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 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 

“Johnny Guitar the Musical” Coming to Shelby October 26

Oct. 23, 2007 – Shelby, NC - Greater Shelby Community Theatre and Cleveland Community College SGA present Johnny Guitar the Musical.  Based on the 1954 film starring Joan Crawford, Johnny Guitar brings a rousing original score with the sounds of the 1950's lounge, western, and rock & roll music to the cult classic.  Set in a small town in the New Mexico mountains circa 1865, the musical centers on Vienna, played by Julie Burton,  a sultry saloon keeper who built a booming business on her back.  Though Vienna is the ultimate "bad girl gone good," her nemesis, the pent-up Emma, played by Karen Lattimore sees things differently.  A domineering cattle baroness, Emma controls the town with an iron fist but loses her grip when she falls for the dangerously hot-headed Dancin' Kid.  By the time Johnny Guitar,played by Frank Lattimore,  a tall stranger with a secret past rolls into town, the stage is set for a showdown. Show times and dates are October 26&27, November 2&3 at 7:30 pm and October 28 and November 4 at 2:30pm.  Performances take place in the Mildred Keeter Auditorium  on the campus of Cleveland Community College in Shelby, NC.  For more information or group rates email Sean@gsct.org or see the website www.gsct.org.

Rutherfordton, Forest City Site for Final “Meet the Candidates” Forums

Oct. 6, 2007 – Forest City, NC - Candidates for municipal offices in Rutherfordton and Forest City will face the voters October 9-11 in the final series of Chamber political forums before the November elections.

            Forums for the Forest City candidates will be conducted at 7 p.m.  in the County Schools Administration Building. Both events are being sponsored by Rutherford County Bank.

            Forest City mayoral candidates will take the floor Tuesday, October 9, in what is probably one of the more watched races in the county.  Incumbent mayor Jimmy Gibson is being challenged by city councilman Shawn   Moore and longtime local political figure Keith Price.  Jim Bishop of WCAB radio will be moderator for the evening. Timekeeper is Teri St. John, St. John Title Co. and greeters will be Melissa Cantrell, Carolina Trust and Karen Marshall, Smith’s Drugs of Forest City.

            Candidates for Forest City commissioner will be featured on Wednesday evening, October 10. They are: David Esker, Bill Green, Dee Dee Griffith-Bright, Randy M. Herring, Jackie Harris, Chris Lee, Tommy McBrayer and Roger (Buck) Petty.  Hunt Cowan, Cowan Tire and Batter Co., is the moderator, Teri St. John, timekeeper and Karen Marshall and Melissa Cantrell, greeters.

            Christy Bare, Mike Davis and Bob E. Jones, will make their cases for Rutherfordton City Council seats Thursday evening, October 11, 7 p.m., County Annex Building, Rutherfordton. Gene Booth, Booth Realty, will serve as moderator and Terri St. John, St. John Title Co., timekeeper.  Bill Morris of sponsoring Mountain 1st Bank and trust and Jimmy Dancy, CitiFinancial, will be the greeters.

            The forums are being produced by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce as a public service.

 Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Bill Hall, 287-3090

 North Carolina Bankers Association Business Barometer

 “The Economy Will Dodge a Recession”

The key for economic growth continues to be employment growth which is the biggest driver for consumer spending.  Job growth for the year averaged 148,000 a month till the 4,000 decline for the month of August.  Jobless claims in September have been falling suggesting job growth.  The unemployment rate is 4.6% which is well under the average rate of the past 20 years of 5.5 percent.  Employment growth is slowing but is still strong enough to support spending.  Consumer spending accounts for about 67% of the U.S. Economy and it actually increased in August by the largest amount since October of 2006.  

 Another plus for consumers is the increase in household net worth to a new record level of $57.9 trillion at the end of the 2nd quarter of this year.  Most of the increase was attributable to increases in the value of stocks and bonds.   Housing contributed very little to net worth and will be a drag on the number for the rest of this year and into next. 

 A major plus for the economy so far in this expansion has been corporate profits.  Corporate profit growth has declined from the double digit rates of 2006 but has remained strong.  For the third and fourth quarters of this year we will see a further slowing of profit growth down to the 2-4% level.  The Federal Reserve (FED) will cut rates to 4.25% by the 1st quarter of 2008.  Corporate profit growth, household income growth, additional FED action, and the level of household wealth will grow real consumer spending in the range of 3% which will keep the economy growing about 2.25% for the rest of the year.    

