Matt Martin and Erika Bell recall their visit to western North Carolina to learn more about revitalization efforts in response to long-term changes in the regional economy as well as the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Martin is a regional executive at the Charlotte office of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and Bell is the community development regional manager for North Carolina and South Carolina at the Richmond Fed. Also in this episode, Scott Webber, town manager of Spindale, N.C., shares how he has worked with community partners to support redevelopment in the region.

A recent webinar from the Richmond Fed's Center for Rural Economies showed how three leaders from rural community colleges are tailoring their programs to better serve the needs of their students and communities.

Since Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024, Riverbird Research of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce found through its surveys that while recovery gained momentum, businesses face ongoing challenges.

This year’s Cyber Risk in the Financial Sector Conference brought together experts from industry, government and academia to discuss the growing threat of cyber risk in the financial sector, and the need for cyber risk management practices to continuously adapt and evolve in the face of ever-growing risks.

Erika Bell and Hunter Jones describe the importance of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond connecting with small towns and rural communities throughout the Fifth District, including those in western North Carolina recovering from Hurricane Helene. Bell is a community development regional manager and Hunter is a senior business analyst. In addition, Russ Harris of the Southwestern Commission Council of Governments and Nathan Ramsey of the Land of Sky Regional Council reflect on the value of their partnerships with the Richmond Fed and other regional organizations, both before and after the hurricane.