Gov. Bev Perdue announced Wednesday, Feb. 15, that Reed Elsevier Inc.—a world-leading provider of professional information solutions—will expand its operations in Cary. The company plans to create 350 jobs over the next five years and invest $1.75 million. The project was made possible in part by state grants from the Job Development Investment Grant.
“Creating jobs is my top priority and the fact that globally competitive companies continue to make investments like these proves we have a top-notch business climate and a tremendously talented workforce,” Perdue said. “Our legacy of strong investments in education and economic are continuing to pay off.”
Reed Elsevier was formed in 1993 when Reed International joined Elsevier NV, and the two entities focused on professional information solutions in the science, medical, legal, risk management and business-to-business sectors. Reed Elsevier currently consists of five major business units including: Elsevier, LexisNexis Risk Solutions, LexisNexis Legal & Professional, Reed Exhibitions and Reed Business Information. As part of this project, Reed Elsevier will concentrate additional marketing, sales, customer support and product development in the Wake County facility.
“We’re laser-focused on delivering greater value and better outcomes for our customers,” said Mike Walsh, CEO of LexisNexis Legal & Professional. “The expansion in Cary supports our mission to bring innovative products and services to market, even faster than today.”
The company currently employs more than 300 people in Cary and Charlotte. The group employs more than 30,000 people globally, including more than 16,000 in North America.
While individual wages for the positions will vary by job function, the overall average for the new jobs will be $91,644, plus benefits. The average annual wage in Wake County is $44,980.
To help facilitate this expansion, the state Economic Investment Committee voted to award a Job Development Investment Grant to Reed Elsevier. JDIGs are awarded only to new and expanding businesses and industrial projects whose benefits exceed the costs to the state and which would not be undertaken in North Carolina without the grant.
Under the terms of the JDIG, the company is eligible to receive a grant equal to 75 percent of the state personal income withholding taxes derived from the creation of new jobs for each of the 10 years in which the company meets annual performance targets. If Reed Elsevier meets the targets called for under the agreement and sustains them for 10 years, the JDIG could yield $8.86 million in maximum benefits for the company.
In addition, up to $2.95 million could be added to the state’s utility fund for infrastructure improvements in economically distressed counties. When a JDIG is awarded in Tier 3 counties such as Wake, 25 percent of the grant is allocated to this fund to encourage economic development in less prosperous areas.
Other partners who assisted with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, the Town of Cary and Cary Economic Develelopment.
Through Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state continues to work aggressively to create well-paying jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.
For more information about Reed Elsevier, including job opportunities, visit www.reedelsevier.com.
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Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jobs. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Hagan invites small business owners to attend Exporter Forum in Greensboro
U.S. Sen. Kay R. Hagan (D—N.C.), a member of the Senate Small Business and Banking committees, invites all North Carolina small business owners to attend a Small Business Exporter Forum on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Gateway University Research Park in Greensboro. The "Ex-Im Bank Global Access Forum for Small Business," which Hagan will cohost with Export-Import Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg, will include industry, academic and government experts who will provide North Carolina businesses practical information they need to sell their products and services overseas. Hagan previously hosted a similar exporter forum with Hochberg in Charlotte last summer.
The forum is tailored to address the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses with 500 or fewer employees. All business owners interested in attending must register here.
The exporter forum will serve as another stop on Hagan’s North Carolina Back to Work Jobs Tour, which is taking Hagan across the state to focus on action and ideas that will get unemployed North Carolinians back on the job as quickly as possible.
WHAT: Hagan invites North Carolina small business owners to attend Small Business Exporter Forum
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Gateway University Research Park, 2901 E. Lee St. in Greensboro
HOW: Registration is required for participants. Register here.
The forum is tailored to address the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses with 500 or fewer employees. All business owners interested in attending must register here.
The exporter forum will serve as another stop on Hagan’s North Carolina Back to Work Jobs Tour, which is taking Hagan across the state to focus on action and ideas that will get unemployed North Carolinians back on the job as quickly as possible.