  The manufacturing sector of the economy is doing better than most economists projected.  The ISM Purchasing Managers Index has been above the important level of 50 for the past 7 months and 46 out of the last 48 months.  The credit crunch and problems in the global markets do not appear to be slowing manufacturing activity.  Much of this strength is due to the value of the dollar being at record lows against the euro and other currencies and the resulting growth in exports.

 The housing sector continues to be a drag on the economy.  New home and existing home sales continue to fall.  Existing homes sales in August were at the slowest rate since the summer of 2002 and home prices are falling.  Inventories of unsold homes are at 16 year highs.  Housing will hit bottom by the end of the year.

 North Carolina has experienced rapid population growth in this decade.  Between 2000 and the summer of 2005, our increase was 7.88 percent while only 5.33% for the nation. Even with the huge increase in population our unemployment rate has dropped over the last two years to the present rate of 4.8 percent.  Total employment has increased about 175,000 since January 2006. 

North Carolina’s economy will continue to grow at about 2.25% for the remainder of the year or at about the same rate as the national economy.  We are adding jobs and our unemployment rate should remain near its present level. 

For More Information Contact:

Dr. Harry Davis

NCBA Economist and Professor of Banking

Appalachian State University

(828) 262-6245

davishm@appstate.edu

 

North Carolina Bankers Association 

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

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

TOLL FREE: (800) 662-7044

 

North Carolina Bankers Association Management Team Conference in Pinehurst, Oct. 14 – 16

Oct. 2, 2007 - RALEIGH, NC The North Carolina Bankers Association will hold its 2007 Management Team Conference in Pinehurst, October 14-16.

Speakers at this year’s Conference will include:

·         JOSEPH B. CHESHIRE V, Partner, Cheshire Parker Schneider Bryan & Vitale, Raleigh, who was one of the defense attorneys in the Duke lacrosse case. His speech is entitled, “Lessons Learned in the Duke Lacrosse Fiasco.”

·          COLONEL LAWRENCE B. WILKERSON, Harriman Visiting Professor of Government and Public Policy, Former Chief of Staff to former Secretary of State Colin Powell, the College of William and Mary, who will discuss “Six High Priority Actions for the New President.”

·          GEORGE SCHLOEGEL, CEO, Hancock Bank, Gulfport, Mississippi, will discuss “What is Your Role in a Major Disaster.”

On Sunday, October 14, there will be a Hall of Fame Banquet where the third class of five recipients will be inducted into the N.C. Banking Hall of Fame. They are:

·         Harlan E. Boyles (deceased), North Carolina State Treasurer

Tribute by John G. Medlin, Jr.

·         E.D. Gaskins, Sr., American Bank & Trust, Monroe

Tribute by E. D. Gaskins, Jr.

·         Thomas I. Storrs, NCNB Corporation, Charlotte

Tribute by Hugh L. McColl, Jr.

·         William G. White, Jr., First Federal Savings & Loan, Winston-Salem,

Tribute by F. Ed Broadwell, Jr.

Frederick Willetts, Jr., (deceased) Cooperative Savings & Loan, Wilmington
Tribute by Frederick Willetts III

 

The press is invited to cover the conference. A staff room will be available for interviews. There may be some time allotted for questions and answers following the speeches. A media packet is available with an agenda and directions. Please advise if there are any specific needs.

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.

Sam Atkins

Community Affairs Coordinator

NC Bankers Association

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

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

TOLL FREE: (800) 662-7044

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce encourages  show of support at Duke Energy hearing Sept. 18

Sept. 14, 2007- Rutherford County - Directors of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce today issued an appeal for  community support of  Duke Energy  at the  Division of Air Quality Hearing, 6 p.m.,  September 18, Chase High School. he hearing is the final step in what has been a long process to get approval  for construction of a  new power plant at Cliffside.

            “The Chamber encourages Rutherford County Citizens in favor of the plant to attend the  hearing and demonstrate their support,”  said Chamber president Larry Brown. Brown added that those in attendance will be afforded an opportunity to make statements if they desire.

