The young entrepreneur certainly has been a theme this edition.
I
spoke to two young men this past week--both of them teenagers just out
of high school who realized college wasn't the right fit for them.
But
they had plans. Devon Landon capitalized on his love of cars to open
his own towing company, shouldering the responsibility of running a
business and working around the clock--something many adults can't
handle. Tucker Beneville followed his childhood passion, applying to
umpire school, graduating at the top of his class and taking a post in
the Gulf Coast Rookie League in Florida.
In today's day in age,
with the heightened emphasis on secondary education, college seems to
have become a necessity. In my family, there was never any question;
that's where I was going. I have to hand it to these young men for not
only recognizing their strengths and weaknesses--and the opportunities
around them--but for taking the initiative to talk to their parents, to
find their calling and to chase it wholeheartedly.
But some kudos
also has to go to the parents of these young men, the parents who
probably panicked a bit when their children told them they didn't want
to go to college. It takes guts and a good deal of faith in an
18-year-old to let go, to let them follow their own path.
It was an absolute joy talking to both Devon and Tucker about their plans. Best of luck to them both as they take on the future!
For more about the boys' stories, see the Wednesday, Aug. 1, edition of the News of Orange.
See what ended up on The News of Orange County's cutting room floor.
Showing posts with label businesses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label businesses. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Conference explores wind energy
What: 2012 Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference
When: Thursday and Friday, March 8 and 9
Where: Charlotte Convention Center at 501 S. College St. in Charlotte
Information: The Southeast has the potential to be the long-term leader in East Coast wind energy supply chain and development. The region's offshore wind resource is second to none. Come to network with decision makers in the region and learn what makes the southeastern U.S. unique. For more information, go to secoastalwind.org.
North Carolina has the largest offshore wind resource on the East Coast. Join stakeholders from across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia as they educate industry leaders and decision makers about the costs, benefits and policy options that will drive wind energy development in our area. The 2012 Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference gives industry leaders, policy makers and developers a chance to plan the future of wind energy in the Southeast.
The conference will highlight the many advantages of the Southeastern United States for wind energy, including:
• The largest offshore wind resource on the East Coast;
• Existing, low-cost supply chain infrastructure;
• Highly skilled, affordable labor; and;
• Strong electricity demand that continues to grow.
Breakout sessions will focus on market and policy issues, regional highlights, and manufacturing and supply chain resources. While the event will cover both land-based and offshore wind energy, the primary focus will be on offshore wind.
Some of the confirmed speakers include:
• Jim Lanard, President, Offshore Wind Development Coalition
• Chris Hart, Offshore Wind Manager, U.S. Department of Energy
• Bruce Bailey, President and CEO, AWS Truepower
• Joel Whitman, CEO, Global Marine Energy
• Dan Renshaw, Director of Development, Gamesa Energy USA
• Fara Courtney, Executive Director, US Offshore Wind Collaborative
• Elizabeth Kress, Principal Engineer, Santee Cooper
• Targeted manufacturers seminars hosted by GLWN and BlueGreen Alliance
• A world-class panel discussion including offshore developers, land-based developers, and the Atlantic Wind Connection.
To learn more about the event and to signup, visit secoastalwind.org. For the complete agenda, click here.
When: Thursday and Friday, March 8 and 9
Where: Charlotte Convention Center at 501 S. College St. in Charlotte
Information: The Southeast has the potential to be the long-term leader in East Coast wind energy supply chain and development. The region's offshore wind resource is second to none. Come to network with decision makers in the region and learn what makes the southeastern U.S. unique. For more information, go to secoastalwind.org.
North Carolina has the largest offshore wind resource on the East Coast. Join stakeholders from across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia as they educate industry leaders and decision makers about the costs, benefits and policy options that will drive wind energy development in our area. The 2012 Southeastern Coastal Wind Conference gives industry leaders, policy makers and developers a chance to plan the future of wind energy in the Southeast.
The conference will highlight the many advantages of the Southeastern United States for wind energy, including:
• The largest offshore wind resource on the East Coast;
• Existing, low-cost supply chain infrastructure;
• Highly skilled, affordable labor; and;
• Strong electricity demand that continues to grow.
