AREA TASK FORCE TEAM TO PROVIDE TRAINING IN STRUCTURAL COLLAPSE RESCUE AT RALEIGH FIRE DEPARTMENT’S KEETER TRAINING CENTER

Oct. 29, 2007, Raleigh, NC -       Members of regional emergency response task force teams from across North Carolina will participate in a structural collapse rescue technician course at the City of Raleigh Fire Department’s Keeter Training Center. The two-week course begins Monday, Oct. 29 and continues until Nov. 9.

The structural collapse rescue technician course is being taught by North Carolina Task Force 8 (NCTF 8), which consists of members of the Raleigh, Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill fire departments, Wake County EMS and Atlas Engineering of Raleigh. North Carolina Emergency Management is sponsoring the course.

NCTF 8 is one of 11 regional task forces in North Carolina. More than 60 task force members from across the state are enrolled in the structural collapse rescue technician course. They will learn how to handle every aspect of a structural collapse. Attendees will spend the first two days hearing lectures and reviewing power-point presentations. They will then spend the rest of the course time on the training grounds learning breaching and breaking of concrete, shoring interior and exterior structures, lifting and moving, and learning to operate highly technical cameras and listening devices. Field training will take place at the Keeter Training Center and the City’s former E.B. Bain Water Treatment Plant.

The 210-member NCTF 8 is a multi-hazard team capable of handling technical rescues involving high angle, swift/flood water, confined space, trench, heavy equipment/vehicle extrication, structural collapse and land search. Team members train among themselves six times a month, and train with other North Carolina task force teams at least twice a year.

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: John Boyette, Public Affairs Specialist

For more information: Capt. Ronny Mizell, Fire Department, 625-0734

Howard, Merrell & Partners Account Executive Named One of The Triangle’s Top Ten Professionals

 Under 35
Nicole Bucalo Honored By Triangle Catalyst Magazine

Raleigh, NC – October 29, 2007 – Constantly achieving, Howard, Merrell & Partners, a full-service strategic branding and advertising firm, earns yet another notable award. Nicole Bucalo, account executive in the public relations department, was recently named by Triangle Catalyst magazine as one of the Top 10 Young Professionals Under 35 in the Triangle.
            When asked about her award Bucalo said, “I am honored to be part of such an elite and active group of individuals.  This award is especially important to me because I believe it is essential for young professionals to give back to the community in which they live.”
            Bucalo flawlessly balances a job that often becomes a “24-hour commitment” while remaining extremely active with a number of local non-profit and professional organizations.  She currently serves as chair of the Public Relations Committee for the 2008 Addy® Awards. In addition, Bucalo is a member of the Toast of the Triangle steering committee, where she helps raise awareness and media visibility for the Tammy Lynn Center and its largest annual spring fundraiser event.  Past affiliations also include serving on the Board of Directors for the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle and the Big Bad Ball planning committee.
            At Howard, Merrell & Partners, Bucalo works with organizations to develop and execute strategic public relations programs that heighten corporate brands, as well as executive and product profiles.   A consummate professional and skilled public relations executive, she is a key member of the agency’s PR department.
            “Nicole is continuously driven to perform at the highest standards.  She works diligently and with a smile on her face,” said Stephanie Styons, senior vice president of public relations at Howard, Merrell & Partners. “Not only is Nicole an outstanding young PR professional, she exemplifies excellence in all facets of her life.  From developing lasting relationships with colleagues, clients, and the media, to serving numerous non profit organizations, Nicole manages a well balanced life of work and play.”
 About Howard, Merrell & Partners
Raleigh, NC-based Howard, Merrell & Partners, Inc., specializes in linking business and communications strategies to yield higher levels of financial performance for its clients. Founded by Jack Howard in 1945 and later reorganized as Howard, Merrell & Partners under Mac Merrell’s leadership, the agency is a pioneer in understanding and applying the power of emotions to develop more effective business and communications strategies. Agency service offerings include brand development, creative development and production, consumer insight research, public relations, media asset services, event planning and management and strategic account management.
                Recent clients include BB&T Bank, Bellezza Products, Canvas on Demand, Central Aquatics, CHD Meridian Healthcare, CHILL International, Cisco, Colonial Bank, Doctors Vision Center, Gailor, Wallis & Hunt, Hewlett-Packard, MED-EL Corporation, Interton, NC Beautiful, ReSound, Shawl Shop, THOR•LO UltraPet, Vaco and Zilla, The agency’s work has been recently honored by, the Telly Awards, the Addys, Graphis, The London International Advertising Awards, The Communicator Awards, and the North American Precise Syndicate.  For more information, visit www.merrellgroup.com.
 Media Contact
Laura Gross
lgross@merrellgroup.com
919-844-2768

