GOAL ONE PROJECTS

PREPARING CHILDREN FOR SCHOOL: REGION A PARTNERSHIP FOR CHILDREN (SMART START)

When North Carolina first funded Smart Start in 1993, many of the state's children were physically and socially unpre-
pared for school. Close to 20 percent of the children lived in poverty, many were not receiving immunizations, the
mortality rate was high, and almost 10,000 families waited to enroll for subsidized child-care assistance. Rather than
mandate a solution to these many problems, Smart Start required counties to establish local community boards to cre-
ate and run local Smart Start programs. This decision presented a challenge to all counties, especially those in
Appalachian North Carolina. Nevertheless, with support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, most of the 29
Appalachian counties had programs in place by 1996. Boards were able to analyze, plan, and create partnerships to win
future funding for their programs. The Region A Partnership for Children was a pioneer in the statewide initiative and
continues to help meet a wide range of needs for services including child-care training, assistance, and referral; health
and dental services; parenting training; and coordinated family services.

Contact:

June Smith

Executive Director

Region A Partnership for Children
116 Jackson Street

Sylva, North Carolina 28779
(828) 586-0661

Email: jtsmith9@gte.net

MAKING COLLEGE ACCESSIBLE: NEW CENTURY SCHOLARS

Many rural high school students are qualified to attend college but do not go for a variety of reasons. Some are reluc-
tant to become the first in their families to attend college; others worry about the expense and feel pressure to enter
the full-time workforce immediately after high school. New Century Scholars, a cooperative effort of the business
community, the public schools, and local colleges, is providing a new educational path for students in southwestern
North Carolina. Starting in the seventh grade, students selected to participate agree to meet education and conduct
standards that will entitle them to receive a college scholarship. Initiated in 1995, the program at present includes 600
New Century Scholars, who attend area schools. The first of these enrollees is attending Southwestern Community
College this fall. The number of students in the program (which usually adds 120 to 140 new enrollees each year)
depends upon the amount of scholarship money available to support the effort. Funds are raised in the community
through individual pledges. The program includes intervention with the selected students, as well as parent involve-
ment. Students who perform satisfactorily in high school attend the community college. If they complete an associate's
degree, they spend their final two years at a state university. The incentive to stay in school has reduced dropout rates.
In 1999, the New Century Scholars program leveraged a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to
expand the program.

Contact:

Connie Haire

Vice President for Student and Institutional Development
Southwestern Community College

447 College Drive

Sylva, North Carolina 28779

(828) 586-4091 ext. 227

Email: connie@southwest.cc.nc.us

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK



GOAL TWO PROJECTS

VIRGINIA

OVERCOMING MINE-RELATED WATER SAFETY ISSUES: GRUNDY/SLATE CREEK REGIONAL WATER
PROJECT

Depending largely on cisterns, wells, and springs for their water, residents of 160 homes outside Grundy in Buchanan
County became concerned when mining activities in the area depleted and polluted these resources. County officials
sought funding from a variety of sources to design and build a comprehensive water distribution system to correct the
problem. In addition to homes near Grundy, the system also serves a number of residences across the border in West
Virginia. The recently completed project is expected to improve the quality of life for hundreds of area residents,
ensuring a dependable supply of water that meets current safety standards.

CONTACT:

Louis Ballenberger

Senior Planner

Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission
950 Clydesway Road

PO. Box 548

Lebanon, Virginia 24266

(540) 889-1778

Email: Ibeppdc@naxs.net

EMPOWERING RURAL RESIDENTS TO HELP THEMSELVES: SMITH RIDGE SELF-HELP WATER PROJECT
For 100 years or more, the residents of Smith Ridge—a rural town of about 150 people in Tazewell County—got their
water from cisterns, springs, or wells. When the wells ran dry in the summer, some families were forced to haul in
fresh water from out of town in a fire truck. Given its small population and remote, mountainous location, the town
saw little prospect of improving its water supply. In the summer of 1998, however, the situation changed dramatically as
a result of an innovative program that helps people in small towns help themselves. With support from the state's
Department of Housing and Community Development, residents banded together and built a seven-mile water-line
extension to serve their homes. More than 60 residents, including nearly every able-bodied adult in the town, volun-
teered to help. As a result, the project cost about $250,000—75 percent less than the estimated contractor cost of
cover $1 million—and the extension took only three months to complete as opposed to the expected 18 months.
Based on the success of this project, the state has supported more than a dozen similar projects in southwestern
Virginia, providing water to more than 500 households and saving more than $5 million in construction costs.

CONTACT:

Todd Christensen

Associate Director

Project Management Office

Department of Housing and Community Development
Jackson Center

501 North 2nd Street

Richmond, Virginia 23219-1321

(804) 371-7029

Email: tchristensen@dhced.state.va.us

38 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL TWO PROJECTS

CREATING NEW INDUSTRIES ON OLD INDUSTRIAL SITES: NEW BOSTON INDUSTRIAL PARK

Many old industrial sites are environmentally contaminated and have come under the federal Superfund program
administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These properties, called brownfields, are generally not
available for any new use until they undergo environmental cleanup, which can be expensive and incur years of delay as
technical and legal disputes are litigated. Changes in the Superfund program, however, encourage a level of cleanup suffi-
cient to allow continued or new industrial uses on contaminated sites. The EPA's brownfields initiative promotes
cleanup efforts as tools for industrial and economic development, and the New Boston Industrial Park in Scioto
County is a model for the reuse of contaminated industrial property. The former location of a steel company, long
abandoned, was heavily contaminated. After a portion of the property was decontaminated, a new rail spur encour-
aged two industrial operations to operate in the park.

CONTACT:

Bob Walton

Executive Director
Community Action

P.O. Box 1525

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
(740) 354-7541

Email: bwalton@zoomnet.net

CREATING JOBS THROUGH INNOVATION: MEASLEY RIDGE ROAD ELEVATED WATER STORAGE TANK
Although economically distressed, Ohio's Adams County has taken steps to ensure that its largest manufacturer
remains successful in producing and marketing red cedar products. With growing sales in the Unites States and
abroad, the company wanted to expand its operations at Peebles, in Meigs Township. Other companies had also
expressed interest in the area, which is physically attractive and home to residents with a strong work ethic.
Unfortunately, the public water system could not meet the demands of existing residences, let alone new industry. The
county developed a plan to improve wellfields, water treatment, and water supply. With support from the Appalachian
Regional Commission, a new 200,000-gallon elevated composite storage tank will be the first of its kind built in the
nation. The tank, along with piping, valves, and fire hydrants, will guarantee a safe water supply and fire protection for
previously unprotected homes. This basic infrastructure will help grow the industrial base and improve the economic
well-being of the community.

Contact:

Brian Ast

Manager

Adams County Regional Water District
P.O. Box 427

West Union, Ohio 45693

(937) 544-2396

Email: acrwd@bright.net

39

34 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL THREE PROJECTS

GEORGIA

USING TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: GROWTH MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE
WEB SITE

A |4-county area of northwestern Georgia in which the population is expected to double in the next 5 years has ini-
tiated an effort to develop a common regional vision and strategy for managing growth and change. To be successful,
such a strategy must be embraced by businesses, local government officials, and residents throughout the region and be
reflected in their decisions. The counties want the initiative to be a positive force for enhancing community develop-
ment, not the focus of a "zoning or no zoning" or “anti-growth" debate. The Internet is proving an excellent way to
inform participants, raise issues, and provide a forum for broad public comment on growth and development concerns.
The Growth Management Initiative Web site contains an online survey and a feedback section where comments on
proposals or new issues can be made and where tools for proactive growth management can be made available to
local leaders.

CONTACT:

Leamon Scott

Regional Representative

Georgia Department of Community Affairs
527 Broad Street

Rome, Georgia 30161

(706) 802-5490

Email: Iscott@dca.state.ga.us

KENTUCKY

SYNCHRONIZING LOCAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES: KENTUCKY APPALACHIAN
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The Kentucky Appalachian Community Development Initiative (CDI) encourages local strategic planning through prior-
ity access to state development resources. Municipalities are encouraged to cooperate with county government and
citizens in creating a community development concept plan that defines goals to be achieved within ten years.
Communities competitively selected for participation receive enhanced planning services and other technical assistance
to create a strategic action blueprint to meet those goals. In addition, they receive priority consideration for grant
awards and state assistance to fulfill that action blueprint. For example, two communities, Hindman (in Knott County)
and Jenkins (in Letcher County), were the first selected in the program after it was launched in 1997. Both communi-
ties are now pursuing long-term development strategies to restructure their economies, create employment opportu-
nities, and enhance the quality of life they offer. Two additional communities, Paintsville and a rural area that includes

the NEW APPALACHIK: IDEAS that WORK

B



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

MARYLAND

PROVIDING SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY AT LOCAL COLLEGES TO IMPROVE LAND-USE PLANNING:
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM

Many people know that satellite-based global positioning system (GPS) technology is revolutionizing navigation. Fewer
may realize that it is also changing how surveyors, mapping professionals, and land-use planners carry out their work.
GPS technology can be especially helpful in mountainous areas such as Appalachia because a line of sight between sur-
veying stations is not required. To provide the data necessary for GPS surveying and geographic information systems
(GIS) mapping, officials in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties, in western Maryland, have established survey-
quality base stations at three community colleges, not only to train students but also to make these services available
free to private companies. The base stations, one of which is part of a national GPS grid established by the U.S.
Geological Survey, provide GPS data through the Internet to private surveyors, land planners, and other users. Several
different GPS receivers have been purchased, Both mapping and surveying machines are available for student and pro-
fessional use. Funds generated by renting field equipment and providing reduced-rate training classes to the industry
help support the GPS project.

COonrTACT:

Steve Resh

Coordinator of Forestry Programs
Allegany College of Maryland
12401 Willowbrook Road
Cumberland, Maryland 21502
(301) 784-5307

Email: sresh@ac.cc.md.us

HELPING LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANNERS: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Computerized geographic information systems (GIS) technology is becoming an integral part of land planning and envi-
ronmental management for county and municipal governments in western Maryland. This is the direct result of a state
initiative making current computerized geographical data available to local governments. A key part of the initiative is a
specialized GIS laboratory at Frostburg State University in western Maryland, Frostburg's Department of Geography
provides low-cost GIS development, staff training, and student internships. The Tri-County Council for Western
Maryland hopes to offer GIS support to economic development departments within the county in the near future.

Contact:

Guy Winterberg

Grantsperson

Tri-County Council for Western Maryland
II 1 South George Street

Cumberland, Maryland 21502

(301) 777-2158

Email: gwinterberg@tccwmd.org

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 9



GOAL FIVE PROJECTS

Hickory Flat School. The Hickory Flat Clinic averages 3,500 patient visits each year and also provides home health vis-
its and periodic community health screenings. It is a model for other community clinics and has provided clinic experi-
ence and training for over 40 new nurse practitioners.

CONTACT:

Sue Morrisson

Director

Hickory Flat Clinic

PO. Box 128

250 Oak Street

Hickory Flat, Mississippi 38633
(662) 333-6387

Email: suecfnp@dixie-net.com

NEW YORK

USING TECHNOLOGY TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE: TELEHOME CARE PROJECT

In southeastern New York, home health care can be costly for those with limited mobility due to chronic or terminal
illnesses. Community-based nurses cannot provide the optimal number of home visits because of heavy caseloads,
strained resources, and long distances. With the help of a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delaware,
Otsego, and Schoharie Counties are working to remedy the problem. Using televisions and telephones, homebound
patients and their nurses will soon be able to conduct telehome visits, allowing health care professionals to monitor a
patient's condition via a video system. These video visits require only a fraction of the time and money needed for at-
home monitoring, allowing nurses to consult with a greater number of patients over the system. The grant provides
funds to train more than 70 health care professionals at four clinics and three hospital emergency rooms for this serv-
ice, which continues to benefit over 100 chronically ill patients with diverse needs. This is of value not only to commu-
nity health nurses but also to nurse practitioners and physician's assistants working in primary care.

CONTACT:

Kathleen Sellers

Assistant Professor of Nursing
SUNY-Utica/Rome

PO. Box 3050

Utica, New York 13504

(315) 792-7295

Email: sellerk@sunyit.edu

bay the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 71



GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

ALABAMA

PREPARING AND MARKETING SPECIALTY FOODS: THE SHOALS COMMERCIAL CULINARY CENTER
When four local entrepreneurs expressed interest in sharing a commercial kitchen, the Shoals Entrepreneurship Center
conducted a survey and found that more than 40 existing or potential small businesses were seeking access to such a
facility. None existed in Alabama, and food preparation companies had to contract their food production to distant loca-
tions. The center contacted the Tennessee Valley Authority, which agreed to donate kitchen equipment from its Muscle
Shoals Reservation, while the Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided addi-
tional funding to develop a culinary incubator. The Florence City School Board made cafeteria and dining space available
at its community education facility, where special-foods producers, caterers, and cart vendors now make a wide variety
of food products. Currently, the Shoal Commercial Culinary Center, which can accommodate seminars and business
conferences, provides training support in pricing, marketing, distribution, and bulk purchasing and plans to offer training
in production and packaging, regulatory requirements, product stability, and restaurant presentation when it receives
additional funding.

CONTACT:

Jerry Davis

Executive Director

Shoals Entrepreneurial Center
3115 Northington Court
Florence, Alabama 35630
(256) 760-9014

Email: sshaw@shoalsec.com

HELPING LOCAL COMPANIES COMPETE WORLDWIDE: PROJECT TEAM TRAINING PROGRAM

Wood products, apparel, and processed food companies have accounted for over 40 percent of Alabama's manufactur-
ing jobs in recent years, but only about 13 percent of the state's exports. Small and medium-sized Appalachian firms in
these industries were initial candidates for the Targeted Export Assistance and Management (TEAM) export assistance
project at the University of Alabama's International Trade Center. Many strong, successful companies were interested in
exporting but were intimidated by basic questions, such as how to ship, how to receive payment, or how to respond to
foreign price queries. Currently, companies with the organizational and financial capabilities to be successful exporters
make a commitment to the program and in return receive hands-on assistance in entering a foreign market. In 1997,
the program's first year, ten firms exported over $3 million worth of goods. The program continues to add new firms,
helping expand markets for business and employees. Now Alabama-made cookies are for sale in Israel, and Alabama
food seasonings are sold in Mexico.

Contact:

Brian Davis_

Associate Director

Alabama International Trade Center
Box 870396

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487-0396
(205) 348-7621

Email: Bdavis@aitc.ua.edu

58 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 53



GOAL THREE PROJECTS

TENNESSEE

RECOGNIZING COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE: THE GOVERNOR'S THREE-STAR PROGRAM

For the past 20 years, the Governor's Three-Star Program has helped Tennessee communities preserve and create new
employment opportunities, increase family incomes, improve the quality of life, and create a strong leadership base.
The program provides recognition and support to communities as they develop, implement, and enhance communit
development efforts. In order to receive and maintain Three-Star certification, a community must meet basic require-
ments in organizational, community, educational, economic, and workforce development. Communities are encouraged
to undertake additional proposed activities within these goal areas. A team of economic and community development
professionals evaluates each community's progress annually. Sixty-two communities qualified for 2000 Three-Star certi-
fication; close to half of them are in Appalachian Tennessee.

Contact:

Jimmy Earle

Assistant Commissioner for Community Development

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower, Tenth Floor

312 Eighth Avenue, North

Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0405

(615) 741-2373

jearle@mail.state.tn.us

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 5



GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

HELPING START AND EXPAND LOCAL BUSINESSES: TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL FOR WESTERN MARYLAND
REVOLVING LOAN FUND .

When this new revolving loan fund was set up in 1985, no one knew for sure how great the need would be or how
successful newly funded companies would become. In the past 14 years, 49 business start-ups and expansions have
been funded in the manufacturing, retail, construction, and food-service industries. Approximately $2.9 million in loans
have leveraged another $18.9 million of private investment in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties, Almost 600
jobs have been created or preserved, generating continuing income and economic growth in the region.

ConTACT:

Leanne Mazer

Executive Director

Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, Inc.
111 South George Street

Cumberland, Maryland 21502

(301) 777-2158

Email: Imazer@tcewmd.org

SUPPORTING NEW ENTREPRENEURS: MICROWORKS INITIATIVE

Business loans are just part of the help available to make small new businesses in Garrett County a success. Under the
MicroWorks entrepreneurial initiative, individuals who want to start or expand a small business can take classes and
receive technical assistance in cooperation with the Western Maryland Small Business Development Center and the
Continuing Education Department at Garrett Community College. In addition, one-on-one consulting and service assis-
tance are available for financial counseling, tax assistance, marketing, promotional assistance, and other services. Links
are made where needed with social services assistance, and support is offered to overcome individual barriers. To
date, 24 loans averaging $12,000 have been made from the revolving load fund, leveraged with federal, state, and private
dollars. Another innovative strategy facilitated by MicroWorks is a partnership with the Mountain Arts Cooperative,
which enables Appalachian artisans to work in a cooperative environment and benefit from training, peer exchange, and
increased market access. Networking and peer counseling are both available through the Garrett County Chamber of
‘Commerce, another partner in the comprehensive effort to increase entrepreneurial activity and success.

Contact:

Glenn Tolbert

Vice President for Community and Economic Development
MicroWorks

Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc.

104 East Center Street

Oakland, Maryland 21550

(301) 334-943] ext. 153

Email: mworks@garrettcac.org

a
aG

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 57



GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

exhibit space. The network of support for hardwood products development includes the state, the university, individual
companies, and other federal agencies, including the Market Development Cooperators Program of the U.S.
Department of Commerce.

CONTACTS:

John Hemmings

Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission
P.O. Box 728

Waverly, Ohio 45690-0728

(740) 947-2853

(800) 223-7491

Email: jhemmings@ovrdc.org

Douglas Fry

Business Development Specialist

Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission
PO. Box 728

Waverly, Ohio 45690

(740) 947-2853

(800) 223-7491

Email: dfry@ovrde.org

HELPING A WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS EXPAND: REVOLVING LOAN FUND ASSISTANCE FOR MACA
PLASTICS

MACA Plastics, Inc., is a woman-owned and operated plastic injection molding manufacturing firm in Adams County,
Ohio. When MACA needed additional funding to expand its operations in 1995, the Ohio Valley Regional
Development Commission agreed to participate in a financing package that also involved private lending and owner
equity. The expansion created 18 new jobs and was so successful that the loan was paid in full by March 1997. Today
MACA works closely with Cincinnati Milacron on developing new software. The company now employs 125 people
and continues to grow and thrive as a major employer in the region, with $10 million in projected sales for 2001.

