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Golden LEAF Food Distribution Assistance Program expands access to food across NC

The North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $10 million to the Golden LEAF Foundation for the Food Distribution Assistance Program, a one-time initiative to strengthen the state’s food distribution network. Funded by federal State Fiscal Recovery Funds through the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the program was designed to expand the capacity of nonprofits working alongside food banks to address food insecurity.
September 10, 2025
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Staff Spotlight: Evan Benedict

I oversee the grant process, including management of our grants management system and the data it contains. My role involves ensuring accurate, efficient workflows that support staff and grantees throughout the grant lifecycle.
September 10, 2025
Critical Conversations (61)
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Critical Conversations featuring Edward Olive, Director of the University of Mount Olive Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Edward Olive, Director of the University of Mount Olive Lois G. Britt Agribusiness Center via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
September 10, 2025
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North Carolina Community College System Launches Toolkit to Strengthen Rural Advanced Manufacturing Workforce

Recently, the North Carolina Community College System released a Rural Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships Toolkit. The toolkit includes innovative partnership models that are meeting the evolving workforce demands of the state’s advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in rural areas. The toolkit is designed to equip rural-serving colleges with practical strategies to expand training, strengthen employer partnerships, and meet regional labor demands. The resource includes real-world examples of how colleges are implementing solutions such as apprenticeship programs supported by ApprenticeshipNC, and customized training programs offered through NCEdge. These efforts are part of a larger push to align education and training with high-demand career pathways in advanced manufacturing.
August 27, 2025
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Q&A with Secretary Lee Lilley: Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan

Chaired by North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, the Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan Steering Committee brings together leaders from business, education, workforce development, local government, and nonprofit organizations to help  develop the state's next strategic plan for economic development. Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton serves on the committee that will provide guidance on emerging priorities, effective strategies, and key themes to advance economic growth across diverse communities and sectors. In addition, committee members will support outreach during regional listening sessions, review data and stakeholder input to identify focus areas, and contribute expert insight to inform policy and program recommendations.
August 27, 2025
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All in NC: Investing in Rural Schools is Investing in North Carolina’s Future Workforce

In rural North Carolina, the future workforce is cultivated in classrooms where middle school students are wrestling with math problems and exploring the first ideas of what their careers might one day be. That’s why the Golden LEAF Foundation launched the Golden LEAF Schools Initiative, a $25 million commitment over five years to strengthen middle school math instruction and career development in 15 North Carolina rural schools.
August 13, 2025
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Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state. Superintendent Green has served as the North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction since January 1, 2025.
August 13, 2025
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At the August Board meeting, Golden LEAF announces $4.5 million in funding, highlights Western NC recovery efforts, tours regional projects in Henderson County

The Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support long-term economic advancement. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $3.1 million to support seven projects through the Open Grants Program, $1 million to support the first SPARC Initiative project, and $262,600 to support increases in two SITE Program projects. The Board also awarded an additional $150,000 for Hurricane Helene relief.
August 13, 2025
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Golden LEAF Scholar Alumni Spotlight: Jeffrey Wilkins

Golden LEAF Scholar Alumnus Jeffrey Wilkins grew up in the small town of Micro located in Johnston County, where no one was a stranger. “Growing up in Micro was very rural and quiet,” said Wilkins. “We lived next to a farm. It was the kind of place you rode bikes and played outside. I was a bike ride away from downtown Micro, in a town where you know everybody.”
August 13, 2025
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Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative participants share rural work experiences

This summer, 71 Golden LEAF Scholars participated in the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative (RII), an opportunity designed to provide hands-on, career-relevant work experience in rural North Carolina communities. Three senior scholars, Joe Bolick, Caitlyn Rogers, and Nyanna Sherrod, who have participated in several summers of RII share how their internships are shaping their professional paths and deepening their connections to their home regions.
August 13, 2025
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Golden LEAF announces $4.5 million in funding, highlights Western NC recovery efforts, tours regional projects at August Board meeting in Henderson County

