A Fair Food System

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

Presented by Central Appalachian Network in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture

SPONSORED BY: THE EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION OF AMERICA, FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHY KENTUCKY, AND SUGARBUSH VALLEY IMPACT INVESTMENTS

 

As an organization participating in the Central Appalachian Network (CAN), ACEnet is excited to be a part of the planning & execution processes for A Fair Food System, a six-part summit series that will discuss scalable solutions to creating community food systems. The summit will include educational presentations, panel discussions, networking events, and breakout sessions to address community food system issues within Central Appalachia. Topics include Local Food Value Chains, Climate Resiliency, Healthcare, SNAP Incentive Programs, and Food Policy.

 

CAN has five goals for this Summit:

  1. Facilitate a learning environment regarding the problems related to nutrition security such as healthy food access and affordability
  2. Engage a coalition of organizations who are working to build and support resilient and accessible community food systems
  3. Employ targeted technical assistance from the USDA and other qualified providers
  4. Attract federal, public, and private funding for scalable programs addressing nutrition security in Central Appalachia
  5. Invite nonprofit partners within Central Appalachia who are working on related projects to join the network.

 

Summit Structure

A Fair Food System is divided into six one-day sessions. Each day will be comprised of 5-6 presentations and breakout sessions related to the focus of that session.

All sessions will be held virtually and are open to stakeholders working in the Central Appalachian food system in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The Summit is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Please click the button below to register.

REGISTER HERE

Topics and Timeline

Day One — Local Food Value Chains: Creating Health and Wealth
July 28, 2022 9:00AM–1:00PM EST; Summit One Recap

ICYMI

 

Day Two
August 25, 2022 9:00AM–1:00PM EST, Summit Two Recap

ICYMI

 

Day Three — Climate Resilience, Climate Smart Agriculture & Disaster Response
September 22, 2022 9:00AM–1:00PM EST, Day Three Recap

ICYMI

 

Day Four — Community-based Solutions to Address Food Insecurity in Central Appalachia
October 27, 2022 9:00AM–1:00PM EST

Day Five — Topic TBA
November, day/time TBA

Day Six — Topic TBA
December, day/time TBA

Please contact Meggan or Kayla with any questions.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, The Educational Foundation of America and Sugarbush Valley Impact Investments share the Central Appalachian Network’s (CAN) goal of improving access to healthy food for underserved communities and will sponsor the CAN and USDA Community Food Systems Summit: A Fair Food System: A Summit on Scalable Solutions to Creating Community Food Systems.

 

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

Southeast Ohio Community Entrepreneurship Program

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

Applications are now open for the Ohio University Center for Entrepreneurship’s Southeast Ohio Community Entrepreneurship Program! This program seeks to help those in Southeast Ohio experiencing economic or other hardships start and grow businesses of their own.

The deadline to apply for the program is June 1, 2022. Email Paul Benedict at benedict@ohio.edu with any questions, and follow the link to learn more: https://www.ohio.edu/entrepreneurship/launch-business/southeast-ohio-community-entrepreneurship-program

Goals

In partnership with Notre Dame’s McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business and a growing network of community entrepreneurship initiatives, including ACEnet, the Center for Entrepreneurship seeks to:

  • Foster the creation of new, profitable ventures by those facing economic or other disadvantages
  • Assist existing small businesses owned by those with disadvantages in becoming sustainable and growing
  • Work with community members on the development of both the person as an entrepreneur and the business as a successful venture
  • Identify and share best practices in poverty alleviation through entrepreneurship
  • Measure and track the development and performance of entrepreneurs and their ventures based on program participation
  • Celebrate entrepreneurial achievements of those facing/overcoming adversity

An Integrated Approach to Community Empowerment

The Southeast Ohio Community Entrepreneurship Program is an integrated, multi-faceted program that involves six core elements:

  • Training Programs: Community members participate in a six-week Bootcamp, held on Saturday mornings, that introduces basic tools, concepts, and principles relevant to launching and growing a successful venture. The Bootcamp is designed for people with little to no resources or background.
  • One-on-One Consulting: Following the training, a consulting initiative pairs faculty, graduate students, and other partners with the entrepreneurs to work one-on-one solving particular problems.
  • Mentoring: Participants can receive mentorship from a successful entrepreneur who, where possible, has experiences related to the type of business the entrepreneur is working on. In addition, an ‘expertise pool’ of mentors is available with advice on specific problem areas.
  • Community Connect: Entrepreneurs are connected to valuable resources in the community through quarterly community forums, an internet platform, and other communication vehicles. Another component is the Co-Marketing program, which encourages community members to do business with the program’s entrepreneurs.
  • Microcredit: Local organizations and financial institutions create a micro-credit fund that provides low-interest and no-interest loans and grants to individuals as they attempt to launch ventures.
  • Research and Tracking: The program conducts research documenting the challenges facing entrepreneurs, tracking their progress and identifying elements that are successful in helping them to move forward.

Who is eligible to participate?

Anyone in the community who suffers from adverse economic, physical, or related circumstances is eligible to participate in the program. The program focuses on supporting community members living in poverty who have a dream of starting and growing a venture, including those who have already started a venture but are struggling.

What is the cost?

The price of the Community Bootcamp is $500. However, scholarships of $475 are available for anyone with financial need. All applicants are considered for scholarship. Additionally, mileage reimbursement is available to any participant who needs it.

Bootcamp Details:

Six Saturday mornings, 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. June 18th – July 30th at Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville. Most Saturdays will also include an extra session from 12:00-1:00 p.m. that digs deeper into a particular topic with local experts (lawyers, bankers, social media professionals, experts in government contracts).

The deadline to apply for the program is June 1, 2022.

