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Dec 17, 2012
Feautred Building: South Park Shell Building

South Park Shell Building

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Dec 17, 2012
Featured Site: Kingsboro-Rose Mega Site

Kingsboro-Rose Certified Mega Site

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Available Acerage: 1,307

Sales Price: $18,000

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Dec 14, 2012
Wire and Cable Manufacturer to add 67 jobs in Nash County

Rocky Mount - Deputy Secretary Dale Carroll of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, on behalf of Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Draka Elevator Products, a manufacturer and reseller of products for the elevator market, will expand its operations in Nash County. The company plans to create 67 jobs and invest more than $3.1 million over the next three years. The project was made possible in part by a $100,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

"My first priority is creating jobs," said Gov. Perdue. "Our customized job training programs and skilled workforce have created a strong business climate that allows manufacturers to thrive in a global economy."

Draka Elevator Products, headquartered in Rocky Mount, manufactures, sells and services products to the elevator market with a market footprint in North America, Brazil, Europe and China.  Draka Elevator is part of a group of companies operating under the Prysmian Group umbrella (an Italian based company). As a part of the expansion, the Rocky Mount facility will begin producing specialized cables for cellular communication towers. Draka Elevator currently employs more than 130 people in North Carolina.

Salaries will vary by job function, but the average annual wage for the new jobs will be $36,708, plus benefits. The Nash County average annual wage is $34,112.

"Draka is extremely appreciative in this investment in the growth of our business and we are proud to receive this grant enabling us to create additional jobs here in Rocky Mount." says Sterrett Lloyd, President Draka Elevator Products.

"It speaks volumes for the business environment in Nash County when companies like Draka commit to expand here.  A project like this one is so important for our citizens and our local economy.  We are pleased to be able to play a part in their decision to stay and grow right here in Nash County" stated Fred Belfield, Chairman of the Nash County Board of Commissioners.

"This confirms the wise investment of our partners in the Carolinas Gateway Partnership. This is further proof that the Partnership is working. The expansion of Draka, and their commitment to Nash County is very important to our local economy.  We have to continue to assist our existing industries, it is their presence in the community that keeps us going " said Carolinas Gateway Partnership Chairman, Frank Harrison.

The Carolinas Gateway Partnership, Inc. is a coalition of over 100 public and private sector investors from Nash County, Edgecombe County, the City of Rocky Mount, the Town of Tarboro, and the Town of Nashville.  For more information about the Partnership, call 252-442-0114, or email to cgp@econdev.org.

For more information, please contact: 

John Gessaman, President and CEO or Krista Ikirt, VP Nash County of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership

(252) 442-0114

Or

Sterrett Lloyd Draka Elevator Products

Dec 04, 2012
Kingsboro Industrial Sites Receive CSX Select Site Designation

Nov 01, 2012
Rounds Loaded For New Brewery in Jones County

Oct 29, 2012
Hatteras Yachts Announces a Major Update to the 80 Motor Yacht for 201

NEW BERN, N.C. (Oct. 22, 2012) – Hatteras Yachts is pleased to present the redesigned

80 Motor Yacht (MY). The new 80 MY retains key elements that have made it one of Hatteras’ most successful motor yachts; offering a new and improved layout, and additional standards and options.

Exterior modifications to the 80 MY present those who observe a new look, and those on board a new feel. The relocation of the arch on the flybridge, gives the 80 MY a rakish and sporty profile. Large portlights, centered between two horizontal portlights on each side, offer a change in styling compared to the previously used vertical portlights. Also new to the exterior is a standard riding seat on the bow deck, offering additional comfort and relaxation.

From the salon and galley to the companionway and sleeping quarters, adjustments to its interior layout improve volume, functionality and comfort. Side-by-side berths are now standard in lieu of bunks in the starboard stateroom, and the crew area now features a new “lounge” layout, making the space a comfortable and welcoming retreat.

The new feel within the 80 MY goes beyond layout, featuring aesthetic changes as well as appliance and amenity upgrades. Stone showers with frameless shower doors provide a home-like impression, and now come standard in the master and guest heads. In addition to the stylish shape change of the master stateroom portlights, new portlights have been added to the bow and starboard guest staterooms; improving the allowance of natural light, supplementary to the standard LED lighting.

“There is no doubt that the general effect of the design change introduced aboard the 80 MY is greater than the sum of its parts,” says John Ward, senior vice president of global sales and marketing for Hatteras and CABO Yachts. “We are extremely excited to present the redesigned 80 Motor Yacht in both our current and developing markets.”

Hatteras is pleased to debut this exciting redesigned model at the upcoming Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show which begins on October 25th and runs through October 29th.

About Hatteras

Hatteras Yachts, a unit of Brunswick Corporation, is recognized as a world leader in the construction of convertible sportfishing and luxury motor yachts. Based in New Bern, N.C., Hatteras began production of its first model in 1959 and pioneered the production of large offshore fiberglass powerboats. Hatteras builds luxury motor yachts from 60 to 100 feet and sportfishing convertible yachts from 54 to 77 feet. For more information, visit www.HatterasYachts.com.

About Brunswick Corporation

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity"(TM) in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, and Diversified Marine parts and accessories distributors; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris FloteBote, Hatteras, Lowe, Lund, Meridian, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables.  For more information, visit http://www.brunswick.com.