INNOVATION, COMMUNITY FOCUS LINK LATEST INDUCTEES

INTO THE NORTH CAROLINA BANKING HALL OF FAME

Oct. 23, 2007 - Pinehurst, NC - In ceremonies held in the tradition-laden Cardinal Ball Room at the Pinehurst Hotel in Pinehurst, North Carolina, five titans of the banking industry in North Carolina were formally inducted into the North Carolina Banking Hall of Fame.  Though each of the inductees had very different careers, two common threads emerged in the presentations leading up to each induction: all were innovators and all were deeply rooted in their own communities.

            The first to be honored was Mr. E. D. Gaskins, Sr., presented by his son, Ed Gaskins.  Gaskins was remembered for taking the reins of a small bank in Monroe and developing it into the statewide United Carolina Bank.  Monroe is the center of Union County.  Despite its proximity to Charlotte, one of the nation’s leading banking centers, Union County is an oasis of progress and development surrounded by counties displaying far less of either quality.  Much of this difference can be attributed to the commitment Gaskins showed to the developing businesses in his home county and his appreciation of the difference a bank can make in the capacity of its customers to improve their economic status.

            Tom Storrs, former chairman and CEO of NCNB, predecessor to Bank of America, was presented for induction into the Hall of Fame by his successor at the bank, Hugh McColl.  Among the dignitaries in the audience was current Bank of America chief, Ken Lewis.  McColl touted Storrs’ unwavering dedication to hiring and training as much young talent as the bank could recruit.  Storrs believed that the bank must grow rapidly and extensively to survive in the future and that such expansion would require depth of talent to manage the growth successfully.  McColl also credited his mentor with establishing a culture of fact based reasoning that is still the central facet of the decision-making process of the banking giant.  Both McColl and Lewis are products of the recruitment of young talent that Storrs espoused in the early 1960’s.

            John Medlin, retired Chairman and CEO of Wachovia Bank, presented the late Harlan Boyles, long-time State Treasurer of North Carolina, into the Hall of Fame.  Boyles, lovingly remembered as “The Keeper of the Public Purse,” in reference to the book of that name that he authored after his retirement, spent his entire career in public service.  After a short stint at the North Carolina Department of Revenue, he followed his mentor, Edwin Gill, to the Department of State Treasurer.  After 16 years as Chief Deputy for Gill Boyles, enjoyed an unmatched tenure of 24-years as Treasurer.  He is credited with helping establish the state’s triple A bond-rating which has been instrumental in enabling borrowing by the state and its municipalities at favorable rates.  Despite his many accomplishments, Boyles remained a humble man, answering his own phone whenever it rang.

            Rick Willetts, Chairman and CEO of Cooperative Bank, in Wilmington had the opportunity to put forth his father, Frederick Willetts, Jr., for induction.  Rick, who is in the queue to become Chairman of the new American Bankers Association following its merger with America’s Community Bankers, remembered his father’s dedication to his hometown of Wilmington and his generosity that needed no recognition.  He noted Fred’s willingness to chart a new course.  As an example, he recalled that under his father’s leadership, Cooperative Savings was the first thrift to branch in North Carolina…before any regulations existed for doing so.

            The fifth member of the 2007 class (inductions occur every three years), is William G. White, Jr., who guided First Federal of Winston-Salem for decades.  For most of that time, recognizing the need of the thrift industry to increase capital, he fought for authorization for federally chartered savings institutions to convert to the stock form of ownership.  He successfully accomplished such a conversion for First Federal and guided its growth until its eventual acquisition by BB&T.  Throughout his career, he has been a leader in many community undertakings and was especially active with the YMCA.  Since his retirement, he has pioneered the establishment of the Y Program in the former Soviet Union and in Ukraine. Mr. White was honored, additionally, by his friends and former business associates with a $75,000 North Carolina Bankers Association scholarship which will carry his name.