Email Paul Benedict at benedict@ohio.edu with any questions, and follow the link to learn more: https://www.ohio.edu/entrepreneurship/launch-business/southeast-ohio-community-entrepreneurship-program

 

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

ACEnet Welcomes 5 New Board Members

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

ACEnet Welcomes 5 New Board Members

“As we enter 2022, we are very excited about our five new trustees. Through their service to our organization, we are strengthening ties to our region’s educational institutions, the community of Nelsonville, which houses our largest facility, and our region’s successful entrepreneurs,” said Larry Fisher, ACEnet’s Executive Director.

Joining the Board of Trustees are Erin Rennich, Senior Executive Coach & Strategic Advisor with Ohio University’s Social Enterprise Ecosystem (SEE) and Director of the Sugar Bush Foundation; Carrie Arnold, Workforce and Testing Coordinator at Hocking College; Cale G. Burke, Senior Project Manager with Ohio University’s Social Enterprise Ecosystem (SEE) and Peer Mentor for the Athens County Veteran Drug Court; Dr. Tara Slingerland, owner/operator of Butcher’s Bites, Athens Advanced Chiropractic, and Innovative Wellness Solutions; and Scott Frank, Nelsonville City Manager.

The slate of board members for 2022 is as follows:

Sky Pettey, Board Chair; Laurie McKnight, Vice Chair; Mollie Fitzgerald, Secretary; Sarah Milligan, Treasurer; Kathryn Mosher; Sean Terrell; Paul Mass; Erin Rennich; Carrie Arnold; Cale G. Burke; Dr. Tara Slingerland; Scott Frank.

 

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

Supporting New Solutions for a Changing Time: An Opportunity for Giving Tuesday

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

“The times they are a-changin.”
While Bob Dylan’s lyrics were heard for the first time 57 years ago,
they continue to echo across the land.

 

Today, these words ring true as we work with small businesses in our region, many of whom are currently struggling with employment issues and perceived labor shortages.

At ACEnet, we have been working to find new, innovative ways to help our communities and our clients at this unique point in our history – a time when jobs seem readily available and yet we lack the people to fill them.

We need your support to move forward with what we believe are some of the possible solutions – working with recovery and rehabilitation professionals and engaging with programs that connect local high school students with career opportunities through internships with small businesses.

 

During 2021, ACEnet began partnering with the STAR Justice Center in Nelsonville, a community based correctional facility intended to promote public safety and reduce prison commitment.

To date, we have connected 14 STAR residents for internships with 6 different ACEnet Food Venture clients and provided 407 hours of on-the-job experience and potential employment opportunity.

Through the support of Ohio University’s Steven’s Literacy Center, we are positioned to begin training opportunities within STAR over the next few weeks.

 

 

ACEnet has also began partnering with the Athens Meigs Education Service Center (AMESC) to look at matching high school students with small businesses in another series of internships.

Two of our staff are collaborating with the Center’s Business Advisory Council and we are working with an intern from the Nelsonville-York School District.

We are just beginning to gain a clearer understanding of how this program could benefit students and small businesses and further grow career pathways in our region.

Your support will help us expand our efforts and connect more students with these opportunities.

 

Through this work, ACEnet and ACEnet clients have observed first-hand the impact these investments can make for our small business community during these changing times. ACEnet continues to innovate around new ways to grow our regional economy by developing a pathway to employment opportunities and engaging with new partners at STAR and AMESC. We invite you to join us through your generous support and welcome you to be a partner in new solutions for a changing time!

 

Please consider making a tax deductible contribution through Paypal at paypal.me/acenetathens.

If you’d like to help, but not online, you can also mail a check to ACEnet at 94 Columbus Road, Athens, OH 45701.

2021 COVID-19 Relief Resources for Small Businesses, Individuals, Nonprofits

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

ACEnet facilities, including the Food Ventures Center in Athens & the Food & Farm Enterprise Center in Nelsonville are and will remain open until further notice. ACEnet staff is available in-person and virtually for our various business counseling services. Please email your needs to info@acenetworks.org and you will be connected with a staff member who can assist you.

 

Federal Resources for Small Businesses & Nonprofits

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

This loan fund is for Small Businesses and Non-profits who have been economically impacted by COVID-19.They may now apply for a low-interest loan of up to $2 million to be used as working capital to make regular payments for operating expenses, including payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, and other ordinary business expenses, and to pay business debt incurred at any time (past present or future). You can apply here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ (recommended), or by calling 1-800-659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.

To expedite the application process, applicants should have ready complete copies of their most recent federal income tax return and a completed and signed IRS Form 4506T, which authorizes the release of tax information. Additional information to have available would be a schedule of liabilities, personal financial statement, monthly sales figures, a current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement, and a year-end profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for that tax year if the most recent federal income tax return has not been filed.

Entertainment Venue Grant

The Entertainment Venue Grant provides grants up to $30,000 to theaters, music venues, spectator sports venues, museums, and other entertainment establishments affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’ loss of revenue in 2020. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Legislature have designated $20 million for this program. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. For questions about this program, email entertainmentvenuegrant@development.ohio.gov.

Lodging Grant

The Lodging Grant provides grants up to $30,000 to hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast operations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of the individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’ decline in occupancy rate in 2020. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Legislature have designated $25 million for this program. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. For questions about this program, email lodginggrant@development.ohio.gov.

New Small Business Grant

The New Small Business Grant provides grants of up to $10,000 to small businesses that were established between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2020. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Legislature have designated $10 million for this program to help ensure the survival and stability of these businesses. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. For questions about this program, email newbusinessgrant@development.ohio.gov.

Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan (SHARP) II Grants

OH SHARP II Grants will support humanities projects intended to help communities across Ohio recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible organizations include nonprofit or governmental organizations that sponsor humanities programming even if their mission extends beyond the humanities. The second round of SHARP applications will be accepted between October 1 and October 15, 2021. https://www.ohiohumanities.org/grants/sharp-grants/

Appalachian Growth Capital Loan Program

Appalachian Growth Capital will offer loans up to $500,000 to small businesses with less than $40 million of revenue in the most recently completed tax year at 2 percent interest. Businesses will have the ability to defer payment for up to six months. https://appcap.org/

The Ohio Department of Development and the Governor’s Office of Appalachia will provide $10 million in funding to help Ohio Appalachian region businesses through the crisis. This new loan program provides funding to the Appalachian Growth Capital LLC, which is a U.S. Treasury-Certified Community Development Financial Institution that provides small business financing in the 32-county Appalachian region of eastern and southern Ohio.

JobsOhio Resources

JobsOhio is committed to supporting the well-being of Ohio businesses, especially as they navigate the changing landscape created by COVID-19. JobsOhio Resource Page

USDA Rural Development Federal Rural Resource Guide

USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. These programs can support recovery efforts for rural residents, businesses and communities through: technical, training, and management assistance; financial assistance; state and local assistance.  https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/USDA_COVID-19_Fed_Rural_Resource_Guide.pdf

 

Local Resources

Athens County Response Fund for Small Businesses & Nonprofits

The Athens County Response Fund will accept applications as long as funding is available. Due to the decreased number of requests, the Review Committee will be switching the frequency of reviews from bi-weekly to monthly. The committee will be open to holding emergency meetings for urgent requests.

Ohio Home Relief Grant for Individuals

The state of Ohio, working with local Community Action Agencies, will help eligible Ohioans with rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer utility bills catch up on past payments back to March 13, 2020, and provide additional assistance through December 31, 2021. https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/home-relief-grant.html

 

Resources for Restaurants & Retail Businesses

Food and Beverage Establishment Grant

The Food and Beverage Establishment Grant provides grants up to $30,000 to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and other food and drinking businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The amount of individual grants to eligible businesses will be determined by the business’ loss of revenue in 2020. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Legislature have designated $100 million for this program. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development. For questions about this program, email foodandbeveragegrant@development.ohio.gov.

How to Talk To Landlords About COVID-19

Until the government orders a rent freeze, here’s how restaurant/retail owners should talk to landlords about COVID-19. The article may be from Eater, but the advice is good for any brick & mortar business. How To Talk To Landlords

 

Resources for Farmers, Ranchers & Food Production Businesses

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

This loan fund is for Farmers, Ranchers and other Agricultural Businesses who have been economically impacted by COVID-19. They may now apply for a low-interest loan of up to $2 million to be used as working capital to make regular payments for operating expenses, including payroll, rent/mortgage, utilities, and other ordinary business expenses, and to pay business debt incurred at any time (past present or future). You can apply here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ (recommended), or by calling 1-800-659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.

To expedite the application process, applicants should have ready complete copies of their most recent federal income tax return and a completed and signed IRS Form 4506T, which authorizes the release of tax information. Additional information to have available would be a schedule of liabilities, personal financial statement, monthly sales figures, a current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement, and a year-end profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for that tax year if the most recent federal income tax return has not been filed.

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

If you’ve experienced a price decline or have been unable to sell your product because of market disruptions (including closed or delayed farmers markets), you may qualify for relief payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. USDA’s Farm Service Agency is currently accepting new and modified CFAP 2 applications. USDA re-opened CFAP 2 signup beginning April 5, 2021. Signup will close on October 12, 2021. https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus/pandemic-assistance/cfap2.

To complete the CFAP 2 application, producers will need to reference their production, sales, inventory, revenue, and other records. However, since CFAP 2 is a self-certification program, this documentation will not need to be submitted with the application. A multilingual call center is available for producers who would like additional one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process: 877-508-8364

USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program

The Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program provides grants to food processors, distributors, farmers markets, and producers to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers. Applications are being accepted September 23, 2021 – November 8, 2021. Funding requests may range from $1,500 to $20,000. https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda

If you have questions about applying or obtaining a DUNS number, visit this PRS application website or contact the Application Helpdesk by phone at (301) 238-5550 or by emailing usda.ams.prs@grantsolutions.gov. The helpdesk hours of operation are M – F, 9AM-9PM ET.

USDA Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program

Are you a swine, chicken, or turkey producer who suffered losses due to insufficient access to processing facilities during the coronavirus pandemic? USDA’s Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) provides financial relief for those losses and costs associated with depopulation due to COVID-19. USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept PLIP applications from July 20 through October 12, 2021. https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus/pandemic-assistance/plip

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program

USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) will provide financial relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced losses in 2020 due to COVID-19. USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept PATHH applications from July 22 through October 15, 2021. https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus/pandemic-assistance/pathh

Community Farm Alliance

This CFA page is being updated as new information and resources arise: Community Farm Alliance Resources

 

Resources for Artists

FreshArts Emergency Funding

FreshArts has provided a list of emergency funding opportunities for artists.  https://fresharts.org/emergency-artist-funding/

Artists Thrive

Artists Thrive has compiled a fairly comprehensive list of hundreds of opportunities that have been identified for relief for artists and arts organizations: Artists Thrive Master List. They have also created a webpage with ideas, creative responses & a variety of ways artists are responding to this crisis: https://artiststhrive.org/covid-19

 

Misc. Resources & Resources for Working Remotely

Communications & Information Sharing Solutions for Staff Working Remotely

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to fluctuate in the communities where we live and serve, organizations are adapting to remote or hybrid work models. Because the current situation changes so rapidly, the resources TechSoup is providing (most of which are FREE) are options that can be implemented relatively quickly, with little to no external IT support needed, and with a focus on remote communications & information sharing solutions. https://blog.techsoup.org/posts/nonprofit-resources-for-remote-work-during-the-covid-19-outbreak

Ohio CDC Association Resources for Community Development

The Ohio CDC Association website is listing and linking to resources that can help members around the state. Resources include webinars, fact sheets, slides and news. https://www.ohiocdc.org/covid19-resources

 

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

20 Under 20: New Ohio’s Winding Road Experience Guide Released

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

Find your next adventure with 20 Under 20. 20 destinations within 20 miles of Shawnee, Ohio: outdoor destinations + seasonal events and local amenities for fun and refreshment after your outdoor time.

