Two local area business owners recently received certifications as professional grant writers at a Grant Writing Certificate Program at Western Carolina University. Crystal Justice of Justice Business Solutions in Red Boiling Springs and Carol Abney of Abney CPA PLLC in Celina both completed the course in hopes of gaining valuable knowledge they could use in their volunteer efforts for their communities. Justice is the Chair for the nonprofit Vision 2020, Inc., and Abney is a board member for the Clay County Museum and volunteers on the Clay County Workforce Development Committee. “Grants are so important to our rural communities, and there are many to be obtained through government, public, and private foundations that could help us here in rural Tennessee tremendously,” Abney said. Both ladies are currently working on specific grant projects in their respective cities. (photo submitted)