In the Region - May 28, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 21
ARC NEWS
Forging the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce 🏗️
Photo: Beth Wynn / © Mississippi State University
Our partners are forging new paths for economic progress in Appalachia!
This week, we’re gearing up for our 2026 Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Development, happening June 2-4 in Starkville, Mississippi.
Co-hosted by Gov. Tate Reeves, the conference will provide actionable insights about economic development all over the region. This progress includes projects like Mississippi State University’s (MSU) ARC-supported purchase of a Scanning Electron Microscope that will modernize its metals research and training facilities in the Golden Triangle of Southern Appalachia.
The new equipment will strengthen MSU’s ability to provide advanced, hands-on training in materials science and metals manufacturing. It will also allow regional manufacturers to access high-resolution materials analysis locally, reducing turnaround times and supporting quality and process improvements.
COMMUNITY
In Appalachian Mississippi and West Virginia, members of the inaugural class of the Toyota 4T Academy celebrated the kickoff of the “learn and earn” program. A component of a larger ARC ARISE project, the program connects area students with future career opportunities in manufacturing. 🧑🏭
At Mississippi State University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, nearly $1M in ARC funds will help small and midsize manufacturers improve productivity and make informed investments in new technologies like predictive maintenance and AI. 🦾AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES
Pathways Office Hours, May 29–June 23 on Select Days
Questions about our new grant management system, Pathways? Join ARC staff at an upcoming virtual office hour session to get answers! (All times are ET.)
Request for Program Evaluation Proposals
ARC is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to perform an evaluation of ARC’s business site development investments. These investments in development-ready commercial and industrial sites are designed to grow existing businesses, attract new industries to the region and help improve residents’ quality of life.
Key dates include:
Questions due: June 11, 2026
Answers posted: June 18, 2026
Proposal due: July 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET
Contract period: October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Central Appalachia
Gov. Morrisey announces funding for water projects in Philippi & Parsons, WDTV
Southwest Virginia Field Notes: Years-long I-81 widening project is finally done, Cardinal News
Southern Appalachia
EVENTS
Pathways Office Hours
May 29–June 23, 2026; virtual
2026 ARC Commission Meeting
June 2, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, MSU’s The Mill: Cleveland Gallery
2026 ARC Annual Conference, Appalachia Builds: Breaking New Ground for Economic Growth(Waitlist closed)
June 2–4, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi
Tennessee Pre-Application Webinar
June 10, 2026; virtual
Alabama Grant Workshop
July 23, 2026; Montgomery, Alabama