Breakout sessions will focus on market and policy issues, regional highlights, and manufacturing and supply chain resources. While the event will cover both land-based and offshore wind energy, the primary focus will be on offshore wind.
Some of the confirmed speakers include:
• Jim Lanard, President, Offshore Wind Development Coalition
• Chris Hart, Offshore Wind Manager, U.S. Department of Energy
• Bruce Bailey, President and CEO, AWS Truepower
• Joel Whitman, CEO, Global Marine Energy
• Dan Renshaw, Director of Development, Gamesa Energy USA
• Fara Courtney, Executive Director, US Offshore Wind Collaborative
• Elizabeth Kress, Principal Engineer, Santee Cooper
• Targeted manufacturers seminars hosted by GLWN and BlueGreen Alliance
• A world-class panel discussion including offshore developers, land-based developers, and the Atlantic Wind Connection.
To learn more about the event and to signup, visit secoastalwind.org. For the complete agenda, click here.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
President Obama’s budget expands, simplifies small business health care tax credits
The Affordable Care Act includes a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to help small businesses afford the cost of covering their workers. For tax year 2011 alone, the existing tax credit will benefit an estimated 360,000 small employers who provide health insurance to 2 million workers.
In his fiscal year 2013 budget, President Barack Obama has called for expanding and simplifying the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. If the President’s proposal is enacted, the tax credit would benefit nearly 0.5 million employers who provide insurance to 4 million workers. Over the next 10 years, the proposal would provide an additional $14 billion in tax credits. For a particular business, these changes could mean a tax cut of tens of thousands of dollars. The President has proposed to:
• Allow small businesses with up to 50 workers to qualify for the credit. Currently the tax credit is only available to employers with fewer than 25 full-time workers. (Part-time workers are counted proportionally based on the hours they work.) The President’s budget doubles this ceiling to 50. It also doubles—from 10 full-time workers to 20—the maximum size for a firm to receive the maximum credit matching rate (which is currently 35 percent and increases to 50 percent in 2014).
• Adopt a more generous phase-out schedule. The tax credit phases out based on both the average wage paid by the employer and the number of workers it employs. The President’s budget makes the phase-out schedule more generous and permits every otherwise eligible firm that falls within the limits for size (50 full-time workers) and average wage ($50,000 per full-time worker) to receive the credit.
• Simplify the credit by streamlining the rules. The President’s budget eliminates two requirements for claiming the credit:
o Uniformity requirement. The budget eliminates the requirement that employers claiming the credit determine that they contribute the same percentage of the cost of each employee’s health insurance. This will make the credit less dependent on the specific practices of the employer and easier to claim. Employers would still be required to contribute at least 50 percent of the premium, ensuring a substantial commitment to their employees’ health coverage.
o Cap based on state average premiums. The budget eliminates the cap that limits eligible employer contributions to the amount an employer would have contributed if it offered the plan with the average premium in the state—another requirement that can be complicated to calculate and which is unnecessary given other incentives to control premiums.
Together, eliminating these requirements will significantly simplify the process of claiming the credit.
Examples of how the budget proposal affects various businesses
Example 1: Budget makes small business with 30 full-time employees eligible
Business Profile:
• Full-time employees: 30
• Wages: Average $25,000 per employee
• Employer premium contribution per employee: $5,000
Tax credit in 2012:
• Under current law: Not eligible
• Under budget proposal: $35,000
Tax credit in 2014:
• Under current law: Not eligible
• Under budget proposal: $50,000
Example 2: Budget more than doubles credit for small business with 15 full-time employees
Business profile:
• Full-time employees: 15
• Wages: Average $35,000 per employee
• Employer premium contribution per employee: $6,000
Tax credit in 2012:
• Under current law: Up to $8,400
• Under budget proposal: $18,900
Tax credit in 2014:
• Under current law: Up to $12,000
• Under budget proposal: $27,000
In his fiscal year 2013 budget, President Barack Obama has called for expanding and simplifying the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. If the President’s proposal is enacted, the tax credit would benefit nearly 0.5 million employers who provide insurance to 4 million workers. Over the next 10 years, the proposal would provide an additional $14 billion in tax credits. For a particular business, these changes could mean a tax cut of tens of thousands of dollars. The President has proposed to:
• Allow small businesses with up to 50 workers to qualify for the credit. Currently the tax credit is only available to employers with fewer than 25 full-time workers. (Part-time workers are counted proportionally based on the hours they work.) The President’s budget doubles this ceiling to 50. It also doubles—from 10 full-time workers to 20—the maximum size for a firm to receive the maximum credit matching rate (which is currently 35 percent and increases to 50 percent in 2014).