Delia Palmisano, ACEnet’s Multimedia Designer and Scott Kreps, the Shawnee Trail Town Coordinator partnered up to bring the booklet to life. Delia took the lead on visual content and design and Scott focused on identifying the outdoor destinations. Nicki Mazzocca from the Little Cities of Black Diamonds Council provided original map design. The guide is an “Ohio’s Winding Road Experience Guide” and was funded through a USDA grant.

You can view or download the 20 Under 20 guide here: https://www.shawneeohio.org/20-under-20

Ohio’s Winding Road (OWR) is a locally driven economic development initiative in Athens, Fairfield, Hocking, Meigs, Morgan, Muskingum, Perry, Vinton, and Washington counties that strives to support and promote authentic and sustainable experiences in the Appalachian Ohio region. OWR partners include Ohio Hill Country Heritage Area, ACEnet, Rural Action, Ohio University and Hocking College.

The Shawnee Trail Town Network is a group of non-profit and local government entities helping build an experience-based econonmy in the Little Cities of Black Diamonds region. Network Partners include the Village of Shawnee, The Buckeye Trail Association, OWR, The Little Cities of Black Diamonds, Tecumseh Theater and Destination Shawnee. Local business support comes from Shawnee Mercantile and Black Diamond Tavern.

Community Update & visuals by ACEnet Multimedia Designer, Delia Palmisano

Road to Reentry: Community Forum Revisited

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

On March 16th, ACEnet hosted The Road to Reentry: Community Forum – Reentry information for those released between March 17 – Dec 31, 2021: What to expect when your family member gets home.

The Zoom event recording is accessible below, along with additional reentry resources. You’ll learn about the Athens County Reentry Program, ODRC reentry process, reentry processes inside prison, OMHAS (Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services) services and their connections with reentry, hear questions about the Adult Parole Authority answered, and learn about the importance of community and family involvement in the reentry process.

Additional resources include:

Athens County Reentry Program Telelog – provides useful county services contact information

Athens County Reentry Program Brochure 

ODRC Reentry Community Forum PowerPoint

Some people may not be aware but ACEnet is an Athens Reentry partner and has gone to Reentry Fairs in prison to talk with the inmates in their catchment area about potential small business opportunities and training. We have also done presentations on our own at the prisons to educate people about starting a small business. ACEnet Executive Director Larry Fisher was one of the speakers at the Athens HOPE event in Nelsonville in 2019 with a great overview about helping people in our recovery community and how ACEnet could be a stepping stone for that. We look forward to continuing our work in this area with our excellent partner organizations.

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

New Covid Resources for Ohio Small Businesses

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

Ohio All-Counties Relief

Governor DeWine recently announced $429.5M of CARES Act Funding to benefit Ohio Small Businesses, Bars, and Restaurants. Of funding announced, $125M will be allocated toward small business assistance and $37.5M will be allocated for bars and restaurant assistance.

The Ohio Development Services Agency will administer these grant funds.

Each county in Ohio has been allocated funds to award fifty $10,000 grants in the first 3 weeks, and grants will be awarded on a first-come/first-served basis, so it is important to apply as early as possible beginning November 2nd.

ACEnet staff is available to assist you with our various business counseling services and with any relief applications. Please email your needs to LeslieS@acenetworks.org and you will be connected with a staff member who can assist you.

For more information, visit www.businesshelp.ohio.gov.

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT
  • $10,000 grant to eligible for-profit businesses with no more than 25 employees
  • Eligible uses include PPE, mortgage/rent, utility payments, supplies or equipment salaries, wages, or compensation including employer’s share of health insurance benefits
  • Funds set aside for 50 businesses in each county on a first-come/first-served basis
  • Businesses must have been in continuous business since January 1, 2020 (except for interruptions by COVID-19 health orders)

Click here for additional information and please read the Terms & Conditions.

 

BAR AND RESTAURANT ASSISTANCE FUND
  • $2,500 grant to Ohio’s on-premise liquor permit holders
  • Bars and Restaurants must hold an active license as of October 23, 2020

Click here for additional information and please read the Terms & Conditions.

Again, grants shall be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis starting November 2nd. ACEnet staff is available to assist you with our various business counseling services and with any relief applications.Please email your needs to LeslieS@acenetworks.org and you will be connected with a staff member who can assist you.

—

Athens County Local Relief

The Athens County Small Business Relief Fund program is designed to alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic business closures mandated by the State of Ohio.  Each grant will be awarded on a reimbursement basis for funds expensed on eligible items incurred beginning March 01, 2020. Grants up to $5,000 will be awarded in the first round of funding. Businesses may be eligible to apply for an additional award up to $5,000 in a second round of funding.

An eligible business that is interested in participating in this program must fill out the application and email application and supporting documents to mollie@athenscountyohedc.com by Friday, October 30th at 3:00pm for consideration. ***Please combine application and supporting documents into one PDF.

ACEnet staff is available to assist you with our various business counseling services and with any relief applications. Please email your needs to LeslieS@acenetworks.org and you will be connected with a staff member who can assist you.

 

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

Covid-19 Relief Resources for Small Businesses, Individuals & Nonprofits

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

ACEnet facilities, including the Food Ventures Center in Athens & the Food & Farm Enterprise Center in Nelsonville are and will remain open until further notice. ACEnet staff is available (remotely) for our various business counseling services. Please email your needs to LeslieS@acenetworks.org and you will be connected with a staff member who can assist you. We will continue to update this page with Covid-19 Relief Resources for Small Businesses, Individuals & Nonprofits as they become available.