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (August 7, 2025) – Today, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support long-term economic advancement. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $3.1 million to support seven projects through the Open Grants Program, $1 million to support the first SPARC Initiative project, and $262,600 to support increases in two SITE Program projects. The Board also awarded an additional $150,000 for Hurricane Helene relief.
August 7, 2025
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Golden LEAF Economic Catalyst Funding Supports Crucial Job Creation

When a company considers bringing new jobs to a community, details matter. From the speed of moving from deal-signing to production, to site infrastructure and workforce availability, these are critical factors that determine where and how companies choose to grow.
July 23, 2025
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Persistence and public-private partnerships net new industrial park, satellite campus in Aurora

What started as a vision to boost the economy in the rural town of Aurora has resulted in a new industrial park with jobs on the way. On June 19, the Town of Aurora and Beaufort County Community College broke ground on the Aurora Industrial Park and the college’s only satellite campus, which will be located within the park.
July 23, 2025
Critical Conversations (59)
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Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, featuring Ted Lord, Golden LEAF Senior Vice President/General Counsel

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Ted Lord, Golden LEAF Senior Vice President/General Counsel, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
July 9, 2025
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Building stronger rural communities through infrastructure investment

Robust infrastructure is the backbone of thriving communities. Roads, water and sewer systems, and wastewater are essential to attract new businesses, support job growth, and improve the quality of life for residents. Aging or insufficient infrastructure creates major barriers to economic development.
July 9, 2025
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Golden LEAF welcomes External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Manager

In July, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Sydney DeLancey as the External Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Manager.
July 9, 2025
Critical Conversations (59)

Staff Spotlight: Ted Lord

I provide oversight for all of our grant programs and develop initiatives to carry out strategic vision and priorities of our Board of Directors. I am involved in the development of our funding processes. I serve on the administrative team as general counsel and address matters that arise in areas ranging from our programmatic work to administrative and internal needs.
July 9, 2025
Critical Conversations (56)

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, featuring Dr. Paul Ulanch, Director of the NC Agtech Council

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Dr. Paul Ulanch, Director of the NC Agtech Council, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
June 25, 2025
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All In NC: NC Ag Leads is a Roadmap for the Future of North Carolina Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of North Carolina’s economy. With over $111 billion in annual economic impact, it’s not just our largest industry, it’s the lifeblood of rural communities across the state. By supporting NC Ag Leads, Golden LEAF is investing in the long-term economic vitality of North Carolina. When agriculture thrives, rural North Carolina thrives.
June 25, 2025
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Golden LEAF welcomes Scholarship Program Associate

In May, the Golden LEAF Foundation welcomed Jala Hill as the Scholarship Program Associate. “We are excited to have Jala to help carry out the mission of the Foundation,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “Jala brings a great set of skills to our hardworking team of dedicated professionals.”
June 11, 2025
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Golden LEAF announces 215 students from 58 rural North Carolina counties were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship

Recently, the Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 students from 58 rural North Carolina counties were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship.  This scholarship provides high school seniors entering a four-year North Carolina college or university with $3,500 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study. Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to three years of undergraduate study.
June 11, 2025
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Golden LEAF announces $4.5 million in funding at June meeting 

At the June Board meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment projects, workforce preparedness projects, and disaster relief work. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $2,113,986 to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $1,536,120 to support one industrial park through the SITE Program. The Board also awarded an additional $940,000 for Hurricane Helene relief.
June 11, 2025
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Golden LEAF Announces 2025 Golden LEAF Scholarship Recipients

Today, the Golden LEAF Foundation announced that 215 rural North Carolina students were selected to receive up to a $14,000 Golden LEAF Scholarship.
June 11, 2025
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Golden LEAF announces $4.5 million in funding at June meeting to support hurricane relief, workforce development, and job creation projects

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (June 5, 2025) – Today, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support job creation
June 5, 2025
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LevelUp Rockingham initiative builds talent pipeline for key industries