• Adopt a more generous phase-out schedule. The tax credit phases out based on both the average wage paid by the employer and the number of workers it employs. The President’s budget makes the phase-out schedule more generous and permits every otherwise eligible firm that falls within the limits for size (50 full-time workers) and average wage ($50,000 per full-time worker) to receive the credit.
• Simplify the credit by streamlining the rules. The President’s budget eliminates two requirements for claiming the credit:
o Uniformity requirement. The budget eliminates the requirement that employers claiming the credit determine that they contribute the same percentage of the cost of each employee’s health insurance. This will make the credit less dependent on the specific practices of the employer and easier to claim. Employers would still be required to contribute at least 50 percent of the premium, ensuring a substantial commitment to their employees’ health coverage.
o Cap based on state average premiums. The budget eliminates the cap that limits eligible employer contributions to the amount an employer would have contributed if it offered the plan with the average premium in the state—another requirement that can be complicated to calculate and which is unnecessary given other incentives to control premiums.
Together, eliminating these requirements will significantly simplify the process of claiming the credit.
Examples of how the budget proposal affects various businesses
Example 1: Budget makes small business with 30 full-time employees eligible
Business Profile:
• Full-time employees: 30
• Wages: Average $25,000 per employee
• Employer premium contribution per employee: $5,000
Tax credit in 2012:
• Under current law: Not eligible
• Under budget proposal: $35,000
Tax credit in 2014:
• Under current law: Not eligible
• Under budget proposal: $50,000
Example 2: Budget more than doubles credit for small business with 15 full-time employees
Business profile:
• Full-time employees: 15
• Wages: Average $35,000 per employee
• Employer premium contribution per employee: $6,000
Tax credit in 2012:
• Under current law: Up to $8,400
• Under budget proposal: $18,900
Tax credit in 2014:
• Under current law: Up to $12,000
• Under budget proposal: $27,000
Friday, February 17, 2012
Charlotte in 2012 calls for barbeque sauce to represent the Carolinas
This week, Charlotte in 2012 released a Request for Proposal seeking to work with a barbeque sauce vendor as part of the merchandising effort for the convention. The RFP calls for three different types of BBQ sauces—mustard, vinegar and tomato—to represent and showcase the different styles from around the Carolinas. The sauces will be sold together in Charlotte in 2012’s online merchandise store to people from across America.
“I love the food from this region—I even smoke my own pork—so I understand very well the importance of selecting three barbeque sauces that truly represent the flavor of the Carolinas,” said Dan Murrey, Executive Director of Charlotte in 2012. “We expect bids from eastern Carolina, western Carolina and South Carolina. ... Needless to say it will be a challenge to select the best sauces, but I think I speak for my entire team when I say that we are looking forward to the taste test.”
This is part of a grassroots fundraising effort, and proceeds go toward funding the convention. Charlotte in 2012 is the first Host Committee in convention history to raise convention funds without accepting monetary corporate contributions; monetary contributions now come from individuals, foundations and charitable organizations.
Those interested in submitting a proposal to sell barbeque sauce must register their business in the vendor directory at www.charlottein2012.com and must be open to working with Charlotte in 2012 on any creative designs having to do with the bottle and labels. Sauces must be made in America, and preference will be given to those made in the Carolinas. Final proposals are due by Monday, Feb. 27.
“I love the food from this region—I even smoke my own pork—so I understand very well the importance of selecting three barbeque sauces that truly represent the flavor of the Carolinas,” said Dan Murrey, Executive Director of Charlotte in 2012. “We expect bids from eastern Carolina, western Carolina and South Carolina. ... Needless to say it will be a challenge to select the best sauces, but I think I speak for my entire team when I say that we are looking forward to the taste test.”
