North Carolina's population has grown nearly 13% since 2000. But as the Triangle, the Triad, and Charlotte’s metropolitan-area face growing-pains, many of North Carolina’s rural communities are experiencing just the opposite problem.
Almost one third of the state’s small towns have seen their populations decline in the last decade. Textile mills, like the chant of the tobacco auctioneer, have faded away leaving once thriving communities empty and idle. In many parts of Eastern North Carolina, young people are heading off to college and never returning.
To aid these struggling towns, state leaders have earmarked more than $138 million to improve the water and sewer systems, renovate vacant business properties, and encourage entrepreneurship.
In “Small Towns, Big Dreams” the North Carolina News Network examines many of the challenges facing the state’s most rural communities. The five-part series also follows successful efforts in Bladen and Tyrell counties to recover from declines in manufacturing and agriculture by creating new business ventures.
Note: The five segments of the series are streamed at the bottom of this page.
Additional resources:
NC Rural Center -- The mission of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center is to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians. http://www.ncruralcenter.org/
The Small Towns Initiative -- Even with the rapid growth of urban centers, North Carolina remains a state of small towns. The Small Towns Initiative is helping hard-pressed small towns create new economic opportunities. http://www.ncruralcenter.org/smalltowns/initiative.htm
NC STEP -- The North Carolina Small Towns Economic Prosperity (N.C. STEP) Demonstration Program lies at the heart of the Small Towns Initiative. Twenty demonstration sites have been selected to participate in the three-year program, which will offer a broad range of services and educational opportunities. http://www.ncruralcenter.org/smalltowns/demonstration_sites.htm
Lu Mil Vineyard -- Lu Mil Vineyard is a family owned farm located in Bladen County, just off of Hwy. 87 in Dublin, NC. Since opening in 2006, the vineyard also offers a state of the art multi-purpose facility for business meetings, receptions, family reunions, and fundraising events. http://www.lumilvineyard.com/
Tyrrell County Chamber -- Tyrrell County is located in Northeastern North Carolina. It is bounded on the north by the Albemarle Sound and the east by the Alligator River. Members of the Chamber of Commerce take pride in helping to create a great experience for those who work, play, shop, visit and vacation here. http://www.visittyrrellcounty.com/
Scuppernong Mill House – The Scuppernong Mill House, which was featured in the series, is a unique café and gallery in Columbia, NC. In addition to a great cup off coffee, the mill house prides itself in celebrating the heritage of Tyrrell County. http://stores.homestead.com/GHaislip/StoreFront.bok
Kilian – Kilian is one of Tyrell County’s local artists who was featured in the series. To learn more about his artwork and his latest exhibit “15 for Darfur” visit: www.kilianstudio.com.
North Carolina's population has grown nearly 13% since 2000. But as the Triangle, the Triad, and Charlotte’s metropolitan-area face growing-pains, many of North Carolina’s rural communities are experiencing just the opposite problem. 