Contract:

Jeffrey Spencer

Executive Director

Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission
P.O. Box 728

Waverly, Ohio 45690-0728

(740) 947-2853

Email: jspencer@ovrdc.org

come

66.

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 61



GOAL THREE PROJECTS

PENNSYLVANIA

PROVIDING A VISION FOR LOCAL LEADERSHIP: GREENE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN

The Greene County Strategic Plan recognizes that helping a distressed area help itself requires preparing local civic
leadership and institutions to meet social, educational, and economic needs. Created in 1997, the plan includes a com-
munity leadership vision for economic development; a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis of the
county; a specific action plan for industry retention, incubation, and expansion; a priority assessment of sites and infra-
structure; an analysis of the county's resources to implement the plan; and a detailed workplan and timeline. By recog-
nizing and working to meet the central requirement for civic leadership, Greene County officials are well on their way
to achieving the plan's goals and timelines, while increasing private-sector confidence and investment.

CONTACT:

Ann Bargerstock

Director of Planning and Development
Greene County

93 East High Street, Room 220
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370

(724) 852-5300

Email: annie@county.greenepa.net

SOUTH CAROLINA

CREATING NEW INFORMATION TOOLS TO CREATE JOBS IN SOUTH CAROLINA: INFOMENTUM
InfoMentum provides integrated research tools designed to attract industry and create jobs in South Carolina's six
Appalachian counties. An unprecedented partnership of county governments, utilities, and the Appalachian Council of
Governments (ACOG), assisted by the Appalachian Regional Commission, began planning this standardized information
system in 1996. Geographic information systems (GIS) technology provides multiple layers of maps and data, allowing
users to generate localized reports, maps, and graphs. A Fact Finder database contains statistics for 15 categories of
socioeconomic, population, and quality-of-life attributes. Available industrial buildings, sites, and parks are also included,
and all databases are updated monthly. Users can also request special reports, research information, and technical assis-
tance. In this unique collaborative effort, now funded annually by public and private investment, ACOG offers technical
support, database design and maintenance, training, administration, and marketing. By providing consistent regional
information for all the counties, InfoMentum is a catalyst for fostering regional data partnerships and coordinating

84

ta

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 49



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

replicate the OACHE/WVACHE model in other Appalachian states. In May 2001, the Public Employees Roundtable, a
national coalition of organizations representing public employees and retirees, awarded OACHE its Public Service
Excellence Award for outstanding state program in 2001.

Contact:

Wayne F White

Executive Director

Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education
Shawnee State University

The Commons

Portsmouth, Ohio 45662

(740) 355-2299

(866) 466-2243

Email: WWhite@Shawnee.edu

PENNSYLVANIA

HELPING UNIVERSITIES HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES: PENNSYLVANIA ALLIANCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY

Higher education institutions contain many resources valuable to industry, but private companies often have problems
identifying and using the expertise that universities offer. In response to this situation, the Pennsylvania Alliance of
Higher Education for Research and Technology (PART) created the first higher education research and technology
database accessible via the Internet. The PART Web site catalogues research and technology facilities, faculty, and
equipment available to businesses and industry under a variety of partnering agreements at 22 northeastern
Pennsylvania colleges and universities. A variety of partners support the effort. These include participating schools, Ben
Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, and the Technology Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

ConTACT:

Penny Cannella

Regional Coordinator

Pennsylvania Alliance of Higher Education for Research and Technology
1151 Oak Street

Pittston, Pennsylvania 18640

(570) 655-5581

Email: cannella@nepa-alliance.org

24

the NEW APPELACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 19



GOAL TWO PROJECTS

WEST VIRGINIA

IMPROVING THE DOWNTOWN AREA: MORGANTOWN WHARF STREET DISTRICT REVITALIZATION

A common vision supported by public and private investment rejuvenated the historic Morgantown Wharf District and
made it a vital part of the city named Best Small City in America in 2000. Renewal of this late-nineteenth-century
warehouse area adjacent to the downtown business district began in 1997. A new access project connected the dis-
trict to the Caperton Rail Trail. An old cobblestone main street through the area was rebricked and landscaped.
Private developers began looking at the area, renovating old structures and building new ones. By early 2001,a 1,000-
seat amphitheater, two restaurants, a train depot, and a bus station had been completed. Eight new businesses, located
in six rehabilitated and two new buildings, employed close to 250 workers. Three new buildings, including a hotel, were
planned for the coming year. Total private investment committed to the Wharf District was $131 million. These tangi-
ble returns on the initial $500,000 public investment—including $250,000 from the Appalachian Regional
Commission—will continue for many years. The Wharf District development, originally supported by the City's Vision
2000 Committee, the chamber of commerce, and the Morgantown Area Economic Partnership, continues to be a
highly successful public-private collaboration and a model for other communities.

CONTACT:

Dan Boroff

City Manager

City of Morgantown

389 Spruce Street

Morgantown, West Virginia 26505
(304) 284-7434

Email: citymanager@morgantown.com

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 39



GOAL FIVE PROJECTS

STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH OF RURAL COMMUNITIES: THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY CENTER
FOR EXCELLENCE IN RURAL HEALTH

When the General Assembly established the Center for Excellence in Rural Health in 1990, it purposely located the
new program in Hazard. This community is in the heart of the Appalachian coalfields, one of the poorest and most
rural areas of the country. As such, it suffers from all the unique and growing problems of rural health, such as
chronic shortages of health professionals and inadequate access to health care information. The center designed
programs to educate place-committed health professionals; encourage rural communities to take control of their
health-care services; demonstrate new models of service delivery, such as cross-training health personnel; conduct
applied research relating to the rural workforce; raise public health awareness; and strengthen existing services
through technical assistance. Now a larger number of center graduates in medicine, nursing, physical therapy, and
clinical lab sciences locate in rural areas than do graduates of any other program in the country. The center is
unique in its heavy emphasis on community service and collaboration in partnership with local organizations. In
1997, the center received the Pew Award for Primary Care, and in 2000, the National Rural Health Association
named it the nation's "Outstanding Rural Health Program."

CONTACT:

Loyd Kepferle

Executive Director

University of Kentucky Center for Excellence in Rural Health
100 Airport Gardens

Hazard, Kentucky 41701

(606) 439-3557

MISSISSIPPI

IMPROVING HEALTH CARE AMID SEVERE RURAL POVERTY: HICKORY FLAT CLINIC

In 1978, the only health care in Hickory Flat, a small town in Benton County, was provided by a public health nurse one
day each month in one room of a dilapidated clinic building. A community committee, established that year with sup-
port from the Appalachian Regional Commission, soon organized as the Hickory Flat Clinic Association to rehabilitate,
properly equip, and operate the old clinic. A full-time nurse practitioner was hired, and the renovated clinic reopened
in 1979. Over the years, the clinic has become a mainstay of health care and an access point into the health care sys-
tem for many patients who would otherwise avoid seeking care until serious health problems arose. An infant mortal-
ity project includes classroom education by a clinic nurse practitioner, who also serves as a health teacher at the

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70 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK rene)

75


Introduction. ......

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Goal |: Education and Workforce Training ..... 4... 0c eee eure eee ees 4
Goal 2: Physical Infrastructure .... Lecce eee e eee e126
Goal 3: Civic Capacity and Leadership... 0.000.000 ee eee eee 40
Goal 4: Dynamic Local Economies 2.2... 60.0 s eee eeeeeeeneeees 52
Goal 5: Health Care . . 68
Index of Projects 6.0.0... 00. cece cece eee eeeeeeeeeeeneenes 7

the NEW APPALACHUA: IDEAS that WORK ii



GOAL FIVE PROJECTS

IMPROVING DENTAL HEALTH AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN: NORTH CAROLINA SMART SMILES PROGRAM
The chances of tooth decay have declined dramatically among 1,800 Appalachian youngsters in North Carolina as a
result of an innovative program called Smart Smiles. The Appalachian Regional Commission supported a project that
has recruited and trained pediatricians and their nurses, among other health professionals, to treat the teeth of pre-
school children with fluoride during regular health checkups. Many young children in Appalachia suffer from severe
tooth decay because their drinking water comes from wells not treated with fluoride. With a severe shortage of den-
tists in many rural Appalachian counties, health officials have turned to local pediatricians to offer the new fluoride
treatment as part of a child's regular checkup routine.

CONTACT:

Gerry S. Cobb

Director

National Smart Start Technical Assistance Center
North Carolina Partnership for Children

1100 Wake Forest Road

Raleigh, North Carolina 27604

(919) 821-9540

Email: gscobb@smartstart-nc.org

OHIO

IMPROVING TRAINING IN HEALTH CARE: SCIOTO COUNTY JOINT VOCATIONAL SCHOOL

Discouraged by the small number of students enrolling in medical and dental training programs at the Scioto County
Joint Vocational School in Appalachian Ohio, area health care advisors recommended that the school emphasize health
care training and upgrade its equipment to meet training needs. The Appalachian Regional Commission has helped the
school purchase new equipment including an X-ray machine, dental chairs, treatment consoles, and dental lab stations.
As a result, 200 | Ith- and |2th-grade students and 400 adult students are benefiting annually, enrolling in a variety of
courses focusing on nursing, administrative health care, dentistry, and home health care.

CONTACT:

Steve Wells

Superintendent

Scioto County Joint Vocational School
951 Vern Riffe Drive

P.O. Box 766

Lucasville, Ohio 45648

(740) 259-5522

Email: christym@scoca-k!2.0rg

23

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 73



GOAL FIVE PROJECTS

NORTH CAROLINA

CREATING A MODEL FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE: HOT SPRINGS HEALTH PROGRAM

Providing health care through a community corporation was a new idea in the early 1970s, as was using nurse practi-
tioners and physician's assistants as primary clinic staff. Launched by two nurses in 1971, Madison County's Hot Springs
Health Program proved a trailblazer and model for health care in many other communities. A five-year grant from the
Appalachian Regional Commission in 1972 helped finance the program, which was originally housed in a small, formerly
abandoned physician's office. It now includes multiple medical and dental clinics and a staff of over 120, including more
than !2 physicians and three nurse practitioners. It is the sole provider of primary care in the county and a principal
area employer. Hot Springs has gradually evolved: in 1986, the board of directors decided the program should become
self-supporting. Today it remains a community-based organization providing the first line of care to residents who once
had no community health services. By early 2002, program officials expect to open a new health care center with
space for five providers, as well as administrative offices for the medical, home care, and hospice services.

Contact:

John Graeter

Executive Director

Hot Springs Health Program

Mars Hill, North Carolina 28754
(828) 689-3471

Email: JohnG@hotspringshealth-nc.org

SHARING HEALTH INFORMATION TO IMPROVE CARE: ELECTRONIC AMBULANCE CALL REPORTING
SYSTEM

In northwestern North Carolina, emergency medical service (EMS) providers are frequently unable to make
informed decisions concerning a patient's prehospital care because regional health programs do not share medical
records. This lack of data concerning prehospital medical treatment has led to more expensive, less efficient patient
care throughout the state's Appalachian counties. Through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, local
health officials are developing a new telehealth database that will allow health care providers to distribute data con-
cerning patients’ medical care throughout a five-county area. Patient information will be delivered via the Internet
and maintained in a private network database, saving costs, improving the delivery of services, and coordinating
health programs, So far the system has accumulated over 100,000 EMS call reports. Current plans for enhancing the
system include equipping EMS response vehicles with laptop computers and radio modems to aid in dispatch, vehicle
locator systems, and call reporting.

CONTACT:

John C. Robertson

Special Projects Coordinator

Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments
400 West Fourth Street, Suite 400
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

(336) 761-2111

Email: jrobertson@nwpcog.dst.nc.us

‘72 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL FIVE PROJECTS

WEST VIRGINIA

MANAGING THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF APPALACHIA: WEST VIRGINIA RURAL HEALTH CHRONIC
DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Building on efforts to combat diabetes, the Chronic Disease Management Program created an effective, integrated
approach to managing this and other related chronic diseases in four distressed counties. The program focused on
community-based management with prescribed and supervised exercise, two hours of individualized meal planning per
year by a dietician, weekly support groups coordinated by professional and lay educators, periodic cooking schools,
and service coordination by registered nurses. Ebenezer Medical Outreach, Inc., in association with Marshall University,
established this program to focus on health problems prevalent in the African-American community. There was candid
community consultation through the Black Pastors’ Association and a community diabetes forum. Partnerships were
created between rural health centers and community-based groups. With approximately 20 client support groups in
each county and approximately 1,300 clients assisted monthly, this program produced health improvement outcomes
that were some of the most significant presented at a recent chronic disease conference. Patients involved in managing
their disease received the help they needed to make and sustain lifestyle changes. The program was so successful that
a how-to manual for other centers replicating the model has been prepared with support from the Appalachian
Regional Commission.

CONTACT:

Richard Crespo

Executive Director

Marshall University Research Corporation
Gullickson Hall

400 Hal Greer Boulevard
Huntington, West Virginia 25755

(304) 691-1193

Email: crespo@marshall.edu

IMPROVING HEALTH THROUGH TARGETED PROGRAMS: MCDOWELL COUNTY RURAL HEALTH
INITIATIVE

With support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, state and local health officials launched a coordinated effort
to improve health care in McDowell County, one of the poorest counties in West Virginia. The project is composed of
four health care initiatives: a free pharmaceutical program for uninsured and low-income residents; a folic-acid educa-
tion pilot program for women of childbearing age; a children's health outreach program; and an emergency medical
services communications enhancement program. The four initiatives have proven successful as individual components
of a holistic, multifaceted approach designed to address the unique health needs of the people of McDowell County
and the surrounding areas. The pharmaceutical program has provided $180,000 worth of free medicine to hundreds of
county residents, and the folic-acid education pilot program has distributed 2,500 bottles of multivitamins with folic

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 75



GOAL TWO PROJECTS

PROVIDING COMMERCIAL ACCESS: PRESCOTT AVENUE INDUSTRIAL ACCESS ROAD

Local officials in Elmira Heights faced a major hurdle in their efforts to attract new businesses to an industrial area that
had six major businesses and an older vacated facility ready for redevelopment. The problem was Prescott Avenue, the
main road serving the area. The avenue had poor pavement and drainage, no curbing to control storm water, and no
pedestrian sidewalks. Without significant road improvements, expansion was impossible. Cooperative funding from the
Appalachian Regional Commission, the state, and the village enabled local officials to upgrade Prescott Avenue to meet
industrial access road standards. As a result of the improvements, existing businesses expanded and the vacant manu-
facturing site was developed, securing over 500 jobs for the community.

CONTACT:

Richard Wysowski

Director

Urban Renewal Agency

215 Elmwood Avenue

Elmira Heights, New York 14903
(607) 734-7156

Email: etownhal@stny.rr.com

WORKING TOGETHER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: RANDOLPH AND EAST RANDOLPH WASTEWATER
FACILITIES

Recognizing that poor sewage disposal was threatening the health and economic well-being of many area residents, the
small adjacent villages of Randolph and East Randolph in Cattaraugus County decided to work together to resolve the
problem. Surveys showed that residences, businesses, and schools in both communities relied on individual septic tanks
for sewage disposal. Tight soil and a high water table resulted in the frequent failure of these septic systems. Together
the communities hired an engineering firm to design a wastewater system to meet their needs and were able to obtain
state and federal funds for construction. The partnership resolved a serious public health problem, eliminated runoff
into adjacent waterways, and generated new commercial and residential development.

Contacts:

Howard Zollinger

Mayor

Village of Randolph

| Bank Street

Randolph, New York 14772
(716) 358-9701

Howard Van Rensselaer
Mayor

Village of East Randolph

| Bank Street

Randolph, New York 14772
(716) 358-6070

32 the HEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS thar WORK


GOAL ONE PROJECTS

OHIO

TURNING CAMPUSES INTO YOUTH COMMUNITY CENTERS: KIDS ON CAMPUS COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIP

Kids on Campus was initiated in 1996 to meet the needs of low-income elementary school children in Athens
County. The Kids on Campus Community Partnership has hosted between 300 and 450 children on the campuses of
Ohio University and Hocking College each summer. The curriculum features exploratory math, science, and com-
puter labs; literacy labs featuring individualized tutoring; recreation and wellness activities; fine arts; and a new engi-
neering and robotics component entitled the Cranium Challenge. Students receive daily meals and health screenings
that include hearing and vision testing. The program provides leadership training for parents, college and high school
students, and teachers. Prior to each summer session all staff and volunteers receive an intensive week of training in
leadership, conflict resolution, child development, behavior management, and multidisciplinary curriculum develop-
ment. Kids on Campus offers diverse educational and recreational opportunities for the underserved children and
youths of Athens County.

CONTACT:

Ann Teske

Project Director

Kids on Campus

Ohio University
Grosvenor Hall, Room 19
Athens, Ohio 45701

(614) 593-9335

Email: teske@ohio.edu

EXPANDING COMPUTER LEARNING TO MEET SPECIFIC INDUSTRY NEEDS: JEFFERSON COMMUNITY
COLLEGE ENGINEERING COMPUTER PROJECT

Based on successful recruiting efforts in Steubenville, Ohio, several regional manufacturing and design firms concluded
that Jefferson Community College in Steubenville would be an excellent source for highly motivated and competent
employees. Hoping to hire more employees, the Steubenville firms recommended that the college update its computer-
aided design (CAD) laboratory and establish an engineering computation laboratory. In its first year, the new CAD
facility directly benefited over 220 design students. More than 1,100 students were served by the engineering compu-
tation laboratory, through new courses in computer science and significant enhancements in the college's advanced
mathematics, science, and engineering curricula.

COoNmACT:

Laura Meeks

President

Jefferson Community College
4000 Sunset Boulevard
Steubenville, Ohio 43952

(740) 264-5591

Email: Imeeks@jefferson.cc.oh.us

16 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


24 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS chat WORK

GOAL ONE PROJECTS

MIXING FUN WITH YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING: CAMP HORSESHOE

The students who spend time at Camp Horseshoe in St. George, West Virginia, each summer go home motivated to
make their communities better. Youths participating in a special leadership and civic development initiative run by the
Ohio—West Virginia High School YMCA (HI-Y) Leadership Center must work at least 25 hours in community service
upon their return home. Students tutor, work on a Rails-to-Trails project, help senior citizens, and raise money to
enable other students to attend Camp Horseshoe. Civic training for West Virginia students culminates with an annual
Youth in Government program in Charleston. Economic and business leadership is also developed at Camp Horseshoe,
which since 1978 has conducted the Free Enterprise Conference. In 2000, 188 students from West Virginia participated
in three one-week leadership development summits that focused on improving entrepreneurial skills and encouraging
students to start their own businesses. Each of these youngsters was involved with at least one youth group of 25 per-
sons or more in his or her home area, dramatically extending the impact of the skills and training these students
received. Program organizers estimate that these students will engage in at least | 1,000 hours of volunteer service in
their communities, using the grant-writing training and other skills developed in the leadership program.

