Press Release – For Immediate Release
Highland Craftsmen Inc.’s sustainable products training receives Green Business Fund Award.
Spruce Pine, NC, November 24th, 2009 – Governor Bev Perdue issued an official press release last week at the Energy Policy Council meeting announcing the 2009 Round 2 Green Business Fund Awardees that included Highland Craftsmen Inc. This is part of an initiative to strengthen state energy policy leadership and grow the Governor’s JobsNOW Green Economy Plan.
Highland Craftsmen Inc. is honored to be a recipient of the Green Innovation Award. This acknowledgement is related to a successful job training seminar the company sponsored on sustainable forestry and bark harvesting. Participants stated that the seminar was both timely and needed in this area of the Southern Appalachians. The goal of the seminar was to link small landowners directly to sustainable forestry management organizations and proliferate sustainable forestry management. “By localizing the supply chain with certified local products, we are increasing the market share for local individuals, creating new jobs in high unemployment areas, and retaining the flow of capital within local economies,” explains company owner and organizer, Chris McCurry.
The seminar involved representatives coming from diverse arenas including NC State University, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), PEFC, Game and Wildlife and Pro-logger. There was local representation from Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Columbia Forest Products and The Southern Forests Network. “Dave Woodmanse from American Tree Farm was indispensible in helping to set up the daylong workshop,” McCurry noted.
Highland Craftsmen Inc will now be able to edit and duplicate the material presented at the seminar and distribute it to those who wish to learn from the presentation, but could not attend. One aspect of selling forestry products to Highland Craftsmen Inc is that vendors must have education in sustainable forestry practices. The company is “chain of custody” certified with FSC, SFI and PEFC as part of their commitment to managing forest land responsibly.
Governor Perdue states that “Strong leadership and smart investments are essential to laying a foundation for North Carolina to create green jobs, support green innovation and promote a sustainable future for our state’s economy and environment…Turning green into gold is a central part of my JobsNOW initiative and of my vision to grow North Carolina’s long-term economy.”
Highland Craftsmen Inc is the Original Polar Bark Shingle manufacturer, which has created a new industry in the Appalachian region to help grow the “green collar jobs” that Governor Perdue references. The company’s mission from inception in 1990 has been to produce a product line that is harmonious with nature (green) and minimizes the impact of construction. HC is proud to call North Carolina home and is involved and invested in the community through volunteering, serving on boards and town revitalization projects. The company’s Bark House brand exterior shingle siding is Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM at the Gold Level. To learn more about Highland Craftsmen Inc and Bark House brand products, visit the website at www.BarkHouse.com.
Contact: Chris McCurry
Tel: 828-765-9010
Email: chris@barkhouse.com