            These inductees bring to 15 the total membership in the Banking Hall of Fame.  They represent community banks, major national banks, thrift institutions and public service.  They helped lay the foundation for the metamorphosis that has turned North Carolina into one of the leading financial services centers in the nation.

P.O. BOX 19999/RALEIGH, NC 27619-1999

(919) 781-7979/FAX (919) 881-9909

TOLL FREE: (800) 662-7044

For More Information Contact:

Sam Atkins, sam@ncbankers.org 

City of Raleigh to Hold Kick-Off Event Thursday, October 25 for Comprehensive Plan Update

Oct. 23, 2007 – Raleigh, NC      Raleigh residents are invited to attend a kick-off event that officially begins the update process for the City’s Comprehensive Plan for long-range planning. The kick-off celebration will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Betty Ray McCain Art Gallery at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Short presentations will be given and background information will be made available. Attendees also will have an opportunity to meet and talk with members of the City Council, the Planning Commission, other City boards and commissions, City Planning staff, and the project consultants.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, the City of Raleigh is set to update its Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is the official long-range planning document adopted by the City Council. The plan contains a vision, goals and policies to guide growth and development in Raleigh. The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1989. Since that time, Raleigh’s population has increased by 70 percent. Furthermore, the city has had new growth patterns emerge. City leaders say a new 20-year plan is needed to ensure that Raleigh's quality of life continues to be protected as the city grows, emphasizing neighborhood preservation, a strong economy, ample parks and recreation, improved mobility for all modes of transportation, and the protection of the City’s and region's natural resources and environmental quality. The Comprehensive Plan will serve as the policy framework for a wide range of decisions concerning land use, development patterns, urban design, and public investment priorities.

The Comprehensive Plan update process is expected to take 18 months to complete. Citizen participation and input will be an integral part of the update process.
Public input workshops will be held in three sets of three meetings each, for a total of nine public meetings.  This first set of workshops, which will focus on the overall vision for the City's future, will be held in November. Each of these first three meetings will have the same format, function, and background information provided.  Additional public workshops will be held in all parts of Raleigh.

The November public input workshops will be:

·         Nov. 13 at Shepherd’s Hall at Church of the Good Shepherd, 125 Hillsborough St.

·         Nov. 14 at North Carolina State University’s McKimmon Center, 1101 Gorman St.

·         Nov. 15 at North Raleigh Church of Christ, 8701 Falls of Neuse Road, just inside I-540.

All three public workshops will begin at 6 p.m. with registration and conclude by 9 p.m.

As part of the update of the Comprehensive Plan, the City’s Department of City Planning is conducting a series of background studies. The first of these is an analysis of the City's capacity to accommodate future growth within its planning jurisdiction, based on existing vacant and developable land under current zoning. For more information about the studies and the Comprehensive Plan update, contact the City of Raleigh Department of City Planning at 516-2626 or visit the project website at www.PlanningRaleigh2030.com.

City of Durham’s New “BondsForDurham.org” Web Page

Organizes 2005 Bond Project Updates

Web Page Also Provides Information on City’s 2007 Street and Sidewalk Referendum

Oct. 23, 2007 - Durham, N.C. – Almost two years ago, City of Durham voters approved financing $110 million in public improvements through bonds. That voter approval came with a strong message to City leaders — spend the money efficiently and keep us informed.

            Following through with the public’s demand, the City immediately formed a Capital Program Advisory Committee, comprised of Durham citizens, to scrutinize the work.  The City also began airing updates through its television programming, while City Manager Patrick W. Baker and his top executives presented updates to community groups and the City Council.  Meanwhile, project managers posted detailed information on the City’s Web site at www.durhamnc.gov/cip, with bi-monthly updates on the status of each project.

            Now, to make all of that information even easier to browse, the City has collected all of this vast information into a new bond project Web page at www.bondsfordurham.org.  Included on this new Web page is also information on the City’s 2007 street and sidewalk improvements bond referendum to be placed on the November 6 ballot.

            “I stress to my department directors and project managers that this is the public’s money, which we must spend carefully to meet these crucial needs,” Baker said. “We are committed to transparency and to being excellent stewards of citizens’ funds. That communication is especially important now, as voters consider whether to finance another $20 million for street and sidewalk improvements since the street projects voters funded in 2005 are nearly finished.”

            Also included on the Web page is a link to the latest information on the condition of City-maintained streets with the release of the 2007 Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) Pavement Condition Survey.

