LEDA INVESTORS September 2008 – August 2009
LEDA Private Investors ACCOUNTANTS Miller, Sherrill, Blake, Eagle, CPA’s ~ Cindy Sherrill
Private member funding provides Lincoln Economic Development Association with the ability to attract new industries and help the existing industries with expansion possibilities. Results of these are new or better jobs for the people of the area and a larger
ADVERTISING A-2-Z Promotional Products ~ Jack Funk Burke Communications ~ Jack Burke Katie Wood Inc ~ Aaron Wood Lincoln Printing Services ~ Hilmi Ari SLD Unlimited Marketing/PR Inc ~ Sherre’ DeMao
ARCHITECTS Boyle Consulting Engineers ~ Chuck Boyle CES Group Inc ~ Judy & Chuck Heleine
or better tax base for their governments,
ATTORNEYS
all of which lead to the noted purpose of
Kennedy & Wulfhorst PA ~ Todd Wulfhorst Pendleton Pendleton & Deaton ~ Clay Pendleton
economic development, which is to improve Lincoln County’s
“Quality of Life”.
AUTOMOTIVE Abernethy Chevrolet ~ Mitch Abernethy
BANKING BB&T ~ Chuck Long Carolina Trust Bank ~ Mike Cline Fifth Third Bank ~ Rich Levy Fifth Third Bank ~ Rebecca Smythwood First Citizens Bank ~ Debbie Sipe First Federal Savings Bank ~ C D Stroup III First National Bank ~ Joe Crews Peoples Bank ~ Danny Richard
LEDA Public Investors
LC Coalition Against Child Abuse ~ Cathy Davis Lincoln County Family YMCA ~ Ron Johnston United Way Lincoln County ~ Laura Slack
Special
Thanks City of Lincolnton
CIVIC/COMMUNITY
for Support:
& Lincoln County
COMMERCIAL Family Coin Laundry ~ Lloyd Trotter Funderburk Batteries ~ Buddy Funderburk GDS Inc ~ Jerry Hodge GDS Inc ~ Barry Burleson Guardian Security of NC ~ Gerald Park Integrity Computer Solutions ~ Danny Elmore King’s Office Supply ~ Bo King Piedmont Vending Company ~ Zed Bradley TRT Trailers ~ Terry Whitener Wal-Mart ~ Steve Land Warlick Funeral Home ~ L D (Bud) Warlick Jr
CONSTRUCTION Carolina Metal Buildings ~ Dwight Smith Central Carolina Sprinkler Co Inc ~ Roger Williams Denver Construction ~ Kenneth Tucker Geymont Construction - Jerry Geymont Hope Springs Builders ~ Walter Clark Howard Construction ~ Tom Howard Lincoln County Home Builders Association Inc PWA Builders ~ Jim Austin 2
Lincoln Economic Development Association
The following investors were inadvertently omitted from LEDA Private Investors listed on page 3 of the annual report.
