American Advertising Federation Creates New Logo for Asheville Humane Society

Asheville Humane Society introduces its new logo, providing a contemporary look and a fresh start to accompany the much anticipated opening of the new Animal Care Campus scheduled for early fall.

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Asheville, a trade association of more than 70 experienced marketing, public relations, and design professionals, developed the Asheville Humane Society’s new logo as their first community outreach project.

“This was a wonderful gift from AAF Asheville. Asheville Humane Society and the animals are forever grateful,” says Katherine McGowan, Interim President/CEO of Asheville Humane Society.

The logo features a call to action – Adopt, Donate, Volunteer – to help eliminate the overwhelming population of homeless pets. The tagline, “Serving Buncombe County since 1984” emphasizes the established role of the organization in the community along with the professionalism practiced by the staff and volunteers who have contributed to the success of the Asheville Humane Society throughout the last 26 years. AAF of Asheville has graciously extended their services and expertise in aiding AHS with the new logo, but also express an interest to continue, throughout the inaugural year, with the campaigning of the new Animal Care Campus.

For more information regarding the new logo and the opening of the Asheville Humane Society’s New Adoption & Education Center please visit www.ashevillehumane.org. The Animal Care Campus, housing the Buncombe County Animal Control and Shelter, Asheville Humane Society’s Adoption and Education Center and AB Tech’s Veterinary Technician Program, will open to the public in early fall.

For additional information, contact Hans Wohlgefahrt, Asheville Humane Society Community Outreach Coordinator, or visit www.ashevillehumane.org.

OnTrack Financial Receives a $400,000 grant from Treasury Department

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) released today the names of five organizations which will receive federal grants under the first round of the Financial Education and Counseling (FEC) Pilot Program.

The grants, totaling $2 million in award funding made possible through fiscal year (FY) 2009 Congressional appropriations, will provide organizations financial assistance to establish and expand financial education and counseling services for prospective homebuyers.

“In today’s difficult financial environment, it is an honor to be able to support organizations that are helping prospective homebuyers in tangible and effective ways,” said CDFI Fund Director Donna J. Gambrell. “Financial education and counseling programs are empowering tools for the low-income and low-wealth individuals targeted by these organizations. The CDFI Fund is optimistic that our first FEC Pilot Program award round will provide a blue-print for further financial education initiatives of this kind.”

The CDFI Fund implemented this program in collaboration with the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Financial Education and Financial Access. “Financial education and counseling can empower people to build better financial futures and make smarter financial choices. By focusing on behavioral change, this program promises to develop useful new models for effective financial education and counseling,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Michelle Greene.

Each of the award recipients will receive $400,000. The authorizing statute for the program stipulates that no more than five organizations receive awards per appropriation.

The FY 2009 FEC Pilot Program Award Recipients Are:

• Boulder County Housing Authority, Boulder, CO
• Consumer Credit Counseling Service of WNC, Asheville, NC
• Mission Economic Development Agency, San Francisco, CA
• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, Bedford, NH
• Resources for Residents and Communities of Georgia, Inc., Atlanta, GA

Related Links

To view profiles of the FY 2009 FEC Pilot Program awardees, please click here.

About the Financial and Education Counseling Pilot Program

The FEC Pilot Program was authorized pursuant to Section 1132 of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 110-289). Through the FEC Pilot Program, the CDFI Fund will identify successful methods of financial education and counseling services that result in positive behavioral change for financial empowerment, and establish program models for organizations to deliver effective financial education and counseling services to prospective homebuyers.

The FEC Pilot Program was appropriated $4.15 million in FY 2010, of which $3.15 million was set aside by Congress to be provided to an organization located in the State of Hawaii. The CDFI Fund anticipates opening the 2010 FEC Pilot Program application round within the next 30 days, and will solicit applications from organizations located in Hawaii to compete for the $3.15 million.

About the CDFI Fund

Since its creation in 1994, the CDFI Fund has awarded almost $1.2 billion to CDFIs, community development organizations and financial institutions through CDFI Program, the Bank Enterprise Award Program, and the Native Initiatives. In addition, the CDFI Fund has allocated $26 billion in tax credit authority to Community Development Entities through the New Markets Tax Credit Program.

