AAAAnnual nnual nnual nnual RRRReporteporteporteport

2011201120112011 2012201220122012

Advisory Committees & Boards Directory

Workforce Development

Area Agency on Aging

Planning & Development

HCCOG Administration

HCCOG Annual Report 2011-2012

Executive Board of Directors

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Executive Board of Directors

Executive Board Directory

Advisory Committee

Executive Board Officers

[Executive Board of Directors] The Council of Membership consists of the region’s seven county governments and nineteen municipalities. One delegate is appointed by each respective local government to serve as a member of the council’s Executive Board of Directors. The Board also includes a minority representative. The Executive Board conducts monthly meetings, which are open to the public, to address opportunities, needs and problems of importance to the regional community.

L-R Danny McIntosh, Brenda Lyerly, Robert L. Johnson, Gary D. Blevins

DIRECTORY Alleghany County, Ken Richardson Chair

Town of Sparta, John Miller Mayor

Ashe County, Judy Porter Poe Chair

Town of Jefferson, Dana Tugman Mayor

Town of Lansing, Brenda Reeves Councilwoman

Town of West Jefferson, Tom Hartman Councilman

Avery County, Kenny Poteat Chair

Town of Banner Elk, Brenda Lyerly Mayor

Town of Beech Mtn, Rick Miller Councilman

Town of Crossnore, Tudor Vance Mayor

Town of Elk Park, Joel Whitley Councilman

Town of Newland, Valerie Jaynes Mayor

Village of Sugar Mtn, Gunther Jochl Mayor Pro Tem

Mitchell County, Bill Slagle Chair

Town of Bakersville, Charles Vines Mayor

Town of Spruce Pine, Phillip Hise Mayor

Watauga County, Nathan Miller Chair

Town of Blowing Rock, JB Lawrence Mayor

Town of Boone, Loretta Clawson Mayor

Town of Seven Devils, Larry Fontaine Mayor

Wilkes County, Gary D. Blevins Chair

Town of North Wilkesboro, Robert L. Johnson Mayor

Town of Ronda, Wanda Blackburn Councilwoman

Town of Wilkesboro, Jimmy Hayes Councilman

Yancey County, Johnny Riddle Town of Burnsville, Danny McIntosh Minority Representative, Paul Robinson, Jr.

OFFICERS

Chairman, Robert L. Johnson Vice–Chairman, Gary D. Blevins Treasurer, Danny McIntosh Secretary, Brenda Lyerly

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Gary D. Blevins Loretta Clawson Honorable Phillip Frye, Former Chairman Robert L. Johnson J. B. Lawrence Brenda Lyerly Danny McIntosh John Miller Kenny Poteat Dana Tugman Charles E. Vines Tracy Walker, Member Emeritus

2 HCCOG Administration

Regional Cooperation

Annual Achievement Awards

Regional Description

Information Technology

Finance

White House Business Council Roundtable

The council promotes regional cooperation and

provides services and resources which might

not otherwise be affordable or available to local

governments.

[REGIONAL COOPERATION]

REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION & PLANNING The High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) is designated by both state and federal governments as the official agency for the ad-ministration of various funds and programs. High Country COG is a Local Development District of the Appalachian Regional Commission, an Eco-nomic Development District of the U.S. Depart-ment of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, and an Area Agency on Aging. The State of North Carolina recognizes High Country COG as the Lead Regional Organization for the seven counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey. In addi-tion, the Council is designated by the Governor as the Local Area for administering the Work-force Investment Act. The Region D Develop-ment Corporation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that assists eligible small business concerns through the Small Business Administration’s 504 loan program.. The Council provides regional administration and planning for aging, workforce development, and the Community Development Block Grant Program. The Council offers techni-cal assistance to member governments upon request including computer assistance through the Regional Computer System and Regional Geographic Information System (GIS) Program.

REGIONAL ORGANIZATION The HCCOG is a voluntary association of towns and counties located in the northern mountains of North Carolina. The Council is one of 16 multi-county planning regions in the state and serves as a cooperative extension of local gov-ernments. The agency was established in 1974 by the member governments as provided for in NC General Statutes. Each member county and town is represented by one of their own elected board members. A minority representative, elected by minority organizations within the re-gion, also serves on the Board. REGIONAL CATALYST The HCCOG is involved in the communities of

our region in many ways; from the care of older

adults to water, sewer, and solid waste to com-

puter services. Preparing for the future, the High

Country Council of Governments continues to

assist our region by bringing together planners,

elected officials, and other key individuals to

address the critical issues facing North Carolina’s

High Country region.

COUNCIL PURPOSES

• To offer professional and technical services to individual member governments

• To provide services for member govern-ments that can best be provided on a re-gional basis

• To serve as a forum for discussion of re-gional problems and interests and to pro-mote good intergovernmental relations among member governments

• To facilitate effective communications among member governments

• To promote the coordination of other re-gional public agencies of the seven county area in order to help ensure that public ef-forts act cooperatively to avoid duplication

• To promote, on a regional a statewide basis, the individual efforts of member govern-ments

• To serve as a consensus voice for its mem-ber governments on matters mutually im-pacting or affecting them

Regional Councils A Southwestern Planning Commission

B Land of Sky Regional Council

C Isothermal Planning & Development

Commission

D High Country Council of Governments

E Western Piedmont Council of Governments

F Centralina Council of Governments

G Piedmont Triad Regional Council

J Triangle J Council of Governments

K Kerr-Tar Council of Governments

L Upper Coastal Plain Council of Governments

M Mid-Carolina Council of Governments

N Lumber River Council of Governments

O Cape Fear Council of Governments

P Eastern Carolina Council

Q Mid-East Commission

R Albemarle Commission

REGION D: HIGH COUNTRY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

[ANNUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS]

On September 7, 2012, High Country Council of Governments (Region D) held its annual awards banquet to recognize outstanding

contributions and achievements by elected officials, local government employees, and advisory committee members. Award winners were selected by elected and appointed officials from the seven-county region. Executive board chairman Robert L. Johnson presented the awards, and applauded all local government employees, local committee members, and citizen volunteers for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Yancey County resident Maryallen Estes was honored by her fellow committee members as the Outstanding North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature/Advisory Committee on Aging Member for the High Country region. The NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature consists of two representatives from each county who advocate the needs of older adults to the North Carolina General Assembly. The High Country delegation also serves as the Advisory Committee on Aging for the region. Estes has served on the regional committee since 2007. Locally, she is on the board of the Yancey County Committee on Aging. In addition to these policy-making positions, Maryallen has also been involved in hands-on volunteer activities such as distributing home-delivered meals to seniors on a regular basis.

The High Country Council of Governments Executive Board chose Alleghany County Board of

Commissioners Chairman Ken Richardson as their Outstanding Executive Board Member. The award honors service and effort in promoting cooperation among local governments in the region and the state. Richardson has served on the board of commissioners for 20 years, and has been very involved in community organizations and projects. He is active in the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, chairing the Health & Human Services Steering Committee. Richardson received the organization’s Outstanding County Commissioner Award in 2012, which recognizes “commissioners who

do great work on behalf of counties beyond their own county boundaries, who give their time and energy to issues of statewide and national significance.” The recipient of the Outstanding Rural Transportation Advisory Committee Member award was Banner Elk Mayor

Brenda Lyerly. Chosen by members of the committee, the award honors exemplary performance while serving the High Country Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO). Lyerly chairs the Committee where she has been an active member for over seven years. Her long experience as a Council of Governments board member has given her a regional perspective of the transportation network. The High Country RPO is an organization of local governments working in cooperation with NCDOT to provide transportation planning for the region.

[ANNUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS] Blowing Rock town manager Scott Hildebran was recognized by the region’s managers as Outstanding Local Government Manager in the High Country region. The award acknowledges the contributions a manager has made to local government through his professionalism, leadership, and accomplishments as manager or chief administrator. Since coming to Blowing Rock in 2003, Hildebran has been instrumental in resolving critical town water supply issues. Scott is dedicated to professional development, as demonstrated by his credentials, active participation, and leadership in various groups such as the International City Management Association and the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

Burnsville Mayor Danny McIntosh was recognized by elected officials as Outstanding Local Government Elected Official in the High Country region. The award

honors outstanding leadership and service to the community and region by a town or county elected official. During his tenure, the Town has created a planning board and made critical upgrades to the sewer system. McIntosh is also active with the Yancey County Rescue Squad and previously served as a volunteer fireman.

Alleghany County resident Clark Hunter received the Outstanding Workforce Development Board Member award from his peers on the Board. The High Country Work-force Development Board is a volunteer group of business and community leaders charged with developing regional workforce policy. Members are appointed by their respective county boards of commissioners. Hunter is manager of the Blue Ridge Business Development Center, which provides a variety of services to support and encourage the local economy. Hunter has served on the Board since 2010 as Chair of the Business Services Committee, and as a member of the Executive Committee. Hunter has additionally contributed as a member of the work group that reviewed Workforce Investment Act service provider proposals, which provide program participants with services such as career counseling, skills training, and job placement. Clark is an enthusiastic advocate for entrepreneurial opportunities throughout the High Country local area.

Avery County Commissioner Kenny Poteat was honored with the prestigious Charles Von Canon Regional Leadership Award. Poteat has been a commissioner for 18 years and chairman since 2000. On a regional level, Poteat has been a member of the High Country Council of Governments Executive Board for 17 years; including service on the advisory committee and a term as chairman. He is active in the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, having served on the organization’s Youth Involvement Task Force. The Von Canon award was created in 1990 to recognize the leadership and unselfish contributions of longtime Region D Chairman Charles Von Canon. It is presented only on rare occasions to a person who has encouraged and facilitated regional cooperation. Past recipients are (in addition to Von Canon) Hugh Morton (1994), Tracy Walker (1996), Dick Fender (2003), Phillip Frye (2004), John Miller (2007), Dana Tugman (2009), Charles Vines (2010), and J.B. Lawrence (2011).

[WHITE HOUSE BUSINESS

COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE ]

The White House Business Council, Appalachian Regional Commission, High Country Council of Governments and Appalachian State University hosted Earl Gohl, Federal Co-Chair, Appalachian Regional Commission and Larry Elworth, Counselor to the Administrator on Agricultural Policy, U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency in a High Country Roundtable Discussion on June 20th at the HCCOG offices. Over 30 local business representatives from the region were invited to participate in a roundtable discussion on job creation and economic competitiveness. Since April 2011, the White House Business Council has held over 500 meetings with business and civic leaders in all 50 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. Tax cuts and hiring incentives for small business owners and entrepreneurs, investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and a ready and trained workforce and the streamlining of government regulations, programs and services are all a direct result of these conversations. The conversation on June 20th was an opportunity to further explore how the Administration can partner with the business community in the High Country to help the region grow and thrive.

HCCOG was again selected to host a Capacity Building Stakeholder Dialogue on October 19th. The White House Rural Council and the Appalachian Regional Commission invited participants to a facilitated stakeholder dialogue.

“The Council recognizes the importance of ensuring that rural organizations have the ability to effectively manage their project activities and finances in addressing rural problems, and it is developing a program that can help strengthen the capacity of small grantees in managing the grants they receive from public and private sources.” To help shape this program, the Council asked to hear about the participants experiences in managing and implementing grants – both the challenges faced and the strategies that have been found to be most effective.

