WID Home Page

January-February 2002

CEO's Desk
NC Gathers National Honors
Member News
New Members
Member Services
SBA Debenture Rate
Board of Directors

He was, as always, right on the mark. So much has happened during the past year to test the resolve of our planning. We can only hope that 2002 will be a better one for the U.S. economy and that the dark cloud hovering over our national security will be lifted.

Through good times and bad, economic development is a long-term game that doesn’t lend itself to fleeting fads and quick fixes. If it were a foot race, it would be a marathon, not a sprint. While it can take years to sow the seeds of prosperity, it is equally true that a business environment built upon sound, forward-looking economic development policies can withstand – even prosper during – periods of cyclical downturn. While many communities across the country are now learning this lesson the hard way, it is nothing new in Greater Wilmington.

An orientation toward both the longer view and the larger view has been a hallmark at WID since our creation in the 1950s. It is a strategy that has brought us tangible results, and we intend to stick with it. That is one of the reasons we were so pleased when both New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington recently executed multi-year partnership agreements with us. Pender County entered into a similar long-term relationship with WID several years ago. The leadership and financial support of our public sector partners, always key to our success, will be even more meaningful as we move ahead with long-range initiatives in the realm of infrastructure, site development, transportation and strategic planning. In a world filled with uncertainties, it is good to know that our three governmental partners are with us over the long haul.

Despite this renewed public sector commitment, WID continues to harness strong, ongoing support from business and industry. The bulk of our revenue is generated through private sources via membership dues, financial contributions and fees earned through our SBA lending program. Thus, we also salute the leadership our private sector provides in making Greater Wilmington’s economic development program everything it ought to be. Be they business or government, we are grateful to our members, allies and partners for their long-term, big-picture dedication to WID’s mission.

No, the future ain’t what it used to be. In our case, it’s much better – precisely because we’ve made a point of focusing so keenly on it.

In 2002 and beyond, let’s stay the course!

Yours sincerely,

R. Scott Satterfield

The votes are in – and North Carolina has re-emerged as the nation’s top business climate, according to annual rankings by Site Selection magazine for the year 2001.

Narrowly edging out industrial powerhouses California, which took the top honor in 2000, and Texas (see related sidebar), the Tar Heel State received the best overall score when five distinct indicators were rated. Those criteria included:

new and expanded corporate facilities for 2000;
new and expanded corporate facilities for 1998-2000;
new and expanded facilities per one million residents for 1998-2000;
new and expanded facilities per 1,000 square miles for 1998-2000; and
results from Site Selection’s annual survey of corporate real estate executives who work for companies with nationwide operations.

The state received the same honors in 1999, but fell to #3 in the 2000 survey.

"This ranking demonstrates that we are doing the right things to ensure long-term economic growth in North Carolina," Governor Mike Easley said. "Our challenge is to make future growth translate into good jobs for all of our families, and strong investments in all of our communities."

Even with the overall #1 honors, there is room for improvement. One soft spot was found in the Executive Survey rankings, where North Carolina came in at #5. The survey, conducted in August, asked corporate real estate officials the following question: "Based upon your experience, what are the top ten business climates, taking into consideration such factors as lack of red tape, financial assistance and government officials’ cooperation?"

On this measure, the Lone Star State ran away with the prize, scoring 266 points. Florida (205 points), Georgia (200) and Arizona (174) followed. North Carolina gathered just 147 points. Though the category seems more superficial than substantive, it is nonetheless important. In marketing as in life, there is often a fine line between perception and reality.

And there is something else instructive about the 2001 rankings: the prominence of our neighboring states in this new mix. Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida – all of which have communities Greater Wilmington competes with daily for new jobs and investment – each made the top ten. Also coming on forcefully were Tennessee and Alabama, which ranked 13th and 14th respectively. In 2000, Tennessee placed 20th and Alabama failed to even make the top 25.