For more information about the CDFI Fund, visit cdfifund.gov

Howl - O - Ween at the WNC Nature Center

More and more family friendly activities for the fall and Halloween keep rolling in.  The event at the nature center sounds like fun.

Howl–O–Ween at the WNC Nature Center
Saturday, October 24, 2009, 1:00 – 8:00 pm
Admission: $6.00 per person
Members of the Friends of the WNC Nature Center receive $1.00 off
Special pricing begins at 1:00 p.m.

Come visit the Western North Carolina Nature Center on Gashes Creek Road in East Asheville for Howl O’Ween! Creatures of the darkness will be on display in the Creepy Crawler Cabin along with a fabulously large 8 ft. Burmese python, a 5 ft. Red Tailed boa, legless lizards, a mass of squirming baby turtles and Halloween colored corn snakes galore brought by members of the Southern Appalachian Herpetological Society! Every hour starting at 2 p.m., learn about skulls, bats, snakes and other creepy creatures through nature programs and enrichment presentations. With arts & crafts, hot dogs, hot cider and chocolate, baked goods, and treats for the kids, a costume contest at 6:30 p.m., as well as two performances by the Mountain Marionettes at 7:00 and 7:40pm, it’s a great beginning to the ghoul season! Come dressed for the occasion!  For more information about Howl O’Ween, please contact Keith Mastin, Education Curator, at (828) 298-5600 ext. 305.

YMCA Receives Grant to Open Middle School Learning Centers

I have heard some rumors about some big news coming from the YMCA of Western North Carolina.  This is the first of a few announcements that I expect to hear from them this fall.  

YMCA of WNC Receives Its Largest Program Grant Ever to Open
Two 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Buncombe County Middle Schools

Asheville, NC, Oct. 14, 2009 The YMCA of WNC today announced it received a $663,000 grant from the Department of Education to open two 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Buncombe County Middle Schools.

“This award represents the largest program grant the YMCA of Western North Carolina has ever received. It is a wonderful vote of confidence in the YMCA, our relationship with Buncombe County Schools and the amazing work of our staff,” said Paul Vest, president of the YMCA of WNC.

The grant was given as part of the No Child Left Behind Act by the Department of Education through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

The purpose of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant funds are to assist schools, local educational activities (LEAs), and faith or community-based organizations to provide before school, afterschool and summer services through the establishment of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs (21st CCLCs).

The learning centers will be located in Erwin and Enka middle schools and will open Oct. 26, 2009. The centers will serve students Mon. through Thurs. with after school programs focusing on academic enrichment to improve student performance through tutoring and direct assistance. The centers will also work to increase parental involvement and support by offering evening classes focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) and GED education throughout the year.

The centers will provide an arena for programs to improve math and literacy levels of students, support student learning and development through enrichment opportunities, building character and increasing graduation awareness and developmental assets.

“The middle school years are a crucial transition time for our students,” said Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Tony Baldwin. “These learning centers will provide important support for our students not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well, strengthening our Graduation Initiative and ultimately reducing our dropout rate. We are extremely fortunate to have a strong partnership with the YMCA as we work to keep kids in school and prepare them for 21st Century careers.”

The YMCA, in partnership with Buncombe County Schools, is working collaboratively with the Literacy Council of Buncombe County, LEAF in Schools and Streets, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, POETIX and the Buncombe County Sheriff Office to make this program a success.

“Throughout our 120 year history of serving, the YMCA has looked for opportunities to address the needs of our communities. We are ecstatic that the state is giving us, with Buncombe County Schools, the resources to positively impact and enrich the lives of these middle school students and families,” said Vest.

Each 21st Century Learning Center will serve 75 students and their families, and will choose students based on their math and reading scores. State testing actually identified more than 400 students eligible. The funding will be spread out over four years, decreasing in amount throughout the cycle and is contingent on successful completion of grant requirements and evidence of growth and progress.

Media Contact:
Jenn Murphy, YMCA of WNC, Community Development Director
(828) 210-9604, (828) 210-9014, jmurphy@ymcawnc.org

Express Clydesdales at the 2009 Asheville Holiday Parade

This sounds like fun! Express Employment Professionals are bringing the Express Clydesdales to lead the 2009 Asheville Holiday Parade

What Kind of "Horse Cents" Do You Have When It Comes To Showing Your Company's Community Commitment.