WHAT: Hagan invites North Carolina small business owners to attend Small Business Exporter Forum
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon
WHERE: Gateway University Research Park, 2901 E. Lee St. in Greensboro
HOW: Registration is required for participants. Register here.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Hagan comments on Department of Defense report opening more jobs to servicewomen
U.S. Sen. Kay R. Hagan (D—N.C.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, on Friday, Feb. 10, commented on the Pentagon’s decision to allow women to serve in more jobs closer to the front lines.
“Since coming to the Senate, I have fought to ensure America’s servicewomen are afforded the same opportunities for promotion as their male counterparts,” said Hagan. “The Pentagon’s recommendation is welcome progress and will open up more than 14,000 additional jobs to women in the Armed Forces. Nevertheless, more must be done to provide women in the Armed Services equal opportunities for advancement.
“I have long said that the armed forces must come up with a mechanism to give women the same leadership opportunities as their male counterparts so that they can equitably compete for advancement and promotion. Military women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan have been engaged in activities that are consideredcombat-related, including serving side by side with combat units and engaging in direct combat for self defense. These brave women are exposed to the same risks as their male counterparts—including IEDs—and should be eligible for the same opportunities for advancement. As a proud member of a military family, I have nothing but the utmost respect for our troops—both men and women—and the rigorous training they undergo.”
The Pentagon’s announcement in a Department of Defense report required by the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, which Senator Hagan supported. The report notified Congress that the Department of Defense intends to make two changes to rules in place since 1994 governing the service of female members of the armed forces: first, occupations will no longer be closed to women solely because the positions are required to be co-located with ground combat units; and second, a sizable number of positions will be opened to women at the battalion level in select direct ground combat units in specific occupations. Department of Defense will also continue to assess their experience with these changes to help determine whether future modifications to the 1994 rules are appropriate.
Hagan is proud and honored to have had the aid of four servicewomen in her Senate Office. Navy Veteran Jean Reaves served as a WAVE during the Vietnam era. Today, Reaves provides Veteran Affairs Services for Senator Hagan’s office. North Carolina National Guard Cpt. Jennifer Hartsock is currently Senator Hagan’s Military Liason. Hartsock served more than five years of active duty in the Army after graduating from West Point, including a 2007 Iraq tour as a Battle Captain with a Combat Engineer Unit. Lt. Col. Kristin McCann is a United States Marine and serves as a Defense Legislative Fellow to Senator Hagan. Captain Laura Keenan preceded Lt. Col. McCann as the Senator's Defense Legislative Fellow.
“Since coming to the Senate, I have fought to ensure America’s servicewomen are afforded the same opportunities for promotion as their male counterparts,” said Hagan. “The Pentagon’s recommendation is welcome progress and will open up more than 14,000 additional jobs to women in the Armed Forces. Nevertheless, more must be done to provide women in the Armed Services equal opportunities for advancement.
“I have long said that the armed forces must come up with a mechanism to give women the same leadership opportunities as their male counterparts so that they can equitably compete for advancement and promotion. Military women deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan have been engaged in activities that are consideredcombat-related, including serving side by side with combat units and engaging in direct combat for self defense. These brave women are exposed to the same risks as their male counterparts—including IEDs—and should be eligible for the same opportunities for advancement. As a proud member of a military family, I have nothing but the utmost respect for our troops—both men and women—and the rigorous training they undergo.”
The Pentagon’s announcement in a Department of Defense report required by the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act, which Senator Hagan supported. The report notified Congress that the Department of Defense intends to make two changes to rules in place since 1994 governing the service of female members of the armed forces: first, occupations will no longer be closed to women solely because the positions are required to be co-located with ground combat units; and second, a sizable number of positions will be opened to women at the battalion level in select direct ground combat units in specific occupations. Department of Defense will also continue to assess their experience with these changes to help determine whether future modifications to the 1994 rules are appropriate.
Hagan is proud and honored to have had the aid of four servicewomen in her Senate Office. Navy Veteran Jean Reaves served as a WAVE during the Vietnam era. Today, Reaves provides Veteran Affairs Services for Senator Hagan’s office. North Carolina National Guard Cpt. Jennifer Hartsock is currently Senator Hagan’s Military Liason. Hartsock served more than five years of active duty in the Army after graduating from West Point, including a 2007 Iraq tour as a Battle Captain with a Combat Engineer Unit. Lt. Col. Kristin McCann is a United States Marine and serves as a Defense Legislative Fellow to Senator Hagan. Captain Laura Keenan preceded Lt. Col. McCann as the Senator's Defense Legislative Fellow.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Hagan launches North Carolina Back to Work Jobs Tour
U.S. Sen. Kay R. Hagan (D—N.C.) on Friday, Jan. 27, launched her North Carolina Back to Work Jobs Tour to determine the most effective ways to get North Carolinians back to work right now.