Contact:

Hatteras Yachts

Brent Barkley, Director of Marketing & Product Portfolio

110 N. Glenburnie Road

New Bern, North Carolina 28560

(252) 634-4856

www.HatterasYachts.com

Oct 19, 2012
Consultants Present Biotech Positioning Report for Pitt County

Greenville, NC (October 18, 2012) – The Biggins Lacy Shapiro study, delivered today at 3:00, provides data concerning life sciences economic development in Pitt County. According to Pitt County Development Commission staff, not only will the recommendations of the report have immediate impact on their industry targets, they will provide direction for reviewing the Commission’s short and long term strategies and its program of work.

“The Development Commission tracks many studies and analyses, including the Eastern Region’s Young Professionals Study and Target Industry Clusters, NC Biotechnology Center’s ‘30 (billion in ag-bio) in 10 (years)’, and the Pitt County Arts Council at Emerge project on community art,” says Executive Director Wanda Yuhas. “Those reports, along with this one, and events like the recent Entrepreneurial Summit and the Brody School of Medicine’s ‘Conversations for Creating the Future’ set the stage for our Board to refresh our mission and implement new programs and new ways of doing our work.”

The report outlining the results of a biotechnology competitive positioning analysis for Pitt County and North Carolina’s Eastern Region is the result of a seven month long study commissioned by the Pitt County Development Commission. The Commission received a $42,000 Regional Development Grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to launch a study to determine specific targets for which Pitt County has the best chance for successful development and recruitment within the scope of the life sciences industry.

“The NC Biotech Center and its staff have been very supportive as we continue our efforts to enhance the life sciences industry in the Eastern Region, and the Pitt County Development Commission extends sincere thanks for the grant that made this analysis possible,” says Kelly Andrews, Associate Director and project director for the grant.

The intensive effort to determine sector-relevant strategies for indigenous growth and business attraction efforts in the life sciences industry included roundtable meetings, interviews and site visits with various industrial, educational, healthcare and economic development partners.  A comparison of several peer markets was also conducted.  Much of the research is also applicable to other industry and business sectors and makes connections among many organizations.

“The life sciences cluster is an important and growing sector within our region, employing about 5,000 people at above average wages in development and manufacturing,” says John Chaffee, President, North Carolina’s Eastern Region. “Evaluating a community's relative regional and competitive position in a national context is critically important to guiding well-informed decisions on pathways to quality growth.”

Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company, headquartered in Princeton, NJ, performed the analysis.  The firm has provided professional expertise in geographic economics and the development of successful location strategies for over 25 years.  The effort was led by Andy Shapiro, the firm’s location economics advisor and Pat Larrabee, President, Facility Logix.

PITT COUNTY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
111 S. WASHINGTON STREET | P.O. BOX 837
GREENVILLE, NC 27835-0837 | 252-758-1989 | 800-548-4153
© 2012 PITT COUNTY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION

Oct 05, 2012
Eastern NC Entrepreneurship Summit

               Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in rebounding from an economic recession. In fact, tough economic times serve as a motivation for many to consider starting a new business. “We often find that challenging times spur entrepreneurship as people look for different ways to get out and make money or create a position for themselves in the business community when, for instance, companies merge and people get forced out,” said John Chaffee, President & CEO of North Carolina’s Eastern Region. 

                Eastern NC understands entrepreneurship is key to long term economic vitality. That’s why likeminded partners came together in Greenville this past Tuesday, October 2^nd to present the Eastern NC Entrepreneurship Summit. ECU's Entrepreneurial Initiative with support from the Colleges of Business and Technology & Computer Science and North Carolina’s Eastern Region Economic Development Partnership hosted the event. Event sponsors included the Small Business Technology Development Center, the Eastern Office of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, Greenville Utilities Commission, Pitt County Economic Development Commission, the City of Greenville, North Carolina’s Northeast Economic Development Partnership, Business Link North Carolina and McDonnel Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff, LLP.  

                Over 100 attended the event which was highlighted by Dr. Randy Goldsmith. Dr. Goldsmith brought an extensive history of success in entrepreneurship. Most notably Dr. Goldsmith aided innovation-led and technology-based economic development, commercialization and capital formation efforts. He has directly assisted more than 1,000 entrepreneurs in their efforts to launch new companies. He has also participated in the creation and management of five investment funds totaling $20 million for startup ventures. His business principles are grounded in more than twenty years of corporate and small business experience as a founding entrepreneur and CEO in multiple settings. Entrepreneurial support organizations in the U.S. and throughout the world have adopted his venture coaching methods. 

                The event included tracks for both entrepreneurs and community and economic developers. Topics ranged from, “Accelerating Your Go to Market Strategy,” to “Money Saving Ideas and Lessons Learned.” Bill Whitley, the founder of three successful startups and author of “The Rainmaker” along with a panel of local entrepreneurs were among other speakers. The event, which received rave reviews from those in attendance, served the purpose of building a stronger local and regional economy by connecting resources to entrepreneurs and beginning what stakeholders hope will be a culture of excitement and optimism regarding local start-ups. 