Like never before, industrial leaders from around the globe have discovered the southeastern United States – its appealing climate, diligent workers, scant unionization, business-friendly tax structures and more. That is certainly good news for Greater Wilmington and the rest of North Carolina, but it also illustrates the need to be innovative in product development and community promotion. It means local governments must effect sound public policies that constantly sharpen their communities’ appeal as business destinations. It calls for well-planned decisions about infrastructure, transportation and growth. Closer communication and collaboration between and among business officials, educators and community leaders will be more urgent than ever.

Against such an aggressively competitive backdrop, there is less and less room for complacency in economic development – and the margin for error grows narrower each day.

Site Selection’s 2001 Top Ten Business Climates

North Carolina
California
Texas
Virginia
Florida
Illinois
Michigan
New York
South Carolina
Georgia

R.V. Biberstein, Jr.-President
Scott Sullivan-Vice Chairman
Russell Carter-Treasurer
Scott Satterfield-Secretary

Carl Byrd, Sr.
Mayor Harper Peterson
Meg Davenport
Rob Gerlach
Robert Greer
Paul Grimsley
Frank Hamilton, III
Dr. James Hundley
Bill King
Louise McColl
Dr. Eric McKeithan
Dr. Eugene McMurray
Gene Renzaglia
James Smith
Dwight Strickland
Robert Stuart
Gayle Van Velsor
Fred Willets, III

5.78%*

SBA’s 504 Loan Program has 20 year Fixed Rate Financing.

For more information call:

910-763-8414

Olsten Staffing Services
Ms. Fran Young
513 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
1-910-343-8763
www.olsten.com
www.worknow.com

Carolina Carbide Saw
Mr. Stephen Williams
1302 South 5th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
1-910-763-8075

Saffo Contractors, Inc.
Mr. Heather Starcke or Nick Saffo
3911 Cherry Ave.
PO Box 7035
Wilmington, NC 28406
1-910-313-0848

Fortron Industries
Mr. Larry Maddox
4600 Hwy. 421 North
PO Box 327
Wilmington, NC 28402
1-910-343-5000
www.ticona.com

SENC Technical Services
Mr. John Swinson
3142 Wrightsville Ave.
Wilmington, NC 28403
1-910-251-1925

Harley and Associates
Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
Mr. Don Harley
108 Giles Ave., Suite 104
Wilmington, NC 28403
1-910-784-9800

United Parcel Service
Mr. Timothy Brock
1627 Navahoe Drive
Raleigh, NC 27609
1-800-142-5877
www.ups.com

Kenneth A. Shanklin,
Attorney at Law
Mr. Ken Shanklin
214 Market Street
PO Box 1347
Wilmington, NC 28402
1-910-762-9400

Wilmington Materials
Mr. L.A. Maddox
3612 US Higway 421 N
PO Box 209
Wilmington, NC 28402
1-910-763-4569

For those who use, store or produce chemicals, this is for you. EPA regulations under the “Right to Know” law is specific and you need to understand the rules.

Emergency Planning and Right-to-Know Workshop

Sponsored by the NHC LEPC

Jan. 10, 2002 @ 8:00 a.m. at WACSC

Learn your regulatory responsibilities under EPCRA

For further details go to:

www.nhclepc.net/new/workshop.htm

Koch Sulfur Changes Company Name

Koch Sulfur has changed its name to Southern States Chemical
for further information please visit their website at:

www.sschemical.com

Inclusion of news in WID Newsletter.

Database listing of industrial properties for referrals.

Posting of commercial property on WID website.

Posting of commercial property on regional economic and NC Department of Commerce (providing property meets specified criteria).

Inclusion of your company’s marketing literature, when appropriate, in client/prospect proposals.

Building/Site Selection Assistance-if you are planning to expand or relocate, we can help you find the ideal building and/or site.

Financial Assistance-based on your company’s capital needs, WID can locate attractive financing options.

SBA 504 Loan

Industrial Revenue Bond Inducement Assistance

Community Development Block Grants