Hagan began the tour in Scotland County, where unemployment stands at 16.6 percent—the highest of any county in North Carolina. She toured Service Thread Manufacturing, a textile company that employs approximately 75 people and manufactures industrial yarns and sewing threads, converted multifilament yarns and engineered specialty textile products.
“Jobs are my No. one priority,” said Hagan. “Everywhere I go in our state, unemployment is the issue I hear about from North Carolinians. I am launching my North Carolina Back to Work Jobs Tour to focus on action and ideas that will get unemployed North Carolinians back on the job as quickly as possible. With unemployment at almost 10 percent in our state, and as high as 16.6 percent in Scotland County, we don’t have a minute to waste in rolling up our sleeves to find commonsense, bipartisan solutions to get employment back on track.”
The North Carolina Back to Work Jobs Tour included stops in communities across North Carolina. Hagan met with small business owners, workers, veterans, manufacturers, workforce development officers, community college administrators and others to gain input and feedback about concrete steps that can put people back to work right now. The tour explored many aspects of the unemployment crisis, including a strong emphasis on job training and job readiness.
“With North Carolina’s outstanding community colleges and workforce training centers, it is unacceptable that middle-class families are struggling to make ends meet while employers are struggling to fill open jobs.," Hagain said. "I want to continue bringing together all the stakeholders—business owners, workforce training administrators, unemployed workers and veterans—so that we can get people back on the job. I want to connect job seekers and employers to the many resources and incentives of which they may not be aware.”
Hagan’s AMERICA Works Act encourages national industries—like construction, automotive and aerospace—to come together and agree on the skill sets necessary for employees. When the industries have agreed upon standards, curricula will be developed for training programs at community colleges that will offer industry-recognized credentials. When workers have earned an industry-recognized credential, they will be qualified for employment in any state. For more about the AMERICA Works Act, please click here.
Hagan began the tour in Scotland County, where unemployment stands at 16.6 percent—the highest of any county in North Carolina. She toured Service Thread Manufacturing, a textile company that employs approximately 75 people and manufactures industrial yarns and sewing threads, converted multifilament yarns and engineered specialty textile products.
“Jobs are my No. one priority,” said Hagan. “Everywhere I go in our state, unemployment is the issue I hear about from North Carolinians. I am launching my North Carolina Back to Work Jobs Tour to focus on action and ideas that will get unemployed North Carolinians back on the job as quickly as possible. With unemployment at almost 10 percent in our state, and as high as 16.6 percent in Scotland County, we don’t have a minute to waste in rolling up our sleeves to find commonsense, bipartisan solutions to get employment back on track.”
The North Carolina Back to Work Jobs Tour included stops in communities across North Carolina. Hagan met with small business owners, workers, veterans, manufacturers, workforce development officers, community college administrators and others to gain input and feedback about concrete steps that can put people back to work right now. The tour explored many aspects of the unemployment crisis, including a strong emphasis on job training and job readiness.
“With North Carolina’s outstanding community colleges and workforce training centers, it is unacceptable that middle-class families are struggling to make ends meet while employers are struggling to fill open jobs.," Hagain said. "I want to continue bringing together all the stakeholders—business owners, workforce training administrators, unemployed workers and veterans—so that we can get people back on the job. I want to connect job seekers and employers to the many resources and incentives of which they may not be aware.”
Hagan’s AMERICA Works Act encourages national industries—like construction, automotive and aerospace—to come together and agree on the skill sets necessary for employees. When the industries have agreed upon standards, curricula will be developed for training programs at community colleges that will offer industry-recognized credentials. When workers have earned an industry-recognized credential, they will be qualified for employment in any state. For more about the AMERICA Works Act, please click here.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Orange County Economic Development unveils new website
Orange County Economic Development launched its redesigned website—www.growinorangenc.com—offering a glimpse into the county’s renewed focus on economic development. The website is part of a strategic effort by the department to increase awareness of Orange County as a business location and provide the key types of information needed by businesses and site selection firms looking to expand or locate a business.