Aug 14, 2012
Middle East is Getting its Own Hwy 55 Burgers

By Steve Herring
Published in News on July 31, 2012 1:46 PM

MOUNT OLIVE -- "Andy" is headed overseas.

Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries founder and owner Kenney Moore Monday afternoon announced that Al Rumaithy, an international company based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, has committed to 15 restaurants in that country and has an option for another 70 restaurants in the Middle East.

The company also has options for restaurants in North Africa, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.

The restaurants are known for their iconic 1950s theme, wait staff running to open doors for customers and classic American fare of cheeseburgers and fries -- things, that along with the company's business philosophy, attracted Al Rumaithy, Moore said.

"They are actively seeking locations right now," Moore said. "In fact, they have two or three in mind that they are preparing to act on already. If all goes well, this is probably a four-to-six-month process and we will have a restaurant open in the Middle East."

The announcement comes just months after the company's name was changed from Andy's Burgers, Shakes and Fries to avoid a potential legal battle over the federal trademark for the name "Andy's" that arose as the company prepared to expand into other states.

The company will continue to operate out of its headquarters in the Mount Olive Industrial Park just north of town.

"I don't have any desire to go anywhere else," Moore said.

In February, Moore announced the company would add nearly 300 stores and 6,000 employees as it expanded into Virginia, South Carolina and Florida over the next six to seven years.

Moore opened his first restaurant in Berkeley Mall in Goldsboro in 1991, naming it after his son, who was 18 months old at the time. It had grown to 100 restaurants across North Carolina when the expansion was announced.

"We started our expansion over a year ago now moving outside the boundaries of North Carolina," Moore said. "We have been specifically interested in the Southeast. We have been blessed to sign up Florida, Virginia, western North Carolina and South Carolina. Recently we also added Ohio to that mix. We sold the rights to 50 locations in Ohio with the first one hoping to open in Cincinnati by year's end."

The new stores out of state are doing extremely well and the company has received numerous inquiries, he said.

"Well, we started getting these emails," Moore said. "We have received a bunch from international individuals and most, of course, we haven't responded to. But this company out of Abu Dhabi continued to not only email us, but call us.

"So Guy Gutherie, who is the head off my franchise sales, came in the office and said, 'Kenney, what do you want me to do about this?' I said, 'Call them back and just see who they are and what they are interested in.' Long story short, they were very interested in our concept. They really, really loved the fact that we are an all-American concept -- burgers, shakes, fries. It is '50s-themed. It just captivated their idea of what America was all about in a sense."

Huseyin Sevket, a consultant for Al Rumaithy, traveled 27 hours to get to Mount Olive to meet with Moore and company officials, and to visit the Crabtree Valley Mall restaurant in Raleigh.

"He left here hopefully impressed with what he saw because within a day or two of getting back to Abu Dhabi, he sent us a memorandum of intent which basically said they wanted to do business with us," Moore said. "There have been more discussion since then and they have committed to 15 stores in the United Arab Emirates.

"They also have an option to be the master franchisee in the rest of the Middle East for an additional 70 locations that they have identified that they can do. It was kind of interesting when I asked them why they didn't want to commit to the full 85 upfront, he said, 'Well with what is going on in Egypt right now, for instance, we are not sure what direction that country is going to go whether it is going to continue to move forward in sort of a western sense or move backward.'"

The company is still addressing the issue of logistics and finding sources for products to use, he said.

The menu and taste will be the same, although Moore joked that he might have to share his burger seasoning recipe.

"It is not quite Col. Sanders, but I hold onto it," Moore said. "The only menu difficulty we have identified to this point other than logistically sourcing products over there, is obviously no pork -- no bacon, no ham and cheese in the Middle East but everything else translates."

There is even a sense of camaraderie from the business side, Moore added.

"As businessmen they are a lot like I am in the sense we shook hands. If they trust you, just like me, if I trust somebody, a handshake is really all I need. I don't need it wrapped up in a thousand pages of documents to do what I say I am going to do. They do the business very much the same way. It matters to them, character matters and being in business with people they trust matters as much as anything drawn up by the attorneys."

Moore said Sevket was hired by the company to develop Hwy 55 for the Middle East.

"He has done this before. It not his first American concept taken to the Middle East," Moore said. "It was very flattering that he said that after looking at our back-of-the-house stuff and our controls and stuff, he said that he had seen many concepts through the years that have pieces of what we have, but he had never seen one, especially one our size, to have all of the pieces in place.

"That is a real testament to my team here and the folks that I get to work with on a daily basis. They have done a wonderful job."

Opening a store in the Middle East is a long way from that first Andy's and there is a long way to go, too, Moore said.

"This could be a stepping stone into even more international type business as well," Moore said. "When I look back, I remember when we opened the Mount Olive store here in 1994. I didn't know how we would ever get to 20. Physically I thought I would collapse before we ever opened up our 20th restaurant.

"So, yeah, now the vision is a little different. I guess it is as big as your mind can conceive and believe you can do it and that is kind of where we are at. We want to figure this one out. We want to make sure that we can do it internationally and do it well and then the sky is the limit."

This publication copyright ©2012 Goldsboro News-Argus, all rights reserved.

