Overview
The NC Rural Center is a significant player in fostering economic growth and development for rural communities in North Carolina. Established in 1987, this nonprofit organization is headquartered at 4021 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610. It's dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in North Carolina's 78 rural counties, with a specific focus on supporting populations with low to moderate incomes and communities with limited resources.
Core Mission and Strategy
The primary mission of the NC Rural Center revolves around the development, promotion, and implementation of strategic economic initiatives. These initiatives aim to ameliorate the socioeconomic conditions of rural North Carolinians. A core component of their strategy involves conducting extensive research, pushing for policy reforms, and nurturing leadership among rural entrepreneurs and community organizations.
Key Areas of Focus
The Center operates numerous programs and services that cover:
- Capital and Resource Allocation: Through Thread Capital, it offers financial backing and advisory services to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs throughout North Carolina.
- Research and Advocacy: Intensive research on rural issues facilitates their advocacy efforts, ensuring rural voices have representation in policy dialogues.
- Leadership Development: With initiatives such as Homegrown Leaders, the Center aims to bolster local leadership, catalyzing community progress.
- Community Engagement and Events: Notably, the annual Rural Summit serves as a forum for stakeholders to converge and tackle pivotal challenges, including education, workforce training, infrastructure, and small business support.
Financial Overview
- Annual Revenue: The NC Rural Center generates approximately $3.8 million.
- Employees: The organization has a workforce of 46 employees, reflecting an increase in employee numbers with a growth rate of 2% last year.
- Revenue Per Employee: It's calculated at $81,600.
Recent Highlights
- Reported an average rural labor force of 1.64 million people in 2023, with an annual unemployment rate plummeting to 3.7%, a record low in over a decade.
- Achieved a $6.38 million grant from the Lilly Endowment for expanding faith-based community projects.
- Scheduled annual summit in March 2025 to focus on pressing rural policies.
Leadership Team
The leadership structure of the NC Rural Center comprises experienced professionals such as:
- Patrick Woodie: President & CEO, recognized for his visionary leadership in nonprofit management.
- Carolyn Rhodes: Chief Operating Officer, steering strategic operations.
- Franklin T. Roberts, CPA: Chief Finance Officer ensuring fiscal health and compliance.
Other key personnel include:
- Brandon Rosas: VP of Finance and Operations.
- Misty Herget: VP Programs and Strategic Partnerships.
- Dave Kaiser: Senior Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Innovation.
- Julie Cubeta: Senior Director, Physical Infrastructure Office.
- Jenny Grant: Director Operations.
- Jenal Austin: Director Strategic Partnerships.
- Torie Keeton: Director Policy and Government Affairs.
- Heather Kilbourne: Director Faith in Rural Communities.
Community Impact
The organization’s impact is multifaceted, emphasizing strategic partnerships and grants management, with the assistance of staff like Jenal Austin, the Director of Strategic Partnerships & Grants Management. It concentrates on infrastructure upgrades and economic programs, vital for the 22% of rural residents aged 65 or older.
Competitors
The NC Rural Center operates in a competitive landscape with key competitors:
- TerraSond: Professional surveying services with $13 million in revenue and 127 employees.
- PMO Global Alliance (PMOGA): Tailored for PMO professionals, boasting revenues between $1 million to $10 million and employing 501-1,000 staff.
- Aerospace Systems Design Laboratory (ASDL): Engaged in aerospace systems engineering at Georgia Tech, with 201-500 employees.
- The Kansas Rural Center: Nonprofit supporting sustainable farming and community growth in Kansas.
Strategic Insights
To amplify its influence, the NC Rural Center could leverage potential collaborations with like-minded organizations. The organization, guided by its diverse leadership team, should continue to engage in cross-learning with competitors such as TerraSond and PMO Global Alliance. This interaction can yield innovative approaches beneficial to rural community advancement.
Contact and Engagement
For further details and engagement, the NC Rural Center can be reached through their official social media presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, providing a wide reach to community resources.
By steadfastly pursuing excellence and upholding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the NC Rural Center solidifies its role as a cornerstone in North Carolina’s rural development landscape.
