Two WNC groups selected for WealthWorks economic development program

For immediate release

WASHINGTON, DC – HandMade in America and Land of Sky Regional Council, based in Western North Carolina, have been competitively selected by the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation to participate in the 2014 WealthWorks Training through NADO’s Rural Wealth Creation initiative, supported by the Ford Foundation.

HandMade in America grows economies through craft and creative placemaking, transforming both individuals and communities through education, entrepreneurship and economic development. HandMade in America has a 19 year tradition of pioneering innovative ways to empower the people and towns of Western North Carolina through programs that educate and facilitate the needs of creative entrepreneurs and communities.

Land of Sky Regional Council is a multi-county, local government, planning and development organization. Land of Sky reaches across county and municipal borders to provide technical assistance to local governments and administer projects and programs which benefit our region’s citizens in the areas of Workforce Development, Area Agency on Aging, Volunteer Services, and Economic and Community Development.

NADO is a Washington, DC-based association that promotes programs and policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through regional cooperation, program delivery, and comprehensive strategies. WealthWorks is an economic development approach that connects a community’s assets to meet market demand in ways that build livelihoods that last. WealthWorks is supported by a consortium of economic development organizations that received initial support from the Ford Foundation.

“WealthWorks is an important part of any economic development toolbox. I am pleased to announce that HandMade in America and Land of Sky Regional Council were one of only five teams nationally to receive a scholarship to participate in the WealthWorks training program. This training is focused on practical application of new skills and perspectives on economic vitality, which will lead to increased opportunities for people in rural areas,” said NADO President Peter Gregory, Executive Director of the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission in Woodstock, VT.

For more information, contact Erica Anderson at Land of Sky Regional Council at 828/251-6622 or Glenn Cox at HandMade in America at 828/252-0121.

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