December 22, 2022
In 2022, Golden LEAF focused on creative ways to stay connected with partners, funding recipients, potential applicants, and state and local leaders.
One of the ways Golden LEAF focused on outreach was through meeting with economic development leaders across the state. This year, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton finished a goal of visiting all 100 counties. Scott visited with the local economic development corporation, local elected officials, college, university, or community college presidents, healthcare entities, and community development organizations.
Through Critical Conversations, Scott connects with economic development leaders via Zoom to talk about the challenges and solutions to economic issues affecting our state. Click the links below to watch the approximately 15-minute conversations:
- Tom Barkin, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President and Chief Executive Officer
- Adrian Percy, N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative Executive Director
- Byron Hicks, Small Business and Technology Development Center State Director
- Gayle Conelly Manchin, ARC Federal Co-Chair
- Peter Hans, University of North Carolina System President
- Kevin Dick, Carolina Small Business Development Fund President and Chief Executive Officer
- Shawn Harding, North Carolina Farm Bureau President
- Patrick Woodie, N.C. Rural Center President
- Brooks Raiford, North Carolina Technology Association President and Chief Executive Officer
- MC Belk Pilon, John M. Belk Endowment President & Board Chair
- Thom Ruhe, NC IDEA President, Chief Executive Officer
- Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders, N.C. Department of Commerce
North Carolina is home to a number of funding institutions supporting economic development and related strategies necessary for economic growth. As a result of Golden LEAF’s strategic plan, one of the five strategic priorities is to have, and be recognized for, excellence in organizational collaboration, innovation, and impact. To help address this goal, spotlights on North Carolina funders are included in the Golden LEAF bimonthly newsletter at the beginning of each month as a resource for our readers. Learn about the organizations featured in the Funder Spotlight:
- North Carolina Community Foundation
- N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
- Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)
- Duke Energy Foundation
- State Employees Credit Union Foundation
- The Cannon Foundation
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development
- North Carolina Department of Commerce
- NC IDEA Foundation
- John M. Belk Endowment
- Kate B. Reynolds
- Charitable Trust