Clark Hunter recently was hired as manager of the Blue Ridge Business Develop-ment Center in Sparta. The primary focus of the center is entrepreneurial development.

New manager is hired for BDC in Sparta

Clark Hunter officially began his job as manager of the Blue Ridge Business Development Center (BDC) on Feb. 25.

As manager, Hunter will help support the county and town through business and entrepreneurial development. Other job duties include writing grants as they relate to supporting BDC programs and being familiar with the variety of programs available through the adjacent community college.

Hunter is the BDC's first exclusive manager. In the past, the center was managed in conjunction with New River Community Partners. The board of the BDC decided in late 2007 to hire a manager, after breaking with NRCP. Sue Choate oversaw operations at the center in the interim period, but has since left the BDC to accept a position at a local real estate company. Hunter, a former resident of Southport, brings a variety of experience to the manager position at the BDC. After seven years with the Air Force, he headed for New York to fulfill a dream of working in the field of entertainment. Afterward, Hunter remained in New York and worked in the marketing department for Eastman Kodak Company.

Hunter later got involved with real estate management and development, which allowed him time to spend on his love of writing poetry and music and participating in productions. Hunter and his wife, Dee, had been traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway area for about 10 years in search of what they deemed their "ideal mountain home." Two years ago, the couple found it, moving to Alleghany.

"Alleghany County and Sparta has always attracted us," stated Hunter. "We've been up here back and forth like so many people. Then, we decided two years ago to build a permanent home, which we have done."

A few months ago, Hunter was encouraged to interview for the manager position available at the BDC and was later chosen from among the 20 to 30 applicants.

"I'm officially on board and looking forward to working in the community with the business development center here," he said. "We have so many things to offer the community as far as business services and technology services. My goal is to open the doors to the citizens of Alleghany County and Sparta, help them take advantage of this great facility."

As manager of the BDC, Hunter anticipates showcasing and focusing on Alleghany businesses. He commented, "What I'd like to see happen is having more free seminars, workshops, and free computer clinics for the public."