Contact:

David King

Executive Director

Ohio—West Virginia YMCA
Route 2, Box |38

St. George, West Virginia 26287
(304) 478-2481

Email: hiymail@hiyleads.org

INCREASING WORK-BASED SKILLS: CLAY COUNTY SCHOOLS

High schools students in Clay County had little opportunity to develop work-related skills, either in school or in local
businesses. School officials decided to employ a work-site coordinator to identify potential work sites, train work-site
mentors, implement computer-simulated workplaces, and develop school-based enterprises. An initial grant from the
Appalachian Regional Commission helped school officials hire a coordinator and purchase computer hardware and
workplace-simulation software. These initial efforts helped lead to the award of a $1.3 million, four-year U.S.
Department of Labor grant to support School-to-Work opportunities. In four years, the number of high school seniors
participating in work-related experiences at school or community sites has increased from 7 to 128. Of these, close to
100 seniors have received credit in classes where computer-assisted workplace simulations composed a significant part
of the curriculum.

Contact:

Jeff Krauklis

Assistant Superintendent
Clay County Schools

242 Church Street

Clay, West Virginia 25043
(304) 587-4266

Email: jkrauk@hotmail.com

29


GOAL ONE PROJECTS

MAKING UNIVERSITY KNOWLEDGE WORK FOR COMMUNITIES: INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ADMINISTRATION AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT AT OHIO UNIVERSITY

Since 1981, the nationally recognized Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development
(ILGARD) has expanded the capacity of local governments and nonprofit agencies in the 29 Appalachian Ohio coun-
ties to serve their communities. Using Ohio University knowledge and other resources, ILGARD provides small com-
munities the same access to applied research and technical assistance as larger, wealthier communities. Assistance
includes developing and implementing geographic information systems (GIS) technology; training; collecting data; con-
ducting survey research, strategic planning, and program evaluations; and facilitating public meetings. ILGARD staff,
along with Ohio University faculty and students, is currently working on 70 projects. Projects include the highly
regarded restoration of the | 16-square-mile Monday Creek Watershed, a considerable environmental project for
Ohio. ILGARD has also helped establish a priority list of problems, coordinate volunteer projects, and use its GIS
capabilities to create interactive maps of the watershed. ILGARD studies have highlighted numerous issues that have
led to important regional initiatives, such as the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education and the Appalachian
Partnership for Welfare Reform.

CONTACT:

Mark Weinberg

Director of Voinovich Center

Institute for Local Government Administration and Rural Development.
143 Technology and Enterprise Building

20 East Circle Drive

Athens, Ohio 45701

(740) 593-4388

Email: weinberg@ilgard.chiou.edu

MOTIVATING STUDENTS TO ATTEND COLLEGE: OHIO APPALACHIAN CENTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
Recognizing that residents of Ohio's 29 Appalachian Ohio counties attended college at a rate far below the state and
national rates, the state government and a consortium of ten public colleges and universities formed the Ohio
Appalachian Center for Higher Education (QACHE) to motivate more students to attend college. The program
focuses on helping both students and teachers overcome the psychological barriers that often prevent students at
rural schools from considering college. Since the program's inception in 1993, grantee schools have increased their col-
lege-attendance rates by an average of 16 percent. Among these grantees, one of the poorest schools in Ohio,
Southern Local High School in Meigs County, achieved a 92 percent college-attendance rate in 2001. In 1998, the
Community Colleges of Appalachia, in partnership with Bluefield State College, opened the North Central Appalachian
Center for Higher Education at Bluefield State College to sponsor OACHE-like programs with partner schools in West
Virginia and Appalachian Maryland. Following the success of that pilot center, the West Virginia Access Center for
Higher Education (WVACHE) was established. In 2000, the Appalachian Regional Commission funded a program to

18 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS thar WORK


GOAL TWO PROJECTS

NORTH CAROLINA

BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOMES: WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA HOUSING PARTNERSHIP

Leaders from area governments, local development districts, and several area businesses came together in 1988 to
develop affordable housing for older adults in Appalachian North Carolina. A nonprofit consortium was formed to
help meet the needs of seniors and other special populations. Since then, the partnership has provided technical assis-
tance, housing counseling, and application preparation for those in need. In addition, the group has participated in the
development of new housing units. It serves as a general partner on 60 rental units, a service consultant on a 24-unit
tax credit/rental production project.a member of a limited liability company on a 48-unit complex for the elderly, and
an owner/developer of two eight-unit shared-living residences. It is currently a partner in two additional multifamily
developments that will create another 88 units of housing.

CONTACT:

Frank Keel

Director

Western North Carolina Housing Partnership
Isothermal Planning and Development Commission
PO. Box 841

Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139

(828) 287-2281

Email: fkeel@regionc.org

OHIO

SAVING JOBS AND PRESERVING A RAIL LINE: AUSTIN POWDER RAIL PROJECT

When CSX announced plans in 1991 to abandon nine miles of rail serving the Austin Powder Company, local leaders in
Vinton County were concerned. The powder plant was the county's largest private business, providing more than 260
local jobs. Working closely with Austin Powder officials, community leaders decided to try to save the rail line and sought
support from the city of Jackson, in adjacent Jackson County, which already had acquired over 50 miles of track from CSX
in an effort to sustain local industry. The city of Jackson secured funding to acquire the Austin Powder line and arranged
for the Indiana and Ohio (I&O) short line railroad to operate and maintain the track. In January 1994, the city arranged to
transfer track operation and maintenance from 1&O to the Great Miami and Scioto Railway Company. Instead of closing,
the Austin Powder Company invested $4 million to expand its plant, creating 50 new jobs. The rail acquisition helped sta-
bilize the local economy and maintain rail service to over ten local companies, currently employing over 1,500 people.

CONTACT:

John T. Evans

Mayor

City of Jackson

145 Broadway Street
Jackson, Ohio 45640

(740) 286-2201

Email: jackson@zoomnet.net

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS hat WORK 33



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

TRAINING MACHINISTS FOR THE COMPUTER AGE: COMPUTER NUMERICAL CONTROL MACHINE TOOL
LABORATORY

In Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties, the New York Department of Labor forecasts a growing demand for machinists
with computer numerical control (CNC) training. The demand will be especially acute with the retirement of current
machinists, 50 percent of whom are age 50 or older. Alfred State College, at the request of local companies and the
Allegany County Employment and Training Center, has launched an advanced machine tool certificate and machine
tool technology degree program. Specialized instruction will include CNC machine programming, CNC lathe opera-
tion, CNC milling machine operation, and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing processes. The
county employment and training center expects to be able to place at least 20 trained graduates a year. In addition,
30 to 45 students a year will be enrolled in machinist coursework through contract courses with regional industries
and training agencies.

Contact:

Craig Clark

Dean of Vocational Technology
Alfred State College

School of Vocational Technology
2530 South Brooklyn Avenue
Wellsville, New York 14895
(607) 587-3101

Email: clarkcr@alfredstate.edu

OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO LEARNING: CYBER ADULT LEARNING PROJECT

Close to a quarter of adults in Delaware and Otsego Counties have no high school diploma, a much higher percentage
than in surrounding areas. These adults face many barriers to education. They do not have access to public transporta-
tion; most have limited financial resources; and those with children have limited time. To overcome these barriers and
increase the number of adults capable of passing GED testing, the Oneonta Community Education Center in Otsego
County, an adult literacy partnership, has developed New York State's first adult education Internet site. The Cyber
‘Adult Learning Project allows those over the age of 16 to study and qualify online for the GED. During the first week,
a plan is developed for individual students based on prior experience and existing skills. Computers are assigned to the
adult learners. Students gain access to the education resources necessary for completing their GED and also develop
critical computer skills.

ConTACT:

Cathy Jeanette

Program Coordinator

Oneonta Community Education Center
10 Market Street

Oneonta, New York 13820

(607) 433-3645

Email: jeanetcm@oneonta.edu

the NEW "APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK.



GOAL FIVE PROJECTS

PROVIDING DENTAL CARE TO LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS: SOUTHEASTERN OHIO DENTAL CLINIC

With assistance from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Southeastern Ohio Dental Clinic in
Washington County was created as a full-service clinic providing corrective and preventive dental services to low-
income residents who have no other access to dental care. Serving residents of Athens, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, and
Washington Counties, the clinic employs a dentist, a dental hygienist, and a dental assistant and handles more than
4,900 patient visits a year. The program has strong community support, with ARC funding matched 2-to-I by focal and
state funding.

Contact:

David E. Brightbill

Executive Director

Community Action Program Corporation
218 Putnam Street

Marietta, Ohio 45750

(740) 373-3745

Email: Brightd@marietta.edu

TENNESSEE

MEETING A CRITICAL HEALTH NEED: COCKE COUNTY DENTAL CLINIC

In the 1996-97 school year, an oral health assessment of school children in Cocke County found tooth-decay rates 67
percent higher than the state average. Almost 30 percent of the children needed restorative or surgical treatment.
These needs were not surprising given the county's poor education and poverty levels, indicators that frequently cor-
relate with poor dental health. Clinical dental services at the Cocke County Health Department were first launched in
1991;a second dentist was added in 1997. To underscore the importance of maintaining two dentists, county officials
note that the two are the only dental providers in the county for TennCare, the state-managed care program in which
close to 40 percent of all county residents are enrolled. With support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the
Cocke County dental program includes education and preventive treatment and serves an average of 60 patients each
month. Recently, the Cocke County Health Department received $50,000 that will be used to support new construc-
tion, underwrite remodeling of dental facilities, and contribute to the purchase of dental equipment. Officials plan to
expand current building space and offer services on a full-time basis.

CONTACT:

Glenda Masters

County Director

Cocke County Health Department
430 College Street

Newport, Tennessee 37821

(423) 623-8733

Email: gmasters@mail.state.tn.us

79

74 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

NEW YORK

FINANCING FOR NEW SMALL BUSINESSES: REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY
CORPORATION REVOLVING LOAN FUND

Even in a booming economy, local lending institutions are often reluctant to finance small business start-ups. Government-
sponsored revolving loans fill a critical financing gap in many areas, such as Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties,
where a regional revolving loan fund has been helping finance business development projects since 1980. The Appalachian
Regional Commission (ARC) provided $1.3 million in initial capital, and over the next 20 years, the fund disbursed over
$4.9 million in loans. These loans leveraged over $38 million in private investment, principally for industrial manufacturing
and commercial businesses. By working closely with other agencies and private lenders and by requiring non-ARC funds
for at least 50 percent of project financing, the program has kept the success rate for funded projects high. Thirty-one of
33 enterprises funded in the past five years are still in operation, employing over 400 people.

CONTACT:

Diane W. Lantz

Executive Director

Regional Economic Development and Energy Corporation
145 Village Square

Painted Post, New York 14870

(607) 962-3021

Email: redec@stny.rr.com

USING NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR REGIONAL MARKET PLANNING: SOUTHERN TIER WEST REGIONAL
INTERNET-BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM

Developers and companies seeking sites for new facilities must analyze topographic information, existing utility and
transportation infrastructure, and various jurisdictional issues including zoning requirements. A new, Internet-based sys-
tem makes that analysis much easier and also provides a set of tools that can be used to market, study, and advance the
three-county Southern Tier West region of New York. The geographic information system (GIS) creates, assembles, and
organizes layers of maps, including parcel boundaries, zoning, municipal water and sewer coverage, wetlands, flood plains,
and other topographical details. The GIS data include tax rates, natural gas hookups, electric service hookups for exist-
ing buildings, and other infrastructure hookup information. Approximately 250 maps are generated each day, and 5 per-
cent of site visitors request additional information. The Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board
took the lead in the project, in partnership with local governments and community organizations. The system has
already fostered the development and revision of strategic plans throughout the region.

Contact:

Brian Schrantz

Director of Information Services

Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board
4039 Route 219, Suite 200

Salamanca, New York 14779

(716) 945-5301

Email: bschrantz@southerntierwest.org

G4 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS chat WORK

59



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

ALABAMA

GETTING CHILDREN READY TO LEARN: ALABAMA SCHOOL READINESS PROGRAM

Many parents in Appalachian Alabama do not have access to quality preschool programs. As a result, their children
often begin school unprepared to take full advantage of their classroom experience. To address this critical issue, the
state's Office of School Readiness in the Department of Children's Affairs is providing more academic preschool pro-
grams in 13 Appalachian counties, with help from an array of partners including the Appalachian Regional Commission,
state and local government agencies, and private businesses. This effort involves identifying potential grantees among
nonprofit child-care providers, and then building the capacity of these providers to prepare children for school. The
project also offers technical assistance, training, and curricular support to selected centers. Parent training workshops,
following national PTA guidelines, focus on improving parenting skills and encouraging parents to become more
involved in their children's school experience.

CONTACT:

Betsy Taff

Director

Office of School Readiness

Alabama Department of Children's Affairs
RSA Tower, Suite 1670

Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2755

(334) 353-1095

Email: tsmith@dca.state.al.us

GEORGIA

MAXIMIZING SUCCESS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY: NORTH GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE
ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Small business startups have increased over the past few years, and this trend will continue as new opportunities arise
in the high-tech and service industries. Recognizing the importance of helping start new businesses in northern
Georgia, the North Georgia Technical College has developed an entrepreneurial education program. Participants gain a
better understanding of the business world and what it takes to increase their chances for success once they start out
‘on their own. The entrepreneurial education program offers a number of courses for academic credit. These include
16 courses available over the Internet through the Georgia Virtual Technical Institute. In addition, the program operates
a Small Business Resource Center open to students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

CONTACT:

Fran Chastain

Entrepreneurial Education Program Director
North Georgia Technical College

P.O. Box 65

Clarkesville, Georgia 30523

(706) 754-7810

Email: fchas@ngtcollege.org

the NEW APPALACHIA IDEAS that WORKS



GOAL TWO PROJECTS

MISSISSIPPI

SHIFTING STRATEGIES TO CREATE MORE JOBS: YELLOW CREEK INLAND PORT INDUSTRIAL SITE

Once planned to support a nearby nuclear power plant, a large rural site in Tishomingo County is now thriving despite
several economic setbacks. Although the nuclear plant project was discontinued before completion, and a NASA
rocket motor facility on the same site was terminated as well, the port has quietly grown into a valuable economic
asset in the area. Recognizing the need to have more control of their economic fate, local leaders created a plan to
seek broader-based economic development opportunities by expanding the Yellow Creek State Inland Port
Authority's industrial complex and establishing the Northeast Mississippi Waterway Industrial Park. Located at the
mouth of the Tennessee River and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, the port's ability to provide businesses with
low-cost transportation for bulky products has attracted the attention of several new industries and potential cus-
tomers. To date, private industry has invested more than $4 million in the port and created more than 100 high-pay-
ing jobs. The Appalachian Regional Commission has provided funding for the water and sewer services and the road
improvements necessary to make the private investments possible.

CONTACT:

Eugene Bishop

Executive Director

Yellow Creek State Inland Port Authority
43 County Road 370

luka, Mississippi 38852

(662) 423-6088

Email: ycport@network-one.com

EXPANDING TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TO COMPETE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE: THE PORT
ITAWAMBA MASTER PLAN

As businesses in a 12-county region in northeastern Mississippi and northwestern Alabama search out new global trade
opportunities, improving the cost and dependability of accessing international markets is proving critical to their suc-
cess. First created in 1986 to serve commercial shipping along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Port Itawamba is
transforming itself from a simple marine terminal to a fully coordinated, multimodal logistic center. As part of a new
master plan, the center will offer support services, flexible warehouse space, and efficient container movements via
truck, rail, and water. In a recent study of regional transportation issues, the Appalachian Transportation Institute at
Marshall University concluded that the availability of a well-balanced, multimodal mix of transportation services, as
called for in the Port Itawamba master plan, can enhance access to markets and streamline shipping costs for area busi-
nesses by 20 to 25 percent. The new master plan, developed with support from the Appalachian Regional Commission
(ARC), presents a carefully conceived growth strategy for Port Itawamba and maps out an important new intermodal
transportation network to better serve the needs of area businesses. The Port Itawamba design is one of ten ARC
intermodal-planning grant projects launched in the past two years.

Contact:

Tim Weston

Director

Port Itawamba

P.O. Box 577

Fulton, Mississippi 38843
(662) 862-4571

Email: icde@nexband.com

the KEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

Department of Agriculture, and the Appalachian Regional Commission provided $500,000 in initial capitalization. As of
June 2001, the NCIF had formed advisory and loan committees, screened over 30 business proposals, and made the
first of an anticipated four initial investments.

CONTACT:

Marten R. Jenkins

Director

The Conservation Fund

Natural Capital Investment Fund

P.O. Box 1889

Shepherdstown, West Virginia 25443
(304) 876-2815

Email: mjenkins@freshwaterinstitute.org

DEVELOPING NEW MARKETS FOR ENTREPRENEURS: CENTER FOR ECONOMIC OPTIONS

Christmas shoppers in Charleston had new choices in 2000—the products of nearly 60 small-scale entrepreneurs from
throughout the West Virginia mountains. A new retail store in the Charleston Town Center indoor mall—the state's
largest—was the latest effort of the Center for Economic Options, which has been helping microbusinesses find new
higher-end markets since 1990. Showcase West Virginia now features the products of over 100 microbusinesses, and
the center is planning two more retail locations. Over 60 percent of gross revenues go back to individual entrepre-
neurs. Market access has been a formidable barrier for these small-scale crafts, forest, or farm producers from isolated
communities. By providing shoppers ready access to entrepreneurs, Showcase West Virginia is creating new markets
that will allow self-reliance and sustainable business growth. The center partners with community representatives and
organizations across the state. Other successful efforts have included the Appalachian Knitwear Project, spun off as a
separate nonprofit entity, and Appalachian by Design, Inc., which began with nearly 50 home knitters producing prod-
ucts for the Esprit Corporation. Showcase West Virginia grew out of preparations for a subsequently cancelled West
Virginia products expo. Now it helps entrepreneurs sell products while also offering them invaluable experience in
cash flow, inventory control, accounting, pricing, marketing, and product development.

