RALEIGH, N.C. – A dedication and opening celebration was held here for the SECU Training and Conference Center at the N.C. Rural Center.
The renovation was made possible with the support of State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members, who provided a $236,000 SECU Foundation grant in 2016 to Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. (The Rural Center), helping fund technology and equipment upgrades as well as the replacement of historical wall display elements.
The enhancements will open the door for more state, regional and local groups to use the facility through options such as video conferencing for off-site access.
Jim Johnson, SECU Foundation Board Chair, spoke briefly during the dedication. He remarked, “SECU members are pleased to assist the Rural Economic Development Center with its mission and history of promoting development and advocacy in our state’s most fragile communities. SECU Foundation’s grant for the SECU Training and Conference Center strengthens our commitment to rural North Carolina and the shared philosophy of our Foundation and The Rural Center – helping others.”
The Rural Economic Development Center was established in 1987 to develop, promote and implement sound economic strategies that improve the quality of life for rural North Carolinians, with a special focus on individuals with low-to-moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. As an integral part of the facility, which serves the state’s 80 rural counties, the SECU Training and Conference Center will continue to be a preferred destination point for groups statewide whose efforts support rural communities. This project is the Foundation’s second joint initiative with The Rural Center, previously partnering in 2013 to collaborate on a successful Public Service Internship Program for college students.
“We are grateful for the generosity of State Employees’ Credit Union members and their ongoing support of our state’s rural places,” said Patrick Woodie, President of The Rural Center. “The renovation of our Conference Center means more organizations can take advantage of a state-of-the-art facility to plan, learn and act to improve the lives of all North Carolinians.”