WID Home Page

January-February 2003

Feature Article
CEO's Desk
Member News
New Members
Membership Invitational Golf Tournament
SBA 504 Loan
Member Services
Board of Directors
Delta Announces New Service

Granted, we do more here than just get by. We like to exceed expectations. Yet, we still rely on the constructive relationships we have with business leaders who share an interest in elevating the quality of life for everyone in our region.

Without the support WID gets from area banks, utilities, real estate pros, builders and others, we would be hard-pressed to meet the economic challenges that the 21st Century is throwing at us. To fully appreciate this, one must get a close-up look at the process of economic development. Most clients must purchase or lease the right land. They must have a properly-designed building. Their water, sewer, natural gas and electrical needs must be met in a manner that is reliable and affordable. Most will need good telephone service and high-speed Internet. Many will require financing from a local lender. Corporate articles will likely need to be drawn up by a qualified attorney. And the list goes on…

Before all is said and done, there are dozens of public, non-profit and commercial entities involved in making economic development happen. They join our efforts because it makes obvious business sense to do so. But more than that, they are part of our team because they are part of our community. Their executives and employees live and work among us. As our neighbors, friends and fellow citizens, they bring passion to the cause of making our region better. That, in most cases, is all they ask in return.

We are particularly fortunate to have within our boundaries a list of allies that reads like a Who’s Who of North Carolina business legends. Now more than ever, their expertise, leadership, perspective and dedication are needed.

Through good times and bad, they’ve been by our side, never letting us down. For that, we owe our allies immeasurable gratitude.

Best Wishes,

R. Scott Satterfield

Since their earliest times, economic development agencies have counted on the support they receive from utility providers, banks and other private sector “allies.” But given the punishing forces of the global economy and tenuous fiscal conditions at all levels of government, maintaining strong, cooperative relationships with economic development allies is now a top priority.

“Our company has always been very interested in the communities we serve,” explains Herb Crenshaw, director of economic development in North Carolina for BellSouth Corp. “That’s always been one of our primary corporate values.” More recently, changes in the economy and the telecommunications industry have dictated Mr. Crenshaw’s company work closely with economic development professionals in securing new jobs and investment, he says. Competitive pressures produced by the breakup of AT&T in the 1980s, in particular, spurred the Atlanta-based company to aggressively help recruit new industry. “We realized our financial health was dependent on the overall health of the region.”

Companies of numerous sizes and scopes take part in the economic development process on some level or other. In addition to telecomm and other utilities, the number includes banks, railroads, real estate firms, attorneys, architects, construction contractors, environmental professionals and management consultants. Common to all is a vested interest in the success of their surrounding communities.

Allies’ support for economic development manifests itself in equally myriad ways. Most begin by joining membership-based agencies, lending their leadership and technical expertise. Some sponsor special events and marketing projects. Others help out at trade shows or host client visits. A few chip in financially, offering help with site development and relocation expenses. Some do all these things – and more.

But most allies add value to the equation simply by being effective at their core business. “The most important way we support economic development is by continuing to provide adequate and affordable power across our service area,” says Sandy Jordan, vice president of economic development at Progress Energy. His company helps communities with promotional brochures, shell-building financing and research, and advises new and expanding industry on power quality and other electrical needs.

“We assist in developing marketing materials, we take recruiting trips, serve on local and regional boards, and offer financial support to marketing efforts,” says BellSouth’s Mr. Crenshaw. His company also provides technical advice to prospective businesses regarding their telecommunications options. “Economic development involves many skills. Developers can’t always be knowledgeable about the intricacies of telecommunications,” he continues. Such support is frequently crucial for newly-arriving tech firms, call centers and back-office operations, Crenshaw says.

In today’s deregulated world, it is not uncommon for allies such as BellSouth to help land an industry only to find that the new arrival selects another provider for its telecommunications service. In such cases, allies take an “enlightened self-interest” approach. Improving the overall level of prosperity spins off benefits in the form of new business from residents and firms providing support services. “We have a long-term commitment to being part of the process,” says Jimmy Smith, director of economic and community development for Four County Electric Membership Corporation. “It’s part of being a good corporate citizen, and that’s central to our role in the community.”