            The 2007 survey, the fourth commissioned by the City since 1995, shows where the City stands in meeting its road repair needs.  The condition of more than 7,000 segments of City-maintained streets was evaluated and each is listed with a pavement condition rating and the type of repair needed.  The City uses these figures to prioritize which streets will be paved first.  To access the survey, click on the “Pavement Condition Survey” link on www.bondsfordurham.org.

            According to Baker, the City has enlisted the expertise of an outside firm to ensure that the remaining bond projects are completed as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Some of the progress on building renovation projects so far has been behind the scenes, as City project managers work with those experts, architects and engineers to develop the most efficient design and find low-cost contractors.

            To bring more awareness to bond-funded projects, signs reading, “Your Bonds = A Better Durham” have been installed at many 2005 bond project sites to remind citizens that hardhat work will begin soon.

            For more information regarding 2005 bond progress or the 2007 street and sidewalk bond referendum, visit the City’s Web site at www.bondsfordurham.org or contact Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200.

For Details, Contact:

Beverly B. Thompson

Public Affairs Director

(919) 560-4123 x 229

(919) 475-2362 (cell)

Beverly.Thompson@durhamnc.gov

The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Raleigh-Durham Chapter Hosts
The 2007-2009 ADDY Awards Workshop October 25

Oct. 23, 2007 - RALEIGH, NC – The American Advertising Federation (AAF) Raleigh-Durham Chapter will host the 2007-2009 ADDY® Awards Workshop on Thursday, October 25 at 5 p.m. at Trailblazers Studios, located at 1610 Midtown Place in Raleigh. Guest speaker Laveda Miles, will give insight into the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, as well as an educational overview on the Addy® Award’s submission guidelines, regulations and entry fees. The event is free to the public. RSVP no later than October 23, 2007 to rsvp@addys-rdu.org.     
            The Raleigh-Durham ADDY® Awards winners will be honored during a black-tie optional reception on Feb. 29, 2008 at Bay 7 the American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham. Those honored with gold and silver ADDYS ® will also be eligible to compete in the district competition and have an opportunity to move onto the national ADDY® competition. Information on the Raleigh-Durham ADDY® Awards, including submission guidelines and fees, can be found by visiting http://www.addy-rdu.org. All entries must be received by Jan. 11.
            For sponsorship information please contact Jeff Robinson at 919.832.4700 ext.18 or by email at jeffr@exhibitresources.com.
 About The ADDY® Awards:
The ADDY® Awards are the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition, recognizing creative excellence and the very best advertising worldwide. The ADDY® Awards competition honors numerous categories of advertising and also features the Student ADDY® Awards, designed specially for college students. The American Advertising Federation, a not-for-profit industry association conducts the ADDY® Awards through its 200 member advertising clubs and 15 districts. Formally the Ad Club Of The Triangle, the AAF Raleigh-Durham chapter will host their 2008 ADDY Awards on February 29 at Bay 7 at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham.  For more information please visit http://www.addy-rdu.org.

Nicole Bucalo | Account Executive, Public Relations
Howard, Merrell & Partners
8521 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615
Ph: 919-844-2764  F:  919-845-9845
www.merrellgroup.com

UNITED WAY OF NORTH CAROLINA PARTNERS WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA BANKERS ASSOCIATION IN SUPPORT OF CAMP CHALLENGE 

Oct. 18, 2007 - RALEIGH – United Way of North Carolina is supporting Camp Challenge by becoming a partner with the North Carolina Bankers Association.

Each of the Camp Partners shows its support in various ways, including providing mentors to speak at the camp, sponsoring campers to attend, and participating in the annual Camp Challenge workday in October where they work on projects to help prepare the camp for the next year.

“As United Way reaches out to communities to encourage financial stability, working with programs like Camp Challenge offer us an opportunity to reach our youngest residents to make sure they have the tools to create a brighter future,” says Jill Cox, United Way of North Carolina Government Relations and Communications Director.  “United Way of North Carolina salutes the Banker’s Association for preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s financial challenges.”

More than 600 middle-school students from low-resource environments all across North Carolina participated in the 14^th annual Camp Challenge, located at Vade Mecum Springs in Stokes County, just north of Winston-Salem and adjacent to Hanging Rock State Park. These campers were trained in the areas of financial literacy; reading, writing and speaking skills; character development; citizenship; conflict resolution; and entrepreneurship. The 2008 sessions will begin in June and run until early August.