The website provides up-to-date information on the county’s three economic development districts targeted for commercial and industrial growth. The redesign also provides tools to allow users to search for available buildings and sites as well as current demographic data including labor force, wages, training availability and information on Orange County’s quality of place. With workforce skills and location being prime factors in the business site search process, the website showcases Orange County’s position along major transportation corridors and its proximity to several renowned research universities. Prospective investors can identify Orange County’s core positioning within the Research Triangle Region and the Research Triangle Park.
While www.growinorangenc.com officially launched the week of Jan. 30, the site will continue to grow and evolve. Future developments will include an interactive property search feature, videos showcasing local businesses and highlighting those economic development activities that will be funded by the quarter-cent sales tax recently approved by voters.
“Today’s business site selection process is more competitive than ever,” Steve Brantley, county economic development director, said. “The search increasingly begins on the Internet and includes much more than just looking at available properties; those involved in today’s business site searches are looking for a glimpse into the community—from demographics and work force availability to educational and cultural opportunities in the area. This website was developed to showcase the assets Orange County can offer as a prime business location.”
The website provides up-to-date information on the county’s three economic development districts targeted for commercial and industrial growth. The redesign also provides tools to allow users to search for available buildings and sites as well as current demographic data including labor force, wages, training availability and information on Orange County’s quality of place. With workforce skills and location being prime factors in the business site search process, the website showcases Orange County’s position along major transportation corridors and its proximity to several renowned research universities. Prospective investors can identify Orange County’s core positioning within the Research Triangle Region and the Research Triangle Park.
While www.growinorangenc.com officially launched the week of Jan. 30, the site will continue to grow and evolve. Future developments will include an interactive property search feature, videos showcasing local businesses and highlighting those economic development activities that will be funded by the quarter-cent sales tax recently approved by voters.
“Today’s business site selection process is more competitive than ever,” Steve Brantley, county economic development director, said. “The search increasingly begins on the Internet and includes much more than just looking at available properties; those involved in today’s business site searches are looking for a glimpse into the community—from demographics and work force availability to educational and cultural opportunities in the area. This website was developed to showcase the assets Orange County can offer as a prime business location.”
Friday, February 3, 2012
Sierra Nevada taps North Carolina
Gov. Bev Perdue on Wednesday, Jan. 25, joined executives from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.—an independent, family-owned pioneer in craft brewing—in announcing that they will locate a brewing facility for the East Coast in Mills River as well as an on-site restaurant. The project was made possible in part by a $1.025 million grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Perdue was joined by Sierra Nevada CEO Ken Grossman and other local officials for the announcement in Henderson County.
The company plans to create 95 full-time jobs as part of the grant and invest $107.5 million during the next five years in Henderson County. In addition, the company expects to hire another 80 part-time employees and expects to create about 60 construction and mechanical jobs during its 24-month building phase. These jobs will be created in gradual phases starting in mid to late 2012 and continuing through 2013.
“We are proud that Sierra Nevada—with its tradition of innovation, stewardship and quality—chose to tap all the great things North Carolina had to offer,” said Perdue. “This announcement enhances a burgeoning craft beer industry in our state. The investment, jobs and brand recognition Sierra Nevada brings will be a boon to this region and help confirm North Carolina as a destination for innovation.”
North Carolina is home to more craft breweries than any Southern state—21 brewpubs and 28 production breweries—with western North Carolina being particularly strong. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of America’s first craft breweries and helped to popularize the bold and flavorful beers that are the hallmarks of the craft beer industry. Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada continues to be recognized for the use of only whole-cone hops and for the quality and craftsmanship of their products. Sierra Nevada currently employs in excess of 500 dedicated employees and is the second largest privately held brewery in the United States.