Smith’s cooperative, which provides electricity and other services in Bladen, Columbus, Duplin and Pender counties, works closely with local development groups such as WID, as well as with regional and state organizations. Among Smith’s duties are directorships at both WID and North Carolina’s Southeast Commission, which markets an eleven-county region. “We work at all levels,” he says. “Anytime we have an opportunity to work with the Department of Commerce, we’re only a phone call away.” His group also works with other state agencies such as the Department of Agriculture when projects call for it.

A planner by training, Smith explains that he routinely offers infrastructure and site development support for projects, in addition to playing a leadership role in marketing and government relations. “This is a client driven world,” he says. “We not only have to respond to the needs of today’s industry, we have to anticipate them.”

Scott Sullivan-Chairman
Russell M. Carter-Vice-Chairman
Bill King-Treasurer
R. Scott Satterfield-Secretary

R.V. Biberstein, Jr.
Carl Byrd, Sr.
Jeff Corbett
Mayor Harper Peterson
Meg Davenport
Robert Greer
Paul Grimsley
Frank Hamilton, III
Dr. James Hundley
Phil Marion
Louise McColl
Paul McCombie
Dr. Eric McKeithan
Dr. Eugene McMurray
Gene Renzaglia
James Smith
Dwight Strickland
Robert Stuart
Rob Taylor

Those of you who participated in our 1998 tournament should remember that this is not your average golf tournament. This year’s invitational will be held at River Landing in Wallace and will be the tournament you will not want to miss.

Hole sponsorships will be limited to 18 and are available for $1,500, which includes one team. This tournament will fill up fast and must be limited to the first 40 paid teams that register. Three person team fees will be $500 and will be all-inclusive, i.e. no mulligans, throws, etc!!! Contact (910) 763-8414 for more information.

Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program
Wilmington Industrial Development, Certified Development Company for SBA
Serving New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties

Businesses eligible for SBA 504 funds must be for-profit, have a net worth of less than $7 million, and plan to create jobs. SBA 504 funds can be used for construction or purchase of a facility, or expansion of your current facility.

The participation of the SBA in your project is up to 40% of the total project, or $1,000,000 ($1,300,000 for some borrowers). Existing businesses need to be prepared to make a cash injection of 10% of their total project, while new businesses need 15%.

This past year Wilmington Industrial Development was fortunate to have worked with twelve new and existing businesses. We would like to extend best wishes for a prosperous New Year to each of them!

Microtel Inn & Suites, Shallotte, NC
Amerihost Inn & Suites, Wilmington, NC
Daniel Enterprises, Hampstead, NC
Cruisers Car Wash, Wilmington, NC
Cape Fear Cleaners, Shallotte & Burgaw, NC
Medox Healthcare, Wilmington, NC
Crystal Blue Superwash, Wilmington, NC (opening soon)
PT’s Olde Fashioned Grille, Wilmington, NC (second location opening soon)
Northside Lube, Wilmington, NC (opening soon)
The Pet’s Palace, Wilmington, NC (opening soon)
Barefoot Flooring, Wilmington, NC (opening soon)
McClammy’s Daycare, Wilmington, NC (opening 2003)

Please call Susie Parker at 910-763-8414 to obtain more information on how the SBA’s 504 Loan Program can assist with your project.

New Hanover Rent A Car/DBA Avis Rent A Car
Mr. John B. Dalton
1817 Hall Drive
PO Box 3406
Wilmington, NC 28406
1-910-763-3346
1-910-763-6858 Fax

North Carolina State University/Industrial Extension Services
Mr. Bill Coddington
UNCW, 601 S. College Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28403-5977
1-910-962-7482
1-910-962-7493 Fax
www.ies.ncsu.edu

Oracle Packaging Company of NC, Inc.
Mr. James Hummer
2221 JR Kennedy Dr.
Wilmington, NC 28405
1-910-763-2921
1-910-343-9876 Fax
www.oraclepackaging.com

Saieed Construction Systems
Mr. Steve Saieed
PO Box 18771
Raleigh, NC 27619
1-919-876-4772
1-919-872-7641 Fax

Progress Energy announced that they have received approval for a new economic redevelopment rider that is expected to attract attention from companies considering locating in North Carolina.

