Mountain BizCapital selected for USDA funding

In recognition of National Small Business Week, USDA announced that Mountain BizCapital has been selected to receive $38,500 in Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) funding for Technical Assistance for their entrepreneurial training program.   Yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of RBEG projects across the country highlighting USDA efforts to help rural small businesses create jobs, get access to capital and spur economic growth.

Founded in 1989, Mountain BizCapital provides loans, classes, and coaching to emerging and established small businesses in western North Carolina. They focus on working with businesses unable to access bank financing, including minority, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs, and businesses that operate within the local food system.

“USDA has been privileged to team up with Mountain BizCapital for over a decade, assisting small businesses in western North Carolina.  Today’s funding announcement is an example of the extremely successful partnership between USDA and our rural communities and businesses to improve economic development opportunities,” said USDA Rural Development Area Director Pam Hysong.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as USDA implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA Rural Development has 7 Area Offices and 14 field offices across the state serving North Carolinians living in rural areas and communities.  Area Office locations are in Asheville, Shelby, Lumberton, Asheboro, Henderson, Kinston and Smithfield.  Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting the USDA Rural Development website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov.                             

Industries for the Blind earns $10.5 million contract to produce all-purpose liners

Industries for the Blind (IFB) Asheville recently started production on a $10.5 million contract with the US Marine Corps to make all-purpose poncho liners for their troops. 214,000 liners will be delivered over the next 12 months.

“We are excited about this new contract for many reasons; it means our current employees have plenty of work, and we are hiring 18 new employees to help us produce the liners,” said Randy Buckner, Director of Operations for IFB Asheville.  

IFB has produced every poncho liner for the military for the past 20 years, but this poncho liner is special. The Marines wanted a liner with a zipper that could function as a sleeping bag.  They also wanted additional waterproof coating on the outside of the fabric so it would keep soldiers dry without using the poncho. In addition to working as a sleeping bag, the liners can serve as sleeping bag inserts, blankets or ground cover.

IFB worked with NATICK, the organization that develops products for our troops, to create the liner. Buckner explained that IFB developed the prototype, did some tweaking, and then helped write the specifications.

“One important aspect of the liner is the zipper, which is polyester,” said Buckner. “Incorporating this type of zipper allows a soldier to leave his or her bag quickly and quietly.”

IFB employees must produce an average of 900 all-purpose liners per day to stay on track with this contract. Although it’s early in the contract, Buckner says IFB employees are already making that happen.

Former city executive Lauren Bradley joins The Van Winkle Law Firm as chief operating officer

 

The Van Winkle Law Firm announces the arrival of Lauren Bradley, former executive director with the city of Asheville. She will assume the duties of chief operating officer overseeing three offices in Asheville, Hendersonville, and Charlotte.

Bradley brings more than fifteen years of executive, financial, and strategic planning experience to the firm. In her previous role, she was responsible for managing an operating budget of more than $140 million, coordinating business development projects, and implementing best practices in strategic engagement and partnerships.

“One of the most exciting aspects of joining The Van Winkle Law Firm is its focus on delivering unparalleled service to its clients,” said Bradley. “It’s also an organization that is strongly dedicated to its employees and the community. I’m looking forward to being part of the firm’s innovative approach and continued growth.”

Bradley is a graduate of Georgia State University and received her master’s degree in project management from Western Carolina University. She lives in Asheville with her husband, Shane, and their four-year-old son, Patrick.