Today, President Obama spoke from Las Vegas about creating a fair and effective immigration system that lives up to our heritage as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. “I’m here because most Americans agree that it’s time to fix a system that’s been broken for way too long.” President Obama said. “I’m here because business leaders, faith leaders, labor leaders, law enforcement, and leaders from both parties are coming together to say now is the time to …
Senate Leaders Release Statement Rejecting Key Health Care Reforms
Raleigh, N.C. – North Carolina Senate leaders introduced legislation Wednesday to opt out of participation in several costly provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Senators Tom Apodaca (R-Henderson), Harry Brown (R-Onslow) and Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) filed Senate Bill 4 to exempt North Carolina from establishing a state-based health insurance exchange or a state-federal partnership exchange. The bill also directs the N.C. Department of Insurance to return unspent taxpayer funds awarded by the federal Department of …
SBA Hurricane Sandy Loan Approvals Surpass $1 Billion As Congress Makes Additional Funds Available for Recovery
WASHINGTON – Less than 90 days after Hurricane Sandy struck, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved more than $1.1 billion in disaster loans to 16,800 residents and businesses in the federally declared states affected by the storm. This milestone comes as Congress passed emergency legislation that will add $799 million to SBA’s disaster assistance program budget to help meet the demand for loans from Hurricane Sandy and future disasters. “Getting money into the hands of individuals and businesses in …
The Relationship Between SNAP and Work Among Low-Income Households
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s (SNAP) primary purpose is to increase the food purchasing power of eligible low-income households in order to improve their nutrition and alleviate hunger and malnutrition.[1] The program’s success in meeting this core goal has been well documented.[2] Less well understood is the fact that the program has become quite effective in supporting work and that its performance in this area has improved substantially in recent years. Labor Force Participation Among SNAP Recipients Is …
National media learn, experience N.C. during NYC media mission
North Carolina seized an opportunity to share stories about the state from the mountains to the coast to national media in New York City last night (Tuesday). Teaming with 40 industry partners from across the state, the Division hosted 65 media, showcasing the best of North Carolina for 2013. The event was themed “N.C. Snapshots” and featured top chefs, artisans and brewers from all three regions of the state. Using the hashtag #NCsnapshots, partners, guests, and N.C. fans contributed to …
Thursday Open Line
In the depths of winter, many Americans find soothing warmth in a cup of hot tea, be it herbal, ginseng, black, green or some exotic specialty blend. Lumped together, this appreciation of the brew underlies January’s National Hot Tea Month. Tea is the only beverage commonly served either hot or iced and in any season. While tea has been consumed for thousands of years, Americans made two important contributions — inventing tea bags and iced tea — both in 1904. …
Manufacturing network kicks off 2013 season in Zebulon
The 2013 season of Manufacturing Makes It Real Network events kicked off Jan. 23 at the corporate headquarters of Nomaco in Zebulon. Nomaco is a recognized leader in the extrusion and molding of synthetic materials. The event’s focus was on sustainability and energy efficiency. Nomaco representatives spoke about the company’s commitment to engineering solutions that conserve and reduce impact on natural resources, its recent successes in that area, and information on its products and best practices. Nomaco’s affiliate, Nomacorc, shared …
Attorney General Roy Cooper: Computer scams keep popping up
Two computer scams we’ve warned you about before appear to be on the upswing again. Phony tech support: You get a call from someone who claims to be tech support from Microsoft or another legitimate company. They say they’ve detected a virus or other problem on your computer, then try to con you into letting them take control of the computer remotely to fix the problem. Actually there’s no issue with your computer, and your problems are just beginning if …
Top Three Things Small Businesses Should Know About the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act will help small businesses by lowering premium cost growth and increasing access to quality, affordable health insurance. Depending on whether you’re a small employer or a larger employer, different provisions of the Affordable Care Act may apply to you as described below. 1. Businesses with Fewer than 25 Employees- Small Business Tax Credits The Affordable Care Act does not require that businesses provide health insurance, but it offers tax credits for eligible small businesses that …
Registration opens for N.C.’s annual nanotech conference
Registration for the N.C. Nanotechnology Commercialization Conference is open. The conference, to be held at Wake Forest Biotech Place in Winston-Salem April 9-10, is the largest and most important nanotech industry event in the South. It will bring together more than 300 nanotech stakeholders including public and private nanotechnology companies, nanotechnology innovators, cutting edge start-ups, leading scientists, investors and executives from Fortune 100 companies. The event is co-hosted by The NanoBusiness Commercialization Association, the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Office of …