DEVELOPERS/ENGINEERS Anderson Properties ~ John Anderson Choate Construction Co ~ Matt Redd Crescent Resources Inc ~ Jim Short Denver Industrial Park ~ Lee Killian Hecht Development ~ Robert Hecht Piedmont Companies ~ Willie Heafner The Keith Corporation ~ Alan Lewis
EDUCATION Lincoln Campus - Gaston College ~ Rosalind Welder Lincoln County Schools ~ Dr David Martin
HOSPITALITY Days Inn ~ Brad Desai Home Place Restaurant & Catering ~ David Heafner Mitchem’s Kitchen ~ Carrol Mitchem
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July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPORT
INSURANCE James M Moore & Associates ~ Jim Moore Lincoln Mutual Insurance ~ W E Coates Jr Nationwide Insurance ~ Jackie Sipe Watson Insurance Agency ~ Neal Rhyne INVESTMENT/FINANCIAL SERVICES Edward Jones ~ Buddy Collins James M Moore & Associates ~ Bo Moore Rhyne Financial ~ Jody Rhyne MEDICAL CMC - Lincoln ~ Pete Acker Austin Orthodontics ~ Dr Steven Austin Advanced Family Eye Care ~ Dr Amanda Barker John L Cloninger DDS PA ~ Dr Les Cloninger Robert T Cloninger DDS ~ Dr Robert Cloninger Drs Darab & Richardson ~ Dr David J Darab R Keith Dedmond DDS PA ~ Dr Keith Dedmond Pulmonary Clinic of the Carolinas ~ E Michael Eziri MD Hamilton Orthodontics ~ Dr Todd Hamilton Animal Hospital of Cornelius ~ Dr Wayne Jones DVM John L Lassiter DDS PA ~ Dr John Lassiter Lincolnton Animal Hospital ~ Dr Karen Miller DVM Carolina Eye Care ~ Dr Scott Nishek Richard R Pence DDS MAGD ~ Dr Richard Pence REAL ESTATE Abernethy Realty ~ David Abernethy Allen Tate Realtors ~ Joe & Beth Yarbrough Apple Realty ~ Marsha Jordan BCB Investments ~ David Dupree Clark Properties Inc ~ David Clark Jr Lackey Whitley & Milholland ~ Brad Whitley Lackey Whitley & Milholland ~ Michael Milholland Lincoln Bonded Warehouse ~ John Lineberger Lincoln Co Board of Realtors ~ Kathy Hendricks Prudential Carolinas Realty ~ Doug Core Sullivan Property Owner ~ Chad Gore
STAFFING Barrett Business Service ~ Susan Eurey Express Employment Professionals ~ Kevin Roberge Lincoln Staffing ~ Stephen Starnes Staffmasters USA ~ Courtney Dean
TRUCKING Catawba Transport Group ~ Danny Abernathy Houser Transport Inc ~ Sam Houser
UTILITY AT&T ~ Todd Lanham Duke Energy Carolinas ~ Tammy Trexler-Whaley EnergyUnited ~ Tim Holder Nisbit Oil ~ Rhodes & Beal Oil Co ~ Jimmy White Piedmont Natural Gas ~ Michael Durham Rutherford EMC ~ Randy Ward Times Oil ~ Mark Boyd
INDUSTRIES Actavis Corp ~ Greg Sherwood Active Manufacturing ~ Peter Dow Allied Separation Tech Inc ~ Lorie Williams American Tire Distributors ~ Ray Eurey Anatech Ltd ~ George Barr Blum Inc ~ Michael Geis Calico Coatings ~ Tracy Trotter Carolina Roller & Supply ~ Mack Harvey Cataler North America ~ Al Alvarez Crate&Barrell ~ John Ling Dellinger Precast Inc ~ Gary Dellinger Duke Energy ~ Paul Beatty GE Security ~ Phil Wekenmann Herbert Performance Parts ~ Doug Herbert Hof Textiles ~ Lothar Hackler JMC Brumos Racing ~ Michael & Jackie Colucci Kirk & Matz ~ Victor Matz Larry Grant & Company ~ Larry Grant Leonard Automatics Inc ~ Jeff Frushtick M Conley Company ~ Robert Stewart III M Conley Company ~ Doug Edwards Modacam Inc ~ Bud Tschudin Mohican Mills Inc ~ Jerry Deese Packaging Unlimited ~ Scott Williamson R W Garcia ~ Greg Huffstetler Robert Bosch Tool Corp ~ David Lee Robert Bosch Tool Corp ~ Jeanette Hovis RSI Home Products Mfg ~ Robert Hunter Sabo USA ~ Marcos Sant’ Anna Steele Rubber Products Inc ~ John Dancoff The Timken Company ~ Paul Hubacher United Plate Glass ~ Angelena Ellis Universal Rubber Products ~ Robert Davis VT LeeBoy Inc ~ Dennis Emo Wireway/Husky Corp ~ Ron Young INDIVIDUAL/RETIRED OR NO COMPANY AFFILIATE Jim Beam Peter Browne Jerry Cochrane Martin Eaddy Neil Finger Jim Foreman Darrell Gettys
Harold Howard Jr Fred Houser Sharon Patton Brad Rivers Betty Setzer Robert Tull Dr Jim Watson
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July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPOR T
LEDA ANNOUNCEMENTS July 24, 2008
German Company Picks Eastern Lincoln County A German heavy-equipment company invested $5.1 million to build a parts distribution and technical support center in eastern Lincoln County that projects about 25 jobs to the area. Sennebogen North America built the 48,000 square foot structure on 30 acres off Old Plank Road; where the company will also use the building to train operators for its equipment. Bringing the German Facility to the county "strengthens our growing list of international companies," says Pete Acker, Chairman of the LEDA Board. The 50 year old family owned company from Straubing, Germany has been building an international reputation for innovation and dependability in the world’s most specialized bulk material-handling equipment. Sennebogen offers a complete line of purpose-built machines to meet the specific needs of their customers handling scrap, logs, coal and other bulk materials.
