Regional
Across the state
What's going on in each region
Jump directly to: Western | Charlotte | Triad | Triangle | Eastern
Western
Senate bill would strip money from rural economic development groups
May 14, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
A bill in the state Senate would eliminate money from four rural economic-development groups -- located in Asheville, Edenton, Elizabethtown and Kinston -- and transfer business recruitment functions to the Department of Commerce.
MedWest health system weighs its future
May 23, 2013
(Smoky Mountain Times)
MedWest health system, a collection of three hospitals in Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties, is exploring a possible sale to a larger health system as it seeks a cash infusion to shore up its struggling balance sheet.
Bill to raise Haywood County lodging tax dies in legislature
May 23, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
Despite widespread support from locally elected officials, a bill that would have raised Haywood County's lodging tax to help pay for tourism initiatives died in the General Assembly. Though supported by many, a faction of Maggie Valley motel owners were against the proposal.
MedWest Health may seek partner for merger
May 21, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
MedWest Health System, which consists of three rural hospitals in Western North Carolina, may begin entertaining merger offers from a larger system as it seeks to stabilize its finances.
Transfer of Asheville water system on hold
May 21, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
A judge extended a temporary restraining order halting the transfer of Asheville's water system to a regional authority until a permanent solution is decided.
Maggie Valley amusement park set for relaunch
May 16, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
Maggie Valley amusement park Ghost Town in the Sky will relaunch Memorial Day weekend, with attractions such as children rides and chairlifts. A Maggie Valley businesswoman bought the failed attraction last year for $2 million.
Manufacturer weighs expanding in Fletcher industrial park
May 15, 2013
(The Times-News, Hendersonville)
Henderson County commissioners are considering giving manufacturer BorgWarner $585,504 in incentives in exchange for a $24 million expansion that would bring 80 jobs.
Whitewater park proposed for Dillsboro
May 15, 2013
(The Sylva Herald)
A former kayacking champion is encouraging Dillsboro officials to develop the former dam area of the Tuckaseigee River into a whitewater park.
Regulators close Asheville bank
May 13, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Federal regulators closed Asheville-based Pisgah Community Bank, and Maryland-based Capitol Bank will assume most of its $21.9 million of assets and its $21.2 million of deposits.
WNC economy grows slowly in first quarter
May 13, 2013
(The Watauga Democrat)
Western North Carolina's economy grew just 0.4% in the first quarter as the unemployment rate improved but job creation slowed.
Asheville mall to be converted to outlet center
May 13, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Asheville's Biltmore Square Mall will be converted into a 325,000-square-foot outlet center by 2014 with the help of a Massachusetts developer.
Asheville officials push I-26 connector
May 10, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Asheville officials hope Gov. Pat McCrory's proposed transportation plan will help complete an Interstate 26 connector that would ease traffic congestion.
Boone developer withdraws plan for mixed-use community
May 9, 2013
(The Watauga Democrat)
Boone developer Templeton Properties will withdraw its $18.9 million offer to purchase the former Watauga High School property for a mixed-use development because of changes to the city's multi-family housing regulations.
Commissioners add hospital board member ahead of controversial vote
May 9, 2013
(Smoky Mountain News)
Haywood County commissioners added an 11th member to the Haywood Regional Medical Center's board, a move that is expected to avoid a tie as it weighs remaining in the MedWest health system.
Buncombe works to recruit unnamed manufacturer
May 8, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Buncombe County officials are working to recruit an unnamed manufacturer that would invest $126 million and create at least 52 jobs. The county would spend $15.7 million on land and buildings and pay $2.7 million in incentives.
Asheville, South Carolina banks merging
May 7, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Asheville-based HomeTrust Bancshares will acquire South Carolina-based BankGreenville, taking over its $110 million in assets. It's the bank's first acquisition since going public last year.
Judge approves work at defunct Seven Falls development
May 7, 2013
(The Times-News, Hendersonville)
A Superior Court judge approved emergency maintenance at the defunct Seven Falls community in Etowah by Henderson County using bond proceeds. The work includes grading and seeding eroded areas with grass.
Home sales surge in Western North Carolina
May 6, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
Home sales in Western North Carolina have begun to rebound this spring, rising 21% in the first quarter in Asheville compared to the year before.
Penrose residents oppose biomass plant
May 6, 2013
(The Times-News, Hendersonville)
A proposed biomass plant in Transylvania County has drawn scrutiny from a group called People for Clean Mountains who want county commissioners to impose an 18-month moratorium on "polluting industries." So far, 400 people have signed a petition.