            The proposed plant is the product of numerous  Duke  studies of how best to meet the area’s growing demand for electricity.  The new plant will incorporate the most advanced technology available for a coal-fired operation  and will retire older facilities now in use.  Duke’s plans meet or exceed federal and state environmental requirements.

            Construction of the facility will  provide hundreds of local jobs as well as sub-contracting opportunities for many county business operations.

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Bill Hall, 287-3090 

Rutherford County Chamber Hosts Informal Discussion about Starting a Business or Making One Better- September 11

September 6, Forest City, N.C. - Rutherford countians thinking about taking the big leap into private business will gain a lot from a Chamber –sponsored business discussion to be held at noon September 11, Rollins Cafeteria, Forest City. Participation is free and open to the public. Discussions will be in English and Spanish.   

            Discussion leaders from private business, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, SCORE  and Foothills Connect will be on hand to field  questions, offer counsel and encouragement and discuss business  problems in general. 

            “We’ve never tried anything like this before,” said Connie Butler, area  manager of  SCORE, (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and one of the discussion leaders. “Our objective is to cover a wide area of individual business concerns brought by participants.  We feel  the informality of the open  discussions and the sharing of information and concerns  will lead to very positive results.  

            Discussion leaders are: Teri St. John, SCORE counselor and   President, St. John Title Co.; Judy  Golub, MBA, former business owner,   SCORE counselor and Spanish language teacher; Tim Will, Executive Director, Foothills Connect Business and Technology  Center,extensive business experience,  speaks fluent Spanish ; Connie Butler, past owner of several businesses, seasoned business counselor with SCORE and Bill Hall, Executive Director, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and past owner/originator of several small businesses.

 Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Bill Hall, 287-3090

Public Invited to a Free “Distinguised Artist Concert” Performance at Gardener Webb University on September 13

Sept. 6, - Boiling Springs, NC - Two guest musicians, Eva Amsler and Dr. Leo Welch, will be performing on the Gardner-Webb University campus at 8:00PM, Thursday, Sept 13, 2007, in Blanton Auditorium.
            Eva Amsler, assistant professor of Flute at the Florida State University College of Music, and Dr. Leo Welch, assistant dean of the Florida State University College of Music, will give a master class on building a career in music in Gardner Recital Hall at 9:25AM, and will then give a
Amsler Welch Duoduo recital at 8:00 p.m.

                         Amsler's master class at 12 noon will take place in Blanton Auditorium and is entitled, “Dynamic Integration:

                         how the body works and responds while performing music.” Student musicians will perform and Amsler will work

                         on body awareness.
                                     Dr. Welch's master class will work with classical guitar students. His class will meet at 12 noon in Gardner

                         Recital Hall. 

The duo has performed recital and presented master classes in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and The Peabody Conservatory.  The duo recital will feature works for flute and guitar from the 17th century to the 20th century.

Amsler, who will perform on flute for the event, previously served on the faculty of the State Conservatory of Music in Feldkirch, Austria and conducts master classes in Europe, the US and Asia. She was a member of the St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra in Switzerland for 20 years. Her concert activity as a soloist and chamber musician has brought her together with performers such as Aurele Nicolet, Barbara Schlick, and the Carmina Quartet.  Mrs. Amsler's CD recordings are on the Ambitus and Cavalli labels.

Dr. Leo Welch, guitar, is Assistant Dean of the Florida State University College of Music. Active both as a solo and chamber musician, he has been hailed as an "interpreter of style and grace" by the Charlestown Daily Mail. As an editor and arranger, he has published over thirty-five arrangements of solo, chamber and guitar ensemble works.

All events are free and open to the public. Good-will offering taken to support Gardner Webb Fine Arts.

Annual Update of Key Facts About Women-Owned Businesses

Aug 28, 2007 - Washington, DC – The most widely distributed source of facts on women-owned businesses was released today by the Center for Women’s Business Research.   The pocket-sized fold-out contains the top line findings from current research by the Center and is expanded this year to also include facts from related research.

Key Facts about Women-Owned Businesses – 2007 Update, is underwritten by the MassMutual Financial Group. 

“The Center for Women’s Business Research launched the ’fact card’ 14 years ago,” said Margaret M. Smith, chair, Center for Women’s Business Research.  “Since then it has expanded from four panels to 10 panels of the most up-to-date knowledge about women-owned businesses.  Today, it is one of our signature products and is always in high demand.  Everyone from researchers, government officials, business representatives and reporters know that if they have this card, they have a good overview of the status and significance of this nation’s 10.4 million women-owned businesses at their finger tips.”