Express Employment Professionals invites you to show your company's Horse Cents and help children this holiday season. We are bringing the Express Clydesdales to town to lead the Asheville Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 21. Knowing how much these gentle giants delight and excite big and little kids alike, we are offering your employees and their children a chance to ride on the Express Clydesdales Wagon and meet one of the Clydesdales for a photo session. All you have to do is show your Horse Cents for Mission Children's Hospital. Visit us at expresspros.com/Horsecents to learn how your company can help.

Beauty Through Cancer Day in Asheville, October 1st

Every now and again I am incredibly moved by the efforts of our membership.  This is one of those examples.  Local business women, Earleen Bennett, has founded a new organization named Beauty Through Cancer.  The group provides therapy and social opportunities for cancer patients and survivors.  Earleen also provides, what I would call, self esteem assistance in the form of permanent makeup and wigs.

They are celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Oct 1st.  Here are the details.

What better way to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month than to introduce Beauty Through Cancer to the City of Asheville.

Join members of our organization, Board of Directors and volunteers as well as Mayor Terry Bellamy and other City Officials as we celebrate "Beauty Through Cancer" day in Asheville. 

The day will begin with businesses from all over the Western North Carolina Area donating a pledged amount of at least $1 for every customer, client, or patient they serve on October 1st to Beauty Through Cancer. You can see a list of businesses on our website that are generously supporting Beauty Through Cancer on this important day. "You could be one" !!!!!!

The day will culminate in our Grand Opening - Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and party from 5 - 7 p.m. at our office located at 131 McDowell St Suite 202 Asheville, NC

Enjoy food by Chef in Motion, Wine by WineStyles, beer, door prizes, raffle prizes, music and fun as you mingle with elected officials, community leaders, business professionals and the community at large. Meet our volunteers, board of directors and hear inspiring stories of cancer battles and survivorship! We look forward to meeting you and getting to know you.

*If your business would like to make a pledge to join our celebration of giving please call our office at 828-252-8558 for a pledge form! or email info@beautythroughcancer.org

Susan Stone of Stone Digital Media created this slideshow to help with promotion

Asheville's Habitat for Humanity to start work on 200th home

The Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity staff and board should be commended for their excellent work in our community. This is a great accomplishment that all organizations and companies in our community that have participated or donated should feel pride in. Here is the press release:

On Monday, October 5 at 12noon, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity will raise the wall of another Habitat house being built in the Enka Hills neighborhood. This time though, the house sponsor isn’t a faith community, civic group or local business – it’s the board of directors and staff of Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity!

Executive Director Lew Kraus had been saying for the past twelve months that “The economy may be in a recession, but Habitat’s mission is not.” Board Vice-President Fred Barbour decided that it was time to show the community that the need for affordable housing is greater than ever and he called upon Habitat’s strongest proponents – its board and staff, to make that point. To that end, the funds and labor for this house will be coming from its internal team.

The media and public are invited to attend this special event – which happens to also be World Habitat Day 2009. And, this house will be the 200th Habitat house built in this community. After a short speaking program, Habitat board and staff members will join with the Noteboom family to raise the first wall of this 4-bedroom HealthyBuilt home.

In the past 25 years, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has welcomed 192 Buncombe County families to safe, decent and affordable houses. Habitat homes, which are HealthyBuilt certified, are sold at no profit to partner families, who pay back a no-interest loan.

Weaverville Business Association Presents Art in Autumn

Weaverville's third Annual Art in Autumn outdoor arts and crafts festival takes place September 19, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rain or shine, for one full day Main Street in Weaverville, NC will be transformed into a marketplace for over a hundred juried artists and craftspeople. The music stage will feature old-time and bluegrass music. In addition to festival food vendors, area restaurants such as Blue Mountain Pizza, Well-Bred Bakery, Mike's Main Street Grill, and Sunnyside Cafe will be open during the festival. Parking is available in designated parking lots off north and south Main Street. There are designated areas for handicapped parking as well. All are welcome. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, visit artinautumn.com

2009 Bosses Day Golf Tournament

I know everyone out there is already struggling to come up with a great gift for everyone's favorite holiday, Bosses Day! The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association has answered your prayers by hosting the 2nd Annual Bosses Day Golf Tournament.