“After carefully looking at more than 200 sites east of the Mississippi, Sierra Nevada is pleased to locate our second brewery in Henderson County,” said Grossman. “We are very grateful to the officials in Mills River, Henderson County and the State of North Carolina whose time, effort and commitment were instrumental in making this happen. We are proud to be associated with the many fine breweries that call North Carolina home.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $41,526 plus benefits. The Henderson County average annual wage is $32,240.
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
“Sierra Nevada knows that North Carolina is a place where the business climate will help them grow and thrive,” said Sen. Tom Apodaca, of Hendersonville. “I’m sure my sons are looking forward to buying some of the first bottles brewed here.”
For more information about Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. including job opportunities, please visit SierraNevada.com.
Perdue was joined by Sierra Nevada CEO Ken Grossman and other local officials for the announcement in Henderson County.
The company plans to create 95 full-time jobs as part of the grant and invest $107.5 million during the next five years in Henderson County. In addition, the company expects to hire another 80 part-time employees and expects to create about 60 construction and mechanical jobs during its 24-month building phase. These jobs will be created in gradual phases starting in mid to late 2012 and continuing through 2013.
“We are proud that Sierra Nevada—with its tradition of innovation, stewardship and quality—chose to tap all the great things North Carolina had to offer,” said Perdue. “This announcement enhances a burgeoning craft beer industry in our state. The investment, jobs and brand recognition Sierra Nevada brings will be a boon to this region and help confirm North Carolina as a destination for innovation.”
North Carolina is home to more craft breweries than any Southern state—21 brewpubs and 28 production breweries—with western North Carolina being particularly strong. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of America’s first craft breweries and helped to popularize the bold and flavorful beers that are the hallmarks of the craft beer industry. Founded in 1980, Sierra Nevada continues to be recognized for the use of only whole-cone hops and for the quality and craftsmanship of their products. Sierra Nevada currently employs in excess of 500 dedicated employees and is the second largest privately held brewery in the United States.
“After carefully looking at more than 200 sites east of the Mississippi, Sierra Nevada is pleased to locate our second brewery in Henderson County,” said Grossman. “We are very grateful to the officials in Mills River, Henderson County and the State of North Carolina whose time, effort and commitment were instrumental in making this happen. We are proud to be associated with the many fine breweries that call North Carolina home.”
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $41,526 plus benefits. The Henderson County average annual wage is $32,240.
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
“Sierra Nevada knows that North Carolina is a place where the business climate will help them grow and thrive,” said Sen. Tom Apodaca, of Hendersonville. “I’m sure my sons are looking forward to buying some of the first bottles brewed here.”
For more information about Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. including job opportunities, please visit SierraNevada.com.
Chemical manufacturer to create 19 jobs in Caldwell County
Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Lubrimetal Corporation, a member of the Lubrimetal family of companies, will locate a new facility in Caldwell County. The company plans to create 19 jobs and invest $1.9 million over the next three years in Granite Falls. The project was made possible in part by a $38,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
“My top priority is creating jobs,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our history of investing in education and workforce and job training programs has created a strong business climate where manufacturers can thrive in a global market. We must get back to supporting these programs so that more companies like Lubrimetal will move to or expand in North Carolina.”
Lubrimetal, an Italian-owned family company founded in 1959, is a leading producer of lubricants for the wire drawing industry. The company plans to develop a manufacturing facility for the production of wet and dry lubricants for the drawing of steel and non-ferrous wires. The new facility will allow Lubrimetal to meet growing market demand in North America.
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $41,316, plus benefits. The Caldwell County average annual wage is $29,796.
For more information about Lubimetal, including job opportunities, go to www.lubrimetal.com.
“The creation of a new factory in the United States has been an important part of our global strategy,” said Giorgio Corso, executive vice president of Lubrimetal Corporation. “All the partners involved have worked tirelessly to help make our decision easier. These people should be commended for their work to bring jobs to the people of Caldwell County. I believe we have made the right decision to locate here and that there is a very strong future for Lubrimetal Corporation and the people of the community we are proud to be joining.”
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state works aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.
Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 60,000 jobs and $11 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Caldwell County, the Town of Granite Falls, N. C. Rural Economic Development Center and Caldwell Economic Development Commission.
“My top priority is creating jobs,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our history of investing in education and workforce and job training programs has created a strong business climate where manufacturers can thrive in a global market. We must get back to supporting these programs so that more companies like Lubrimetal will move to or expand in North Carolina.”
