News and Highlights2013
Appalachian Business Delegation to 2013 Trade Winds Forum Will Explore Export Opportunities in Asia
A multi-sector business delegation from the Region will participate in the May 2013 Trade Winds Asia Forum, a U.S. Department of Commerce business development conference and trade mission in Seoul. News brief 
2013 National Rx Drug Abuse Summit to Be Held April 2-4
Operation UNITE will hold the 2013 National Rx Drug Abuse Summit April 2-4 in Orlando, Florida. ARC is partnering with UNITE to support the continuing education of medical professionals and community leaders at the summit. News brief Make it in America Challenge FFO Issued March 18; Deadline for ARC Application Development Grants is April 1
ARC is offering competitive grants to support the development of applications to the Make it in America Challenge, a federal funding opportunity focused on increasing the insourcing of American jobs. The challenge will award a total of up to $40 million to winning projects. ARC funds are available to organizations whose proposed projects will serve the Appalachian Region; applications are due April 1. More information U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio is Honored by Development District Association of Appalachia
Brown received the DDAA's 2013 Congressional Award on March 12 for his ongoing support for economic development efforts in the Region. Press release Online Registration Ends March 6 for 2013 Development District Association of Appalachia Conference
The 2013 DDAA conference, A Proud Heritage and a Bright Tomorrow, will be held March 10–12 in Arlington, Virginia. The conference will provide insight on key current and emerging development issues and opportunities, and share ideas on how LDDs can build on their knowledge to better meet Appalachian communities' needs. Conference Web site ARC to Co-Sponsor Mississippi Food Summit on March 1
The Mississippi Food Summit will promote discussion of efforts to grow the state's sustainable food economy. The summit will be held in Oxford in conjunction with the Gaining Ground Sustainable Living Conference. More information ARC-ORNL 2013 Summer Science Programs Application Materials Available
 Applications are now being accepted for the summer 2013 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 February 27, 2013. Application information 2012
Appalachian Students Present Research at 2012 Appalachian Teaching Project Conference
On November 30 and December 1, students and faculty representing 15 Appalachian colleges and universities participated in the annual Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) conference in Arlington, Virginia. The ATP gives college students the opportunity to engage in research projects that address endemic challenges facing communities in the Region. Conference information Survey of Oak Ridge Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute Participants to Close November 30
ARC is completing a survey of 2001–2010 student and teacher participants in the ARC–Oak Ridge Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute to evaluate the program's influence on education and career choices. All institute participants are encouraged to take the survey as soon as possible. It may be completed online through November 30 and should take about 15–20 minutes. For more information, contact ARC education program manager Jeff Schwartz at jschwartz@arc.gov. ARC Seeks Proposals for Program Evaluation of Job Creation and Retention Projects
ARC invites proposals from researchers and consultants to conduct a major program evaluation of its non-infrastructure job creation and retention projects funded in fiscal years 2004 through 2010. The evaluation's primary goal is to determine the extent to which non-infrastructure job creation and retention projects have contributed to the attainment of ARC's economic development objectives. Proposals are due on or before November 28, 2012. Request for proposals Webinar Reviews ARC-Sponsored Study on Development Challenges and Strategies in Economically Distressed Rural Counties
On November 27, researchers from the University of Tennessee held a webinar to review the ARC-sponsored research study Strategies for Economic Improvement in Appalachia's Distressed Rural Counties. Based on the experiences of ten representative counties, the study examines the challenges to economic and community development efforts in rural Appalachian communities and the ways in which local governments, agencies, and community organizations are responding. A complete video of the webinar is available for viewing. More information Two Grant Opportunities Available to Local Diabetes Coalitions in Appalachia
The Appalachian Diabetes Control and Translation Project, a partnership between ARC, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Marshall University's Center for Rural Health, is soliciting applications from new and existing local diabetes coalitions for two funding opportunities. Applications are due November 16. News brief Appalachian Businesses to Get Export Boost from New Partnership
ARC and the U.S. Commercial Service have joined in a new export promotion partnership to help boost exports from small and medium-sized businesses across Appalachia. Press release Commission Seeks Feedback from 2001–2010 Participants in Oak Ridge Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute
ARC is completing a survey of 2001–2010 student and teacher participants in the ARC–Oak Ridge Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute to evaluate the program's influence on education and career choices. All institute participants are encouraged to take the survey as soon as possible. It may be completed online and should take about 15–20 minutes. For more information, contact ARC education program manager Jeff Schwartz at jschwartz@arc.gov. ARC and West Virginia Address Diabetes Prevention Efforts
