Working for a more just and sustainable Appalachia.
The Central Appalachian Network (CAN)’s mission is to develop and deploy economic strategies that build wealth in local communities, conserve natural and cultural resources, and empower marginalized communities. We work in collaboration across sectors, partnering with other non-profits, community groups, funders, educational institutions, local government, and private business. CAN actively pursues economic transition in Central Appalachian communities through a variety of economic sectors and market-based strategies, and currently focuses on:
How We Work
CAN is a network of networks, anchored by a Steering Committee of 7 non-profit organizations. CAN’s sector-focused networks coordinate regional analysis and strategies in areas like Food & Ag, Clean Energy, and Creative Placemaking. Our network of practitioner partners includes over 50 different organizations working on community economic development, including non-profits, local government agencies, lenders, community groups, social enterprises, and academic institutions. CAN’s roles include supporting peer-to-peer learning, collaborative strategies, organizational capacity-building, cross-sector partnership, demonstration projects, in-person convening, and field-building research & publications.
Events & Happenings
There is a lot happening across our region every day! To help share, promote, and keep track of all the activities CAN partners are involved in, use this shared calendar to share information about your upcoming events and learn about other happenings.
Stories & Resources
CAN Organizational Equity Policies Webinar
On October 29th CAN hosted its first Equity webinar. It focused on concrete ways to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion […]
Read MoreIn Equity, Public Education
Change to SNAP impacts us all–Kentucky Farmers Speak up
Community Farm Alliance Members, Rae Strobel & Adam Barr spoke out earlier this fall against the proposed SNAP rule. This story shares the importance of nutrition incentive programs to farmers.
Read MoreIn Guest Post, Healthy Food AccessMore posts by topic:
Clean Energy Creative Placemaking Food Hub Food systems Guest Post Healthy Food Access Publication Public Health Research Stories Value ChainsGet social on
Our friends at Snowville Creamery are featured in this article, which has since been picked up by the The Wall Street Journal about the challenges of running a business in rural America with limited internet connectivity.
Our energy team was at Isom Iga earlier this week working on installing new lights in the store. The new LEDs will save the store hundreds of dollars.
Former MACED New Energy Intern Scott Shoupe led the install. He has also hired former intern, John Craft, to help complete the job.
Roland Brown II
In November, our friends at Herb Pharm are donating 10% of net online sales to ASD’s Appalachian Harvest Herb Hub in support of forest farmers and at-risk plants. Get your herbals for cold & flu season or stocking stuffers for the holidays here: herb-pharm.com! #livingbetterlocally
Several small business owners and local residents gathered at the historic Tecumseh Theater in Shawnee last night for the Shawnee Business Social. Attendees included representatives of the Somerset Artists' Co-Op, Shawnee Mercantile, Little Cities of Black Diamonds, Destination Shawnee
SPICE (Southern Perry Incubator Center for Entrepreneurs), and other organizations.