Lubrimetal, an Italian-owned family company founded in 1959, is a leading producer of lubricants for the wire drawing industry. The company plans to develop a manufacturing facility for the production of wet and dry lubricants for the drawing of steel and non-ferrous wires. The new facility will allow Lubrimetal to meet growing market demand in North America.
Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $41,316, plus benefits. The Caldwell County average annual wage is $29,796.
For more information about Lubimetal, including job opportunities, go to www.lubrimetal.com.
“The creation of a new factory in the United States has been an important part of our global strategy,” said Giorgio Corso, executive vice president of Lubrimetal Corporation. “All the partners involved have worked tirelessly to help make our decision easier. These people should be commended for their work to bring jobs to the people of Caldwell County. I believe we have made the right decision to locate here and that there is a very strong future for Lubrimetal Corporation and the people of the community we are proud to be joining.”
The One NC Fund provides financial assistance, through local governments, to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.
North Carolina continues to have a top-ranked business climate. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative, the state works aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future.
Through use of the One NC Fund, more than 60,000 jobs and $11 billion in investment have been created since 2001. Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Community Colleges, Caldwell County, the Town of Granite Falls, N. C. Rural Economic Development Center and Caldwell Economic Development Commission.
Monday, January 30, 2012
US Department of Labor announces supplemental funding to help North Carolina residents looking for work cover health insurance payments
The U.S. Department of Labor announced a $2 million National Emergency Grant supplemental award, in the form of a National Emergency Grant, to provide an estimated 1,175 additional jobless workers in North Carolina with partial premium payments for health insurance coverage. The state qualified for funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
An initial award of $2 million was approved on Aug. 11, 2009, to serve about 1,800 people. A supplemental award of $2.2 million was provided on June 30, 2010, to serve an additional 2,400 individuals. January 2012's $2 million supplement brings the total funds awarded to date to $6.2 million and the number of jobless workers served to 5,375.
“Health insurance is an important benefit for millions of American workers and their families,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “These additional funds will ensure that these North Carolinians keep their health insurance while they search for new jobs.”
Awarded to the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Employment and Training, the funding will be used to make payments for unemployed individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits and are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit. The “gap filler” payments enabled by this funding cover up to three months, which is the amount of time it takes to complete Internal Revenue Service enrollment, processing and first payments under the Health Coverage Tax Credit program. Through the credit, eligible individuals can receive 72.5 percent of premium costs for qualified health insurance programs.
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.
An initial award of $2 million was approved on Aug. 11, 2009, to serve about 1,800 people. A supplemental award of $2.2 million was provided on June 30, 2010, to serve an additional 2,400 individuals. January 2012's $2 million supplement brings the total funds awarded to date to $6.2 million and the number of jobless workers served to 5,375.
“Health insurance is an important benefit for millions of American workers and their families,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “These additional funds will ensure that these North Carolinians keep their health insurance while they search for new jobs.”
Awarded to the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Employment and Training, the funding will be used to make payments for unemployed individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits and are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit. The “gap filler” payments enabled by this funding cover up to three months, which is the amount of time it takes to complete Internal Revenue Service enrollment, processing and first payments under the Health Coverage Tax Credit program. Through the credit, eligible individuals can receive 72.5 percent of premium costs for qualified health insurance programs.
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor’s discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state’s ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Price: Congress should use reprieve on USPS closures to reform service
On Tuesday, Dec. 13, the United States Postal Service announced it will delay all closures or consolidations of its offices and facilities nationwide until May 15, 2012, due to pressure from Congress. Rep. David Price (NC-04) is calling for Congress to use this opportunity to reform the Postal Service to ensure its long-term viability. At the heart of the Postal Service’s current financial crisis is a backbreaking pension mandate that has led the Postal Service to consider closing thousands of post offices and hundreds of mail processing centers, including many in North Carolina.