On October 10, ARC and the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health convened a roundtable discussion in Charleston, West Virginia, to address the state's diabetes challenges and prevention efforts. ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl and West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller examined the topic of diabetes prevention further in an op-ed published in the Charleston Gazette. Read op-ed Legislative Update: President Obama Signs Legislation Continuing Government Funding, Extending ARC Nonhighway Programs, through March 27, 2013
Signed into law September 28, Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013, provides funding for most agencies—including ARC—at the fiscal year 2012 level, plus an across-the-board increase of 0.612 percent. The law also extends authorization of ARC's nonhighway programs through March 27. Legislative update ARC Announces Support for Creation of Five New Angel Investment Funds in the Appalachian Region
The Commission will provide funding and technical assistance to help create five new angel investment funds that will invest in small businesses in Appalachia. Press release New "Virtual Incubation" Webinar Series to Help Community Colleges Support Small-Business Growth
The American Association of Community Colleges' (AACC) Center for Workforce and Economic Development is offering a series of webinars in August and September to help community colleges learn how they can develop "virtual incubation" services to encourage innovation and support new and existing small businesses in their communities. The webinars will focus on the tools outlined in the AACC's Virtual Incubation Network Toolkit. To learn more about the toolkit and register for the webinars, visit the AACC Web site. ARC Issues Request for Proposals for Development of a Tourist-Oriented Mapguide of Appalachia
ARC invites proposals from qualified vendors to develop and produce a tourist-oriented mapguide highlighting distinctive food destinations throughout Appalachia. The purpose of the mapguide is to increase tourism to the Appalachian Region by showcasing the breadth and depth of its food heritage and agritourism offerings. Proposals are due on or before September 12, 2012. Request for proposals ARC Seeks Proposals for Program Evaluation of Commission Health Projects
ARC invites proposals from researchers and consultants to conduct a major program evaluation of Commission health projects funded throughout all 13 Appalachian states in fiscal years 2004 through 2010. The evaluation's primary goal is to assess the performance of ARC health investments using contractor-gathered data. Proposals are due on or before September 6, 2012. Request for proposals ARC Issues Request for Proposals to Develop Economic Diversification Strategies for Appalachia
ARC invites proposals from researchers and consultants to evaluate economic diversification in Appalachia, analyze strategies for successful diversification in rural areas, and customize detailed strategies that can be implemented in the Region. Proposals are due on or before September 4, 2012. Request for proposals Livable Communities Workshop to Be Held August 16
The third of ARC's three regional workshops on developing livable communities in Appalachia will be held August 16 in California, Pennsylvania. The workshops are co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Sustainable Communities. Registration is free. Workshop information 
ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl Welcomes Administration's Multi-Agency Effort to Address Drought Conditions in Rural America
Gohl and other members of the White House Rural Council met with President Obama on August 7 to discuss efforts to assist rural areas affected by drought. The USDA has designated 56 Appalachian counties as eligible for drought assistance. Press release Obama Administration Announces $9 Million Investment in Rural Communities through Rural Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge
The 13 selected projects will promote job creation, spur innovation, and provide assistance to entrepreneurs and businesses in a wide range of industrial sectors. The five winning Appalachian projects will receive a total of more than $4.2 million. Press release ARC Seeks Feedback from 2001–2010 Participants in Oak Ridge Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute
ARC has launched a survey of 2001–2010 student and teacher participants in the ARC–Oak Ridge Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute to evaluate the program's influence on participants' education and career choices. The survey may be completed online and should take about 15–20 minutes. For more information on the survey, contact ARC education program manager Jeff Schwartz at jschwartz@arc.gov. New Study Examines Economic and Community Development Efforts in Rural Appalachian Counties
Strategies for Economic Improvement in Appalachia's Distressed Rural Counties, a study conducted for ARC by researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, examines development efforts in ten rural economically distressed counties and outlines recommendations for continuing progress. The study's authors, along with ARC representatives and Appalachian community leaders, will discuss the report in an upcoming webinar. Read the report ARC to Co-Host July 12 Rural Economic Forum in Oxford, Mississippi
ARC will join the White House Business Council, the Delta Regional Authority, the White House Rural Council, and the U.S. Small Business Administration in hosting the Oxford Rural Economic Forum at the University of Mississippi on July 12. The forum is the eighth in a series designed to connect entrepreneurs and business owners to the local and national resources and networks they need to grow and innovate, and to discuss ways to enhance their success. Live streaming video of the forum will be available. News brief Second Livable Communities Workshop to Be Held July 12
The second of three ARC regional workshops on developing livable communities in Appalachia will be held July 12 in Kingsport, Tennessee; the final workshop will be held August 16 in California, Pennsylvania. The workshops are co-sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Sustainable Communities. Registration is free. Workshop information Legislative Update: President Obama Signs MAP-21 Legislation Reauthorizing Federal Highway Programs; ADHS to Be Funded through New Surface Transportation Program Grant
