annual report - leda6 lincoln economic development association july 2015 • june 2016 annual report...

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REPORTFISCAL YEAR July 2015 • June 2016

Lincoln Economic Development Association is a private, 501c(3) non-profit corporation charged with facilitating industrial,

office and commercial development in Lincolnton and Lincoln County.

Through our public-private partnership the City of Lincolnton, Lincoln County, private citizens and the business community have come together

to pursue well-balanced, quality growth for the community.

To foster an economic environment that promotes:

Our Goals will include:

• An enhancement of the standard of living by creating more and better jobs for the citizens of Lincolnton and Lincoln County

• An increased and diversified tax base to provide needed community services

• Retention and Expansion of Existing Businesses

• Attraction of Diversified Base Industries

• Improvement of the Overall Business Climate within Lincolnton and Lincoln County

• Growth of Stage 2 Entrepreneurial Companies

Mission Statement

1July 2015 • June 2016 Annual Report Lincoln Economic Development Association

Table of Contents:Table of Contents 1Chairman’s & Executive 2Director's Letter Board and Staff 3LEDA Investors 4Committees & Demographics 5Airlie - Investment Growth 6Announcements & Expansions 7New & Expansions 8Mission Overseas 9Expanding Relationships 10Powell Drive Property 10New Concepts and Events 10Events 11-12Business Development 13Education 14 -15Demographics 16-17Education & STEM 18-19Industry in Lincoln County 20Entrepreneur Initiatives 21-22Microbreweries & Statistics 23-24

Airlie Business Park

Lincoln County Industrial ParkAeronautical Business ParkIndian Creek Industrial Park

2 July 2015 • June 2016 Annual ReportLincoln Economic Development Association

The economic environment during fiscal year 2015 – 2016 continued to present challenges for our staff at LEDA. Even though we have some control at the local level, LEDA competes daily in the global economy trying to attract new investment to our community. Fortunately, we are blessed to have the cooperation and collaboration with the City of Lincolnton, Lincoln County, Lincoln County Schools, Gaston College and our existing industry base. Prospective clients can tell when communi-

ties are prepared and committed to economic development, when they experience this many organizations working together as partners for the community.

New investment has always been extremely important to the success of LEDA's accomplishment of its goals and objec-tives. However, the expansion of existing industries continues to be a major focus for additional investment and job growth. We are thankful for both because it usually means an improvement in the quality of life for the citizens and community.

There are numerous positive actions on the horizon, that is why our future is bright. Our proximity to the Charlotte Region and to Lake Norman excites developers and site location consultants when they discover Lincoln County. LEDA is com-mitted to keep the momentum going in order make Lincoln County a more desirable place to live and work for many years to come.

On behalf of the board and staff, we thank you for continued financial support and encouragement.

Sincerely,

C H A I R M A N ’ S L E T T E R

Bo King, LEDA Chairman

Bo King, LEDA Chairman

Thanks to your support, LEDA continued to add to the tax base, create jobs, and make preparations for future growth over the past year. Much focus was given to preparing for future location and product planning, as we find ourselves nearing short supply of larger tracts of properly developable space. This comes as a result of success, yet beckons our every attention in order to continue accomplishing our mission. Our existing industry base in addition to those seeking to make new investments demands we focus on making the most of our available space at existing business and industrial parks while contemplating new areas for parks.

Much has been done to increase LEDA’s deal flow in 2015-2016. We have increased our relationships with Charlotte area private development entities, reached farther across the globe, and realized an increase in activity with local entrepreneurs as well as industry. This increase will translate into announcements in the new operating year, both for new and existing industries. The shell building project at Airlie certainly helped greatly in marketing Lincoln County, and will be a catalyst for new investment in the near future.

Please know your continued support is greatly appreciated. The LEDA team remains focused on the task at hand, and we know we could not be successful without our many partners. Thank you for your investment in our organization, and I look forward to working together for a brighter future for Lincolnton and Lincoln County.

Sincerely,

Cliff Brumfield, Executive Director

E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R ' S L E T T E R

Cliff Brumfield, LEDA Executive Director


LEDA Officers

LEDA Ex Officios

LEDA Staff

LEDA Board of Directors

Tim HolderEnergy UnitedPosition: Treasurer

Bo KingKennedy Office SupplyPosition: Chairman

Cliff BrumfieldExecutive Director, Lincoln Economic Development AssociationPosition: Secretary

Dr. Jim WatsonAssociate Prof.UNC Charlotte President, WSRR Consulting GroupPosition: Vice-Chairman

Beverly GilbertCataler North America

Fred HouserRetired

Cecelia MartinLincoln County Board ofCommissioners-Chairman

Joe LampronPeoples Bank

Ed HatleyMayor, City of Lincolnton

Tom AndersonAnderson REH, LLC Managing Partner

Kelly AtkinsCounty ManagerLincoln County

Anthony SimpsonCenter LeaderNC Works CareerCenter

Dr. Sherry HoyleSuperintendentLincoln CountySchools

Ken KindleyPresidentChamber of Commerce

Steve ZickefooseCity ManagerCity of Lincolnton

Rhonda HunterEntrepreneur Growth Specialist/Operations Director

Craig GoodsonBusiness Development Manager

Charles AdamsResearch Associate

Kara BrownExisting Business Manager


TruckingCatawba Truck Rental ~ Danny AbernathyDrake Enterprises ~ Stephen BrussoHouser Transport Inc ~ Sam HouserSEACORP ~ Nancy Shults

uTiliTyAT&T ~ Carlos SanchezDuke Energy Carolinas ~ Tammy Trexler-WhaleyEnergyUnited ~ Tim HolderPiedmont Natural Gas ~ Michael DurhamRutherford EMC ~ Randy WardTimes Oil ~ David Boyd