I volunteered at last year's golf tournament and it was a blast. The day starts with mimosas and blood mary's along with a continental breakfast and ends with a culinary reception following the round of golf at the Broadmoor.

Check out all the details for the day by downloading this form here!

United Way Day of Caring - Coming Soon

Press Release from United Way:

UNITED WAY’S DAY OF CARING STRETCHES TO FILL THE NEED

In response to increased needs at local non-profit organizations, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe has added a number of community projects to this year’s annual Day of Caring on Sept. 3.

Now in its 18th year, Day of Caring engages volunteers from local businesses in service to the community and acts as a kick-off to United Way’s annual campaign. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, a program of United Way, connects individuals and small groups with flexible volunteer opportunities to meet critical needs at multiple nonprofits within the community.

Individuals who haven't already signed up for a Day of Caring project with their employer are invited to sign up for a project on their own. Space is limited and must be done by Aug. 31.

Some Day of Caring facts:

• This year more than 1,300 volunteers from 55 companies as well as the public as at large will give their time at more than 70 nonprofits and schools
• Last year during Day of Caring, volunteers donated more than 5,500 hours of service, saving community organizations more than $107,480.
• In connection with Day of Caring, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe also held its annual School Supply drive with United Way’s Highlands Circle, Leadership Givers under age 40. This year, thanks to the support of the community, more than 500 children served by Children First, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Salvation Army will receive fully stocked backpacks.

United Way’s Campaign Kickoff
Join United Way as it kicks off its 2009 campaign and send the Day of Caring volunteers off in style on the morning of Sept. 3rd from 7:45-8:45 a.m. with a pep rally at Stephen's-Lee Center (30 George Washington Carver Ave).

This is a free event. RSVP at unitedwayabc.org or call 255-0696.

YWCA Neighborhood Appreciation Day

The YWCA is one of many community organizations that really impress me. They do great work for our community and they do a great job communicating that work. If you don't know about or haven't been to their blog lately it is full of great stories that will inspire anyone to get involved!

They have a great community event coming up soon:

The YWCA of Asheville, located at 185 S. French Broad Ave., will hold “Neighborhood Appreciation Day” on Saturday, August 29th from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. The YWCA encourages neighbors to stop by for snacks, tours, and coupons for free swim lessons. Visitors will be able to try out fitness equipment and classes including Yoga and Cardio Circuit. Water Aerobics and family swim will be offered in the YWCA’s solar-heated pool. In addition, the joining fee for Club W: The YWCA Health & Fitness Center will be waived for Neighborhood Appreciation Day. The mission of the YWCA is eliminating racism and empowering women. The YWCA offers a wide variety of programs aimed at bridging gaps in health care, childcare, earning power and education.

For more information visit the YWCA website, ywcaofasheville.org

Unted Way Fundraising Event: Mystery in the Mountains

Forget white...Green is now in for weddings

The North Carolina Arboretum launches a new green wedding program to compliment their existing facility rental program. The press release is below:

The North Carolina Arboretum has launched a green wedding program that will add an additional component to the organization’s successful facility rental program.
“The new program expands our ability to meet our mission of cultivating connections between people and plants,” said Arboretum Executive Director George Briggs. “Weddings are intimate occasions celebrated with family and friends, and we are honored to be able to extend our public service reach to the local community and beyond and offer a green component as part of these activities.”

The Arboretum’s natural setting provides a scenic – and sustainable – stage for these important celebrations. As part of its educational mission, the green wedding program will allow the Arboretum to educate the public about the importance of being a good steward of the natural environment within the context of the wedding event.

Arboretum property and facilities offer excellent lessons in sustainability through green buildings, gorgeous landscapes, natural products, water conservation and recycling. Information about these components will be incorporated into the green wedding program. In addition, couples will follow guidelines for using organically grown and natural products as part of their wedding activity and pledge to a reduction in consumable products during their celebration.