Under the new program, businesses that move into a vacant property previously served by CP&L are eligible for a 50 percent discount on electricity used during their first year of occupancy.

“This program will provide a greater incentive for businesses to locate in available buildings in the communities we serve, “ said Sandy Jordan, vice president, economic development for Progress Energy. “We are continually seeking ways to partner with our communities to attract jobs and investment.”

For more information about the program, call the Progress Energy Economic Development Department at 1-800-622-7562.

Coastal Concrete Pumping, Inc. Closes Deal for acquisition of Carolina Pumping, Inc.

Coastal Concrete Pumping, Inc. of Wallace has announced it has completed the purchase of 100 percent of the assets of Carolina Pumping Company based in Charlotte, NC. Since 1972, Carolina Concrete pumping has been a leader in the concrete pumping industry. The acquisition of “Carolina” makes the newly formed Coastal Carolina Pumping, Inc. (CCP) the Southeast's largest fleet of concrete pumps.

Owners of Coastal Carolina, Inc. (CCP) are Harry Shaw of Wilmington; J. Ross Sykes, Jr. of Wallace; Don Sutton and Earl Wells of Clinton. Offices will be located in Charlotte, Raleigh, Wallace, Wilmington and Clinton, NC.

“By combining strengths of both companies, we will be able to offer unprecedented sales and service to anyone in the Carolinas, eastern Tennessee, and other areas, “Harry and Ross explained.

Dr. James D. Hundley, MD

Dr. Hundley was recently chosen for inclusion on the Best Doctors in America list of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Dr. Hundley has practiced with Wilmington Orthopaedic Group for 27 years.

Cameron School of Business Intern Program

Cameron School of Business is seeking companies interested in having an intern program. Interested companies should submit a request for intern form, which lists their contact information but most importantly provides the key skills the student will learn and how their performance will be monitored by the company, usually by a direct supervisor. The job content must be a solid developmental learning experience to qualify for academic credit.

Once the job is received by the Business School, it is posted on their website. Students can review the jobs posted and submit their resumes online to the employer contact. The employer can then meet with the students for an interview. For more information contact Jack Stair at 962-7291 or stairj@uncw.edu or Leslie Wright at 962-7072 or wrightl@uncw.edu.

Occidental Chemical has new name

Occidental Chemical Corporation’s name has been changed to Elementis Chromium, LP. Their address and phone numbers will remain the same.

Delta Announces New Service

Wilmington Industrial Development hosted a reception for DELTA airlines on December 10th. DELTA representatives were on hand along with many local business leaders to celebrate the announcement of additional regional jet service between Wilmington and Atlanta.

Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines will operate the new service, which includes three additional regional jet flights beginning January 1. The new jets (called CRJs) carry passengers in a two by two-seating arrangement and are known for their convenience, comfort and speed. The jet is capable of cruising at 530 mph at heights of over 40,000 feet, and is recognized as the quietest commercial jet aircraft in the world.

“We are very appreciative that Delta/ASA recognizes the economic opportunities in our commercial air service market and the potential for growth,” says Mr. Parks Griffin, Airport Authority Chairman.

Scott Satterfield, CEO of WID said “The announcement comes as good news for our region as we continue to compete with other areas for businesses who rely heavily on air service. In today’s world of Internet access, most corporate headquarter facilities can locate almost anywhere but they still need access to flights that can get them to the northeast or the west coast with as few lay-overs as possible.”

For more information about the new flight service please contact delta.com.

SBA 504 Loan

Industrial Revenue Bond Inducement Assistance

Community Development Block Grants