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. The Center serves the state's 80 rural counties, with a special focus on individuals with low to moderate incomes and communities with limited resources. Created in 1987, the Rural Center operates a multi-faceted program that includes conducting research into rural issues; advocating for policy and program innovations; and building the productive capacity of rural leaders, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. The Center is a private, nonprofit organization led by a 30-member board of directors. For media inquiries, please contact Todd Brantley, senior director of public affairs at tbrantley@ncruralcenter.org.