It's not hard to find leaders in Transylvania County; many people stepped up to help during the CEC process, and many are still volunteering. The team exudes a sense of servant leadership that reflects the community's spirit.

Mark Burrows, County Director, Planning & Economic Development, led the team. "The county was working on a strategic plan, and it just made sense to do this at the time; it was a natural fit that continued the work several organizations were already doing," he explained. "Besides, other communities were doing it and we didn't want to miss out."

Working through the process helped the team realize they could help established entrepreneurs in the area too. They developed a database inventory of some 1,900 owners –no small task. The database is used to keep businesspeople informed about educational opportunities and business events.

Bill Layton, Coordinator, Senior Resource Network, also played a key role on the team, particularly with developing the database. Team members call him the master of networking. He's now working with county middle and high schools to reinstate Junior Achievement—a program geared towards entrepreneurs.

Completing the documentation required for certification was not easy, but Gary Heisey, Director, Small Business Center, Blue Ridge Community College, along with Burrows and Layton, made sure all was in good order. Heisey, who manages the new incubator at the college, was another critical team member.

The CEC team is quick to point out many other community leaders who were integral to the certification—people such as retired banker Bill Towler, currently Vice Chairman of the County's Economic Development Advisory Board, and Dick Grey, General Manager, Genie Products Manufacturing, Inc., who is also Chairman of the Transylvania Partnership. Phil Davis, President, Tungsten Marketing, and Joe Kolinsky, Senior Resource Network member also made significant contributions.