Eastern
Economic development partnerships ask for one-year reprieve
June 4, 2013
(The Daily Advance, Elizabeth City)
The state's economic development partnerships, which are facing losing all their state funding, are asking lawmakers to give them a one-year reprieve as they work out the wrinkles of a planned overhaul of the Department of Commerce.
Carolina Beach renourishment efforts face crucial deadline
June 4, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
A 50-year agreement between Carolina Beach and the federal government for beach renourishment expires in 2014, and local officials are treading on new ground as they seek a renewal. State and federal money are crucial to improving the beach strand when it suffers from storm erosion.
State seeks to increase boutique liquor sales
June 3, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
The state is rolling out a program that will make it easier for customers to purchase boutique liquor at their local ABC stores.
Eastern Region partnership faces dissolution
June 3, 2013
(The Daily Reflector, Greenville)
As the Eastern Region economic-development partnership faces losing its state funding, its director is fighting back by pointing out how the group has aided businesses in recent years.
Controversial Wilmington plant files for permit extension
May 31, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Titan America, which wants to build a controversial cement plant in Castle Hayne, has filed for an extension of its air permit, citing ongoing litigation that makes it difficult to comply with construction requirements.
GE Aviation considers expansion in New Hanover
May 30, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
New Hanover commissioners will consider giving aircraft engine manufacturer GE Aviation more than $800,000 in incentives in exchange for the company investing $63 million and adding 35 jobs. The plant in Castle Hayne employs 600.
Ports Authority OKs wood-pellet plant in Wilmington
May 30, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
The state Ports Authority approved lease and operating agreements for a proposed wood-pellet handling facility at the Port of Wilmington, but the plan still must be approved by the Council of State because it involves leasing state land.
Moore County hotels already full for 2014 U.S. Open tournaments
May 29, 2013
(The Fayetteville Observer)
The 2,700 hotel rooms in Moore County are already fully booked for next year's back-to-back U.S. Open tournaments in Pinehurst, and surrounding communities are marketing themselves as places to stay.
Ports Authority set to vote on Wilmington wood pellet plant
May 29, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
The state Ports Authority's board will vote Wednesday on a proposed wood-pellet facility in Wilmington, though it would still have to be approved by the Council of State. The Southern Environmental Law Center has criticized the plan because they say shifting attitudes in Europe toward wood pellets may make the project obsolete.
Wilmington company starts work on new headquarters
May 29, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Wilmington-based Castle Branch, an employment screening firm, broke ground on its new 60,000-square-foot headquarters Tuesday. The project is expected to take about a year to complete.
Wilmington airport seeks to restore Chicago flight
May 28, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Wilmington International Airport officials are lobbying locally elected leaders and the business community to contribute financially to help it win a grant that it hopes will allow it to restore a direct flight to Chicago.
Brunswick housing market shows signs of improvement
May 28, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Brunswick County's housing market rose more than 22% during the first quarter compared to the year before, indicating a rebound for the county, which was hit hard by the housing slump.
Craven County weighs new economic development group
May 28, 2013
(New Bern Sun Journal)
Craven County leaders are considering establishing a new nonprofit group to help it recruit businesses. The Craven County Economic Development Commission was dissolved a year ago.
Costs of procedures vary widely at Wilmington hospitals
May 24, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
The costs of 100 common procedures vary greatly at Wilmington region hospitals and apparently with little rationale behind the discrepancies, according to new data released based on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements.
Wilmington population continues to grow
May 24, 2013
(Greater Wilmington Business Journal)
Wilmington's population grew by 3.2% to 109,922 from 2010 to 2012, helping it remain the state's eighth-largest city, according to the most recent U.S. Census data.
UNCW hires new entrepreneurship center director
May 24, 2013
(Greater Wilmington Business Journal)
University of North Carolina Wilmington named Jim Roberts director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The position has been vacant for about a year.
Wilmington tourism officials predict strong holiday weekend
May 23, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
A stabilizing economy and a good weather forecast have Wilmington tourism officials optimistic about the Memorial Day weekend, with a number of hotels already fully booked.
Bill would allow limited tolls on I-95
May 22, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The state House passed a bill Tuesday that will allow limited tolls on North Carolina's highways -- permitting them in new lanes but not existing ones. The measure was prompted by proposals to introduce tolls on Interstate 95, which runs through eight counties from the Virginia to South Carolina borders.
State Senate budget takes aim at fuel-efficient vehicles
May 22, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
A provision in the state Senate's proposed budget seeks to raise $1.5 million in the next fiscal year by levying a fee on owners of hybrid and electric vehicles. Electric vehicle owners would owe $100 annually, and hybrid vehicle owners would owe $50.
Greensboro company acquiring Fayetteville mortgage servicer
May 22, 2013
(The Fayetteville Observer)
Greensboro-based Cunningham & Co. acquired Fayetteville-based mortgage servicer Carolina Mortgage Co., giving add three branches to its 14 locations and letting it enter the Fayetteville market.