The Arboretum’s green wedding program will support the Asheville area as a wedding destination and help foster growth in this economic sector. Focusing on the green wedding niche allows the Arboretum to be part of this activity while meeting its mission of education, conservation, economic development and stewardship.

The 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum is nestled in the Southern Appalachian region – one of the most botanically diverse areas in the world. In addition to its economic development and educational initiatives, the Arboretum serves as a public asset and recreational resource to the State of North Carolina offering 65 acres of landscape exhibits, 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, Segway tours, innovative outdoor and indoor exhibits, and one of the finest, most unique bonsai collections in the United States.For more information about the Arboretum’s new wedding program, including fees, timeframes and restrictions, visit www.ncarboretum.org or call 828-665-2492.

FastTrac Your Business

Mountain BizWorks and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce are partnering to bring FastTrac to Asheville.

A little about FastTrac:
Be the entrepreneur you want to be whether you're starting or growing a business. FastTrac programs will help you live your dream at each stage of business growth. And through your FastTrac experience you'll:

• Develop key business insights and skills
• Determine your business strategy
• Be coached by entrepreneurs and experts
• Tap into entrepreneurial resources
• Network with other entrepreneurs

09.09.09 – Take Charge of Your Business
Be the entrepreneur you want to be whether you're starting or growing a business. FastTrac programs will help you live your dream at each stage of business growth. FastTrac is a practical, hands-on business development program designed to help entrepreneurs hone the skills needed to create, manage and grow a successful business. *Special offer: Asheville Chamber members receive $100 off the course investment fee.

http://www.mountainbizworks.org/subsection.php?id=44

American Cancer Society Inaugral Decades Ball

The American Cancer Society announces its Inaugural Decades Ball - The Roaring 20's. This 1920's themed party takes place August 22nd from 7-11:00pm in Downtown Asheville at The Venue on 21 N. Market St. Entertainment will include a Silent Auction, Chance Drawings, Charleston Dance Lessons and live music by The Firecracker Jazz Band. This event is going to be the Cat's Meow, so all you Guys and Dolls don your zoot suits and flapper dresses and Charleston down to The Venue!!Tickets are $75 person. For more information contact Nancy Caine at your American Cancer Society at 254-6931 or email nancy.caine@cancer.org

AHS dogs available for adoption

Brandi sent over a few photos of some of the many dogs they have available for adoption. I could not resist posting them. Visit them at ashevillehumane.org

Spud
Male
Basset Hound/Retriever
4 years 7 months


Jack
Male
Chow Chow/Mix
4 months


Boone
Male
Retriever, Labrador/Mix
4 months

22nd Annual Operation Blood Drive

This is the American Red Cross, Asheville's larget blood drive of the year! To schedule an appointment call 258-3888 ext. 402 or visit membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule and enter sponsor code 10411.


If you can't make it there the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Asheville Board of REALTORS are hosting a blood drive here at the Chamber on July 1st!

Next Step Recovery’s Benefit Concert Will Support Substance Abuse Recovery

On Sunday, August 23, 2009, Next Step Recovery will host a benefit concert at the Orange Peel to raise money toward the purchase of the homes that currently house the nonprofit’s transitional living program for adult males recovering from substance abuse.

Some of the region’s hottest bands will help Asheville rock out for recovery including local favorite Jen and the Juice, Greensboro’s retro-funk Hot Politics, and Asheville’s eclectic Wilsin.

The benefit concert starts at 7 p.m. and will include a silent auction. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door.

Since opening in 2006, Next Step Recovery has helped more than 230 adult men by providing safe, structured transitional living facilities and substance abuse recovery programs in three residential homes located in Asheville’s historic Montford neighborhood.

Over the next 3 to 5 years, Next Step Recovery hopes to raise $1 million to purchase the homes it currently leases. Ownership will provide greater security for its recovery programs and help the organization direct more of its resources toward services.

Next Step Recovery has already broken ground on a Japanese-inspired Serenity Garden that will provide rest and recreation for its residents and their families. The Serenity Garden will also commemorate all the donors who have contributed to the organization’s capital campaign.

Next Step Recovery is currently seeking concert sponsors and is offering a variety of thank-you incentives for businesses and individuals who want to rock for a good cause.