"The company picked Lincoln County for its great connection to highways, the airport and infrastructure available in the region." – Constantino Lannes, President Sennebogan North America
February 2009
JMC Brumos Racing In February of this year the JMC Brumos team moved into their newly built 16,000 square foot facility located in the Balsom Ridge Industrial Park. In the same week of moving into their new facility, the JMC Brumos team celebrated their win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, taking first and third place. The professional road racing team has a partnership with Porsche who supplies the engines; the cars are built by Riley Tech in Mooresville and serviced, maintained and crewed by JMC Brumos Racing. Mike Colucci is Technical Director and owner of JMC Racing; the Brumos Team employs eighteen people; of whom four moved with the team from Florida, six were hired right out of NASCAR Technical School and eight were locally hired. Recently acquired, Grand Am Road Racing is now a division of NASCAR and races in the US as well as Canada and Mexico. Being a former stock car and professional road racer himself; Mike Colucci is certainly no stranger to the sport; bringing home at least ten wins as a driver and 78 wins throughout his motor sports career.
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"Moving to Denver, NC was a good move for me; I like the small town atmosphere and the sense of community that is here. I must give Max and Jan Crawford with Crawford Race Cars the credit for us moving to NC and I can't thank them enough for allowing us to use a portion of their facility to house our business until we could get settled into a building of our own. I also appreciate all the support the Lincoln Economic Development Association gave us in providing the necessary information and help we needed throughout this project. I would highly recommend any race team to locate in Lincoln County." – Mike Colucci, JMC Brumos Racing Lincoln Economic Development Association
October 8, 2008
Magna-Tech Manufacturing Magna-Tech Manufacturing leased The Keith Corporation’s 38,500 square foot shell building in the Lincoln County Industrial Park. MagnaTech created a new production facility to heat treat and seal automotive castings. The initial capital investment of building, land and equipment was $2.5 million and the company has initial plans for 20-25 new jobs in Lincoln County. Magna-Tech Manufacturing is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana and was established in 1987 as a provider of vacuum impregnation of castings. Magna-Tech operates in multiple locations, including Sheboygan, WI; Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico; Glassport, PA; Greenville, SC; Sylacauga, AL; and Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada. The company operates multiple processing lines while utilizing an array of vacuum impregnation processes and a variety of impregnation sealants.
“Magna-Tech has been very pleased with the assistance of the Lincoln Economic Development Association and the efforts that have made this new Magna-Tech facility a reality. We look forward to becoming a part of the community and we are confident that locating in Lincolnton will create new opportunities for all of us.” – Dan Irvin, President of Magna-Tech Manufacturing
May 9, 2009
Chinese Company Opening Manufacturing Facility in Lincolnton Todaytec, the leading manufacturer of thermal transfer bar code ribbons (TTR) in China, has selected the Denver/East Lincoln area of Lincoln County as the site to open a manufacturing and distribution facility to service the North American market. Todaytec has leased 6,000 square feet and will be located in the Denver Business Park. The company produces fax ribbons, hot stamp foils and barcode ribbons and has experienced a 3 fold increase in its bar code ribbon business in 2008, especially for export. Known for their high quality ribbons and customer service, this new southeastern location will give Todaytec the strategic capability to respond to market demands in an even more timely and cost efficient manner.