indusTriesActive Manufacturing ~ Robert SimpsonAmerican Tire Distributors ~ Ray EureyAptar ~ Mark BradleyBlum Inc ~ Michael GeisCalico Coatings ~ Tracy TrotterCampbell & Sons Machining ~ Steven CampbellCarolina Roller & Supply ~ Mack HarveyCataler North America ~ Beverly GilbertCircle Bolt & Nut Co, Inc ~ Dale FeltsDellinger Precast Inc ~ Gary DellingerG&W Laboratories ~ Greg SherwoodHusky Wire and Rack ~ Jamie CressHydac ~ Tom ThielenIndustrial Hard Carbon ~ George BarrKaco USA Inc ~ Marcio LimaLeonard Automatics Inc ~ Jeff FrushstickLucky Country ~ Nicole BethmanM Conley Company ~ Doug EdwardsMagna-Tech Mfg LLC ~ Trent MasonMcMurray Fabrics ~ Mike ClarkModacam Inc ~ Bud TschudinMohican Mills Inc ~ Jerry DeesePackaging Unlimited ~ Brian McFarlinR W Garcia ~ Allan PerkinsRobert Bosch Tool Corp ~ David LeeRSI Home Products Mfg ~ John RaneySpantek ~ Mike GilboySteele Rubber Products Inc ~ John DancoffTenowo ~ Chris PeartThe Timken Company ~ Rege EgerUnited Plate Glass ~ Mike CullyUnited Technologies ~ Mike VannVT LeeBoy Inc ~ Shannon Seymour

AccounTAnTsPhillip K Titlestad CPA PLLCSHERRILL, BLAKE & HARRISON CPA PA ~ Cynthia Sherrill

AdverTising/MArkeTing/PrinTingBurke Communications ~ Jack Burke JK Enterprises LLC ~ Jack FunkSLD Unlimited Biz Growth – Sheree’ DeMao

ArchiTecTs/engineersAnderson REH LLC ~ Tom AndersonCES Group Engineers LLP ~ Judy HeleineECS-Carolinas LLP ~ Paul BlakeMansour Edlin Consulting ~ Mansour Edlin

ATTorneysGarfinkel Immigration Law Firm ~ Steven GarfinkelJonas Law Firm ~ Rob BrownKnox Law Center ~ Eddie & Frances Knox

AuToMoTiveAbernethy Chevrolet ~ Mitch Abernethy

BAnkingBank of the Ozarks ~ Tracy BargerBB&T~ Susan BriggsCarolina Federal Credit Union ~ Donna BeringerCarolina Trust Bank ~ Mort WadsworthFifth Third Bank ~ Kimberly HyattFirst Citizens Bank ~ Debbie SipeFirst Federal Savings Bank ~ Eric HaglerPeoples Bank ~ Joe Lampron

civic/coMMuniTyCoalition Against Child Abuse – Sherry ReinhardtLincoln County Family & Sally’s YMCA ~ Bart CapeUnited Way Lincoln County ~ Kathy Vinzant

coMMerciAlConsolidated Electrical Dist ~ Kurt MerrillGuardian Security of NC ~ Gerald ParkKennedy Office ~ Bo KingLincolnton Apartment Homes ~ Lloyd TrotterPiedmont Vending Company ~ Zed BradleyServpro ~ Brett HicksWalmart ~ Steve LandWarlick Funeral Home ~ L D (Bud) Warlick Jr

consTrucTionCentral Carolina Sprinkler Co Inc ~ Roger WilliamsDenver Construction Co ~ Kenneth TuckerGL Wilson Building Co ~ Bob PalmesHope Springs Builders ~ Walter ClarkHoward Construction ~ Tom Howard

consulTingWSRR Consulting Group LLC ~ Dr. Jim Watson

develoPersAnderson Properties ~ John AndersonChoate Construction Co ~ Scott HarrisDenver Industrial Park ~ Lee KillianPiedmont Companies ~ Willie HeafnerSC Hondros & Associates Inc ~ Larry BroomeThe Keith Corporation ~ Alan Lewis

educATionGaston College Dallas Campus ~ Dr Patricia Skinner, Dr Dennis McElhoe, Diane Metcalfe and Julia AllenLincoln Campus - Gaston College ~ Dr John McHughLincoln County Schools ~ Dr Sherry Hoyle

golf/counTry cluBsVerdict Ridge Golf & Country Club ~ Scott Knox

hosPiTAliTyVesuvius Vineyards – John Lineberger III

insurAnceJames M Moore & Associates ~ Jim MooreState Farm Insurance ~ Paul ParkerWatson Insurance Agency ~ Neal Rhyne

invesTMenT/finAnciAl servicesEdward Jones ~ Buddy CollinsRhyne Financial ~ Joseph M Rhyne III

MedicAlAustin Orthodontics ~ Dr Steven Austin DDS MS PACarolina Eye Care ~ Dr Scott NishekCarolinas Healthcare System -Lincoln ~Pete AckerDedmond Family Dentistry ~ Drs Keith & Brian DedmondFoothills Oral Surgery ~ Dr David J DarabHamilton Orthodontics ~Dr Todd Hamilton DDS PAJohn L Cloninger DDS PA ~ Dr Les CloningerLincolnton Animal Hospital ~Dr Karen Miller DVMRichard R Pence DDS MAGD ~ Dr Richard PenceWest Lincoln Family Medicine ~ Dr Jason Glass

reAl esTATeApple Realty ~ Marsha JordanBerkshire Hathaway Carolinas Realty ~ Doug CoreCarpenter Property Group ~ And LynnClark Properties Inc ~ David Clark JrHecht Realty Inc ~ Robert HechtLincoln Bonded Warehouse ~ John Lineberger

sTAffingBarrett Business Service ~ Terry HoyleExpress Employment Professionals ~ Kevin RobergeLPI Staffing ~ Bryan GilbertSolucion LLC ~ Kevin KellyUltra Force Staffing Services ~ John Finger

Special Thanks Goes Out to the City of Lincolnton and Lincoln County for all Their Support

Fred HouserElaine JenkinsSharon PattonBrad Rivers

Jim BeamJerry CochraneMartin EaddyCarl Henline

individuAlsBetty SetzerRobert TullRosalind Welder


Chair Dr. Jim Watson/LEDA BoardBank of the Ozarks Tracy BargerBB&T Bank Susan BriggsCarolina Trust Bank Mort WadsworthFifth Third Bank Kimberly HyattFirst Citizens Bank Debbie SipeFirst Federal Bank Tim CarswellPeople’s Bank Zack DellingerLEDA Liaison Rhonda Hunter

Chair Tim HolderLEDA Cliff BrumfieldCounty Manager Kelly AtkinsCity Manager Steve ZickefooseLEDA Board Tom AndersonCity Mayor Ed HatleyCounty Chair Cecelia MartinLEDA Liaison Craig Goodson

Bank Advisory Product Development Committee

Lincoln County has enjoyed seeing the latest numbers concerning employment status in the county. For the last few months the employment rate has steadily stayed below the 6 percent for unemployment. The latest data reflecting employment and unemployment for the month of June, 2016 for Labor Force was calculated at 41,511. The employed calculation was at 39,702 with the unemployed at 1,809, giving Lincoln County a 4.4 percent unemployment rate. Lincoln County continues to outperform the state in employment numbers. The pie chart below illustrates Workers by Industry within Lincoln County. The following page reflects some of Lincoln County's newest expansions and new industry.