Bill to transfer Asheville water system goes to McCrory
May 2, 2013
(Asheville Citizen-Times)
A bill that would transfer control of Asheville's water system from city control to a regional water and sewer authority was approved by the state House and will now go to Gov. Pat McCrory for his signature.
Charlotte
Foxx sails through hearing in Senate committee
May 23, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx faced a receptive audience and easy questions in an appearance before the U.S. Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee as he seeks confirmation as the next secretary of the federal Department of Transportation.
Mooresville lawmaker airs fight with N.C. House speaker
May 23, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
State Rep. Bill Brawley, a Republican from Mooresville, took public a list of grievances with N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis and resigned as co-chairman of the powerful House Finance Committee.
Foxx confirmation hearings to begin Wednesday
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The Senate’s Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee will question Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx on Wednesday as part of his bid to become the next chief of the federal Department of Transportation.
Charlotte
Charlotte's mayor pro tem expected to run for top post
May 21, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon, a Democrat, is expected to announce Tuesday that he will run for mayor in a bid to replace Anthony Foxx, who President Obama has nominated to be transportation secretary.
Gaston toll road receives another blow in Raleigh
May 13, 2013
(The Gaston Gazette)
After an unexpected victory last week, the Garden Parkway -- a proposed toll road in Gaston County -- received a blow this week after it was removed from a transportation bill in the state House.
Mecklenburg commissioners fire county manager
May 8, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Mecklenburg County commissioners fired manager Harry Jones after months of rising tension. Jones was scrutinized for a botched property revaluation and problems within the social services department.
Appointments create leadership opportunities in Charlotte
May 6, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
President Obama's appointments of Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and U.S. Democratic Rep. Mel Watt to national posts leaves a leadership vacuum in the state's largest city -- and a rare opportunity for politicians to take more prominent roles.
Private equity firms eye Harris Teeter
May 24, 2013
(The Wall Street Journal)
Private equity firms Cerberus Capital Management and Bain Capital are both considering bidding for Matthews-based grocer Harris Teeter, though a sale is far from assured.
NASCAR battles to increase attendance
May 24, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Attendance revenue is down at the companies that put on NASCAR races, including Charlotte-based Speedway Motorsports Inc. as the sport continues to recover from the recession.
New Chiquita CEO stresses core business
May 24, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Chiquita Brands International is focusing on its core business of bananas and salads and discarding the newer product lines the company attempted, new CEO Ed Lonergan said at the company's annual meeting in Charlotte. The company has struggled with declining revenue in recent years.
New toll lanes appear likely for I-77
May 24, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization voted unanimously to add new toll for Interstate 77 to the group's long-range plans, a move that likely paves the way for the $550 million project, which would add new toll lanes between Charlotte and Mooresville.
Race move would hurt Cabarrus economy
May 24, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
If Bruton Smith moves a fall NASCAR race from Charlotte Motor Speedway as he has threatened, it would have a ripple effect on Cabarrus County's economy, particularly the hospitality industry as fewer visitors stay nearby.
NewDominion Bank completes $10M capital raise
May 24, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte-based NewDominion Bank finished raising $10 million as part of an effort to help it shore up its balance sheet. The company has been operating under a regulatory consent order.
Charlotte foreclosure rate drops
May 24, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte's foreclosure rate fell to 2.6% in March, an improvement from 3.4% the same month a year ago, according to CoreLogic. That rate is better than the national rate of 2.8% but worse than North Carolina's, which was about 2%.
Lowe's CEO: Company will give employees more hours, increase inventory
May 23, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Robert Niblock, CEO of Mooresville-based Lowe's, said the home-improvement store chain will add more employee hours and increase inventory of high-selling items after cutting back too much during the recession. The retailer reported lower sales during the first quarter even though its profit rose.
JPMorgan Chase grows Charlotte presence
May 23, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
New York-based banking giant JPMorgan Chase has grown its presence in Charlotte during the past year, though it's still small -- just 14 bankers. The Charlotte office is catering to companies that make $20 million to $500 million in annual revenue.
State sues Duke Energy for coal contamination of water
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The state is suing Charlotte-based Duke Energy for polluting Mountain Island Lake with coal ash, the first time North Carolina has taken action against a utility for its handling of the substance. The lake is a main drinking supply for Charlotte.
Charlotte Speedway owner threatens to move fall race
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
Charlotte Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith threatened to move its fall race from the track, criticizing Cabarrus County officials for raising its taxes. The speedway is in the midst of appealing its property valuation.
N.C. mortgage relief reaches $410M
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
North Carolina mortgage relief under last year's landmark settlement with the nation's largest banks has reached $410 million for more than 9,000 homeowners. Charlotte-based Bank of America has said previously in securities filings that it has "substantially" fulfilled its obligations.