CONTACT:

Pam Curry

Executive Director

Center for Economic Options

214 Capital Street, Suite 200
Charleston, West Virginia 25321-0191
(304) 345-1298

Email: pcurryoptns@citynet.net

66 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 7 1


GOAL FIVE

Health Care

Appalachian residents will have access to affordable,

quality health care.

68 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS thar WORK a


GOAL FIVE PROJECTS

ALABAMA

PROVIDING QUALITY HEALTH CARE TO THE WORKING POOR: NORTHWEST ALABAMA COMMUNITY
HEALTH CLINIC

A partnership between the University of North Alabama College of Nursing and the Florence Housing Authority is
providing quality health care to the working poor in five northwestern Alabama counties. Students and faculty at the
nursing college conducted a door-to-door survey in Florence public housing districts in 1996. The survey showed that
many uninsured or underinsured residents had a strong need for accessible and affordable quality health care. Close to
60 percent of residents in the overwhelmingly minority areas have incomes below the national poverty level. The col-
lege, the housing authority, and other community groups founded the Northwest Alabama Community Health
Association, Inc.,a nonprofit corporation, to establish a nurse-managed clinic. The Florence Housing Authority provides
space for the facility, which opened in 1997. The clinic offers primary health care services as well as health education in
schools, churches, shelters, and recreation centers. Additional support, including a grant from the Appalachian Regional
Commission, has allowed the clinic to expand its operating hours, add an additional 900 square feet to its facility, and
offer dental services, Over 2,500 people are expected to receive services in 2001.

Contact:

Catherine Barnes

Administrative Director

Northwest Alabama Community Health Clinic
309-B Handy Homes

Florence, Alabama 35630

(256) 760-9413

Email: barnescat@aol.com

KENTUCKY

TRAINING HEALTH-CARE PROVIDERS FOR APPALACHIA: PIKEVILLE COLLEGE SCHOOL OF
OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE

While Appalachia has made substantial progress in health care in recent decades, a chronic shortage of medical profes-
sionals still exists in many rural areas. To increase the number of locally trained physicians and improve health care in
Central Appalachia, the Appalachian Regional Commission has provided major support for the Pikeville College School
of Osteopathic Medicine, a new medical training facility in eastern Kentucky. The Commission has helped renovate and
expand school facilities and purchase additional equipment. The school, which opened in the fall of 1997, saw its first
class of 53 students graduate in May 2001. Many of the new graduates expect to practice in Appalachia.

Contact:

John Strosnider

Dean

Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine
214 Sycamore Street

Pikeville, Kentucky 41501-1194

(606) 432-9200

Email: strosnid@pc.edu

24 the NEW APPALACH: IDEAS that WORK 69



GOAL TWO PROJECTS

ALABAMA

WORKING TOGETHER FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT: RAINSVILLE INDUSTRIAL PARK INFRASTRUCTURE

With the closure of five textile plants in De Kalb County during a recent two-year period, local community leaders
recognized the need to attract other industry to the Rainsville Industrial Park. By improving the park's water supply
and sewer capacity, community leaders were able to develop a $10 million facility to make interior and exterior plastic
parts for a new Honda assembly plant in nearby Lincoln. Officials expect at least 120 new jobs to be created at the
new Rainsville Technology, Inc., plastics manufacturing site, a subsidiary of Moriroku Company Limited of Japan. The
new plant would not have been possible without the cooperation of two municipal governments—the town of Section,
which owned the water system, and the city of Rainsville, which ran the sewer system. Although some municipal gov-
ernments can be territorial about their water and sewer services, these two municipalities agreed to work together to
develop the new plant. As a result, both communities are now enjoying the benefits of that cooperation.

CONTACT:

Kim Erwin

Consultant

Morton and Associates
200 East McKinney Avenue
Albertville,Alabama 35950
(256) 878-5222

Email: morton|@strnt.net

MAKING ECONOMIC GROWTH POSSIBLE: LINCOLN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Honda of America's decision to locate a new plant near Lincoln,Alabama, was great news for the community. Initially
employing 1,500 workers, the plant is expected to create as many as 5,000 additional jobs as Honda suppliers open
facilities in the area. An economic impact study performed by Auburn University's Center for Government and Public
Affairs estimates that these 1,500 jobs will generate state and local taxes of $4 million and state sales taxes of $2.5
million, A new wastewater treatment plant, adjacent to the Honda site, is needed to provide adequate treatment
capacity for this new development. It will also serve approximately 2,300 existing residences and 75 existing commer-
cial customers, in addition to handling projected growth in Lincoln's population. The new plant will treat up to two
million gallons of wastewater a day with ultraviolet radiation, providing better treatment than the old system and
improving water quality in the Coosa River. The city of Lincoln, which will own and operate the wastewater treatment
plant, will fund construction in conjuction with state and federal agencies and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

CONTACT:

Donna Fathke

Principal Planner

East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission
P.O. Box 2186

Anniston, Alabama 36202

(256) 237-6741

Email: dfathke@adss.state.al.us

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 27



MARYLAND

Providing Satellite Technology at Local Colleges to Improve Land-Use Planning: Global Positioning System
Helping Local Government Planners: Geographic Information Systems

Building a New Local Economy: Advanced Technology Center and Technical Innovation Center

Preserving the Past for a More Prosperous Future: Canal Place Heritage Area

Managing for Success: Regional Main Street Program

Thinking Big with Small Loans: Western Region Small Business Development Center Revolving Microloan Fund
Helping Start and Expand Local Businesses: Tri-County Council for Western Maryland Revolving Loan Fund
Supporting New Entrepreneurs: MicroWorks Initiative

Providing Greater Internet Access: WMDnet

MISSISSIPPI

Educating Entrepreneurs: Mississippi State University Extension Services’ Virtual Entrepreneurial Education and Training Program
Developing a Better-Educated Workforce: Itawamba Community College Advanced Education Center

Shifting Strategies to Create More Jobs: Yellow Creek Inland Port Industrial Site

Expanding Transportation Options to Compete in the Global Marketplace: The Port Itawamba Master Plan

Identifying a New Pool of Workers for Rural Businesses: The CREATE Foundation Regional Labor Analysis Study
Improving Health Care Amid Severe Rural Poverty: Hickory Flat Clinic

NEW YORK

Showing Why Math and Science are Important: Allegany County Technology Curriculum Implementation Project

Linking Networks to Improve Education: Leatherstocking Telecommunications Consortium

Linking Students and Business: Whitesville School-Business Partnership

Training Machinists for the Computer Age: Computer Numerical Control Machine Tool Laboratory

Overcoming Barriers to Learning: Cyber Adult Learning Project

Making Services More Efficient: Southern Tier West Center for Local Government and Community Services

Creating New Markets for Family Farmers: Southern Tier Small Farm Expansion Initiative

Providing Commercial Access: Prescott Avenue Industrial Access Road

Working Together for Public Health: Randolph and East Randolph Wastewater Facilities

Building Capacity for Economic Development: STC Partnership Program

Financing for New Small Businesses: Regional Economic Development and Energy Corporation Revolving Loan Fund

Using New Technologies for Regional Market Planning: Southern Tier West Regional Internet-Based Geographic
Information System

Using Technology to Expand Health Care: Telehome Care Project

‘80 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK (8 8 4

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mountain roads choked off the growth of commerce and industry and constricted people's access to
jobs, schools, and services. They were used by trucks hauling coal and timber to railheads, and, all too

often, by some of the Region's most talented young people moving to places far away.

In creating the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Congress mandated a partnership between
the federal government and Appalachian states, to be reinforced by a unique governance structure. All
ARC decisions are approved by two chairpersons—a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate and

a governor selected by his or her fellow Appalachian governors.

ARC spearheaded an assault on isolation. Its first priority became the design and routing of a network
of modern, four-lane roads known collectively as the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS).
The system's explicit purpose was economic and human development. Corridor routes were chosen
with an eye to opening up isolated areas, not adding capacity to places where traffic volumes were
already high. Today about 2,330 miles of the ADHS are open to traffic. A 1998 study of the economic
development impact of completed segments of 12 ADHS corridors (about 1,400 miles) showed that they
have made travel easier and safer, are creating thousands of new jobs, and are projected to generate over

a billion dollars in economic development benefits.
At the same time, ARC and its state partners invested in the Region's capacity for growth. Then, as now,
that often included infrastructure: water and sewer projects, community facilities, and industrial parks. It

also included direct investments in people: adult education, health services, and leadership training.

The changes in Appalachia have been dramatic. Since 1969, employment in the Region has grown by more

than 50 percent. The Region's poverty rate has been cut in half; by 1990 it differed from that of the rest

2. the NEW APPALACHIA IDEAS that WORK.



DEAS that WORK

Think of this small book as a collection of action snapshots of a region on the move. Sometimes the
focus is on the land itself, such as "brownfield" sites in western Pennsylvania or small farms in southern
New York. Often it's on infrastructure, like a replacement for an aging bridge in Tennessee or links
between roads, rail, and a waterway in northeastern Mississippi. Frequently the camera zooms in on
sophisticated technology, such as laptops used by schoolchildren in Georgia or satellite-assisted surveys

in western Maryland.

Always, always, we see people in action—working together to build something. What they're building may
be a structure, like a water line along a rocky ridge in western Virginia; or a strategy, like a Kentucky pro-
gram designed to produce homegrown doctors for rural Appalachia. Sometimes they're investing in proj-
ects whose payoffs may not materialize for a generation, as with a West Virginia youth leadership camp or

an Alabama county's efforts to encourage its talented high school graduates to stay in the area.

One way or another, all these stories are about capacity building—acts of faith in the future of Appalachia.
They're also about collaboration within communities, across the Appalachian Region, and with partners in
the larger world outside Appalachia. In that respect, they're evidence of how Appalachia has changed dur-
ing the 37 years since the President's Appalachian Regional Commission called Appalachia “a region apart"
from the rest of America. But they're also examples of a continuing commitment to the vision that made

change possible.

In 1965, economically speaking, Appalachia's eggs were in a very few baskets, each vulnerable to market
shocks. The Region depended heavily on the extraction of natural resources and on agriculture. In the

southern states, manufacturing meant mostly low-wage textile mills; in the northern Rust Belt, it meant
heavy industry in aging plants employing fewer and fewer workers. From 1950 to 1960,a decade when

national employment grew |5 percent, Appalachian employment actually declined. One in three

Appalachians lived in poverty, a rate 50 percent higher than the national average. The Region's narrow

6 the EW APPALACHIA: DEAS that WORK



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

NORTH CAROLINA

CREATING NEW CAMPUSES ON THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY: ALLEGHANY CYBER SITE

Students in Alleghany, Wilkes, and Ashe Counties in North Carolina have not always had direct access to the resources
of the state's university system. North Carolina is now leveraging those university resources by making information
and classes available to students throughout the state. Alleghany High School is one of seven cyber campuses to be
equipped with multimedia interactive computer equipment linked to the North Carolina School of Science and
Mathematics and the Internet through the high-speed, fiber-optic North Carolina Information Highway. The campus is
also linked to Wilkes Community College and provides distance-learning classes for high school students, teachers, and
the general community. On-site computer training is also provided. The cyber campus, which is open evenings and
weekends for general public and business users, served approximately 6,886 students and over 1,430 adults (including
businesspersons, government workers, and the general public) in 1998, its first year in business.

CONTACT:

Phil Trew

Senior Regional Planner

Region D Council of Governments
PO. Box 1820

Boone, North Carolina 28607
(828) 265-5434

Email: ptrew@regiond.org

BRINGING COMPUTERS TO RURAL DAY-CARE CENTERS: REGION | EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
REGIONAL NETWORK

Though fast-changing information technology is transforming government and private-sector management practices,
many nonprofits have limited equipment and expertise. Many nonprofits are unable to provide computer literacy
opportunities to the people they serve, those who are least likely to have computers available elsewhere. These weak-
nesses became obvious in 1996 when local community and government leaders struggled to develop telecommunica-
tions plans in the first phase of North Carolina's Connect NC initiative. The leaders recommended creation of the
Early Childhood Development Regional Network that now provides networked computers in the 12 day-care centers
overseen by the Northwest Child Development Council. The network is transforming and streamlining management of
the centers: office software has been standardized; long-distance costs cut; accounts-payable processing time trimmed;
and inventory and supply management centralized. Children now learn with the help of computers. The staff are com-
puter literate, as are many parents who take advantage of after-hours access to computers and the Internet.

CONTACT:

Gary Steeley

Director of Information Services

Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments
400 West Fourth Street, Suite 400
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101

(336) 761-2111

Email: gsteeley@nwpcog.dst.nc.us

19

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK.


GOAL ONE

Education and Workforce Training

Appalachian residents will have the skills and
knowledge necessary to compete in the world

economy in the twenty-first century.

4 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK



PENNSYLVANIA

Helping Universities Help Local Businesses: Pennsylvania Alliance of Higher Education for Research and Technology
Improving Skills and Performance: Southern Alleghenies Workforce Consortia Project

Training Disabled Adults for New Jobs: Partners in Progress

Using New Technologies to Advance Education and Improve Economic Development: The Schoolhouse Project in Greene County

Building a Water Line to Maintain Jobs: Cumberland Mine Water Project

Working Together to Create Jobs: Union County Business Park

Implementing a Strategy for Economic Revitalization: Meadow Ridge Business Park

Providing a Vision for Local Leadership: Greene County Strategic Plan

Creating Jobs and Helping the Environment: Brownfields Development in Appalachian Pennsylvania
Putting It All Together: Small Business Development Center Outreach Program

Creating Partnerships for Small Business Growth: Team Pennsylvania Entrepreneurial Assistance Networks

SOUTH CAROLINA
Creating New Information Tools to Create Jobs in South Carolina: InfoMentum.

Developing a Blueprint for Success: Appalachian Regional Strategic Plan for Economic Development, 2000-2005

TENNESSEE

Building a Center for New Opportunities: Marion County Adult Education and Skills Training Center
Replacing a Bridge to Save Jobs: Hickman Creek Bridge Replacement

Improving Prospects for Industrial Investment: Grundy County Pelham Industrial Park

Recognizing Community Excellence: The Governor's Three-Star Program

Meeting a Critical Health Need: Cocke County Dental Clinic

VIRGINIA

Meeting Diverse Needs: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center's Regional Training and Conference Center
Overcoming Mine-Related Water Safety Issues: Grundy/Slate Creek Regional Water Project

Empowering Rural Residents to Help Themselves: Smith Ridge Self-Help Water Project

Revitalizing a Small Town: Small Business Incubator at Narrows

Developing Appalachia’s Future Lawyers: The Appalachian School of Law

Supporting a Solar Dry Kiln Facility in Southwestern Virginia: Appalachian Sustainable Development

2 86

‘82 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK

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U.S. Department of Education E RIC

Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI)
National Library of Education (NLE) ‘sen Reson ens
Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)

NOTICE

Reproduction Basis

This document is covered by a signed "Reproduction Release

L) (Blanket)" form (on file within the ERIC system), encompassing all
or classes of documents from its source organization and, therefore,
does not require a "Specific Document" Release form.

ry This document is Federally-funded, or carries its own permission to
reproduce, or is otherwise in the public domain and, therefore, may
be reproduced by ERIC without a signed Reproduction Release form

(either "Specific Document" or "Blanket").

EFF-089 (5/2002)


GOAL ONE PROJECTS

VIRGINIA

MEETING DIVERSE NEEDS: SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER’S REGIONAL
TRAINING AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Realizing they shared a common need for quality space to conduct an array of activities, local business, government,
and education leaders in southwestern Virginia joined together to build the Regional Training and Conference Center
at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. The state-of-the-art complex includes classroom facilities with
interactive telecommunications technology and a multipurpose conference hall that accommodates 1,500 people. Using
distance-learning technologies and in-class instruction, partner schools have expanded their executive and adult training
as well as courses for degree-seeking students. Numerous local companies have conducted employee training; profes-
sional continuing education seminars have been provided; public meetings have been held; and business and trade
shows have been hosted. The Regional Training and Conference Center satisfies a cluster of needs that were unlikely
to be have been met individually.

CONTACT:

Rachel Fowlkes

Executive Director

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
P.O. Box 1987

One Partnership Circle

Abingdon, Virginia 24212

(540) 469-4005,

Email: rfowlkes@swcenter.edu

WEST VIRGINIA

PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR WORKERS WITH DISABILITIES: THE HANCOCK COUNTY SHELTERED
WORKSHOP

The Hancock County Sheltered Workshop (HCSW) is helping local businesses while providing work for individuals
with disabilities, The workshop is a nonprofit organization founded in 1952 by parents who wanted to provide aca-
demic and social activities for their children with mental or developmental disabilities. Today it is one of the leading
community rehabilitation programs in the state, meeting the diverse needs of 86 individuals with disabilities. Seeking
meaningful new work opportunities for its clients, HCSW determined there was local demand for commercial laundry
services. With local and state support, and funding in 2000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, the workshop constructed a state-of-the-art commercial laundry facility with the capacity
to process up to five million pounds of linen annually. By spring 2001, the facility was operating at a rate of one million

the MEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS thet WORK.


DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 466 349 RC 023 607
TITLE The New Appalachia: Ideas That Work.

INSTITUTION Appalachian Regional Commission, Washington, DC.

PUB DATE 2001-11-00

NOTE 88p.; Some photographs may not reproduce adequately.

AVAILABLE FROM For full text:
http: //www.arc.gov/infopubs/itw2001/itw2001.htm.

PUB TYPE Reference Materials - Directories/Catalogs (132) -- Reports
- Descriptive (141)

EDRS PRICE MFO1/PC04 Plus Postage.

