HandMade in America ceased operation July 31, two years after adding Columbus as a member of its Small Town Revitalization program.

The non-profit organization focused on strengthening rural economies through hand-made projects and creative place making throughout the Western North Carolina region.

Founded in 1995, HandMade in America fell into financial trouble as it neared its 20^th anniversary due to a lack of funding through grants, forcing the organization to close its doors, according to Executive Director Glen Cox in news reports.

Columbus applied to the program in January of 2013 with the help of former Town Manager Jonathan Kanipe. Shortly after acceptance, the HandMade in America resource team surveyed residents of Columbus over a three-day period to provide a revitalization and growth plan that capitalizes on the town’s readily available assets.

Using the knowledge gained, HandMade in America created a marketing strategy that reflected the citizens and businesses of Columbus.

HandMade in America also focuses on entrepreneurship. The organization held several Appalachian Women Entrepreneur workshops that helped area women create businesses or improve on their current establishments.

In total, Handmade in America assisted 14 small towns over its 20-year span, with Columbus being the final accepted member.

While the HandMade in America program has dissolved, the product of its efforts lives on through the Discover Columbus committee.

The six-member committee was created following Columbus’ acceptance to the program and meets monthly to discuss and promote the economic, cultural and creative development of Columbus.

“They helped us get several things established,” said committee member Ernie Kan.

With the help of HandMade in America, the Discover Columbus committee created an asset map, which can be found on the information board next to the flagpole at Columbus Town Hall and on the Discover Columbus brochure.

Their most recent accomplishment was the provision of town mascot, Cole Lumbus, a hand-carved tree trunk recently installed downtown in Stearns Park.

Current Town Manager and Discover Columbus committee member Tim Barth described Handmade in America as a technical advisor that provided expertise in projects such as Cole Lumbus.

Discover Columbus will continue to carry out HandMade in America’s vision through future crafts, events and beautification projects.

“We are still very positive,” said Kan, “and we will still hold the HandMade in America designation.”

The Discover Columbus committee is currently seeking volunteers who share the same passion for promoting the development for Columbus.

Those interested are encouraged to email Tim Barth at discovercolumbusnc@gmail.com or visit the Discover Columbus website at www.DiscoverColumbusNC.com.