            United Way of North Carolina is a statewide membership organization providing member support services to 63 local and independent United Ways covering 85 counties in North Carolina. United Way of North Carolina’s vision is to improve lives and be the critical link that brings people and organizations together to build stronger, healthier communities.

The North Carolina Bankers Association brings together all categories of banking institutions to best represent the interests of this rapidly changing industry. With 151 members, it has served all North Carolina bankers since 1897. For more information about Camp Challenge, visit the Web site http://www.ncba.com or http://www.campsertoma.org.

P.O. BOX 19999/RALEIGH, NC 27619-1999

(919) 781-7979/FAX (919) 881-9909

TOLL FREE: (800) 662-7044

For More Information Contact:

Sam Atkins

sam@ncbankers.org

City of Durham Attorney Announces Retirement After 24 Years of Service

Oct. 18, 2007 - Durham, N.C. – Durham City Attorney Henry D. Blinder announced today his retirement effective February 1, 2008.

            According to Mayor William V. “Bill” Bell, Blinder’s service has been invaluable to both the City’s organization and the Durham community.  “Henry’s steady leadership at the helm of such an important department for more than 20 years has been a true asset for Durham,” Bell said.  “Henry is an excellent attorney who has always provided calm, concise and on-target advice and legal guidance to this organization and the many council members he has served.  I wish him all the best in his retirement.”

            Blinder, who graduated with honors from Duke Law School in 1976, has worked for the City of Durham since 1984.  Prior to his employment with the City, he served as a deputy attorney general for the State of New Jersey and was also in private practice.

            Blinder’s decision to retire comes after 30 years of public service.  “There will be time in the coming months for me to express to each of my co-workers and colleagues throughout the City how much it has meant to me to have worked together over the years in service to the Durham community,” Blinder said.  “I especially wish to acknowledge the highly dedicated, capable and collegial staff of the City Attorney’s Office.”

            Blinder recently completed a term as president of the North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys.  He is currently the North Carolina State Chair of the International Municipal Lawyers Association.

About the City Attorney's Office

The City Attorney's Office provides legal counsel and representation to the City Council, city manager, departments of City government, and City-appointed boards and commissions. The office provides legal advice at City Council meetings, performs legal research and offers advisory opinions, and responds to requests from Council and City staff to draft or review contracts, ordinances and other legal documents. The office represents the City in litigation and provides assistance to the risk manager in the retention of outside counsel for the Risk Management program.  To learn more about this office, visit the City’s Web site at http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/attorney/.

CITY OF DURHAM

Office of Public Affairs

101 City Hall Plaza

Durham, NC 27701

For Details, Contact:

Amy C. Blalock

Senior Public Affairs Specialist

(919) 560-4123 x 253

(919) 475-7735 (cell)

Amy.Blalock@durhamnc.gov 

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES AMENDMENT REGARDING SALE OF PROPERTY FOR DOWNTOWN MIXED-USE PROJECT

Oct. 18, 2007 – Raleigh, NC       The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously today to approve an amendment to an agreement selling City-owned property to a development company. The amendment sets new target dates for development of a mixed-use project on Hillsborough Street by Reynolds Company, LLC.

Council members had to set the new target dates because Reynolds has revised plans for the mixed-use project, which will be called The Hillsborough. The 267,900-square-foot project will be at the intersection of Hillsborough and Dawson. Under the revised plans, it will include a 135,600-square-foot hotel with 136 rooms; 89,200 square feet of residential space for 26 condominium units; 17,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space; and a four-story parking deck with 216 spaces. In a separate vote, the City Council unanimously approved a site plan for the development at today’s meeting.

The Hillsborough will be located on the combined site of 301 and 309 Hillsborough Street. The City sold the company the land for the development. The sales agreement approved by the council last year includes certain target dates or deadlines regarding development of the mixed-use project. If those target dates are not met, the City could exercise its option to repurchase the land at 301 and 309 Hillsborough St. Council members today approved an amendment to the sales agreement setting new target dates to reflect the revised plans for The Hillsborough.