This is part of a grassroots fundraising effort, and proceeds go toward funding the convention. Charlotte in 2012 is the first Host Committee in convention history to raise convention funds without accepting monetary corporate contributions; monetary contributions now come from individuals, foundations and charitable organizations.
Those interested in submitting a proposal to sell barbeque sauce must register their business in the vendor directory at www.charlottein2012.com and must be open to working with Charlotte in 2012 on any creative designs having to do with the bottle and labels. Sauces must be made in America, and preference will be given to those made in the Carolinas. Final proposals are due by Monday, Feb. 27.
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.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Orange County Agricultural Summit is Feb. 13
Agriculture makes a major contribution to the well-being of Orange County residents, both those living within and outside the county. In addition to direct contributions to the local economy in the form of product sale receipts and expenditures on farm services and inputs—along with employment on farms and farm support businesses—farmers also make significant contributions as stewards of the remaining amounts of undeveloped land (often called open space) in the county. Their stewardship protects the county's soil and water resources, recharges groundwater and abates storm water runoff, connects wildlife habitat, and safeguards the scenic and historic vistas that have defined Orange County's character.
"It is in the county's best interest to safeguard, promote and maintain the local agricultural industry and protect farmland," said Board of Orange County Commissioners chair, Bernadette Pelissier. "Enabling farmers who want to continue to farm is a cost-effective way of maintaining the quality of life of everyone in Orange County."
To better understand key issues affecting the local agricultural industry, Orange County sponsors an annual Agricultural Summit to address geography, economic trends and regulations governing farming.
"It is critical for all of us in Orange County to understand the values and concerns of the farmers themselves, and this annual Summit helps all of us accomplish this," Pelissier said.
The Annual Orange County Agricultural Summit will be held Monday, Feb. 13, at the Big Barn Convention Center in the Daniel Boone Village, 388 Ja-Max Drive off S. Churton Street. The day-long event is from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including afternoon tours. Residents throughout the region are encouraged to attend.
Speakers include N.C. 4th District U.S. Rep. David Price discussing the Farm Bill and other agricultural issues, local farmers and experts in farm diversification, soil, water as well as apicultural experts. Also on hand will be Orange County planning and economic development staff who will address new rules for farm enterprises in Orange County.
Additionally, Jack Tapp of Busy Bee Apiaries will speak about his fruit-flavored creamed honey business, Vintage Bee Honey, and how it got to where it is today.
Afternoon tours include the new Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center in Hillsborough and Walters Unlimited at Carls-Beth Farm in Efland.
The summit fee is $10, which includes a catered lunch by Bob Compton. On-site registration at the Big Barn will take place from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Pelissier will welcome the group at 8:30 a.m., with the first session beginning at 8:40 a.m.
To register for the summit, contact the Orange County Cooperative Extension office at (919) 245-2050. For additional information, including the agenda and driving directions, visit http://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/ or http://www.orangecountyfarms.org/ .
"It is in the county's best interest to safeguard, promote and maintain the local agricultural industry and protect farmland," said Board of Orange County Commissioners chair, Bernadette Pelissier. "Enabling farmers who want to continue to farm is a cost-effective way of maintaining the quality of life of everyone in Orange County."
To better understand key issues affecting the local agricultural industry, Orange County sponsors an annual Agricultural Summit to address geography, economic trends and regulations governing farming.
"It is critical for all of us in Orange County to understand the values and concerns of the farmers themselves, and this annual Summit helps all of us accomplish this," Pelissier said.
The Annual Orange County Agricultural Summit will be held Monday, Feb. 13, at the Big Barn Convention Center in the Daniel Boone Village, 388 Ja-Max Drive off S. Churton Street. The day-long event is from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including afternoon tours. Residents throughout the region are encouraged to attend.
Speakers include N.C. 4th District U.S. Rep. David Price discussing the Farm Bill and other agricultural issues, local farmers and experts in farm diversification, soil, water as well as apicultural experts. Also on hand will be Orange County planning and economic development staff who will address new rules for farm enterprises in Orange County.