The Product Development Committee collaborates among strategic partners to plan, implement and maintain an inventory of fully-served, cost-effective land and building options for new and expanding industry in Lincoln County.

This committee does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit to the members, and the specific purposes for which it is formed are to promote, encourage and assist the economic development and welfare in Lincoln County. Any Lincoln County bank interested in the purpose of the committee shall be eligible to appoint one rep-resentative per bank to serve, regardless of how many branches. The committee meets at least two times a year; normally May and November.


A few years ago as the economy began recovering, the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, along with marketing assistance from LEDA, implemented a public-private partnership strategy to enhance Airlie In-dustrial Park, the County’s newest Class A Business Park along NC 16, by constructing a speculative facility for attraction of new industry. During this time, the scarcity of dollars available for speculative devel-opment by the financial sector, combined with the immediate need for new space from recovering manufacturing, enticed a number of com-munities to invest in shell buildings to foster new investment and jobs. Publicly funded buildings became common, as communities worked to fill the facility needs for job growth in a market formerly dominated by the private sector. Lincoln County, along with LEDA also recognized this need and worked to find a solution that would aid in promoting Air-lie, creating jobs, and enhancing the tax base. In turn, this ultimately led to a public-private partnership with Denver Construction Company.

As a result, the 50,000 sq. ft. expandable “Airlie” Shell Building was completed in May, 2015. LEDA had already executed a multi-layered marketing campaign to present Airlie to target companies within our target industry sectors, the commercial real estate brokerage commu-nity, site location consultants, our utility partners with Duke Energy, The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and the Charlotte Regional Partnership (CRP).

Speed to market was a critical factor for companies looking to expand or relocate in North Carolina as the economy heated up and Lincoln County was included on any site search where existing buildings, ex-pandable to 100,000 sq. ft. with ceiling heights above 28’ were the focus of search criteria. LEDA delivered facility data to multiple organizations each week with numerous site visits every month from the time design began until the facility went under contract to a European manufactur-ing company in May of 2016, with an expected announcement in third quarter of 2016. Lincoln County’s partnership with Denver Construc-tion for the shell building was an innovative decision, as dozens of site visits to Lincoln County by perspective new industries would not have happened without it. The value of this exposure will continue to benefit Lincoln County as Airlie remains a potential location for new construc-tion by these prospects.

Airlie Shell Building Competed May 15, 2015

Airlie Construction Begins

Time Line

Airlie Parkway Gets Pavingand Curbing

Signage Gets Installed at Park

Aerial Image of Airlie Business Park at Entrance

Ground-breaking at Airlie Business Park for New Shell Building

Site Work Preparation for Shell Building Commences

Airlie Business Park has First New Tenant Hydac Corp.


A $12.5 million dollar building and machinery expansion at Tenowo will also bring new jobs to Lincolnton and Lincoln County. Tenowo, formerly known as Hof Textiles, specializes in technical non-woven products. This expansion will double the company’s existing footprint.With more than 70 employees, the expansion represents the third by the com-pany since 2009. Founded in 1992, The company was led by retired president and CEO Dr. Lothar Hackler. Current president and CEO Chris Peart said "the groundwork established by Hackler set the course for the company’s future."LEDA’s Existing Business Manager, Kara Brown spoke about the company’s relevance in Lincoln County. “This isn’t their first expansion but it is their first physical expansion that I’m aware of,” she said. “Tenowo is one of the companies that reinvest and that is driven by the fact their product continues to evolve. You can’t ask for a better partnership than with a company like this and that comes from the leadership down.”

Tenowo Expands for New Opportunity

Automotive Supplier, Cataler North America, Expands

Air-T to Relocate Headquarters to Balsom Ridge Business Park

Owned by auto-maker, Toyota, and a supplier of automotive catalysts used in automotive exhaust systems throughout the world, Cataler North American announced a four-million-dollar expansion at the Lincolnton, North Carolina facility. First established in Japan in 1967, Cataler has called Lincoln County home since 2002. This expansion will add an additional 6 jobs to the existing 370 Cataler employees.

“We are pleased that Cataler North America is in a position once again to expand their operations, this is a positive and welcomed example of a local commitment.”

Bo King, Lincoln Economic Development Association, Chair

Cataler North America has announced a second expansion just after a previous one in December of 2015. This $9 million dollar expansion will create an additional 7 jobs to the Lincoln County facility located in the Lincoln County Industrial park.Headquartered in Kakegawa, Japan, Cataler is a leading automotive catalyst manufacturer, and parts supplier for Toyota, GM and Subaru. The catalyst is a key component in vehicle emissions technology. Cataler is committed to providing cost-effective solutions that will benefit society through a cleaner environment.

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.”

Cecelia Martin Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, Chair

Cataler North American Announces Second Expansion in Six Months

In April, Air T, Inc. committed to relocate its Corporate Headquarters to the Balsom Ridge Business Park.The company will invest approximately $3,000,000 to construct a new 25,000 square foot facility and bring over 70 corporate and aviation/administrative jobs to Lincoln County with plans for additional hiring over the next several years. Construction will begin in September with occupancy expected 2nd quarter 2017. Air T, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide (i) air cargo services to the air express delivery industry (FedEx, UPS) and (ii) aviation ground support and specialized aviation-related industrial equipment and products. The Air T, Inc. Corporate Headquarters and one of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Mountain Air Cargo, will initially relocate into the new facility.


