E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r ’S L E T T E R
Barry Matherly Executive Director
In economic development, we "sell" the entire community to our existing businesses and new companies alike. So when we have a great year, we need to thank the entire community. A sincere thanks to all 71,302 residents, a great school system, quality parks, dedicated fire fighters and law enforcement officers, generous civic organizations, a strong business community, supportive city and county staff and visionary political leaders; you provide a quality environment and a cooperative atmosphere that allow the LEDA Board of Directors and staff to operate in a successful manner. The 2007/2008 fiscal year ranks as the third highest in announcements of industrial investment in Lincoln County. What makes this even more impressive is all of the investment came from our existing businesses. They are the foundation of our economy and why LEDA makes the retention and expansion of existing business our number one goal every year. To serve our local businesses and community and welcome new companies to here, LEDA opened our new facility on Main Street in Lincolnton. This is the organization’s first permanent home made possible by a joint effort between the public and private sectors. We are honored that this effort was recognized by the Downtown Development Association with their Downtown Renaissance Award. The past fiscal year adds to numerous years of accomplishments by LEDA. These accomplishments are made possible by the strong team that I have worked with – past and present. A special thanks to our current team of Rhonda Hunter, Crystal Gettys, Mitch Miller and Kim Phillips. And everlasting thanks to our past team members: Charity Pitman, Laura Foor, DeAnne Brittain, Don Ballard, Hollis Henderson and Jim Warren.
Barry Matherly, Executive Director
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Lincoln Economic Development Association
March 2008
LEDA Brings In CEO of NC Chamber The Lincoln Economic Development Association hosted its first Lincoln Leaders Seminar featuring, Lew Ebert, President and CEO of the North Carolina Chamber. He shared with the audience that North Carolina was the second poorest state in America fifty years ago and is now ranked the fourth fastest growing state and the fifth largest manufacturing state in America today. "It’s like we are on steroids, the good kind," says Ebert. "Other states are taking a hard look at what North Carolina is doing and want to duplicate it." Ebert explained that the job of the NC Chamber is to be the front line advocate for businesses, going to bat for their needs and focusing on the things that businesses care about. "Being complacent is not what our job is," said Ebert. The pillars for a prosperous state are education and workforce development, making sure the economy has the tools necessary to be successful, and to have a competitive business climate. Mr. Ebert ended with the comment that "The future matters and we need business leaders to help, shape and lead".
"Other states are taking a hard look at what North Carolina is doing and want to duplicate it." –Lew Ebert, President and CEO of the North Carolina Chamber
March 2008
LEDA Hosts Fourth Annual Milestone Achievement Awards Lincoln Economic Development Association hosted its fourth annual Milestone Achievement Awards Banquet at Court Street Grille in Lincolnton. The event recognizes manufacturers and distributors 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 six recipients present for the Milestone Award Banquet this year: Allied Manufacturing 10 years; Central Carolina Sprinkler Co., Inc. 25 years; RSI Home Products, Inc. Semi-Custom 10 years; Russo’s Tinting 10 years; Textile Piece Dyeing, Inc. 15 years; and Westport Marina 25 years. In addition to the six awards that were presented at the ceremony, six others achieved milestones as well: Custom Works RC Products 5 years; Duke Power CT Plant 15 years; National Fruit Products 35 years locally and 100 years for their corporation; Northeast Chassis & Bodies 10 years; Precision Performance Coatings 10 years; and PriceDavis, Inc. 30 years.
The Milestone Achievement Award recognizes manufacturers and distributors 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. 9
L E D A
E V E N T S
LEDA Sets Sail with Stakeholders Event LEDA held the Annual Stakeholders Events aboard the Championship Charter Yacht. We were delighted with the turn out and welcomed the many partners that help us to achieve our goals throughout the year. Those in attendance included people from the NC Department of Commerce, Regional Developers, Elected Officials, LEDA Staff and LEDA Members. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in playing such a vital role in LEDA’s continuing success! As the balmy evening turned into a perfect night on the lake, everyone enjoyed the time together. It proves that as hard as we all work to make Lincoln County a better place to be, there’s still room for a little fun.