Additionally, Jack Tapp of Busy Bee Apiaries will speak about his fruit-flavored creamed honey business, Vintage Bee Honey, and how it got to where it is today.
Afternoon tours include the new Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center in Hillsborough and Walters Unlimited at Carls-Beth Farm in Efland.
The summit fee is $10, which includes a catered lunch by Bob Compton. On-site registration at the Big Barn will take place from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Pelissier will welcome the group at 8:30 a.m., with the first session beginning at 8:40 a.m.
To register for the summit, contact the Orange County Cooperative Extension office at (919) 245-2050. For additional information, including the agenda and driving directions, visit http://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/ or http://www.orangecountyfarms.org/ .
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
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.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Festifall 2012 calls for non-profit and commerical exhibitors
Applications for local non-profit and commercial businesses at Chapel Hill’s 40th annual Festifall 2012 are now being accepted by the Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department. Festifall will take place Sunday, Oct. 7, from noon to 6 p.m. on the tree-lined street of West Franklin. Applications are due by June 1st; space is limited.
More than 15,000 local and visiting attendees are entertained throughout the day with live music and the best that the local art scene has to offer accompanied by participatory interactive art and dance activities. Festifall was voted Best Festival by Chapel Hill Magazine readers 2011/12 In 2011 and attracts 15,000+ people from all over Central North Carolina; no other event in Chapel Hill or Orange County attracts as many people in one afternoon.
Partnerships in publicity include the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership and the Chapel Hill Visitor’s Bureau. Festifall is also promoted through 30,000 printed event guides, in regional print, radio and television advertisements as well as the most current, wide-reaching social media outlets.
To support the Town’s sustainability efforts, we are encouraging all interested artists to apply using the paperless application. A hard copy, PDF version, can be downloaded at this site as well.
More information, including the full official event guide, parking, and pictures from Festifall 2011, can be found online. Questions about registration for Festifall 2012 can be directed to Carter Hubbard at chubbard@townofchapelhill.org.
More than 15,000 local and visiting attendees are entertained throughout the day with live music and the best that the local art scene has to offer accompanied by participatory interactive art and dance activities. Festifall was voted Best Festival by Chapel Hill Magazine readers 2011/12 In 2011 and attracts 15,000+ people from all over Central North Carolina; no other event in Chapel Hill or Orange County attracts as many people in one afternoon.
Partnerships in publicity include the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership and the Chapel Hill Visitor’s Bureau. Festifall is also promoted through 30,000 printed event guides, in regional print, radio and television advertisements as well as the most current, wide-reaching social media outlets.
To support the Town’s sustainability efforts, we are encouraging all interested artists to apply using the paperless application. A hard copy, PDF version, can be downloaded at this site as well.
More information, including the full official event guide, parking, and pictures from Festifall 2011, can be found online. Questions about registration for Festifall 2012 can be directed to Carter Hubbard at chubbard@townofchapelhill.org.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Campus Y to open Social Innovation Incubator in January
Budding social entrepreneurs soon will have space to nurture their initiatives in the heart of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. The Social Innovation Incubator will open in January in the third floor of the historic YMCA building, home of the Campus Y. The incubator will provide physical space and equipment to its resident teams as well as important resources such as legal, tax, communications and other expert advice.
Applications for residency in the incubator, which can be found on the Campus Y's website, are being accepted now through Jan. 6 at 5 p.m.
To be eligible, teams must:
• Pitch an idea that is an innovative solution to persistent social problems that creates social value through sustainable, systemic change and
• Be UNC students who have thought through short- and long-term challenges, including required resources and sustainability measures.
The top three teams selected for residency in the incubator for the spring semester will be announced Jan. 21 at TEDxUNC: Global Initiative. This conference based on the concept of creation through connection—generating new thought on global issues by connecting existing resources—will be held at the FedEx Global Education Center.
The Social Innovation Incubator supports the Innovate@Carolina Roadmap, UNC's plan to help Carolina become a world leader in launching University-born ideas for the good of society. The incubator is made possible through strategic campus partnerships with the Minor in Entrepreneurship, the Center for Global Initiatives, the Community Development Law Clinic at UNC School of Law, and BASE (Business Accelerator for Sustainable Entrepreneurship), a program of the Center for Sustainable Enterprise at Kenan-Flagler Business School. To learn more about the Innovate@Carolina Roadmap, visit http://innovate.unc.edu/.
