Electronic Office (EO) of Asheville, a leading provider of Managed IT Solutions, Cloud Solutions, and Cybersecurity Services, has acquired Reliant Data Solutions, an IT Managed Services Provider based in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The acquisition strengthens EO’s presence in the Hendersonville market and expands its expertise in IT services for the dental sector. Founded in 2006 by Kyle Bartley, Reliant Data Solutions has served clients across Western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee with services including network monitoring, security, and data backups. EO’s CEO, Kemper Brown Jr., emphasized the shared values between the two companies and expressed enthusiasm for providing enhanced IT and cybersecurity solutions to Reliant’s clients. Terms of the acquisition remain confidential.
Grant Opportunity:
The Laura Jane Musser Fund has expanded its granting geography to include parts of North Carolina’s Mountains Region and is offering two upcoming grant opportunities. The Rural Arts Initiative provides grants up to $12,000 for nonprofit arts organizations in rural communities to support exceptional artistic opportunities in literary, visual, music, and performing arts, with applications open February 6 – March 6, 2025. The Environmental Initiative offers planning grants up to $8,000 and implementation grants up to $35,000 for projects that enhance publicly owned open spaces while promoting sustainable ecosystems, with applications open February 13 – March 13, 2025. Full guidelines are available at musserfund.org.
Happenings:
Dogwood Health Trust, in partnership with Innovative Funding Partners (IFP), will host Introduction to Writing Government Grants on Wednesday, February 19. This session is designed for organizations with limited experience in federal or state funding, offering a comprehensive overview of the pre-award development process. Participants will learn to navigate Grants.gov, manage complex Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), and apply best practices for competitive grant proposals. Led by IFP, the training will provide key resources and a Q&A session to enhance understanding of government grants and improve funding success. Register here.
Join fellow business leaders for an exclusive and inspiring Business Leader Forum, part of the SoCon Basketball Tournament & presented by Explore Asheville. Set for Friday, March 7, from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at the Haywood Park Hotel – just one block from the arena – this event delves into the critical intersection of leadership, mental health, and recovery in the workplace. Renowned leadership expert, author, and former NBA referee Bob Delaney will share insights on resilience, crisis management, and leading with empathy. This engaging TED Talk-style forum includes a Q&A, allowing attendees to explore leadership strategies that prioritize emotional intelligence and workplace support. Entry is by suggested donation to the Always Asheville Fund, and contributors will receive a General Admission ticket to Friday night’s session at the arena as a thank-you. Space is limited – register by February 15 to secure your spot. Learn more & register.
Opening:
Impact Health has launched the Impact Primary Care Network (IPCN), a nonprofit, physician-led, clinically integrated network designed to transform healthcare in Western North Carolina. IPCN, which began operations on January 1, 2025, helps primary care practices integrate clinical services with social health support, leveraging Impact Health’s expertise from the Healthy Opportunities Pilot. Led by Allison Krivatch, IPCN will assist participating providers with care management, data analytics, and community health coordination, aligning with CMS’s Making Care Primary initiative. The leadership team includes Dr. Amy Russell, Cynthia Reese, and Darren Boice, LCSW, who bring extensive experience in healthcare and population health. For more information, visit impactprimarycare.org or call (828) 470-7146.
Service:
OnTrack WNC is offering free tax preparation for most households with income up to $67,000 through its team of IRS-certified tax preparers. Appointments fill up quickly, so early booking is encouraged. Two Filing Options: In-Person Tax Preparation: Meet with an IRS-certified volunteer who will prepare your return while you wait, ensuring accuracy and providing a copy of your completed return. Supportive Self-Filing: Households with income up to $84,000 can prepare their own taxes online with access to expert assistance if needed. This service is made possible with support from Focus Partners Wealth, which funds OnTrack WNC’s VITA program to provide free tax assistance in 2025.