Earl Gohl

Larry Elworth

The Regional Computer System consists of fourteen local government users/participants. The staff provides a wide range of computer services to member towns and counties; from maintenance to systems analysis & programming. The Regional Computer System’s staff assists local governments in system analysis, programming, user training, equipment installation, hardware maintenance, and advice on system changes. Staff provides assistance with computerized records in the following areas: Tax records for six municipalities & utility billing for five municipalities, Property & automobile tax records for three counties, Landfill tipping fees for four counties, Building inspection records for two counties The High Country Council of Governments’ website

[www.regiond.org] describes the agency’s purpose and programs and was recently renovated. Separate pages are dedicated to each town and county, containing information that includes: Contact information, Demographics, Economic statistics, Agricultural statistics, Housing statistics and Health information.

[FINANCE]

[DEPARTMENT HEADS]

Rick Herndon Executive Director

Beth Norris Finance

Anita Davie Area Agency on Aging

Phil Trew Planning & Development

Adrian Tait Workforce Development

[INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY]

Based on statistical forecasting software, www.regiond.org should see these numbers in 2013:

Revenues Percent of Total

Federal Funds $ 4,011,982 64%

State Funds $ 1,537,794 25%

Local Funds $ 677,184 11%

Total $ 6,226,960 100%

Expenditures Percent of Total

Planning & Devel. $ 664,577 11%

Workforce Devel. $ 2,903,258 47%

Area Agncy on Aging $ 2,595,990 42%

Local Activities $ 63,135 1%

Total $ 6,226,960 100%

3 Planning & Development

Infrastructure / Grant Administration

Recreation / Environment / Group Facilitation / Other Projects

Regional Stormwater Management Project

Region D Development Corporation

2012 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy [CEDS]

Community Development Block Grant [CDBG] Programs

High Country Regional Bike Plan

Transportation Planning

GIS / GPS Services

The Planning and Development Department provides a wide variety of technical assistance to member local governments. The Department’s work falls within the following six program areas:

• Planning Assistance

• Economic Development

• Transportation Planning

• Community Development – Housing

• Small Business Loans -

Region D Development Corporation

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) – Mapping

[INFRASTRUCTURE /

GRANT ADMINISTRATION]

Planning Assistance typically consists of the development of land-use plans, comprehensive plans, recreation plans, and revisions to local development ordinances. Staff also works on regional plans related to natural resources and infrastructure.

Economic Development efforts focus on grant writing and grant administration. Common funding sources include the Appalachian Regional Commission, the US Economic Development Administration, USDA Rural Development, NC Department of Commerce, GoldenLEAF Foundation, and the NC Rural Economic Development Center.

The Planning and Development Department also develops a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the

region on a five-year cycle. Transportation Planning is provided through operation of the High Country Rural Transportation Planning Organization (RPO). The High Country RPO provides a forum for local officials to develop plans and projects in conjunction with the NC Department of Transportation.

Community Development activities focus on housing repairs. Major funding programs leveraged include the CDBG-Scattered Site Housing program, and the NC Housing Finance Agency’s Urgent Repair and Single-Family Rehabilitation pro-grams.

The Region D Development Corporation is certified by the US Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide SBA 504 loans to eligible small businesses. The Development Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the seven County Commission boards.

The High Country COG’s GIS program is operated through contracts with member local governments. Typical services provided include water and sewer system mapping, custom map-ping, and data analysis.

[REGIONAL STORMWATER

MANAGEMENT PROJECT]

WHAT IS STORMWATER? Stormwater (also known as runoff) is rain that

falls on hard surfaces such as parking lots and

buildings, and therefore cannot filter into the

ground. Many structures and parking lots con-

structed over the years did not include any meth-

ods to manage runoff, meaning that rainfall sim-

ply flows randomly off the surfaces and collects

at low points. At some locations, storm drains

have been installed to carry the water away from

the site, but the water remains polluted, quickly

flows toward a stream, and can contribute to

flooding downstream. In short, drains do not

solve stormwater problems but often simply

transfer the problem to properties farther away.

WHY IS STORMWATER A PROBLEM? Stormwater is a cause of flooding and polluted

streams; in some cases the primary reason. A

single structure and paved area do not always

cause obvious problems with water quality or

flooding. But as towns become more developed,

and vegetated land is paved or built-upon, more

and more rain runs-off and quickly flows to the

nearest stream. Depending on the terrain, flood-

ing becomes common even in areas that have

never flooded previously. Automobile fluids from

parking lots, and other pollutants become dis-

solved in the water. The stormwater is often

much warmer than the stream it enters, causing

problems for trout and other stream wildlife. The

higher volume of water erodes stream banks and

introduces sediment- another pollutant- into the

flow. Towns that depend on creeks and rivers for

water supply must eliminate such pollutants to

make the water potable. Because local terrain

and development patterns vary greatly, some

communities have no obvious stormwater prob-

lems, while others- even some of the region’s

smallest towns- have major flooding problems as

a result of an excessive amount of hard surfaces.

HOW IS STORMWATER CONTROLLED? Stormwater is controlled by slowing the runoff or

capturing and storing it. A variety of methods are

used, depending on the characteristics of a spe-

cific site. The solution can be as simple as direct-

ing runoff to a vegetated area. Other methods

include vegetated detention basins or con-

structed wetlands planted with water-loving

plants. Almost all of these solutions minimize the

runoff from the property by holding the water so it

can evaporate, be taken-up by plants, and/or

filter into the ground. The plants and soil remove

most of the pollutants so that the water that

seeps down to groundwater level is clean. Be-

cause little rainfall flows from properties with

stormwater controls, the risk of flooding else-

where is minimized.

WHY DO IT? In order to protect lives and property from flood-ing, and to help ensure clean water supplies,

cities in North Carolina are required by the state’s Department of Environment and Natural Re-sources (DENR) to regulate stormwater runoff. Towns below a certain population size are not yet required to do so, but DENR rules may be im-posed on them in the future. Some of the larger towns in our region are already taking steps to control stormwater on their own in order to avoid being regulated by DENR. Regardless of state regulations, storm-

water control is much easier and cheaper in the

long run than dealing with the consequences of

uncontrolled runoff, whether it results from years

of gradual development or a sudden building

boom. Stormwater controls on a single site may

seem insignificant; perhaps an attempt to ad-

dress a problem that doesn’t seem to exist. But

stormwater problems usually result from collec-

tive runoff from hundreds of properties. Continual

stormwater management practices at numerous

sites will likely prevent runoff from becoming a

problem, or make a noticeable difference once a

significant amount of stormwater is controlled.

HCCOG planning staff recently completed the High Country Water Quality

Initiative, a stormwater management project designed to demonstrate the benefits

of stormwater management and help local governments obtain grant funding for

project implementation. HCCOG planning staff, in consultation with local

government officials, identified over 26 sites throughout the region where

stormwater control is needed and a solution is feasible. A plan was produced for

each site consisting of a stormwater control method, a cost estimate, and pollution

reduction calculations.

This attractive bioretention cell, recently constructed by the

Town of Sparta, captures, holds, and filters runoff from the

high school parking lot. It blends well into the landscape

during dry periods. Similar features are recommended on

sites in other towns as part of the regional plan.

This culvert at Ashe Memorial Hospital drains most of the parking

lot and empties directly into a stream across the road. Note the oily

film on the water. A site plan developed with the support of the

hospital and the Town of Jefferson diverts the flow away from the

stream where it will be filtered to remove pollutants.

The Planning Department at High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) provides grant writing assistance for several state and federal economic development programs, including Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) and Infrastructure (CDBG-I) categories. Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), GoldenLEAF Foundation, North

Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund (CWMTF), North Carolina Department of commerce Industrial Development Fund (IDF), and the North Carolina Rural Center. In FY 2011-2012, HCCOG planning staff assisted with the following infrastructure projects:

Alleghany Prepared a successful $182,000 ARC application for Alleghany County for the replacement of a failed septic system at a local school. The project will result in the retention of 45 jobs.

Wilkes County/Ronda Prepared grant applications for Wilkes County on behalf of the Town

of Ronda to extend the Town’s water system to a number of homes

with contaminated wells. The County requested $300,000 each from

the Rural Center and the ARC.

Avery County Assisted the County with the administration of a $13,500 ARC grant that funded a telecommunications/broadband access in-ventory.

Crossnore Continued grant administration for replacement of the town’s wastewater treat-ment plant. The Town has received funding from the ARC and the Rural Center.

Wilkes County Continued to administer 5 grants totaling $1.34 million (U.S. EDA), N. C. Rural Center, GoldenLEAF, ARC, and N.C. Commerce – IDF) for the development of water and sewer infrastructure at Wilkes County Airpark.

HCCOG planning staff provides assistance to local governments in the

area of group facilitation. Planning staff also promotes regionalism by

making presentations on planning and development issues at

workshops and conferences. In FY 2011-12 HCCOG planning staff

conducted four retreats:

Facilitated Appalachian District Environmental Health Improvement Committee meetings to bring stakeholders (local government planners, realtor associations, home builder associations, and health department staff) together to streamline septic permitting processes.

Facilitated Mitchell County Commission-ers and Department Heads in a retreat to set goals and objectives.

Facilitated two Watauga County Intergovernmental Retreats focusing on 1) economics; 2) local government finance; and 3) coordinated dispatch.

In FY 2011-2012, HCCOG planning staff assisted with the following

recreation and environment projects:

Prepared grant applications

for the Town of Crossnore to extend a trail from the town to the Linville River at the North Carolina Forest Service Training Facility. A total of $44,900 was requested from the North Carolina Recreational Trails Pro-gram and the Adopt-A-Trail Program.

Provided information on relevant activities in the region to the state’s Division of Water Quality for the agency’s updated

Wa ta uga R i v e r Basinwide Water Quality Plan.

Developed bike route maps to promote tourism for

Mitchell and Yancey counties through a $5,000 grant from Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Area.

Prepared N.C. Adopt-A-Trail ($1,500) and N.C. Recreation Trails Program ($43,400) applications for

t h e T o w n o f Crossnore to design and layout a trail from the Town to connect to trails at the N.C. Forest Service Train-ing Facility.

Assisted Alleghany, A s h e , W a t a u g a , Wilkes, and Yancey counties with preparation of solid waste management plan updates as required every three years by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In FY 2011-2012, HCCOG planning staff also assisted with the

following projects:

Performed a site suitability analysis and infrastructure inven-

tory for Wilkes County EDC focusing on the U.S. Hwy. 421 corridor, and produced a series of maps identifying sites for potential commercial and industrial development Prepared a grant application to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation to fund an executive director position

for the Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor Partnership. The Partnership was formed by a vari-ety of interested entities to encourage sustainable economic development in the upper Yadkin

Valley counties of Caldwell (part), Wilkes, Surry, and Yadkin. The partners include town & county governments, recreational organi-zations, historic sites, and cham-bers of commerce. Worked with the Town of

Lansing to prepare an On-Street Parking and Signage Ordinance, an Ordinance Providing for the Regulation of Domestic Animals, and an Ordi-nance Providing for the Prevention and Abatement of Public Nui-sances on Private Property.

Assisted Yancey County with grant applications to fund construction of a new senior center. The County requested $75,000 from the ARC for equip-ment. A Community Development Block Grant of $500,000 was awarded to the project from the program’s new Catalyst category. Prepared a successful ARC/Environmental Protection Agency Livable Communities in Appalachia application for the

Town of Spruce Pine.

Worked with Yancey County on an ARC application to fund an agricultural entrepreneur training program. Prepared a $75,000 Building Reuse and Restoration grant application to the N.C. Rural

Center for Town of North Wilkesboro, the project will result in the creation of six new jobs.

Worked with West Jefferson to prepare an application to the N.C. Planning Association for the Great Places in N.C. program.