Jul 31, 2012
Upscale Restaurants Bloom in Eastern North Carolina

BY ANDREA WEIGL - AWEIGL@NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Dining options in Eastern North Carolina used to mean barbecue or Southern steam-table fare. Celebrating an anniversary meant venturing to a steakhouse.

Not anymore. A handful of bistros and upscale restaurants have sprouted from Wilson to Faison.

Now diners can choose from a 500-bottle wine list at On the Square in Tarboro. At Chef & The Farmer in Kinston, they can enjoy dishes prepared by a chef who was a semifinalist for best chef in the Southeast from the James Beard Foundation, the Oscars of the food world.

Jul 13, 2012
Long Days Bring Encouraging Results – 2012 Farnborough Air Show

Farnborough, England – July 13, 2012 - Waking up at 5:30 a.m., out of the hotel by 7:00 a.m. and then a 2 hour 15 minute commute by subway, train and bus just to get to one of the world’s largest aerospace trade shows seems to be worth the effort and expense. A team representing North Carolina’s Eastern Region (NCER) spent the week at the Farnborough Air Show (FAS), outside London, meeting with officials from several companies and other regional organizations from the US and Europe. Joined by the NCER team were many other representatives from the state, including representatives from the Department of Commerce.

Senior Vice President, NCER Len Kulik organized meetings where preexisting relationships were already in place from previous shows and NCER joined with allies Nexson-Pruitt, ElectriCities and the Global TransPark in contracting with the Global Consulting Trust on an additional seven pre-scheduled meetings with UK companies interested in establishing a presence in the US.

“Some were follow-up meetings with CEOs that we met at Farnborough two years ago at the Le Bourget (Paris) Air Show last year, but we also had several first time meetings,” said John Chaffee, President & CEO of NCER. “Len did a great job coordinating with Russ to set up meetings at the show and we still ended up with a number of double bookings and had to split up.”

Several of the companies with pre-arranged appointments are actively engaged in a site search already. Expectations are that companies from Italy, Germany, Kansas and California will make a visit to the Region over the next 6 months. Visiting representatives will experience firsthand many of the unique attributes that makes the area an attractive location for aerospace companies and inspect local buildings and sites.

A key advantage to attending the show is a large audience of aerospace companies in a single location. One unplanned meeting happened with a company who is actively seeking a US presence, simply because an official walked up to the NCER trade show booth. Progress was also made on several existing relationships and endeavors from years past. The marketing reach into two vital aerospace clusters in Italy and Poland was strengthened which will make more prominent the assets of the region in these two locations. Additional interest was express by a Fortune 500 company headquartered in NC and a leading international site location consultant in NCER’s STEM East Initiative.

Even with attendance down slightly from two years ago, the Region is very pleased with the number of quality relationships and leads gained from their presence at the Air Show. Estimates place attendance just under 100,000. Attending on behalf of the Region were President & CEO, John Chaffee and Senior Vice President, Len Kulik.

Jul 11, 2012
North Carolina’s Pilot Work Ready Program Reaches Halfway Point

The Work Ready program of North Carolina’s Eastern Region has reached its halfway point. All 13 counties are participating in a rigorous initiative aimed to align the region’s workforce with industry needs and to ensure that workers possess the appropriate skills to be successful employees. Several counties already have documented successes.

Kinston, NC – July 10, 2012 - North Carolina’s first Work Ready Communities program in the Eastern Region is midway through its demonstration phase.   All thirteen counties in the region are working toward a Work Ready certification by increasing their high school graduation rate, Career Readiness Certificates (CRCs), and employer involvement.  County leaders representing K-12 schools, community colleges, chambers of commerce, workforce development agencies, and various large and small businesses are driving this effort.  County representatives last convened in Kinston in April to assess regional opportunities for employer engagement.

 The Eastern Region’s Work Ready certification standards are the highest of states that have already adopted a Work Ready program.   Georgia and Oklahoma established a statewide Work Ready program in 2006; at least four other states are also considering a similar program.  Eastern Region counties are working toward a high school graduation goal of 80%, a Career Readiness Certificate goal of 25% of the labor force and to engage 10 of the county’s 20 largest employers in the CRC.

A couple of counties in the region are already close to earning a Work Ready certification by having met their high school graduation and Career Readiness Certificate requirements.    All but five of the thirteen counties achieved their CRC requirement, and Lenoir, Pitt, and Wayne counties have more than ten employers committed to using the CRC.   Wayne County leads the region in CRCs with almost one-third of the area’s total.  Area businesses committed to the CRC are recognized on the program website www.ncworkready.org.  The Eastern Region will announce eligible counties as early as the end of this year and at the end of the initiative in mid-2013.  Soon companies committing to use CRC in hiring will have access to a job seekers portal for employees seeking jobs that possess a CRC.

The demonstration program is managed by the Eastern Region in partnership with the Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board.  Support for Work Ready Communities is provided by the North Carolina Rural Center.  The Eastern Region provides grant funding to counties to support employer engagement events and to supplement CRC testing fees.

Jun 22, 2012
STEM East Draws National Attention at STEM Solutions Summit in Dallas

Steve Hill, Executive Director of NCER STEM East Initiative, will be a presenter at STEM Solutions, a national leadership summit.  The three day summit, presented by U.S. News and STEM connector, will bring together business, education and government leaders who have long recognized the need to connect the dots between STEM education and careers. It will provide a forum for important conversation that will develop into action plans for our nation.

