Southwestern Community College has secured a $75,000 “Beyond Connectedness” grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to continue efforts to help Western North Carolina attract new technology businesses to the area and help existing businesses broaden their markets through electronic business (e-business).

The Golden LEAF Foundation is a statewide organization set up to support organizations that promote the social welfare of North Carolina’s citizens.

The “Beyond Connectedness” project, which is spearheaded by SCC, plans to lay the foundation for a marketing campaign that will increase national awareness of this region as a leader in technology. The funding will also provide for an e-business advisor to work with Southwestern’s Small Business Center.

“We need to create the perception that the area is also a place where people come not only for vacation, but to grow technology businesses and where outsourcing opportunities exist for key business functions,” said Cecil Groves, SCC President. “Besides establishing this region as a good place for specific types of technology companies and employees, a successful marketing effort will help unite this region behind a common set of goals — allowing our communities to take the necessary steps to make their desires a reality.”

For more information about Southwestern Community College and its initiatives and programs, visit www.southwest.cc.nc.us on the Internet or call 586.4091 or 800.447.4091.