|
Home | News & Events | Press Release
Press Release
Golden LEAF News - April 2010
At its April Board meeting, the Foundation awarded 20 grants totaling more than $27 million. Funding will support job creation and retention, agriculture, workforce preparedness, education, tourism and technology infrastructure projects across North Carolina.
The nonprofit MCNC received a $24 million grant through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative to help secure $78 million in federal funds and leverage other private and public resources to bring broadband fiber to 69, mostly rural counties across North Carolina. MCNC has already received $28.2 million in the first round of federal broadband funding. If awarded in round two, MCNC will be able to implement a $111 million broadband fiber project and install 1,448 miles of new fiber through 69 counties in northeastern, northwestern, north central and south central North Carolina.
For more information about the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative, view the links below or click here for a press release.
Best,
Jenny
Jenny Tinklepaugh
Program/ Communications Officer
jtinklepaugh@goldenleaf.org
http://www.goldenleaf.org
Feature articles in this edition of "Golden LEAF News":
Golden LEAF provides $24M for state broadband effort
WRAL
Thanks to $24 million in needed matching funds from the Golden LEAF Foundation, the nonprofit MCNC was able to apply for the second round of federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funds. According to Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF President, the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative "an opportunity to provide essential infrastructure, take advantage of federal matching dollars and invest directly in efforts to grow stronger communities. Access to fiber in these areas will help level the playing field by providing global connectivity for business and educational opportunities."
Scope of N.C. broadband project is breathtaking
Local Tech Wire
The nonprofit MCNC has applied for the second round of federal Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) funds. In the first round, MCNC was awarded $28.2 million in BTOP funding. If MCNC wins federal support for the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative proposal, 69 of the state's 100 counties will receive direct fiber, adding 1,800 miles to the existing NCREN fiber backbone. Golden LEAF has provided $24 million in matching funds for this initiative.
Rural Internet
Winston-SalemJournal
The Winston-Salem Journal writes that the Golden LEAF Foundation award of $24 million to MCNC to help 69 counties receive high-speed internet is an excellent use of the Golden LEAF money. The Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative will help provide the needed fiber infrastructure to spur economic development in rural North Carolina.
N.C.'s broadband future: Map lays out MCNC plan
Local Tech Wire
Thanks to the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative executed through MCNC, North Carolina could soon have a fiber optic highway that virtually encircles the state. MCNC Chief Executive Officer Joe Freddoso shares the plan for middle mile fiber in 69 of NC's 100 counties and provides a map and details of the coverage area.
LCC, Lenoir Co. Schools receive $595,000 in Golden LEAF grants
Kinston Free Press
The Golden LEAF Foundation presented Lenoir Community College and the Lenoir County Public School System with $595,000 in grant funds last week in an effort to prepare local young people for a career in aerospace manufacturing. Students in the programs will gain the necessary skill, education and training for employment at local aircraft component manufacturers such as Spirit AeroSystems and other aerospace firms. Golden LEAF awarded the Global TransPark (GTP) a $100 million grant in 2008 for the facility that Spirit AeroSystems will lease from GTP.
Golden LEAF grants for aerospace projects in Lenoir County
WNCT- 9
Golden LEAF awarded $595,000 to projects in Lenoir County to help the growing aerospace industry. Lenoir County Community College received $380,000 for its aerospace manufacturing project. Lenoir County Public Schools was awarded $215,000 for "Project Lead the Way."
Report suggests 11 F-35 squadrons be based at Cherry Point
HavelockNews
A draft report created for North Carolina's Eastern Region Development Commission through a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation says that the Marine Corps should consider placing 11 squadrons of F-35B Joint Strike Fighters at Cherry Point. The F-35B is currently being tested, and production models of the plane will be replacing the Marine Corps' aging fleet of AV-8B Harriers, EA-6B Prowlers and F-18 Hornets. The Navy is conducting an environmental impact study that will detail basing options for the 168 aircraft that make up the 11 squadrons.
Michelin North America to Add 74 Jobs in Stanly County
NC Commerce
Michelin North America Inc. will expand its operations in Stanly County. The company plans to create 74 jobs and invest more than $11.3 million during the next three years in Norwood. The project was made possible in part by a $500,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation and a grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Grant aids job training at RCC
The Robesonian
A half-million dollar grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation will help Robeson Community College teach skills and technology subject matter that is valued and needed by area business and industry. The project, Advanced Manufacturing Facilities for Workforce Training Project, is an initiative designed to assist the college with the renovation and equipping of existing space on campus to house the Advanced Manufacturing/Industrial Education and Training Laboratories. The labs will support two associate degree programs, one certificate program, and several non-credit seminars and workshops for incumbent as well as entry-level workers in business and industry.
Who's getting $2 million? City, county agencies vie for grant funding
Shelby Star
Representatives of Cleveland County projects met with the Golden LEAF Foundation to present 4 projects for funding consideration. The Foundation's Community Assistance Initiative granting process began last July for Cleveland County, and since then, the focus has been on how projects could create jobs for the county.