Under the amendment:

Ø       The completion date for the footings was moved from January 2008 to August 2008;

Ø       The issuance of permits for the shell construction was moved to April 2008;

Ø       The real estate closing for the property at 301 and 309 Hillsborough Street is to occur in April 2008; and,

Ø       The residential shell construction is to be complete by November 2009;

 The approved amendment also includes provisions allowing Reynolds Company, LLC access to 301 and 309 Hillsborough Street prior to closing to begin demolition procedures, among other things.

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: John Boyette, Public Affairs Specialist

For more information: City Manager Russell Allen, 890-3070

The North Carolina Bankers Association Presents the Gordon P. Allen Award to Eddie Williams

October 18, 2007 RALEIGH, NC - The North Carolina Bankers Association presented the Gordon P. Allen Award for Public Service to Eddie Williams in recognition of his outstanding service to those in need, his ongoing support of community, and his dedication to all mankind. The award was presented on behalf of the Association by Paul H. Stock, NCBA executive vice president and counsel.

Upon the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, Eddie Williams and his wife, Martha, moved to Gulfport, Mississippi, from NC to oversee Katrina relief and construction operations. For two years, they supervised operations at the Gulfport National Guard Armory, the place where the North Carolina Baptist Men’s disaster-relief team has centralized operations to build 600 homes. So far, they’ve served more than 553,000 meals, completed more than 2,500 home recovery jobs and provided emergency child care for 480 children. The work was done by volunteers from different denominations staying at the armory and in surrounding churches -- nearly 1,000 people per week.  The total man hours worked exceeds 1,000,000.  Originally from Spruce Pine, NC, Eddie has been married for 39 years and has two children and four grandchildren.

The award is named for former Person County Legislator Gordon P. Allen, who served from 1967-1974 in the state Senate, including three years as president pro tem. In 1998, he began a seven-year stint in the House of Representatives. Allen sandwiched two periods of public service in the General Assembly around 18 years of lobbying for North Carolina’s financial institutions. His reputation for honesty and integrity led the NCBA to name its public service award in his honor, according to Thad Woodard, NCBA president. The 2005 recipient was State Senator David Hoyle.

The North Carolina Bankers Association brings together all categories of banking institutions to best represent the interests of this rapidly changing industry. With 151 members, it has served all North Carolina bankers since 1897, and can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ncba.com.

For More Information Contact:

Sam Atkins, sam@ncbankers.org

P.O. BOX 19999/RALEIGH, NC 27619-1999

(919) 781-7979/FAX (919) 881-9909

TOLL FREE: (800) 662-7044

Holly Springs Irrigation Ban Starts Nov. 1

Oct. 18- 2007 – Holly Springs, NC - The Town of Holly Springs will ban use of sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems starting Nov. 1 because of record drought. Hand-watering will be allowed only two days a week then.

Watering permits for new seed or sod that the Town issues Oct. 17 or afterward will expire Nov. 1. However, residents who received 30-day permits before the Oct. 17 rules change can water until the permit's original expiration date.

Washing cars at home will be banned effective Nov. 1. However, commercial car washes will remain open after that time. Power washing companies are not restricted. But homeowners can do their own power washing only on weekends starting next month.

For the restrictions in brief, visit:
http://www.hollyspringsnc.us/dept/water/stage1.pdf

Town Manager Carl Dean ordered the additional restrictions after consulting the Town Council at its regularly-scheduled meeting the evening of Oct. 16. He delayed the effective date until Nov. 1 to allow sufficient notice of the new rules.

“We need to be good stewards of our water resources,” Dean said Wednesday. “It's the right thing to do.”

Holly Springs' existing restrictions took effect in early September, when the Town cut the use of sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems from three times a week to once a week.

With the switch to once-a-week irrigation, Holly Springs water customers cut usage in September by more than 20 percent compared with August. During the first half of October, usage was running more than 8 percent below that of September.

Town officials have praised homeowners' high level of compliance with watering restrictions while stressing the need for even more conservation since no drought relief is in sight.

“If we don't get substantial rain in the next four months, we're going to have real problems,” Dean said in September. “This is serious stuff.”

Holly Springs buys most of its water from Harnett County, which draws from the Cape Fear River. The city of Raleigh uses Falls Lake.

Raleigh will ban irrigation systems effective Oct. 23. Watering with hand-held hoses will be allowed on the twice-a-week schedule that Holly Springs is adopting for hand-held hoses.

The Town of Holly Springs is contractually obligated to follow its suppliers' lead on watering restrictions.