November 2007
RSI Home Products is the Lincoln County 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 2007 Lincoln County Industry of the Year Award to RSI Home Products Inc. This award is based on four components: 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. Third, 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. RSI has called Lincoln County home since 1998 and made generous donations to Habitat for Humanity, United Way’s 211 campaign, "Relay for Life" and supports a variety of other charities and projects. They continue to grow at an incredible rate of 30+% annually, providing over 1000 jobs locally and operating three Lincoln County locations. The company’s current expansion will result in an additional 330,000 square feet of operating space and will result in an another 200+ new jobs for our community.
RSI continues to grow at an incredible rate of 30+% annually, providing over 1000 jobs locally and operating three Lincoln County locations. 8
Lincoln Economic Development Association
L E D A
E V E N T S October 22-26 2007
Industry Appreciation Week Lincoln County and the City of Lincolnton officially declared October 22-26, 2007 Lincoln Economic Development Association (LEDA) Industry Appreciation Week. To celebrate the community’s appreciation for Lincoln County industries, LEDA has an exciting, event-filled week scheduled.
Chip-n-Putt Luncheon The week’s events kicked off with an appreciation luncheon at Lincoln Country Club on Tuesday. Industries, LEDA board and private members and supporters attended and everyone got the opportunity to chip and putt before lunch for prizes.
IMA Forklift Rodeo The forklift rodeo occurred on Wednesday 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 Robert Hunter, IMA Chairperson.
Industry Tour
One of the highlights of the week on Thursday was a grand tour of Crawford & Crawford Composites/Crawford Race Cars in Denver. Crawford engineers sports car racing parts for the Daytona Prototype, Le Mans Prototype and NASCAR Winston/Busch Series.
International Dessert Reception With one out of five Lincoln County manufacturing employees working for international companies, the week wouldn’t be complete without a little international flavor. The international dessert reception was Friday at the LEDA office. Sample desserts from Brazil, Singapore, Iceland, Australia, Israel, Austria, Japan, Germany and the United States were served. 7
April 2008
Timken Invests $7.1 Million in Equipment in Lincoln County Timken plans for an equipment expansion at its Iron Station, North Carolina location. The bearing manufacturer which employees over 950 people is planning to retrofit an existing line. The retrofit is a unique line designed to support a particular automotive program. The project is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2008 with an investment of $7.1 million. Chairman, Lincoln Economic Development Association, Pete Acker says, "It is always exciting to see our local businesses thrive. Timken is one of Lincoln County’s largest employers as well as a generous contributor to our community; by their product line expanding, it shows stability within their industry; I am delighted to see this expansion for Timken." "We are pleased that Timken has decided to make this additional investment in their Iron Station facility. Such decisions by our existing industries indicate great promise for the future of Timken employees in Lincoln County. We look forward to the success of this new undertaking and the continued success of Timken here in Lincoln County," says Tom Anderson, Chairman, Lincoln County Commissioners.
"Timken is one of Lincoln County’s largest employers as well as a generous contributor to our community." – Pete Acker, Chairman, Lincoln Economic Development Association
May 2008
Crate and Barrel “LEEDS” the way in Lincoln County and in the Region Crate and Barrel’s $23.5 million distribution center is the first of its kind in Lincoln County, the Charlotte region and the state; their expansion will meet the green building (LEED Certified) and performance measures earning a certification which symbolizes that their building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to work. The expansion is expected to bring with it initially 70 new jobs, then expected to grow to 220 jobs. "We will be building a 400,000 sq ft facility, expandable to 800,000 sq ft, to add capacity to our furniture distribution and home delivery network. We have been extremely happy with our relationship with Lincoln County and look forward to another successful project. The Lincoln County area has provided an excellent pool of new associates and we are excited to be expanding our presence in this region," says John Ling, VP Supply Chain Management & Logistics with Crate and Barrel. Pete Acker, Chairman of the Lincoln Economic Development Association, "Crate and Barrel has laid the groundwork for what is yet to come in Lincoln County. Environmental issues have become more and more of a focal point; it’s exciting to see one of the top industries of Lincoln County setting the standard for others to follow."
