Kerr-Tar Regional Council of Governments

09/03/2026

The September 2026 KTRCOG Newsletter is now available!

August was a busy and productive month, and this edition highlights the programs, events, partnerships, and activities happening throughout the Kerr-Tar region!

Read the latest updates and learn more about how KTRCOG continues to serve our communities:https://www.kerrtarcog.org/sites/default/files/uploads/september-2026-newsletter.pdf

09/03/2026

On September 23 from 12:00 - 1:15 p.m., Come to the Table is hosting SNAP Out of It, NC. This panel conversation will provide a high-level overview of the far-reaching effects of recent changes and cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), detail when and how these changes will impact counties across North Carolina, and provide ways to engage with leaders at the county, state, and federal levels to advocate for SNAP.

Come to the Table will be joined by Ashley Fredde (NC Health News), Andrew Blackburn (NC Association of County Commissioners), Leslie Loyd (A Simple Gesture), and Twanda Sumlar (Granville County Social Services). Register here: https://rafi.tfaforms.net/5209563

09/01/2026

Thanks to funding from the H. Leslie Perry Library Foundation, we are happy to announce that free period products are now available in our public restrooms!

09/01/2026

If you currently own or are thinking of starting a new business, check out this list of FREE webinars offered in September through the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center.

09/01/2026

Attention Business Owners! 📣

Do you have a new or expanding business?
The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is available to any for-profit business in Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance and Warren counties who has been turned down by a bank/lender for the full or partial amount requested.

The purpose of the loan program is to create or retain jobs in the region and help you succeed.

For more information, visit https://www.kerrtarcog.org/community-economic-development/revolving-loan-funds.

08/25/2026

📣Only 5 MORE DAYS to take advantage of Early Bird Registration!

Join us for the 2026 Kerr-Tar Regional Economic Development Summit: ROOTED – Grounded Locally, Growing Regionally on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at McGregor Hall in Henderson!

This year’s summit will bring together local, regional, and state leaders for an exciting day focused on the power of tourism, agri-tourism, economic development, and regional growth!

Summit Highlights:
👑 North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein will be in attendance and delivering remarks in support of rural tourism.

🎤 Hear from two dynamic speakers:
• Dr. Mary Hemphill
• Dr. Carla Barbieri

🌎 Panel 1: Rooted in Place, Powered by Visitors
Explore how visitors can drive investment, jobs, and regional growth with representation from VisitNC, Economic Development Commission, and a regional tourism business owner.

🚜 Panel 2: Rooted in Opportunity: How Agri-Tourism Grows Farms and Rural Economies
Hear from five different agri-tourism businesses from throughout the region as they share their experiences and opportunities for growing rural economies.

🍽️ Lunch is included! Receive a lunch voucher to redeem with a participating downtown restaurant or local food trucks.

🤝 Network with local, regional, and state leaders and make connections that can help move our region forward!

🛍️ Enjoy the ROOTED Marketplace during lunch and after the event!

Register now and don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together!

🙏 Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible:

⭐ Platinum Sponsors: Duke Energy, Enbridge & Person County Economic Development
🏛️ Venue Sponsors: Henderson-Vance County Economic Development
🥈 Silver Sponsor: NC Electric Cooperatives
🥉 Bronze Sponsors: Sunrock, Franklin County Tourism
🍪 Snack Table Sponsor: Vance County Tourism
🎤 Program Sponsor: Granville County Economic Development

08/21/2026

Fall Extension Gardener Classes are coming your way next month, starting on Wednesday, September 9th in Youngsville! 🌿🪴🌿 Join us for these informative, FREE programs and learn all about container gardening in Franklin County!

08/21/2026

08/11/2026

The Teen Master of Photography Contest is an exciting opportunity for teens to showcase their creativity, technical skills, and unique perspectives through the art of photography! Each participant will submit three original photographs in each of five contest categories, challenging them to demonstrate versatility and creativity across a variety of subjects.

A panel of judges will evaluate entries based on creativity, composition, originality, storytelling, technical quality, and overall impact. The highest-scoring photographer in each category will receive a Category Winner Award. Following the judging, all finalist photographs will be displayed in a public Photography Exhibition! During the exhibition, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite images, with one photographer receiving the People's Choice Award.

Registration will begin next month on Monday, August 3rd and close on Sunday, September 20th. Sign up in person or online at hvrpd.recdesk.com