Recent "hot topics" having increasing impact on business and government organizations include clean energy, alternative fuels and "green" construction.  All these and many more issues are dealt with regularly by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council (LOSRC).

Established in 1966, LOSRC supports economic development efforts and local government initiatives with a variety of programs, including planning services, grant writing, waste reduction and recycling, energy efficiency, Brownfields programs and housing and community development.   A recent addition is the development and commercialization o new products from waste materials.

The organization's mission is to "work with local governments, the region's leadership and state and federal agencies to foster desirable social, economic, cultural and ecological conditions."  The Executive Director, Joe C. McKinney, has been with LOSRC for five years.

"Our core values include commitments to enhance the well-being of the entire region, resulting in healthy people, healthy economy and healthy ecosystems," McKinney says.  "We have a professional staff that competently carries out our programs and policies and provides local governments and agencies with grant and technical assistance."

The Council is made up of chief elected officials - mayors and county commission chairpersons - from member governments, plus (from each county) one private representative of economic development interests, one representing minority interests, and two at-large members.  The Council meets monthly to plan programs and set policies and goals to benefit the entire region.

For more information visit www.landofsky.org, email info@landofsky.org or call 828-251-2622.