» Inside this issue:
   – ”Manufacturing Makes It Real” Statewide Tour Scheduled to Celebrate N.C. Manufacturers
   – Lt. General Frank Helmick, Fort Bragg’s Commanding General, Address Record Crowd at Annual Dinner
   – ”A Brighter Picture” – Moore County’s Economy Shows Signs of Improvement
   –  Grant Funds Help Local Businesses Expand
   – “From the Executive Director” – Ray Ogden talks about the Moore / Montgomery proposed mega-site.

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County Commissioners Endorse Moving Forward with

Proposed Mega-Site Project

At their Board meeting last night, the Moore County Commissioners signed a Resolution of Support to endorse moving forward in collaboration with Montgomery County on an industrial mega-site project that has the potential to create substantial economic opportunities for both Moore and Montgomery Counties.

The proposed mega-site is approximately 3,000 contiguous, undeveloped acres situated jointly in both Moore and Montgomery Counties.  By definition, a mega-site must be at least 500 contiguous acres that can be developed for industrial uses.  Ray Ogden, Executive Director of Moore County Partners in Progress and Judy Stevens, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, spearheaded the idea of establishing and developing a joint mega-site industrial park between the two counties almost 5 years ago, but the project has gained more momentum over the last year.  In addition to the endorsement by the Moore County Commissioners, the primary landholders who collectively own the majority of the land parcels have also embraced the project and are eager to move forward.

N.C. General Statue § 158‑7.4 authorizes county governments to enter into interlocal agreements for the purpose of developing a shared industrial site or industrial park.  The legislation also specifies how tax revenues generated as the park grows would be shared between the counties, and how eligibility for state tax incentives would be determined for the site. 

The N.C. Department of Commerce categorizes each of the state’s 100 counties into one of three “tiers” based on economic well-being.  Counties considered the most economically distressed and disadvantaged are assigned a Tier 1 designation, while counties at the other end of the spectrum are given a Tier 3 status.  The state has established that Tier 1 counties are eligible for more state incentives at larger dollar amounts in an effort to encourage more economic development in these counties.   A benefit for this project is that although Moore County is a Tier 3, Montgomery County is a Tier 1, and because one-third of the mega-site property is located in Montgomery County, the Tier 1 designation is applicable to the entire site.  “Having the Tier 1 status is a definite competitive advantage in attracting new and expanding companies, especially those that place financial incentives high on their list of requirements,” said Stevens. 

The mega-site will be marketed as the “Center of North Carolina” because it is in almost the exact geographic center of North Carolina.  The site is roughly bound by Spies Road, NC Highway 24/27 and Interstate 73/74 (US 220) between Star and Biscoe.

“The site’s central location puts Eastern Seaboard markets well-within a day’s drive”, said Ogden.  “The property offers many other advantages for companies as well.  It is served by all utilities except natural gas, which is available within a 25-mile radius of the site.  Rail service and fiber optics are on-site, and the Piedmont Triad International Airport is less than an hour away.”

The site will also be developed as a green, sustainable industrial park with zoning and covenants in place to protect on-site wetland areas and wildlife habitats, and preserve natural aesthetics.  Industries embracing the vision of environmental sustainability will be the primary target for locating in the park.

“While our own local efforts to market and develop the site will be important, we will also partner with the Department of Commerce to have marketing exposure at the state level,” Stevens said.  “Commerce has expressed an interest in the project and they are monitoring its progress.  They recognize that a mega-site of this magnitude and caliber is a great asset for North Carolina.” 

“This mega-site represents tremendous economic opportunities for the citizens of both counties,” said Ogden.  “Think about how many industries could feasibly locate on 3,000 acres, and then think about the long-term creation of new, quality jobs and taxable capital investment by these industries.  Needless to say, the economic impact of the park would be extensive.”

At their August 17^th Board meeting, the Montgomery County Commissioners approved a similar Resolution of Support for the project.

Contacts:

Ray Ogden, Moore County Partners in Progress:  910-246-0311

Judy Stevens, Montgomery County Economic Development Corp.:  910-572-2575

>> To view additional press releases, click here.

Situs Outsourcing Solutions of Robbins was recently named the recipient of an Excellence in Partnering award for 2009-2010 presented by the Pee Dee Region Workforce Development Board.  Linda Parker, Director of the Pee Dee Region Workforce Development Board, recognized Situs at a June 3^rd banquet in Pinehurst where Jennifer Lang, Director of Situs’ Robbins office and Danna Powers, Human Resources Manager, accepted the award on the company’s behalf.  Situs was nominated by the Moore County JobLink Career Center in Aberdeen.