“We believe that Lincoln County provides Todaytec with numerous business advantages and high quality of life. On behalf of all my colleagues in Denver, NC and Hangzhou, China we are very excited to make Lincoln County our new home in North America.” – Mr. Jack Liu from the company’s Hangzhou, China Headquarters July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPOR T
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LEDA EXPANSIONS May 18, 2009
GE Security Plans to Expand Their Production Equipment The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved the incentive request made by the Lincoln Economic Development Association on behalf of GE Security for an equipment expansion over the next two years. GE Security celebrated the opening of their 106,000 square foot facility leased from The Keith Corporation located at the Lincoln County Industrial Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February 2008. Just over a year now from that celebration, the security company is expanding its operations. Plans for a $1.4 million dollar equipment investment promises to bring at least thirteen new jobs to Lincoln County.
"We are delighted our Lincoln County was chosen for this transition of work; the move to Lincoln County will further drive our operating efficiencies and better serve our customers. I would like to thank the Lincoln Economic Development Association and Lincoln County who have been very supportive of GE Security; this continued support makes Lincoln County a viable place to expand our business," – Phil Wekenmann, Plant Manager, GE Security
October 30, 2008
Hof Textiles Invests Over $3 Million in Production Capacity and Technology Hof Textiles Inc. in Lincolnton is the leading supplier of nonwovens for automotive engine compartment components. Nonwovens from Lincolnton are used in nearly all automotive brands produced in the US. Engine compartment components utilizing HOF’s Nonwovens provide effective noise reduction for a wide frequency range, superior appearance and excellent performance increasing the driving comfort for cars of all brands. Innovation and growth is supported by investments totaling over $3 million in additional production capacity and new technology. These investments will increase the value of HOF’s Nonwovens produced in Lincolnton for customers and the North American automotive industry. The new equipment is due to be up and running by April 2009, bringing initially with it six new jobs. As production increases so will the need for more jobs. The investment will create highly skilled operator & maintenance jobs.
"The investment will continue to support our double digit sales growth and create additional attractive jobs for highly skilled operators and maintenance personnel." – Lothar Hackler, President and CEO of Hof Textiles
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Lincoln Economic Development Association
LEDA GRANTS October 15, 2008
Duke Power Carolinas Investment Fund Duke Power Carolinas Investment Fund granted Lincoln Economic Development Association a grant in the amount of $30,000.00 for the purpose of funding the economic development of the Powell Property infrastructure in the Lincoln County Industrial Park. The road improvements have been a tremendous asset to the continued viability of the industrial park as LEDA moves forward in securing new companies for the additional industrial acreage acquired on Powell Drive.
February 2, 2009
Fifth Third Foundation 5/3 Donates to LEDA Continuing Ed Lincoln Economic Development Association was financially assisted by the Fifth Third Foundation. The grant establishes a Fifth Third Professional Scholar Program at LEDA that is designed to help employees gain cutting edge knowledge that will help improve the community. Fifth Third Foundation presented LEDA with a check for $5,000 to support LEDA's professional development and training program. Funds were utilized for educational and professional development by LEDA staff.
“Many thanks to Fifth Third for their generous contribution to LEDA's continuing education program but also the bank's donation of the site upon which the new economic development offices are located at 502 East Main Street. Fifth Third bank continues to be a major corporate advocate of economic development and growth in Lincoln County and has been an important part of the success the Lincoln Economic Development Association has enjoyed. Because of support like this, LEDA has been instrumental in bringing new business to the area and supporting existing industry and insuring success to all involved.” – LEDA Chairman Pete Acker, President and CEO of Carolinas Medical Center
LEDA JUST IN August 24, 2009
Ostec Industries looks to grow in Lincoln County Ostec Industries announced on August 24, 2009 that it would begin its operation occupying a 12,000 square foot facility located in the Denver Industrial Park. The company plans to invest approximately $2,000,000 in the facility and equipment, initially bringing in 5 jobs. With over 100 years of experience Ostec Industries is a three-generation-old family owned business which originated in Hanover, Massachusetts. The company is a CNC Swiss type lathe screw machine shop which caters to the specialized requirements of the Military, Electronics, Aerospace, Medical and Dental industries. Ostec has a track record of being one of the preferred vendors of the high quality conscious military, commercial and automotive industries.