 

Federal Resources for Small Businesses & Nonprofits

The Paycheck Protection Program

The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan up to $10 million for payroll and certain other expenses.If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable. If employees are laid off, the forgiveness will be reduced by the percent decrease in the number of employees. For more info: Paycheck Protection Program

Also, Here is a toolkit for non-profits trying to navigate the Paycheck Protection Program: https://fmaonline.net/ppptoolbox/

The Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act

The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. Guide to the CARES Act

Health Insurance Premium Grace Period

Health insurers are required to provide the option of deferring premium payments(opens in a new window), interest free, for up to 60 calendar days from each original premium due date. This means that employers can defer their premium payments for up to two months, giving them some relief on costs, while keeping their employees insured. Ohio Department of Insurance

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

This loan fund has been re-opened for FARMERS AND RANCHERS ONLY who have been economically impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19.They may now apply for a low-interest loan of up to $10,000 to help pay for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. You can apply here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/ (recommended), or by calling 1-800-659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.

To expedite the application process, applicants should have ready complete copies of their most recent federal income tax return and a completed and signed IRS Form 4506T, which authorizes the release of tax information. Additional information to have available would be a schedule of liabilities, personal financial statement, monthly sales figures, a current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement, and a year-end profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for that tax year if the most recent federal income tax return has not been filed.

Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance Benefits

An executive order issued by Governor DeWine expands flexibility for Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits during Ohio’s emergency declaration period. Unemployment benefits will be available for eligible individuals who are requested by a medical professional, local health authority, or employer to be isolated or quarantined as a consequence of COVID-19, even if they are not actually diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition, the waiting period for eligible Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits will be waived. For more information & to apply for unemployment benefits: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ouio/CoronavirusAndUI.stm

JobsOhio Resources

JobsOhio is committed to supporting the well-being of Ohio businesses, especially now as they navigate the changing landscape created by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). JobsOhio Resource Page

 

Local Resources

Ohio Supports Local Carry-Out & Online Sales

Ohio has launched a new website to promote local retailers and restaurants during this pandemic to help businesses that offer on-line sales or carry-out food/beverage. Businesses can register themselves here: https://ohio.org/SupportLocalOhio/

Local Relief Efforts

The COVID-19 Athens County Response Fund is closed.

 

Resources for Food & Retail Businesses

How to Talk To Landlords About COVID-19

Until the government orders a rent freeze, here’s how restaurant/retail owners should talk to landlords about COVID-19. The article may be from Eater, but the advice is good for any brick & mortar business. How To Talk To Landlords

Webinar: Curbside for Full Service Restaurants

Curious how to start offering curbside, or just want to get better at it? The Texas Restaurant Association has this webinar to help you out: https://tinyurl.com/webinar-curbside-full-service

ServSafe Free Food Handlers Course & Assessment

Now through April 30, get the essential training every restaurant and foodservice worker needs to keep guests and themselves safe for free. This offer includes both the online training and assessment. For more information & instructions: ServSafe Food Handlers Course

Covid-19 & Food Service Businesses

To all restaurants & food service operators still in operation:  ServSafe and the National Restaurant Association have recorded a webinar regarding appropriate response measures to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Topics include:

  • The latest developments related to the Coronavirus.
  • How to prepare restaurants for virus prevention.
  • Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions from the industry.

Feel free to pass along to other restaurant and food-service operators in our community and beyond. You can view this webinar here: https://tinyurl.com/Coronavirus-and-Food-Service

Liquor Buyback Program for Bars/Restaurants

If you own a bar and/or restaurant and you stocked your business with alcohol for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and NCAA basketball tournament games, you can reach out to the Liquor Enterprise Service Center at 1-877-812-0013 or e-mail OhioLiquorInfo@com.ohio.gov for information on a one time liquor buyback.

 

Resources for Artists

Artists Thrive

Artists Thrive has compiled a fairly comprehensive list of hundreds of opportunities that have been identified for relief for artists and arts organizations. Artists Thrive Master List. They have also created a webpage with ideas, creative responses & a variety of ways artists are responding to this crisis: https://artiststhrive.org/covid-19

Americans for the Arts

Americans for the Arts has many resources, relief funds & financial assistance opportunities listed on their website: Relief Funds and Financial Assistance.

Government Support for Creative Professionals Impacted by COVID-19

The Dramatists Guild has provided a flowchart from the Arts, Entertainment, and Media Industry Coordinating Committee (AEMI) to provide initial guidance on how to access the expanded unemployment insurance benefits (and additional information). AEMI Flowchart & Information

COVID-19 & Freelance Artists

This website provides an aggregated list of free resources, opportunities, and financial relief options available to artists of all disciplines. Resources for Freelance Artists

FreshArts Emergency Funding

FreshArts has provided a list of emergency funding opportunities for artists. FreshArts Emergency Funding Opportunities

 

Resources for Farmers

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

This loan fund has been re-opened for FARMERS AND RANCHERS ONLY who have been economically impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19.They may now apply for a low-interest loan of up to $10,000 to help pay for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. You can apply here: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/ (recommended), or by calling 1-800-659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.

To expedite the application process, applicants should have ready complete copies of their most recent federal income tax return and a completed and signed IRS Form 4506T, which authorizes the release of tax information. Additional information to have available would be a schedule of liabilities, personal financial statement, monthly sales figures, a current year-to-date profit-and-loss statement, and a year-end profit-and-loss statement and balance sheet for that tax year if the most recent federal income tax return has not been filed.

Farmer Relief $1000 Mini-Grants

The American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund is closed.

