Opportunity Appalachia 2025 Investor Convening Recap Photos
September 11, 2025
We were thrilled to welcome over 150 participants, including more than 60 investors from 40 financial institutions, to Asheville, NC, on August 11 – 12, for the 2025 Opportunity Appalachia Investor Convening. Over two days, the in-person attendees made connections, heard pitch presentations from 25 portfolio projects seeking over $250 million in financing, engaged with insightful keynote and panel discussions, and toured local projects. Together, we built momentum for participating communities and the region as a whole, demonstrating the promise of investment in Central Appalachia.
Participants connect during the evening reception
Carrie Cook (right), Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and Donna Gambrell (left), Appalachian Community Capital, discuss investing in rural communities during the Fireside Chat.
(left to right) Lamont Price, TN Economic and Community Development, Erica McGilley, Partner Community Capital, Chimeka Gladney, Truist Community Capital, and Andrew Crosson discuss the commitment and mindset necessary to shepherd projects across the finish line in underserved areas
Beth Heile, Burke River Trail Association, presenting the pitch for the Old Glory Mill project in Rhodhiss, NC.
