A New Economy Rising in Appalachia
A New Economy Rising in Appalachia: Harnessing Network Collaboration for Community-led Development
The Central Appalachian Network is pleased to release this white paper which explains why and how CAN why and how CAN exists to meet the economic and wellness needs of Central Appalachia. Dig in to read more!
About this Document
This white paper was written with support from a planning grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s ARISE initiative, which seeks to advance regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborations.
About the Authors
This white paper is the result of collaborative thinking between participants in the Central Appalachian Network with support from Open Circle Studio, a woman-owned firm based in Davis, West Virginia. CAN participant contributors to this work included Peter Hille, Alexandria Knipp, Leslie Ferguson-Oles, and Samuel Tolliver (all of Mountain Association); Debbie Phillips (Rural Action); Adam Hudson, Jacob Hannah, and Marilyn Wrenn (all of Coalfield Development Corporation); and Alexis Close and Emily Bidgood (Appalachian Resource and Conservation Development Council). Additionally, Katelyn Campbell and Emily Carlson of Open Circle Studio contributed research, writing, and editing to this report.
About the Central Appalachian Network
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN) is a network of practitioners working across sectors in the region to advance the vibrant, equitable and sustainable economic transition of Central Appalachia. Our network of practitioner partners includes nearly 100 different organizations working on community economic development, including nonprofits, local government agencies, lenders, community groups, social enterprises, and academic institutions. These networks are leading the charge in transitioning Central Appalachia’s economy by creating economic opportunities that are environmentally sustainable, building on our cultural assets and natural resources, and meeting the needs of our region’s people. For more information about this project, contact Network Coordinator Emily Carlson at emily@opencirclestudio.com.