ServSafe Free Food Handlers Course & Assessment

Now through April 30, get the essential training every restaurant and foodservice worker needs to keep guests and themselves safe for free. This offer includes both the online training and assessment. Aimed at food service workers, but certainly relevant to home-based processors and any farmers doing delivery or curbside pick-up: For more information & instructions: ServSafe Food Handlers Course

Community Farm Alliance

This CFA page is being updated as new information and resources arise: Community Farm Alliance Resources

Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS)

Farm Employers Labor Service is presenting a second webinar regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response (FFCRA) Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA). For more information and to see the resources from their first webinar: FFCRA FMLA Expansion & PSL Mandate

CARES Act for Food & Agriculture

The CARES Act provides a number of food and agriculture-related benefits, including funding to ensure children and low-income families have continued access to nutritious, affordable food and to ensure farmers have the financial resources they need to offset the more immediate economic impacts of the virus. What’s in the CARES Act for Food and Agriculture

 

Misc. Resources & Resources for Working Remotely

Communications & Information Sharing Solutions for Staff Working Remotely

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in the communities where we live and serve, organizations are encouraging their staff to work remotely if possible. While a planned transition to a remote workforce would typically be staged over time, one may need to be implemented quickly in this scenario. Because the current situation is changing so rapidly, the resources TechSoup is providing (most of which are FREE) are options that can be implemented relatively quickly, with little to no external IT support needed to do so and with a focus on remote communications and information sharing solutions. https://blog.techsoup.org/posts/nonprofit-resources-for-remote-work-during-the-covid-19-outbreak

Ohio CDC Association Resources for Community Development

The Ohio CDC Association website is listing and linking to resources that can help members around the state. Resources include webinars, fact sheets, slides and news. https://www.ohiocdc.org/covid19-resources

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

ACEnet Receives $6,000 Grant from Farm Aid

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

[ATHENS, Ohio] — ACEnet was awarded a $6,000 grant from Farm Aid to assist Appalachia Ohio farmers in accessing the financial resources, processing infrastructure, and marketing skills to diversify their farms into profitable businesses that support sustainable livelihoods. This is ACEnet’s 7th grant from Farm Aid.

This grant will increase ACEnet’s Food Ventures staff’s capacity to provide livestock and specialty crop farmers in Appalachia Ohio the resources and assistance they need to reach new market opportunities. Training and technical assistance will expand access to infrastructure, and product development training to comply with FDA processing of specialty crops and ODA and HACCP plans for livestock farmers.

“A three pronged approach will enable farmers to diversify and expand farm revenue and seasonal sales by utilizing ACEnet’s processing facilities for specialty crop, dairy and meat processing, access to wholesale markets through brand programs and leveraged investment through crowdfunding and community capital services,” explained Leslie Schaller, ACEnet’s Director of Programs.

Farm Aid’s grantmaking is focused on work that enhances the viability of family farm agriculture in the United States. They issue grants to qualifying nonprofit organizations that serve family farmers in one of three funding areas: growing the good food movement, helping farmers thrive and taking action to change the food and farm system.

“Our goal is to create real change in our farm and food system, from the ground up,” said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. “Farm Aid grantees strengthen family farmers, they build communities that can support each other in hard times, and they organize people to stand up and challenge corporate power in our food system. These are essential activities that benefit everyone — eaters and farmers.”

To learn more about ACEnet’s Food & Farm Enterprise Center, visit: https://acenetworks.org/facilities/nelsonville-food-farm-enterprise-center/.

ACEnet is a community-based economic development organization whose mission is to grow the regional economy by supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening economic sectors. ACEnet accomplishes this mission by partnering with regional microenterprise and development practitioners to create a healthy local economy, allowing opportunity for all residents to start businesses, obtain quality jobs, and connect with other entrepreneurs for mutual benefit.

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews host an annual festival to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food.

For more than 30 years, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised $57 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

 

ACEnet Unveils New Food Processing Facility

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

NELSONVILLE — ACEnet unveiled a food processing facility for both meat and produce at its new Food and Farm Enterprise Center on Friday in Nelsonville.

ACEnet, which stands for Appalachian Center for Economic Networks, is a business incubator with locations in both Athens and Nelsonville. It offers guidance and work space for local entrepreneurs.

This new facility in Nelsonville is split into two sections to process both vegetables and meat. The site cost a total of $315,000, with most of the funding coming from ACEnet partner organizations.

food processing facilityThe introduction of a meat processing facility is a major step for ACEnet, as previously any tenants who worked with meat would send their products to other locations at least an hour away, and had trouble making any specialized cuts of meat.

Adam Kody, kitchen manager at the Food Ventures Center, said the community support for this project as well as funding arriving within the same time period was what really helped get the project started, even though it has been in the works for over a decade.

“The big picture, what this is going to do for us, is all of the producers (and) farmers around here, they only have one or two places they can go in the surrounding hour and a half to get their animals slaughtered and processed,” Kody explained. “With the building of this facility, these producers are able to come in, process the meat how they see fit, how they want it to look, and it will actually come out a finished product.”

food processing facilityThe meat side of the new portion of the facility allows clients to cut, grind, blast chill and vacuum package their meat in a low-temperature room, and also has equipment available to make sausage in the same area. Just outside the meat processing room, walk-in freezers are available for storage.

The new section of the facility also has a veggie side. Carrie Carson, the food partners access coordinator for ACEnet, is working to start a farm-to-school program with the help of Rural Action and CFI that will likely operate in the new space. Rural Action donated several large freezers and refrigerators to help with the program.

Several clients have already begun working in the meat processing facility, including Pork & Pickles, Dr. May’s Thai Kitchen, Woodland Ridge Farm and Farm on the Ridge. Becky Clark, owner of Pork & Pickles, said she was one of the clients contacted to help decide what equipment, items and set up would be most usable in the new space.

food processing facility“It’s a bigger, nicer, cleaner space than what we’re currently working with,” Clark said. “The Athens Food Hub is incredible, but this is designed specifically for what we’re doing, which will make the efficiency so much better. We’ll be able to produce a lot more products in a timely manner.”

