In the Region - April 9, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 14
ARC NEWS
Registration Open Now for ARC Annual Conference
Big news! ☀️ You can register NOW for our 2026 Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth.
Happening June 2–4 in Starkville, Mississippi, the conference will highlight successful economic development efforts from across the region.
Sessions will cover:
🕴️ Attracting and retaining business
👨🏭 Enhancing workforce pipelines
👷 Developing strong infrastructure
📈 Modeling local economic success
Spots at this conference go fast every year, so don’t wait to register for Appalachia Builds. We’re excited to see you in Starkville!
COMMUNITY
Today, Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin served as keynote speaker at the 2026 New River Symposium, hosted by ARISE grantee New River Conservancy, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. 🏞️
$1M in ARC funds will support the expansion of The Foundry Farm in Cullman County, Alabama, which provides workforce training to people recovering from substance use disorder. A new facility will have space for employment readiness programs like culinary training. 🍳
Lowndes Community Foundation is rebooting its proven task force strategy in Appalachian Mississippi. 🤝 Five task forces, covering issues like substance use disorder recovery, will use $25K in ARC funds to support local economic development projects.
A $5M ARC-supported project to improve the Tanglewood Nature Center in Elmira, New York, is underway. 🌳 Once completed, the Center's treetop walkway is expected to attract 24K visitors annually and significantly increase revenue for local businesses.
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Johnsonburg advances to states in 'What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?' video contest, The Courier Express
Central Appalachia
Applications open for BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2026, Columbia Magazine
Construction underway for Paul E. Hall Multipurpose Complex in Perry County, WYMT
Marshall to co-host 2026 Share the Vision Conference in Huntington, WV News
RVARC giving rural residents a chance to shape the region’s transportation future, WFIR
Western North Carolina making progress on ambitious railroad plans, Mountain Xpress
Southern Appalachia
EVENTS
Pathways Office Hours
April 20 & April 29, 2026; virtual
2026 ARC Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth
June 2–4, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi
Register now!