High Country Council of Governments provides

staff to the Region D Development Corporation,

Inc. (RDDC). Activities of this nonprofit

organization focus on aiding eligible small

businesses in developing U.S. Small Business

(SBA) 504 loan packages. The RDDC has also

served as the fiduciary in delivering cash

incentives to industries in the region. The RDDC

is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of

representatives from local government, private

lending institutions, and private business in the

seven county region.

During the past year, the RDDC approved the following SBA 504 loans:

• Approved loan to Powersport Grafx-Invincashield, LLC for $412,000 for the purchase and renovation of a building, and the purchase of equipment, in North Wilkesboro. The project will create seven jobs.

• Approved loan to Integrity Design and Displays, Inc. for $364,000 for refinancing of the company’s manufacturing facility in Wilkesboro.

SBA 504 Loan Basics • For small businesses – less than $7

million net worth and net annual profit under $2.5 million

• Loans can be made for land, buildings and equipment – fixed assets

• Loans are collateralized

• RDDC works with private lender (bank) to develop loan package

• The SBA/RDDC portion of the loan limited to $1.5 million; $2 million for projects where borrower meets public policy goals (female, minority, vet-eran); $4 million for a manufacturing operation

• SBA/RDDC portion goes up to 40% - typical project is 10% from borrower, 50% from bank, 40% from SBA/RDDC

• Higher injection from borrower is re-quired in some instances, such as start-up businesses

• Terms 10-20 years; 10 on equipment, 20 on real estate

• Interest rate is set when debenture sells – interest rates in June 2012 were 4.5% for 20-year debentures and 3.76% for 10-year debentures

• Advantages to borrower: low down payment (10%); long term; and low, fixed rate

• Advantage to bank: exposure limited to 50%; first position lien on all collateral

Officers

President Fowler Cooper

Vice President Gwynita Steele

Secretary/Treasurer Nathan Bennett

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Phil Trew

[REGION D DEVELOPMENT CORP.]

The CEDS can be broadly summarized as a detailed assessment

of the region’s demographics, infrastructure, economy and

community development, strengths and weaknesses, and industry/

occupation clusters. The document also contains specific goals,

objectives, and strategies – along with a list of vital projects.

HCCOG planning staff completed and distributed the region’s

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

Required by the U.S. Economic Development Administration

(EDA), the CEDS is an economic development planning tool

intended to aid local governments in decision-making. The focus of

the CEDS is a listing of potential projects that local governments

anticipate in the next five to six years. A project must be included in

the CEDS in order to obtain funding from EDA.

The CEDS project list plays a key role in obtaining funding from

non-EDA sources as well, because the listing shows a certain

amount of planning and regional emphasis. When completing

various grant applications, HCCOG frequently makes reference to

the CEDS in order to strengthen an application. This year, all 16

regional CEDS from around the state will be combined into a

statewide CEDS, ensuring that HCCOG’s goals will be heard at the

state level. Specific projects have been identified in the CEDS that

will address economic development throughout the High Country

COG area.

VITAL PROJECTS

The following projects are considered vital due to factors such as economic impact, severity of need, available resources, employment impact, or current level of commitment: Alleghany

• Extend natural gas service to Sparta

• New wastewater treatment plant in Sparta

• Complete the Sparta Western Loop Ashe

• New well in Lansing

• Ashe County Airport improvements

• Redevelopment/expansion of food incubator at Ashe Family Central

• Relocate Ashe Farm Life Museum to Jefferson Avery

• Expand internet access in un-served areas of County

• Replace Crossnore’s wastewater treatment plant

• Expand Newland’s sidewalk system

• Renovation of former Banner Elk Elementary School as business incubator

[2012 COMPREHENSIVE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY]

VITAL PROJECTS (cont.)

The following projects are considered vital due to factors such as economic impact, severity of need, available resources, employment impact, or current level of commitment: Mitchell

• Install filtration system on wells in Bakersville

• Complete U.S. 19E widening through Mitchell County

• Various water and sewer line, meter, and intake improvements in Spruce Pine

Watauga

• New water intake for Town of Boone

• Demolish former Watauga High School and develop or sell site for commercial use

• Develop new water supply for Town of Beech Mountain

• Additional well in Seven Devils

• Complete U.S. 321 widening through Blowing Rock

Wilkes

• Development of new raw water intake on the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir to supply the Towns of Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro

• Development of industrial site(s) along U.S. Highway 421

• Wilkes County landfill expansion

• Construct new law enforcement center Yancey

• Extend water service to Micaville

• Complete U.S. 19E widening through Yancey County

• Market available industrial buildings

• Continue implementation of the TRACTOR farm product aggregation center

[2012 COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (cont.)]

[Community Development Block Grant

(CDBG) Programs]

SCATTERED SITE HOUSING Community Investment and Assistance (CI), a division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, manages Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Counties throughout the State receive funding on a three-year cycle to repair or replace substandard single family, owner-occupied homes through the Scattered Site Program. The Scattered Site Housing Program is a housing rehabilitation program. Eligible beneficiaries are homeowners earning less than 50% of the County Median Household Income, as determined annually by HUD. Assistance is in the form of an 8-year forgiven loan secured by a Deed of Trust and Promissory Note. The substandard home is either brought up to NC Rehabilitation Standards or, if unfeasible, the home is demolished and replaced. Program participants are selected from a pool of applications submitted by homeowners. Each County with an active program has appointed a Selection Committee that is unique to the County; however they must have a county representative and a representative from each municipality. The makeup of the rest of the committee is up to the individual county and typically consists of individuals from Social Services, Tax Administration, Planning & Building Inspections, Law Enforcement, Environmental Health Department, and occasionally the private sector. In the Scattered Site Housing Program Counties have the option to set aside up to 10% of the program funds to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners with small and emergency repairs to their home. The repairs may not exceed $5,000. Eligible repairs include: a new roof, a handicap ramp, energy efficient windows, or a new HVAC system.

HCCOG planning staff provided administrative services for six Scattered Site Housing Programs in 2011-2012 including the following: Alleghany County – Continued the administration of the County’s 2010 program. Three homes are under contract, one to be replaced and two to receive rehabilitation assistance. Ashe County – Prepared the County’s 2011 program application for fund-ing to replace two homes and rehabilitate three others, as well as, assist up to eight homeowners with emergency repairs. Avery County – Assisted the County with the successful closeout of their 2009 program. Watauga County – Assisted the County with the successful closeout of their 2009 program. Wilkes County - Continued the administration of the County’s 2010 pro-gram with the rehabilitation of four homes.

Yancey County – Prepared the County’s 2011 program application for

funding to replace three homes and rehabilitate one other, as well as,

assist up to eight homeowners with emergency repairs.

ALLEGHANY AVERY WATAUGA WILKES

Zoomed view of the Wilkes EDC Map Book (Phase I) highlights undeveloped parcels greater than 10 acres in relation to existing topographic features and infrastructure along the U.S. Highway 421 corridor.

[GIS / GPS SERVICES]

GIS/GPS SERVICES HCCOG planning staff provides specialized Geographic Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) services throughout its seven county region on a contract basis. The HCCOG maintains the resources and professional staff to meet all GIS/GPS needs including Consulting, Data Conversion (CAD to GIS), Spatial Analysis, GPS Collection, Data Creation and Management, and Cartographic Production Services. HCCOG continues to maintain an extensive library

of local, state, and federal GIS datasets. Within our

region, HCCOG maintains and updates member

municipalities’ GIS data, including zoning, town

limits, ETJ boundaries and utilities.

UTILITY MAPPING In FY 2011-2012, HCCOG planning staff assisted several member governments with utility mapping. HCCOG planning staff mapped the Town of North Wilkesboro’s water and sewer system, the Town of Elk Park’s water and sewer system and the Town of Banner Elk’s sewer and pedestrian street light-ing. To perform this type of mapping, HCCOG planning staff uses a Trimble GeoXT 6000 series GPS device and accompanying software to capture sub-meter location and attribute data. Mapping utility systems using GIS/GPS technology provides local governments with an inventory and geographically-accurate view for the entire as-built system. Mapped features include meters, valves, hydrants, manholes, mains, network structures, streetlights and power sources. Associated attribute data is based on a State standard and customized to each local governments’ needs. Typical attributes include pipe diameter, pipe material, installation dates, meter size, valve type,

and valve size. Once completed, each local government is able to view feature locations and analyze their existing network for capacity planning and capital improvement planning. Infrastructure databases can be queried for specific statistics such as the total footage of piping by diameter, material, or installation date. Periodically, HCCOG planning staff conducts follow up visits to map new system construction and keep infrastructure data current. The Town of North Wilkesboro, the Town of Elk Park, and the Town of Banner Elk received customized 34” x 44” maps, GIS geodatabase system data, published map files for viewing and using in ArcReader, and an indexed map book that can be kept in public works vehicles for field use.

Wilkes County Economic Development Corporation Site Analysis High Country COG finished a site selection analysis and infrastructure inventory for Wilkes County Economic Development Corporation focusing on the U.S. Highway 421 corridor. The project was completed in two phases in an effort to assist the EDC in identifying properties for potential commercial and industrial development. During Phase I, HCCOG compiled an inventory of Wilkes County’s infrastructure, topographic and cadastral available digital data. This data included water and sewer mains, natural gas lines, 3 phase electric lines, broadband coverage, hydrology, flood hazard zones, slopes >30%, parcels, 2010 orthoimagery and roads listed in the NC DOT Transportation Improvement Program. An indexed map book was created for the Corporation integrating all of the asset data as well as highlighting undeveloped parcels greater than 10 acres.

During Phase II, the Corporation selected parcels of particular interest. HCCOG developed eight site specific 34”x 44” maps. These maps displayed detailed data for each property including 4 foot topographic contours, floodplain, utilities, and tax parcel information, i.e. property ownership, tax values (agriculture, building, land), acreage, etc. Final maps were delivered to the Corporation in April 2012 as well as a digital Published Map File for viewing and interacting with the data in ESRI’s ArcReader software.

Custom Cartographic Production Also, HCCOG designs and produces numerous complex custom maps at a variety of scales and sizes every year for planning efforts, grant applications, wide-circulation publications, and other specialized needs. The Town of Banner Elk requested the COG’s assistance with developing GIS digital data and a series of eleven custom maps for inclusion in the town’s Land Use Master Plan. The COG created a parcel-based land use inventory attributing each parcel with current use based on a guideline of land use categories. The COG then analyzed non-conforming parcels where current land use is inconsistent with zoning district’s allowed uses as defined in the Zoning Ordinance. The land use inventory provides the Town with quantifiable information on development and land use within the Town. It also helps suggest areas that should remain undeveloped or preserved according to the goals of the Town. Sugar Mountain Tourism and Development Author-ity contracted with the COG to create a custom Summer Trails Map and trail profiles for inclusion in a map brochure. The map can be viewed at http://www.skisugar.com/summer/trailmap.pdf

Section of the complete water and sewer system in the Town of North Wilkesboro. Feature call-out boxes highlight typical attributes collected.

[HIGH COUNTRY REGIONAL

BIKE PLAN]

In June 2011, High Country Council of Governments (HCCOG) contracted with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to develop a Regional Bike Plan for the seven-county region. The Plan is intended to improve safety, access, and mobility for cyclists by designating logical routes that connect municipalities and other major destinations in the region. The Plan will identify needed improvements to existing roadways, prioritize the improvements, and develop a signage plan to mark the identified routes. The Regional Bike Plan will be used to advocate for inclusion of bicycle facilities (i.e., wide shoulders, bike lanes) during future highway projects. While NCDOT recognizes the recreational nature of cycling, the Plan is intended to develop routes that will provide transportation connections. The Plan will also recognize the economic and health impacts of cycling. A Steering Committee including three representatives from each County, appointed by the County Boards of Commissioners - was formed to guide development of the Plan. Additionally, representatives from NCDOT Divisions 11 and 13 serve on the Steering Committee. The Plan will be completed by June 2013. Following its completion, the 19 municipalities and seven Counties in the region will be asked to adopt the Plan. Additionally, High Country Council of Governments and the High Country RPO will be asked to endorse the Plan.