DESCRIPTORS Adult Education; Community Development; Economic

Development; *Education Work Relationship; Elementary
Secondary Education; Entrepreneurship; *Job Training;
Leadership Training; *Partnerships in Education; Préschool
Education; Profiles; *Rural Development; *Rural Education;
*Technological Literacy

IDENTIFIERS Access to Health Care; *Appalachia; Capacity Building;
Infrastructure

ABSTRACT

In 1996 the Appalachian Regional Commission reinvented
itself, adopting a strategic plan that reaffirmed its two historic
priorities--an economic and human development program and a developmental
highway program--and rethinking how to achieve them. The plan established
goals under five headings: education and workforce training that prepares
Appalachian residents to compete in the world economy; the physical
infrastructure necessary for self-sustaining economic development and
improved quality of life; civic capacity and leadership; access to financial
and technical resources that support dynamic local economies; and access to
affordable, quality health care. This book presents brief descriptions and
contact information for 120 innovative programs that address these goals. The
programs are organized by goal and then by state. Programs in the education
and training section are concerned with school readiness, entrepreneurial
education, computer and Internet skills, parent participation, hands-on
science, geographic information systems (GIS), job training, school-business
partnerships, adult literacy, and college preparation. Programs in the civic
capacity section include those involving individualized job training; youth
leadership; and training in local government, leadership, business skills,
and new information tools. A project index by state is included. (SV)

Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
from the original document.



GOAL THREE PROJECTS

MARYLAND

MANAGING FOR SUCCESS: REGIONAL MAIN STREET PROGRAM

Fearing that their downtown business redevelopment efforts might be piecemeal and haphazard without consistent
managerial leadership, two western Maryland towns have engaged full-time Main Street managers. The managers in
Cumberland (Allegany County) and Oakland (Garrett County) initiate and coordinate a variety of administrative, man-
agement, and promotional activities. Working closely with volunteer organizations, as well as business tenants and
property owners, they are full-time advocates and sources of information on downtown facilities, programs, and oppor-
tunities. The managers help both downtown revitalization programs avoid the burnout and inconsistency that plague
many volunteer organizations, while bringing new visibility, activity, and commerce to Cumberland and Oakland. The
program has proven so successful that Frostburg has joined the program and plans to hire its own Main Street man-
ager in the fall of 2001.

Contacts:

Ed Mullaney/Sue Cerutti
Downtown Managers

City of Cumberland

P.O. Box 1702

Cumberland, Maryland 21502
(301) 777-2800

Email: cu_dw_dev@allconeetorg

Glenn Tolbert
15 South Third Street
Oakland, Maryland 21550
(301) 533-4470

NEW YORK

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: STC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

Partnerships among community groups, governments, and local professionals of different disciplines are required to
successfully design and sustain community economic development projects. As relationships are formed, communities
develop greater capacity to enhance growth and meet community needs. Working with a task force of local profes-
sionals and support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the program provides approximately 225 hours of in-
depth technical assistance to communities with identified local needs and projects. Municipalities contribute $5,000,

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 45



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

CONNECTING SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY: THE CHATTOOGANET PROJECT

In Chattooga County, Georgia, local businesses, government agencies, and community groups have joined forces in sup-
port of ChattoogaNet, an Internet service provider (ISP) run by local students., The program not only teaches partici-
pating students the mechanics of operating an Internet server, but also provides free Internet access to all segments of
the community, including businesses, local government agencies, and residents. The students receive intensive technol-
ogy training and fully participate in helping manage the ISP's day-to-day operation. As part of their training, students
learn Web page development, a talent reflected in the Chattooga community Web page. In addition to improving tech-
nical skills, che program also teaches students the importance of learning partnership skills, sharing resources, and con-
tributing to the community.

CONTACTS:

Rick Clifton or Diane Bryant

The ChattoogaNet Project

Chattooga County Schools

33 Middle Road

Summerville, Georgia 30747

(706) 895-3340

Email: rclifton@chattooga.kI2.ga.us
dbryant@chattooga.k12.ga.us

WORKING TOGETHER FOR OUR CHILDREN: THE PARENTS, CHILDREN, AND TEACHERS FORCE 3
PROGRAM

One proven way to improve school performance is to encourage more parents to play a greater role in their chil-
dren's education, in cooperation with their children's teachers. At three targeted schools in Chattooga County,
Georgia, officials have introduced a new program designed to improve parental accountability in children's education,
while also strengthening parent and teacher communications. Called the Parents, Children, and Teachers (PCT) Force 3
Program, the initiative focuses on parents of children considered at risk of poor school performance. To date, more
than 300 parents have participated in workshops and activities offered at schools and community centers. Some activi-
ties focused only on parents, with child care provided, while other activities included parents and children. By the end
of the school year, teachers had made over 250 separate home or work-site visits to parents of at-risk children.

CONTACT:

Tonia Reynolds

PCT Force 3 Program Parent Coordinator
Chattooga County Schools

RO. Box 30

Summerville, Georgia 30747

(706) 857-3490

Email: treynolds@chattooga.k|2.ga.us

‘the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 7



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

INVESTING IN HUMAN CAPITAL: EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVE IN APPALACHIAN GEORGIA

Five counties in Appalachian Georgia are taking a multidimensional, multigenerational approach to improving the lives of
families with young children. Faced with high rates of poverty, teen pregnancy, illiteracy, and unemployment, these coun-
ties are working to improve services in five key areas: universal contact at birth; intensive home visitation; developmen-
tal child care; parenting education; and adult education and job training. During a nine-month period beginning in July
2000, more than 400 families with newborns were contacted; more than 300 families received home visits; more than
90 children received developmental child care; more than 80 parents enrolled in GED classes; and more than 30 child-
care providers received training. All services are voluntary, and families are encouraged to participate as full partners
in determining their strengths, needs, and future goals.

Contact:

Carol C.Wilson

State Director

Early Childhood Initiative
409 Bear Paw Trail

Blue Ridge, Georgia 30513
(706) 632-7342

Email: carolcwilson@tds.net

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO OLD PRACTICES: COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN FOR THE GRANITE INDUSTRY
Granite is the major industry and primary source of employment in Elbert County. Stonecutting, sandblasting, etching,
and polishing are traditional skills that have been practiced until recently with traditional tools and line-of-sight meas-
urements. Over the last decade, however, computer-aided design methods have entered the granite industry. Many
draftspeople trained in traditional methods are retiring, and a new generation of employees will soon be needed. The
Elbert County Comprehensive High School set up a new work-training program so that students can learn state-of-
the-art computer-aided design methods from skilled industry artisans. Local industry is working with the school, which
purchased 26 specialized computer stations and created a new etching class as well. In the first year, 40 students
learned computer-aided design, and more than ten mastered specialized granite-etching skills.

Contact:

Nancy Bessinger

Tech Career Director

Elbert County Comprehensive High School
600 Abernathy Circle

Elberton, Georgia 30635

(706) 283-3680

Email: nbessing@elbert.k|2.ga.us

(6 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

PROVIDING GREATER INTERNET ACCESS: WMDNET

Beginning with initial efforts to provide distance-learning opportunities to western Maryland high school students,
WMDnret helped develop Internet access for the public sector in three counties. It stimulated entry of private Internet
service providers into the region and has been the focal point of various computer and telecommunications projects that
benefit students and improve the use of public information. In Hagerstown, a fiber-optic network links numerous agencies
and the Internet. In Allegany County, Allconet links agencies, schools, nonprofits, and colleges while providing Internet
access. The system has successfully demonstrated Internet linkages via a wireless hookup and is building now to expand
those services across the county. In Garrett County, the Garrett Rural Information Cooperative provides Internet access
to private and public sectors. The Western Maryland Internet Lab at Frostburg State University is one of a number of
associated initiatives that continue to evolve from this ongoing work.

Contact:

Frank Peto

Director

Regional Education Service Agency
127 South Smallwood Street
Cumberland, Maryland 21502
(301) 777-3525

Email: fpeto@allconet.org

MISSISSIPPI

IDENTIFYING A NEW POOL OF WORKERS FOR RURAL BUSINESSES: THE CREATE FOUNDATION
REGIONAL LABOR ANALYSIS STUDY

Recognizing that most new employers want to hire experienced workers, officials in northeastern Mississippi decided
to take a different approach in examining the area's workforce. Going beyond basic employment figures, local leaders
sought to identify the number of local workers interested in upgrading to new and better-paying jobs. The result was
the CREATE Foundation Regional Labor Analysis Study, which offered important new information on local workers
interested in moving up the job ladder. The study found that these local individuals make up the best pool of potential
workers for new and expanding business developments in northeastern Mississippi. By describing and documenting the
existence of these workers, the study has become an important tool for local officials to use in attracting new busi-
nesses to the region.

Contact:

Morgan Baldwin

Director of Programs

CREATE Foundation

P.O. Box 1053

Tupelo, Mississippi 38802

(662) 844-8989

Email: morgan@createfoundation.com

‘58 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS char WORK



GOAL THREE PROJECTS

ALABAMA

BUILDING COMMUNITY STRENGTH BY PRESERVING THE PAST: ALICEVILLE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER

When the Appalachian Regional Commission-sponsored Aliceville Downtown Revitalization Project brought diverse
representatives of the community together, they embarked on an ambitious project to preserve unique aspects of
Pickens County history. The Aliceville Museum and Cultural Arts Center was the local community's creation, realized
step-by-step with hands-on help from area residents. A mural based on a 1944 sketch by a German prisoner of war
commemorates the community's unique role in World War Il. Other exhibits honor Pickens County veterans from the
Revolutionary War to the present. Farm equipment and antiques recall a life on the farm fast fading from view. The
center is already seeing positive results from these efforts: museum attendance and membership continue to grow.

CONTACT:

Mary Bess Paluzzi

Director

Aliceville Museum and Cultural Arts Center
104 Broad Street Plaza

Aliceville, Alabama 35442

(205) 373-2363

(888) 751-2340

Email: museum@pickens.net.

DEVELOPING JOB TRAINING TO MEET INDIVIDUAL NEEDS: SCOTTSBORO APPALACHIAN COMMUNITY
LEARNING PROJECT

In 1993, a chamber of commerce survey found that 42 percent of Jackson County's adults had not earned a high
school diploma, and 17 percent of the adults were functionally illiterate. In response, business and community leaders
formed the 21st Century Council to promote adult education with a special emphasis on job training. Staff and volun-
teers at the council's Adult Career Center have had success working one-on-one with individuals seeking employment
training. By focusing on the barriers to employment unique to each client and working extensively with employers and
social service agencies, the center has helped over 100 people find work. The program has won the praise of clients—
many of whom were formerly on welfare—and has had strong support from local business and community groups.

Contact:

Ann Kennamer

Executive Director

21st Century Council

305 South Scott Street, Suite 21
Scottsboro,Alabama 35768

(256) 218-2121

Email: career21 @mail | scottsboro.org

a6.

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK

4



WEST VIRGINIA

Providing Employment for Workers with Disabilities: The Hancock County Sheltered Workshop 2
Expanding Curricula and Increasing Technology Use: Riverside High School 2B
Mixing Fun with Youth Leadership Training: Camp Horseshoe m4
Increasing Work-Based Skills: Clay County Schools 4
Providing Child Care for Economic Development: Children First Child Development Center 25
Improving the Downtown Area: Morgantown Wharf Street District Revitalization 39
Diversifying a Local Economy: Mingo County Wood Products Industrial Park 65
Financing Natural-Resource-Based Businesses: The Conservation Fund 6
Developing New Markets for Entrepreneurs: Center for Economic Options 66
Building on Economic Strengths: Polymer Alliance Zone 67
Bringing Europe to Appalachia: A Regional Tourism Promotion 67
Managing the Health Care Needs of Appalachia: West Virginia Rural Health Chronic Disease Management Program 75
Improving Health through Targeted Programs: McDowell County Rural Health Initiative 5

8?

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 3



GOAL TWO PROJECTS

test marketing, and production. In addition, local businesses have access to advanced technical resources as well as state-
supported economic development agencies. Ultimately, local officials say, the center will lead to a better-trained, more
adaptable workforce. It has already directly assisted over 40 firms that now employ 170 people.

CONTACT:

P. Chris Marschner

Manager

Technical Innovation Center
11400 Robinswood Drive
Hagerstown, Maryland 21742-6590
(301) 790-2800 ext. 479

Email: marschnerc@hcc.cc.md.us

PRESERVING THE PAST FOR A MORE PROSPEROUS FUTURE: CANAL PLACE HERITAGE AREA

For almost 75 years, the C&O Canal played a major role in defining the economy of Cumberland, Maryland, and the
surrounding region. Today, as a result of the efforts of many partners, the canal is once again a major focal point for
economic development in Allegany County. Recognizing Cumberland's role in American history as the western termi-
nus of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, community leaders created Canal Place, the state's first heritage area initia-
tive. By forming strong partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, including the C&O Canal National
Historical Park and the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority
secured funding to preserve and renovate the Western Maryland Railway Station, originally built in 1913. The project
also preserved over 100 structures in the adjacent Downtown Cumberland Historic District. Many additional proj-
ects are scheduled for completion over the next several years, including development of the Crescent Lawn Festival
Grounds, creation of a hiking/biking path connecting the Allegany Highlands Trail to the C&O Canal towpath, private
redevelopment of the Footer's Dye Works Building, and rewatering of the western terminus of the C&O Canal. Canal
Place is combining historical preservation, recreation, and education with economic development strategies that bene-
fit all of western Maryland.

Contact:

Richard Pfefferkorn

Executive Director

Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority
13 Canal Street

Cumberland, Maryland 21502

(301) 724-3655,

(800) 989-9394

Email: pfefferkorn@canalplace.org

We ha

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 29



GOAL THREE PROJECTS

designate a team of local leaders, and agree to develop and implement a detailed scope of work. Projects have included
water and sewer studies, downtown revitalization initiatives, and the development of requests for proposals to meet
defined community needs. Because the project requires intensive time commitments, only four communities are
selected to participate each year. The project advisory committee plans to ensure sustainability by integrating the pro-
gram into existing community and local government structures, encouraging multi-community partnerships, expanding
technical assistance services for nonprofit agencies, and developing ways that will insure the program continues to be
available to smaller communities with short-term project needs.

CONTACT:

Tom McGarry

Community Development Specialist

Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board
145 Village Square

Painted Post, New York 14870

(607) 962-5092

Email: tmcgarry@stny.rr.com

NORTH CAROLINA

BUILDING LOCAL LEADERSHIP: NORTH CAROLINA RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
Although rural North Carolina enjoys a rich tradition of community involvement and civic participation, leaders of
many rural communities are being asked to face unprecedented economic challenges. To prepare a broad, diverse
group of rural leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage economic transitions in their communities
and promote sustained development, the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center established its first
Rural Economic Development Institute in 1989. Today, over 560 people have graduated from the program.
Participants in the institute come from a broad range of professionals and volunteers who are selected based on their
applications for admission. Participants complete three rigorous instruction sessions that focus on improving people
skills, learning the building blocks of successful economic development, and implementing strategies—the "how
to's"—including strategic planning, coalition building, and conflict management. The program's alumni form a mentor-
ing network for the new graduates.

CONTACT:

Robin Pulver

Vice President

Community and Human Resources Development
North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center
4021 Carya Drive

Raleigh, North Carolina 27610

(919) 250-4314

Email: pulver@ncruralcenter.org

51

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK.


GOAL TWO PROJECTS

KENTUCKY

WIRING FOR BUSINESS, EDUCATION, AND HEALTH: BIG SANDY REGIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CENTER

Determined that the information highway not bypass Pike County and the Big Sandy area of eastern Kentucky, commu-
nity leaders created the Big Sandy Regional Telecommunications Center. Operated by the nonprofit Big Sandy
Telecommuting Services, Inc., the center currently provides a variety of services, including hands-on computer, network,
and Internet training and certification; coordination of remote teaching and teleconferencing; and business support
services. Partners in the telecommunications center include the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine,
whose Telemedicine Services and Learning Center at the site will soon serve faculty, students, and the public. In addi-
tion, to support new business development, the new facility is taking on the additional role of business incubator, pro-
viding office space and access to shared personnel and equipment to several new, emerging enterprises.

CONTACT:

Sandy Runyon

Executive Director

Big Sandy Area Development District
100 Resource Drive

Prestonsburg, Kentucky 41653

(606) 886-2374

Email: sandyr@bigsandy.adds.state.ky.us

MARYLAND

BUILDING A NEW LOCAL ECONOMY: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY CENTER AND TECHNICAL INNOVATION
CENTER

In the mid 1980s, after Fairchild Industries closed its aircraft manufacturing operations, people in Washington County
began working to develop and attract new high-tech industries. The Advanced Technology Center was opened at
Hagerstown Community College in 1990, and the Technical Innovation Center, a major $2 million addition, was completed
in 1994. By 1995, six high-tech enterprises in such diverse fields as chemicals, electronics, and computer software were
using the new facilities. By 1997, the Advanced Technology Center had become fully self-supporting. From its rental and
service revenues the facility has installed broadband Internet networking connectivity throughout the building. At the
Technical Innovation Center, entrepreneurs can take an idea through the stages of computer-aided design, development,

‘28 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

WEST VIRGINIA

DIVERSIFYING A LOCAL ECONOMY: MINGO COUNTY WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRIAL PARK

Faced with a 1998 unemployment rate of over 12 percent, Mingo County officials took steps to diversify their previ-
ously coal-based local economy. Part of the county's strategy, as outlined in a new comprehensive community develop-
ment plan, was to develop the Wood Products Industrial Park on 650 acres of a reclaimed former surface mine. The
$28 million park project, consisting of the Wood Products Industrial Park, Appalachian Custom Dry Kilns, LLC, and
Appalachian Precision Hardwood Flooring Facilities, was funded in partnership by state and federal organizations, and
through conventional financing and private investment. Federal, state, and county leaders have worked cooperatively to
secure funding for construction of water and wastewater treatment systems and for improvement of an access road.
Thus far, the project has bolstered local economic capacity by providing a firm foothold for viable industry in the area.
The project is expected to create over 150 new jobs by the time it is fully operational and to provide water and sewer
services to 22 area homes.

Contact:

Mike Whitt

Executive Director

Mingo County Redevelopment Authority
P.O. Box 298

Williamson, West Virginia 25661

(304) 235-0042

Email: scb01005@wvnvm.wnet.edu

FINANCING NATURAL-RESOURCE-BASED BUSINESSES: THE CONSERVATION FUND

In many distressed rural Appalachian communities the savings base cannot support new entrepreneurial ventures. With
limited access to venture capital markets and few local commercial lenders, local entrepreneurs depend excessively on
personal savings, retained business earnings, and support from family, friends, and business colleagues for risk capital
financing. The Natural Capital Investment Fund of West Virginia (NCIF) was launched in 2000 to provide financing for
high-potential, emerging natural-resource-based businesses that will advance sustainable economic growth in these
rural communities. The NCIF strategy is to identify projects in which a modest amount of subordinated debt and
equity can reduce risk sufficiently for commercial lenders to participate. The main targets are small businesses with
strong management. The nonprofit Conservation Fund's Freshwater Institute established the NCIF in partnership with
the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and the Mountain Association for Community Development,
which operated a similar program in Kentucky. NCIF also works closely with the West Virginia Capital Corporation, a
consortium of 56 financial institutions, and the West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust. Private foundations, the U.S.

the HEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 65

70



of the nation by only two percentage points. Thanks to better water and better medical care, infant mor-
tality has fallen by more than two-thirds. The percentage of Appalachian adults with at least a high school
education has more than doubled; and for young adults (ages 18 to 24) this percentage is slightly higher
than the U.S. rate. A 1995 study showed that Appalachian counties have grown significantly faster than a

comparison group of their socioeconomic "twins" outside the Region.

