The Mountain Council for Entrepreneurial Development is changing its name but not its mission.
The MCED will be known now as the Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council.
The group, an initiative of the AdvantageWest economic development organization, remains focused on remains focused on stimulating economic development in the western regions of North Carolina.
“The name is more specific, differentiating our Blue Ridge Mountains from the Rockies or our Appalachian mountains in the northeast or elsewhere,” said David Reeves, an executive with The Capital Corporation in Hendersonville and a member of the AdvantageWest board. “It also helps us clear any confusion about who we are and sets us apart from other North Carolina entrepreneurial groups.
“With the name MCED, many investors and entrepreneurs though we were affiliated with the Research-Triangle based Council for Entrepreneurial Development. We are a new organization but are gaining momentum fast, so we wanted to change the name now so we can establish a strong and unique brand.”
At the same time, the BREC announced a new initiative for entrepreneurs — “FastTrac,” a nationally recognized training program. BREC will offer the training in conjunction with Haywood Community College. Kirk Smith, the college’s corporate learning coordinator, will be the leader.
The BREC’s next meeting will be April 15. For information, contact Jim Roberts, executive director of the BREC, at 828-273-9862 or jroberts@awnc.org .