More than 50 key organizations representing industry and education have signed on as co-chairs to support STEM Solutions 2012 during this three-day summit, June 27-29, 2012, at the Dallas Sheraton Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Participants will explore solutions and define successes in science, technology, engineering and math education as a pathway to jobs.

Hill will join colleagues from across the nation during the 3 day event. He will give conference attendees a vantage point on how to bring together private industry, community partners and public education to create a cohesive network to strengthen STEM education.

“We are excited for the opportunity to share at a national level the successes of the STEM East network and the positive effects it has on STEM education and workforce development for North Carolina’s Eastern Region,” said Hill.

STEM East, a 2 year old partnership in Eastern North Carolina has taken a novel approach to STEM education and it has yielded strong results in several local middle schools. Partners include small business owners, major manufacturers, public education superintendents, pastors, economic developers government organizations, colleges, universities and community members.

North Carolina’s Eastern Region is an economic development agency representing 13 counties in Eastern North Carolina. For more information visit www.nceast.org or contact, Steven Pearce, Marketing & Communications Coordinator at pearce@nceast.org.

Jun 15, 2012
Revolutionary Diabetic Ulcer Treatment Headed to Market

Contact: Dr. Ronald Hill, Managing Partner, MxBiodevices at RHill@mxbiodevices.com

Revolutionary Diabetic Ulcer Treatment Headed to Market

MxBiodevices, a Greenville, NC biotech company has received a $30,000 Company Inception Loan from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to aid in completing its business plan. MxBiodevices is on the fast track to the European marketplace and eventual commercialization in the US with a revolutionary new treatment for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). By 2025 there is expected to be 330 million diabetics worldwide and every 30 seconds a lower extremity is amputated due to complications from a DFU.  

MxBiodevices is pursuing its commercialization efforts in the fertile ground of Eastern North Carolina, an emerging hotbed of life science companies including: pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical product development and manufacturing. The technology behind MxBiodevices is a synthetic nanofiber scaffold that is injected under the ulcer bed which provides a healing environment for the patient’s own cells to initiate tissue regeneration. In contrast, current wound care products are topical applications that do not treat the underlying tissue. The technology has proven to be effective in a broad array of applications, including: tendon, bone and dermal wound repair, cosmetic surgery, and dental applications.

MxBiodevices’ cofounders, Dr. Ronald Hill, Dr. Francis Lamberti and Marilyn Thompson, who have combined nearly 60 years in biotechnology research and product development, were instrumental in the product development, manufacturing, clinical trials, regulatory approval, and successful commercialization for use in orthopedics and spine. Dr. Hill stated, “MxBiodevices will leverage this commercial success in orthopedics and spine to successfully commercialize the technology to treat DFUs. Greenville is the ideal location for us. There is significant investor support for life science start-ups; the Technology Center provides quality affordable space; and the Medical and Dental schools at East Carolina University (ECU) provide expertise and opportunity for collaboration.” Home to the Metabolics Institute at East Carolina, the University is renowned for its research into obesity and diabetes.

The next steps for MxBiodevices will be to gain approval to treat DFUs in the United States and Europe. Manufacturing capabilities are already in place and the technology has previously been approved for use for several applications in both the US and Europe. In place regulatory approvals, DFU clinical data and product manufacturing agreements will speed commercialization; current plans anticipate arrival in the European market in 2013 and in the US market within 3 years.

North Carolina’s Eastern Region is an economic development agency representing 13 counties in Eastern North Carolina. For more information visit www.nceast.org or contact, Steven Pearce, Marketing & Communications Coordinator at pearce@nceast.org.

Jun 13, 2012
Pioneer® Surgical Technology, Inc. Announces nanOss® Bioactive, Bone V

Contact: Fred J. Taccolini, Chief Compliance Officer, Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. at 906-225-5650 or fredtaccolini@pioneersurgical.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jun 08, 2012
USDE Official Praises Havelock Middle Hands-On Technology Class

U.S. Department of Education official Brenda Dann-Mesier was in the east Wednesday visiting a class in Craven County that has all the kids talking.

These 8th graders at Havelock Middle School have a new reason to be excited to come to class. In the hands-on interactive technology course, students focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. School officials say what they learn here, they'll take into the local workforce

"Hands on learning- it's rigorous and relevant and students are saying I like to work with my hands, its how I learn best," said Dann-Mesier.

The stem career investigation lab is offered in 4 counties, Craven, Jones, Lenoir, and Wayne.

For more information and to see a corresponding video visit: USDE Official Praises Havelock Middle Hands-On Technology Class

Jun 07, 2012
Senior U.S. Ed Official Visits North Carolina’s Eastern Region

Senior U.S. Ed Official Visits North Carolina’s Eastern Region

North Carolina’s Eastern Region hosted the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education, Brenda Dann-Messier Wednesday, June 6^th. Dann-Messier visited STEM Centers in Lenoir and Craven Counties and participated in roundtable discussions with students, teachers and public and private partners in both locations.