For information about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase advance tickets, contact Next Step Recovery at 350–9960 or matt@nextsteprecovery.com.

For more information about Next Step Recovery’s programs and services, please visit nextsteprecovery.com or call Executive Director Susan Stader at 350–9960.

Adopt a Cat Month and Photo Contest

Two great yet serious announcements from teh Asheville Humaine Society. June apparently brings lots of cats to the Humaine Society so they are waving pet adoption fees on cats 9 months or older. They are also organizing a cat photo contest, so get out that camera.

Feline Frenzy: June is Adopt-a-Cat Month at AHS
Adoption fees waived in June for cats 9 months and older

May 28, 2009 ---- It’s that time again; spring and summer, when Asheville Humane Society (AHS) becomes inundated with kittens. Kittens are usually born in the warmer months of the year. When owners neglect to spay or neuter their cats, the resulting litters are often surrendered to the AHS shelter.

“We’ve been reviewing our 2008 statistics and were astounded to see that our intake of cats and kittens more than tripled in June of last year compared to how many we received in January,” says Shelly Moore, president and CEO of AHS. “This clearly demonstrates what an impact it has on the community when you don’t spay or neuter your pets. In fact, it’s so important to adopt cats in the summer that we are waiving our adoption fees on cats nine months and older in June.”

In addition to waiving adoption fees on cats nine months and older, AHS is bringing attention to the swelling numbers of felines at the shelter, by holding an Adopt-A-Cat Month Photo Contest. The winner of the contest will serve as ‘spokescat’ for next year’s Adopt-A-Cat month. For more information on the contest such as rules and photo submission deadlines, and to learn how you can adopt a cat, visit: ashevillehumane.org

$4 Million Poncho Contract for Industries for the Blind

The Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC) and Industries for the Blind (IFB) announced today the awarding of an over $4 million federal contract that will bring 21 jobs to Buncombe County. IFB is a self-supporting not-for-profit organization that has won many prestigious awards over the years, most recently receiving national recognition for having the highest growth in jobs for the blind for an unprecedented five out of six years. This recent order for 145,000 poncho liners over a 6-month period will equal $4.7 million in new sales.

“Industries for the Blind is proud to be a strong contributor to the Asheville community and economy,” stated Randy Buckner, Director of Asheville Operations. IFB achieves its success by offering a number of programs and services to the visually impaired community through A Brighter Path Foundation (meeting the needs of school age children to seniors), and Upward Mobility (promoting people who are blind into roles of increasing responsibility). These programs provide training, adaptive technology and equipment engineering to enable IFB employees and others in the community to progress to more complex and technical jobs.

“IFB plays an extremely important role in our community by transforming people from tax consumers to tax payers, while enabling a sense of independence and self-worth,” expressed Chairman of the Buncombe County Commissioners, David Gantt. “We are so pleased that IFB has found this business climate conducive to meeting its strategic goals and thank the management team for choosing Asheville-Buncombe County in which to grow.”

With locations in Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Puerto Rico, Industries for the Blind provides opportunities for persons who are blind or visually impaired in need of training, employment and services. IFB believes that all persons who are blind or visually impaired have the right to succeed in every area of life.

IFB is the largest employer of people who are blind or visually impaired in North Carolina and second in the nation with over 380 workers and fills annual contracts for labor and services valued in excess of $90 million.

Today IFB has 37 blind or visually impaired employees in administrative and management positions compared to zero only five years ago. “85% of the people who are blind or visually impaired who work for us have never had a job before,” explained Buckner. In addition, IFB has not had to lay-off a single person who is blind or visually impaired in the past decade, and has never turned away persons who are blind or visually impaired seeking employment and willing to work.

Chairman of the EDC, Bob Roberts, commented, “We are honored and gratified by IFB’s presence in our community. IFB has a strong record of providing excellent career opportunities for area citizens.”

The EDC for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership dedicated to the continuous improvement of the local and regional economy and well-being of its citizens. During the past five years, the EDC has been actively involved with projects with a cumulative investment of over $351,350,000 and project employment of over 2,683 persons. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce through the Advantage Asheville campaign.