With the onset of growth in the United States, North Carolina is out-pacing their neighboring states in recovery and expansions.However, Lincoln County has steadily grown with new industry and expansions of existing industry for fifteen years. Lincoln County's retention and growth during the 2008 down-turn is a testament to the successful growth of industry.

With Expansions and New Industrial Growth in the United States over the last few years the hiring of workforce has also come hand-in-hand. From the year 2000 till 2005, growth in workforce has been positive and steady for Lincoln County. From 2006 thru 2013, workforce new hires outpaced new business before leveling off. From 2011 to 2016 new business hiring and hiring through expansion continued to grow and steadily rise nearing the same pace and mimicking 2001 to 2005.


As part of the newly passed County budget, commissioners earmarked substantial fund-ing for grading sites in Airlie, which will greatly help LEDA in making sites more market ready and attractive to both new and expanding existing industries.

AIRLIEBUSINESS PARK

at Ingleside

Increasing deal flow has been a major focal point over the past year. Post-recession, our pipeline had thinned a good bit, but much has been done to fill it back up. Over the past year LEDA held a number of missions aimed at creating new and stronger relationships. We’ve been to Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago and overseas seeking new business opportunities. In late April a team of four, that being Dr. Dennis McElhoe from Gaston Col-lege, Dr. Cale Sain from the School of Technology, Kara Brown and Cliff Brumfield with LEDA traveled to Germany to meet with leadership at a number of our German based industries, which is already paying off. Thanks to the help of local industry leadership, the trip was well planned, with dialogue starting before the team boarded the plane. Using the message of education in partnership with economic development was the theme of the trip, and

it hit a good chord with the leadership teams our delegation met with while overseas. LEDA works very closely with local leader-ship of existing industries. Increasing relationships abroad was a part of the 2015-2016 plan of action, and will continue to be in the future. Having partners from Gaston College and Lincoln County Schools was an important part of the trip’s impact and success. With Germany being the primary region driving apprenticeships it is easy to see how this effort was so well received.

German Based Corporations in Lincoln County

That same week Craig Goodson with LEDA attended the world’s largest industrial tradeshow in Hannover, Germany along with

the state and the Charlotte Regional Partnership.

The 2016 five-day HANNOVER MESSE Industrial Automation, Energy, In-dustrial Supply tradeshow attracted more than 190,000 people. More than 50,000 visitors came from abroad, an increase of 25% over the shows 2014 attendance. Attendance from the USA and China set record numbers this year.

The United States economy is a global leader with a GDP of almost $17 trillion; the USA accounts for more than one quarter of the entire world econ-omy.

The Charlotte USA and LEDA's Craig Goodson, worked their booth promot-ing and fielding questions on Western North Carolina and in particular the Charlotte Area including Lincoln County.


1000 E Powell Dr in Lincoln County Industrial Park is the largest modern manufacturing/distribution facility available in Western North Carolina, con-veniently located less than 30 minutes from Charlotte NC and Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the nation’s 6th busiest. LEED certified, this 360,800 sq. ft. 36’-0” clear height facility is cross-docked with a total of 72 dock doors and includes a pre-graded pad to accommodate expansion for an additional 500,000 sq. ft. Utilities are available to accommodate any user requirements. Access to US 321, a divided four-lane, interstate quality high-way is adjacent to the facility with travel time to I-40 or I-85 in 15 minutes. This facility is available for immediate occupancy at a lease rate of $4.30/sf/yr NNN. The availability of this facility has been akin to LEDA having a 360,800 move-in ready shell building and has done much to assist in marketing in Lincoln County

LEDA has worked diligently with the Charlotte area commercial real estate development world. Much of our pros-pects are derived from this base of investors, so it stands to reason we need to be as close to them as possible. A big part of increasing our deal flow is resulting from growing these relationships.

LEDA’s marketing outreach has resulted in the biggest source of leads to actually be the organization itself, as more and more potential industry locations come directly to staff.

LEDA released two new videos. One is of the Airlie Shell Building in the Airlie Business Park. This video takes a person not only on a fly around the facility but also a fly-thru the 50,000 sq. ft. facility. The second video covered the large 360,800 sq. ft. LEED certified facility on Powell Drive in Lincoln County Industrial Park. Both videos have been well accepted, complimenting and supporting the marketing of both locations. Promotion with video fly-overs and fly-thru's have proven to increase visibility, spurring interest in both buildings.

In case you missed it, this year’s Stakeholders Event, the dueling piano show at Lincoln Country Club, was

a huge hit!

We learned that a good number of us can actually dance!

In order to keep our competitive edge, LEDA staff looked at what we could do to increase our advantage in new and expandingindustries. The result was working with the City and County to en-hance our existing incentive program by extending the payback period for investments of $10 Million or more to 7 years versus 5. This revenue-neutral incentive helps us gain a lot of growth to the tax base by giving a little up front, thereby reducing the cost of essential services for everyone, not to mention the impact of new jobs. This incentive has already been used by one local industry and is assisting in our advantage for all larger projects. The County, City, Airport Board, and LEDA have been working close together to see the successful creation of the Airport Busi-ness Park.


Back in the fall we had not one but two local industries heralded as Industry of the Year. American Tire Distributors and United Tech-nologies both received special recognition at the Chamber’s An-nual Banquet in November due to their support of our communityand continued investment in Lincoln County.

Selected by the Lincoln Economic Development Association Board of Directors based upon four criteria: a positive impact in Lincoln County, involvement in the community, a leader in their field with a positive performance record and a high standard of conduct. This year, both industries stood out for their contributions to the commu-nity and economic commitment to Lincoln County.

“Lincoln County is fortunate to have a community of industries who put forth a tremendous effort to impact Lincolnton and Lincoln County in a positive way. Both United Technologies and American Tire exemplify the characteristics of the Industry of the Year Award and are both truly deserving of this recognition.”

Kara BrownExisting Business Manager , LEDA

Lincoln Economic Development Association celebrated the combined achievements of longevity and success with local businesses while hosting the twelfth annual Milestone Achievement Awards Luncheon at Home-steads Grill. Sixteen manufacturers and distributors from Lincoln County were recognized for their past, present and future commitment to the community.