Nevertheless, nearly 700 miles of the ADHS are still incomplete, and hundreds of communities still lack
access to clean water. Of the Region's 406 counties, | 14 remain economically distressed. Most of these lie

at the Region's center, which still suffers from isolation and the poverty isolation fosters.

In 1996 ARC reinvented itself. That is, it adopted a strategic plan that reaffirmed its two historic
priorities—an economic and human development program and a developmental highway program—and
rethought how to achieve them. The plan established goals under five headings: 1) education and work-
force training, 2) physical infrastructure, 3) civic capacity and leadership, 4) dynamic local economies, and

5) health care.

This book shows some of the ways in which states and local communities are fleshing out the states’
strategies for reaching the Region's goals in economic and human development. Many of the projects this
book describes—such as a telemedicine program and an initiative to market Appalachian products in Latin
America, Europe, and Asia—would have been impossible to imagine in 1965. Yet the original vision remains
as it was: to end isolation and to help Appalachian communities develop the capacity to renew themselves.
The federal-state-community collaboration this vision brought into being is not only intact, but is also
often broadened by private-sector initiatives. The projects described in this book show that collaboration

in action and prove that the Region's capacity for self-renewal is as strong as ever.

8 the NEW APPALACHA: IDEAS that WORK 3



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

KEEPING COMPUTER SKILLS UP TO DATE: SWISS HILLS CAREER CENTER COMPUTER LAB

Recognizing that local companies in Monroe, Belmont, and Noble Counties need employees experienced in using cur-
rent business software, the Swiss Hills Career Center has worked to meet the demand. In addition to purchasing 150
interactive devices and a $250,000 rapid prototyping device, the center has updated and expanded curricula and
included a certified Cisco training program. Swiss Hills has been a central force in bringing close to 1,000 new and pre-
dominantly high-tech jobs to Monroe County in recent years. Student scores on the Ohio Proficiency Test also have
improved, and postsecondary enrollment has increased from 15 to more than 60 percent.

CONTACT:

Terry A. Wallace

Director

Swiss Hills Career Center
46601 SR 78

Woodsfield, Ohio 43793
(740) 472-0722

Email: docta9%@ovnet.com

HELPING WOMEN IMPROVE THEIR JOB SKILLS: UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI CLERMONT WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT

The majority of students at the University of Cincinnati's Clermont College campus are women.’ A typical student is in
her late twenties or thirties, attends school part-time, works part-time, and cares for her’ children. Many of the women
seek training in order to get better jobs. An analysis of area companies found that computer training was a primary
need of employers and employees, as well as a priority for those in the state's school-to-work and welfare-to-work
programs, in which Clermont College participates. In response to these needs, the school launched an $11 million
workforce development program that includes an expanded staff and various new resources, such as a learning facility
featuring 43,000 square feet of classrooms and laboratories. The Appalachian Regional Commission provided support
to equip two new computer labs and expand the staff serving the learning center, which can now accommodate 1,000
students. Based on past experience, officials are optimistic about these new efforts. Historically, close to half of the par-
ticipants in skills-training programs at Clermont continue toward a bachelor’s degree. Mostof the remaining partici-
pants enter or return to the workforce with new skills and higher earning potential. .

CONTACT:

Elaine Mueninghoff

Associate Dean of Academic Services
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
4200 Clermont College Drive

Batavia, Ohio 45103-1785

(513) 732-5212

Email: muenine@email.uc.edu

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 17



oe
'

Appalachian Regional Commission
1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20009-1068

WWW.arc.gov

88


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

KENTUCKY

HELPING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: WOMEN'S INITIATIVE NETWORKING GROUPS

To help more women in Appalachia go into business for themselves, the Appalachian Regional Commission supports a
range of programs, including entrepreneurial training, marketing consultations, networking, and mentoring opportunities
for low- and moderate-income women. In eastern Kentucky, the Commission has supported the Women's Initiative
Networking Groups, a nonprofit organization offering business and marketing assistance to low- and moderate-income
women. The program has helped launch over 72 businesses ranging from traditional ventures like child care, tailoring,
or craft operations to more innovative enterprises in agriculture, health, and technology.

Contact:

Jeannie Brewer

Executive Director

WINGS

433 Chestnut Street

Berea, Kentucky 40403

(859) 985-9753

Email: jbrewer @wingsnet.org

MARYLAND

THINKING BIG WITH SMALL LOANS: WESTERN REGION SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
REVOLVING MICROLOAN FUND

A revolving microloan fund has been established to encourage community business investment in Allegany and
Washington Counties, providing prime interest rate loans of $10,000 or less for qualifying small business start-ups or
expansions. Loan recipients are individuals who cannot qualify for traditional business loans even though their budding
businesses show promise. In addition to a loan, these recipients receive technical assistance and counseling to help
them manage their new or expanding enterprises. The initiative has already helped close to 20 new businesses to get
off the ground. The microloan fund began in 1998 with initial capitalization of $80,000 and was recapitalized in 2000
with an additional $90,000. As principle and interest are paid back, the fund will continue to serve the local small
business community.

Contact:

Sam LaManna

Executive Director

Western Region Small Business Development Center
957 National Highway, Suite 3

LaVale, Maryland 21502

(301) 729-2400

Email: lamanna@sbdc-wmd.com

56 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


NORTH CAROLINA

Creating New Campuses on the Information Highway: Alleghany Cyber Site

Bringing Computers to Rural Day-Care Centers: Region | Early Childhood Development Regional Network
Preparing Children for School: Region A Partnership for Children (Smart Start)

Making College Accessible: New Century Scholars

Building Affordable Homes: Western North Carolina Housing Partnership

Building Local Leadership: North Carolina Rural Economic Development Institute

Developing Practical Approaches to Economic Development: Small Communities Rural Leadership Initiative
Partnering for Success: Southwestern North Carolina Revolving Loan Fund

Creating a Model for Community Health Care: Hot Springs Health Program

Sharing Health Information to Improve Care: Electronic Ambulance Call Reporting System

Improving Dental Health among Young Children: North Carolina Smart Smiles Program

OHIO

Turning Campuses into Youth Community Centers: Kids on Campus Community Partnership

Expanding Computer Learning to Meet Specific Industry Needs: Jefferson Community College Engineering
Computer Project

Keeping Computer Skills Up to Date: Swiss Hills Career Center Computer Lab

Helping Women Improve Their Job Skills: University of Cincinnati Clermont Workforce Development

Making University Knowledge Work for Communities: Institute for Local Government Administration and
Rural Development at Ohio University

Motivating Students to Attend College: Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education

Saving Jobs and Preserving a Rail Line: Austin Powder Rail Project

Creating New Industries on Old Industrial Sites: New Boston Industrial Park

Creating Jobs through Innovation: Measley Ridge Road Elevated Water Storage Tank

Increasing Water Capacity for a Growing Industry: Letart Water Line Project

Providing Hands-On Training at the Local Level: Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development

Increasing Philanthropic Support for Local Communities: The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

Creating Homegrown Jobs: Ohio Appalachian Hardwood Initiative

Helping a Woman-Owned Business Expand: Revolving Loan Fund Assistance for MACA Plastics

Improving Training in Health Care: Scioto County Joint Vocational School

Providing Dental Care to Low-Income Residents: Southeastern Ohio Dental Clinic

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8 a the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK

8



GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

CREATING PARTNERSHIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH: TEAM PENNSYLVANIA ENTREPRENEURIAL
ASSISTANCE NETWORKS

To build entrepreneurial strength throughout Pennsylvania's Appalachian counties and encourage development of more
homegrown businesses, the state government is providing assistance through networks of private and public organiza-
tions serving entrepreneurs and small businesses in seven local development districts. The mission of these entrepre-
neurial assistance networks (EANs) is to create a collaborative public-private alliance to stimulate new value-added
services, new market opportunities, and regional market-driven activities in order to enhance the awareness of entre-
preneurship in rural areas and increase the rate of new business formation and expansion. Major EAN initiatives
include Web-based client tracking systems; venture-capital training; entrepreneurial guides; placement of entrepreneurial
materials in libraries; youth entrepreneurship; mentoring; linkages with medical research facilities and universities; and
increased marketing of public loan programs.

Contact:

Neil Fowler

Acting Director

Center for Entrepreneurial Assistance

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Commonwealth Keystone Building, 4th Floor

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120-0225

(800) 280-3801

Email: nfowler@state.pa.us

VIRGINIA

REVITALIZING A SMALL TOWN: SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR AT NARROWS

The town of Narrows in Giles County is fighting economic decline in a unique way. When downtown business
withered due to retail competition and increased commercialization on Route 460, a major thoroughfare, town
officials and community leaders decided to focus on a $1.2 million downtown redevelopment plan with the small
business incubator as a primary focal point. The project was undertaken with support from the New River Valley
Planning District Commission and a citizen steering committee. Today, a two-story incubator building, formerly a
car dealership, offers budding businesses retail space, office suites, and light manufacturing/assembling areas. A
12,000-square-foot facility, the Giles Business Incubator had assisted in the development and growth of over |5
businesses as well as the retention and creation of over 30 jobs by the end of 2000. Narrows and Giles County
recognized the importance of the incubator and began a partnership in which the county would underwrite opera-
tions for the incubator for three years, while Narrows retained ownership of the facility. Through this partnership
and an aggressive marketing campaign, partially funded by a Department of Business Assistance's Small Business
Incubator Program grant, the incubator is advancing from the start-up stage to the growth stage of development
following the same best practices as most small businesses.

Contact:

Terri L. Martin

Director

Giles Business Incubator
211 Main Street, Suite 109
Narrows, Virginia 24124
(540) 726-3888

Email: gbi@gva.net

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK.

Le)



GOAL TWO PROJECTS

WORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE JOBS: UNION COUNTY BUSINESS PARK

The Union County business community and local government, with the support of state and federal agencies, have suc-
cessfully launched a new business park with associated residential and recreational development. The 660-acre site was
purchased in 1995 by the Union County Industrial Development Corporation, the industrial arm of the Union County
Chamber of Commerce. The chamber, Union County commissioners, the state, and several federal agencies have
invested more than $18 million toward the project's acquisition and development. The first phase of the park is com-
plete, with over 100 acres available for sale. All lots have public water and sewer service, natural gas availability, and
telecommunications capabilities. This initial phase alone is expected to create between 1,000 and 1,500 jobs. The
Union County Chamber is now exploring a cooperative effort with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of
Commerce to develop an additional 400 acres in Lycoming County adjacent to the current development. If feasibility
studies are supportive, a new multicounty development corporation may be established to manage the expanded project.

CONTACT:

Jerry Bohinski

Director of Economic Development
SEDA-Council of Governments

RR #1, Box 372

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania 18737
(570) 524-4491

Email: bohinski@seda-cog.org

IMPLEMENTING A STRATEGY FOR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION: MEADOW RIDGE BUSINESS PARK

To retain existing businesses and attract new employers, the Greene County Industrial Development Authority, in
cooperation with the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania, designed the 108-
acre Meadow Ridge Business Park near Interstate 79. The park is an essential component of the Greene County
Strategic Plan for economic revitalization. Sixty acres of developed land have been opened under the first phase, which
includes construction of a two-lane access road, as well as water and wastewater utilities. The park's first two corpo-
rate clients have hired over 85 employees, and the park is planning to open a new facility for additional businesses in
the spring of 2002.

CONTACT:

Donald F. Chappel

Executive Director

Greene County Industrial Development Authority
19 South Washington Street, Suite 150
Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370

(724) 627-9259

Email: dchappel@greencountyidea.org

4]

36 the WEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


acid to women of childbearing age. The children's health outreach program has enrolled hundreds of county children,
and the county has improved emergency medical services by creating new communications links between previously
isolated areas and a regional medical command hospital.State officials view the health initiative as part of a larger, com-
prehensive capacity-building plan, designed to provide long-term solutions and build strategic partnerships that will
address the county's economic and human development needs. Together the initiatives are expected to reach as many
as 12,000 county residents.

CONTACT:

Sandra Pope

Director

Office of Rural Health Policy

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
1411 Virginia Street, East

Charleston, West Virginia 25301

(304) 558-1327

Email: sandrapope@WVDHHR.org

76 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS chat WORK


GOAL TWO PROJECTS

TENNESSEE

REPLACING A BRIDGE TO SAVE JOBS: HICKMAN CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

In 1993, state engineers inspected a deteriorating railroad bridge over Hickman Creek in Putnam County and con-
cluded that the bridge needed to be replaced as soon as possible. Engineers expressed concern about the condition of
a 147-foot deck plate girder originally built in 1888. Not only was the bridge's wooden material deteriorating rapidly,
but the structure itself was severely disrupting the water flow of Hickman Creek. Putnam County economic develop-
ment officials also expressed concern. Rail traffic in Putnam County had increased dramatically. Without the bridge
replacement, rail service would come to an abrupt halt, putting at risk hundreds of jobs, including many in the area's
wood products industry. One local firm, Consolidated Forest Products, alone employed over 100 workers. With sup-
port from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Nashville and Eastern Railroad Authority raised the funds to
replace the bridge, saving many local jobs and allowing several local companies to expand,

Contacts:

Tony Linn

Director

Nashville and Eastern Railroad Corporation
RO. Box 795

Manchester Center, Vermont 05255

(802) 362-1516

Email: amlinn@nerr.com

IMPROVING PROSPECTS FOR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT: GRUNDY COUNTY PELHAM INDUSTRIAL PARK
Recognizing that they must diversify their job base in the face of increased international textiles competition, commu-
nity officials in Grundy County, Tennessee, embarked on a major initiative to develop a new industrial park adjacent to
Interstate 24 in Pelham Valley. With help from state and federal agencies, Grundy County officials acquired land,
installed basic infrastructure, and successfully built and sold the initial industrial park building by 1998. In 2001, the
county's efforts were again rewarded when Toyo Seat USA broke ground on a new $12 million plant that is expected
to employ approximately 200 people. Toyo Seat, which will supply automotive seat frames for a Nissan automobile
assembly plant, promises to anchor the business park while benefiting from the strong workforce and pro-business
environment in Grundy County. Securing major employers like Toyo Seat has been a major goal for the Pelham
Industrial Park. The Appalachian Regional Commission provided support to build a water tank to serve the needs of
park occupants. By improving prospects for additional industrial investment and corporate partnerships in the area, the
Pelham Industrial Park project in Grundy County could serve as a model for economic revitalization throughout the
Appalachian Region.

Contact:

Beth Jones

Economic Development Director
Southeast Tennessee Development District
RO. Box 4757

Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405-0757

(423) 266-5781

Email: biones@sedev.org

ae

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS thar WORK 37.



GOAL FOUR

Dynamic Local Economies

Appalachian residents will have access to financial
and technical resources to help build dynamic and

self-sustaining local economies.

5?

nu

52. the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

PROVIDING CHILD CARE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: CHILDREN FIRST CHILD DEVELOPMENT
CENTER °

"My children need to come first." This was the recurring refrain from women employees of several Jefferson County
businesses, brought together in focus groups to discuss their needs as working parents. The economy was growing,
labor in this eastern panhandle county was becoming scarce, and area businesses needed to attract and retain good
employees. For working mothers, child care was a big concern. As many as 3,100 children needed child care, but there
were only 671 licensed slots in the area. The Jefferson County Development Authority helped local employers, other
local agencies, and citizens respond by creating the Children First Child Development Center. This independent, not-
for-profit, tax-exempt organization is dedicated to providing working parents and their children affordable, quality child-
hood care and education. The effort is expected to bring new employees into the workforce, reduce absenteeism, and
increase productivity for participating companies. Local monies, supplemented with a grant from the Appalachian
Regional Commission, funded a 6,000-square-foot building on donated land in the Burr Industrial Park. The facility can
serve up to 100 children age six weeks and older. It will offer continuing care through elementary school age, primarily
for children of company employees but also for the greater community, as space is available. This public-private part-
nership benefits the community, working mothers, employers, and most of all, children.

Contact:
Jane Peters
Executive Director
Jefferson County Development Authority
P.O. Box 237
Charles Town, West Virginia 25412
(304) 728-3255
il: jcda@intrepid.net

30

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 25



GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH TRAINING: NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE
UNIVERSITY'S GEORGIA APPALACHIAN DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Internet marketing and e-commerce are increasing tourism and small business growth in Appalachian northern
Georgia. The Georgia Appalachian Development Center provides educational and training support in business and
technology, with a focus on Web development, marketing, and e-commerce. The center works closely with the
Intellectual Capital Partnership Program at the university, and together the two programs have built a state-of-the-art
computer lab for high-tech training. Small businesses learn how to increase their market share and sales through the
Internet. Community-based agencies learn how to use the Web to market their city, county, and region. In its first year,
the center served 479 people in classes, 41 in financial-resources seminars, and over 140 in technology workshops. The
center's partnerships include support from area chambers of commerce, tourism agencies, and development authorities.

CONTACT:

Kimberly R. Foster

Director of Public Services

Georgia Appalachian Development Center
North Georgia College and State University
Dahlonega, Georgia 30597

(706) 867-2814

Email: kfoster@ngcsu.edu

HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES FIND GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES: GORDON COUNTY INTERNATIONAL
EXPORT PROGRAM

The Gordon County Chamber of Commerce is helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) take advantage of
global business opportunities. The Gordon County International Export Program has created an international help
desk and clearinghouse for access to federal, state, local, and commercial organizations and Web sites; organized a
global trade conference in partnership with local, state, educational, and business organizations; identified local experts
as mentors; established partnerships between the chamber and university and state organizations to sustain program-
ming and services; and trained chamber staff in SME export needs and information resources. As a result, four county
enterprises are pursuing export opportunities, and the chamber is planning a future program on international trade in
‘collaboration with the University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center.

