WNC Forest Products Cooperative Marketing Project
In 2009, the
USDA Forest Service –
Southern Research Station was awarded
nearly $2 million of federal stimulus funds to support
forest product businesses in western NC.
Land-of-Sky Regional Council was awarded this funding
through a competitive process to implement the Western
North Carolina Forest Products Cooperative Marketing
Project.
As a result of the project, 14 Western North Carolina
businesses received grants through a competitive process
to expand into new product lines, improve marketing, and
provide workforce training while providing an estimated
total of 141 jobs.
Funding these businesses directly contributes to job
growth in WNC, but also to the overall supply chain of
forest products. Each of these businesses currently
purchases timber and non-timber forest products directly
from landowners, handcrafters, local sawyers, artisans,
and gleaners.
Through this project, the amount and variety of products
and services being purchased will increase as businesses
expand and diversify.
GRANTOR:
The USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station,
based in Asheville, is providing nearly $2 million
in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA)
funds for the economic stimulus effort being
administered by LOSRC. The President signed ARRA
into law on Feb. 17, 2009. The Southern Research
Station awarded the ARRA grant to LOSRC in a
competitive selection process.
Check out
www.WNCForestProducts.wordpress.com
for more information about
the project, workshops, cooperating organizations, and
the businesses receiving support and their projects.
These companies will use the funds to expand and
diversify their businesses while providing an estimated
total of 141 jobs to under- or unemployed forest
producers. Look for these signs throughout the region
that recognize project funding.
For
additional assistance, please contact
Erica Anderson at 828-251-6622 ext. 141
