The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce has been awarded the Creative Economic Development Consulting Give Back Grant, a competitive statewide grant supporting innovative and impactful community and economic development projects. This prestigious grant will fund a comprehensive scope of work designed to strengthen Mitchell County’s economic resilience and support long-term recovery following the impacts of Hurricane Helene.
The services provided through the Give Back Grant will be led by Creative Economic Development Consulting and will include the following key initiatives:
- Economic Data Update: Expansion and updating of local economic data originally developed for the Mitchell County Impact Forum to provide an accurate view of the current economic landscape.
- Hurricane Helene Impact Analysis: An in-depth economic impact study that will model job losses and examine the effects of the hurricane on one small business as an example of the broader impact on Mitchell County’s economy. The Chamber will assist in selecting the case study business and gathering relevant data.
- Recovery and Resilience Strategy:
- Formation of a Steering Committee to guide a strategic planning process.
- Input sessions and surveys with local business owners and community leaders.
- Stakeholder interviews with representatives from the County, municipalities, EDC, tourism, downtown development, Mitchell Community College, and others.
- Integration of best practices in disaster recovery to form a draft resilience strategy to be approved by the Steering Committee.
- Organizational Analysis: A full review of the Chamber’s structure, leadership, staffing, and funding model to identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration and long-term sustainability across organizations involved in community and economic development.
- Social Media and Communications Campaign: Development of messaging to promote the project and engage the community, including 3–4 social media posts per month and 1–2 e-blasts per month to be shared via the Chamber’s communication channels.
- Final Report and Presentation: A comprehensive report outlining economic data, impact findings, recovery and resilience strategy, organizational analysis, and an implementation plan, accompanied by a 1–2 page graphic summary. An in-person presentation of the findings will also be made to a group designated by the Chamber.
“We are honored to be selected for the Give Back Grant and thrilled to partner with Creative Economic Development Consulting on this vital work,” said Patti Jensen, Consultant, Mitchell County Chamber. “This project will provide us with the data, insight, and tools we need to support recovery efforts, build future collaborations, and ensure our business community is strong and prepared.”
The Mitchell County Chamber remains committed to leading with innovation and collaboration as it supports local businesses and promotes sustainable economic growth. This project will play a critical role in advancing that mission in the months and years ahead.
“We are very much looking forward to working with you and Mitchell County on recovery and resilience efforts. Your application stood out because of the true need for economic and community development support and how this project can help other communities in western NC,” said Crystal Morphis, Founder/CEO, Creative EDC.
For more information on this project or the work of the Mitchell County Chamber, visit www.mitchellcountychamber.org or contact the Chamber at info@mitchellcountychamber.org.