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“Lincoln County had everything we were looking for. We were able to find the building that best suited our operation and with the support from the Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA) and Gaston College this experience has been an easy transition.” – Ostec President Richard Coste Lincoln Economic Development Association
LEDA JUST IN July 23, 2009
LEDA Lands Expanded Metal Company Spantek, based in Hopkins, MN will be moving their Greensboro, NC manufacturing facility to Lincoln County. The expanded metal company will occupy the former RSI Home Products, Semi-Custom 60,000 square foot facility on Generals Boulevard. Founded in 1963, Spantek is an ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturer of expanded metal and is a recognized leader in the expanded metal industry; designing and manufacturing custom-sized expanded metal coils and blanks for original equipment manufacturers. Spantek decided to re-locate to Lincoln County after many months of visiting potential areas. Upgrades to the RSI facility have already begun and the plan is to be up and running by October 2009. By the end of December Spantek will employ up to fifteen people with plans to increase that number to twenty-five within a year and a half.
"We are excited about the move to Lincolnton. It was determined that we should be in the Charlotte area—Lincolnton was the ideal place. Our initial association with civic and business leaders, LEDA staff and various people in the community reinforced this decision. – Rod Miller, Spantek President
LEDA EVENTS October 2008
Industry Appreciation Month Lincoln County and the City of Lincolnton officially declared October 2008 Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA) Industry Appreciation Month. To celebrate the community’s appreciation for Lincoln County industries, LEDA had an exciting event-filled month scheduled.
Chip-n-Putt Luncheon The month kicked off with an appreciation luncheon at Lincoln Country Club on October 2, 2008. Industries, LEDA board and private members and supporters attended and everyone got the opportunity to chip and putt before lunch for prizes.
July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPOR T
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LEDA EVENTS (Cont.)
IMA Forklift Rodeo The Forklift Rodeo occurred on October 7th at Robert Bosch Tools Manufacturing Plant in Lincolnton. The event is sponsored by the Industrial Managers Association (IMA) of Lincoln County.
"The rodeo includes skilled forklift drivers from industries throughout Lincoln County competing to win a grand champion trophy," says Greg Huffstetler, IMA Chairperson.
Industry Tour One of the highlights of the month was a grand tour of Blum in East Lincoln on October 15th. The Blum brand turns the opening and closing of furniture into an experience that significantly increases the comfort of motion in all areas of the house, but especially the kitchen.
International Appreciation Reception A twist on our dessert reception in previous years, all the plugs were pulled out for this spectacular event that took place at Woodmill Winery on October 23rd. Guest dined on appetizers, main entrees, drinks, and of course desserts from every country represented in Lincoln County. With one out of five Lincoln County manufacturing employees working for international companies, the month wouldn’t be complete without a little international flavor. 10
Lincoln Economic Development Association
LEDA EVENTS: INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR
Leonard Automatics, Inc Lincoln County 2008 Industry of the Year With the purpose of promoting and highlighting the contributions of Lincoln County’s existing industries, Lincoln Economic Development Association awarded the 2008 Lincoln County Industry of the Year Award to Leonard Automatics, Inc. The award is based on four criteria: First, the industry must have made a positive impact in Lincoln County within the last year. Second, the industry must be involved with the Lincoln community through direct financial, time and/or other significant contributions. Next, the industry must be a leader in their field and have produced a positive performance during their last fiscal year. Finally, the industry must maintain the highest standards of conduct in working with the community, government, other business and their own employees. Leonard Automatics, Inc is a leader in its industry and has called Lincoln County home for 39 years. During this time the company has helped set the standard for corporate citizenship. The industry has given generous financial support to the community which has benefited organizations such as the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, North Lincoln High School and the North Lincoln marching band and drama department as well as numerous Lincoln County agencies. The employees have given countless hours of time to community service. The importance of this industry to the Lincoln community stretches from their tireless involvement in community activities and organizations, to their generous financial contributions, to their exemplary business performance and conduct; this year’s Industry of the Year winner embodies a model corporate citizen. Leonard Automatics, Inc. has demonstrated strong business performance with an increase in sales year after year and a recent completion of a new facility and equipment expansion in the Balsom Ridge Industrial Park in Denver.