Charlotte Bobcats make name change official
May 22, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
The Charlotte Bobcats' owner Michael Jordan announced the team has officially asked the NBA permission to revert back to its roots with a name change to the Hornets for the 2014-15 season.
Triad
Randolph leaders take a second look at proposed megasite
May 24, 2013
(News & Record, Greensboro)
Randolph County officials are re-examining whether to go forward with a proposed 2,030-acre industrial megasite in Liberty in light of uncertainty about the Department of Commerce's structure as Gov. Pat McCrory proposes taking its economic-development functions private as well as continued opposition from nearby landowners.
Greensboro company buys Orlando apartments for $48M
May 23, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Greensboro-based Bell Partners acquired a 310-unit apartment complex in Orlando adjacent to Universal Studios for $48 million.
Fresh Market names new CFO
May 23, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Greensboro-based specialty grocer Fresh Market named Jeffrey Ackerman its new chief financial officer, effective June 3. He previously was CFO of mattress maker Sealy Corp.
Davidson County tries again for megasite
May 21, 2013
(The Dispatch, Lexington)
Davidson County officials are trying again to develop a megasite near Interstate 85 that once was a finalist for a Toyota plant. One of the main challenges is that the 2,000 acres has several landowners.
Pledges for Greensboro performing arts center line up
May 21, 2013
(News & Record, Greensboro)
The Phillips Foundation promised $3.5 million toward a planned Greensboro performing arts center, less than a week after tobacco maker Lorillard announced it would pledge $1 million. The $60.5 million project needs $20 million in private donations.
Senate budget preserves High Point Market money
May 21, 2013
(News & Record, Greensboro)
The state Senate's proposed budget maintains about $1.7 million in funding for the twice yearly High Point Market furniture trade show. Gov. Pat McCrory initially proposed slashing its budget before backtracking.
Top Triad executives get pay raises
May 20, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Eight of the 10 top-compensated executives at companies with a presence in the Triad got pay raises last year, mostly because of increased stock and option awards.
Piedmont Triad Partnership faces cuts
May 20, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
The Piedmont Triad Partnership, which helps recruit business for 12 counties, is facing a 23% cut to its funding as lawmakers debate changing how North Carolina lures businesses by turning more functions over to the private sector.
McCrory still weighing Alcoa dam issue
May 17, 2013
(Associated Press)
Gov. Pat McCrory needs more time before recommending how the state should proceed with ongoing legal wrangling over whether to grant Alcoa Inc. with a new license to operate four dams along the Yadkin River.
Davidson commissioners approve plan for industrial park
May 16, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Davidson County commissioners OKed the initial phase of a proposed 1,000-acre business park near Interstate 85. The first phase is expected to cost $7.6 million.
More layoffs expected at Energizer's Asheboro plants
May 15, 2013
(The Courier-Tribune, Asheboro)
More layoffs are possible at Energizer's Asheboro plants as the company struggles with declining sales. Energizer has not said yet which sites will bear the burden of most cuts.
Primo Water posts loss but sales improve
May 15, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Winston-Salem-based Primo Water reported a $1.3 million loss during the first quarter, but sales for the period rose about 13% to $22.3 million as water-dispenser sales improved.
Reynolds American to expand e-cigarattes production
May 10, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Reynolds American says it plans to expand its production of electronic cigarettes after testing the product in limited markets.
Developer plans to invest $150M in downtown Winston-Salem
May 10, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Developer Wexford Science & Technology plans to make a second major investment -- $150 million -- in downtown Winston-Salem as it continues investment in its research campus as well as in retail and housing projects.
Eden hospital vows independence despite losses
May 8, 2013
(News & Record, Greensboro)
Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden has a $1.4 million operating deficit and is one of only a few independent hospitals in the Triad, but its CEO said it's not looking for a buyer.
Stanly County votes to end fight over Alcoa relicensing
May 7, 2013
(The Salisbury Post)
Stanly County commissioners voted Monday to end legal wrangling over a state water-quality certification Alcoa needs to continue to operate dams along the Yadkin River. The certification is stopping the company from getting a federal operating license.
N.C. hospitals fight back against state proposals
May 7, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
North Carolina hospitals are increasing their lobbying to sway public opinion and that of legislators as they consider measures that could damage the hospitals' bottom lines.
Bennett College names new president
May 7, 2013
(News & Record, Greensboro)
Bennett College in Greensboro named Rosalind Fuse-Hall its 17th president. Fuse-Hall has held administrative roles at Florida A&M, N.C. Central University and UNC Chapel Hill.
