Happy Thanksgiving! As we gather with family and friends this week, I’ve been reflecting on the past year and the many reasons I’m grateful. This month marked my sixth anniversary as president of Golden LEAF, which gives me an opportunity to pause and appreciate the impact made across North Carolina’s rural communities. I am grateful for the determination of rural leaders who continue to build and implement thoughtful economic development strategies.

If you are planning to apply for Golden LEAF funding through any Golden LEAF program, teamwork is essential to successful project implementation.

Each Golden LEAF project is supported by two Golden LEAF staff members: a Primary Staff member (typically a Program Officer) and a Program Lead. This model ensures there is always more than one point of contact to answer questions, provide guidance, and keep your project moving forward. Our goal is to help you reach your milestones and outcomes as efficiently and effectively as possible.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Western North Carolina has shown remarkable strength, determination, and collaboration. Communities across the region continue to work tirelessly to recover and rebuild, not only restoring what was lost but also laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future.

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Sharon Decker, Senior Advisor for Long-Term Recovery for the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.