The funding also allows the town to invest in its intangible infrastructure — economic development and cultural heritage.

Councilwoman Ernestine Kan played an integral part in securing the grant and has participated with Handmade in America’s craft programs. Kan said this grant helps the town maintain a positive, “hometown” direction for the future. Kan said Columbus “will always remember the trust they [the community foundation] put in us with this grant.”

Handmade in America currently serves 13 small towns in 10 counties throughout Western North Carolina, including Chimney Rock Village, Bakersville in Mitchell County and Old Fort in McDowell County.

Over the past 15 years, Handmade in America small towns have attracted more than $52 million in investment and created hundreds of new jobs for local economies.

For more information about Handmade in America, visit www.handmadeinamerica.org.

– article submitted by Jonathan Kanipe