Development of the Regional Bike Plan began with development of project goals and objectives, and an outline of the Plan. An on-line survey was developed to gather citizen input on attitudes toward cycling, cycling habits, and desired facility improvements. Over 1,000 responses were collected and analyzed. Also, a series of five public workshops were held throughout the region to allow the public to view maps and data used by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee has used the public input, traffic data, accident data, existing bike and greenway plans, existing road conditions, and scheduled road projects to draft a network of routes throughout the region. Background data and the most recent draft of the bike routes network are posted on the HCCOG website. Next steps in the Regional Bike Plan process include making specific recommendations for facility improvements along the selected

network, additional public workshops, and development of the Plan document. As well as the specific roadway recommendations, the

Plan will include information and recommendations regarding policies, education, and law enforcement related to cycling.

[TRANSPORTATION PLANNING]

ORGANIZATION High Country Council of Governments is the designated Lead Planning Agency for the High Country Rural transportation Planning Organization (High Country RPO). The Council provides staff, technical support, and GIS services to the RPO. The RPO’s functions are conducted through the Rural Transportation Coordinating Committee (local government and NCDOT staff), and the Rural Transportation Advisory Committee (local government elected officials and NC Board of Transportation members).

CORE FUNCTIONS The High Country RPO has four legislated responsibilities :

• Develop long-range local and regional multi-modal transportation plans in cooperation with NCDOT;

• Provide a forum for public participation in the rural transportation planning process;

• Develop and prioritize suggestions for transportation projects that the RPO believes should be included in the State Transportation Improvement Program (TIP); and

• Provide transportation-related information to local governments and other interested organizations and persons.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNING PROCESS The High Country RPO works closely with NCDOT and local governments on transportation planning in the region. RPO staff provides technical assistance during d e ve l o p m e n t o f C o m p r e h e n s i v e Transportation Plans (CTP). CTPs are county-level long-range, multi-modal transportation plans that are mutually adopted by the County and NCDOT. RPOs also are involved in prioritizing projects for inclusion in the State’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). RPO staff works with local governments and NCDOT in development of the High Country RPO Priority Needs List every two years, which is forwarded to NCDOT for consideration in statewide prioritization.

IN-DEPTH FUNCTIONS 1) Developing and prioritizing suggestions for transportation related projects for the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

• The RPO develops a Priority Needs List of projects every two years to submit to NCDOT for consideration.

2) Developing comprehensive local and regional multimodal transportation plans

• The RPO assists NCDOT in developing multimodal comprehensive transportation plans at the county level.

• The RPO develops and updates locally coordinated human service transportation plans for the seven transit agencies in the region.

• The RPO develops bicycle and pedestrian plans for the Towns in the region.

3) Providing transportation related information to local governments and other interested parties

• RPO staff attends project development meetings on behalf of the RPO members and provides NCDOT with local input. Project information is the provided to RPO members.

• Project information is also provided in the RPO newsletter and on this website.

4) Providing a forum for public participation in the rural transportation planning process

• The RPO provides for a public hearing prior to the adoption of the Priority Needs List, facilitates public workshops during the planning process, and solicits public comments in the development of transportation plans through press releases and surveys.

RTAC Meeting Brenda Lyerly, Chair

LANSING PEDESTRIAN PLAN The High Country RPO offers assistance in de-veloping bicycle and pedestrian plans to the towns of the High Country who would not typically qualify for pedestrian and bicycle planning grants offered by NCDOT. To be eligible for a NCDOT bicycle or pedestrian planning grant, a town must have a full-time staff person who will be assigned as the project manager to oversee the implemen-tation of the plan. However, many of the small towns in the region do not have full-time staff to designate as the plan’s project manager, yet still need a bicycle or pedestrian plan. Recently, High Country RPO completed a bicycle and pedestrian plan for the Town of Lansing. While the Town was interested in improving pe-destrian connections, it also wanted to focus on improving pedestrian safety in the business dis-trict along NC 194. To address the Town’s needs, a Pedestrian Plan “Light” was developed. The Town of Lansing Pedestrian Plan “Light” will serve as a guide for the Town to use for address-ing pedestrian needs. The plan’s proposed pe-destrian network is designed to improve the exist-ing transportation network by developing a series of sidewalks and trails between key origins and destinations within Lansing. The plan also incor-porates traffic calming measures to slow traffic and facilitate a safer pedestrian environment. The plan will help the Town develop solutions to the heavy pedestrian traffic which occurs during the six large festivals held there annually. The Town was also concerned about excessive

vehicle speeds along NC 194, and chose to ad-dress this challenge by replacing the stoplight at the intersection of NC 194 and South Big Horse Creek Road with stop signs, and installing a crosswalk on NC 194 near D Street. Other plan recommendations include extending the Creeper Trail toward Warrensville and installing street-scape improvements along NC 194. The High Country RPO staff is prepared to de-velop this type of plan for other interested munici-palities, and can also provide assistance in locat-ing funding sources for recommendations con-tained in these plans. Benefits of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan “Light”:

• Allows small communities to document needs

• Simple and easy to understand

• F o c u s e s o n k e y connections

• Prioritizes projects

• Provides support for funding requests

ALLEGHANY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN Alleghany County and the Town of Sparta adopted in their first Comprehensive Transporta-tion Plan (CTP) in May. The last thoroughfare plan for the Town of Sparta was adopted in 1992, and the Alleghany County Comprehensive Trans-portation Plan is the third CTP to be completed in

the High Country Region. After each plan was adopted, the High Country RPO endorsed them and the North Carolina Board of Transportation adopted them.

The Transportation Planning Branch of NCDOT prepares a CTP by working with towns and coun-ties to develop a transportation system which will meet their future needs. CTPs are mutually adopted by local governments and NCDOT, and typically consist of multi-modal vision maps that present anticipated future travel demand.

Some of the new recommendations included in the CTP include:

• US 21: Widen to 3 lanes with 12 ft lanes and accommodations for bicycles in various sec-tions from Andrews Ridge Road to Bledsoe Creek Rd.

• US 21: Widen to three 12 ft lanes with paved shoulders from Wilkes County to Okla-homa Rd. Includes passing lanes in alternate directions or turning lanes based on the needs of the specific area

• Sparta Parkway Northeast Extension: Ex-tend the Sparta Parkway from US 21 to NC 18

US 221: Widen to 12 foot lanes with improve-ments to the alignment as needed. Recommendations for improvements to bicycle, pedestrian, and public transportation were also included in the CTP. The adopted Alleghany Comprehensive Transportation Plan maps can be found at http://www.ncdot.gov/doh/preconstruct/tpb/planning/AlleghanyCTP.html .

A visualization of the Lansing Pedestrian Plan streetscape and traffic calming recommendation.

[TRANSPORTATION PLANNING]

Pictured to the left: Proposed improvements to US 21 from Andrews Ridge Rd to Bledsoe Creek Rd

Pictured to the right: Sparta Parkway Northeast Extension

4 Area Agency on Aging

Funds Administration and Quality Assurance

Program, Resource and System Development

Planning

Information Brokerage

Advocacy

Family Caregiver Support Program

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Area Agencies on Aging were designated by the state to administer the Older American Act at the regional level per the 1973 amendment to the Older Americans Act. Area Agencies on Aging are charged with developing comprehensive and coordinated service and resource systems for older adults, which address their needs and are appropriate for the local communities. The “bottom line” purpose is to help older adults live in their communities in the least restrictive environment with maximum dignity and independence.

[FUNDS ADMINISTRATION &

QUALITY ASSURANCE]

True to that mission, the High Country Area Agency on Aging (AAA) continues to look for new opportunities to expand programs, leverage additional resources, incorporate business and strategic planning practices, and work collaboratively with community partners and local governments to broaden and strengthen a comprehensive system of home and community-based services in each of the seven counties in the Region D service area. The following report is made within the context of the following required Performance Standards for the Area Agencies on Aging in North Carolina: Funds Administration and Quality Assurance; Planning; Program, Resource and System Development; Information Brokerage; and Advocacy; as well as, including informa-tion on the Area Agency’s Family Caregiver Support Program and the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.

FUNDS ADMINISTRATION & QUALITY ASSURANCE A key responsibility of the Area Agency is to provide oversight of the counties use of the Older Americans Act funding, Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG), and other federal and state funds appropriated for services for older adults and their family caregivers. This oversight includes assisting the counties and the lead agents with planning for HCCBG service; contracting for services with provider agencies as specified by the Board of County Commissioners; providing technical assistance in managing funds and for compliance with service standards to assure quality services; and conducting annual assessments.

$0

$75,000

$150,000

$225,000

$300,000

$375,000

$450,000

$525,000

$600,000

Alleghany Ashe Avery Mitchell Watauga Wilkes Yancey

ALLOCATION BY COUNTY

AVERY SENIOR SERVICES LONG TERM PLAN FOR OPERATION Earlier this year, the Area Agency on Aging received the request to assist the Avery Senior Services in developing a long term plan for the period 2012-2017. The Goal for this planning process was very clearly articulated by the agency director, RD Daniels, “to provide collective direction in administering the programs and services of the agency by considering current issues and providing direction in program and service development for the Nutrition, In-Home Aide and Senior Center services.”

The planning committee focused on the following factors in their changing environment: • baby boomers with varying needs;

• sharp increase in the older adult population;

• the mix of the year-round residents and the summer residents

• flat funding (at best) when at the same time there is an increase demand for services; and

• the accomplishment of the Senior Center achieving Certification status of Center of Excel-lence demanding different activities, broader reach and planning.

The planning session lasted from May to August, with intense weekly sessions and site visits to two similar agencies. The outcomes were recommendations with stated objectives and strategies providing direction that will have a positive impact on the agency, affording sustainability of programs and services, targeting

the most with the greatest need, and setting the stage for a viable, active and relevant senior center. Mr. Daniels is to be commended for his forth thinking and willingness to gain input from others.

PLANNING IN ALLEGHANY COUNTY Planning is well underway for a comprehensive plan to meet the needs for the county’s aging population. At the request of the county, the Area Agency is facilitating the planning process for Alleghany Senior Aging Plan. The planning committee has gathered input, identified issues f a c i n g o l d e r a d u l t s , e s t a b -l i s h e d g o a l s a n d o b j e c -tives to a d -d r e s s t h o s e i s s u e s , and is cur rent l y d e ve l -o p i n g s t rate-gies to accom-plish the g o a l s .

The established Senior Advisory Committee will oversee the implementation of the Plan.

[PLANNING] The Area Agency takes a lead role in assisting counties in planning for a comprehensive system of home and community-based services. The Agency also assists agencies in the aging network in strategic planning for their agency or programs.

Pictured Above: RD Daniels, Director of Avery Senior Services

Karon Edwards, Planning Chair & Director of Alleghany Council on Aging

EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH PROMOTION (EBHP) The AAA, especially the Regional EBHP Coordi-nator, Tonia Cook, has dedicated significant

efforts over 2012 to maintain and expand the evidence-based health promotion programs for older adults in Region D. 2012 began with five programs but ended the fiscal year with the addition of the Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program as well as plans for two counties to be trained in the Diabetes Self Management Program

to be held in August at the MAHEC facility in Asheville. These programs rely heavily on the support of the senior center staff as well as dedicated volunteers, especially since the grant funding previously available to support these programs have dried up. With creative thinking and aggressive efforts being put into leveraging resources, the AAA is dedicated to maintaining these programs and adding others as opportunities arise.