Building North Carolina's Sustainable Local Food Economy
Beginning Farmers - blog
According to North Carolina's Center for Environmental Farming Systems, building the state's sustainable local food economy will stimulate economic development and job creation, bolster the viability of local farms and fisheries and help address diet-related health problems. North Carolina's Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) is one of the nation's most respected centers for the study of environmentally sustainable farming systems. The Golden LEAF Foundation has provided grants for the Farm-to-Fork summit and regional meetings, as well as funding for many local foods projects throughout the state.
Bridging a disconnect
SalisburyPost
Connecting local restaurants to fresh local produce is what Foothills Connect is building through farmersfreshmarket.org. The Golden LEAF Foundation has supported bringing broadband Internet access to Rutherford through its Community Assistance Initiative and is working with the online farmers market to help bring the region a new market for its crops through the Foundation's Local Foods Initiative.
Getting a little help
Mountain Xpress
Thanks to the Golden LEAF Loan Program at Self-Help, N.C. businesses will be better able to access loans in a down economy. The program, made possible through a Golden LEAF grant, is administered through Self-Help and offers financing for biotech, aerospace, manufacturing, health care, defense, agriculture and green business. For more information, contact Karen O'Mansky at (919) 956-4400 or by e-mail at Karen.O'Mansky@self-help.org. The Golden LEAF Foundation also provided a grant to help small businesses in the food industry through the Blue Ridge Food Ventures industrial kitchen space. Through this project, food entrepreneurs can create food products in bulk. For more information, contact Blue Ridge Food Ventures at 828-348-0128 or visit www.blueridgefoodventures.org - http://www.blueridgefoodventures.org/ .
Vocational high school coming to Columbus County
WECT
Thanks to more than $1 million in Community Assistance Initiative grant dollars from the Golden LEAF Foundation, Fair Bluff will be the site of Columbus County's first vocational school. Fair Bluff Technical Academy will offer vocational courses with a strong technology component in areas such as metal manufacturing, construction work, culinary arts and communications.
How RR students will get 'SMART' in the future
RoanokeRapids Daily Herald
The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, Weldon City Schools and Halifax County Schools have formed a partnership for a project through the Golden LEAF Community Assistance Initiative to get SMART Classroom technology and professional development using the technology for their schools. Through Golden LEAF funding, the schools will receive SMART interactive whiteboards, teacher laptops, LCD projectors and document cameras in classrooms across the three school systems as well as support connectivity needs and professional development for targeted schools.
HCC awarded $246,820
RoanokeRapids Daily Herald
Halifax Community College (HCC) received a $246,820 Community Assistance Initiative grant for the Roanoke Valley Early College (RVEC) Enhancement project from the Golden LEAF Foundation. Most of the grant funds will provide a computer for each student and other technology needs such as severs and printers.
Edgecombe's ready to turn trash into cash
Rocky Mount Telegram
With the help of Appalachian State University scientists and grants from the Golden LEAF Foundation, Edgecombe County leaders have taken progressive steps toward tapping a landfill for methane gas. Officials estimate the county landfill could produce about $250,000 worth of energy each year during the next 15 to 20 years. If the county succeeds in winning a state grant to install the methane-tapping system, the county would effectively reduce the amount of methane and carbon dioxide seeping from the landfill and become a player in the global market of emissions trading.
Grant would help expand methane project
Wilkes Journal Patriot
Wilkes County government is seeking a grant to complete a system for collecting and utilizing methane gas produced by deteriorating garbage. Thanks to help from the Appalachian State University Energy Center's Community TIES (Trash Into Energy Savings) program, a project that has received Golden LEAF funding, Wilkes County has figured out a way to pump the landfill's methane gas to a greenhouse that county government would lease to a nonprofit organization for growing fruits and vegetables. Produce grown in the greenhouse would be kept in the Wesley Storehouse cold food storage facilities and be distributed to people in need. RFD CDC has received two grants totaling almost $300,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation for projects for the cold storage facilities.
New Life Agribusiness Center Presents Introduction to Organic Farming and High Tunnel Production Systems
Albemarle-Pamlico - blog
A workshop will be held to provide an overview of organic farming and high tunnel vegetable production systems through the New Life Community Development Corporation. Entrepreneurial training will also be made available with the ultimate goal of launching multiple, small-scale farms and a farmer owned distribution system that provides sustainable jobs and income, protects the environment, and supports the community. Golden LEAF funded the project through its Community Assistance Initiative.
Long live the queens in N.C.
Charlotte Observer
With honeybees worldwide falling prey to problems including disease, pests and the mysterious colony collapse disorder, North Carolina's beekeepers - both professional and part time - want to find a way to strengthen their hives. Through NC State's apiculture program, scientists have found that the best way to do that is to breed queens within the state and, eventually, to use selective breeding within colonies. N.C. State's Born and Bred in N.C.: Initiative on Queen-Rearing and Bee-Breeding program began this spring with statewide workshops funded by a grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation.
*On some sites, you may have to sign up for a free account to view the full text.
|