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"We have been extremely happy with our relationship with Lincoln County and look forward to another successful project." – John Ling, VP Supply Chain Management & Logistics with Crate and Barrel Lincoln Economic Development Association
November 2007
Leonard Automatics Moves to New Park in Denver Leonard Automatics was the first industry to break ground at Denver’s Balsom Ridge Business Park. They moved to Denver, North Carolina in 1980 and into the Denver Industrial Park in 1985 to begin manufacturing its own line of finishing equipment for the garment manufacturing industry. They also expanded into the industrial laundry market with a line of finishers for rental uniform companies at that time. "We’re really looking forward to this new location," says Jeff Frushtick, Owner and President of Leonard Automatics, Inc. "Our continuous growth as a company finally surpassed the last facility space and this new 30,000 square-foot building with 5,000 square feet of office space will take us to the next level," adds Frushtick. The new expansion means added production and additional employees for the company. Now recognized as world leaders of product design and services in the industry, the company’s reputation of excellence and innovation sets them apart for long-term success.
"Our continuous growth as a company finally surpassed the last facility space and this new space will take us to the next level." – Jeff Frushtick, Owner and President of Leonard Automatics, Inc.
May 2008
Cataler North America Increases Their Capacity Cataler North America installed additional manufacturing equipment in the Lincoln County Industrial Park. The $16.3 million investment will consist of equipment expansions, facility improvements and plans to bring in an initial 50 new jobs. Cataler Corporation is headquartered in Japan and is a leading manufacturer of catalysts for cleaning automobile emissions. The catalysts are designed to meet the particular needs of customers both in Japan and overseas, and are produced at plants in five different countries around the world. "Lincoln County has proved that it was an excellent choice for the location of our business. Our goal is to continue to be a good corporate citizen and employer for the area," says Rick Yoshikawa, President of Cataler North America. "We are pleased that Cataler North America has made this decision to once again expand their operation in Lincoln County. This decision will make further economic opportunities available to the citizens of Lincoln County and reflects Cataler North America’s continuing confidence in and commitment to Lincoln County," says Lincoln County Commissioner Chairman, Tom Anderson.
"Lincoln County has proved that it was an excellent choice for the location of our business." 5
– Rick Yoshikawa, President of Cataler North America.
a n n o u n c e m e n t S August 2007
Location Suits Campbell and Sons Machining Campbell and Sons Machining is a metal parts manufacturer specializing in manufacturing component parts supplied to other companies. The expansion helps the shop respond quickly to customers while working to expand their customer base. "Becoming part of organizations like Lincoln County’s Industrial Managers Association (IMA) will help us network with industry leaders and demonstrate what we have to offer," stated Ronnie Campbell. Ronnie and brother Steve both agree, "The business atmosphere here is welcoming and everybody, including the City of Lincolnton, Lincoln Economic Development Association and fellow industries have been so supportive." Over the next five years, Campbell and Sons Machining plans to expand the facility again and upgrade machinery. Brothers Ronnie and Steve believe keeping Lincoln County an industry-friendly community is key to keeping existing industry in the area.
