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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
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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
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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
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Staff Spotlight: Caty Gray Urquhart

My role as the Operations Manager is a combination of building maintenance, daily office operations, and IT management. I coordinate with third-party vendors for building maintenance and IT.
March 12, 2025
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Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
March 12, 2025
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University of Mount Olive livestock training facility to provide hands-on learning for students, farmers

The University of Mount Olive is building a new livestock/forage training facility that will provide research and educational opportunities for college students and the greater agricultural community.
March 12, 2025
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Surry and Yadkin counties invest in local workforce through partnerships, work-based learning

Surry and Yadkin counties are building a strong workforce through partnerships and work-based learning experiences through Surry-Yadkin Works. On January 31, 2025, Surry-Yadkin Works held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for Surry-Yadkin Works FLEET program. The Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades (FLEET) program is the newest program offered through Surry-Yadkin Works.
February 25, 2025
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Golden LEAF’s Workforce Preparedness Priority Area

Golden LEAF supports workforce preparedness projects that increase the number of qualified individuals with skills aligned with current and future needs of North Carolina businesses and prepare students with the technical and life skills necessary to enter work.
February 25, 2025
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Golden LEAF awards $10.5 million in funding at February meeting, welcomes new Board member

At the February Board meeting, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $10.5 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture projects. The Board awarded $8.76 million to support 14 projects through the Community-Based Grants Initiative in the Southwestern Prosperity Zone, $1.7 million to support five projects through the Open Grants Program, and two SITE Program – Identification projects.
February 12, 2025
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Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application due March 1, 2025

The March 1, 2025 deadline is fast approaching for the Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship. Information and the application for the 2025-2026 school year is available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to high school seniors and community college transfer students from qualifying rural North Carolina counties attending participating North Carolina colleges and universities.
February 12, 2025
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Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring Executive Director of the State Employees Credit Union Foundation Jama Campbell

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Jama Campbell, Executive Director of the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Foundation, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
February 12, 2025
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Golden LEAF Board Spotlight: Jarette Sampson

I am on the North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association Board, the Pembroke Rotary Club, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Athletics Board, and the loan committee for the Electric Cooperative of the Lumbee River.
February 12, 2025
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Golden LEAF Scholarship Alumni Spotlight: Leleah Maher

Golden LEAF Scholarship alumna Leleah Maher grew up in Rocky Mount with a passion for making an impact. She attended Nash Early College High School, where she finished high school and earned an associate degree in May 2022. She then attended North Carolina State University as a Social Work major.
February 12, 2025
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Golden LEAF announces $10.5 million in funding at February meeting, welcomes new Board member

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (February 6, 2025) – Today, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $10.5 million in funding to support job creation and economic investment, workforce preparedness, and agriculture projects. The Board awarded $8.76 million to support 14 projects through the Community-Based Grants Initiative in the Southwestern Prosperity Zone, $1.7 million to support five projects through the Open Grants Program, and two SITE Program – Identification projects.
February 6, 2025
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Partnership results in anchor tenant, 263 new jobs in Henderson County

In 2020, a partnership between several economic development entities helped bring quality jobs to a new industrial park in Henderson County. “The Economic Investment Fund of Henderson County and the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development had the strategic vision to create an industrial park that would bring capital investment and quality jobs to the area,” said Brittany Brady, President and CEO of Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development.
January 22, 2025
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Golden LEAF’s Job Creation and Economic Investment Priority Area

Golden LEAF funds Job Creation and Economic Investment projects that focus on creating and retaining jobs, attracting new business to North Carolina, expanding industries and training new workers.
January 22, 2025
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Applications for Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship due March 1, 2025

Rocky Mount, N.C., (January 9, 2025) The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying counties. Applications are due March 1, 2025.
January 9, 2025
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Program Officer Brynn Fann graduates from 2024 REDI Class

In December, Golden LEAF Program Officer and A/V Tech Coordinator, Brynn Fann graduated from the Rural Economic Development Institute, REDI. REDI is the NC Rural Center’s flagship leadership development program. This three-month leadership training prepares existing and emerging leaders with tools needed to approach economic and community development issues amongst rural North Carolina. “I applied for REDI to obtain a certification and increase my knowledge on management practices found within rural initiatives,” said Fann. “After joining the program, I realized REDI offered so much more.”
January 9, 2025
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Golden LEAF launches new websites

The Golden LEAF Foundation has launched new websites to reflect its new branding, increase engagement, and provide a more user-friendly experience: Golden LEAF Foundation and Golden LEAF Scholarship websites. This launch was in conjunction with Golden LEAF’s 25th Anniversary.
January 9, 2025
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Application for Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship now available

The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying counties. Applications are due March 1, 2025. The awards are valued at $14,000 ($3,500 per year for up to four years) for North Carolina high school students attending a participating North Carolina college or university. North Carolina community college transfer students can receive up to $10,500 ($3,500 per year for up to three years).
January 9, 2025
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Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring Interim Chair of Economics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Dr. Alfredo Romero

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Dr. Alfredo Romero, Interim Chair of Economics at North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
January 9, 2025
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2024 Year in Review

The Golden LEAF Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year with a new brand rollout, new website, and a celebration in conjunction with the annual Board meeting.
January 2, 2025
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Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring the Chair of the Golden LEAF Board of Directors Ralph Strayhorn

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the Chair of the Golden LEAF Board of Directors Ralph Strayhorn, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
December 13, 2024
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Staff Spotlight: Jenny Tinklepaugh

I am responsible for managing development and dissemination of content on Golden LEAF’s website, social media platforms and newsletters. I also manage the internship program at Golden LEAF, serve as the media contact, and am the liaison for the Board of Directors.
December 11, 2024
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Golden LEAF announces $2 million in funding at December meeting, celebrates 25 years, welcomes new Board member

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C., (December 5, 2024) – Yesterday, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $2 million in funding to support workforce preparedness and job creation and economic investment projects. The Board awarded $378,200 to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $1,549,400 to support two projects through the SITE Program.
December 5, 2024
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Golden LEAF announces $2 million in funding at December meeting,celebrates 25 years, welcomes new Board member

Yesterday, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded a total of $2 million in funding to support workforce preparedness and job creation and economic investment projects. The Board awarded $378,200 to support three projects through the Open Grants Program and $1,549,400 to support two projects through the SITE Program.
December 5, 2024
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All In NC with Scott T. Hamilton – Thanksgiving 2024 Edition

Happy Thanksgiving! In this edition of our Golden LEAF newsletter, I am sharing some of the reasons I am thankful this year. November marked my fifth anniversary as president of Golden LEAF, and in October, Golden LEAF hit 25 years!  I am grateful for the work of rural communities that are developing and implementing economic development strategies, humbled that Golden LEAF was asked to assist with efforts that will help with resilience for years into the future, and excited to reflect on the impact that Golden LEAF has accomplished over the last 25 years.
November 27, 2024
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Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring John Hardin

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with John Hardin, Executive Director of the North Carolina Office of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the NC Department of Commerce, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
November 14, 2024
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Golden LEAF awards Hurricane Helene Business Recovery Loan and Relief funding

Hurricane Helene ravaged the western part of North Carolina in September. Golden LEAF has been working on its response to support the relief and recovery of Western North Carolina. In October, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $7.5 million to support WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, which provides rapid recovery loans to small businesses suffering economic losses related to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. The fund is administered by Mountain BizWorks. In October, the Golden LEAF Foundation was appropriated $50 million by the North Carolina General Assembly to support business recovery loans. Golden LEAF then awarded $50 million to Mountain BizWorks to enhance the support of WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund.
November 13, 2024