CONTACT:

Jimmy Phillips

President

Gordon County Chamber of Commerce
300 South Wall Street

Calhoun, Georgia 30701

(706) 625-3200

Email: jphillips@gordonchamber.org

8 (0) the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 55



64

GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

DEVELOPING APPALACHIA'S FUTURE LAWYERS: THE APPALACHIAN SCHOOL OF LAW

A new law school is part of a long-term economic and civic revitalization effort in Appalachian Virginia. The long-
dominant coal industry continues to decline, but community leaders in Buchanan County and surrounding counties
believe the Appalachian School of Law will help build local expertise for a more diverse, complex economy. Initially
housed in buildings made available by public-school consolidation, the new law school held its first graduation in
2000. Attorneys are historically a source of civic leadership, and the Appalachian School of Law seeks to attract stu-
dents who will return to their communities. The school has received provisional accreditation from the American
Bar Association. Beginning this autumn, the institution will become the first law school to partner with the National
Bonner Leaders Program. New faculty members have been added as the school continues to grow toward its full
enrollment of 350 students. Initially supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the law school has launched
the Investment in Tomorrow development campaign, which has secured donations and pledges of over $14.4 million
to fund school activities.

CONTACT:

Lucius F Ellsworth

President

The Appalachian School of Law
P.O. Box 2825

Grundy, Virginia 24614

(540) 935-4349

SUPPORTING A SOLAR DRY KILN FACILITY IN SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA: APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT

To encourage environmentally friendly logging and wood-products manufacturing practices, Appalachian Sustainable
Development has built a solar and wood-waste dry-kiln facility to serve as a primary processing center for sustainable
wood products in ten counties of southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee. According to the Virginia
Department of Forestry, the lack of such a facility has limited the manufacture of value-added wood products in the
region. In addition to helping build the new kiln, the Appalachian Regional Commission is providing support to train
loggers in sustainable harvesting methods and providing information to small manufacturers on innovative ways to mar-
ket their products and expand their businesses. Appalachian Sustainable Development expects the project to help cre-
ate at least four sustainable logging operations and estimates ten to 20 local wood-products manufacturers will use the
newly harvested lumber.

CONTACT:

Anthony Flaccavento

Executive Director

Appalachian Sustainable Development
P.O. Box 791

Abingdon, Virginia 24212-0791

(540) 623-1121

Email: asd@naxs.net

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS chat WORK.



the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK

APPALACHIAN
REGIONAL
COMMISSION

November 2001 5 &



GOAL THREE PROJECTS

Benham, Cumberland, and Lynch, have launched similar programs. While the CDI emphasizes community-based plan-
ning, it also focuses on civic leadership, physical infrastructure and workforce, and the community's history of financial
responsibility and current fiscal capacity to support development initiatives. By better synchronizing local strategic plan-
ning with development resources, CDI speeds up economic development while using state resources more efficiently.

Contact:

Ewell Balltrip

Executive Director

Kentucky Appalachian Commission
Gorman Center

601 Main Street, Suite 001

Hazard, Kentucky 41701

(606) 435-6129

Email: ewell@mis.net

GIVING PEOPLE POSITIVE OPTIONS: HAZARD PERRY COUNTY COMMUNITY MINISTRIES, INC.

Hazard Perry County Community Ministries, Inc. (HPCCM), is a grassroots, community-based nonprofit organization
that has generated more than $10 million in ongoing and sustainable services over the past ten years. HPCCM was
first incorporated in 1976 and is governed by a volunteer board of local leaders and constituents who take an active ”
role in program development, fundraising, and community awareness. A guiding premise is that given good options,
people will make good choices. The organization's mission is to analyze resources, identify gaps, and determine how
best to lead the community in human, economic, and community development. Many programs, including large capital
projects, have been developed, and all have been successful and self sustaining. Among these are child and adult day
care, homelessness intervention and emergency shelter provision, home-ownership promotion, economic development,
adult education, budget and housing counseling, and downtown revitalization. A variety of public- and private-sector
partners help make these programs an ongoing success.

CONTACT:

Gerry F Roll

Executive Director

Hazard Perry County Community Ministries, Inc.
P.O. Box 1506

Hazard, Kentucky 41702

(606) 436-2662

Email: hpccmadm@mis.net

49

44 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS chat WORK


GOAL THREE PROJECTS

WORKING TO BRING HOME THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST: HALE BUILDERS OF POSITIVE
PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

Concerned that many high-achieving high school students do not return to live in Hale County, Alabama, after college,
the county's Hale Empowerment and Revitalization Organization Family Resource Center created a youth leadership
program to encourage young people to build personal and professional lives in this distressed area of western Alabama.
Over 20 student leaders from county high schools were chosen as the first participants in the Hale Builders of Positive
Partnerships (BOPP) program. With support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, these "Hale BOPP Comets"
received training in leadership and business skills, learned about local history and culture, and took part in local service
projects. The University of Alabama, Auburn University, and Shelton State Community College cooperated in activities
that will build problem-solving skills, encourage responsibility, and reveal the value of long-term community commit-
ment. The program has been so successful that it has now expanded to include additional training and educational
opportunities for the Comets during their senior year of high school and continued contact after they graduate and
proceed to college.

CONTACT:

Jim Kellen

Director

HERO Family Resource Center
1015 Market Street
Greensboro, Alabama 36744
(334) 624-9100

(888) 444-4376

Email: jwkellen@yahoo.com

FOSTERING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THROUGH LEADERSHIP TRAINING: YOUR TOWN ALABAMA
PROGRAM

This leadership development and training program is providing strong new networks across government, business, and
local groups in Alabama communities. The Your Town program conducts two workshops a year targeted at the com-
munity planning and design problems that affect rural Alabama. Increasing urbanization provides opportunities and chal-
lenges, and the program teaches participants about strategic planning and decision making at the community level. A
statewide board of directors is working with partners including the Auburn University Center for Architecture and
Urban Studies, the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, and the Regional Planning Commission of
Greater Birmingham to refine the curriculum, develop a continuing education program for alumni, and establish a youth
program for high school students. Partnership has been part of Your Town from its inception. The National Trust for
Historic Preservation initially launched the program, and the Appalachian Regional Commission has funded curriculum
development and workshops. The board of directors represents a wide range of public- and private-sector organiza-
tions and interests. With this strong public and private support for Your Town, the board expects the program to
become a self-sustaining, ongoing resource for Alabama.

CONTACT:

Paul Kennedy

Project Coordinator

Cawaco RC&D Council

2112 Eleventh Avenue South, Suite 220
Birmingham, Alabama 35205

(205) 251-8139 ext. 35

Email: paul.kennedy@al.usda.gov

42 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS chat WORK


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

BUILDING ON ECONOMIC STRENGTHS: POLYMER ALLIANCE ZONE

Private industry and government are working together to promote and enhance the competitive advantage of the poly-
mer industry in western West Virginia. Major companies as well as small-to-medium-sized enterprises helped design the
Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ), which provides workforce development and training, capital assistance, environmental
technical assistance, and managerial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. With a concentration of existing
companies and trained workers, the area is a leading producer of polymers and polymer products. To make sure new
workers are prepared for industry jobs, PAZ is collaborating with state universities and local public schools to provide
pre-employment training for high school students. Working with the state, the counties, the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional
Council, and West Virginia lenders, capital assistance incentives have helped create or retain over 800 jobs and over
$43 million in new investments. An environmental permit handbook prepared in cooperation with the state
Department of Environmental Protection provides a guide to new or revised permits. PAZ staff offers assistance to
small or medium-sized companies with environmental, business, or technical problems. From multinational companies
down to local recycled plastics enterprises, this unique public-private collaboration ensures continued jobs and eco-
nomic growth for a major industry in three West Virginia counties.

CONTACT:

R.V. Graham

Executive Director
Polymer Alliance Zone
104 Miller Drive
Ripley, West Virginia 25271
(304) 372-1143

BRINGING EUROPE TO APPALACHIA: A REGIONAL TOURISM PROMOTION

Tourism plays an important economic role in Appalachia. In many rural communities tourism ranks among the fastest-
growing sectors of the local economy. Recognizing that more repeat foreign visitors, particularly Germans, Swiss, and
Austrians, were traveling to the United States, the tourism offices of West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky began a special
coordinated effort in 1994 to promote Appalachia as an exciting and fun-filled tourism destination. Immediate steps
were taken to develop relationships with airlines and to create an awareness of the Appalachian Mountain and River
Region among tour operators and travel agents. At the same time, the states worked to encourage positive media
coverage of the Appalachian Region in German, Swiss, and Austrian newspapers, magazines, radio, and television.
Seminars were held in the three states to better prepare the tourism industries for international visitors. An Internet
site, www.travelappalachia.com, provides travel information and links to the states’ partners. The regional tourism proj-
ect has more than met its goals. There is new international awareness of the Appalachian Region as a travel destina-
tion; more foreign visitors have come to the Region; and a local tourism industry has become increasingly attuned to
the demands of expanding its own international marketing efforts.

CONTACT:
Alisa
West Virginia State Tourism Director
2101 Washington Street, East
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
(304) 558-2200

Email: abailey@callwva.com

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 67”



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

MISSISSIPPI

EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS: MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICES’ VIRTUAL
ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM

Providing effective training to help Appalachians start and maintain their own businesses is critical for rural communi-
ties that seek to grow and diversify their economies. The Mississippi State University Extension Service provided these
services to seven counties through its Virtual Entrepreneurial Education and Training program. The project initially
brought together a variety of resources to help launch new businesses and provide entrepreneurial training to over
200 youths and adults in the seven-county target area. Youths had access to extensive training and the opportunity to
participate in cross-age teaching and learning. Adults were trained in “Entrepreneurship 101” and “E-Biz” curricula with
extensive e-commerce educational support, including access to laptop computers, Web development software, interac-
tive video, and Internet marketing tools. Youths were trained through the establishment of the Entrepreneurship Corps
(E-Corps). E-Corps participants were taught extensive technology and entrepreneurial skills that enabled some of them
to start new business ventures. The training ended with several of the entrepreneurs selling their products on the
Internet through retail Web sites.

CONTACTS:

Beth Duncan

Small Business Specialist

Mississippi State University Extension Service
Box 9642

Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762

(662) 325-2160

Email: bethd@ext.msstate.edu

Linda Mitchell
Youth Technology and Special Programs Coordinator
Mississippi State University Extension Service

P.O. Box 2297

5338 Cliff Gookin Boulevard

Tupelo, Mississippi 38803

(601) 841-9000

Email: lindam@ext.msstate.edu

DEVELOPING A BETTER-EDUCATED WORKFORCE: ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADVANCED
EDUCATION CENTER

According to recent research, more than one-third of the value-added jobs in Mississippi are located within a 50-mile
radius of Tupelo. Recognizing its critical role in improving workforce skills in the area, Itawamba Community College
has expanded its capacity to meet the training needs of more than 400 employers and 500 workers in northeastern
Mississippi by opening the Advanced Education Center (AEC) at its Tupelo campus. With support from local leaders
and funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the center has been equipped with an array of modern

10 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS thar WORK 1 5


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

MOVING FROM WELFARE TO WORK: AUBURN UNIVERSITY MONTGOMERY MENTORING
ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK FOR WOMEN

At least 1,500 women in Appalachian Alabama are 30-month welfare recipients and face daunting challenges in moving
from welfare to work. Those located in three economically distressed counties have a more difficult transition as local
jobs are limited. To assist women in Hale, Macon, and Pickens Counties, Auburn University Montgomery (AUM) initiated
a mentoring program for potential entrepreneurs. Successful women entrepreneurs who have expertise in working with
disadvantaged women, owning and operating their own businesses, and working with economic development programs
were recruited as core mentors and matched with 15 potential women entrepreneurs. The 15 potential entrepreneurs
meet regularly with their core mentors to address issues of importance, including technology use, business plan develop-
ment, marketing, and business organization. AUM expects the network to expand over time as successful program gradu-
ates become mentors to future women entrepreneurs within their respective communities.

CONTACT:

Darla Graves

Project Manager

Alabama Mentoring Entrepreneurial Network
Auburn University Montgomery

Center for Business and Economic Development
600 South Court Street, Suite 110

Montgomery, Alabama 36104

(334) 244-3701

Email: DGraves@CBED.AUM.edu

GEORGIA

PROVIDING SMALL LOANS TO CREATE BIG CHANGES: THE MOUNTAIN PARTNERSHIP LOAN FUND
The Mountain Partnership Loan Fund provides loans of up to $5,000 for individual entrepreneurs or very small businesses
in 12 northeastern Georgia counties. Appalachian Community Enterprises, Inc.,a nonprofit community-based organiza-
tion, created the revolving microloan program for low-income or at-risk entrepreneurs who do not qualify for conven-
tional loans but are willing to receive business education and technical support with their loans. Partnerships with area
businesses and educators provide the support structures that encourage the financial success of loan recipients.

The Community Bank and Trust of Cornelia processes loans and collections; members of the northeastern Georgia busi-
ness community review loan applications and serve as mentors and consultants; and the University of Georgia Small
Business Development Center provides technical assistance and free business counseling, as does the North Georgia
College and State University. Loan-fund orientations and ongoing business resources are provided by North Georgia
Technical College through their entrepreneurial education certificate program.

Contact:

Grace Fricks

Loan Fund Manager

Mountain Partnership Loan Fund
1727 Turner's Corner Road
Cleveland, Georgia 30528

(706) 348-6609

Email: fricks@alltel.net

59

‘54 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

NORTH CAROLINA

PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS: SOUTHWESTERN NORTH CAROLINA REVOLVING LOAN FUND

A comprehensive partnership with supporting institutions ensures success for this revolving loan fund, administered by
the Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission. The commission works closely
with its partners ina seven-county region, including business and technology centers at area colleges, the state depart-
ment of commerce, commercial banks and lenders, and nontraditional lenders, including the Self-Help Credit Union and
the Mountain Microenterprise Fund.

Contact:

Vicki Greene

Revolving Loan Administrator

Southwestern North Carolina Planning and Economic Development Commission
PO. Drawer 850

Bryson City, North Carolina 28713

(828) 488-9211

Email: vicki@regiona.org

OHIO

CREATING HOMEGROWN JOBS: OHIO APPALACHIAN HARDWOOD INITIATIVE

Appalachian hardwood products are sparking new economic development efforts, from local skills training in rural
Chio counties to international marketing in Europe and Asia. The Appalachian Regional Commission has helped fund
technical assistance for potential entrepreneurs, including workshops, manuals, and demonstrations, through the Ohio
State University Research Foundation. Workshop participants not only learn how to fashion products from oak, hick-
ory, walnut, cherry, hard maple, ash, and yellow poplar, but also how to reach current and potential markets for such
products. The Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission is also helping existing manufacturers grow markets for
Appalachian hardwood products through international trade shows in Germany and Japan. Participating companies join
a regionally clustered trade delegation and receive cost sharing (of not more than 50 percent) to pay for tradeshow

65

60 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL ONE PROJECTS

LINKING NETWORKS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION: LEATHERSTOCKING TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CONSORTIUM

What is now the Leatherstocking Telecommunications Consortium began as several distinct networking efforts linking
classrooms in multiple school districts. It evolved into a sophisticated telecommunications system providing Internet
access, distance learning, telemedicine services, and mobile teleconferencing for local governments and businesses.
Over the last decade, quickly evolving technology has presented challenges and opportunities for regional telecommu-
nications planners. Students continue to benefit from "distant" classes while new technology expands the network's
capabilities. The consortium also has helped local governments set up Internet sites providing citizen access to govern-
ment information. An associated health care telecommunications network provides links to hospitals and outreach
clinics that support nursing education and provide telemedicine assistance to public school nurses. The consortium is
now in the process of expanding the network to nine counties. Plans include delivering health education to schools,
storing training on a video server, and linking college classrooms to a video network.

CONTACT:

Stan France

Director of Central Data Processing
Schoharie County

PO. Box 541

Schoharie, New York 12157

(518) 295-8465

Email: stan@co.schoharie.ny.us

LINKING STUDENTS AND BUSINESS: WHITESVILLE SCHOOL-BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

‘Once a solid farming community, the rural hamlet of Whitesville in southeastern Allegany County is experiencing eco-
nomic difficulty and can offer only limited job opportunities to its high school graduates. To stimulate stronger ties
between students and local businesses, the Whitesville Central School District has created a special school-business
partnership that links art and technology classes with the needs of small businesses in the area. Equipped with comput-
ers and special software, purchased with support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the school's print shop
provides students an opportunity to learn the basics of commercial printing, graphics, and advertising while producing
brochures and pamphlets for area businesses. The students not only gain valuable work experience but also develop
personal ties to local businesses.

CONTACTS:

Charles Cutler
Superintendent

Whitesville Central School
692 Main Street

Whitesville, New York 14897
(607) 356-3301 ext. 221

Douglas Van Skiver

School Counselor

Whitesville Central School

692 Main Street

Whitesville, New York 14897

(607) 356-3301 ext. 234

Email: doug_vanskiver@whitesville.wnyric.org

12 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK i 7


APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION
November 2001

FEDERAL CO-CHAIRMAN STATES’ CO-CHAIRMAN
Jesse L. White Jr. Governor Paul E. Patton

ALABAMA
Governor Don Siegelman

GEORGIA
Governor Roy E. Barnes

KENTUCKY
Governor Paul E. Patton

MARYLAND
Governor Parris N. Glendening

MISSISSIPPI
Governor Ronnie Musgrove

NEW YORK
Governor George E. Pataki

NORTH CAROLINA
Governor Michael F. Easley

OHIO
Governor Bob Taft

PENNSYLVANIA
Governor Mark Schweiker

SOUTH CAROLINA
Governor James H. Hodges

TENNESSEE
Governor Don Sundquist

VIRGINIA
Governor James Gilmore

WEST VIRGINIA
Governor Robert E. Wise Jr.


GOAL TWO PROJECTS

INCREASING WATER CAPACITY FOR A GROWING INDUSTRY: LETART WATER LINE PROJECT

Each year nurseries and greenhouses in the Letart area of Meigs County produce over $5 million in tomato plants,
hanging baskets, and flower flats. These products, sold primarily to large national retailers such as Wal-Mart and Kmart,
have become a substantial part of the local economy. Recently, however, community officials became concerned about
the large quantities of water required by these businesses and the potential water shortage these requirements might
engender for farms and residents alike. With support from the Appalachian Regional Commission, Meigs County offi-
cials solved the problem by completing the Letart Water Line. With its larger water pipes and a new pumping station,
the project has helped ensure that the nursery industry can continue to grow and create new jobs.