LINVILLE COVE Construction of the Linville Cove Apartments is over 80% complete with a scheduled completion by February, 2013. The need for affordable housing for the elderly and disabled had been identified in the planning process for the High Country Area Plan on Aging and in Avery’s Home and Community Care Block Grant planning session. Linville Cove has 32 units located within a two-story building. There are one and two bed-room apartments, and some are handicapped/mobility impaired accessible. A covered central entrance is the cornerstone of the design with community space and porches. Additional site amenities and design features include a multi-

purpose room, computer center, interior tenant storage, an elevator, and numerous outdoor and indoor sitting and gathering areas. The site de-sign features a courtyard with outside seating and a large screened-in porch. The site is located on the public transportation route and within walking distance of numerous services; such as, Avery Senior Center, DSS, Health Department, and senior friendly walking trails along the river as well as shopping areas. Linville Cove was developed by Western NC Housing Partnership, Inc., whose mission is to work with organizations and individuals in both the public and private sectors to develop quality, affordable housing for older adults and special populations in Western North Carolina. Anita Davie, Area Agency Director, is a board member of the Partnership.

WILKES MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM The Area Agency continues to support Wilkes Multidisciplinary Team (WMDT). The team serves four purposes: raise the awareness of elder abuse, staff difficult cases, resource devel-opment, and Crisis intervention. This year’s ef-forts have been centered on strengthening and growing the Team collaboratively. WMDT is based on the belief that the problems facing our most needy residents are too big, too complex and too critical for any one person or agency to adequately address alone. The Team is very active and has identified the need for more comprehensive coverage shelters, transportation, and a case manager for clients in crisis. One of the outcomes this year has been the development of a model for intervention with clients in crisis, those who have urgent and multi-problems and are unable to secure necessary

services on their own. The Model describes the typical characteristics of the clients, defines the First Line of Intervention, which includes hospital mental health, and DSS (Protective Services), Long Term Care Facilities, and the Sheriff’s Department. Collaboration among these agencies will help ensure effective, efficient stabilization and the client’s return to a home setting and community with supportive resources. The Model also includes a Back-up Assistance Line from numerous other agencies, organiza-tions, and service providers that provide essential services for the client. Free and low-cost services provided by the back-up assistance line such as health care, housing, transportation, in-home services and nutrition are necessary for rehabilitative care and maintenance of functioning. Collaboration is key to Wilkes Multidisciplinary Team Intervention Model.

HIGH COUNTRY FALLS PREVENTION COALITION The High Country Falls Prevention Coalition, which is comprised of the Area Agency and rep-resentatives from each of the seven counties, continues to be a viable resource for falls preven-tion for the older adults. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths and the sec-ond leading cause of injury hospitalizations in the persons age 65 and older. As the population ages, the estimated cost of hospitalizations re-sulting from falls is expected to reach 7.6 billion dollars nationwide by 2030. Moreover, the cost in human suffering is enormous, especially for the frail elderly when a fall usually means the loss of living at home. This year’s focus has been strengthening the local task forces in the counties. The Coalition developed a program mode for Falls Preven-tion Local Task Force, which all seven coun-ties are using and were very successful in pro-ducing many activities during the Falls Pre-vention Awareness week in late Septem-ber.

[PROGRAM, RESOURCE AND

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT]

Tonia Cook, Evidence-Based Health Promotions Coordinator

Linville Cove Construction

The Area Agency engages in activities that facilitate a system of care through developing infrastructure in the service delivery system and efforts to increase the resources available for older adults and their caregivers.

FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION FORUM Julie Wiggins, Ombudsman, worked with the Ashe County Elder Abuse Prevention Team to host a financial exploitation forum for over 60 attendees. Three speakers presented at the forum including David Kirkman from the North Caro-

lina Attorney General’s Office. The forum made national news as it was featured on the newsfeed for the National Center for Elder Abuse The forum’s intent was to bring awareness to the issue of financial exploitation of older adults. Ex-ploitation can occur in many forms and the perpe-trator may be a family member, friend, caregiver, or complete stranger. Exploitation can occur in-person, by telephone, or over the internet. Victims lose billions of dollars each year to scams and other forms of exploitation and the majority of these victims are older adults. People of all back-grounds are affected by exploitation.

Low Income Subsidy Campaign The AAA received a grant from the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program and worked closely with partners in each county to reach out to various businesses who serve low income families to in-crease the awareness of the Social Security Ad-ministration’s Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program. Much effort was placed on this program, as it pays for various levels of expenses relative to the older adults’ Medicare Part D (prescription drug) ex-penses, such as annual deductible, monthly premi-ums and reducing co-pays. The AAA also ex-panded the awareness of the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) during these partnerships, as the MSP pays for a combination of the following, de-pending on the individual’s eligibility: annual de-ductible, monthly premiums as well as any co-pays they encounter.

Area Agency on Aging Hosts the Annual Training Conference The High Country Area Agency on Aging, along

with other North Carolina Area Agencies on Aging, hosted “Artisans of Aging: Crafting Tomorrow,” the annual conference for the Southeastern Associa-tion of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A) in Septem-ber at the beautiful, historic Grove Park Inn. There were more than 650 in attendance at this training conference, which focused on specific tracks for People Helping People, Aging in the Community, Investing in Families and Communities, and Em-bracing the Future.

The Conference theme speaks to the arts, for which this area is well known, and to the creativity and skill necessary to serve the growing population of older adults and individual with disabilities in a time of limited resources. Well known and re-spected national speakers and experts close to home offered insight into many aspects of the work of the aging network, new ideas and best prac-tices. High Country Area Agency on Aging’s own Brenda Reece, Family Caregiver Specialist, was a co-presenter at a very well received workshop “Helping Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: What Can We Learn from Research and Best Practice?” Brenda’s co-presenter was Luci Bearon, Associate Professor and Adult Dev. & Aging Spe-cialist, NCSU-NC Cooperative Extension, Raleigh, NC.

Other AAA Activities: • Collaborated with the NC Division of Aging

and Adult Services to provide funds from utility companies to purchase fans for heat relief within the region.

• Provided workshops for communities on such topics as Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and Caregiving, and Aging and Depression.

• Served as a collaborative for the High Coun-try Community Resource Connections.

• Provided resolutions honoring persons 100

years of age and older.

• Provided information and assistance to older adults and their family members in locating resources.

• Participated in the 10th Annual Adult Services Coalition of Watauga County’s EXPO provid-ing information on available resources and recognizing older adults.

• Serve on the North Carolina Coalition of Men-tal Health and Aging.

• Continue to work with Mitchell County on implementation of Solutions for Seniors, a comprehensive plan.

• Assessed four In-Home Aide / Home Manage-ment Programs for Certification.

• Conducted mid-point reviews and offered technical assistance to senior centers for Certification of Senior Center of Excellence.

• Took the lead in developing an operational manual for Veteran Directed-Home and Com-munity Based Services Program to be oper-ated by NC4A.

• Published the AAA newsletter, Senior Con-nection, and wrote articles for the High Coun-try Council of Governments newsletters.

• Conducted quarterly meetings with all con-tract service providers.

• Promoted and provided technical assistance for the Consumer Directed Services Program, which was launched in Alleghany and Yancey counties.

• Provided information to counties and elected officials on the status of the Home and Com-munity Care Block Grant Services for Older Adults with regards to the economic hard times facing our communities, state and na-tion.

[INFORMATION BROKERAGE] The Area Agency plays a lead role in assisting individuals and communities in becoming aware of and knowledgeable about aging issues and services and programs available to older adults and their families.

Julie Wiggins (left), Brenda Reece (center), and

Tonia Cook (right)

Tonia Cook receives a Certificate of Recognition from Boone Mayor, Loretta Clawson, for her dedication to

support the development of the Adult Services Coalition.

[ADVOCACY] The Area Agency is charged with the responsibility of assuring that the individual and collective interests of older adults, their caregivers will be safeguarded and recognized. Our most effective advocacy is the NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature, both in the state arena, as well as, on the regional and local level.

Established in 1993 by the General Assembly, the NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature (STHL) serves as a representative body of citizens who voice the needs of older adults to the General Assembly. The NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature is modeled after the state legislature The NC STHL will soon celebrate their 20th year of successful advocacy! The current STHL Legislative Priorities include the following: maintain funding for senior centers; restore funding to sustain Project C.A.R.E; mandate pre-employment and random drug testing for employees of nursing, adult care homes, and adult day care facilities; strengthen and fund NC’s Adult Protective Services Program; and funding for Home and Community Care Block Grant.

2013 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES IN-DEPTH Maintain funding for senior centers: Senior centers provide programs and services that enhance the health and wellness of older adults and support their efforts to remain independent. Maintaining funding would enable those senior centers to continue their services to meet the needs of a growing population of older adults. Restore Funding to Sustain Project C.A.R.E.: Hailed as innovative and cost effective, Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) was designed and tested in North Carolina. It has become a na-tional best practice model for providing respite services to family members who are caring at home for a relative with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia. The number of North Carolinians afflicted with these dementias, now approximately 170,000, will continue to rise. We recommend that sufficient recurring funds be provided to extend Project C.A.R.E. to all 100 counties by July 1, 2015 or as soon thereafter as practicable. Mandate pre-employment and random drug testing for employees of nursing, adult care homes, and adult day care facilities: Facilities that provide specialized care for frail adults should have pre-employment and random drug testing. The safety of frail adults is compromised when employees abuse drugs. Strengthen and fund North Carolina’s Adult Protective Services Program: The Adult Protective Services (APS) program must be

strengthened and funded to respond to North Carolina’s rapidly growing aging population. We recommend that the General Assembly appropriate funds to assess proposed changes to the APS statutes. This should in-clude the implementation of the Vulnerable Adult Protection System (VAPS) for the state and re-instate $2 Million in the state budget to meet the growing need for Adult Protective Services in North Carolina. Funding for HCCBG: STHL shall urge the NC GA to appropriate addi-tional recurring funds of at least $7 million to meet the needs of the rapidly growing older adult populations and the coming tsunami of baby boomers over the next 20+ years. The age 60+ population is projected to grow by 171% by 2030 when the youngest baby boomer will be age 65.There are approximately 18,000 people currently on waiting list for Home and Community Care Block Grant services.

HOW THE STHL WORKS: • The STHL is a single legislative body (unicameral).

• One delegate and one alternate from each of the 100 counties are appointed by each county.

• Members must be 60 years of age or older and live in the county they represent.

• Statewide STHL meetings are held three times a year- March, June and October.

• A report of the STHL’s proceedings and legislative priorities are submitted to the General Assembly at the conclusion of the March session.

• The High Country (Region D) STHL delegation meets four times a year to review local and regional needs and priorities to pursue at the statewide meetings.

• STHL members also work in their home counties advocating for resources and solutions for older adults and their caregivers.