N.C. companies showcase security products in the Middle East
Intersec 2013 took place Jan. 15-17 at the Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Center in the United Arab Emirates. This event is a premier security exhibition in the world as it showcases the latest equipment and advanced technological solutions in the global security sector. Companies from around the world wishing to expand their business in the Middle East attend this event. This year, Intersec attracted 990 exhibitors and some 19,500 visitors from 54 countries. The N.C. Department of Commerce’s International …
Wednesday Open Line
The election cycle just passed engaged campaign managers in almost all levels of political races. The man usually credited with being America’s first campaign director, John James Beckley, operated decades before the advent of the news cycle and social media. He directed campaigns on behalf of the Democratic-Republicans in the late 18th century. After Thomas Jefferson won the presidency in 1800, the Library of Congress was founded, and Beckley was appointed the first librarian of that world-renowned institution this week …
Michael Bobbitt: Notes From The Peanut Gallery (Henderson City Council Meeting January 28th, 2013)
Annual Financial Audit Report Curtis Averette, a partner with William L. Stark and Company, presented the annual financial audit report stating the report is an unqualified opinion. An unqualified opinion is better than a qualified opinion because a qualified opinion means there is something the auditor needs to explain such as when accounts do not balance. Mr. Averette explained the audit disclosed weak controls governing water bill payments. (I think he said for six years). The weakness resulted in a …
The 5th Annual Weight Loss Challenge Starts Now!
Adults that live or work in Granville and Vance Counties can form a team of 4 adults who will work together to lose 10 pounds each between January 28th, 2013 and April 12th, 2013. Successful teams and individuals will be eligible for drawings for $3,000 in gift cards donated by the sponsors. The last day to enter is February 1st for the initial weigh in! Eat Smart, Move More: North Carolina’s State Plan to Prevent Overweight, Obesity and Related Chronic …
SBA Launches Affordable Care Act Web Page & Blog
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today launched a new web page and blog dedicated to educating small business owners about the Affordable Care Act. The new tools will serve as a gateway for small business owners connecting them with information provided by SBA’s federal partners responsible for implementing the law, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “The Affordable Care Act provides small business owners with access and opportunity to provide affordable health care options …
VGCC Radiography Student recognized for Academic Excellence
Vance-Granville Community College has named student Rita Hatzimimis of Wake Forest as its recipient of the North Carolina Community College System’s Academic Excellence Award for 2013. One student from each of the 58 colleges in the state system is honored with the award each year. Hatzimimis will be officially recognized at Commencement in May, when she is also scheduled to graduate with a degree in Radiography. In 1988, Hatzimimis earned her first college degree: a bachelor’s degree from Elon College …
Vance County Schools Upcoming Committee Dates
Please note change in times for the following committee meetings: Vance County Board of Education Committee Meeting Dates: * Finance Committee, Wednesday, January 30th, 5:15 pm * Policy Committee, Wednesday, January 30th, Immediately following Finance Note: All meetings are held in the Superintendent’s Conference Room.
Butterfield to Spend the Afternoon Visiting Duke University Hospital
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today will attend a series of meetings concerning healthcare at Duke University Hospital. Among the topics to be discussed are the challenges for hospital administration in the current fiscal climate, and federal funding for medical research. (Editors Note, I assume the afternoon referenced is 1/28/2013 as we received it on that day, at about 2pm.) Butterfield will meet with Duke University Health System President and CEO Dr. Victor Dzau; Executive Vice President …
Tuesday Open Line
A social milestone was reached this date in 1907, when congressman Charles Curtis of Kansas was seated in the U.S. Senate, completing the few weeks remaining in the term of a resigned senator. He was also chosen to serve a full term in that office. Curtis became the first person with Native American blood to serve in the Senate. He remained until March 3, 1929, when he left the Senate to serve as vice president under Herbert Hoover. There are …
Michael Bobbitt: Notes From The Peanut Gallery (VC Water Called Meeting January 28th, 2013)
Last Friday, the County Manager issued an email notice announcing that Chairman Hester had called for a meeting of the County Commissioners and the Water Board for noon today. (Just so everyone understands, the Water Board members are also our County Commissioners so whatever one board approves there is little chance the other board would disapprove.) The purpose of the meeting was to allow the “Adoption of Resolution for Water Bond Anticipation Notes (this allows for extension of BANs for …