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

Written By Brian Williamson

ARC NEWS

Gov. Tate Reeves Named 2026 States’ Co-Chair, Annual Conference Co-Host

Elected by his fellow Appalachian governors, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves is ARC's 2026 States’ Co-Chair!

Gov. Reeves will work alongside his fellow Appalachian governors and ARC’s Federal Co-Chair to advance economic growth across the 13-state, 423-county Appalachian Region.

Gov. Reeves will also co-host the 2026 ARC Annual Conference in Starkville, Mississippi, on June 2–4, 2026. 📍

Thank you to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore for his contributions while serving as 2025 States’ Co-Chair. In fiscal year (FY) 2025, ARC invested $304.4 million in 640 economic development projects throughout the region, which attracted an additional $1.3 billion in private investments. ARC’s FY 2025 investments are projected to create or retain over 13,500 jobs and educate or train an estimated 37,096 students and workers for new opportunities in emerging sectors across Appalachia.

We look forward to working alongside Gov. Reeves to continue strengthening Appalachia’s economy in the year ahead. Read our full announcement.

COMMUNITY

Since receiving an ARC ARISE grant in 2024, The Industrial Commons textile and furniture manufacturing hub in Morganton, North Carolina, has attracted more than $37M in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) investments. 🧵 This week, The Innovate Fund announced $8M in NMTC to further accelerate the return of textile and furniture manufacturing to Appalachia.

Lackawanna College broke ground on the ARC-supported Center for Technology Innovation in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Expected to open this fall, the center will prepare nearly 300 students every year to fill workforce gaps in advanced technology sectors. 🤖

Spartanburg Community College (SCC) will use $248K in ARC funds and nearly $1M in additional funding to expand workforce training and innovation infrastructure. Efforts include a new life sciences facility at SCC’s Spark Center in Duncan, South Carolina. 🧪

AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITY

Now Accepting: 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.

Key Dates:
Questions due: January 9
Answers posted: January 23
Proposals due: February 13

Read the request for proposals. 📜

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 - December 18, 2025 | Volume 10, Issue 48