The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP), enacted in 2000 by an amendment to the Older Americans Act (OAA), provides services to family caregivers of older and disabled adults and grandparents and other relatives who have taken on the responsibility of raising a minor child. By providing supportive services, family members are able to honor their relative’s wishes to remain at home, and save the nation over $300 billion each year due to premature institutionalization. The Family Caregiver Resource Specialist contin-ues to address the needs of family caregivers by collaborating with local organizations to provide caregiver training seminars and educational sessions for employers, faith-based organizations, civic clubs, and community members. Presentations were delivered at local, state and national conferences. Other advocacy and out-reach efforts include participating in health fairs, facilitating support groups, serving on key advisory committees, working with the media to raise public awareness of caregiving issues and helping to organize community events that support older and disabled adults as well as those who care for them. The Family Caregiver Resource Specialists fielded four hundred twenty-five (425) calls requesting information and assistance about available programs and services. In addition, one hundred forty-one (141) caregivers received assistance in accessing these services. Also, more than 200 people attended a variety of caregiver educational workshops.

RESPITE CARE The High Country AAA’s FCSP contracts with service providers in each of the seven counties to provide respite services to caregivers, allowing them to enjoy a temporary break from their caregiving duties. Last year these service providers imparted 1,524 hours of in home respite care, allowing caregivers in each county a well-deserved break. Day Break at Deerfield continues to provide group respite for caregivers caring for loved ones suffer-ing from dementia. This program was initiated in 2009 with grants from the Brookdale Foundation. The program is currently doing outreach for participants.

RELATIVES AS PARENTS PROGRAM High Country RAPP (Relatives as Parents Program), the region’s first program exclusively for grandparents raising grandchildren and other rela-

tives who have taken on the responsibility of surro-gate parenting has continued to expand. Since its inception in July 2008, sixty-four relative caregiver families have benefited from the program. By collaborating, partnering and leveraging, High Country RAPP was able to assist participants with expenses for summer camps, school supplies, field trips, musical instruments, school annuals and photographs, opportunities for recreational activi-ties and scouting, assistance with legal fees and the annual Holiday for Kids toy drive. Support from Earth Fare, Kiwanis of Banner Elk, High Country COG staff, Toys for Tots and multiple area restau-rants contributed to the program’s success. In addition, forty-nine (49) kinship caregivers (44 in Watauga and 5 in Avery county) were assisted with legal fees, school- related expenses, summer camps, extra-curricula and parks and recreation programs and activities, back to school supplies and/or Holiday for Kids.

WORKING CAREGIVERS The Family Caregiver Support Program continues its efforts to partner with employers to help find solutions for the working caregiver. The program's objective is to help employers understand and quantify the issues, impacts, and cost associated with an aging workforce and population; to identify and provide resources to help employers address workplace issues and to reduce the associated costs and provide substantial assistance to work-ing caregivers. By partnering with private businesses, government

agencies, not-for-profit organizations and educa-

tional institutions, the caregiver specialist is able to

assist working caregivers by providing the link

between the workplace and the service net-

work. The program brings attention and focus to

the issue and costs of caregivers in the workplace

and helps to identify solutions to reduce the finan-

cial and social costs to employers and their em-

ployees who are family caregivers. Work site train-

ings can address Issues such as: Caregiver

Stress; Conflict Resolution; Dealing with Change;

Balancing Work and Family; Compassion

Fatigue; Improving Family Communication;

Understanding Medicare & Medicaid; Community

Resources; Getting Your Affairs in Order, Legal

Issues of Interest to Seniors and Caregivers,

Kinship Caregiving and Caring for the Caregiver.

HIGH COUNTRY CAREGIVER FOUNDATION (HCCF) The needs of family caregivers are central to HCCF's mission of creating awareness of caregiving issues and improving the quality of life. HCCF places all of its emphasis on services that support, encourage, empower and educate family caregivers and believes that when caregivers utilize supportive services they are better able to preserve quality in their own lives and enhance overall family life. Support secured for the programs include monies raised from fundraising efforts, donations from area churches and private foundations, grants from local utility companies and civic clubs, and in-kind support from the NC Family Caregiver Support Program, the Brookdale Foundation, the High Country Council of Governments and the High Country Area Agency on Aging. Expenses covered in-kind include: postage, travel, printing, office space, supplies, staff time, training and technical assistance. HCCF also received funding from the Avery Partnership for People at End of Life (APPEL), the Arthur Family Foundation, the Church of the Holy Cross, Blue Ridge Electric Members Foundation, Mountain Electric Cooperative, Skyline Telephone, Kiwanis of Banner Elk, Boone Worthwhile Women’s Club and the Everyday Elves. Last year the HCCF raised $35,000 by hosting fundraising events in Avery and Watauga counties. They were able to provide sixty-eight (68) $500 respite vouchers to local family caregivers. Twenty-nine (29) vouchers were awarded in Avery county and thirty-nine (39) in Watauga county.

[FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT

PROGRAM]

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is a federal program that exists to promote the well-being of long term care residents. The program began in North Carolina in 1976 and, in 1989; it was formalized by legislation enacted by the General Assembly. There are now regional ombudsmen who advocate for residents in the 16 regions across the state. The High Country regional ombudsman serves Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties. The ombudsman works to promote residents’ well-being through mediation and negotiation of concerns and complaints. The ombudsman also provides information and technical assistance to residents, their families and friends, long term care staff, other agency providers, as well as the general public. Promoting awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation is also an important goal of the Ombudsman Program. During the past federal fiscal year, the ombudsman investigated 114 complaints, made 209 visits to the long term care facilities, and provided information and technical assistance primarily regarding long term care rights and regulations as well as selecting a long term care facility. The ombudsman also engaged in 33 elder abuse awareness activities including in-service trainings, community presentations, participating on a radio show, and attending abuse prevention team meetings. Finally, 39 trainings were given to the Community Advisory Committee members on topics such as residents’ rights, anti-psychotic medication, and changes in Medicare and Medicare policy. An essential part of the achieving the goals of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is through the Community Advisory Committees (CACs), which are comprised are volunteers who visit their county’s long term care facilities and help advocate for the residents.

MENTAL ILLNESS AND ADULT CARE HOMES In 2011, the United States Department of Justice determined that North Carolina was inappropriately housing people with mental illness by placing them in adult care homes, rather than in less restrictive community settings. As a result, some adult care homes are at risk of serving as “institutions for mental disease” or “IMDs,” which is out of compliance with federal regulation. The determination by the U.S. DOJ placed thousands of adult care home residents across North Carolina at risk of losing their Medicaid status and subsequently their homes as these adult care homes would not be able to operate without Medicaid funding. As a result, Adult Care Homes will be responsible for ensuring residents a safe, orderly, and person-centered transition from the facility to their community based supported housing. Procedures will be developed to guide adult care homes on these discharges. Residents with mental illness who reside in an “IMD” adult care home will have priority access to these housing options as they become available. Over the next 8 years, community-based housing will need to be expanded to accommodate the current future housing needs for people with mental illness. Such housing will be permanent and will have built in supportive services. There will also be an expansion of mental health services which will assist people with the transition to community living. These services, such as case management, crisis intervention, and supportive employment services will be crucial for people to successfully remain in their new community-based homes.

Julie Wiggins, Ombudsman

[LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN

PROGRAM]

5 Workforce Development

Board Structure

Workforce Investment Act Services

Board Members

PY 2011 WIA Performance Outcomes/ Funding & Expenditures

State Energy Sector Partnership Grant

Get REAL Youth Services

On-The-Job Training

JobLink Career Centers

The Workforce Development Board provides the community policy guidance and independent oversight for workforce development services for youth, adult, dislocated workers, and businesses including the federal Workforce Investment Act; a forum where private and public sector leaders jointly consider the education, job training, and employment needs of our communities; and leadership and support for the JobLink Career Center System throughout the seven county region. All board members serve on committees which help guide the work of the board. Workforce Development Board members are appointed by the Chief Elected Official of their political jurisdiction. In the High Country, that means the Chairman of the County Commissioners from each county makes appointments. For business members, the Chairman makes appointments from nominations presented by a local Chamber of Commerce or other general purpose business organization.

[BOARD STRUCTURE]

[BOARD MEMBERS]

Mike Birkmire – Manager, Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services provides counseling, training, education, transportation, job placement, assistive technology and other support services. These services are provided to people with physical, psychiatric, or intellectual disabilities to assist them with living independently and with finding a job and staying on the job. Anne Bowlin – Local Manager (Alleghany, Ashe, Wilkes), Division of Workforce Solutions (formerly the NC Employment Security Commission). The Division of Workforce Solutions assists jobseekers and employers in finding employment as well as filling open positions. In addition, DWS provides assistance to customers filing for unemployment insurance. Dr. John Boyd - President, Mayland Community College. Mayland Com-munity College serves the counties of Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey. May-land currently offers curriculum programs including numerous college transfer options, continuing education offerings, and Basic Skills and GED completion programs. Jason Carlton – Owner, Go Wilkes.com. The GoNC Network is a web design and hosting firm regionally known for its locally focused websites, like GoWilkes.com, GoWatauga.com, GoAshe.com, and 37 other "Go" sites encouraging residents to discuss local events with one another, as well as help promote local businesses and restaurants. GoWilkes.com is located in North Wilkesboro, NC. Kim Cashatt - Executive Assistant/Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coor-dinator, Northwestern Regional Housing Authority. NRHA works to pro-mote adequate and affordable housing for those less fortunate in the com-munity, provide economic opportunity, and a suitable living environment free from discrimination. Skip Greene – Owner, Greene Construction, Inc. Started in 1947, Greene Construction is a full service construction company capable of building commercial, industrial, institutional projects, residential, home renova-tions, apartment complexes, patios, walkways, driveways, all types of concrete construction, and multi-story office buildings. Greene Construc-tion, Inc. is located in Boone, NC. Marie Gwyn – Habitat for Humanity. Avery County Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization working in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing which is sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Jennie Harpold - Human Resource Development Director, Mayland Com-munity College. Mayland Community College serves the counties of

Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey. Mayland currently offers curriculum pro-grams including numerous college transfer options, continuing education offerings, and Basic Skills and GED completion programs. Rhonda Herman – Executive Vice President, McFarland & Co. Publishing. McFarland is a leading independent publisher of academic and nonfiction books especially known for covering topics of popular appeal in a serious and scholarly fashion, many of which have received awards as out-standing reference or academic titles. McFarland is recognized for serious works in a variety of fields including pop culture, sports, military history, and transportation among others. McFarland & Co. Publishing is located in Jefferson, NC. Mike Holzworth - CEO/President, Hospitality Mints. Hospitality Mints LLC was founded in 1978 and produces and sells hard and soft candies offer-ing custom packaging solutions and stock wrappers with printed and indi-vidual wrappers for its candies; sports mints; bulk and bagged candies; and party sweets. Hospitality Mints offers its products through distributors worldwide, as well as online. Hospitality Mints LLC is located in Boone, NC. David Honeycutt – Plant Manager, Buck Stove. Buck Stove manufactures wood, gas, and coal stoves; gas log sets; barbecue grills; and outdoor furniture. The company has in-house CNC machines, plasma-cutting tables, and a powder coating facility. Buck Stove has been in business for 40 years manufacturing top quality, American made heating products. Buck Stove is located in Spruce Pine, NC. Clark Hunter – Manager, Alleghany County Economic Development & Blue Ridge Business Development Center (BDC). The Blue Ridge BDC is dedicated to the creation of a skilled workforce and the advancement of technology jobs and skills for the people of Alleghany County. The Blue Ridge BDC offers free Internet access and computer training for all citi-zens; business consulting services; entrepreneurial training; and provides a rich environment for entrepreneurs and current business owners to es-tablish a niche, increase their market share, and grow their businesses. The Blue Ridge BDC is located in Sparta, NC. Trasa Jones – HR Director, Pioneer Eclipse. In business for almost 40 years, Amano Pioneer Eclipse has provided building service contractors with mechanical and chemical solutions for cleaning and maintaining all types of flooring including vinyl composite tile, granite, marble, concrete, carpet, linoleum and marmoleum. Sold through janitorial supply distribu-tors, Amano Pioneer Eclipse also produces a full line of environmentally preferred cleaners and coatings known as EnviroStar Green which is suited for hospitals, schools, hotels, offices and retail environments. Pio-neer Eclipse is located in Sparta, NC.