When discussing the purpose of her visit, the Assistant Secretary said, “The answers are not in Washington. The answers are on the ground with those who are doing it every day.” But even at the highest levels of government, leaders are recognizing the need to focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE). In his budget for 2013 President Obama has proposed 8 billion dollars for a college to career fund which would in part be used to develop partnerships between community colleges and business. An additional 1 billion dollars has been proposed to support career academics.

“We have to do a better job at preparing our students for STEM careers. We want to make sure business and industry is involved in this process,” said Dann-Messier. That is exactly what has taken place through STEM East the past few years. STEM East is partnering with private industries, government and community organizations, colleges and universities to promote the development of educational pathways and alignment of career opportunities. 

Local business owner Tom Vermillion has played an integral role in the development of STEM East. “For the first time as an employer I was engaged in the education process,” said Vermillion.

Participating in the roundtable was Rick Davis of Spirit AeroSystems which recently opened a new facility at the GTP, near Kinston, has been a key industry ally. “When we decided to locate here, we knew that a skilled workforce would be a challenge in some areas,” said Davis. “Anyone who thought that the workforce issue couldn’t be overcome had not met the people,” Davis added.

Robust partnerships have been the key for STEM East. National attention and accolades are as routine as the demand for a sound workforce pipeline.   Part of the success has been bringing employers to the table,” said John Chaffee, President & CEO of North Carolina’s Eastern Region. Chaffee went on to add that without funding from Golden LEAF and partners, the success of a regional approach would not be possible.

“We want processes you can incubate in one area and deploy it horizontally in all areas,” said Davis. Industry, community, education and government partners are all heavily invested in STEM East.  “This is something that knits together economic development and educational development to make this a viable community,” said Julian Pridgen, local Pastor and STEM East board member.

STEM East is transforming how we think about education. “We do not want to work in silos anymore,” said Steve Hill, STEM East Executive Director. Without a regional approach which brings together all stakeholders, education reform remains segmented and disconnected from industry needs.

Lenoir County Superintendet, Steve Mazingo, is highly vested in the success of STEM East and praises accomplishments to date. “We have to get kids excited about what they are doing. We are right on the edge of something huge.”

Assistant Secretary Dann-Messier went on to add, “The partnerships you have are extraordinary. I plan to brag about all the good work you are doing here.”

Jun 05, 2012
STEM East is Growring Workplace Skills

04/01/2012
STEM Education
Matt Frankenbery

The desired long-term impact of STEM? Grow skills and boost the local economy

Business and industry leaders are getting onboard in hopes of having an impact

May 15, 2012
NC Senate President Visits NCER to Discuss Education Reform

Senator Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore of the NC General   Assembly was in Kinston at North Carolina’s Eastern Region on Tuesday, May 15^th to discuss his education reform bill. The Excellent Public Schools Act strives to improve student literacy, raise graduation rates, increase accountability in the classroom, reward effective teachers and give parents the tools to make more informed decisions about their children’s education.

Berger spoke to a group of Chamber of Commerce Executives from across the 13 county territory of North Carolina’s Eastern Region. Also in attendance were Senators Harry Brown, Buck Newton and Bill Rabon. Introducing Senator Berger was Mr. Lewis Ebert, President & CEO of the North Carolina Chamber.

The Excellent Public Schools Act is expected to be a topic of discussion during the General Assembly’s short session, which began on Tuesday. Supporters of the Act are seeking to reform the public education system by improving literacy and ending social promotion, improving school performance and accountability, providing calendar flexibility, providing state employee literacy volunteer leave time and developing and retaining high-quality teachers.

“Where we are is not where we need to be,” said Berger, “Where we are is in a place that’s failing our kids.” The Act, which was first introduced to the Senate last month, has sparked much conversation in recent weeks. “What this bill is trying to get at, is making sure we’ve done everything we can to make sure a child is able to read by the time they finish third grade.” Even if the Act is not passed by the General Assembly, Senator Berger is confident it will serve as a spark to promote education transformation. Senator Berger went on to add, “We will have moved the needle more than the needle has been moved in North Carolina.”

Apr 02, 2012
Impressive KCST Kicks Off 2012 Manufacturing Network

It isn't every day that you can see how a component in your car is made.  I had that opportunity yesterday at the kick-off for the 2012 Manufacturing Makes It Real Network at Keihin Carolina System Technology (KCST) in Tarboro, NC.  KCST makes automotive fuel systems and engine control units for Honda.  If you drive an Acura or a Honda, part of your car originated in Tarboro, NC.

KCST uses advanced robotics technologies and automated manufacturing processes to produce their parts, and their facility is impressive.  Even more impressive than the facility were the continuous improvement processes the company has in place.  I never fully understood the importance of organizational culture for successful continous improvement until I visited KCST.  It was clear their organizational culture believes in and supports lean and other continuous improvement methodologies, and it was clear from the top of the organization all the way down to the production floor.  The plant tour included numerous examples of employees empowered by a lean culture and how they were able to solve problems quickly, effectively and profitably.

KCST is also very committed to being a responsible member of the community, including environmental stewardship.  In only a few years, they have implemented improvements that have not only dramatically reduced their environmental footprint (one accomplishment is achieving "zero landfill" status) but also generated substantial cost savings, proving that sustainability can improve your bottom line.