The USPS’s proposed closure plan would eliminate 120,000 jobs nationwide by 2015. Two Fayetteville mail processing centers, which employ more than 400 people, are being considered for closure and consolidation under the plan in addition to the East Durham and Raleigh Five Points offices in the Triangle. Last week, Price wrote to Postmaster Donahue opposing the proposed closure and consolidation of the Fayetteville facilities and expressed his opposition at a public meeting held with Postal officials in Fayetteville regarding the proposal. The Postal Service has also recommended eliminating six-day delivery and overnight delivery of first class mail in order to cut costs.
“Congress should seize the opportunity presented by the Postal Service’s decision to delay the closure and consolidation of its offices and facilities,” Price said. “We can reform the Postal Service and preserve its independence from taxpayer funding without drastic cuts that will cost thousands of jobs in our communities and lead to significant reductions of service, but we need to act before it’s too late.”
Price is currently a cosponsor of legislation that would provide immediate relief to pension obligations imposed on USPS by a 2006 law. Under current law, the Postal Service is required to pre-pay $5.5 billion a year (until 2016) into a fund for future retiree health care costs. The legislation would also reimburse the Postal Service for overpayments it made into the Federal Employee Retirement System for employees who earned federal government retirement benefits while the service was still a government agency. Under the bill, the reimbursement amount would be determined by an Office of Personnel Management study.
“My colleagues should view this six month reprieve on post office and facility closures as a call to action. We must act with a sense of urgency to pass common-sense legislation pending before both the House and Senate to reform the Postal Service pension prepayment mandate before the Postal Service takes unnecessary draconian action.” Price said. “Congressional leadership should get to work on this right away. Congress imposed this backbreaking mandate on the Postal Service, and Congress should reform it before we talk about massive closures and layoffs.”
The USPS’s proposed closure plan would eliminate 120,000 jobs nationwide by 2015. Two Fayetteville mail processing centers, which employ more than 400 people, are being considered for closure and consolidation under the plan in addition to the East Durham and Raleigh Five Points offices in the Triangle. Last week, Price wrote to Postmaster Donahue opposing the proposed closure and consolidation of the Fayetteville facilities and expressed his opposition at a public meeting held with Postal officials in Fayetteville regarding the proposal. The Postal Service has also recommended eliminating six-day delivery and overnight delivery of first class mail in order to cut costs.
“Congress should seize the opportunity presented by the Postal Service’s decision to delay the closure and consolidation of its offices and facilities,” Price said. “We can reform the Postal Service and preserve its independence from taxpayer funding without drastic cuts that will cost thousands of jobs in our communities and lead to significant reductions of service, but we need to act before it’s too late.”
Price is currently a cosponsor of legislation that would provide immediate relief to pension obligations imposed on USPS by a 2006 law. Under current law, the Postal Service is required to pre-pay $5.5 billion a year (until 2016) into a fund for future retiree health care costs. The legislation would also reimburse the Postal Service for overpayments it made into the Federal Employee Retirement System for employees who earned federal government retirement benefits while the service was still a government agency. Under the bill, the reimbursement amount would be determined by an Office of Personnel Management study.
“My colleagues should view this six month reprieve on post office and facility closures as a call to action. We must act with a sense of urgency to pass common-sense legislation pending before both the House and Senate to reform the Postal Service pension prepayment mandate before the Postal Service takes unnecessary draconian action.” Price said. “Congressional leadership should get to work on this right away. Congress imposed this backbreaking mandate on the Postal Service, and Congress should reform it before we talk about massive closures and layoffs.”
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Orange County to host job fair
Orange County will host a Job and Resource Fair benefiting local employers and job seekers on Wednesday, April 13, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The job fair will be held at the Social Services Department, located at 113 Mayo St., and is open to the public.
More than 30 local businesses with a variety of staffing needs are attending the fair. Participating local businesses include Duke University, Duke Medical Center, Durham Technical Community College, Lowes Home Improvement, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Time Warner Cable, UNC Hospital, Weaver Street Market and Sports Endeavors.
The Job and Resource Fair is an excellent opportunity for qualified employees to meet potential employers. All job seekers are welcome. Positions are available for individuals with a variety of skill sets, from entry-level to experienced professionals.
Job seekers are encouraged to bring resumes and dress professionally.
For a full list of participating businesses or to see how businesses can get involved, contact Randy Haynes at (919) 245-2821.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Volunteer for local advisory boards
The Town of Hillsborough needs your help. Consider volunteering for the following committees.