Those industries present to receive their 2016 Milestone Achievement Awards included: 5 Years: Aptar and Main Filter; 10 Years: Kaco USA and The Walking Company;

15 Years: Metal Roofing Systems and Modacam, Inc; 25 Years: Tenowo, McMurray Fabrics and Packaging Unlimited; 30 Years: Lincolnton-Lincoln County Regional Airport; 35 Years: VT LeeBoy and Husky Rack and Wire; 40 Years: Robert Bosch Tool Corpo-ration; 45 Years: Dellinger Precast.

In addition to the awards presented at the ceremony, others reaching milestones this year include Kirk & Matz, 10 years and Vase-leniuck Engine Development, 15 years.

In celebration of nationally recognized, Manufacturing Day 2015, four local industries opened their doors to more than 200 Lincoln County High School students as part of an effort to change student’s perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the out-standing opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide.

Manufacturing Day is an national event conducted annually at the local level and supported by thousands of manufacturers as they host stu-dents, teachers, and often, parents, job seekers and other local commu-nity members at open houses, plant tours and presentations designed to showcase modern manufacturing technology and careers. Local industries participating in MfgDay 2015 were Cataler

North America, Aptar, The Timken Company and Blum Inc.


Celebrating Industry Appreciation Month, Lincoln Economic Develop-ment hosted the official proclamation on Thursday, October 1st with Lincolnton Mayor, John Gilleland, and Lincoln County Commission Chair, Carrol Mitchem, both present for the public acknowledgment and kickoff to a month of special awareness. In its twelfth year, the month-long campaign is intended to call atten-tion to the importance industry plays in the economy of Lincoln County, state and the nation. With almost 20% of the county’s population earn-ing their living while working in one of our local companies, the pres-ence of industry and manufacturing is imperative to the vitality of Lin-colnton and Lincoln County.In recognition of Manufacturing Day 2015 and part of the month cel-ebration, four local industries opened their doors to more than 200 Lin-coln County High School students as part of an effort to change stu-dent’s perceptions about today’s manufacturing environment and draw attention to the outstanding opportunities that a career in manufacturing can provide.

The final event of the month at the beautiful Vesuvius Vineyards brought the low-country to Lincoln County. A crowd pleaser, this event allows the opportunity for LEDA and our private members to show our appre-ciation for the industry manufacturing and operating in Lincoln County.

LEDA wrapped up its fiscal year by holding their Annual Meeting this last June at the Verdict Ridge Golf and Country Club in Denver, NC. LEDA Chairman Bo King opened the meeting, welcoming private members, special guest and focused on this past year and the areas achieve-ments. Cliff gave the directors report recapping this fiscal years endeavours, also providing a glimpse of what is ahead already in the new fiscal 2016-2017 year.

Rhonda Hunter reported on the LEDA audit and LEDA's membership. Special Guest Speaker this Year was Andrew Bryant, Director of Planning and Inspections in Lincoln County. Andrew spoke on Paralleling Lincoln County Growth Opportunities with Successful Regional Neighbors.

LEDA's Annual Meeting had approximately 80 private members to attend.


As competition for new industry locations and existing industry ex-pansions continues to intensify, two important items must be readily available when consultants and companies evaluate and rank po-tential locations: (1) a skilled manufacturing talent pool, (2) readily available sites and buildings located near transportation corridors and fully-served with utilities. To add to the pressure for new loca-tions, the vast majority of economic development organizations are chasing the same industry sectors in the global economy, which is presently limited to a narrow range of possibilities.

LEDA is working diligently to bring solutions for each of these challenges. Through collaboration and partner-ships among a wide range of

private and public entities, we are building a bridge to meet the priorities of in-dustry and put in place immediate solutions with long range, sustainable benefit to any company that would locate and expand their operations in Lincoln County. We have built strong teams with Lincoln County’s education, planning, public works and private industry professionals to support our initiatives and goals to continue leading the region in innovation and development.

Regions and communities with an inventory of modern manufacturing and distribution facilities continue to garner the attention of our target industries, particularly those regions that include a large urban area. Charlotte is driving our region to a position of strength and visibility on a global level. In fact, many of the counties in the Charlotte Region are engaged in product development to share in the success the area expects to see as the economy remains strong. In the past 24 months, numerous counties in the region have built and sold or leased at least one speculative building. This activity is getting the attention of regional and national development firms who would like to partner with economic development organizations and cities/counties to build speculative facilities.

The primary counties who will enjoy these relationships are the ones located directly on primary freight routes if they have available industrial land on or near these interstates. Cities and counties without this natural advantage must be creative in working towards solutions to bridge the gap. One such solution is strategic investment by communities in land acquisition that could be put in play under a public-private partnership agreement, much like the partnership in the development of the Lincoln County Industrial Park and The Keith Corporation as well as the partnership between Lincoln County and Denver Construction in the shell building at Airlie Business Park.

Our existing public utilities system and the proximity to major secondary highway corridors such as new NC 16, US 321 and I-485 position Lincoln County to garner interest from develop-ers, site location consultants and companies with such strate-gic investments. Growing relationships with these key partners has been a strategic focus over the past year. Moving forward, LEDA will continue working to utilize these relationships in order to move towards greater product availability. Pursu-ing creative partnership opportunities will be a key focus in the 2016-2017 operating year.


The Industrial Managers Association of Lincoln County sponsored a program that sent Career and Technical Educa-tion teachers from five local schools for a week long internship at various manufacturing industries in the area.

Jeremy Detter of North Lincoln Middle School and Robbie Reep of North Lincoln High School were at Aptar, while Jeff Hayton of the Lincoln County School of Technology was job shadowing at Cataler. Michael Rhodes of West Lincoln High School and David Richardson of West Lincoln Middle School were at Kaco USA and Timken in July.

Dr. Cale Sain, Career and Technical Educationaldirector for Lincoln County Schools, sat down with Kara Brown of the Lincoln Economic Development As-sociation several months ago with a goal of educating students, parents and teachers about what the 21st century Advanced Manufacturing Industry looks like. The program was designed to help educators learn about what local industries do so that they can then communicate that in the classroom and share more potential career choices with students.