KCST and its wonderful facility were only part of the story yesterday, though.  100 people, many of them representing local manufacturers, gathered for the first Network event of 2012.  After KCST provided an overview of their corporate vision, Steve Hill, the Excecutive Director of STEM East discussed the familiar workforce challenges faced by manufacturers and how STEM East is addressing them through innovative partnerships between schools and industry. 

My favorite part of any Network event is always the presentations by attending manufacturers because they demonstrate the variety of products made in North Carolina.  Fifteen manufacturers presented, including a fork lift manufacturer, a crane manufacturer, packaging producers, foam manufacturers, an elevator cable manufacturer, a faucet manufacturer and a key manufacturer.

Article written by KeAnne Hoeg, NC State University Industrial Extension Service

Mar 14, 2012
Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation Hires First CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mr. Steven Pearce, Marketing & Communications Coordinator @ 252-522-2400

Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation Project Management Team Hires First CEO  

Morehead City, NC – March 14, 2012 - Marine research in coastal NC will soon have a fresh flux of energy. The first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has been hired for the Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation (MBCOI). Dr. Deborah Mosca began her new role on March 10. Launched through funding of a Center of Innovation grant provided by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the MBCOI will be a catalyst for commercialization, partnership and entrepreneurial and fiscal investments for marine-based research and innovations. The MBCOI strives to be a sustainable, not-for-profit entity which will integrate marine biotechnology-based research, services, innovations, and entities to identify and meet market needs. Creating unique alignments between market demands and potential technology solutions, the MBCOI, will accelerate commercialization of marine biotechnology research and development, and drive company creation and job growth for North Carolina.  The MBCOI will be closely tied to academic marine science research centers throughout North Carolina.  It will have offices located in both Wilmington, NC and in Morehead City/Beaufort, NC.

New CEO, Dr. Deborah Mosca is a resident of San Diego but will relocate to Wilmington, NC. Dr. Mosca’s experience and expertise is a culmination of 31 years in roles of increasing responsibility in various biotech research and commercial organizations. She is a proven leader of multi‐disciplinary project teams focused on drug discovery and development and displays the ability to anticipate risks and implement creative solutions to meet project timelines and budgets. Dr. Mosca has a clear, sound and responsible fiscal history; she has executed critical roles in securing funding totaling more than $33M in contracts and $100M in venture funding. Formerly in a full time role as the Vice President of Project Management at PaxVax, Inc., Dr. Mosca provided strategic leadership in the development of orally delivered, stable vaccines and assisted the CEO with revenue generation through licensing, corporate partnerships, and venture capital activities. Dr. Mosca has led seven (7) multi‐disciplinary project teams focused on vaccine development. As Senior Director Business Development at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), she was responsible for executing the business plan for Scripps Florida. Her duties included out‐licensing technologies, negotiating terms for contracts and collaborations, and facilitating the development of new enterprises derived from scientific efforts at Scripps Florida. Other key accomplishments include organizing the business track for the first Scripps‐Oxford International meeting, participating in Governor Jeb Bush’s economic mission to Switzerland, and implementing a web‐based program to enable the Florida academic community to access TSRI’s state‐of‐the‐art screening technologies.

In her role as CEO, Dr. Mosca will be responsible for creating a portfolio of high-value projects that are properly balanced and directly tied to the business strategy of the MBCOI.  She will work to establish criteria and methods that will maximize the value of the MBCOI’s portfolio in terms of sales revenue, profitability and likelihood of success, ensuring the final portfolio of investments is strategically aligned with the needs of the market or industry.  In addition, Dr. Mosca will be tasked with creating, engaging, informing and communicating with a marine biotechnology network - that includes but is not limited to universities, businesses, funding agencies, economic development agencies, marine biotech research advisory groups throughout North Carolina, regional partners and state leaders - to successfully cultivate collaborative innovation and accelerate North Carolina’s bioscience research engine to deliver economic benefits statewide.  “The talent in North Carolina's marine technology is inspiring and I am humbled to have been selected to lead the creation of the MBCOI. Key to its success will be the development of the entrepreneurial spirit at the level of the individual contributor through education, outreach, and personal interactions. I look forward to working across the state to bring our collective vision to reality,” said Dr. Mosca.

Representatives from all of NC’s major marine research institutes as well as individuals from North Carolina’s Eastern Region and the NC Biotechnology Center participated on the Project Management Team (PMT). After an exhaustive 6 month international search by The Wellington Group, Dr. Mosca was selected. “It's taken us awhile to get here, but we've arrived at a great place.  The hiring of a superb person like Deb Mosca, who brings so much talent, energy, and connections, as the leader of the MBCOI is thrilling.  I am excited about the future of marine biotechnology in eastern North Carolina,” said John Chaffee, President & CEO, North Carolina’s Eastern Region. Seconding those thoughts, Mary Beth Thomas, Vice President of the Centers of Innovation Program at the NC Biotechnology Center added, “The potential of the marine biotech sector in NC as an economic driver has been recognized for years.  With Deb’s hiring, we are entering into a new exciting phase – Deb’s leadership of the MBCOI will drive a strategic focus for the commercialization of marine biotech innovations with the goal of new NC companies and new jobs.”

