Can our rich and varied Appalachian food traditions become one source for a sustainable economy in the region? The 4th Annual Appalachian Seed Swap brought Joseph Simcox, from Gardens Across America, to Pikeville for the event. A modern-day “Johnny Appleseed,” Simcox has traveled the world collecting and swapping seeds and believes that Appalachia can be a […]
What is the future of education and employment in the mountains? Some, like University of Pikeville professor Bruce Parsons, believe it’s technology. The Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative’s (KVEC) new FIREShare podcast interviewed Parsons, and he discussed his efforts at envisioning this technological future with The Holler – a website and physical space geared toward opening […]
Can we build a “Silicon Holler” in central Appalachia? Mountain Tech Media launched in Letcher County on March 14 with plans to help area businesses and organizations maximize their use of computer technology, the Internet and social media. And its a new kind of business – a “social enterprise” structured as a cooperative to build a base of […]
Interested in starting a food hub or another enterprise to help your community? This edition of WMMT’s Mountain Talk features a presentation by Carl Chadband of KISRA (Kanawha Institute for Social Research & Action) on how he got Paradise Farms near Charleston, WV, off the ground, and what he’s learned about using social enterprise and agriculture to create […]