At a time when North Carolina’s employers are facing critical workforce shortages, Rockingham County is rising to the challenge. Golden LEAF is backing a powerful, community-led solution that connects students to career pathways and strengthens the region’s economy by building strong local roots.
May 21, 2025
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Building a healthcare workforce pipeline in Cleveland County through powerful partnership

In February 2025, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded more than $1.2 million in total funding to Cleveland County Schools, Cleveland Community College, and Gardner-Webb University to establish a new Healthcare Educational Pathway to expand access to the field, build local talent, and strengthen the healthcare workforce in the region.
May 21, 2025
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Golden LEAF Scholar Alumni Spotlight: Chandler Bumgarner

Golden LEAF Scholar alumnus Chandler Bumgarner grew up in Taylorsville, N.C., in rural Alexander County, holding a sense of community close to his heart. This sense of community was significant as he began his college career at Western Carolina University. Chandler Bumgarner’s closest friends from back home attended his college with him, signifying what it meant to him to have a community and family of friends to lean on.
May 7, 2025
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Golden LEAF Scholars graduate with plans to return to rural communities

As commencement ceremonies unfold across North Carolina, a unique group of graduates carries with them not only their diplomas but also a commitment to the very communities that shaped them.
May 7, 2025
Critical Conversations (53)

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, featuring Founder and Director of ncIMPACT Anita Brown-Graham

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the Founder and Director of ncIMPACT Anita Brown-Graham via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
May 7, 2025
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Town of Mocksville wins nearly 400 agribusiness jobs, more to come

North Carolina’s number one industry is agriculture and agribusiness. Golden LEAF focuses on agriculture as an economic development engine. One of the outcomes Golden LEAF measures in its agriculture priority is value-added agricultural enterprises.
April 23, 2025
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Industrial park to land more than 650 jobs in Davidson County

Davidson County has three new employers that will create a total of more than 650 jobs at Lexington Industrial Park, thanks in part to infrastructure funding from Golden LEAF. In April 2017, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $1 million in Community-Based Grants Initiative funding to Davidson County for the development of a new county-owned industrial park near Interstate 85. Golden LEAF funds were used for public wastewater infrastructure costs for the Lexington Industrial Park.
April 23, 2025
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Golden LEAF announces $4.5 million in funding at April meeting, attends ECU’s 10th annual Golden LEAF Scholars Reception

At the April meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment projects, workforce preparedness projects, and scholarships. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $1.5 million to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $113,250 to support one SITE Program project. The Golden LEAF Board also approved $3 million in funding to the North Carolina Community College System for the Golden LEAF Community Colleges Scholarship. 
April 9, 2025
Critical Conversations (52)

Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton, featuring North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
April 9, 2025
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Universities hold events to honor Golden LEAF Scholars, East Carolina University celebrates 10 years of scholar receptions

Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton has made it a priority to meet with Golden LEAF Scholars at their college or university to help connect them with the mission of and opportunities provided by Golden LEAF, the leadership of the institution they are attending, alumni, and their fellow scholars.
April 9, 2025
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Q&A with Golden LEAF Graduating Interns Emma Godwin and Jala Hill

Golden LEAF Interns Jala Hill of Williamston and Emma Godwin of Wilson will graduate from East Carolina University in May 2025. Hill served as an intern for the Scholarship Program for the Spring 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters. She is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
April 9, 2025
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Golden LEAF announces $4.5 million in funding at April meeting, attends ECU’s 10th annual Golden LEAF Scholars Reception

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (April 3, 2025) – Today, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $4.5 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment projects, workforce preparedness projects, and scholarships. The Golden LEAF Board awarded $1.5 million to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $113,250 to support one SITE Program project. The Golden LEAF Board also approved $3,000,000 in funding to the North Carolina Community College System for the Golden LEAF Community Colleges Scholarship. 
April 3, 2025