The High Country Workforce Development Board has undergone many changes in the past year. The board strives to represent a range of regional industries, employer sizes, and public agencies as well as having representatives from each of the seven counties in the High Country area. Here is a snapshot of our current board members.

[BOARD MEMBERS cont.]

Gina McDowell – HR Manager, CertainTeed Corporation. Cer-tainTeed Corporation is a leading North American manufacturer of build-ing materials including roofing, vinyl and fiber cement siding, trim, fence, railing, decking, foundations, insulation, gypsum, ceilings, and pipe prod-ucts. CertainTeed is located in Roaring River, NC. Carolyn McKinney - Career Development Coordinator, Mitchell County Schools. Mitchell County Schools strives to collaborate with families and community partners to provide a safe, caring, and engaging learning envi-ronment that prepares graduates to become responsible citizens in a diverse, global society. Bryan Peterson – HR Manager, Altec Industries. Altec is a leading pro-vider of products and services to the electric utility, telecommunications, and contractor markets providing products and services in over 100 coun-tries throughout the world. Altec Industries is located in Burnsville, NC. Jayne Phipps-Boger – Director, Wilkes Community College Alleghany Center. The Alleghany Center of WCC offers a variety of curriculum, continuing education, and industrial training programs. Additionally, job-skill development courses and small business seminars are available at a convenient location to meet the needs of residents of Alleghany County. Wanda Proffitt – Director, Yancey County Economic Development Com-mission (EDC). The Yancey County EDC works to promote and sustain the economic and social well-being of its citizens by retaining the natural beauty of Yancey County while growing appropriately. The Yancey County EDC played an integral role in helping the county obtain its Certi-fied Entrepreneurial Community designation. Janel Radford – HR Leader, GE Aviation. GE Aviation is the world's lead-ing producer of large and small jet engines for commercial and military aircraft. It also supplies aircraft-derived engines for marine applications and provides aviation services. GE Aviation's technological excellence, supported by continuing substantial investments in research and develop-ment, has been the foundation of growth, and helps to ensure quality products for customers. GE Aviation is located in West Jefferson, NC. Sam Ray – Retired, Business owner. This much decorated retired Air Force Colonel has been involved in community service and business for decades and is the High Country Workforce Development Board’s elder statesman and Ex-Officio member. During the 26 years he has been a HCWDB member, Sam has served the Board as its Chairman and con-tributed on numerous committees. Truman Robbins – Computer Systems Administrator, Avery County De-partment of Social Services. Avery County Department of Social Services strives to be an advocate for and protector of the young, disabled, and aged citizens of Avery County as well as be an agency that works as a

team to administer services and public assistance programs in an effi-cient, timely, consistent, and professional manner. Julia Rowland Boone - Assistant Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, Appalachian State University. Created in 2006 to support a growing group of student entrepreneurs as well as support entrepreneurship in the surrounding communities, the Center is working toward engaging more students in practical educational experience; promoting education, re-search, and service collaborations; increasing its visibility; and enhancing undergraduate and graduate educational opportunities. Stacy Sears – Assistant Director of Housing & Residence Life, Appala-chian State University . University Housing, a department within the Stu-dent Development branch of Appalachian State University (ASU), offers housing to almost 5900 full-time undergraduate students at ASU. Univer-sity Housing is dedicated to providing students with convenient, well-maintained housing and fostering a learning-oriented community that creates connections and opportunities for meaningful experiences. Stacy Sears represents the State Employees Association of North Caro-lina on the HCWDB. Dwight Simmons - President, Mountain Lumber Company. Mountain Lum-ber began as a resource for the building trades over 20 years ago and continues to take the lead in new products, new green building technolo-gies, and superior customer support services becoming the leading infor-mation and educational resource for green and sustainable building prac-tices for both trade and consumer customers. Mountain Lumber Com-pany is located in Boone, NC. Earl Tipton – Vice President, Young and McQueen Grading Co. In busi-ness for over 20 years, Young & McQueen Grading is a complete site development contractor specializing in developing challenging terrain while preserving the pristine appearance of the mountain area. Young & McQueen is “heavy–highway” oriented with capabilities in large site preparation, highway construction, and retaining wall construction. The company’s resume includes work on university campuses, state high-ways, commercial and industrial sites, large housing developments, golf courses, health care and government facilities and hundreds of individual residential sites. Young & McQueen Grading Co is located in Burnsville, NC. Sallie Woodring – Volunteer Services Director, Appalachian Regional Health System. Blowing Rock Hospital in Blowing Rock, Charles A. Can-non, Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville, and Watauga Medical Center in Boone have individually cared for High Country residents and visitors for decades. Now, these three unique hospitals make up the innovative team that is Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. Working together, the hospitals are enhancing health care services available in the High Country while holding on to their values of compassion, integrity, and excellence.

In PY 2011, the Workforce Investment Act provided funding to assist adult and youth

customers in working toward meeting their educational and employment goals through the

following services: assessments, classroom training, on-the-job training, work experiences,

supportive services, case management, job search assistance, placement services, and follow-

up services.

[WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT

SERVICES]

The High Country Workforce Area achieved at least 90% of its goals for 8

of the 9 Performance Measures. The NC Division of Workforce Solutions

requires that workforce areas meet at least 80% of their goal for 5 of the 9

measures to be considered as having met performance outcomes.

[PY 2011 WIA PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES/

FUNDING & EXPENDITURES]

Workforce Investment Act Funding is allocated by Program Year which runs from July 1st

to June 30th. Local Workforce Areas have two years to expend each program year’s

formula funds (Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth) and the associated Administration Funds.

Typically, formula funds carried forward into a new program year are expended within the

first quarter of the new year. Some grants, such as the State Energy Sector Grant and

the OJT National Emergency Grant, have a predetermined start and end date that does

not necessarily correspond to the start or end of the program/fiscal year.

[WORKFORCE FUNDING & EXPENDITURE

LEVELS]

Return on Investment for WIA Customer

Services

The HCWDB

calculates the

$1,275,570 in WIA

Funds expended

serving Adults/

Dislocated Workers in

PY 2011 will result in

$9,529,468 in annual

earnings for 377

customers who enter

employment and

remain employed for

12 months.

[STACIE ALLEN– NC GOVERNOR’S AWARD

WINNER]

When Stacie Allen of Burnsville was laid off in June of 2009 from the public

school system where she was an assistant in an exceptional children’s

classroom, she automatically knew she wanted to use the opportunity to

make a better life for her three children.

After visiting the Yancey JobLink Center and discussing her career path

with Career Counselor, Donna Kelly, she was enrolled in the Workforce

Investment Act (WIA) dislocated worker program.

With a career goal in mind, Stacie applied and was accepted into the

Registered Nursing Program at Mayland Community College. Working

hard and going through difficult life trials, Stacie remained focused to

successfully complete her training.

With help from WIA and her Career Counselor, Stacie graduated in May

2012 with an AAS Degree in Nursing with a GPA of 3.47. In June 2012,

Stacie passed her board exam and became a North Carolina Registered

Nurse and began working at Brookside Rehabilitation and Care and then

moved on to her current position at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.

Now earning twice her prior wages, Stacie is proud of her determination

and the new life she has started for her family. Stacie Allen has been

selected as a Governor’s Award in Workforce Development winner and will

receive her award at the NC Workforce Development Conference in

Greensboro on November 1st.

678

Total number of adults & dislocated workers

assisted from July 1, 2011 through June 30,

2012

The chart below shows the top 10 occupational areas for which WIA adult, dislocated worker, and youth customers were trained:

[WIA OUTCOMES]

Number of WIA Customers Trained

High Country Area Occupations Makeup

“We had to close our doors for a couple months because there was simply no

work. After getting the BPI Certification, we have been able to get back to

work with a focus on Energy Audits rather than new construction.”

Stacy Maye, Mountain West Builders

[STATE ENERGY SECTOR PARTNERSHIP

GRANT]

The Future Workforce Alliance, a partnership with Western Piedmont and Region C Workforce Development Boards, received a U.S. Depart-ment of Labor grant focused on developing green job training and em-ployment opportunities in the region. The grant is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and provides training for eligible individuals leading to industry-recognized certificates in areas such as energy-efficient building, retrofit-ting industries, energy efficiency assessment, and renewable energy installation among others.

Local companies that have received training include B & R Services, Blue Ridge Energy Works LLC, Electron Solar Energy - Carolinas Eagle Electron Power Partners, High Country Timberframe and Woodworking Gallery, Mountain West Builders, and Strata Solar. In addition, other groups that have participated in trainings such as NAR Green Designa-tion, Certified Green Professional Training, Energy Efficient Mortgages, and Home Energy Raters include more than 70 local realtors, over 60 contractors, 14 appraisers and lending agencies, and many individuals.

The Get REAL Youth Services funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) had a year that included multiple workshops, guest speakers, and community service activities such as stream clean-up and visiting an assisted living facility. Workshop topics included financial aid, preparing for employment, resume development, and job fairs. All activities are designed as part of a comprehensive program to assist youth towards completion of education and moving into employment. During Program Year 2011 Get REAL service providers included High Country Council of Governments, Mayland Community College, and Wilkes Community College (beginning March 2012).

[GET REAL YOUTH SERVICES]

MEET APRIL KNIGHT Watauga youth participant, April Knight, took advantage of the many services offered by Get REAL. She enrolled with a goal to complete her degree in order to find employment and provide support for her daughter. As a participant, April attended sessions on interviewing techniques, job search, employability skills, and participated in a work experience as well as community service. Along the way she received one-on-one guid-ance and counseling from a Career Coach that assisted her through her training and in May of 2012 she received her Associates in Applied Science degree from Caldwell Community Col-lege and Technical Institute. April has now found local employment and hopes to continue her education in the future.

GET REAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY Get REAL WIA youth participants across the region took part in service activities during the year to reinforce good citizenship and provide leadership opportunities.

Activities included volunteering to clean up a section of the stream in front of Boone Mall by participating in the Town of Boone's Adopt-A-Stream Program. Youth came together and re-moved items such as a shopping cart, a stove, an old gas station sign, metal shelves, and every kind of trash imaginable totaling six bags. Fulfill-ing the Adopt-A-Stream program requires clean-ing the assigned section of the stream twice dur-ing the calendar year.

Youth also visited the Brian Center assisted living facility in Spruce Pine to provide Christmas gifts and a visit to residents who did not have family or friends. The staff led the group to selected resi-dents who enjoyed the company and the gifts, and the youth felt good that they could provide encouragement and spread some Christmas cheer. Though not the intent of the project, youth were also exposed to the assisted living job set-ting and were able to get a feel for the work envi-ronment.