"The business atmosphere here is welcoming and everybody has been so supportive." – Ronnie and Steve Campbell
April 2008
Blum Invests $10 Million in Manufacturing in Lincoln County Blum, Inc. announced plans for equipment and tooling investment at its North American headquarters in East Lincoln County totaling $10 million dollars, the new investment included metal stamping equipment, tooling and a new assembly machine. "In 2006 Blum showed its commitment to manufacturing in the US by moving the stamping and assembly of its flagship product to its facility in Lincoln County," says Karl Ruedisser, General Manager and CEO of Blum, Inc. "Now, with these further investments, Blum will be able to streamline the production process by also bringing in much of the assembly of TANDEM’s component parts. Most importantly, these investments will help sustain existing US jobs." Lincoln County Commissioner Chairman, Tom Anderson states, "This decision clearly indicates the continuing success of Lincoln County’s efforts to support existing business and industry that have chosen to locate in Lincoln County.” Added Pete Acker, Chairman of Lincoln Economic Development Association, "Blum is a tremendous asset to the eastern end of Lincoln County, with continuous and consistent growth. We are excited about the future and what is yet to come from such an innovative industry."
"Most importantly, these investments will help sustain existing US jobs." –Karl Ruedisser, General Manager and CEO of Blum, Inc.
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Lincoln Economic Development Association
DEVELOPER
TRUCKING
Anderson Properties ~ John Anderson Choate Construction Co ~ Matt Redd Crescent Resources Inc ~ Jim Short Denver Industrial Park ~ Lee Killian Piedmont Companies ~ Willie Heafner The Keith Corporation ~ Alan Lewis
Catawba Transport Group ~ Danny Abernathy Houser Transport Inc ~ Sam Houser Unique Transportation Inc ~ Michelle Johnson
UTILITY
Lincoln Campus - Gaston College ~ Rosalind Welder Lincoln County Schools ~ Dr David Martin
AT&T ~ Todd Lanham Duke Energy Carolinas ~ Tammy Trexler-Whaley Piedmont Natural Gas ~ Michael Durham Precise Power Service Corp ~ Gregory Cox Rutherford EMC ~ Randy Ward
INSURANCE
INDUSTRIES
James M Moore & Associates ~ Jim Moore Nationwide Insurance ~ Todd Bowman Watson Insurance Agency ~ Neal Rhyne
Actavis Corp ~ Greg Sherwood Active Manufacturing ~ Rob Pellegrino Allied Separation Tech Inc ~ Lorie Williams American Tire Distributors ~ Ray Eurey Anatech Ltd ~ George Barr Blum Inc ~ Michael Geis Calico Coatings ~ Tracy Trotter Campbell & Sons Machining ~ Ronnie Campbell Carolina Roller & Supply ~ Mack Harvey Cataler North America ~ Al Alvarez Dellinger Precast Inc ~ Gary Dellinger Duke Energy ~ Paul Beatty GE Security ~ Phil Wekenmann Kirk & Matz ~ Victor Matz Larry Grant & Company ~ Larry Grant Leonard Automatics Inc ~ Jeff Frushstick M Conley Company ~ Robert Stewart III M Conley Company ~ Nance Robinson Modacam Inc ~ Bud Tschudin Mohican Mills Inc ~ Jerry Deese Packaging Unlimited ~ Scott Williamson Performance Parts ~ Doug Herbert R W Garcia ~ Greg Huffstetler Robert Bosch Tool Corp Mfg ~ David Lee Robert Bosch Tool Corp Dist ~ Shane Jones RSI Home Products Mfg ~ Robert Hunter Sabo USA ~ Panico Peres Steele Rubber Products Inc ~ John Dancoff The Timken Company ~ Paul Hubacher VT LeeBoy Inc ~ Dennis Emo Westport Marina ~ Lowry Hobbs Wireway/Husky Corp ~ Ron Young
EDUCATION
INVESTMENT/FINANCIAL SERVICES Edward Jones ~ Buddy Collins James M Moore & Associates ~ Bo Moore Rhyne Financial ~ Jody Rhyne
MEDICAL CMC - Lincoln ~ Pete Acker 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 & Austin ~ Drs Hamilton & Austin Lincolnton Animal Hospital ~ Dr Wayne Jones DVM John L Lassiter DDS PA ~ Dr John Lassiter Richard R Pence DDS MAGD ~ Dr Richard Pence
