In the Region - January 15, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 2

Written By Brian Williamson

ARC NEWS

2026 Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds, in Starkville, Mississippi, June 2–4, 2026 📅

Save the date! ARC's 2026 Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth, is happening in Starkville, Mississippi, June 2–4, 2026. Attendees will get to connect and exchange ideas on expanding economic development opportunities throughout our region.

More information will be available soon, including a call for conference programming proposals. Stay tuned!

COMMUNITY

The ARC-funded Appalachian Rural Health Technical Assistance Center is accepting applications from healthcare systems in 66 counties across Appalachian Pennsylvania and New York. 🩺 Participants will receive free workforce development technical assistance and planning support. 

Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, will use ARC support to improve classroom study within its College of Health and Human Services laboratories. 🧪 Specifically, the funds will support new medical laboratory technology, radiologic technology and respiratory therapy labs.

Forsyth Technical Community College will use $300K in ARC funds to launch its new Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Development Initiative. ⚙️ The project will provide students in North Carolina with hands-on work experience in industries with high demand.

AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITY

Due 2/13: READY Local Governments Contractor Proposals

Qualified consultants can now submit proposals to administer our READY Local Governments training program, with a scope of work that aligns with an April 2026–May 2027 timeline. The training program helps local government officials better identify, secure, manage and implement federally funded economic development projects.

The selected contractor will be responsible for administering the application and selection process, developing and implementing the virtual training program, and evaluating participant satisfaction.

Proposals are due February 13, 2026. 📜

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/
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In The Region - January 8, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 1