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Jan 24, 2012
Is the Automotive Sector Really Recovering?
The U.S. automotive industry has been rocked by unsettling trends the past several years. Riddled with formidable challenges such as fading loyalty and catastrophic cash shortages, industry outlooks have been sluggish at best. Manufacturers and suppliers alike have been subject to stark optimism, but, as 2011 draws to a close, there is reason for hope. In fact, signs of growth, albeit slow, are creeping up across the nation.
The significance of the automotive industry to the U.S. economy is undeniable. The U.S. auto industry is the world’s third largest, trailing only powerhouses, China and Japan. According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, in 2010 China produced 18.2 million vehicles, Japan 9.6 million and, in the U.S., 7.7 million vehicles were produced. October 2011 statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported nearly 3.5 million employees in the automotive sector, a 3.67% increase over this time last year. Since the industry’s collapse in 2008, the U.S. economy has followed suit; however, recent industry trends seem to indicate the $34 billion cash infusion of 2008 to two of the Big 3 industry players (GM & Chrysler) is beginning to have a broad and positive impact on the U.S. economy.
Read Full Press ReleaseJan 24, 2012
Export University 101
The Craven Community College Small Business Center will be hosting an all-day seminar on February 23rd beginning at 9 a.m. for business owners to learn about sales opportunities in the international market-place. An opportunity to explore practices that can lead to global sales growth.
The seminar will be conducted by international marketing professionals from the U.S. Small Business Administration and global sales experts from the United States and North Carolina Departments of Commerce who specialize in international trade and finance. If you are the owner or sales executive for your company and believe local product sales have topped out, then this international seminar is the place to be to hear about new selling opportunities.
For more information and to complete registration please click here.
Dec 22, 2011
STEM East Featured in "The Pitsco Network"
Local education leaders deciding independently what curriculum is best for students anymore, business and industry can now collaborate in the process of planning courses for students. "Its really going to turn workforce development education in the direction we're going economically," said STEM East Executive Director, Steve Hill. This is the heart of STEM East, a 3 year old Eastern Region initiative responsible for linking curriculum to local industry and exciting students to career pathway options.
STEM East is a joint venture between the business and industry community, economic developers and education leaders across the region. The successful implementation of four “real-world” STEM learning centers in area middle schools that includes robust community and business partnerships has garnered the praise of many across the nation. Pitsco Education, a 40 year old Learning Systems Development Corporation that creates enhanced standards-based curriculum and relevant hands-on activities with a cooperative learning environment will feature STEM East in its upcoming publication of "The Pitsco Network.”
Read Full Press Release
Oct 05, 2011
NCER and Senator Hagan to Host Aerospace Summit
North Carolina’s Eastern Region, along with United States Senator Kay Hagan, announced today plans to host an Aerospace Summit in Havelock later this month. The summit, which will be held at Havelock’s Tourist and Events Center on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011, from 12:00 PM- 4:00 PM, will shed light on the rapidly evolving aerospace sector within the Eastern Region, and the continued role that the public will play in this growth. The keynote address will be delivered by Senator Hagan, whom will be joined by several other speakers including economic development leaders, major aerospace company representatives, and military business service providers.
The public is invited and welcome to attend the free event; however, attendees are asked to RSVP to Chris Sgro as soon as possible via telephone (336) 333-5311 or via email at chris_sgro@hagan.senate.gov. The Havelock Tourist and Events Center is located at 201 Tourist Center Drive, Havelock, NC 28532.
North Carolina’s Eastern Region is a 13-county partnership established by the General Assembly to promote economic development in Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Lenoir, Pitt, Wayne, Greene, Duplin, Jones, Onslow, Pamlico, Craven and Carteret Counties. The region encompasses almost 7,000 square miles and approximately one million residents. For more information, visit www.nceast.org, or contact Len Kulik, Senior Vice President at kulik@nceast.org.
Sep 16, 2011
How Can WorkKeys Work for Your Company?
Supported by statewide agencies, Career Readiness Certificates (provided through the WorkKeys program) give employers the tools needed to find the right employees for each position, while giving employees the ability to find a job best suited to his or her individual strength areas.
Follow leaders and executives from some of our region's top employers in the video below to see firsthand testimonials about the importance CRC's (Career Readiness Certificates) and the positive impact the program continues to have on the workplace.
Find out more about the WorkKeys program and the benefits of developing and requiring a CRC for your industry or company.