REAL ESTATE Abernethy Realty ~ David Abernethy Allen Tate Realtors ~ Joe & Beth Yarbrough Allen Tate Relocation ~ Pam McGlothlin Apple Realty ~ Marsha Jordan BCB Investments ~ David Dupree Baker Realty & Construction ~ Michael Baker Century 21 Hecht ~ Robert Hecht Clark Properties Inc ~ David Clark Jr Ferguson & Associates Inc ~ Neil Ferguson Lackey & Whitley ~ Brad Whitley Lincoln Bonded Warehouse ~ John Lineberger Lincoln Co Board of Realtors ~ Kathy Hendricks Marathon Realty & Auction ~ Michael Milholland Prudential Carolinas Realty ~ Doug Core Sullivan Property Owner ~ Chad Gore
STAFFING Adecco ~ Ann Wilson Barrett Business Service ~ Susan Eurey Express Employment Professionals ~ Kevin Roberge Lincoln Staffing ~ Stephen Starnes Staffmasters USA ~ Amy Dyson
INDIVIDUAL RETIRED OR NO COMPANY AFFILIATE Jim Beam Peter Browne Jerry Cochrane Neil Finger Jim Foreman
Harold Howard Jr Fred Houser Betty Setzer Robert Tull Dr Jim Watson 3
Leda INVESTORS 2007/2008 p r i vat e i n v e s tor s
ATTORNEYS Private member funding provides Lincoln Economic Development Association
Kennedy & Wulfhorst PA ~Todd Wulfhorst Tim Sellers ~ Attorney
AUTOMOTIVE Abernethy Chevrolet ~ Mitch Abernethy
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 or better tax base for their governments, all of which lead to the noted purpose of economic development, which is to improve Lincoln County’s
“Quality of Life”.
BANKING Aquesta Bank ~ Louis Fletcher BB&T~ Chuck Long Carolina Trust Bank ~ Mike Cline Carolina Trust Bank ~ Mort Wadsworth Fifth Third Bank ~ Micah Lee Fifth Third Bank ~ Jim Mauney First Citizens Bank ~ Debbie Sipe First Federal Savings Bank ~ C D Stroup III First National Bank ~ Joe Crews Peoples Bank ~ Patsy Black
CIVIC/COMMUNITY Lincoln County Family YMCA ~ Ron Johnston United Way Lincoln County
COMMERCIAL public investors
Special Thanks to: LINCOLN COUNTY
and the CITY
OF
LINCOLNTON
A-2-Z Promotional Products ~ Jack Funk Boyle Consulting Engineers ~ Chuck Boyle Burke Communications ~ Jack Burke Carolina Metal Buildings ~ Dwight Smith Days Inn ~ Brad Desai Family Coin Laundry ~ Lloyd Trotter Funderburk Batteries ~ Buddy Funderburk GDS Inc ~ Jerry Hodge GDS Inc ~ Barry Burleson Integrity Computer Solutions ~ Danny Elmore Katie Wood Inc ~ Aaron Wood King’s Office Supply ~ Bo King LM&M Consultants ~ Martin Eaddy Mitchem’s Kitchen ~ Carrol Mitchem Nisbit Oil-Rhodes & Beal Oil Co ~ Jimmy White Piedmont Vending Company ~ Zed Bradley SLD Unlimited ~ Sheree’ DeMao Times Oil ~ Mark Boyd TRT Trailers ~ Terry Whitener Wal-Mart ~ Steve Land Warlick Funeral Home ~ L D (Bud) Warlick Jr
CONSTRUCTION Central Carolina Sprinkler Co Inc ~ Roger Williams Deal Construction Inc ~ Andy Deal Denver Construction ~ Kenneth Tucker Geymont Construction ~ Jerry Geymont Hope Springs Builders ~ Walter Clark Howard Construction ~ Tom Howard JNH Construction Co ~ Jeffrey Harris Lincoln County Home Builders Assoc Inc PWA Builders ~ Jim Austin
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Lincoln Economic Development Association
L E D A
C a p i t a l
C a m p a i g n
GraNd Champions Lincoln County
Fifth Third Bank
Champions
Partners
Geymont Construction Co Inc Mansour Edlin Consulting The Keith Corporation The Timken Foundation of Canton
Blum Inc City of Lincolnton Choate Construction Company EnergyUnited IMA-Industrial Managers Association
recuiters AT&T Burke Communications Inc Carolinas Medical Center - Lincoln Carolina Trust Bank Central Carolina Sprinkler Co First Federal Savings Bank GE Security Guardian Security of NC Inc MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc
Supporters Allied Separation Technology Inc Stephen M Austin DDS/PA BB&T Bank Cataler North America Clark Family Jerry and Evelyn Cochrane Doug Core Crate and Barrel 12