In addition to the number of women-owned firms, the fact card contains the following facts, among others:

 

  • Women-owned firms employ nearly 13 million people and generate $1.9 trillion in sales.

  • Between 1997 and 2006, majority women-owned firms (51 percent or more women-owned) grew at twice the rate of all firms (42 percent vs. 24 percent).

  • The vast majority (83 percent) of women business owners are personally involved in selecting and purchasing technology for their businesses.

  • Women owners of firms with revenues of $1 million or higher embrace financial measurements as management tools and produce more financial reports more often than smaller firms.

  • There are 2.4 million firms owned 50 percent or more by women of color in the U.S., employing 1.6 million people and generating nearly $230 billion in sales.

  • More than two-thirds (67 percent) of women business owners choose financial products and services based on their relationship and experience with a lender.

 

“The fact card speaks to the increasingly important and influential roles that women play as business owners, employers, and consumers,” said Susan W. Sweetser, Vice President, Focus Markets, MassMutual. “We’re committed to their continued success, which is why MassMutual has assumed a leadership role in serving women business owners for both their business and personal financial needs.”

“MassMutual has been a long-time partner with the work of the Center for Women’s Business Research,” said Sharon Hadary, executive director.  “In fact it sponsored the first fact card, and has continued support for creating more opportunity for women-owned firms through underwriting research.  We are pleased to have MassMutual sponsoring the fact card again this year.

      To obtain copies of the fact card, email info@womensbusinessresearch.org or call Christopher Clark at 202.638.3060 x 718.   Cost is $70.00 per packet of 100.  Discounts are available for the Center’s corporate partners, supporters, and members of women business owner associations.  For further information, contact the Center for Women’s Business Research, 1411 K Street, N.W., Suite 1350, Washington, DC, 20005-3407.

 

About the Center for Women’s Business Research

The Center for Women’s Business Research provides data-driven knowledge that advances the economic, social, and political impact of women business owners. We do this by setting the national agenda; creating insight on the status and achievements of women business owners; altering perceptions about the economic viability and progress of women-owned enterprises, and driving awareness of the economic and social impact of this vital business sector.  For more information, visit www.womensbusinessresearch.org.
About MassMutual
MassMutual Financial Group is the fleet name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliates, with more than $450 billion in assets under management at year-end 2006. Assets under management include assets and certain external investment funds managed by MassMutual's subsidiaries.
Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a mutually owned financial protection, accumulation and income management company headquartered in Springfield, Mass.  MassMutual's major affiliates include: OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; MML Investors Services, Inc., MassMutual International LLC and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB. MassMutual is on the Internet at www.massmutual.com.

 

Contact: Juanita M. Weaver

Director of Media & Strategic Alliances

Center for Women’s Business Research

202-638-3060 x 719

jweaver@womensbusinessresearch.org

Kathleen Gilroy (for MassMutual)

Madison Communications

617-723-4891

kgilroy@madisoncommunications.com

Community Leaders to Graduate from CECSM Leadership Training

Aug. 23 – Fletcher, NC- AdvantageWest is pleased to announce that 14 communities will graduate from leadership training through the Certified Entrepreneurial CommunitySM (CEC) program. The communities include; Ashe County, Buncombe County, Burke County, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian, Haywood County, Macon County, McDowell County, Mitchell County, Polk County, Rutherford County, Swain County, Transylvania County, Watauga County, and Yancey County.
            The CEC
SM program is based on a five step program developed by the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship Institute (RUPRI). AdvantageWest is the first region in the country to implement a rigorous method to certify communities as entrepreneur-ready. Communities that finish the program will receive ongoing support and marketing from AdvantageWest, pursuit of infrastructure enhancements for e-Commerce, better access to capital and people, simpler permitting and licensing, and the creation of a peer network through the program. Communities have already benefited from participating in the five step process. Gary Dills of Macon County shared that, "the community has become increasingly engaged in the process".
           
