, to discuss a new entrepreneurship effort called Startup Appalachia. News brief Legislative Update: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Approves Bill Reauthorizing Federal Highway Programs for Two Years
Under the MAP-21 legislation, the Appalachian Development Highway System would be consolidated into the new Transportation Mobility Program and would continue to be funded from the federal Highway Trust Fund. White House Business Council Holds Roundtable Discussion on Job Creation in Appalachian Virginia
ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl and USDA Rural Development Deputy Undersecretary Doug OBrien met with local business and civic leaders in Lebanon, Virginia, on November 8, 2011, as part of a nationwide series of roundtables held by the White House Business Council on the American Jobs Act. The roundtables serve to help Obama administration officials gather feedback and ideas on growing jobs and strengthening the economy. Topics discussed at the Lebanon roundtable, which was hosted by the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, included the roles that business regulations, rural broadband service, and non-governmental organizations play in advancing economic growth. News brief  ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl 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. Press release Materials Available from Abingdon, Virginia, ARDI Federal Technical Assistance Workshop
On October 27, 2011, the Appalachian Regional Development Initiative, a partnership between ARC and ten federal agencies, sponsored a one-day technical assistance workshop on federal funding opportunities and the federal grant application process in Abingdon. Presentation materials from the workshop are now available for download. ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl Joins President Obama on Visit to Appalachian Higher Education Network School
ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl joined President Obama on his October 17, 2011, visit to North Carolina's West Wilkes High School, which participates in an ARC program to encourage high-school graduates to continue on to postsecondary education. The president's visit was part of his American Jobs Act bus tour to discuss jobs and the economy. Press release 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 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. Press release |