Moore County JobLink offers workforce development assistance and resources to area businesses to help with hiring, training and retaining qualified workers.  By partnering with a variety of local organizations, JobLink maximizes the range of services available to assist businesses, and this comprehensive service network can leverage resources throughout the County.  JobLink’s partners include, among many others, the Employment Security Commission, Sandhills Community College, FirstHealth Community Services and Moore County’s economic development organization, Partners in Progress. 

The Excellence in Partnering award is given to businesses that work closely with the local JobLink office and effectively use its partner network to meet workforce needs and goals.  Last year’s recipient was Meridian Kiosks LLC of Aberdeen.

Situs Outsourcing Solutions is a division of The Situs Companies, a global real estate and financial services company headquartered in Houston.  The Robbins location is an innovative operations center started in January 2007 that competes directly with offshore providers of support services to the commercial real estate finance and banking industries.  The center has enabled Situs to increase customer satisfaction by providing higher-quality services at lower costs to its clients.

The company also strives to create quality job opportunities for local workers and to maintain a dedicated and enthusiastic workforce.  “Situs’ exceptional commitment to their employees, community and clients, as well as their willingness to go above and beyond, make it easy to see why they are worthy of this award,” said Crystal Taylor, Business Services Specialist at JobLink.  “Moore County JobLink appreciates being able to work with a company of Situs’ caliber and assist them with their workforce needs.”

Since 2007, the company has successfully joined efforts with the Aberdeen JobLink office and numerous partnering agencies to fill job vacancies, apply for funding assistance, train employees, participate in unique opportunities including a regional pre-apprenticeship project and administer specialized job-specific testing.  Situs collaborated with Sandhills Community College to apply for funding to assist with creating a customized employee training program.  Over $200,000 was subsequently awarded through the North Carolina New and Expanding Industry Training (NEIT) program managed locally by the College.

Through the Pee Dee Region Workforce Development Board and the JobLink office, Situs was also awarded $80,000 for on-the-job training initiatives under the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA).  The Pee Dee Board and JobLink oversee the WIA workforce development program at the local level.

Situs took advantage of another partnering opportunity by working with the Town of Robbins and Partners in Progress on a Building Reuse and Restoration Grant through the N.C. Rural Center for Economic Development.  The Town was subsequently awarded $150,000 to apply toward the company’s costs of renovating the former Candor Hosiery building on NC 24/27.  Between 2007 and 2009, Situs completed over $300,000 in renovations that converted vacant manufacturing space into new offices and work spaces.

These collaborative efforts not only facilitated the company’s successful start, but have also benefited the community at large.  “Since coming to Robbins, Situs has been a model corporate citizen that actively supports and encourages employee participation in a wide a range of civic projects and charities in both the Robbins community and in Moore County,” Taylor said.  “Robbins’ annual Farmer’s Day Festival, Habitat for Humanity, the Food Bank of Moore County, and the Robbins public library, are just a few of the organizations that have benefited from Situs’ philanthropic efforts and financial support.”

“Situs greatly appreciates our partnerships with Moore County JobLink, Sandhills Community College, Partners in Progress and the many other organizations in Moore County that have contributed enormously to our success in Robbins,” Lang said.  “It’s great to be honored with an Excellence in Partnering award.  We look forward to Situs’ continued growth and involvement in the Moore County community.”

“The company also deserves recognition for already creating close to 60 new, service jobs that have replaced some of the hundreds of manufacturing jobs lost in Robbins over the past 15 years, and they are still growing!” added Ray Ogden, Executive Director of Partners in Progress.  “Situs is a true success story for rural Moore County and a tremendous asset to the area.”

For more information about The Situs Companies, visit www.situscos.com.

>> To view additional press releases, click here.

May 11, 2010

Senator Harris Blake and Representative Jamie Boles announced today that the Town of Southern Pines has been awarded a $100,000 Building Reuse and Restoration Grant from the N.C. Rural Center to support MoldStoppers LLC’s corporate expansion in Southern Pines.  “This is a significant announcement for Moore County because it means new jobs for our citizens, more investment in the community, and it’s a helping hand to a local business”, said Senator Blake. 