“We want our teachers to immerse themselves in one of the industries and really see what it all looks like,” Sain said. “What is the potential for future employees? What is the potential for students that we teach to end up having a job locally, staying in Lincoln County and contributing?”

Cataler is a company that makes catalytic converters for the automotive industry. Beverly Gilbert, Cataler’s represen-tative for the Lincoln Economic Development Association, is a former teacher who understands the importance of a program of this nature for both sides.

“The teachers will have a better understanding of what is expected in the industry,” Gilbert said. “We expect teachers to know the details of what goes on in manufacturing and they may or may not have ever actually worked there. This will give them a better understanding of what a person walking in would need to know, would experience and what they would come in contact with.”

Jeff Hayton, the intern at Cataler, started by undergoing the same orientation on safety and basic environmental information as any person who enters the building. During his first three days he shadowed in each of the three major production lines, spending a day in each area observing a supervisor or team leader. The last two days of the internship were spent in the engineering and maintenance departments. Hayton will get a look at about 95 percent of the plant, according to Gilbert.

The concern is that many students in today’s age have a very outdated view of the manufacturing industry and are generally unaware of the upper level job opportunities that exist within these organizations.

“They don’t expect to see some of the high-tech machinery we have and we hope that they would realize it is a very innovative industry,” Gilbert said. “We would also like them to realize that it’s not just limited to the entry-level posi-tions. We have a lot of maintenance and engineers and we have a program that will pay for them to go back to school if they want to go into those areas.”

These internships are part of the Advanced Manufacturing program established by the Lincoln County School system along with the Lincoln Economic Development Association and Industrial Managers Association.

Conor Dailey (left), training coordinator at Cataler, and Lincoln County School of Technology teacher Jeff Hayton at Cataler.


April, 2016 Career Readiness Certification Achievements within the 16-County Charlotte Regional Partnership Zone

2014 - 2015 County School Numbers,Number of Students and Student/Teacher Ratio


One thing that makes our region and county so attractive is the "Cost of Living Index" for our vicinity. The City of Char-lotte ranks number nine compared to much of the country. But, Lincoln County is even more cost effective to doing not only business here, but also to live here as well.

Definition: A cost-of-living index is a theoretical price index that measures relative cost of living over time or regions. It is an index that mea-sures differences in the price of goods and services, and allows for substitutions with other items as prices vary.


Back in November Gaston Col-lege broke ground for the new Center for Advanced Manufac-turing. The new center is an exciting development as it will help existing and new industries by providing a venue for training that will set us apart from much of the competition.

Manufacturing employment ac-counts for over 20% of all em-ployment in Lincoln and Gaston counties, compared to 12% for NC and 10% nationally. Ad-vanced manufacturing skill sets are in great demand and regions with advanced manufacturing talent will flourish. As a primary provider of workforce training in Lincoln and Gaston counties and a key partner in attracting new industry and enhancing the continued growth of our existing manufacturers, Gaston College continues on the leading edge of innovation with the ground-breaking of a new 21,000 square foot Center for Advanced Manufacturing today. When complete, Gaston College will offer enhanced education and training for students that includes eight specialty lab spaces to address needs in areas of Mechantronics, Computer-Aided Design, Specialized Processing, Instrumenta-tion, Nuclear and Alternative Energy and Robotics.

With a curriculum in place in Lincoln County high schools to prepare a pipeline of “operator ready” students suitable for hire upon graduation, Lincoln Economic Development Association acknowledged the greater challenge ahead. To develop a more productive, creative and positive way to get youth and parents excited about a career in manufacturing, Lincoln Economic Development Associa-tion (LEDA) with education and industry partner groups, sought assistance from “Edge Factor (EF)” with the challenge to help us impact our community and drive our “manufacturing as a future” message. Edge Factor produces films and TV series that tell stories of innovative teams who are pushing back the edge of what’s possible through advanced manufacturing. EF also is the creator of online educational interactive resources through EduFactor.org. This site’s purpose is to raise awareness and guide students toward remarkable pathways in career and technical education and manufacturing. Together, a strategy to reach students, parents, teachers, and leaders in Lincoln County was developed and implemented.

Working with Edge Factor, LEDA, and Lincoln County Schools, identified four key challenges in Lincoln County

1.) Reaching Parents: Parents have a negative perception of advanced manufacturing and do not see this field as a good career choice for their children.

2.) Inspiring Students: Students were unaware of career opportunities and had an antiquated view of manufacturing


3.) Cultivate Partnerships: Partnerships needed to be cultivated between industry and educational leaders to impact students and parents on a wider scale across North Carolina

4.) Sustainable Impact: The inspiration people experience from attending events fades over time. Creating a sustainable, lasting impact in schools for students and parents to pursue Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and advanced manufacturing careers was paramount. Using grant funds from the Robert Bosch Foundation, all middle and high schools in Lincoln County have access to EduFactor.org’s toolbox of education offerings.

In February, with a media rich and interactive keynote presentation, Edge Factor’s Jeremy Bout presented to 1800 Lincoln County students and 200 families, focusing on career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and local CTE programs. Students engaged with Edge Factor’s storytelling approach and heard the stories of manufactur-ers using technology to change lives. They were inspired by messaging on leadership and taking key steps to launch-ing a successful career. Following the event, students registration for the 2016-2017 school year was completed after the campaign. Over 225 new student registrations for the upcoming school year in advanced manufacturing I classes creates a snapshot of positive interest in the curriculum; especially among rising 9th graders who were targeted with this program.

“Working with Edge Factor provides a great opportunity to tell the story of how manufacturing benefits individuals and society. LEDA and our local industry management agrees we must reach our middle and high school students to cre-ate the future problem solvers who will work with innovations and technologies that haven’t even been discovered yet,” said Kara Brown, Existing Business Manager for LEDA.

Dr. Cale Sain, Career, and Technical Education Director of Lincoln County Schools, said, “We are excited to participate in the Spark Sessions and have the new resources that Edu-

Factor will provide. LEDA, the Industrial Manager’s Association and Gaston College have worked with CTE to provide students hands-on experiences and learning opportunities that will help our students in making the right career deci-sion the first time.”

