If you have not heard about Central Park NC  check out their website and have a look.  Their offices are located in Star, NC.  On their home page you can sign up for their weekly e-mails of what is going in central NC.
Central Park is an organization helping to grow a new economy based on the sustainable use of our natural and cultural resources.

This image is from their website, it shows the counties that are represtented by the Central Park Region.