The Building Reuse and Restoration Grant Program is an initiative of the N.C. Rural Center for Economic Development in Raleigh to stimulate job creation and capital investment in North Carolina’s rural communities.  The program focuses on the productive reuse of vacant, and oftentimes old and neglected or abandoned, existing buildings by new or expanding businesses.  Grant funds are awarded through the local government and handled as a reimbursement to the building owner and/or business to offset up to 50% (depending on the number of jobs created) of the cost of renovating the building to meet the company’s needs.

Moore County Partners in Progress, the local economic development organization, will assist the Town of Southern Pines in administering the grant through its two-year term.

MoldStoppers has contracted to purchase a 5,280 square-foot shell building in the Southern Pines Corporate Park that will become the company’s new national headquarters and training center by the end of the summer.  As the exclusive contractor for the Southern Pines Corporate Park, the O’Connor Company of NC, Inc. in Aberdeen will oversee the construction work.

“It is certainly beneficial to both the County and Southern Pines for a vacant building to be put back into purposeful use again”, said Representative Boles.  “The renovations will make the property more attractive and increase its tax value, and MoldStoppers’ expansion will bring more activity to the Corporate Park and help boost the area’s economic vitality.”

Currently located in West End, MoldStoppers is an environmentally-conscious company whose primary business is eradicating mold.  It evolved from the vision of Moore County resident David Conner, now the company’s President.  He became a significant investor in Bendiner Technologies LLC (“BenTech”), an emerging entrepreneurial company started in Moore County in 2005 and developer of patented mold-inhibiting products including MoldBlock.  Conner’s investment in BenTech and his interest in practical applications for MoldBlock led him to establish MoldStoppers in late 2006.

 MoldStoppers has three (3) business segments founded on the MoldBlock product:  1) pre-treatment services, such as for new construction at the framing stage; 2) remediation services for homes, schools and businesses; and 3) MoldStoppers Manufacturing, a division of MoldStoppers and developer of The Remediator, a machine that removes mold from lumber, pre-treats it with MoldBlock and dries it.   

The company has grown steadily, mostly due to word-of-mouth referrals.  The home office is in Moore County but has a presence in 38 states.  The company has expanded by forming various LLCs, all based in North Carolina but geographically located throughout the Central and Eastern United States.  The Moore County office owns a 51% interest in each LLC.  “Our goal is to ultimately have a nationwide presence”, said Conner.

This growth has been the driving force behind MoldStoppers’ need to move to a larger facility that will serve as the corporate headquarters and home base for the company’s administration and sales operations. The facility will also be a training center allowing semi-annual training sessions to be brought in-house. 

Conner anticipates that once MoldStoppers moves into the building, the company will create approximately 18 new jobs over the next 2 years.  “I appreciate the Town of Southern Pines’ support of our expansion efforts”, he said.  “I am looking forward to MoldStoppers being in the new location at the Corporate Park and to taking advantage of the additional growth opportunities that the new location will bring.”

Two other Moore County companies have previously benefited from Building Reuse and Restoration grant funding:  Situs Outsourcing Solutions in Robbins and Southeastern Tool & Die, Inc. in Aberdeen.  In 2006, the Town of Robbins was awarded $150,000 on behalf of Situs for the renovation of the former Candor Hosiery facility on NC Highway 24/27.  In 2008, the Town of Aberdeen was awarded $100,000 on behalf of Southeastern Tool & Die for the renovation of the former Intek building to accommodate the company’s expansion. 

“Niche businesses like MoldStoppers have proven to be a good fit for Moore County, and it’s very often these types of companies that have the greatest impact in creating job opportunities here”, said Ray Ogden, Executive Director of Partners in Progress.  “Situs and Southeastern Tool & Die are both success stories and it’s critical we continue to support our existing industries because of their significant contributions to the economy.”

“We truly appreciate the Rural Center’s support of Moore County’s businesses through their grant program”, added Senator Blake.

For more information about MoldStoppers LLC, visit www.moldstoppersonline.com.  

>> To view additional press releases, click here.

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony today to officially open the new global headquarters for its Golf Pride grips division in Southern Pines, N.C.  The new office will serve as the home base for sales, marketing, engineering and administrative staff.