Applications for residency in the incubator, which can be found on the Campus Y's website, are being accepted now through Jan. 6 at 5 p.m.
To be eligible, teams must:
• Pitch an idea that is an innovative solution to persistent social problems that creates social value through sustainable, systemic change and
• Be UNC students who have thought through short- and long-term challenges, including required resources and sustainability measures.
The top three teams selected for residency in the incubator for the spring semester will be announced Jan. 21 at TEDxUNC: Global Initiative. This conference based on the concept of creation through connection—generating new thought on global issues by connecting existing resources—will be held at the FedEx Global Education Center.
The Social Innovation Incubator supports the Innovate@Carolina Roadmap, UNC's plan to help Carolina become a world leader in launching University-born ideas for the good of society. The incubator is made possible through strategic campus partnerships with the Minor in Entrepreneurship, the Center for Global Initiatives, the Community Development Law Clinic at UNC School of Law, and BASE (Business Accelerator for Sustainable Entrepreneurship), a program of the Center for Sustainable Enterprise at Kenan-Flagler Business School. To learn more about the Innovate@Carolina Roadmap, visit http://innovate.unc.edu/.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Chapel Hill dog trainer opens new kennel
A new boarding kennel and dog training center has opened on New Hope Church Road about a half-mile from Interstate 40. The newly constructed facility is called Chapel Hill Boarding Kennel. The owner, Gene Lonsway, is also the owner and handler of Durham Bulls mascot, Lucky Junior. The new facility seeks to provide upscale lodging for dogs while offering a wide range of obedience training and problem solving services.
The 20-run kennel holds fewer dogs than most, but that's the way Lonsway wanted it. The more intimate design provides the guests with a higher level of care and attention.
"We've designed our kennel to provide the personal care that I would want for my own dogs," Lonsway says. The basic boarding package includes indoor and outdoor play time, food and bathroom breaks. Group activities are also included.
After 25 years as a professional dog trainer, Lonsway doesn't intend to stop any time soon. Even for short stays, training packages are available to improve dogs' behavior. Training classes and extended board and train options are still offered. Group lessons and puppy classes are also available.
The new building includes a 1,000-square-foot indoor activity room for obedience classes, training and play time, rain or shine. Doggie daycare will also be provided in the space.
Chapel Hill Boarding Kennel is accepting reservations as of June 29. The formal grand opening will be between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 16. Dogs are definitely welcome for this event.
The Durham Bulls canine mascot, Lucky Junior, will be on site daily to greet visitors.
Chapel Hill Boarding Kennel is a 3,000-square-foot dog boarding and training center located at 719 New Hope Church Rd. in Chapel Hill. The 5-acre campus is located on New Hope Creek. It was formerly known as Canine College of Chapel Hill. Services include overnight dog boarding, in-board dog training, dog training classes and doggie daycare. Tours are available by appointment. For more information, pictures and videos visit the website
Gene Lonsway is a graduate of the National K-9 Learning Center in Columbus, Ohio. Since 1986, he has lived in Chapel Hill and offered dog training services out of his home. In 2002, Lonsway's yellow labrador retriever, Lucky The Wonderdog, was chosen as the canine mascot for the Durham Bulls baseball club. Lonsway and the current mascot, Lucky Junior, still perform at weekend home games. He has authored a childrens book called Lucky Oh Lucky: The Puppy Who Loved to Run. Lonsway also holds two U.S. patents for dog toys he has invented.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Around town: The Depot
Check out this new hot spot on Nash Street! Originally opened as an event space, the general store revitalized in April and boasts a variety of items from baked goods to candy to coffee to the wares of local artists. The store also hosts live entertainment, from local bands to open mic nights. For a full event list, see The Depot's website. For more information, see the Wednesday, June 15, edition of the News of Orange.