AdvantageWest's CEO Dale Carroll will share the CEC program's success on the news program, Carolina Business Review, scheduled to air on UNC-TV Sunday, August 26th at 12:30 pm. Carroll will cover topics that include the progress of the 200-employee/$600 million Google project in Caldwell County and AdvantageWest's upcoming capital and entrepreneur conference. Keynote speakers for the October 11th Carolina Connect event include NC Treasurer Richard Moore, and serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist Guy Kawasaki.

About Advantage West Economic Development Group

AdvantageWest Economic Development Group (www.advantagewest.com) is a regional organization serving the 23 western most counties of North Carolina. Programs of AdvantageWest include the Blue Ridge Industrial Council, Blue Ridge Food Ventures LLC, Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council, the WNC Film Commission and MountainSouth USA.  Strategic partners of AdvantageWest include the NC Department of Commerce, the Blue Ridge Angel Investors Network and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

Elizabeth Voorhees

Director-Marketing & Communications

AdvantageWest Economic Development Group

(828) 687-7234 office

evoorhees@awnc.org     Sign up for AdvantageWest e-news!

Henderson County Chamber Announces Ambassador of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter 2007

Rebecca Jones, a marketing consultant for Clear Channel Radio-My102.5/WMYI, has been awarded the Ambassador of the Quarter Award for the second quarter of 2007. This honor is presented to the Chamber Ambassador who acquires the most points during that quarter of the year by volunteering their time at various Chamber functions. Since becoming a member of the Chamber earlier this year Rebecca has actively participated in ribbon cuttings, grand openings, Business After Hours, and other Chamber events. 

Rebecca has lived in Hendersonville since 2001. She is married and has a son who is a sophomore at East Henderson High School. Rebecca states that “it’s an honor and a privilege to be an Ambassador for the Chamber.” “It gives me the opportunity to meet my business colleagues as I continue to get to know people within the community and let them know what a truly great resource the Chamber is for them.”

 The Chamber commends you Rebecca for all the time and hard work you consistently give!

 

The Henderson County Chamber of Commerce is an 1100+ member business organization representing businesses in Hendersonville, Fletcher, Flat Rock, Laurel Park, Mills River and all of Henderson County. Through its board of directors and committees, the Chamber works to promote various programs and events benefiting the business community and enhancing Henderson County’s quality of life.  If you would like more information on joining or becoming involved with the Chamber please contact us at chamber@hendersoncountychamber.org or 828.692.1413.

 

Rebecca Jones, Marketing Consultant

Clear Channel Radio-My102.5/WMYI

Phone:  864.271.5158, Fax:  864.242.9125

 

 For more information please contact Mary Maxey at 828.692.1413 or mary@hendersoncountychamber.org.

Gardner-Webb University Fine Arts Presents Distinguished Artist Concert

Tyler Lindsay, 12-Year Old Trumpet Sensation and Family to Perform

Aug. 22 - Boiling Springs,NC - The Lindsay Family, featuring 12-year old trumpet sensation Tyler Lindsay, who has played with Wynton Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval and other jazz greats as well as being featured on HBO, will be performing at the Blanton Auditorium on Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.  The concert is free and open to the public.  Goodwill offerings accepted to benefit Gardner-Webb Fine Arts.

Patricia C. Sparti, D.M.A., Chair

Associate Professor of Music

Fine Arts Department, Gardner-Webb University

Music Director, GWU/Community Orchestra

(704)-406-4453 W  (704)-481-9157 H

psparti@gardner-webb.edu

Rutherford Chamber,  SCORE Team-up for Discussion on Starting a Business in Rutherford County

Aug. 15, Forest City, NC Rutherford County residents interested in starting a business can learn how to dodge some of the pitfalls at a free seminar in Forest City September 11.

            A panel of business leaders from the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and SCORE, an internationally known organization of volunteer business counselors, will lead the discussion at noon, September 11, Rollins Cafeteria,   Forest City.  The information session is free and open to the public.  Lunch is   the responsibility of each attendee.

            “We’re planning a   free-wheeling roundtable discussion where each person present will be invited to jump in with comments,” said  Connie Butler, Area Manager for SCORE.  “This approach lets us get straight to areas of group  interest with the widest range of opinions.  This could  be a life changing experience for  those  who have failed to follow through on their business  ambitions for whatever reason.  This is the first of what we hope will be many such  discussions about starting your own business.”

            In addition to Butler, the discussion panel will include Chamber Director Bill Hall, Judy Golub, MBA, an educator and businesswoman and Terri St, John, President, St. John Title Company, LLC. Seating is limited for the September 11 event. Contact the Chamber at 287-3090 to reserve a place.  