Gov. Mike Easley has asked municipalities to increase conservation to preserve public health and safety and avoid the need for rationing.

The drought across much of the state is the worst in recorded history. With a winter forecast of drier than normal conditions, the governor said every citizen must save water in every way possible.

 Mark Andrews

Public Information Officer

(919) 557-2918 (o)

(919) 524-1065 (c)

www.hollyspringsnc.us
  #22 of 100 "Best Places to Live"

-- Money Magazine, August 2007

City of Durham Bans All Outdoor Lawn Watering

Oct. 18, 2007 - Durham, N.C. – The City of Durham will again tighten water restrictions tomorrow, October 16, 2007, eliminating outdoor lawn watering and other outdoor irrigation.  This announcement comes following an evaluation of this weekend’s water use combined with continued dry forecasts, according to City Manager Patrick W. Baker.

            Despite announcing last week that outdoor watering would be restricted to Saturdays only, Baker said that today’s move complements Governor Mike Easley’s request that municipalities require customers to eliminate outdoor watering, as well as reinforces the City’s current restrictions that limit vehicle washing and require that restaurants serve water to patrons only upon request.

            “After re-evaluating our water situation this weekend, I feel it’s prudent to cut back even more and even sooner that than we had anticipated,” Baker said.  Since implementing Stage III Moderate Mandatory Conservation on September 21, usage has decreased by only 16 percent, significantly less than the City’s anticipated 30 percent goal.

            While the restrictions eliminate outdoor watering through use of automatic sprinkler systems and hose-end sprinklers, the use of hand-held watering containers or drip irrigation will still be allowed on Saturdays only, between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. OR 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

            “It is essential that we start working together to inform the public about the seriousness of our current water situation and how they can help make a difference,” Baker said.  “With no significant rainfall in sight, we need to start thinking about ways that we can extend our water supply for the future.”

            The City has recently been in discussions with the City of Raleigh to implement similar water restrictions and adopt similar time tables.  “Our goal was to minimize public confusion about outdoor water restrictions,” Baker said.  “It can get confusing when different information about watering restrictions is provided from different sources depending on where you live.  We’re all in similar situations now, so working together benefits the entire region.”

            Both jurisdictions will continue to use their existing enforcement strategies, with the City issuing warnings to violators and terminating water service for continued non-compliance.

            To help City staff monitor the effectiveness of these new mandatory restrictions, customers are encouraged to report water waste to Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200 or online at http://www.durhamnc.gov. 

            City staff updates the Water Supply Status Web site daily.  Residents may access the information from the red “hot link” on the homepage of the City’s Web site at http://www.durhamnc.gov.  Additional conservation tips, information on water-wise landscaping or how to acquire rain barrels are also posted on the Web site.  Residents may also call the City’s Department of Water Management at (919) 560-4381 for additional information.

About the Department of Water Management
The City’s Department of Water Management is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Durham's water supply, water treatment and water reclamation (wastewater treatment) facilities, the collection and distribution systems (including meter reading) and customer billing services.  For more information on this department, visit the City’s Web site at www.durhamnc.gov/departments/wm/.  

CITY OF DURHAM

Office of Public Affairs

101 City Hall Plaza

Durham, NC 27701

For Details, Contact:

Amy C. Blalock

Senior Public Affairs Specialist

(919) 560-4123 x 253

(919) 475-7735 (cell)

Amy.Blalock@durhamnc.gov 

DOWNTOWN RETAILERS COULD COLLECT AN ADDITIONAL $32 MILLION IN CONSUMER SPENDING, STUDY SAYS

Oct. 15, 2007, Raleigh, NC -  Downtown Raleigh has $32 million worth of consumer demand that is not being captured by downtown retailers, according to a study by the City of Raleigh Department of City Planning.

            The $32 million figure is based on the spending power of downtown workers, visitors, and residents within a one-mile radius. This spending power totals more than $223 million in 2007. The 236 retailers in downtown Raleigh experienced estimated sales of $191 million in 2007, resulting in a gap of $32 million of consumer spending that is not being captured due to the insufficient marketing, merchandising, and supply of retail stores in downtown.

            By 2010 -- following the completion of the new convention center and new office, hotel, and residential buildings in the downtown area -- this same consumer demand is expected to swell by 64 percent to over $366 million, driven largely by $83 million in conventioneer spending and $44 million from new downtown residents. Without an accompanying expansion in downtown marketing and recruitment, the lost opportunity could grow to $175 million, according to the Department of City Planning study.