“We are very excited to open our new global headquarters in Southern Pines, and are proud to remain in North Carolina after 30 productive years in Laurinburg,” said Jeff Fiorini, general manager of Eaton’s Golf Grip Division.  “As the ‘Home of American Golf’ and host to major tournaments since 1936, the Southern Pines, Pinehurst and Aberdeen area is an ideal location for Golf Pride, the grip played by more than 80 percent of Tour Professionals.”

The ceremony included Eaton officials, Moore County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development officers, club professionals, community leaders, and additional special guests of Golf Pride.

“We are thrilled to have Golf Pride establish their headquarters in Southern Pines”, said Ray Ogden, Executive Director of Moore County Partners in Progress.  “This represents 39 good jobs as well as significant capital investment for our community.”

Eaton’s Golf Grip Division is the world’s largest manufacturer of golf grips, with manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities on five continents.  The division’s Golf Pride brand is recognized globally as the number one choice in grips among tour and recreational players, competitive amateur golfers, club manufacturers and club repairmen.  For more information, visit www.golfpride.com.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

PRODUCT IMAGES AND SAMPLES AVAILABLE TO MEDIA UPON REQUEST

To obtain product or photo samples, contact: Dan Koehler at danielfkoehler@eaton.com

###

>> To view additional press releases, click here.

BRS Defense in Pinebluff, Moore County, is ramping up production to accommodate an additional $8 million in new parachute orders from the U.S. Army.  The parent company, BRS Aerospace, announced that the increased production levels will require hiring an additional 134 employees.

BRS Defense has continued to grow steadily since locating in Pinebluff in late 2007.

BRS Defense New Army Parachute Contracts press release 2-11-10

>> To view additional press releases, click here.

>> Click here for the November 2009 issue of The Economic Echo

» Inside this issue:
   – N.C. State University’s Sustainability Programs to help your business
   – The new ISO 50001 Energy Standard
   – New Entrepreneurial Lab at Sandhills Community College
   — Update on exciting new projects to bring jobs and investment to Moore County

>> To view the previous issue of The Economic Echo (July 2009), click here.

>> For other economic development news in Moore County, click here.

A recent poll named 2 towns in Moore County among the top 10 prettiest small towns in North Carolina. Out of 45 NC towns with populations less than 15,000, Pinehurst was voted #2 and Southern Pines #9 based on charm, character, historic homes, landscapes, architecture and commitment to preservation, among other factors.

The poll of 32 in-state journalists was conducted by writer Bill Hensley of Charlotte, former director of the NC Division of Travel & Tourism.

In addition to the Village of Pinehurst and the Town of Southern Pines, the Town of Cameron, also in Moore County, received a number of votes in the poll.

The Village of Pinehurst is a scenic resort community in southern Moore County.  It is best known as home to the world-renowned No. 2 golf course, host to the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Men’s Open Championship, among many other golfing events and tournaments.  The U.S. Men’s Open, as well as the U.S. Women’s Open, will both be played at Pinehurst No. 2 back-to-back in 2014, which is unprecedented in golf history.  The No. 2 course is one of 43 golf courses located throughout Moore County, albeit the most prestigious one!

Pinehurst Resort, with the beautiful Carolina Hotel and luxurious Spa at Pinehurst, includes courses No. 1 through 8.  In 1996, the Village of Pinehurst and Pinehurst Resort were given National Landmark status for their significant role in U.S. golf history.  This is the only golf-related designation of its kind in the United States.

The heart of the Village is a unique array of shops and bistros that offers something for everyone.  Residents and visitors alike notice and appreciate the special ambiance and natural beauty of Pinehurst.

The Town of Southern Pines is the largest municipality in Moore County and is nationally known for its equestrian activity and beautiful, expansive horse farms.  At the heart of Southern Pines’ “Horse Country” are 2 pristine nature preserves totaling 4,900 acres and offering miles of riding trails.

The downtown area features a myriad of picturesque shops, cafes and professional businesses.  The Town uniquely combines a thriving commercial and industrial base with a diversity of cultural, historical and recreational offerings.  Southern Pines is also home to Pine Needles Resort & Golf Club, host to the 1996, 2001 and 2007 U.S. Women’s Open Championships.

In addition to the “Prettiest Small Towns” designation, the Pinehurst – Southern Pines area has also been ranked as #24 in Economic Strength out of 574 areas throughout the United States with populations between 10,000 and 50,000.  This 2009 ranking by POLICOM Corporation puts the Pinehurst – Southern Pines area high on the national list of communities with a stable economy consistently growing both in size and quality, enabling residents to enjoy a higher quality of living and less economic volatility.

