Michael Hardin Named New ARC Program Manager for Georgia

Toccoa native and former State Representative Michael Hardin has been appointed the new Georgia Program Manager for the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Hardin was appointed last month by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs commissioner Gretchen Corbin.  Hardin will take over from James Thompson who is retiring at the end of the calendar year.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic development agency that represents a partnership of federal, state, and local government.

Established by an act of Congress in 1965, ARC is composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, who is appointed by the President.

Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts.

ARC funds projects that address the four goals identified in the Commission’s strategic plan:

1. Increase job opportunities and per capita income in Appalachia to reach parity with the nation.
2. Strengthen the capacity of the people of Appalachia to compete in the global economy.
3. Develop and improve Appalachia’s infrastructure to make the Region economically competitive.
4. Build the Appalachian Development Highway System to reduce Appalachia’s isolation.