 “The analysis shows that the demand from downtown residents and workers is real and growing,” Mayor Charles Meeker said. “The addition of our convention center and new center city hotels will truly ignite this demand.”

            Denny Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, discussed the importance of shopping among visitors to North Carolina’s capital city.

 “In the convention and attraction business, Raleigh is competing with cities that offer shopping, dining and nightlife within close walking distance to the hotels and convention facilities,” he said. “As a community, we must strengthen our downtown retail to ensure that our city offers the type of experience people have come to expect among America’s great downtowns.”

            City Planning Director Mitchell Silver added, “Creating a downtown shopping district offers choices and convenience to downtown workers, visitors, and residents.  Shopping is vital to a successful downtown, and street level activity is what people are craving.

 “The perception of downtown as a retail center will continue to improve, and the findings of this study suggest that downtown Raleigh can support a more robust retail base, including book stores, clothing stores and electronic stores,” Mr. Silver said.

 The Department of City Planning will continue to study retail opportunities and economic development strategies as part the Comprehensive Plan update process that kicks off Oct. 25.

 David Diaz, president and CEO of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, commented about an initiative being developed that is intended to strengthen the retail mix.

  “The Alliance is currently gearing up towards developing a new retail and recruitment strategy designed to both attract new retailers and improve the performance of the existing retail base,” Mr.  Diaz said. “This study highlights the tremendous opportunity for retail to succeed within the downtown market.”

               Kristopher Larson, senior planner with the Department of City Planning’s Urban Design Center conducted the analysis on downtown retail spending.  A summary report of the analysis can be found at http://www.raleighnc.gov/publications/Planning/Reports/Retail_Capture_Rate.pdf.

John Boyette Jr
Public Affairs Specialist
City of Raleigh
(919) 890-3106
(919)890-3180 (fax)

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by: John Boyette, Public Affairs Specialist

For more information: Mitchell Silver, Planning Director, 516-2626

General Colin L. Powell to Visit with Camp Challenge Kids

Oct. 6, 2007 – Raleigh, NC – General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret), former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will give Camp Challenge kids from the Wake County area an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when he spends 30 minutes with them on Thursday, October 11. Camp Challenge is the banking industry’s centerpiece of Gen. Powell’s initiative, America’s Promise.

            He is scheduled to speak to the kids at 1:45 p.m. inside the General Aviation Terminal at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The meet and greet session will be followed by a photo with the kids.

Next summer will be the 15^th year of Camp Challenge, which is for low-resource, high achieving, middle-school students. It is located 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, adjacent to Hanging Rock State Park. The campers are trained in the areas of financial literacy; reading, writing and speaking skills; citizenship; character development; conflict resolution; and entrepreneurship. Also, the Camp is the first opportunity that most of them have to create friendships with their peers from throughout the state.

Media are invited to cover the event and should be in place inside the General Aviation Building no later than 1:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Sam Atkins if you plan to attend.

The North Carolina Bankers Association brings together all categories of banking institutions to best represent the interests of this rapidly changing industry. With 151 members, it has served all North Carolina bankers since 1897, and can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ncba.com.

Directions and Parking

From I-40: Follow signs to RDU. Follow Terminal Boulevard. Pass Terminal A. Turn right onto International Drive. Follow signs to General Aviation. The GA Terminal will be on the right across the street from Park and Ride 2.

            Media parking will be available in the GA Terminal parking area. Overflow parking will be located in Park and Ride 2.

For More Information Contact:

Sam Atkins, sam@ncbankers.org

P.O. BOX 19999/RALEIGH, NC 27619-1999

(919) 781-7979/FAX (919) 881-9909

TOLL FREE: (800) 662-7044

Town of Garner Surpasses 25,000 Population Mark

Oct. 6, 2007 - According to estimates performed by the Town of Garner Planning Department, the population within the town limits is just over 25,000.  The baseline for calculating the Town of Garner Population Estimate is the April 2000 Census Bureau figure of 17,787 released October 23, 2003. This number is a revision from the original Census count of 17,757.  The population estimate of 25,056 is current as of October 1, 2007.  

             Mayor Ronnie Williams remembers the population being about 1500 when he arrived in Garner in the early 1950’s.   He states that the increased population “brings more