The visit to NCSU's Agriculture session covered topics related to agricultural diversification, bio-economic trends, entrepreneurship, climate change compliance, and market-driven programs in community colleges. The session, attended by Dr. Jose Cisneros, Dr. Chadi Sayde, and Sarah Olson, took place at the NC State Plant Science Building in Raleigh, NC, which is a modern facility promoting collaboration and innovation in plant sciences. After a tour of the building, the group visited the Lake Wheeler Irrigation System and Fields Lab, had lunch at the Farmers Market, where they accidentally met N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, who greeted the group and shared some perspectives about agriculture development in NC. The Farmers Market offers locally grown food and specialty products for visitors to enjoy.
In this particular context, Andrei Dinga expressed the following:
“This program was a revelation for me, as it has provided valuable insights into how a collaborative culture, extension services, and business engagement can drive innovation in agricultural feed. Witnessing the technological advancements developed through research and development at the University, as well as the successful collaboration between farmers, associations, and the wider community, served as a great example for me to follow. I hope that our association can also engage similarly, as it involves a shift in thinking that is much needed in Moldova. It is inspiring to see students in the community receiving specialized education at early college institutions like Wake Forest and then using their knowledge and skills to benefit their local community. This is something that we should strive for in Moldova by working closely with educational institutions to implement specialized innovations at home. I believe that we have set the foundation for future collaborations.”
Then next on the agenda, the Open World delegation visited Blush, a coworking space for women with childcare, where they learned about its inclusive and welcoming environment for women to work and collaborate. They also had a chance to see Cary founded - a coworking community in downtown Cary, and an inclusive playground owned by the Town of Cary - led by Kids Together, Inc. to promote accessibility and improve outdoor play opportunities.
“I believe it is important for our community to establish spaces where women can come together to work on projects, have their children nearby, and explore business opportunities or part-time work while also developing new skills. By looking to successful examples like Blush and Wake Forest, we can rethink how we approach professional growth and generate fresh possibilities in the aftermath of the closure of professional schools in smaller Moldovan towns. People of all genders, abilities, and economic backgrounds should have access to learning new skills, and I imagine these shared spaces in Cimislia can help bridge that gap, offering a chance for collaboration and growth with the help of programs like the Entrepreneurship Clinic.” said Anastasia Rusu.
Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, the group had the privilege to visit to The North Carolina Secretary of State Department. During the meeting, Secretary Elaine F. Marshall, Chief Deputy Secretary Rodney S. Maddox, and Partnership Liaison Lora Sinigur were gracious enough to share insights on the department's role in supporting economic growth, promoting public trust, and fulfilling statutory mandates. They also discussed the department's efforts in providing infrastructure for business development, protecting citizens and businesses from fraud, and fostering a transparent and ethical business environment. Additionally, Secretary Marshall highlighted the department's management of international agreements and partnerships, including the successful North Carolina-Moldova Bilateral Partnership. The team expressed their delight at reconnecting with the group following their visit to Moldova earlier in the year. Chief Deputy Secretary Maddox further elaborated on the history of collaboration, and the group had the opportunity to meet with a young entrepreneur from the US, of Moldovan descent, named Rudy Sinigur where they shared views on differences and learnings from the two environments.
The group proceeded with their journey and had the opportunity to visit 321 Coffee, a coffee shop and roaster in Raleigh, NC that proudly employs over 50 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This establishment was founded in 2017 by Lindsay Wrege and Michael Evans with the noble intention of creating an inclusive business model. Furthermore, they had a productive meeting with members of the NC Department of Agriculture, including Peter Thornton and Erica Calderon. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is committed to promoting and enhancing agriculture, agribusiness, and forests, all while safeguarding the interests of consumers and businesses. Their diverse range of responsibilities includes agronomy, animal health, food testing, and agricultural marketing. The department also focuses on various initiatives such as domestic and international markets, agritourism, energy conservation, and climate resilience, to establish agricultural hubs to foster growth and innovation within the industry.
“One of the standout moments during the visit was the enlightening agritourism discussions led by Erica Calderon. This sparked an innovative idea to utilize the tiny house movement as a platform to showcase traditional aesthetics, decorations, and unique place-making techniques in the Republic of Moldova. The architecture and cultural tourism in North Carolina left a lasting impression, prompting a desire to see a revival and promotion of Moldovan style throughout the nation. mentioned Vlad Savin insightfully.
During their visit to The University of North Carolina School of Government, which offers training, guidance, and research for public officials in North Carolina, they were informed about the diverse array of courses and conferences aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of state and local government officials through a nonpartisan and policy-neutral approach. Utilizing interactive methods, faculty members offer assistance to public officials and provide additional support through phone consultations, emails, and advisory projects. Moreover, the school collaborates with the American Indian Center to promote the well-being of Native populations in North Carolina through various initiatives.
The OW Group met with Carla Barbieri from North Carolina State University's College of Agriculture, a leading institution in various fields including agriculture, science, technology, and business. The university provides a wide range of programs and research opportunities, with a strong focus on bringing research-based knowledge to communities in North Carolina through the Extension program. NC State also emphasizes agritourism, offering unique farm experiences and supporting economic stability in rural areas. The Agritourism & Societal Well-being Lab at NC State conducts research in agritourism and sustainable tourism to promote overall well-being. The delegation also visited Broadslab Distillery, a family-owned business that has been producing whiskey and moonshine for generations and now offers guided tours and other agritourism activities.
The group had the privilege of visiting Apex City Hall and meeting with Mayor Jacques K. Gilbert, Town Manager Randy Vosburg, CEO of Economic Development Partnership of NC, the Wake County Economic Development Sam Rauf, members of the Apex Team, and other officials from the Municipality. The topics discussed included the collaboration between central and local government authorities, delegation of responsibilities, funding for local communities, administrative reorganization, effective public administration, strategic industry promotion, urban planning for economic growth, and digitalization of government services.
Igor Hincu stated: “In my role as a social entrepreneur, I have immersed myself in programs and organizations focused on the same mission. Through my work to establish the first toy museum in the Republic of Moldova, I have encountered innovative initiatives catering to children of diverse abilities, such as the inclusive playground "Kids Together" and the socially conscious cafe "321 Coffee." Additionally, I have gained valuable insights from the Entrepreneurship Clinic and Community Foundations on effective marketing and fundraising strategies for such ventures. I am looking forward to a potential visit from the Entrepreneurship Clinic this summer, which I hope will lead to collaborations on programs, projects, and new ventures”.
The visit also included a tour of the NC State Entrepreneurship Clinic and a panel discussion on key programs, agritourism, resources for early-stage ventures, and engagement with local experts. The Entrepreneurship Clinic and Andrews Launch Accelerator offer students hands-on experience and support for entrepreneurial initiatives. Director Haley Huie leads efforts to provide students with opportunities to apply entrepreneurial skills and contribute to the local innovation and entrepreneurship community. The visit concluded with a productive discussion where ideas, projects, and new concepts were shared among the participants.
The Bilateral partnership between North Carolina and Moldova seeks to support Moldova in addressing various challenges across multiple sectors through organizations. One of the key objectives is to identify and meet needs, such as economic hardships, at the local level by fostering partnerships among government entities, businesses, NGOs, and the public. This cooperation is crucial for advancing economic growth and sharing successful strategies for involving community leaders in promoting entrepreneurship and business development locally. Moreover, it is important to offer training for local economic experts to analyze data and formulate effective policies at the grassroots level. Local stakeholders also play a significant role in advocating for entrepreneurship and social initiatives within their communities.
More pictures: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.991863906282123&type=3