On July 6, President Barack Obama signed into law a two-year reauthorization of surface transportation programs including the Appalachian Development Highway System. Legislative update Study Examines Disparities in Oral Health and Access to Oral Health Care in Appalachian Region
A new study conducted for ARC aims to increase understanding of Appalachia's oral health disparities and their contributing factors, and to aid efforts to develop targeted interventions to reduce such disparities. Read the report ARC Partners in AIR.U Consortium to Expand Broadband Access in Underserved Rural Communities
The consortium will deploy Super Wi-Fi networks to upgrade the broadband Internet access available to underserved university campuses and their surrounding communities. Press release ARC Federal Co-Chair Examines Appalachia's Challenges and Opportunities in Southern Growth Policy Board's 40th Anniversary Commentary Series
In the piece "The Appalachian Region and Its Challenges: The Next Steps," ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl reflects on the Region's progress, opportunities, and challenges. Read commentary ARC Partners in Net A-South Initiative to Enhance Appalachia's Access to Coastal Ports, International Commerce
With a goal of helping the Region better compete in the global economy, the Network Appalachia–South planning and development initiative will design new infrastructure, technology, financing, and institutional alliances to enhance Appalachia's access to neighboring coastal ports. News brief HHS Offers Competitive Grants to Help Improve Health in Small Communities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced available funding of $70 million to help improve the health of small communities across the nation. Grants will be awarded to agencies and organizations across a variety of sectors, including transportation, housing, education, and public health. The letter of intent deadline is June 18; applications are due July 31. News brief Livable Communities Partnership to Support Appalachian Communities through Technical Assistance
The Livable Communities initiative, a partnership between ARC, the EPA, and USDA, is giving rural Appalachian communities technical assistance that will help them develop strategies to become more livable and competitive. In his June 15 guest post on the White House Council on Environmental Quality's blog, ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl highlighted three Pennsylvania and Ohio communities recently selected to receive assistance. Blog post ARC's Angel Capital Fund Formation RFP to Close June 15
Competitive awards in the form of both technical assistance and direct grant support will assist the creation of angel investment funds in the Appalachian Region. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on June 15. Award recipients will be announced July 13. Request for proposals (PDF: 270 KB) Global Appalachia Workshop to Focus on the Region's Role in Global Commerce
Members of the ARC Export Trade Advisory Council and Network Appalachia transportation planning and development group will meet in Memphis, Tennessee, June 12–14 to discuss opportunities for Appalachian businesses in domestic and international commerce. More information Legislative Update: House Approves FY 2013 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill
The legislation, approved on June 6, provides $75.3 million for ARC's fiscal year 2013 nonhighway programs. Legislative update Seven Appalachian Towns Selected to Receive ARC and EPA Technical Assistance to Enhance Community Quality of Life
The Livable Communities technical assistance will help the towns improve their livability by promoting economic development while safeguarding the local landscape. Press release Video Highlights Challenges and Change in Appalachia
Appalachian Transition, a video produced for the Appalachia Funders Network (AFN), showcases the stories of individuals and organizations in Appalachia working to transform their communities. ARC is a founding member of AFN, a group of public and private grant makers that works to promote an entrepreneurial-based Appalachian economy. Watch the video Southwestern Commission Issues Comprehensive Planning RFP
The Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission has issued a request for proposals for a three-part planning process to include a regional vision for western North Carolina, a comprehensive plan for Graham and Cherokee Counties, and a transportation plan for Graham County. The RFP is posted on the North Carolina Division of Highways Web site. Conference Call on ARC's Appalachian Angel Capital Fund Formation RFP to be Held June 1; RFP Webinar Material Available for Download
ARC will hold a conference call on Friday, June 1, to answer applicant questions on the recently issued Appalachian Angel Capital Fund Formation request for proposals. The conference call will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EDT. In addition, applicants may now download material from the May 14–15 informational webinars on the RFP. More information Appalachian Businesses to Explore Export Opportunities in Asia through May 2012 Trade Winds Asia Forum
A delegation of 30 Appalachian business leaders will participate in the ARC-supported Trade Winds Asia Forum, a U.S. Department of Commerce business development conference and trade mission in Singapore. News brief 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 ARC Releases Request for Proposals to Support Creation of New Angel Capital Funds in Appalachia
Competitive awards in the form of both technical assistance and direct grant support will assist the formation of angel investment funds in the Region. Proposals are due June 15. Request for proposals 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. Legislative Update: Senate, House Appropriations Committees Approve FY 2013 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bills
In late April, the Senate and House appropriations committees passed bills containing $64.9 million and $75.3 million, respectively, for ARC's FY 2013 nonhighway programs. Legislative update 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 |