Clark explained the process: her pork and beef is raised on Dexter Run Farm in Meigs County, then is slaughtered in Bidwell in a state-inspected facility, where the carcass is given back to the farmer, who will then transport the meat to Clark.

“Once it comes here though, it’ll come in and go right into the walk-in cooler,” she said. “Then, piece by piece, we’re able to take it out of the cooler and then do what we want to do with it.”

food processing facilitySince the new facility is licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, clients using the space can now sell wholesale. Clark said that before, she was only licensed to sell directly to consumers or a little bit to restaurants, but that was limited with a monetary cap.

“Your average sale then is maybe $22, but when you’re a wholesaler your average sale might be $200,” she explained. “We can really amp up.”

Larry Fisher, executive director of ACEnet, said he was excited to see how the project will help entrepreneurs in the Athens County region.

“Once we got up here, it was like now what else can we do?” he said. “Again, trying to find the opportunity to help entrepreneurs in our area find their way.”

ACEnet Receives Farm Aid Award

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

The Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) is pleased to announce that the organization has received 2018 funding from the Farm Aid grant program. Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to keep family farmers on the land. A program started by musicians Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp, each year the proceeds from Farm Aid’s annual concert and their generous community of donors are granted to IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working to strengthen family farm agriculture in the United States. Since Farm Aid’s first concert in 1985, the organization has granted more than $22 million to over 300 organizations nationwide.

This $6,500 Farm Aid grant will increase ACEnet’s Food Ventures staff’s capacity to provide livestock and specialty crop farmers in Appalachia Ohio the resources and assistance they need to reach new market opportunities.

“Assistance will include outreach, training, technical assistance, marketing and distribution assistance to beginning and established livestock and produce farmers to navigate regulatory compliances, devise market and branding strategies and diversify sales through new wholesale opportunities,” said Adam Kody, ACEnet’s kitchen manager.

Since 1996, ACEnet’s 12,500 square foot Food Ventures Center has served 100+ farmers prepare, process, warehouse and market value-added products that can be dehydrated, frozen or thermally processed to increase shelf stability, customer preferences and access to larger wholesale buyers.

Additionally, with funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission and Ohio’s USDA Rural Business Development program, ACEnet is completing the construction of a meat-processing facility at its Nelsonville Food Hub that is set to open in June. In this first stage of operations, the facility plan is to be licensed through the Ohio Department of Agriculture Meat Inspection program. Under this license, the facility will allow producers to further process their primal cuts in the manner that they see fit and, in turn, become experienced meat processors and butchers.

The Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) is a community-based economic development organization serving the 32 counties of Appalachia Ohio. The mission of ACEnet is to grow the regional economy by supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening economic sectors.

ACEnet Receives Farm Aid Award

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

Holiday Open House

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

ACEnet held our first annual Holiday Open House at the beginning of December! Guests were invited to visit our Food Ventures Center’s shared-use kitchen and the facilities and businesses surrounding it to meet ACEnet staff & clients, learn about the work we do in our community & support some of the small, local businesses ACEnet calls clients.

Holiday Open House

After entering the Food Ventures building through the Ohio is Home retail space, also the home of Red Tail Design Company, attendees took a self-guided tour through the building while mingling with ACEnet’s staff & Board of Trustees. As they made their way through the building, they given the opportunity to meet with, sample and purchase from a few of our clients. These clients included Dr. May’s Thai Kitchen, Funny Girl Vegan Bacon, Pork and Pickles, Casa Nueva, Dutch Creek Winery, Woodland Ridge Farms, Joe to Go, Crumbs Bakery, Red Tail Design Company, Ohio is Home, and Athens Ki-Aikido. Community members, county commissioners, long-time supporters of ACEnet, other local non-profit employees and students were among those in attendance for the evening.
Holiday Open HouseThis Open House was a wonderful opportunity for ACEnet to share our work in the community and meet our neighbors as we shared our commitment to supporting local businesses and working toward economic growth in our region. Our staff also had plenty of fun decking the halls of the ACEnet kitchen in preparation for the event. We hope to continue hosting this annual gathering in the future!

Holiday Open House

To see all of our Holiday Open House pictures, please visit our Facebook album HERE!

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

Food Policy Work – Healthy Food Access

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

At ACEnet, a great deal of our work focuses on Food Policy Work – Healthy Food Access. The 2016 Legislative Day & Food Microbusiness Showcase in May is a great example of the ways we make food policy work innovative and effective.

Food Policy Work - Healthy Food AccessIn 2015, thanks to a Central Appalachian Network small grant, the Appalachian Ohio Kitchen Incubator Network was formed. This networks consists of ACEnet, Youngstown’s Common Wealth Kitchen Incubator, Muskingum County’s FoodWorks Alliance and the Perry County Community Kitchen. The project’s purpose was to bring together four local shared-use kitchens to create a peer-learning community to share best practices and strengthen the network of food hubs in the region to increase distribution and affect local and state food policy.

As a follow-up to the 2015 Small Grant, in May 2016, representatives and business owners from ACEnet and the other three shared-use kitchen incubators traveled to the Museum Gallery of the Columbus Statehouse for a Showcase of Ohio Micro Food Businesses.Food Policy Work - Healthy Food Access

This legislative day in Columbus, done in collaboration with the SBDC cased as Columbus State, brought together the state representatives and state senator that represent the four facilities and other state officials to meet clients and to hear about the collective impact of these facilities and was a great opportunity to promote and support the expansion of the Appalachian Ohio Kitchen Incubator Network.

Food Policy Work - Healthy Food Access

 

Mad Sweet Heat Candied Jalapeno Relish, Silverbridge Buckeye Buzz & Jamaican Me Crazy Coffee, Vino de Milo/JB’s Best Salsa, Oliver Farms BBQ Spice Rub, Road Hog Willy’s Real-Pit Bar-B-Q Sauce, Lapp It Up Kombucha Tea, FoodWorks Alliance Pizza Sauce, Doctor Kathy’s Trail Mix & an Ohio-shaped magnetic key holder with the ACEnet logo, made from local Athens wood, by Ohio is Home, all went into an Ohio is Home re-usable canvas tote bag that featured the four kitchens.