Pipeline network in Greensboro a mixed blessing
May 6, 2013
(News & Record, Greensboro)
Greensboro is home to a network of thousands of miles of pipelines that carry fuels such as gasoline and jet fuel, bringing economic benefits to the city but also potential hazards.
Wake Forest researchers seek to revolutionize with nanotechnology
May 6, 2013
(Winston-Salem Journal)
Researchers at Wake Forest University hope to revolutionize the electronics industry with nanotechnology discoveries that could eventually be used for uses such as electronic displays in hard-to-reach places and retractable televisions.
Triangle
State Senate unveils $20.6B proposed budget
May 20, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The state Senate released a proposed $20.6 billion state budget that eliminates class-size limits for younger students, transfers the State Bureau of Investigation from the attorney general's purview and cuts spaces in public preschool for at-risk children.
John Edwards reemerges after scandal
May 17, 2013
(Associated Press)
John Edwards, the former U.S. Senator from North Carolina, has reactivated his law license and will speak at a private retreat in Florida next month to law clients of a marketing firm. Edwards has remained out of the limelight since being acquitted last year on a federal campaign fraud charge.
Bill would limit abortion coverage
May 16, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
A bill that passed a state House committee would prohibit the impending state health-care exchanges and city and county health plans from offering abortion coverage. The controversial measure only passed after a provision that would have let private employers opt out of offering contraception to workers was deleted.
Analysis: Plan would raise taxes for many
May 10, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
An initial analysis by legislative researchers shows more North Carolina households -- mainly lower-income ones -- would get a tax hike instead of a promised tax cut under a plan proposed by Senate Republicans this week that would overhaul the state's tax code.
N.C. House passes bill requiring parental consent for birth control, other treatments
May 9, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The state House approved a bill that would require minors to gain parental consent before obtaining birth control or receiving treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse or mental illness. Another measure passed would ban abortions based on gender.
Senate Republicans unveil tax reform plan
May 8, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Senate Republicans debuted a major tax reform plan that would cut the personal and corporate income tax rates but make up for it by raising the tax on grocery sales and implementing taxes on prescription drugs and services such as hair cuts and auto repairs.
McCrory wants to be able to fire state workers more easily
May 8, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Gov. Pat McCrory has proposed sweeping changes to the State Personnel Act, hoping to make it easier to fire -- and reward -- workers. The state employees' association opposes the changes, saying it will increase the likelihood of dismissals for political reasons.
State House speaker warns against GOP overreach
May 7, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
State House Speaker Thom Tillis wrote in a Facebook post that the Republican party must be careful not to overreach the mandate from voters it has with its supermajority power. He warned the GOP of making the same mistakes that led to Democrats losing their majority in 2010.
McCrory's former employer in the spotlight
May 6, 2013
(Associated Press)
Gov. Pat McCrory's former employer, Moore & Van Allen business law firm, has found itself in the spotlight this year after negotiating lucrative incentives for insurer MetLife and for helping ferry campaign donations to state politicians from the video gambling industry.
House preliminarily OKs income limits to pre-K program
May 3, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
The state House gave the preliminary OK to a measure that would impose stricter income limits on families trying to get their children into state-supported pre-kindergarten program. About 25,000 children are currently enrolled.
Transportation proposal worries rural representatives
May 2, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
A proposal by Gov. Pat McCrory to revamp the way transportation money is distributed around the state has some rural lawmakers worried their projects might suffer. McCrory wants to direct more money to projects that prove they will reduce congestion and help economic development.
House committee OKs bill to punish gender-based abortions
May 2, 2013
(Associated Press)
A state House committee approved a bill that would punish doctors with stiff fines if they perform abortions where a primary motive for the procedure is gender.
Two more Triangle companies go public
May 24, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Two Triangle companies — Cary-based home-exterior products supplier Ply Gem Holdings and Morrisville-based e-commerce company Channel Advisor — went public Thursday, bringing the total number of companies in the region that have gone public to five for the year.
RTP office park up for auction
May 23, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
GE Asset Management will auction off its 70-acre office park within Research Triangle Park next month. It originally paid $65 million for the site, which is now only 10% leased, but is considered key in redevelopment efforts for RTP.
NetApp to lay off workers at RTP
May 22, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Data storage company NetApp is laying off 900 workers across the U.S., and an undisclosed number will come from its 1,500-employee operation in Research Triangle Park. The company must retain 1,450 in RTP to receive incentive payments.
N.C. Senate plan would defund Rural Economic Development Center
May 21, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Part of the budget proposed by the state Senate this week would strip the Rural Economic Development Center of its state funding, which amounted to $16.6 million last year, and create a division in the Department of Commerce to oversee rural economic development.