            SCORE, operating under the sponsorship of the Small Business Administration, provides counseling services and business information free of charge to anyone interested in starting a business or expanding an existing one.

The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce brought an active arm of SCORE to the county in 2002.  

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Bill Hall, 287-3090

Martin Marietta Materials Inc.  Grand Opening and Dedication of the Kings Mountain Office Building Held August 10th

King's Mountain - Aug. 14 - Martin Marietta’s Kings Mountain quarry has been in operation since 1939, and is Martin Marietta’s second oldest operation, at one time employing over 50 employees. Currently the operation produces between 600,000 and 800,000 tons of crushed stone for the aggregates industry annually. 

    The Kings Mountain office construction project, was designed and managed by Don Champion the quarry Plant manager.  Don worked at Martin Marietta for over 44 years, 34 of which were at the Kings Mountain Quarry.  Unfortunately, Don Champion passed away on March 7, 2007 before seeing his completed project.  The office and site is a truly beautiful addition to the quarry and is a great testament to how much Don cared for this operation.  For all these reasons and so many more the new office was dedicated in Don’s memory.  

A dedication and ribbon cutting was held at 11:30 am on Friday August 10th, 2007.  Many of Don’s family friends and co-workers attended in addition to city and county chamber officials.  Following the dedication and ribbon cutting, lunch was served from 12:00 – 2:00pm.  Town and Country Catering service provided a Barbeque lunch in addition to tents and music. 

For additional information about the dedication and ribbon cutting, call the Chamber at (704) 487-8521. www.clevelandchamber.org

Chamber of Commerce Plans Forums for All County Municipal Candidates

Aug. 8 – Rutherfordton - The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce plans to take its popular “Meet the Candidates” program to towns and communities throughout the county for the upcoming elections.

     “Meet the Municipal Candidates”  will be  conducted in Lake Lure, Bostic, Ellenboro, Forest City and Rutherfordton beginning September 27 and ending October 11.   Each meeting will be handled by Chamber members residing in the particular municipality.

     This is a “first “ for the Chamber of Commerce.  Political forums in the past have usually been held at a single location.  “We wanted to make it easier for voters to attend these important information meetings,” said Chamber president Larry Brown.  “Hearing what a candidate has to say and being able to ask questions promotes voter interest and  helps  in making  ballot decisions.”

    “Meet the Municipal Candidates” schedule: Chimney Rock  councilman and  Lake Lure mayoral and  commissioner candidates,  Thursday,  September 27,  Municipal Hall, Lake Lure, 7:00 p.m;  Spindale council , Monday,  October 1,  Spindale House,  7:00 p.m.; Bostic commissioner, Tuesday, October 2,   East Middle School. 7:00 p.m.; Ellenboro alderman, Thursday, October 4,  Ellenboro Grammar  School, 7:00 p.m.; Forest City mayoral race, Tuesday, October 9, County School Administration Building, Forest City, 7:00 p.m; Forest City commissioners, Wednesday, October 10, County School Administration Building, 7:00 p.m.; Rutherfordton city council,  Thursday, October 11, County Annex Building, 7:00 p.m.

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Bill Hall, 287-3090

New Jobs, New Opportunities Click in Caldwell County
$600 Million Google Project Boosts Business

(Lenoir, N.C.) -   As construction of Google's data center in Lenoir ramps up, so do job and business opportunities in a region racked for years by losses. 

            Six months after the company announced its plans in Lenoir, approximately 11 businesses are engaged in work at the 220-acre Google site (including six North Carolina-based businesses).  Ranging from construction contractors to security operations, the businesses employ around 240 people, many from Caldwell County. 

            "That's great news for our county, which has seen some of the highest unemployment numbers in North Carolina," says Faye Higgins, chairperson of the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners.  "We're building a brighter future."

            Google's announcement also jump-started other business activity.  Motels and restaurants are busy, and a previously deserted shopping center is in development to reopen.

            In addition to recently making the first hire for the data center (site manager Tom Jacobik), Google has also launched a Web site to provide information on the project (http://www.google.com/lenoir).