Mar 06, 2012
NCER to Host Fifth Annual State of the Region

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mr. Steven Pearce, Marketing & Communications Coordinator @ 252-522-2400

North Carolina’s Eastern Region to Host Fifth Annual State of the Region

New Bern, NC – March 14, 2012 – On Wednesday, March 14^th, business, community and government leaders will gather in New Bern for North Carolina’s Eastern Region’s annual meeting. The fifth State of the Region will take place at the Riverfront Convention Center (203 South Front Street, New Bern, NC 28563) with opening remarks beginning at 8:50 a.m. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served beginning at 8:00 a.m. Guests should RSVP at www.nceast.org/eventregistration.

The keynote address will be given by Ted Abernathy, Executive Director of the Southern Growth Policies Board (SGPB). The SGPB is a 13 state, non-partisan, public policy think tank based in the Research Triangle Park focused on strengthening the South’s economy and creating the highest quality of life. The Board develops new regional strategies for economic development and identifies best practices to facilitate action. Mr. Abernathy, a native of N.C., earned a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill, a Master’s from Johns Hopkins University, is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute, and is an Eisenhower Fellow for global economics. Addressing “Competing in the Changing South,” Mr. Abernathy brings a great deal of practical experience and expertise. He has served as Executive Director of the SGPB for 3 years; 32 years of his professional career has focused on economic development.

State and regional leaders will weigh in on a growing effort, STEM education. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education seeks to align the education system to meet the employment needs of local employers. Panelists include Ted Morris (Associate Vice Chancellor, ECU Engagement, Innovation and Economic Development), Steve Hill (Executive Director, STEM East), and Randy Collier (Health Careers Consultant, Vidant Health). Samuel Houston, Jr. (President & CEO, NC SM&T Education Center) will moderate the panel.

A second panel will focus on the thriving Life Sciences cluster in the region. Despite the sluggish economy, this sector has continued to flourish in recent years. Panel participants include: Ken Morris (Plant Manager West Pharmaceutical Services, Kinston), Phil Hodges (President, Metrics, Inc., Greenville), and Matt Neuman (Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Alyward Enterprises-USA, New Bern). The panel will be moderated by the Eastern Region NC Biotechnology Executive Director, Mark Phillips.

Additionally, NCER VP & Executive Director of the Military Growth Task Force (MGTF), Mark Sutherland will update guests on the Region’s Defense Logistics Initiative and the upcoming transition from the MGTF to PlanIt East. This will be followed by President & CEO of North Carolina’s Eastern Region, John Chaffee, who will deliver the State of the Region report.

“I always look forward to our State of the Region meetings; they: provide a platform for us to share information on many of the great things taking place in eastern North Carolina; give us an opportunity to thank all our wonderful partners; and allows us to take a little time to network with people from around the region and the state; we have some very exciting news to share this year,” said Chaffee. For a detailed agenda, please visit www.nceast.org/sor2011.          

North Carolina’s Eastern Region is a 13-county development commission established by the North Carolina General Assembly to promote economic growth in Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Edgecombe, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Nash, Onslow, Pamlico, Pitt, Wayne, and Wilson counties. The region encompasses 7,000 square miles and approximately 1 million residents. For more information, visit www.nceast.org or via email, info@nceast.org.

Mar 01, 2012
Pitt County Receives $42K NCBIOTECH Grant

The Pitt County Development Commission has received a $42,000 Regional Development Grant from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to launch a study of the best ways Eastern North Carolina can tap into the economic benefits of biotechnology.

Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company, headquartered in Princeton, NJ, will perform the biotechnology competitive positioning analysis.  Led by Andy Shapiro, the firm’s location economics advisor, the study will determine the most promising biotechnology sectors for which Pitt County and North Carolina’s Eastern Region are best positioned to compete for economic development projects. 

Biotechnology is a major target industry for North Carolina as well as North Carolina’s Eastern Region.  With the study’s findings, Pitt County can better utilize marketing dollars to position itself and the Region in targeted biotechnology sectors.  “By narrowing the scope based on a comprehensive analysis of our assets and a comparative review of competing markets, we can maximize our efforts and develop a more structured, effective marketing and recruitment plan,” says Kelly Andrews, the Commission’s associate director.

East Carolina University’s Office of Engagement, Innovation and Economic Development conducted a biotechnology asset inventory last summer that will aid in the pending study.  The inventory documented all of the biotechnology-related curriculum, research and programs at the university and will be analyzed along with other assets and data.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center’s mission is to provide long-term economic and societal benefits to North Carolina by supporting biotechnology research, business and education statewide. North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing of the top biotech clusters – 29.1 percent from 2001 to 2008. The collective impact of this growth and activity is $64.6 billion annually on the state’s economy.

The Pitt County Development Commission submitted the application in November and was endorsed by economic developers in neighboring counties, Pitt Community College, East Carolina University, Vidant Health and North Carolina’s Eastern Region.  “We wish to thank the North Carolina Biotechnology Center for the grant and hope the findings will serve to enhance our Region and North Carolina’s position as a top state for biotechnology,” says Andrews.  The study will begin in mid-March and will conclude this summer.

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.

Jan 24, 2012
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