US Airways and American Airlines closed their $17.7-billion merger Monday, creating the world’s largest airline. So what does it mean for the average traveler? Not a whole lot so far and the airlines say it’s business as usual. But changes to the airlines’ operations will start next year, and will soon accelerate as US Airways and American work to combine their business. Charlotte Douglas International Airport will be the combined airline’s second-busiest hub, behind only Dallas/Fort Worth in the airline’s …
Thursday Open Line
Most Americans drive on their vacations, and if they don’t stay with relatives they often stay at one of the nation’s many motels. The term motel came to have meaning only when the automobile started to dominate the landscape and the term “motor hotel” came into general use. The first motel opened on this date in 1925 in San Luis Obispo, California. The building featured a sign with flashing lights that changed the first letter so that it alternated the …
Nominate 2013 Citizen of the Year – Deadline is December 27
The Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for the 2013 Citizen of the Year. This annual award honors an individual who has made a significant contribution and demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of Henderson and Vance County. In order to be considered for this award, the nominee must be a resident of the Henderson-Vance County community, should be someone who enjoys a reputation for continuous community service in areas such as civic involvement, quality of life …
Kerr Lake aquatic vegetation update
On October 31st, the US Army Corps of Engineers released approximately 13,000 triploid (sterile) grass carp into Kerr Lake. The carp were released from three locations on the NC side of the lake near the areas of greatest hydrilla infestation. Here’s a picture of a few of the fish: https://plus.google.com/112448875899960197128/posts/T8YymEnJnoh Grass carp, as you may know, eat aquatic vegetation and have a special fondness for hydrilla. It is hoped that, over the next couple of years, we will begin to …
AIG to Create 230 Jobs in Charlotte
Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that American International Group (AIG) will establish a technology center in Mecklenburg County. The company plans to create 230 new jobs in North Carolina by the end of 2017 and invest more than $5.5 million in Charlotte. Uconda Dunn served as the developer on the project for the N.C. Department of Commerce. “We’re proud of the financial and professional services cluster that has formed in the Charlotte region, …
High Tech Israeli Textile Manufacturer to Expand in Roxboro
Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Spuntech Industries, Inc., a global spunlace manufacturing company based in Israel, will expand its operations in Person County. The company plans to create 60 new jobs and invest more than $35 million over the next three years in Roxboro. Anna Lea Moore served as the developer on the project for the N.C. Department of Commerce. “North Carolina continues to be a top choice for global companies looking to …
Governor McCrory Announces Appointments to the Rural Infrastructure Authority
The Office of Governor Pat McCrory announced the following appointments to the Rural Infrastructure Authority on Dec. 5: The Governor’s appointees Thomas S. Hester Jr. (Vance County) – Hester is the president of Prim Residential Rentals, Inc. He is the chairman of the Vance County Commissioners. Hester will hold an at-large seat on the board. Kevin Corbin (Macon County) – Corbin is the owner of Corbin Insurance Agency. He is the chairman of the Macon County Board of Commissioners. Corbin …
Explore the Old World in 2014 with “Louisburg to London”
LOUISBURG, N.C.—Louisburg College announces “Louisburg to London”, a nine-day excursion to London, England from May 11-20, 2014. The trip will be led by the College’s director of The Norris Theatre, Wally Hurst, and his wife Maria, both former London residents and seasoned tour guides. The tour group will stay in the theatre district near the British Museum, and visit the Tower of London, the Globe Theatre, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and many other sites. The itinerary also features a pub lunch on arrival day, a ride on …
Butterfield Congratulates Charlotte Congressman Mel Watt on Confirmation as FHFA Director
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) Tuesday released the following statement regarding the confirmation of veteran lawmaker Congressman Mel Watt as the new Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency: “I congratulate my good friend and fellow North Carolinian Congressman Mel Watt on his confirmation as the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. “This well-earned appointment is a result of his more than twenty years experience as an outspoken leader on both the House Financial Services and …
Butterfield Attends Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela in South Africa
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) Tuesday released the following statement regarding the memorial service for Nelson Mandela: “Today I joined tens of thousands of South Africans and world leaders in Johannesburg to pay my last respects at the memorial service for anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and former South African President, Nelson Mandela. “It was moving to see people come together from every corner of the world and all walks of life to pay proper tribute …
Walmart Distribution Facility to Create 450 Jobs in Alamance County, N.C.
Governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will open a major perishable grocery distribution center in Alamance County. This facility will serve an estimated 123 Walmart retail stores across North Carolina and surrounding states. The company intends to create 450 jobs and invest more than $100 million over the next three years in Mebane. “North Carolina continues to be a top choice for companies looking to establish advanced distribution facilities,” said …
Assembly Systems Manufacturer to Create 38 High-Paying Jobs in Iredell County
Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced on Dec. 6 that Weber Screwdriving Systems Inc. will locate its manufacturing operations in Iredell County. The company plans to create 38 high-paying jobs and invest more than $2.3 million over the next three years in Mooresville. The N.C. Department of Commerce’s Ron Leitch was the developer on this project. Since 1958, Weber Screwdriving Systems Inc. has provided assembly system solutions across highly demanding production environments. Their capabilities range from …
Food Manufacturer to Create 57 Jobs in Pitt County
Governor Pat McCrory and N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced on Dec. 4 that Natural Blend Vegetable Dehydration, LLC will open a manufacturing facility in Pitt County. The company intends to create up to 57 jobs and invest more than $12 million over the next three years in Farmville. The N.C. Department of Commerce’s Donna Phillips was the developer on this project. “Bringing manufacturing jobs to Eastern North Carolina is a priority for my administration,” said McCrory. “Companies like Natural …
White House: A moving tribute to a legendary figure
Nelson Mandela’s struggle against South African apartheid inspired millions. And his great call for justice and equality continues to resonate around the world, as new generations of young people pursue the ideals he embraced. Earlier today in Johannesburg, President Obama paid tribute to a hero and a leader — and spoke about the path that’s still ahead.
White House: The US No Longer Owns a Stake in GM. Here’s What That Means
At a time when the American auto industry was about to collapse, the President made the tough to decision to invest in it. As of Tuesday, the United States no longer owns a stake in General Motors, and the auto industry is thriving. Click the picture below for more detail.
Wednesday Open Line
With just two weeks left before Christmas, the holiday shopping is entering its high stress period. The upcoming days promise to be the busiest time of the season as anxious crowds of shoppers descend on malls and shopping centers across the country. Faced with the hassle of getting to and then finding a parking place at these facilities, a growing number of people have turned to mail-order catalogs and ordering gifts online. These businesses sell more than $234.5 billion worth …
Elementary School News December 9-13, 2013
VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWS Volume 1 Issue 10 December 9-13, 2013 The MISSION of Vance County Schools is to be committed to educating all students to prepare them for lifelong learning and productive citizenship. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS The Vance County Board of Education meets at 7 p.m. today (Monday) in the Administrative Services Center on Graham Avenue in Henderson. The public is invited to attend. A community …
Weekly School News December 9-13, 2013
VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS WEEKLY SCHOOL NEWS Volume 2, Issue 17 A Publication for Middle and High Schools December 9-13, 2013 The MISSION of Vance County Schools is to be committed to educating all students to prepare them for lifelong learning and productive citizenship. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS ? The Vance County Board of Education meets today (Monday) at 7 p.m. in the Administrative Services Center on Graham Avenue in Henderson. The public is invited to attend. ? …
Michael Bobbitt: Notes From The Peanut Gallery (City Council Meeting December 9th, 2013)
Before swearing in new council There were two high points in this segment of the meeting. One was recognizing Emma Granston’s retirement. The other was Donna Stearns presentation of this year’s United Way fund drive. Mayor O’Geary’s acknowledged Ms. Granston’s retirement with the presentation of a proclamation. The mayor added a personal note of thanks to Ms. Granston after reading the proclamation. Ms. Stearns summarized the results of this year’s United Way fund drive among city employees. This year’s drive …
Tuesday Open Line
With just two weeks left before Christmas, the holiday shopping is entering its high stress period. The upcoming days promise to be the busiest time of the season as anxious crowds of shoppers descend on malls and shopping centers across the country. Faced with the hassle of getting to and then finding a parking place at these facilities, a growing number of people have turned to mail-order catalogs and ordering gifts online. These businesses sell more than $234.5 billion worth …