“ The importance of this industry to the Lincoln community stretches from their tireless involvement in community activities and organizations, to their generous financial contributions, to their exemplary business performance and conduct; this year’s Industry of the Year winner embodies a model corporate citizen.” July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPOR T
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LEDA EVENTS (Cont.) May 21, 2009
5th Annual Stakeholders Event The Lincoln Economic Development Association held its 5th Annual Stakeholder’s event on May 21st, "A Red, White & Bluegrass" Celebration at Cline Farm Club House in western Lincoln County. Over 100 guests gathered to celebrate the many economic successes of Lincoln County. LEDA has over 135 private and corporate investors which provide funding for the association as well as the support they receive from Lincoln County and the City of Lincolnton and the event gives these investors the opportunity to network and interact. Also present were regional economic development consultants, brokers, and private firms with potential development opportunities for Lincoln County. The event was catered by David Heafner of The Home Place and music was provided by Terry Greene and Hard Timez Bluegrass Band.
September 12, 2008
LEDA Goes to the NHRA Carolinas Cup Fifty members of the Lincoln Economic Development Association and their guests traveled by bus from Doug Herbert Racing in Lincolnton to the NHRA inaugural Carolinas Cup Drag Races to support their hometown hero, Doug Herbert, on Friday, September 12. LEDA hosted the event and Doug Herbert Racing provided the venue in their hospitality area at the track. For many, this was their first experience at a drag race and the contrasts with NASCAR events were many. Every ticket holder also had the opportunity to access the pit area behind the stands where an almost carnival atmosphere prevails and you can get up close and personal with your favorite drivers and their crews as they tune and detail their vehicles in preparation for their next heat. The LEDA group later had the opportunity for a question/answer session with Doug as he described preparation for the heats and his experience as a drag racer. Overall, Doug Herbert finished 5th in this year's race and gave his hometown fans a great show and a taste of the drag race circuit that will bring them back for more. 12
Lincoln Economic Development Association
March 19, 2009
LEDA Hosts Fifth Annual Milestone Achievement Awards Lincoln Economic Development Association held its fifth annual Milestone Achievement Awards Luncheon at the Lincolnton Country Club; recognizing manufacturers, distributors and the motor sports industry in the City of Lincolnton as well as Lincoln County for their past, present and future commitment to the County on their 5 year anniversaries. There were fourteen recipients present for the Milestone Awards luncheon this year. Among them were: Always on the Edge Sportswear 5 years; Anatech Ltd. 5years; Herbert Performance Parts 5 years; R.W. Garcia 5 years; RSI Home Products, Mfg. 5 years; UCS, Inc. 5 years; Belding Hausman, Inc. 10 years; Crawford Race Cars LLC, 10 years; Actavis Mid Atlantic 15 years; Universal Rubber 20 years; Blum, Inc. 30 years; The Timken Company 30 years; Leonard Automatics, Inc. 40 years; NC Spinning Mills, Inc. 45 years. In addition to the fourteen awards that were presented at the ceremony there were others who achieved this milestone as well. CX Systems, 5years; Front Row Motor Sports, 5 years; Race Tech, 5years; Tra Co Racing Engines, 5 years; BC Race Cars, 10 years; News at Norman, 10 years; Hot Rod Express, 15 years; Carolina Imaging Group, 20 years; Virginia-Carolina Refractory, 20 years; Aqua North Carolina, 45 years.