Lincoln Economic Development Association
Duke Energy Harold Howard Jr King’s Office Supply Inc Lincoln County Board of REALTORS The M Conley Company Marathon Realty & Auction Merriman Schmitt Architects Modocam Inc
James M Moore & Associates Piedmont Natural Gas R B Pharr & Associates P A RSI Home Products Inc Rhyne Financial Robert Bosch Tool Corporation Times Oil Corp Bob E Tull Jim and Teresa Watson
January 2008
GE Security opens new facility in Lincoln County Industrial Park GE Security celebrated its location with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of its new $10.5 million, 116,144 square-foot facility. GE Security’s presence with 200 jobs helps the Lincoln County Industrial Park reach a milestone by surpassing 2,000 jobs. Phil Wekenmann, Plant Manager, shared his excitement with the crowd of company leaders, employees, community officials and special guests who attended the celebration. GE Security, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a leading supplier of security and life safety technologies, with operations in more than 35 countries and $1.8 billion in annual sales. GE Security offers one of the industry's broadest product portfolios, covering explosives and narcotics detection, intrusion and access control, video surveillance, key management, and fire detection. GE Security's products are used to protect people and property across a wide range of industries, including aviation, law enforcement, banking, education, healthcare, mass transit, residential and retail. www.gesecurity.com
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r i b b o n
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August 2007
Brazilian Company Opens First North American Facility Sabo USA, Inc. celebrated its first North American facility with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of its new 30,000 square-foot facility in the Lincoln County Industrial Park. The Brazilian manufacturer set to invest about $18 million locally. The company projects about 100 jobs at the facility over the next two years and an additional $10 million investment over the next three to four years. According to Jose Eduardo Sabo, President and CEO of the Sabo Group, the company chose to locate its first manufacturing plant in the U.S. so they could accommodate the growth in the North American market and get closer to customers. In addition, R. Panico Peres, Director of Operations, Sabo USA, Inc. stated, "County and state officials demonstrated that not only a large pool of qualified workforce was readily available, but they also offered incentives for additional training. This type of commitment is very important to our company." www.sabo.com.br
June 2008
United Plate Glass opens a new plant in Lincoln County; third in U.S. United Plate Glass celebrated the opening of their newest location with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of its new $5 million, 55,000 square-foot facility in the Lincoln County Industrial Park. The company is family owned and operated and currently operated by Mike & Bart Cully along with Mike’s wife Joyce. Mike and Joyce toured many industrial parks around the Charlotte area, but could not find one that beat or paralleled the attractiveness, central location and accessibility of the Lincoln County Industrial Park.
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United Plate Glass is headquartered in Butler, Pennsylvania about one hour north of Pittsburgh. They are a glass fabricator and distributor currently serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York. The Lincolnton facility will allow them to expand into the southeast. www.unitedplateglass.com