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$2 million economic boost on the way

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: March 31, 2009

McDowell and Mitchell counties will each get a $2 million grant to help with their economic development efforts.
N.C. Sen. Joe Sam Queen and Dan Gerlach, president of the Golden Leaf Foundation, met with leaders of both counties in Marion and Bakersville on Monday about the $2 million grants for McDowell and Mitchell. Gerlach, president of the Golden LEAF Foundation, announced that both counties would each have $2 million in funding reserved for their local economic development projects through the Community Assistance Initiative.
"In times like these, we are fortunate to have the Golden LEAF Foundation provide a much needed boost to our hard pressed rural economy," said Queen. "Our area has seen textiles and manufacturing leave many people without jobs. This funding will help these counties respond to the current economic crisis."
The grants can help each county invest in projects such as broadband connectivity and diversifying the workforce and job creating initiatives. The Golden LEAF Foundation will lead each county through a public input process to select their preferred projects. It is hoped that this process will be well underway by July or August in each county.
"These grants will help us continue to grow as a region and keep our workforce competitive in a changing economy," said Queen. "We are grateful for their support."
In Marion, Queen and Gerlach met with County Manager Chuck Abernathy, Mayor Everette Clark, City Manager Bob Boyette, School Superintendent Ira Trollinger and Bryan Wilson, president of McDowell Technical Community College.
"It's good news and we're appreciative," said Abernathy. "It is good financial news at a time when good financial news is scarce."
He added the grant has to be tied with some kind of economic development effort that would have a large communitywide impact. That could include a new kind of educational or training program. The money could be used for broadband connectivity or vocational training needs at McDowell Tech.
Abernathy said the local officials would make recommendation to the Golden LEAF board after getting community input.
"It is a wonderful opportunity for our community to receive this type of investment from the Golden LEAF Foundation," said Boyette. "There are potential projects that the city will be putting forward. We're looking at a wide array of potential projects. The key is working together and identifying community priorities."
The Golden LEAF Foundation was founded in 1999 to administer the North Carolina tobacco settlement funds. They are a non-profit organization working for the economic wellbeing of North Carolina. The Golden LEAF Foundation makes grants to fund important projects focusing on rural economic development in North Carolina.