"It’s an honor to be able to present these awards; the commitment, dedication and sustainability of these companies sheds a positive light for our community during these economic times." – Pete Acker, Chair, Lincoln Economic Development Association
November 20, 2008
Surprise Announcement at LEDA Hosted Business After Hours The Lincoln Economic Development Association co-hosted the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber Business After Hours along with the Downtown Development Association on November 20. The theme of the event was inspired by the many Lincoln County businesses and industry involved in the automobile industry and motorsports in particular. Race cars were on display from Doug Herbert Racing, Crawford & Crawford Composites, Inc. and Calico Coatings. Over 150 guests attended the event, including NHRA drag racer Doug Herbert and prominent NASCAR figure Ray Evernham who announced that he will be buying the East Lincoln Speedway. Evernham reported that it his intent to give up and coming younger drivers the opportunity to hone their skills at the track in the hopes that the drivers of tomorrow will come from the facility. July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPOR T
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LEDA EVENTS (Cont.) April 14, 2009
Lincoln Leaders Seminar Rick Smyre, Futurist and President of Center for Communities of the Future Rick Smyre was the featured speaker at the Lincoln Economic Development Association’s Lincoln Leaders Seminar held on April 14, 2009 at the Verdict Ridge Country Club. In his presentation titled "Are You Ready", Smyre discussed megatrends, including global warming, a shift to alternative energy, demographics and technology.
"There are three different types of economy – the last states of the industrial age economy; knowledge economy and organic economy. Manufacturing will be vastly different in the future as traditional industries give way to nanotech, biotech and molecular technology. Americans must change the way they think, foster an open-minded and creative passion for learning. And preparation is key to future success." – Rick Smyre, Futurist and President of Center for Communities of the Future
September 23, 2008
Lincoln Leaders Seminar Scott Dorney, Executive Director; NC Military Business Center The Lincoln Economic Development Association hosted its second Lincoln Leaders Seminar featuring Scott Dorney, executive director for the NC Military Business Center who spoke to the industries and businesses of Lincoln County at Verdict Ridge Country Club about the government contracting opportunities that are waiting for them. North Carolina ranks 26th in the procurement of government contracts, although statistically NC is one of the highest military installation states.
"There is almost three hundred billion dollars of government contracts available, currently North Carolina is only obtaining one percent of their potential; mainly because North Carolina is not going after them. Since then North Carolina has obtained several government contracts but not nearly as many as we should. Why should those dollars go to another state when North Carolina has the ability to obtain those contracts? There are eight defense contractors in Lincoln County now and that number could be much higher with the industries that are located here. " – Scott Dorney, Executive Director, NC Military Business Center
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Lincoln Economic Development Association
LEDA AWARDS: IEDC Award LEDA Existing Business Program #1 in the World International Economic Development Council Gives LEDA Award in Atlanta The Lincoln Economic Development Association was selected as the winner in the category of Business Retention and Expansion for the Existing Business Program with a population criteria of 50,000 – 200,000 which was submitted for the 2008 IEDC Excellence in Economic Development Awards. The project was selected by a panel of economic development experts consisting of members from both the public and private sectors.
SITE Selection Magazine Site Selection Names LEDA Top Micropolitan in U.S. Site Selection Magazine named the Lincolnton/Lincoln County one of the top 10 micropolitan areas for 2008. This annual ranking tracks non-metropolitan areas within the United States. Communities are ranked based on the number of major industrial projects located and expanded by local economic development professionals. Lincoln Economic Development Association worked on these projects which are counted by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and submitted to the magazine.
ProAd Award LEDA and SLD Unlimited Marketing Win ProAd Award At the 28th annual meeting of the Carolinas Chapter of the Business Marketing Association, SLD Unlimited Marketing/PR, of Denver N.C., received a ProAd Silver Award for their work with the Lincoln Economic Development Association. The award recognizes the best in business-to-business strategy and creativity in North and South Carolina. The winning piece titled, "Your Ship is about to Sail" was used by LEDA at the annual Stakeholders event.
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July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPOR T