The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce was recently awarded a $500 grant from the Black Belt Heritage Area that will be put toward the preview gallery inside the depot, which houses the GACOC.

Executive Director Francine Wasden said the Chamber applied for the grant to be used toward the Black Belt Treasure Preview, which is made up of local artists’ works.

“This is the second year that we have received it,” Wasden said. “They have a fund set up for the Black Belt initiative, and all 19 counties received $500.”

The 19 counties submitted applications for various projects that the Black Belt Heritage Area has agreed to support.

According to the acceptance letter to Wasden from the Black Belt Heritage Area, it’s part of the group’s mission to work with these counties.

“The various projects offer a diverse selection of the Alabama Black Belt Heritage Area’s mission to partner with local communities, state agencies, and non-profit organizations to shape a sustainable future for the Black Belt region through the preservation, interpretation, and marketing of unique, cultural and natural assets. … And to create a better quality of life for its residents through education and the development of community capacity and pride,” the letter said.

Wasden said she’s just excited to have a partnership with Black Belt Treasures and Camden to have an avenue to display these items.

“When (the community) thinks about needing a special gift or item that’s one of a kind, they’ll think about coming to the Chamber,” Wasden said. “If we can get them in the door and they’re able to look at these unique items, that’s our mission to try and get the word out.”