Copy
Executive Committee Meeting - Feb. 11, 12:00 PM
View this email in your browser
January 25, 2021
Contact: Scott Dadson, Executive Director
828-351-2365

 

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Golden LEAF's Community-Based Grants Initiative launches January 26  in Western Prosperity Zone

The Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative (CBGI) will launch in the Western Prosperity Zone on January 26, 2021, at 2 p.m. with a virtual information session. Organizations serving one or more of the counties in the Western Prosperity Zone are eligible to apply. The Western Prosperity Zone includes Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, and Transylvania.

The CBGI invites one Prosperity Zone per year and is designed to advance local projects ready for implementation. The Golden LEAF Board has allocated $11 million for CBGI. Funds will be awarded for projects that move the economic needle in a community through job creation, workforce preparedness and education, and agriculture.

Connect, Engage, Transform: Rural Community Partnerships Webinar Series

The Carolina Center for Public Service and UNC Rural is hosting the Connect, Engage, Transform: Rural Community Partnerships webinar series to bring together stakeholders from North Carolina’s rural communities and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to highlight and encourage authentic, effective, and sustainable collaborations for the public good. Click here to learn more and register for the webinars.

Upcoming webinars include:
  • Jan. 25, 2021, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Navigating the Pathways to College 
  • Feb. 18, 2021, 1-2:30 p.m. - Community Supports for Farmer Stress: The Farmer to Farmer Program and Addressing the Challenges of COVID 
  • Feb. 23, 2021, 1-2:30 p.m. - UNC Rural’s Reflections and Roads Ahead
4th Annual Legislative Gathering Slated for February 22, 2020
 

 
The Isothermal Regional Commission is preparing for its 4th ever Legislative Gathering.  This years event will be, like most events a virtual event.  While we are working towards in person options, we feel we must set a virtual meeting as our Default.  We are sending invitations to our membership, our partners in the Region and to our Legislative Delegation and their staff to put February 22, 2020 on their calendar now.  Please be on the lookout for these emailed invitations.

The Commission Board of Directors have adopted the 2021-2022 Legislative Agenda for the Isothermal Region.  This years addenda was the result of our Isothermal Regional Mayors and Chairs Group led by Mayors Carol Pritchett of Lake Lure and Scott Neisler of Kings Mountain.  This years agenda includes :
  • Advocacy for support to local governments in budget shortfalls due to COVID 19
  • Increasing Broadband Coverage, Accessibility and Availability in our Region
  • Increased funding for human services to include healthcare and mental health; and,
  • Prioritizing Housing as an essential infrastructure in our Region.
Please review this document to see what we are working on here at  your Commission!  Again, you can access the full document at 2021-2022 Legislative Agenda. 

Regional News

Groundbreaking Ceremony held for Chimney Rock Village Streetscape Project

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday, January 21, for Phase One of the Chimney Rock Village Streetscape Improvement Project.

The Phase 1 Streetscape Project includes the new Riverwalk Plaza between the Gem Mine and Bubba O'Leary's. This new 3,000 square foot plaza provides for a new gathering and seating area, improved access to the Riverwalk along the First Broad River, street trees, lighting, and parallel parking.

Mayor Peter O'Leary said Chimney Rock is becoming more popular, and they want to create space to make things more enjoyable for visitors.

"Our goal is to try and create a better, safer, more pleasant pedestrian experience and to make the town -- the whole village -- much more pedestrian-friendly," O'Leary said.

For more information about the project, please click here.

ARC Accepting Applications for Summer Study Programs in Entrepreneurship and STEM for Region’s Students

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has begun accepting applications for two summer opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the ARC/Oak Ridge Summer STEM Program in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Both programs are free intensive learning experiences specifically for the Region’s high school and/or middle school students. Applications for both opportunities are due March 1, 2021.

The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA), developed in partnership with the Institute for Educational Leadership, prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. Chosen via a competitive application process, rising high school seniors from across Appalachia are selected to participate in an intensive learning curriculum designed to cultivate creativity, sharpen business acumen, and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. AEA will be held in two phases—one virtually from June 14–25, 2021, and the second in-person in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from July 12–30, 2021. More information and application materials are available at www.arc.gov/AEA.  

The ARC/Oak Ridge Summer STEM Program is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region.  This program will be held virtually from June 19–July 2, 2021, for high school students and teachers and June 26–July 2, 2021, for middle school students. If COVID restrictions allow, the program will be held in person in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. More information and application materials are available at www.arc.gov/summerSTEM.

Mountain BizWorks Application for ScaleUp 2021 is Now Open

Mountain BizWorks is now accepting applications for the 2021 ScaleUp program. ScaleUp is an intensive cohort-based program for existing WNC small businesses with strong growth potential. We know some businesses have continued to thrive amidst the pandemic and others will have substantial opportunities as it recedes. Visit the program website for full details and to apply. 15 existing small businesses will be selected in just one cohort this year.

In preparation for the spring cohort, they will host the ScaleUp Trailblazing Series. This virtual series is open to entrepreneurs wanting to bring a ScaleUp strategy and mentality to their 2021. Each session will also include a preview of the full ScaleUp Cohort 10 program. Workshop Series Dates:
  • Wednesday, February 3, 6 pm - 8 pm
  • Monday, February 15, 2pm - 4pm
  • Thursday, February 18, 10am - 12pm
Who should apply for ScaleUp?
Ideal applicants are founders or executives of existing small businesses 1) based in WNC, 2) with annual revenues between $150K - $1.5m, and 3) with a compelling opportunity for business expansion. They also encourage applications from a diverse range of companies and over 2/3 of participants have been rural-based, women-owned, owned by people of color, or veteran-owned companies. Click here to learn more and apply.

Golden LEAF Scholarship Applications Open

Isothermal Regional Students are Eligible

The Golden LEAF Scholarship application for the 2021-2022 academic year is now available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying rural and economically distressed or tobacco-dependent counties. Applications are due March 1, 2021.

The awards are valued at $12,000 ($3,000 per year for up to four years) for North Carolina high school students attending a participating North Carolina college or university. North Carolina community college transfer students can receive $3,000 per year for up to three years.

Recipients are selected based upon multiple factors including an interest in returning to a rural North Carolina county after graduation. Applicants must also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Click here to learn more.

Aging

Former Governor Hunt: You Have A Spot, Take Your Shot

Former North Carolina Governor James Hunt receives the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourages other North Carolinians to do the same when it's their turn. For more information, visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.

Community, Economic, and Workforce Development

USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Grants

RCDI grants are awarded to help non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities, and federally recognized tribes support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.

Funds may be used to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. The minimum grant award is $50,000 and the maximum grant award is $250,000. The match is required to be equal to the amount of funding requested and in-kind contributions cannot be used as matching funds. Click here to learn more.

NC DHHS Virtual Job Fair

The NC Department of Health and Human Services is hiring for positions across the state! Sign up today for the NCDHHS Virtual Job Fair on Jan. 26. #Work4NC

Register: https://lnkd.in/dkGESBf

Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2021 Rural Emergency Medical Services Training grants. The purpose of this program is to recruit and train emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in rural areas. SAMHSA recognizes the great need for emergency services in rural areas and the critical role EMS personnel serve across the country. For more information, please click here.

Eligible applicants include Rural emergency medical service agencies operated by a local or tribal government (fire-based and non-fire based) and non-profit emergency medical service agencies.

NCCF Announces Initial Round of Grants Available from the North Carolina Healing Communities Fund

The North Carolina Healing Communities Fund will accept grant applications from nonprofit organizations that have been impacted by COVID‐19 through revenue loss and increased demand beginning Feb. 1. Interested nonprofits may review the full request for proposals for more information.
Click Here to Contact Community, Economic, and Workforce Development Staff

Housing

President Biden Signs Executive Orders to Extend Eviction & Foreclosure Protections

Several hours after being sworn in, President Joseph Biden signed multiple executive orders and actions to address numerous COVID-19 related health and economic impacts. Among them, President Biden directed the CDC to extend its national eviction moratorium through the end of March.

The current order was set to expire on January 31st. Restrictions on foreclosures of properties with federally-guaranteed mortgages were also extended to March 31st. Additionally, the deadline to apply for forbearances on such mortgages is extended to March 31st. To see the media release from the CDC Director, please click here.

Rural Transportation

DOT Issues NOFO for $1 Billion in FY 2021 BUILD Transportation Grant Funding

The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, or BUILD Transportation Discretionary Grant program, provides a unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit, and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives. Previously known as Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grants, Congress has dedicated nearly $8.9 billion for twelve rounds of National Infrastructure Investments to fund projects that have a significant local or regional impact. 

DOT has published a NOFO to apply for $1 billion in FY 2021 discretionary grant funding through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD Transportation Discretionary Grants program. The Department's NOFO is available here.

North Carolina: The State of Aviation Report 

North Carolina’s network of 72 publicly owned airports, and the aviation and aerospace assets that rely on them, help move the state forward by creating jobs, supporting business growth, and connecting people and companies to markets around the globe.

North Carolina’s public airports annually contribute $61 billion to the state’s economy, supporting 373,000 jobs that generate $15 billion in personal income and $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenues.

This report reviews 2019 data, so the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic are unrepresented here. The impacts were swift and significant and varied greatly by sector. The State of Aviation report will provide a benchmark for tracking the expected recovery of aviation and aerospace industries in 2021.

North Carolina: The State of Aviation​ highlights the significant economic impacts generated by the state's public airports and the many assets that support the vibrant and competitive aviation and aerospace sector. Both make North Carolina an ideal location to start, grow and locate an aerospace or aviation-related business.

Thank you for subscribing to our regional newsletter!
CONTACT US

Isothermal Planning and Development Commission
111 West Court Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Phone: (828) 287-2281
Fax: (828) 287-2735






This email was sent to <<Email Address>>
why did I get this?    unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences
Foothills Regional Commission · 111 West Court Street · Post Office Box 841 · Rutherfordton, NC 28139 · USA