            "The area is in the process of rebuilding its economy," says Dale Carroll, president and CEO of AdvantageWest Economic Development Group, which introduced a site location firm to the region in April of 2005.  This firm later became the lead consultant for the Google project.  "The Google win is a big step forward in that ongoing effort.  Whether it means hiring local folks or bringing in people who expand the talent pool here, we're seeing important progress."

 Back to Life

            For many in Caldwell County, Google's investment is reason to put faith in the future.   John Moore grew up in Lenoir, but worried about his chances to build a prosperous future there.  After graduating from college, he spent a decade far from home in the construction business.  Moore still felt uncertain when he returned to Lenoir to start a family and a business - Brushy Mountain Builders.  Then came the Google announcement.  "That was the shot in the arm we've been waiting for," says Moore.  "Google solidified our decision to invest here." 

            Brushy Mountain Builders won a contract to provide carpentry, masonry and general labor at the Google site.  Just as important as the work, according to Moore, is a sense of optimism: "When I was young our parents knew their kids would have to move away.  But with new types of industry coming to town, we know that after college our kids will have good job opportunities here." 

            Wackenhut Corporation provides security at the Google site and is among its largest employers.  Former United States Army drill instructor and Valdese resident Kelly Bennett is among its approximately two dozen officers.  "My wife and I are excited about the opportunities and benefits at Wackenhut," says Bennett.  "There are housing developments currently under construction in town that I would love to provide for my family."

            Inspired by the Google announcement and the prospect of an economic upturn, Burlington-based Morton and Sharpe Commercial Development Group decided to buy and redevelop a shopping center in Lenoir. "We would not have bought the shopping center if it was not for the Google announcement," says David Morton, managing member.  "And now we have a shopping center that is going to employ more than 100 local citizens."

What's Ahead

Google's data centers are a worldwide network of specialized buildings that contain the computers that support Google services.  When complete, the Lenoir data center will employ more than 200 people at an average annual salary of $48,000 (the average salary for Caldwell County is $29,000). 

            Plans call for the first building on the site to be operational at the end of 2007.  When complete, Google will be the third largest taxpayer in the area.  The company has already invested $4 million to cover certain existing development costs and costs to come.

            To prepare residents to compete for the new job opportunities, leaders at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute are developing an Information Technology Institute.  The program will provide specialized training for entry-level information technology positions. 

            "This area is working hard to complement traditional economic engines with new ones," says Carroll of AdvantageWest.  "Google's presence is really a beginning rather than an end.  It's providing good jobs and making a statement that our region is ready for the future."  Carroll concluded, "Caldwell County and Western North Carolina are 'pointing and clicking' to a more prosperous future."

About Advantage West Economic Development Group

AdvantageWest Economic Development Group (www.advantagewest.com) is a regional organization serving the 23 western most counties of North Carolina. Programs of AdvantageWest include the Blue Ridge Industrial Council, Blue Ridge Food Ventures LLC, Blue Ridge Entrepreneurial Council, the WNC Film Commission and MountainSouth USA.  Strategic partners of AdvantageWest include the NC Department of Commerce, the Blue Ridge Angel Investors Network and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area.

Elizabeth Voorhees

Director-Marketing & Communications

AdvantageWest Economic Development Group

(828) 687-7234 office

evoorhees@awnc.org     Sign up for AdvantageWest e-news!

2007 Summit for the Nonprofit Sector

The North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, the Nonprofit Risk Management Center, and NCGives will host the 2007 Summit for the Nonprofit Sector on October 24-26 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 

The three co-hosts have joined forces to provide an affordable, content-filled program offering three days of plenary sessions, workshops, concurrent sessions, one-on-one consultations with nonprofit practitioners and consultants and roundtable discussions with prospective foundation, business and government funders.

Leaders of hundreds of nonprofit organizations from across the country will gather at the Twin City Quarter complex to network and discuss hot topics and trends in all aspects of nonprofit governance, management, and leadership.  Topics include risk management, collaboration, financial issues, fundraising, boards, organizational planning and evaluation, and human resources. 

This premier nonprofit event is expected to draw 800 - 1,000 nonprofit professionals from across the country! 

About the Summit -www.ncnonprofits.org/conference.asp

About The North Carolina Center for Nonprofits -  www.ncnonprofits.org

About the Nonprofit Risk Management Center- www.nonprofitrisk.org

About NCGives- www.ncgives.org

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