Aug 22, 2011
Queen Anne's Revenge Exhibit Open in Beaufort
After spending more than 300 years on the ocean floor off of Shackleford Banks, NC-- Blackbeard's (in)famous flagship prepares to rise to the surface once again. Through the unwavering commitments of professionals throughout the Eastern Region-- skilled dive teams, expert conservators and researchers, and patrons of the cause-- the 3,000 lb anchor of the ill-fated vessel has a new home at the QAR Conservation Lab at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.
While the anchor undergoes the tedious preservation process, visitors and marine enthusiasts can explore other artifacts recovered from the wreckage, as well as learn more about the conservation process at the Queen Anne's Revenge Exhibit housed at the Maritime Heritage Museum on Front Street in Beaufort, NC. Admission to the exhibit is free, although donations from the public help cover overhead costs. Get Directions to the Museum here.
May 13, 2011
The Roberts Company to Add 29 Jobs in Pitt County
The Roberts Company, provider of design, fabrication, and installation services for the chemical, power, mining and pulp and paper industries, will expand with a new facility in Pitt County.
Read Full Press ReleaseMay 03, 2011
NC Eastern Region/GTP to Attend Paris Air Show
Representatives from both NCER and the GTP will attend the upcoming Paris Air Show to promote the region's aerospace and aviation capabilities.
Read Full Press ReleaseApr 18, 2011
Greenville Ranks High on “American Cities of the Future” List
Greenville is officially on the list of "American Cities of the Future." Greenville made the top 10 in four categories, three of which were top 5, in the first ever fDi Magazine ranking.
Read Full Press ReleaseMar 4, 2011
Auto Parts Manufacturer Announces Expansion in Edgecombe County
Gov. Bev Perdue announced during a visit to the Keihin Carolina System Technology plant in Tarboro today that the company plans to create 50 new jobs and invest more than $13 million in expanding their facility. KCST is a world leader in the manufacture of Engine Control units and electronic assemblies for Honda and Acura automobiles and Honda Power Sports.
Read Full Press ReleaseFeb 22, 2011
NCER to Co-Host 3rd Annual Tourism Mini-Summit
On March 2, 2011, North Carolina's Eastern Region, along with the Duplin County Tourism Authority, will host the third-annual Toursim Mini-Summit in Wallace, NC at River Landing Country Club.
Read Full Press ReleaseFeb 22, 2011
CCNCER Unveils Legislative Agenda
The Chambers of Commerce of North Carolina’s Eastern Region (CCNCER) unveiled its 2011 legislative agenda at a reception on February 14th at the Lenoir Community College auditorium.
Read Full Press ReleaseFeb 22, 2011
NCER Launches Defense/Aerospace Micro-Site
NCER and several key regional partners have launched a micro-site within the largest aviation web portal in the world.
Read Full Press ReleaseFeb 16, 2011
QVC to Add 200 Jobs in Edgecombe Co.
Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that QVC, Inc., a major multimedia retailer, through its subsidiary QVC Rocky Mount, Inc., will expand its distribution facility in Edgecombe County. The company plans to create 200 jobs and invest $71 million during the next five years in Rocky Mount. The project was made possible in part by a $1,000,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.
Read Full Press ReleaseJan 31, 2011
NCER Hosts State of the Region Event
On January 13, 2011, North Carolina’s Eastern Region (NCER) hosted a three hour program at the Hilton Greenville that provided a comprehensive review of the progress and outlook for the region.
You can view presentations from our esteemed speakers below:
Mr. Calvin Anderson, Chairman, Eastern Region Development Commission
Dr. Deirdre Mageean, Vice Chancellor, Research and Graduate Studies, ECU
Dr. Dennis G. Massey, President, Pitt Community College
The Honorable H. Martin Lancaster, US Congressman, Ret.
Panel Moderator & Chairman – NCER Defense /Aerospace Advisory Committee
Mrs. Janet Cowell, State Treasurer of North Carolina
Mr. John Chaffee, President & CEO, Eastern Region Development Commission
Ms. Linda A. Carlisle, Secretary, NC Department of Cultural Resources
Mr. Rick Davis, Site Operations Director, Spirit Aerosystems, Kinston
Mr. Vince Misciagna, Vice President/General Manager, AAR Cargo Systems, Goldsboro
Mrs. Mary Beth Fennell, Director, Industrial Business Operations, Fleet Readiness Center-East, Havelock
Mr. Mike Stahl, Site Director, Honeywell International, Rocky Mount
Mr. Mark Sutherland, Executive Director, MGTF
Mr. Tom Taft, Greenville, NC
The Honorable Kay Hagan, U.S. Senator of North Carolina
Jan 05, 2011
NCER to Host State of the Region Event
Leaders from government and industry from across the state will gather in Greenville on January 13th, 2011 for North Carolina's Eastern Region's annual State of the Region Event.
Read Full Press Release
