Tanya S. Weary of Oxford has been named the Director of the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College. Weary joined the college after working for the past 12 years with the City of Oxford. During the last three years of her tenure with the City, she served as the Downtown Development Director. In that role, Weary oversaw the Downtown Oxford Economic Development Program. She worked closely with local businesses and property owners to preserve the small-town appeal of Oxford …
Category: Business
North Carolina’s Clean Energy Industry Ranks 8th in Job Growth
Environmental Entrepreneurs’ (E2) recently released report on clean energy job creation in the first quarter of 2012 notes that 46,000 jobs in clean energy could be on America’s horizon if all announcements reach their potential. North Carolina, ranked number eight on the list of states where clean energy jobs were announced, could see nearly 2,300 of those jobs. In addition to making the top-ten list for job creation in the industry, North Carolina was one of only four top-ten states …
FDIC and SBA Team Up to Offer Financial Education and Mentoring Support to New and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
WASHINGTON – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and U.S. Small Business Administration today announced new resources to support small businesses across the nation. Acting Chairman Gruenberg and SBAs Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development Michael Chodos released Money Smart for Small Business, a training curriculum for new and aspiring business owners. Developed in partnership between both agencies, this curriculum is the latest offering in the FDIC’s award-winning Money Smart program. Money Smart for Small Business provides an introduction to day-to-day business …
World’s Largest Home Furnishings Company Expands in N.C. to Meet Global Needs
RALEIGH—Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that Ashley Furniture, a manufacturer and distributor of home furnishings, will locate a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Davie County. Ashley Furniture expects to create 550 new jobs over the next five years and invest $80 million in land, buildings, machinery and equipment. The announcement was made possible in part by a state Job Development Investment Grant and a One North Carolina Fund award. “North Carolina continues to attract manufacturers that are drawn to …
Distinctive Educational Programs Help Produce N.C.’s Skilled Workforce
Higher education institutions in North Carolina offer unique programs that complement evolving workforce needs of the state’s business and industry. The state’s universities produce skilled graduates each year and the community college system is recognized nationally for its customized workforce training programs. L–R: Prof. Hans-Peter Mengele, CEO, Karlsruhe Chamber of Industry and Commerce and CPCC President Dr. Tony Zeiss. Photo courtesy of CPCC. Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte signed an articulation agreement on April 18 with IHK-Karlsruhe, a …
North Carolina and Facebook Celebrate Grand Opening of Data Center
Facebook’s Forest City Data Center celebrated its grand opening in Rutherford County yesterday after completing the site’s first building and beginning to serve user traffic from the facility. Facebook’s Vice President of Site Operations Tom Furlong and Data Center Manager George Henry joined N.C. Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll, members of the legislative delegation, Rutherford County Commission Chair Julius Owens, Forest City Mayor Dennis Tarlton and more than 300 “friends” for a celebration at the facility. “Our Forest City data center …
Paint The Town Purple Contest
In support of the American Cancer Society downtown Henderson will be decorated with purple streamers, balloons, bows, flowers, etc. from June 1st to the14th leading up to the Relay For Life Event on June 15th. The participant with the best PURPLE concept and display will be announced at the Relay Event on June 15, 2012, & will be awarded a $1000 Sponsorship for Relay For Life 2013. Contest Overview When: June 1st-14th, 2012 Where: Downtown Henderson, NC If your business …
N.C. Recognized as Ideal Location for Business Growth in Southeast
RALEIGH—Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Joseph T. Ryerson & Son Inc., a leading distributor and processor of metals, will expand its presence in Pikeville by moving into a second building and growing its fabrication facility. The company plans to create 44 jobs and invest $3 million over the next three years in Wayne County. The project was made possible in part by a $100,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. “One of the best ways to create new …
N.C. Business Climate Supports Progressive Companies Like Stanley Furniture
RALEIGH—Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Stanley Furniture Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of premium wood residential furniture, will expand its presence in High Point by consolidating its showroom and two existing corporate offices to a new facility. The company plans to create 42 jobs and invest $4 million over the next three years in High Point. The project was made possible in part by a $335,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. “Like more and more companies, Stanley …
North Carolina Exports to China Grew Over 600% From 2000–2011
According to an analysis released by the U.S.-China Business Council entitled U.S. Exports to China by State 2000-11, China is the number three U.S. export market, with only Canada and Mexico ranking higher. The analysis emphasizes exports as a vital component to continued economic recovery in the U.S. Since 2000, exports from the U.S. to China rose 542 percent. North Carolina has done exceedingly well in cultivating its exports market in China. The state ranked number 13 on the list …