This feature is part of an occasional ongoing series profiling local businesses downtown and on Nash Street. For more information or to participate, contact Vanessa at v [dot] shortley [at] newsoforange [dot] com.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Around town—Hillsborough BBQ Company
Hillsborough BBQ Company, located at 236 S. Nash St., opened its doors this spring and prides itself on traditional, wood-smoked barbecue. The restaurant offers a variety of pork, from barbecue to brisket to ribs, as well as a variety of sides. A few of the sides are vegetarian, for the non-meat-eating customers.
The BBQ joint also features a bar, complete with a variety of beer on tap and fixed with a few flat-screen TVs. For more information, visit the restaurant's website or see the May 25 edition of the News of Orange.
This feature is part of an occasional ongoing series profiling local businesses downtown and on Nash Street. For more information or to participate, contact Vanessa at v [dot] shortley [at] newsoforange [dot] com.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
They like it cute, they like it pink
Ooh La La Pet Spa opened a new location in Hillsborough at 141 N. Scotswood Blvd. Priding itself on quality care and creating a positive experience for the pets, Ooh La La offers not just the basic grooming, bath and nail trim but also nail polish—including glow-in-the-dark—and hair dye. Ooh La La operates by appointment, though walk-ins are welcome before 1:30 p.m. if space allows. Senior and regular customer discounts are available. For more information, see hte March 30 edition of the News of Orange.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Hagan votes to support small business
U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan, a member of the Senate Small Business Committee, voted for a long-term extension of two successful programs that give small businesses opportunities to participate in federal research and development. In a key procedural vote, the Senate voted 84-12 to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, both under the Small Business Administration, for the next eight years. The programs are set to expire on May 31.
In 2009, North Carolina companies won a total of 94 SBIR/STTR awards totaling $55 million, a 43 percent increase over 2007.
“By extending these successful programs for an eight-year period, our North Carolina small business entrepreneurs will have the certainty they need to continue to produce innovative research, expand their companies and add jobs,” Hagan said. “Small businesses remain the key to our economic recovery in North Carolina, and I have long been an advocate for these programs that allow our smaller companies to participate in high-level research and the development of next generation technologies. Given today’s overwhelming bipartisan support for these programs, I look forward to quickly passing this bill in the Senate and getting it to the President’ desk as soon as possible.”
The SBIR program designates resources to increase the participation of small, innovative companies in federally funded research and development. Similarly, the STTR program provides federal funding for small firms to work jointly with non-profit research institutions, such as research and development centers, universities, university-affiliated hospitals, and other non-profits.
In 2009, North Carolina companies won a total of 94 SBIR/STTR awards totaling $55 million, a 43 percent increase over 2007.
“By extending these successful programs for an eight-year period, our North Carolina small business entrepreneurs will have the certainty they need to continue to produce innovative research, expand their companies and add jobs,” Hagan said. “Small businesses remain the key to our economic recovery in North Carolina, and I have long been an advocate for these programs that allow our smaller companies to participate in high-level research and the development of next generation technologies. Given today’s overwhelming bipartisan support for these programs, I look forward to quickly passing this bill in the Senate and getting it to the President’ desk as soon as possible.”
The SBIR program designates resources to increase the participation of small, innovative companies in federally funded research and development. Similarly, the STTR program provides federal funding for small firms to work jointly with non-profit research institutions, such as research and development centers, universities, university-affiliated hospitals, and other non-profits.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
blue bayou
Apparently, the Blue Bayou is in a bit of a financial jam and will have to close unless they can raise $4,000. Here's the note we got, unfortunately too late to put in the paper:
Hello! Well the time has come for the Blue Bayou to say Goodbye unless we can come up with $4000. in donations to stay open. We have some great acts this week trying to help us out:I hope the community can come together to save the Bayou. It's definitely an institution in town!
Wednesday Apr. 28th Crossover Blues Band w/ Will McFarlane 9 pm $5 Donation to save the Bayou!
Thursday Apr. 29th Whiskey Trail Outlaws (Rockabilly) 9 pm Free show!
Friday Apr. 30th ***Delta Moon*** 9:30 pm (Adv $12/14 Dos $14/16)
Sat. May 1st Jo Gore & the Alternative Video Release Party! 9:00 pm ($6/8)
If you want to know where the blue bayou stands in the donation pool please visit our website at bluebayouclub.com
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