YOUTH COUNCIL

The HCWDB Youth Council is an arm of the Workforce Development Board made up of a cross-section of public and private sector repre-sentatives who have knowledge, experience, and expertise with the youth population and youth services in the region. Through the Youth Coun-cil, comprehensive and integrated strategies are developed to help in-school and out-of-school youth prepare for successful entry into the work-force. • Anne Bowlin, Local Manager (Alleghany,

Ashe, & Wilkes) - NC Division of Workforce Solutions (formerly Employment Security Commission)

• Dr. John Boyd, President - Mayland Com-munity College

• Kim Cashatt, Executive Asst/Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator - North-western Regional Housing Authority

• Marie Gwyn, Habitat for Humanity • Jennie Harpold, HRD Program Coordinator

- Mayland Community College • Carolyn McKinney, Career Development

Coordinator - Mitchell County Schools • Jayne Phipps-Boger, Director - Wilkes

Community College - Alleghany Center • Julia Rowland Boone, Assistant Director -

Center for Entrepreneurship, Appa-lachian State University

• Stacy Sears, Assistant Director - Housing & Residence Life, Appalachian State Univer-sity - State Employees Association of North Carolina

• Sallie Woodring, Volunteer Services Direc-tor - Appalachian Regional Health System

April Knight

Youth Service Day

[JOB LINK CAREER CENTERS]

In the fall of 2011, the HCWDB and the Appalachian State Universi ty Interior D e s i g n P r o g r a m partnered to re-imagine what JobLink Career Centers could look and feel like. A group of 18 senior design students under the instruction of Professor Tim Dolan worked for three months to design a

customer-friendly space that would be inspiring to jobseekers, impressive to employers, and healthy for employees. This collaborative ap-proach to design education represents a win-win for the workforce development system and the students involved in designing career centers from which they themselves may soon benefit. Ashley Baratta, Stephanie DeContreras, Kaitlyn Imhoff, Sydney Kerschen, and Jessica Vallmer-hausen were the five finalists selected to present their designs to the HCWDB at its December meeting. Along with the presentations each de-sign package included a design manual providing additional details and construction drawings for the proposed redesigns. Although the review committee selected five designs as finalists, each of the other 18 designs also contained indi-vidual elements that could be included in centers. The students were given specific requirements for office spaces, cubicles, classrooms, confer-ence rooms, and resource areas. The require-ments were for two particular career center loca-tions: the Wilkes County JobLink in Wilkesboro

and a potential new space for the Mitchell County JobLink in Spruce Pine. Each of the locations had a different overall layout: one square and one long and narrow. These two locations were used to provide a real-world experience for the students, who were also asked to create design manuals that could help interpret the overall space planning to other loca-tions in North Carolina of any size and shape. “So many of our student projects are conceptual that it’s great to say we have a real project with a real possibility of being built,” stated Vollmer-hausen of Asheville, NC, who worked on the Spruce Pine location design. Baratta of Naples, FL added, “It has been a great learning experience to work directly with a client and have client meetings and presentations and get the insight on who will actually be using the space.” Meetings were held with managers from both JobLink locations, the students, and workforce development board staff to refine the plans and coach the students in their work. In addition to the Career Center spaces each student was asked to design a small mobile kiosk that could be used at partner locations. This kiosk would serve as a place to do job searches or a video conference with a career specialist. The design students were also asked to design a new logo using the name North Carolina Works. Each student created a logo design that fit with the overall design and theme of their career cen-ter design. Not only did the HCWDB receive some fantastic, workable designs from the students, they came

away with a few things as well. “When I was researching Wilkes County, I was very surprised at the statistics I found related to unemployment. I expected there to be a need for centers like JobLink that would provide assis-tance to those who were out of work, but I didn’t truly grasp how much need there was until I saw the overwhelming number of people who are without jobs in Wilkes County,” said Kerschen of Cary, NC. “This experience has helped me in many different aspects. The first one being professionalism. We have always presented in our classroom and taking each project off campus and presenting to a professional crowd taught me a few presenta-tion skills,” said Imhoff of Mooresville, NC. De Contreras of Apex, NC added, “I will take away from the experience an excellent portfolio piece, as well as the experience of working with and presenting to a real client. Many students do not get the opportunity to work on a real design project during their college career, and we are truly blessed to have had this opportunity.” The students’ professor, Tim Dolan, couldn’t agree more. “My students received some very valuable real-world lessons regarding the design process and the day-to-day challenges designers face. While some of this experience had a diffi-cult learning curve, I believe long-term this ex-perience will have a considerable impact on their careers.” The designs are available for viewing one the High Country WDB website.

“When I was researching Wilkes

County, I was very surprised at the statist ics I found related to unemployment. I expected there to be a need for centers like JobLink that would provide assistance to those who were out of work, but I didn’t truly grasp how much need there was until I saw the overwhelming number of people who are

without jobs in Wilkes County.” Sydney Kerschen, ASU Design Student

[ON-THE-JOB TRAINING] On-the-Job Training (OJT) is an activity identified as a service made available to eligible WIA customers. Historically the High Country Workforce Area has provided OJT’s in small numbers (8 to 10 WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker customers per year). In program year 2010, HCWDB received On-the-Job Training National Emergency Grant funding to offer workers displaced by the current economic recession who have suffered prolonged unemployment (19+ weeks) opportunities to participate in OJT activities. The goal for each par-ticipant is to be retained in full-time, unsubsidized employment upon successful completion of the training activities. Positive aspects of OJT’s include immediate employment for the participant; wage reim-bursement to the business (50 to 90% of the wage) for the extra expense of training the participant during the predetermined training period; and the worker is retained in employment with the business upon successful completion of the training plan. Participant hourly wage rates have ranged from $9.50 per hour to

$24.04 per hour with an average hourly wage of $11.68 or average

annual wage rate of $24,294. A total of 62 customers have partici-

pated in OJT activities funded through the national emergency grant

since its inception in the fall of 2010. The graphic below offers a

snapshot of business participation by size, reimbursement rates, and

customer participation numbers since the beginning of the project.

In October 2011, CertainTeed Corporation, a leading manufacturer of building materials located in Roaring River, NC announced the expansion of its operation to include a new paint line. Immediately workforce development staff sought a partnership with them using On-the-Job Training (OJT) to assist with the company’s projected creation of 37 new jobs by the end of 2012.

Human Resources Manager, Gina McDowell, interested in learning more about the types of assistance available to the company as she began re-cruiting and hiring new employees, met with local WIA Business Services Representative, Ricky Roten. A plan was developed to assist in the hiring process: hosting a job fair, applicant screening, assessment of existing em-ployee skill levels, and placement of individuals in OJT.

The Wilkes JobLink Career Center hosted a CertainTeed job fair in Decem-ber 2011, receiving and screening approximately 200 applications. One individual, Dennis Minton, had worked with Dove Air as a utility worker until the company closed in 2010. Minton was contacted for an interview and offered a position at CertainTeed. With limited experience in manufacturing but good transferrable skills, he was a great candidate for the OJT program. While Minton was being trained in his new job, CertainTeed was reimbursed

a percentage of his wage creating a “win-win” for both: Minton was back at

work, and CertainTeed was able to offset some of the investment cost of

training him. Successfully trained in his new position, Minton completed his

OJT in May 2012 and remains employed at CertainTeed. According to

McDowell, he is doing very well. “Some of the best employees we have

came through the OJT program,” McDowell said recently. “In addition, the

reimbursements through the program have really helped out our bottom

line.”

The Wilkes County plant currently employs approximately 110 people – nine

of whom were hired through the OJT program during PY 2011.

Certain Success For Certainteed Corporation

6 Advisory Committees & Boards Directory

High Country Caregiver Foundation

Workforce Development Board

STHL

Rural Transportation Advisory Committee

Town Clerks/Managers

County Managers

HIGH COUNTRY CAREGIVER FOUNDATION Gigi Barker Carol Berns Linda Bretz Kay Decherd Linda Eilers Julie Getty Ellen Harrell Billy Hoilman Jackie Roberts Carol Schaffer Carol & Garrick Smith Patty Wheeler Elizabeth Young

STHL Wanda Adams Jo Ann Alexander Pat Coley Rachel Deal Charles Duncan Norma Duncan Maryallen Estes Daphne Griggs Betty Knight Clara Miller Clifford Phillips Patricia Polley Ed Rosenberg Ina Winters

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Mike Birkmire Anne Bowlin Jason Carolton Skip Greene Marie Gwyn Rhonda Herman Mike Holzworth David Honeycutt Clark Hunter Trasa Jones Gina McDowell Bryan Peterson Jayne Phipps-Boger Wanda Proffitt Janel Radford Sam Ray Truman Robbings Stacy Sears Dwight Simmons Earl Tipton Sallie Woodring

RURAL TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Gary D. Blevins John Brady Judy Buchanan Loretta Clawson Sam Halsey Phillip Hise Mike Inscore Glenn Johnson Brenda Lyerly

Nathan Miller Johnny Riddle Gary Roark Steve Roten Joe Street Dana Tugman

COUNTY MANAGERS Alleghany– Don Adams Ashe– Dr. Patricia Mitchell, CEcD Avery– Robert Wiseman Mitchell– Charles E. Vines Watauga– Deron Geouque Wilkes– John Yates Yancey– Nathan Bennett

TOWN CLERKS/MANAGERS Myrtle D. Brant– Crossnore Richard Canipe– Spruce Pine Crystal Craigo– Bakersville Bryan Edwards– Sparta Ed Evans– Seven Devils Randy Feierabend– Beech Mtn. Connie Guinn– Elk Park Scott Hildebran– Blowing Rock Cathy Howell– Jefferson David Lane– Sugar Mtn. Jeanne Martin– Burnsville Ken Noland– Wilkesboro Lahoma O’Lague– Ronda Rick Owen– Banner Elk Brenda Pittman– Newland Bernice Prestwood– Lansing Brantley Price– West Jefferson Larry South– North Wilkesboro Greg Young– Boone

Our Staff thanks all the volunteers and appointed members who serve on High Country COG Boards; these individuals are essential to our success.

High Country Council of Governments Staff

Primary phone number: (828) 265-5434

Administration Rick Herndon, Executive Director rherndon@regiond.org / ext. 125 Kathy Combs, Receptionist kcombs@regiond.org / ext. 100 Fred Sides, Information Systems Specialist fsides@regiond.org / ext. 110 Lauren Stamey, Office Coordinator lstamey@regiond.org / ext. 101

Finance Beth Norris, Finance Officer bnorris@regiond.org / ext. 109 Melanie Johnstone, Accounting Technician II mjohnstone@regiond.org / ext. 103

Area Agency on Aging Anita Davie, Director adavie@regiond.org / ext. 122 Tonia Cook, Contracts Mgr. Aging Program Coordinator tcook@regiond.org / ext. 113 Brenda Reece, Family Caregiver Support Specialist breece@regiond.org / ext. 128 Diane Tilson, Aging Program Assistant dtilson@regiond.org /ext. 141 Julie Wiggins, Regional Ombudsman jwiggins@regiond.org / ext. 126

Planning & Development Phillip Trew, Director ptrew@regiond.org / ext. 121 Michelle Ball, Community Development Planner mball@regiond.org / ext. 115 Jessica Brannock, GIS Planner jbrannock@regiond.org / ext. 134 Duncan Cavanaugh, Regional Planner dcavanaugh@regiond.org / ext. 138 Kelly Coffey, Senior Planner kcoffey@regiond.org / ext. 114 Craig Hughes, Transportation Planner chughes@regiond.org / ext. 135

Workforce Development Adrian Tait, Director atait@regiond.org / ext. 130 Misty Bishop-Price, Systems Manager mbishop-price@regiond.org / ext. 119 Rebecca Bloomquist, Special Projects Coordinator rbloomquist@regiond.org / ext. 136 Jacob Clark, Energy Sector Specialist jclark@regiond.org / ext. 129 Don Sherrill, Operations Director dsherrill@regiond.org / ext. 120 Mary Ann Urka, Program Assistant murka@regiond.org / ext. 118