Contact:

Boyer Simcox

Executive Director

Buckeye Hills-Hocking Valley Regional Development District
Route |, Box 299D

Marietta, Ohio 45750-0755

(740) 374-9436

Email: bhhyvrddmarietta@ee.net

PENNSYLVANIA

BUILDING A WATER LINE TO MAINTAIN JOBS: CUMBERLAND MINE WATER PROJECT

The 500 workers at the Cumberland Mine in Greene County faced the likelihood of layoffs unless mine operations
could be expanded to include access to potable water. Mine officials said water shortages threatened operations at
two existing mine portals as well as at a proposed third portal. With support from the Appalachian Regional
Commission, community leaders approved and built a new ten-mile water line that provided additional water to the
mining facility as well as to 51 private residences and several new businesses. The company operating Cumberland
Mine agreed to pay monthly user fees, offsetting most debt charges for the project, which included a pump station, a
one-million-gallon storage tank, and 45 fire hydrants. Residential user fees also help to offset costs.

CONTACT:

Joseph J. Simatic

General Manager

Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority
P.O. Box 2119

Jefferson, Pennsylvania 15344

(724) 883-2301

c=
Qo

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS thar WORK 35



Index of Projects

: 82

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 77



GOAL ONE PROJECTS

pounds per year and already providing services for four major customers, including a hospital, two nursing homes, and
a private business. More importantly, the laundry provided work for 15 full-time employees, including eight individuals
with disabilities, and 50 part-time employees, including 35 with developmental disabilities. HCSW expects the facility to
reach full capacity by July 2002, providing services for an expanding network of local businesses and institutions and
offering additional jobs to people with disabilities.

‘CONTACT:

Fred Hendershot

Executive Director

Hancock County Sheltered Workshop
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue
Weirton, West Virginia 26062

(304) 748-2370

Email: fhenders@Ist.net

EXPANDING CURRICULA AND INCREASING TECHNOLOGY USE: RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL

Students participating in the fine arts cluster at the new Riverside High School in eastern Kanawha County can now
produce their own daily television news programs. They have learned to use cameras, lighting, computer graphics,
teleprompters, and video-editing equipment purchased with help from the Appalachian Regional Commission and
Kanawha County. The program was made possible following a consolidation effort in 1999, when the county replaced
two older institutions and combined grades 9 through 12 at the new high school. The new configuration has allowed
greater flexibility and opportunity for curriculum development. The studio and technology facilities now provide train-
ing and exposure to professional fields never before available to area students. The new school's technology lab, used
by an estimated 700 students a year, also provides community education and professional workshops for area adults.
The Upper Kanawha Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Upper Kanawha Valley Mayors’ Association, and the Upper
Kanawha Valley Economic Development Corporation were involved in planning the new school, and continue to sup-
port its innovative programs, which benefit students and encourage regional economic development.

Contact:

Richard Clendenin

Principal

Riverside High School

#1 Warrior Way
Belle, West Virginia 20515

(304) 348-1996

Email: rclenden@rhs.kana.k|2.wv.us

28

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 23



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APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION .

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GOAL THREE PROJECTS

DEVELOPING PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: SMALL COMMUNITIES RURAL
LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

Many small communities in western North Carolina lack the professional staff and large leadership base needed to
develop a sustainable economy. The Small Communities Rural Leadership Initiative, established and coordinated by
HandMade in America, develops practical new approaches to economic development. Participants learn a systematic
approach to managing projects, building a leadership base, and involving the broader community in an inclusive, collabo-
rative process. While taking part in training sessions over a full year and using their new leadership skills to recruit
others, participants plan and conduct local community projects with assistance from the initiative. Training and project
activities help create a long-term leadership corps and encourage cooperation between participating towns. In addition,
the models developed in these towns are being made available to communities throughout 21 western North Carolina
counties. In a four-year period, these towns have initiated over $17 million in main street revitalization projects.

Contact:

Rebecca Anderson

Executive Director

HandMade in America

PO. Box 2089

Ashville, North Carolina 28802
(828) 252-0121

Email: wnccrafts@aol.com

OHIO

PROVIDING HANDS-ON TRAINING AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: CORPORATION FOR OHIO APPALACHIAN
DEVELOPMENT

Based in Athens County, the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) is a private, nonprofit organi-
zation representing 17 community action agencies serving 30 counties. COAD provides a forum for collaboration
and coordination among local providers who assist the elderly and low-income individuals and families. COAD also
seeks to improve the leadership and management capabilities of local governments and organizations serving local

e
ror
or
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the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 47



GOAL TWO PROJECTS

NEW YORK

MAKING SERVICES MORE EFFICIENT: SOUTHERN TIER WEST CENTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES

Local governments are providing better services to their communities in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua Counties,
thanks to the Southern Tier West Center for Local Government and Community Services. Begun in 1988 as the
Community Assistance Program, the center provides local elected officials and employees with a variety of carefully devel-
oped training and technical assistance programs designed to improve the way in which they govern and grow their com-
munities. Local governments are also working together to provide more efficient services. Virtually all of the region's 130
local governments are providing more effective and responsive services, thanks to the center's strong advocacy of inter-
municipal cooperation. Numerous seminars, workshops, conferences, and other capacity-building programs continue to
provide local leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to improve community services. Local financial support for the
center's effort continues to grow, with mentorship including 118 out of 130 local governments as of December 2000.

Contact:

Eric Bridges

Director

Center for Local Government and Community Services
Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board
Center for Regional Excellence

4039 Route 219, Suite 200

Salamanca, New York 14779

(716) 945-5301

Email: ebridges@southerntierwest.org

CREATING NEW MARKETS FOR FAMILY FARMERS: SOUTHERN TIER SMALL FARM EXPANSION
INITIATIVE

Several years ago, as the farming industry continued to consolidate into fewer, larger producers, farm development offi-
cials in New York saw great potential for smaller producers in emerging local and urban specialty markets.
Unfortunately, many small operators were unaware of the opportunity. In response to this problem, the Southern Tier
Small Farm Expansion Initiative provided information and technical assistance to farmers in eight southern New York
counties, helping reestablish a demand for grass-fed veal and establish a pastured-poultry industry in the region. The
initiative also helped new and existing beef cattle, goat, and sheep producers identify targeted markets. With the assis-
tance of the project, which provides consistent, up-to-date market information to producers, farmers now sell meat
products, including meadow-raised veal, in local and regional markets and restaurants. Over 50 farmers now produce
pastured poultry, and many have expanded their capacity to meet the growing demand in the new agricultural industry.

Contact:

Phil Metzger

Director

Southern Tier Small Farm Expansion Initiative
99 North Broad Street

Norwich, New York 13815

(607) 334-3231 ext. 4

Email: phil. metzger@ny.usda.gov

the NEW APPALACHIA: (DEAS that WORK 31



GOAL THREE

Civic Capacity and Leadership

The people and organizations of Appalachia will have
the vision and capacity to mobilize and work together
for sustained economic progress and improvement of.

their communities.

40 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK



GOAL TWO

Physical Infrastructure

Appalachian residents will have the physical infra-
structure necessary for self-sustaining economic

development and improved quality of life.

3i

26 the NEW APPALACHUA IDEAS that WORK


GOAL ONE PROJECTS

EXPANDING THE CLASSROOM: TOWNS COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL LAPTOP COMPUTER PROJECT

With only a few computers in the library, students in Towns County Middle Schoo! had little opportunity to develop
computer skills or use the Internet to research projects. In 1998, in the first year of a pilot program, Towns County
gave every middle school student a specially designed laptop computer. The school also offered training for teachers,
students, and parents, and provided access to the Internet from school or home through a school-based network.
Computers are now as ubiquitous as books in the classroom. Students, their parents, and teachers have found their
lives enriched in unexpected ways. Since every student has access to online research, teachers can assign more inter-
esting and demanding projects. Parents are also learning computer skills and communicating with their children's
teachers through email. Students and parents both report that the children are spending less time watching television
and more time doing homework. A number of parents have been inspired to resume their own education. The suc-
cessful project has led to similar investments in middle schools in West Virginia and North Carolina. In May 2001, Time
magazine ranked Towns County Middle School among the most innovative middle schools in the country.

Contact:

Stephen H. Smith

Principal

Towns County Middle Schoo!

1400 U.S. Highway 76, East
Hiawassee, Georgia 30546

(706) 896-4131

Email: SSmith@mail.towns.kl2.ga.us

KENTUCKY

HELPING STUDENTS AIM HIGH: CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER IN HAZARD, KENTUCKY

Launched in the spring of 1999, this hands-on education project offers thousands of middle school students the oppor-
tunity to participate in an eight-week science and math curriculum, aligned with state and national standards, that pre-
pares them for a simulated space mission. The program teaches basic math and science skills and motivates students
to pursue careers in these fields. The first of its kind in rural America, the Hazard center is part of a network of over
30 Challenger Learning Centers nationwide begun by a not-for-profit education organization founded in 1986 by the
surviving family members of the seven Challenger astronauts. To date, more than 18,000 students have participated in
the space simulation program.

CONTACT:

Tom Cravens

Director

Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky
601 Main Street

Hazard, Kentucky 41701

(800) 334-2793

(606) 436-5721

Email: tom.cravens@ketcs.net

8 the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS thar WORK.


GOAL FOUR PROJECTS

PENNSYLVANIA

CREATING JOBS AND HELPING THE ENVIRONMENT: BROWNFIELDS DEVELOPMENT IN APPALACHIAN
PENNSYLVANIA

Cooperative networks of government and community organizations are helping redevelop three brownfields sites in
Appalachian Pennsylvania. Such areas, previously contaminated with industrial waste, often cannot be reclaimed without
extensive cooperation between local, state, and federal regulators and public and private partners. The North Central
Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission decided to purchase and redevelop old industrial sites,
creating multitenant complexes for new companies. This move met a locally identified need for low-cost industrial
space for start-up companies. As these companies grow they can relocate in the area, continuing to provide local jobs
while freeing space for new entrepreneurs. The first site was acquired in 1985, and the most recent in 2001. Today the
commission manages 87 acres of industrial park space, with over one million square feet of useable space occupied by
30 companies. Over 650 new jobs have been created, In addition to environmental regulatory agencies, partners have
included county and municipal governments, regional planning organizations, chambers of commerce, utility companies,
banks, realtors, and industrial organizations.

Contact:

Donald J. Masisak

Deputy Director of Economic Development

North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission
651 Montmorenci Avenue

Ridgway, Pennsylvania 15853

(814) 773-3162

Email: dmasisak@ncentral.com

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER OUTREACH PROGRAM

For many years residents seeking to start or expand businesses in Greene County had little immediate access to local
business information, counseling, or assistance in planning and financing. However, with help from the University of
Pittsburgh, Greene County has implemented a key part of its strategic economic development plan. An outreach office
of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center, open one day a week, was launched in late 1996.
Despite its limited operation, the office assisted over 70 residents and helped six clients receive almost $1.5 million in
financing in its first year. The outreach office opened on a full-time basis in 1998 and continues to provide one-on-one
business management counseling, as well as informational and educational programs of interest to growing numbers of
start-up or small business owners. Community involvement makes the outreach effort more successful. The Small
Business Development Center is an active member of the local chamber of commerce. Its local coordinator is involved
with numerous area work groups and serves as a county representative for several regional activities.

Contact:

Ann Dugan

Executive Director

Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence
315 Bellefield Avenue, Room 208
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213

(412) 648-1542

Email: adugan@katz.pitt.edu

62. the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


ALABAMA

Getting Children Ready to Learn: Alabama School Readiness Program 5
Working Together for Mutual Benefit: Rainsville Industrial Park Infrastructure 27
Making Economic Growth Possible: Lincoln Wastewater Treatment Plant 27
Building Community Strength by Preserving the Past: Aliceville Museum and Cultural Arts Center 4l
Developing Job Training to Meet Individual Needs: Scottsboro Appalachian Community Learning Project 4l
Working to Bring Home the Best and the Brightest: Hale Builders of Positive Partnerships Program a
Fostering Community Development through Leadership Training: Your Town Alabama Program a
Preparing and Marketing Specialty Foods: The Shoals Commercial Culinary Center 53
Helping Local Companies Compete Worldwide: Project TEAM Training Program 53
Moving from Welfare to Work: Auburn University Mongomery Mentoring Entrepreneurial Network for Women 54
Providing Quality Health Care to the Working Poor: Northwest Alabama Community Health Clinic “0
GEORGIA

Maximizing Success in the Twenty-First Century: North Georgia Technical College Entrepreneurial Education Program 5
Investing in Human Capital: Early Childhood Initiative in Appalachian Georgia 6
Breathing New Life into Old Practices: Computer-Aided Design for the Granite Industry 6
Connecting Schools and Community: The ChattoogaNet Project 7
Working Together for Our Children: The Parents, Children, and Teachers Force 3 Program 7
Expanding the Classroom: Towns County Middle School Laptop Computer Project 8
Using Technology to Enhance Community Development: Growth Management Initiative Web Site 43
Providing Small Loans to Create Big Changes: The Mountain Partnership Loan Fund 54
Creating Opportunities through Training: North Georgia College and State University’s Georgia Appalachian Development Center 55
Helping Small Businesses Find Global Opportunities: Gordon County International Export Program 55
KENTUCKY

Helping Students Aim High: Challenger Learning Center in Hazard, Kentucky 8
Wiring for Business, Education, and Health: Big Sandy Regional Telecommunications Center 28
Synchronizing Local Planning and Development Resources: Kentucky Appalachian Community Development Initiative 43
Giving People Positive Options: Hazard Perry County Community Ministries, Inc. 44
Helping Women Entrepreneurs: Women's Initiative Networking Groups 56
Training Health-Care Providers for Appalachia: Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine 6
Strengthening the Health of Rural Communities: The University of Kentucky Center for Excellence in Rural Health 70

83

the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 79



GOAL THREE PROJECTS

communities. COAD's Appalachian Leadership Academy is a hands-on training program for middle-management staff,
giving professional development opportunities to community action, economic development, local government, and
nonprofit agency professionals.

CONTACTS:

Roger McCauley

Executive Director

Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development
P.O. Box 787

Athens, Ohio 45701-0787

(740) 594-8499

Email: rmecauley@coadinc.org

Karen Collins

Director

Appalachian Leadership Academy

Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development
P.O. Box 787

Athens, Ohio 45701-0787

(740) 594-8499

Email: kcollins@coadinc.org

INCREASING PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES: THE FOUNDATION FOR
APPALACHIAN OHIO

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio was established in 1998 as a regional community foundation to address the
needs and opportunities of the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio. The foundation seeks to build a better future for the
region by building charitable endowments for regional and local grantmaking. The core business is designed to help
donors achieve their charitable goals and connect the people who care with the issues that matter in Appalachian
Ohio. As a steward of charitable gifts, the foundation isa regional vehicle through which permanent, charitable endow-
ment is attracted and invested in Appalachian Ohio.

CONTACT:

Leslie Lilly

President and CEO

The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
P.O. Box 456

Nelsonville, Ohio 45764

(740) 753-1111

Email: llilly@ffao.org

48 the EW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK 5 3



GOAL THREE PROJECTS

community GIS and planning activities. The InfoMentum program is now fully integrated into the region's economic
development and planning activities, enhancing the capacity of local government while bringing new development to the
region as a whole.

CONTACT:

Carol Andersen

Program Coordinator

Appalachian Council of Governments
P.O. Drawer 6668

Greenville, South Carolina 29606
(864) 242-9733

Email: andersen@scacog.org

DEVELOPING A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS: APPALACHIAN REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT, 2000-2005

Broad community involvement is the key to successful design and subsequent implementation of South Carolina's
ambitious Appalachian Regional Strategic Plan for Economic Development. The initiative brings together citizens, eco-
nomic development leaders, elected officials, service providers, and business representatives to enhance the economic
development potential of the region. Participants identify the most critical economic development issues facing the
region, develop strategies for addressing issues, and work to implement those strategies. The process builds on a suc-
cessful regional strategic planning process undertaken by the Appalachian Council of Governments and the South
Carolina Department of Commerce between 1992 and 1994. A key principle of the current initiative holds that a
knowledgeable and motivated citizenry provides a critical resource for economic development. By involving large
groups of citizens, the process builds an understanding of the value of development and the resources necessary to
attract industry. It focuses on a vision for development and builds a broad base of support for given strategies.
Organizers expect to receive close to 50 specific recommendations that will identify tasks, those who will complete
them, the costs, and project deadlines. Since those responsible for implementation are now involved in developing the
recommendations, organizers expect this partnership to result in commitment, action, and results.

CONTACT:

Steve Pelissier

Planning Director

Appalachian Council of Governments
P.O. Drawer 6668

Greenville, South Carolina 29606
(864) 242-9733

Email: stevep@scacog.org

55

‘SO the NEW APPALACHIA: IDEAS that WORK


GOAL ONE PROJECTS

resources, including a fluid power lab, basic and advanced programmable logic controller labs, and four computer
labs. Working closely with the University of Mississippi and the Mississippi University for Women, the AEC antici-
pates that by developing a better-educated workforce, Itawamba County and its neighboring counties will improve
their local economies.

CONTACT:

Charles Chrestman

Vice President for Instruction
Itawamba Community College
602 West Hill Street

Fulton, Mississippi 38843

(662) 862-8050

Email: evchrestman@icc.cc.ms.us

NEW YORK

SHOWING WHY MATH AND SCIENCE ARE IMPORTANT: ALLEGANY COUNTY TECHNOLOGY
CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT

Responding to the growing demand for students proficient in mathematics, science, and technology, the Cuba-Rushford
Central School District in Allegany County, New York, has sponsored a number of student-centered projects that
demonstrate the practical applications of scientific inquiry and research. In 1998, a hatchery was built for the artificial
propagation and rearing of young fish. The student research center, which includes a dock and observation deck, facili-
tates outdoor and indoor research using the latest technology. Eighth-grade students engage in problem solving, data
collection and analysis, field research, statistical analysis, interdisciplinary connections, and computer use. When the
program is fully operational, all 800 students at the Cuba-Rushford Central School are expected to participate.

CONTACT:

Scott Jordan

Science Teacher

Cuba-Rushford Central School
5476 Route 305

‘Cuba, New York 14727

Phone: (716) 968-2650

Email: sjordan@eres.wnyric.org

16

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