In the Region - February 5, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 5

Written By Brian Williamson

ARC NEWS

Get Ready for POWER, INSPIRE: Register for Pathways ✍️

Applications will open soon for our POWER and INSPIRE Initiatives! Are you ready?

Step one: Make sure you register for an account in our new grants management system, Pathways. Registration is a required step in the application process, so if you think you'll be applying, you can get a head start and register now! 🖥️

Questions about how to use Pathways? Access user resources and attend one

Join Us for ARC Regional Workshops Next Month 📆

Join us on March 24 in Cartersville, Georgia, or March 26 in Ithaca, New York, and learn about best practices in project planning, design, compliance and more.

Attendees will gain insights from staff, partners and grantees during panel discussions.

Check out the agenda and register now! 🤝

Due Feb 27 ⏲️ Proposals to Present at Appalachia Builds

howcase your transformative economic development work at ARC's 2026 Annual Conference in Starkville, Mississippi, June 2–4!

Proposals for programming at Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth are due February 27.

Learn more and submit a programming proposal. ☀️

COMMUNITY

Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin shared remarks on the role of Appalachia's community colleges in cybersecurity workforce training at the American Association of Community Colleges Workforce Development Institute. 🎓 

Manufacturing in Appalachia is getting a boost! The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center received $1M from the Gene Haas Foundation to create a state-of-the-art machining lab in the Center's new $20M headquarters in Huntington, West Virginia. 🧑‍🏭

EVENTS

Virginia ARC How to Apply Workshop
February 12, 2026; Abingdon, Virginia

Virginia ARC How to Apply Workshop
February 13, 2026; Radford, Virginia

Pathways User Resources Office Hours
February 17–April 29, 2026; virtual

2026 ARC Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth
June 2–4, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi

Brian Williamson

Creative and strategic Website & Graphic Designer with 15+ years of experience in design,
branding, and marketing leadership. Proven track record in team management, visual
storytelling, and building cohesive brand identities across print and digital platforms. Adept at
developing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, drive sales, and elevate user
experiences.

https://www.limegroupllc.com/
Next

In the Region - January 29, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 4