Jeremy Bout , Edge Factor, Host & Executive Producer, eduFACTOR: Executive Director

in YOUR Community!1,800+ students


A & D PrecastActega WITActive ManufacturingAdvanced Machine & FabricationAllied SeparationAmerican ConvertingAmerican Sample HouseAmerican Tire Distributors Inc.APTAR GroupBlum, Inc.Bob's PalletBrotherton Marble & TileCA Zimmer Organ BuilderCalico CoatingsCampbell & SonsCarolina Roller & SupplyCataler NACentral Carolina SprinklerCircle Bolt & Nut Co., IncCrate & BarrelCrawford CompositesCronland LumberCustom Works R/C CarsDellinger PrecastDuke Energy CT StationExcel, Inc.FMS EnterprisesGreen River Precision

Husky Rack & WireHydacIndustrial Hard CarbonJones Cam DesignsKACO USAKirk & MatzLa Rocks Fun & Magic OutletLeonard AutomaticsLincoln Bonded WarehouseLincoln Co FabricatorsLintex FabricsLucky CountryM ConleyMagna TechMain FilterMartin MariettaMcMurray FabricsMedlineMetal Roofing SystemsModacamNC SpinningOmni ProductsOnyx Environmental SolutionsOstec IndustriesPackaging UnlimitedPrecision Performance CoatingPrice DavisR&R Powder Coating

RW GarciaReady Mixed ConcreteRedneck Trailer SuppliesRobert Bosch ToolRoom & BoardRSIS & L SawmillSalem IndustriesSennebogenSikoteSouth Fork IndustriesSouthern FiberSpantekSPEC SE Process EquipmentSteele Rubber Products Inc.Special Event Linen CompanyTenowoThe Timken CompanyThe Walking CompanyThornburg MachineTree Brand PackagingTriStar PlasticsUnited Plate GlassUnited Technologies CorporationUniversal Rubber VT LeeBoyWood Mill Winery

Chart depicting Wage Trends in Lincoln County

versus Charlotte MSA andthe Hickory-Lenior CSA


Circle Bolt & Nut Co., Inc., moved into their facility at Clark’s Creek Industrial Park back in February. LEGG or Lincoln Entrepreneur Growth Group, a program of LEDA/Lincoln Economic Development Association, worked with Circle Bolt & Nut Co., Inc., to help them locate and expand a new branch in Lincolnton. Celebrating with a Ribbon Cutting, area officials welcomed CBN to Lincoln County and the City of Lincolnton. Rhonda Hunter, LEGG Program manager and entrepreneur specialist was able to connect a resource of a small building owner seeking help and a client who wanted to expand their business in a new location creating a double win-win.

“We are very excited with the expansion and relocation of our North Carolina Branch to Lincolnton, NC. We look forward to a continued long term relationship with our customer base in this region.”

Jim Castellino, President Circle Bolt & Nut Co., Inc.

“The Lincoln Economic Development Association is proud to have assisted Circle Bolt & Nut Co., Inc. with establishing roots in Lincoln County. It means jobs and an increased tax base, two of our main goals in the LEDA mission statement.”

Bo KingLincoln Economic Development Association, Chair

Circle Bolt & Nut Co., Inc. Comes to Lincolnton

Brewery Lunch-N-Learn — Lincoln Country ClubA Lunch-N-Learn with a hot topic of everything from craft beer, to wine and alcohol were dis-cussed but none provid-ed. What the participants received was a wealth of information pertaining to ABC Laws and Local Or-dinances. Speakers were John Szymankiewicz, At-torney with the Beer Law Center in Raleigh and Mr. Mark Lesassier Law Enforcement Agent with the ABC and our District Representative.

LEGG and DDA collaborated on this to help the local ABC permit holders or anyone contemplating starting a brewery, micro-brewery, restaurant brew pub, or an al-cohol/wine establishment. Topics covered were an Over-view and Clarification on Local Ordinances, Economic Impact, Special Needs and What’s Different about Craft Beer/Alcohol Businesses and Top Tips and Resources and Where to Go from Here. Following the session there were lots of Q&A.


LEGG ~ Lincoln Entrepreneur Growth Group strives to serve as the liaison of finding the right resources at the right time as the entrepreneur discovers their immediate need or needs in the growth of their company. By helping them research or discover the answers needed to keep them moving in the forward direction.

Different types of entrepreneurs need different resources, all require an entre-preneur-friendly environment to start up and grow. Economic developers must nurture the conditions of the existing environment in order for them to prosper such as: proper legal, regulatory, financial and human capital assets, and the networks that connect them, are all essential ingredients for a successful entre-preneurial environment.

One of the best resources that LEGG provides is the free access to Tools for Business on the LEDA website. These tools are cus-tomized to Lincolnton and Lincoln County. This site is updated and maintained for a fee but provided free to entrepreneurs/small businesses seeking informa-tion to grow their businesses. Be sure and check it

out at http://www.lincolneda.org/index.php/entrepreneurs/tools-for-business/

10 Minute Tune-Up 1 page monthly articles that highlights resources within Tools for Business to help businesses grow were posted to the LEGG Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LEGG.HUNTER Here are the first 6.

These are also

available on the LEDA

website just click

on the Entrepreneur

tab/Toolsfor

Business.

Affiliate Membership program with NC Craft Brewers Guild. NCCBG is a not-for-profit organiza-tion whose mission is to advance the interest of the craft breweries of NC and to promote NC craft beer. This gives us access to a database of breweries and breweries-in-planning who have agreed to share their contact information, as well as access to quarterly BREW SMART edu-cational & networking sessions. This is to help us in our quest to have a local Lincoln County brewery operation. LEGG attended their annual conference in Winston Salem.

Entrepreneur Collaborations

The ICSC, International Council of Shopping Centers, enhances our visibility within the industry, helps us grow business and engages us in a vibrant community of tens of thousands of colleagues around the globe.

2016 NC Main Street Conference is the state’s largest downtown revitalization event, offering learning sessions, tours, time for downtown exploration and opportunities to network with downtown professionals. LEGG attended this very informative idea exchange in March. Located this year in Goldsboro, we found people getting very cre-ative in their endeavors to bring people back to downtown. It is an economic development program framed in the context of historic preservation and advocates a comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization based on organization, design, economic restructuring and promotion.