Downtown Durham picks new leader
May 21, 2013
(The Herald-Sun, Durham)
Downtown Durham Inc. named Geoffrey Durham its new president and CEO. He replaces Bill Kalkhof, who retired last month after 20 years leading the booster group.
BCBS losing influence in legislature
May 20, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has apparently lost some clout in the General Assembly this year, with several bills, such as one that requires the health insurer to cover more services for autistic people, passing despite the company's lobbying.
Triangle companies pursue job candidates aggressively
May 20, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
Despite a relatively high unemployment rate, companies in the Triangle that are hiring, such as Citrix, MetLife, LexisNexis and Red Hat, face a competitive recruitment process and are aggressively pursuing job candidates.
House Republicans offer more conservative tax reform proposal
May 17, 2013
(The News & Observer, Raleigh)
House Republicans unveiled their plan to cut corporate and personal income taxes in the state and expand the sales tax base, but the proposal is less sweeping than one from Senate Republicans. For example, House Republicans don't plan to tax food and prescriptions as in the Senate proposal.
Eastern
New Hanover commissioners remove member from board
May 21, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners voted to remove commissioner Brian Berger from his post, the first time an amotion hearing has been used successfully to remove an elected official in North Carolina in nearly 100 years. Other commissioners cited threatening texts and emails to staff as well as his poor attendance record and legal troubles in their decision.
Senate bill would reverse outdoor smoking bans
May 15, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
A state Senate bill that passed a committee Tuesday would repeal outdoor smoking bans instituted by local officials and community colleges by prohibiting them from enforcing any bans that go further than state laws.
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.
Wilmington struggles with shortage of construction workers
May 20, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
WIlmington and other communities in the state are struggling to find enough skilled construction workers despite the economy, making it particularly tough for smaller residential builders. The shortage is largely attributed to retirements, geographic shifts of workers and less immigration.
Fayetteville coliseum seeks ways to grow
May 20, 2013
(The Fayetteville Observer)
Fayetteville's county-controlled Crown Colisuem is considering privatizing as it has struggled with attracting big-name acts and large crowds since opening in 1997. Officials partly blame problems on a transient military population.
Wilmington coffee chain faces more competition from Starbucks
May 17, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Seattle-based coffee giant Starbucks is opening a sixth store in New Hanover County this week and another one is planned as it seeks inroads against hometown favorite Port City Java, which has 12 stores in the county.
Raeford turkey plant will close this summer
May 17, 2013
(The Charlotte Observer)
House of Raeford said it will close its turkey processing plant in Raeford in July, laying off 1,060 people, after announcing its plans to shutter the plant earlier this year.
Ammunition manufacturer bringing 150 jobs to Lumberton
May 16, 2013
(The Fayetteville Observer)
Ammunition manufacturer Cape Fear Arsenal will open a plant in Lumberton, investing $15.2 million and creating 150 jobs within three years. Average annual wage will be $41,559, higher than Robeson County's average of $26,832.
Commercial development slow at Wrightsville Beach
May 16, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Development at Wrightsville Beach has slowed during the economic downturn as high property prices make acquiring land and building projects more difficult.
Study favors mitigated tolls to finance I-95 improvements
May 15, 2013
(The Fayetteville Observer)
A study conducted by an Atlanta consultant recommends the Department of Transportation finance $4.5 billion of improvements to Interstate 95 with mitigated tolls that would give local residents a 50% reduction in the cost of the tolls. That plan would raise $5.1 billion through 2050 and add 19,000 jobs annually.
Cape Fear Valley Health faces $20M loss
May 15, 2013
(The Fayetteville Observer)
Cape Fear Valley Health System in Fayetteville is facing a $20 million loss to its budget this year -- $8 million because of federal sequestration cuts and $12 million from Medicaid cuts proposed by Gov. Pat McCrory. The nonprofit health system says it is not laying off workers.
Snow Hill company turns sweet potatoes into liquor
May 15, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Snow Hill-based Covington Spirits is taking sweet potatoes and distilling them into liquor in a bid to wean Americans off their dependence on foreign vodka. The business was born from a need to dispose of leftover spuds.
PPD may not get Wilmington incentives
May 14, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
Wilmington-based contract research organization PPD might not receive the $425,000 in incentives it is eligible to receive from Wilmington and New Hanover County because of not enough employees at its downtown headquarters. The company has until October to report the numbers, but officials have signaled they don't think the target will be met.
Wilmington ideally situated for wind farms
May 13, 2013
(StarNews, Wilmington)
The Wilmington area is home to two of three sites in the state recommended for wind-farm development, but bringing the first wind farm to the U.S. is complicated in terms of policy and logistics.