Margaret Lane Cemetery Committee
The Margaret Lane Cemetery Committee works to preserve, restore and beautify the historic Margaret Lane Cemetery, also called Old Slave Cemetery. Members work to learn more about the cemetery’s history and the names and history of the people buried there. The cemetery—located on Margaret Lane and bounded by Hillsborough Avenue and Occoneechee Street—dates back to at least 1885.
Committee members serve three-year terms and meet every two months at 2:30 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month. The committee will consider changing the meeting time based on availability of new members.
For more information, contact Cemetery Administrator Ken Hines at 732-1270, ext. 83.
Planning Board
The Planning Board reviews planning issues in the town’s zoning jurisdiction. A Hillsborough resident is needed to fill an in-town vacancy.
The board meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month to review and make recommendations to the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners on rezonings, subdivisions and ordinance amendments.
For more information, contact Planning Director Margaret Hauth at 732-1270, ext. 86.
Tree Board
The Tree Board regulates planting, maintenance and removal of trees on town-owned public property and rights-of-way within the town. Residents with experience in arboriculture or horticulture especially are encouraged to apply.
Members serve three-year terms, with the board meeting at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.
For more information, contact the town’s Tree Board representative, Ken Hines, at 732-1270, ext. 78.
Water/Sewer Advisory Committee
In-town and out-of-town customers are needed to fill vacancies on the Water/Sewer Advisory Committee. The committee of eight members is responsible for making recommendations to town staff and the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners on issues related to the management of the Water and Sewer Fund. This includes public information and general operational and financial issues.
Typically, the board is made up of four in-town customers and four out-of town customers, serving four-year terms. The committee meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in the Town Barn, located at 101 E. Orange St. on the Town Hall campus.
For more information, contact Utilities Director Kenny Keel at 732-1270, ext. 75.
Orange County Animal Services Advisory Board
Hillsborough needs a representative for this board, which provides input and advice to the staff of the Animal Services Department.
The Animal Services Department has animals available for adoption and partners with area rescue organizations to place animals. The department also manages licensing and offers low-cost rabies clinics, spay/neuter programs and other services. In addition, it provides animal control services to the unincorporated portions of Orange County, Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. Responsibilities include enforcing N.C. general statutes as well as county laws that apply to animals.
The Animal Services Advisory Board meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the community room of the Orange County Animal Services Center, 1601 Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill. Members may serve two three-year terms.
For more information, select the “Animal Services Advisory Board” link on the county's Boards and Commissions page or call county employees Donna Baker at 245-2130 or Jeanette Jones at 245-2125.
Orange County Human Relations Commission
Hillsborough’s two seats on this commission are open. The commission works to prevent and eliminate bias and discrimination through education, persuasion, conciliation and enforcement. It also advises the Orange County Board of Commissioners, receives discrimination complaints and conducts corresponding investigation.
The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the community room of the Orange County Animal Services Center, 1601 Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill. Members may serve two three-year terms.
For more information, select the “Human Relations Commission” link on the county's Boards and Commissions page or contact James Spivey at 245-2488.
Orange County Solid Waste Advisory Board
The town needs a representative for this board, which provides advice on solid waste matters in the county to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
The board recommends programs, policies, changes in services and other matters related to the county’s solid waste system, which includes the landfill, solid waste convenience centers and recycling programs. Members investigate new technologies, suggest amendments to the Solid Waste Management Plan and provide recommendations concerning any proposal for a change to rates, fees and charges. The board also provides advice to the county manager for use in developing the solid waste system’s annual budget.
The advisory board meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Orange County Solid Waste Management Administration Building, 1207 Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill. Members may serve two three-year terms.
For more information, select the “Solid Waste Advisory Board” link on the county's Boards and Commissions page or contact Assistant Town Manager Nicole Ard at 732-1270, ext. 77.
To apply
A volunteer application is available on the town website under Boards and Commissions in the Town Government section. Copies also may be picked up in the town clerk’s office on the Town Hall campus, 101 E. Orange St. Completed applications will stay on file for future vacancies.
If interested in representing Hillsborough on a county advisory board, please apply through Orange County’s Boards and Commissions page.
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