Appalachian Regional Commission co-chair visits Elkin

Gayle Manchin, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Federal Co-Chair, visited Elkin on Thursday, along with Guy Land, Congressional Liaison Specialist with the ARC Office of the Federal Co-Chair and other staffers.

Manchin and her team were on their way to Boone where she was to preside over the graduation ceremony for an entrepreneurial camp for teens. While in Elkin Manchin was given a tour by Main Street Manager Laura Gaylord, Mayor Sam Bishop and Town Manager Brent Cornelison.

Stops of the tour included the Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Center, Crater Park and the pickle ball courts, local businesses Angry Troll Brewing, Wisdom Table Wine Bar, the Rock Façade Park, The Reeves Theater and more.

Previous ARC assistance for Elkin has included projects such as WiFi equipment for downtown festivals and tourism, funding for marketing outreach in partnership with Explore Elkin’s new community initiative, and numerous water & sewer infrastructure projects associated with business expansions.

Manchin, who hails from West Virginia, said she recalled traveling through the area from Fancy Gap through Mount Airy to head to Myrtle Beach for summer vacations.

“I’ve just been enjoying the memories and also seeing the great work,” said Manchin.

She commented on “how much we have in common throughout the Appalachian ridge, our beautiful mountains and trail systems, and people continuing to build and create these trail systems.”

“At the end of the day it’s all about the great people,” said Manchin.