Senator Joe Sam Queen Accepts Golden Leaf Foundation Grant for McDowell County

April 6, 2009

Marion - Senator Joe Sam Queen, along with local representatives, met with Dan Gerlach of the Golden Leaf Foundation in Marion on Monday. Gerlach, President of the Golden Leaf Foundation, announced today that both McDowell and Yancey Counties will receive $2million in funding for local economic development projects.

"In times like these, we are fortunate to have the Golden Leaf Foundation provide a much needed boost to our economy. Our area has seen textiles and manufacturing leave many people without jobs. This funding will help our much-deserved working families get back on their feet and keep our communities strong." Queen said.

McDowell County has previously received money from the Golden Leaf Foundation for projects associated with Appalachian State University and the Agriculture Research Centers. The grants have helped Western North Carolina invest in resources such as broadband connectivity and diversifying our workforce.

Queen added, "These grants will help us continue to grow as a region and keep our workforce competitive with the rest of the world. We are grateful for their support."

The Golden Leaf Foundation was founded in 1999 to administer the North Carolina Tobacco Settlement funds. They are a non-profit organization working for the economic well-being of North Carolina. The Golden Leaf Foundation makes grants to fund important projects focusing on rural economic development in North Carolina.