Lynn Sprague, Executive Director of the Southwestern Resource Conservation and Development Council and Robert Hawk, Cooperative Extension Director, NC State University, have big plans for the Drexel Furniture Mill in Whittier. Working together with funders and folks within the 7 western counties of WNC, their vision is to create a regional center for multiple agri-business entrepreneurs. The Smokey Mountain Agriculture Development Station could meet many area needs including a commercial food kitchen, cold storage, or fairground space. This new project demonstrates how we can preserve our local heritage and use our resources to build a healthy economic future.