Asheville Location has New Belgium Brewing Sought for East Coast Facility
RALEIGH—Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that New Belgium Brewing, the third largest craft brewer in the country and the maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale, will build its East Coast brewery in Buncombe County. The company plans to create as many as 154 jobs and invest about $175 million over seven years. The project was made possible in part by a $1,000,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. The state grant will be based on the company creating 130 …
Finch retires as VGCC Small Business Center director
Diane P. Finch of Henderson recently retired as Director of the Small Business Center at Vance-Granville Community College. Members of Finch’s family joined her colleagues at a retirement reception held in her honor on March 22 at the college’s Main Campus. She had been the SBC director since January 1994, when she joined VGCC after serving as the executive director of the Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce. In both of those roles, Finch participated in the planning and execution of …
Kerr-Tar WDB Business Solutions Employer Forum 2012
We are so excited about our first Business Solutions Employer Forum to be held on April 12, 2012, 8:00 – 9:45 AM at the Kerr-Tar COG Office located at 1724 Graham Avenue, Henderson, NC. Businesses will enjoy breakfast while learning about free business services and solutions to enhance their business or agency. We are asking that all interested, RSVP by April 10, 2012, by emailing or calling Angela Davis at 252-436-2040 or adavis@kerrtarcog.org. We hope you can attend. www.kerrtarcog.org
Vance County Relay For Life Announcements
Whitney’s Hope Relay Team will be having a Yard and Bake Sale, Saturday March 31 at 3002 Oxford Road. It will be right beside Saint James Missionary Baptist Church. 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. “Angels Among Us” Relay Team is having their annual flower sale. Bedding plants, potted plants, hanging baskets and roses are available. Orders must be in by April 6 and picked up will be April 14 at Tractor Supply/Big Lots parking lot from 9:00 am until 1:00 …
Grand Opening: Boxwood Nursery
Boxwood Nursery located on US#1 Highway North in Wise, NC 27549 will be hosting a Grand Opening Saturday, March 31, 2012 from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Boxwood Nursery has trees, shrubs, hanging baskets, bedding plants, garden plants, fertilizer, bird houses and more available. Enter to win door prizes and discounts. Hot dogs and drinks will be for sale. All money from food sales will be donated to the Warren County Relay for Life. For more information, contact Emily Y. Newell, Manager …
USCIS Seeks Public Comment on Revisions to Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9
WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today published a notice in the Federal Register inviting public comment on a revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. Employers must complete Form I-9 for all newly-hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States. The public is invited to comment on the revisions until May 29, 2012. Key revisions to the form include: Expanded Form I-9 instructions and a revised layout. New, optionaldata fields to collect the employee’s …
Offshore wind energy potential draws developer interest
Three hundred energy industry experts, government officials and wind energy developers gathered in Charlotte earlier this month to attend the first ever Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference. N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco participated in a keynote panel at the meeting along with Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce Jim Chang and other officials. The advantages of regional collaboration provided the focus for the two day conference. The potential for offshore wind energy along the nation’s East Coast has drawn growing interest …
Small Business is Big Business in NC
Governor Beverly Perdue: I am pleased to present the 2012 edition of North Carolina’s Annual State of Small Business, prepared by the Small Business and Technology Development Center, under the direction of our State Commissioner for Small Business. This report contains the most current information and data on small businesses in North Carolina. It is clear that small business is actually big business in our state, providing about half of all private sector employment, and accounts for roughly 45% of …
N.C.’s Skilled Workforce Integral to Manufacture of World’s Most Powerful Jet Engine
Last week, GE Aviation celebrated the shipment of its 1000th GE90-115B jet engine, the most powerful engine ever built. The engine earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2003. A sleek fan blade built for the GE90-115B is on display in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. As part of the celebrations of this important milestone, the company has been highlighting the role North Carolina and its talented aerospace workforce plays in its manufacturing prowess. Watch …
Semprius in Vance County One of Two North Carolina Economic Development Projects Earning 2012 CiCi Awards
For the seventh year, Trade and Industry Development magazine has evaluated economic development projects for its CiCi Awards. The awards recognize 30 projects from the past year in two areas: Community Impact and Corporate Investment. Over 700 applications from all over the U.S. were evaluated for the 2012 awards. Gov. Bev Perdue and the N.C. Department of Commerce had the honor of announcing two of the winning projects, which were among the many economic development projects announced in North Carolina …