Over 20 of these bags were given to politicians and policy makers who stopped by to meet the entrepreneurs & kitchen incubator staff.

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

Exciting New ACEnet Endeavors 2016 Appeal

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

When you think about healthy local food options and the wonderful specialty foods in our region, who comes to mind? If you are like most people in our region, you think of an ACEnet client or maybe the ACEnet Food Ventures Center out on Columbus Road. Why? Because we have been supporting area food businesses, restaurants, and farmers for over 30 years. When you think about the variety of small, women-owned businesses in our area who comes to mind? If you are like many of your neighbors, you may have used the services of one of the 25 women-owned or operated businesses operating in the ACEnet Business Incubator.

Exciting New ACEnet EndeavorsYour support of locally owned businesses and farmers is what helps drive our local economy and provides the opportunities for many entrepreneurs to succeed. We at ACEnet plan to be here, helping existing and new businesses and farmers find their way but we need your support to continue this very important work. In 2017, we embark on two new projects that will strengthen the farming and women-owned businesses throughout Southeast Ohio: The Food Production Center in Nelsonville and the 2017 Women in Business Conference.

ACEnet is ready to invest in new food production space within the Nelsonville facility that will enable local farmers to create value-added meat products in a licensed meat processing facility, the only such facility in Southeast Ohio. The new Food Production Center will also provide an opportunity to advance local Farm-to-School and Farm-to-Institution programs that will support area farmers and bring healthy, local meal options to our children and others. We have hired a local architect and have obtained some grant funding but we still need your help in making this investment work for our farmers.

We are also excited to announce our upcoming Women Exciting New ACEnet Endeavorsin Business Conference on May 5th, 2017 at the newly renovated Lodge at Hocking College in Nelsonville. Through your support, the conference will unite women entrepreneurs in all stages of business development for a one day conference that will focus on three main objectives: professional development, personal development, and networking with other women who own and operate small businesses.

If you’d like, you can specify your gift to either of these exciting new projects and you can be certain that your gift will directly impact our local economy for many years to come. Please send your gift today, knowing that your donation is helping to make our community stronger by growing our regional economy. Right here. Right now.

If you would like to help, you can go to our Funding Opportunities page under Support Us, or you can print the card below and send it to ACEnet at:

ACEnet
94 Columbus Road
Athens, OH 45701

Thank you so much for your help.

Exciting New ACEnet Endeavors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

ACEnet Invests in New Equipment

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

ACEnet Invests in New Equipment

ACEnet has invested in a new label machine! The new Autolabe Pressure Sensitive Labeling Machine Model 110, an automatic wipe-on label applicator, has replaced the 20 year old label machine in our Food Ventures Center to increase clients’ efficiency. The Model 110 has been continually upgraded to meet today’s demanding labeling needs and is used in virtually every industry for primary and secondary labeling. Local business and ACEnet client Vino de Milo has donated the shipping costs for this purchase.

ACEnet Invests in New Equipment

 

Community Update by Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland

 

ACEnet & Athens in National Spotlight

Posted by by Meggan Loveland

ACEnet & Athens in National Spotlight

ACEnet & Athens in National SpotlightACEnet & Athens in National SpotlightU. S. Department of Agriculture officials from the agency’s national and statewide branches visited Athens County briefly Friday to explore the region’s local food system. Val Dolcini, Administrator for USDA Farm Services Agency, Elanor Starmer, Administrator for USDA Agricultural Market Service, Steve Maurer, State Executive Director of USDA Farm Services Agency, and Tony Logan, USDA Ohio Rural Development State Director began their tour in Nelsonville, at ACEnet’s Nelsonville Business Center & Food Hub.

After Nelsonville, the group continued to Athens to tour ACEnet’s Food Ventures Center. Our Director of Programs & Business Development, Leslie Schaller, and our Executive Director, Larry Fisher were on hand to walk them through our commercial, shared-use kitchen, warehouse storage space and thermal processing room. ACEnet & Athens in National Spotlight

The next stop was to tour Little Fish Brewing Company and sample their new beer, “No Fracking Way,” which was brewed with all Ohio ingredients, including Ohio-grown hops. While there, the USDA officials got to meet with a few of ACEnet’s clients and partners. Athens Mayor, Steve Patterson also stopped by to say hello!

The last stop on the tour was for dinner at locavore restaurant, Casa Nueva, which is a worker-owned restaurant dedicated to sourcing locally & seasonally, and also utilizes ACEnet’s commercial kitchen. The USDA group was able to meet and chat with more ACEnet partner organizations, including the Athens County Conventon & Visitor’s Bureau.

ACEnet & Athens in National Spotlight

Another Visit…

Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton visited Jackie O’s Brewery and Taproom on Campbell Street in Athens on Tuesday. Clinton’s stop in Athens was part of her new “Breaking Down Barriers” driving tour of Appalachia, that started in Kentucky Monday (May 2), through West Virginia and culminated in Athens Tuesday.

If she is elected president, the Democratic front-runner guaranteed there will be Jackie O’s beer served in the White House. “It may be Razz Wheat. It may be something else,” she joked. “Small businesses like Jackie O’s are what make this such a dynamic, entrepreneurial community and we need more of that,” she said. “Appalachia is a vital part of the United States … You deserve every chance to get ahead and stay ahead.” Clinton also highlighted the need for assisting workers and small businesses. She received loud cheers in promoting local business incubator ACEnet.

ACEnet & Athens in National Spotlight

Community Update by ACEnet Programs & Communications Coordinator, Meggan Loveland