City of Lincolnton ~ Business & Community Development Department ~ DDA Downtown Development Associa-tion ~ Building and Development (BAD)committees is a collective force, working together to address the needs of downtown buildings, infrastructure and business owners. Each standing on its own yet now brought together to find solutions for various projects by bringing the right people to table as needed. Collectively we give a much stronger supportive voice to our mission and goals of helping small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.


North Carolina has been a hotspot for the growing craft beer industry in recent years. Microbreweries have popped up all over Western North Carolina and the Charlotte Region. In order to focus on how we can take advantage of this lifestyle offering, the City of Lincolnton and Lincoln County made great strides in paving the way for easier entry by this industry into our community. LEDA

began a focused approach to assist, and worked with a number of interested parties in potentially locating to the area.

Businesses and industries locating in the area desire modern life-style amenities. The forward thinking approach by the City and County to make our community friendlier and receptive to the growing microbrewery industry will help make sure the area is pre-pared to take advantage of this trend. When one of these busi-nesses open they serve as a magnet for new exposure to the area, thereby helping drive more retail and service traffic to Lincolnton and Lincoln County. It is for this reason LEDA is working to assist in this movement.

In order to provide a central location for the vast amount of regulations and required processes in order to open these businesses, LEDA has developed and will continue to develop a depository of information on the association’s website. This information is now provided on the home page's main site directory under the “Breweries” tab. LEDA will continue to add new content relative to the local, state, and federal do’s and don’ts for locating these businesses in our community in an effort to assist businesses and property owners in learning about what is most appropriate and required.

— sweet potatoes, kumquats, sorghum,blueberries. blackberries, persimmons,barley, wheat, rye, and hops — reflect arich agricultural heritage and have wonthe state’s brewers national recognition.

is a favorite beer destination.It is a four-time “Beer City

USA” poll-topper and boasts

20 BREWERIES

Local Ingredients

The number of craft breweries in North Carolina has more than tripled since 2010.

North Carolina has morebreweries than any other statein the South.

More than 30 new breweries are planning to open in North Carolina in 2016 and beyond.

20162014

2012

20142016

2010Largestincrease in

BarrelsProducedin the U.S.

in 2015

2nd

THE STATE OF CRAFT BEER

ASHEVILLE

IN NORTH CAROLINA

$1.2 B I L L I O N$300 M I L L I O N

10,000JOBS

annual economic impact of

in annual wages

675,469BARRELS produced by craftbreweries in 2015

MAJOR CRAFT BREWERY EXPANSIONS

3Infographic by ; Sources: Brewers Association, NC Craft B Our State Magazine rewers Guild, Beer Institute, Demeter Group, and Visit North Carolina


Growth of breweries over the last few years in North Carolina has accelerated very quickly with no signs of slowing down. There are two primary sites in North Carolina that diligently works at keeping up with the growth. The NC Craft Brewers Guild (NCCBG) and the NC Beer Guys is dedicated to visiting and/or listing all breweries in the state.

Demographics will vary on how many breweries are lo-cated in North Carolina, but not all breweries are regis-tered with the NCCBG or call the NC Beer Guys. Currently, there are between 159 and 186 breweries in operation in North Carolina, with 59 more breweries projected to start up operations in the future. Growth of breweries in west-ern North Carolina has steadily grown, with the Charlotte Area hosting 31 breweries, and Asheville with 20 breweries. To add to the enjoyment 43 beer festivals take place yearly in our states regions.

Yearning for a career working in the brewery industry, below is a breakdown on positions and some listed salaries.

On the macro-level there are three categories in the beer industry:

1.) Working in and out of the facility establishment(s) "bottle shops, restaurants that are not associated with the brewery" 2.) Working for a distributor 3.) Working at a brewery "production, hospitality or administration"

Brewery Level positions:

1.) Production/manufacturing 2.) Sales and Marketing 3.) Hospitality and education 4.) General administration and site operationSalaries vary greatly, this is dependent on the size of operation, where it is located, and what is tied to the operation such as pub, or restaurant. • Assistant Brewer Salary Range: $25,000 – $40,000 and higher • Head Brewer Salary Range: $45,000 – $80,000 and higher • Cellar Manager, average $40,000 • Warehouse and Packaging Operations and Managers, $30,000 – $45,000 • Lab Technician, $30,000 – $45,000

Economic Impact: small independent american craft brewers contributed $55.7 billon dollars to the U. S. economy in 2014. This is derived from the total impact of beer brewed by craft brewers as it moved through the three -tiered system (breweries, wholesalers and retailers including non-beer products and merchandise that brew-pubs restaurants and brewery taprooms sell. This also provided approximately 424,000 jobs with more than 115,0000 jobs directly at breweries and brew-pubs.

Contributing information/source: from the "Brewers Association" (https://www.brewersassociation.org/)

Interested in Making a Difference?

LEDA operates as an officially recognized 501 c(3) tax exempt non-profit charged with facilitating industrial, office, commercial and entrepreneurial development in Lincolnton and Lincoln County. While funded strongly by local tax dollars, the organization relies on private contributions to assist in meeting targeted goals. Private support goes a long way in making sure we keep property taxes as low as possible while also identifying and preparing crucial information for the devel-opment of sites for future business investments as well as marketing the assets of our community.

Through our public-private partnership the City of Lincolnton, Lincoln County, private citizens and the business community have come together to pursue well-balanced, quality growth for the community. We thank our stakeholders for their support, and we certainly welcome anyone not already a member to become our partner is these efforts.

The Board of Directors and Staff encourage you to consider becoming a private member of LEDA. Today’s economic climate is extremely competitive. Com-munities must engage in proactive, on-going and professional economic devel-opment programs. LEDA fulfills this need and provides a single point of contact for companies considering the region. For more information, please contact Cliff Brumfield at 704-732-1511, as well as visit our website at www.lincolneda.org.

Tel: 704-732-1511 • Fax: 704-736-8451Email: [email protected]

Websites: www.lincolneda.org

502 East Main StreetLincolnton, NC 28092

Tenowo Expansion Ground Breaking

Ribbon Cutting Circle Bolt and Nut

Cataler NA Expansion

annual report - leda6 lincoln economic development association july 2015 • june 2016 annual report...

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