“The accolades Pinehurst and Southern Pines have received simply reaffirm what residents here already know”, said Ray Ogden, Executive Director of Moore County Partners in Progress.  ”The enviable quality of life here is our greatest asset, and Moore County is a great place to live, work and play!”

Partners in Progress is the economic development organization that serves all of Moore County, North Carolina to improve the quality of life for our citizens through new business recruitment and existing business expansion. For more information, visit http://www.moorebusiness.org or call 1-800-461-3755.

>> To view additional Press Releases, click here.

January 22, 2010

Aberdeen, Moore County, North Carolina – Meridian Kiosks LLC recently announced the addition of BlueStar to its new Channel Partner program. Meridian is a leading manufacturer of standard and customized self-service kiosks for the North American market.  The company is based in Aberdeen (Moore County), North Carolina where it has a 65,000 square-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility on 11 acres.

Founded in 1999 and in Aberdeen since 2005, Meridian Kiosk recently celebrated 10 years of providing product and service excellence to thousands of customers all over the world.  Its customer base continues to grow steadily.

BlueStar will distribute Meridian’s extensive hardware product line and software platform providing BlueStar value-added resellers with high quality, cost effective, self-service kiosk solutions within a rapidly growing market.  “We are very excited to offer our products and services through BlueStar,” Meridian CEO Chris Gilder said.

Meridian’s kiosk products are designed for corporate, government, health care, hospitality, retail and transportation markets, among many others.  These products feature quality construction and “Best in Class” ergonomic designs and can be customized for a variety of applications including guided selling, human resources, gift registry, gift card, patient check-in, ticketing, food ordering, bill payment and inventory extension.

Meridian is the only top-tier self-service provider that has complete metal fabrication in house, from initial concept to completion of the finished product.  “We’re probably the only company in the industry that does the complete package,” said Robert Giblett of Meridian’s sales team.

Based in Moore County, North Carolina
A native of the United Kingdom, Gilder discovered Moore County while visiting friends in nearby Fayetteville, and he was immediately impressed with the area. Today, Meridian remains committed to Moore County because it’s a great area and the operations facility in Aberdeen fits the company’s needs, according to Gilder.

“Many company managers and entrepreneurs are discovering that Moore County’s exceptional quality of life speaks for itself and that this area is an excellent location for a business that is starting, relocating or expanding,” said Ray Ogden, Executive Director of Partners in Progress, the economic development organization that serves all of Moore County.  “Meridian Kiosks is exactly the type of niche manufacturer that fits in well here, and Moore County supports the continued growth and success of our industries like Meridian.”

For more information about Meridian Kiosks LLC, visit www.meridiankiosks.com.  Partners in Progress’ mission is to promote Moore County, North Carolina and assist in new business recruitment and to support the expansion and retention efforts of local existing industry.  For more information, visit www.moorebusiness.org.

>> To view additional Press Releases, click here.

The North Carolina Legislature recognized that the national focus on Homeland Security and the immense presence of military installations in the state were generating many economic opportunities for North Carolina businesses.  They also realized that these businesses would need help matching up with the specific military opportunities that were relevant to them.

 
The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC), headquartered in Fayetteville, was created in 2005 to serve all of North Carolina as a bridging entity between businesses and the military.  The NCMBC’s goals are:

• To increase federal and military business for existing North Carolina companies;
• To integrate transitioning military personnel and family members into the workforce;
• To support recruitment and development of defense-related businesses in North Carolina.

 
The NCMBC accomplishes these goals by identifying the most lucrative federal and military contract opportunities and then helping companies to submit winning proposals.  The Center administers the state’s web portal MatchForce, the online vehicle for matching companies with specific contract opportunities.  The NCMBC also offers numerous workshops, participates in trade shows, and conducts employment programs to assist both companies and the military.

The Center has offices at 11 Community Colleges across the state, including one at Sandhills Community College in Moore County.

At Sandhills Community College, Linn Owen, an NCMBC Business Development Specialist, is available to counsel local businesses on how to use the NCMBC’s services and to tap into the military market.  All of the NCMBC’s services are free.  Linn can be reached at 910-695-3780 or owenl@ncmbc.us. 

>> For more information on the NCMBC, visit www.ncmbc.us.