News

Capital Access Program marks 10 years of growing small businesses, $60 million in loans
A small business loan program launched by the Rural Center in 1994 has had a significant impact in its first decade, providing $60.7 million in business capital to nearly 1,200 new and expanding ventures across the state – loans that provided more than 10,550 North Carolinians with a job. The center marked the Capital Access Program’s 10th anniversary on Aug. 30 with a ceremony honoring the 25 participating lenders whose support is helping strengthen the state’s small business sector and the rural economy. The ceremony included special recognition for lead partner BB&T. The growing Winston-Salem-based bank, now the ninth largest in the nation, was an original member of the Capital Access Program. Through the program, BB&T has made $43 million in Capital Access loans to 900 small businesses. The center is currently working to broaden the impact of the program, which has $83 million available for small business lending. To find out more about the Capital Access program and its impact on North Carolina in its first 10 years, click here. To contact program director Jim Evans, call (919) 250-4314 or e-mail him at jevans@ncruralcenter.org.

Center awards more than $4 million to redevelop flood-damaged business areas in seven western counties
Communities in seven western counties will receive more than $4 million in grants to help redevelop flood-damaged business areas after a series of storms in 2004 caused substantial economic losses in the region. The center’s board of directors met Aug. 30 and approved 12 grants under the Hurricane Recovery Business Area Redevelopment Program, the center’s $5 million state-funded initiative to redevelop commercial property and repair public infrastructure. The hardest-hit areas - Asheville, Canton, Clyde and Newland - each received $700,000, the maximum available. Other awards ranged from $30,000 to $400,000. They went to Avery County, Chimney Rock Village, Crossnore, Haywood County, Hot Springs, Marshall, Spruce Pine, and Swain County. Earlier this year, the Rural Center awarded 18 planning grants totaling $238,000 to help communities assess the structural condition of damaged buildings, determine restoration needs and evaluate repair costs. The communities then were eligible to apply for grants of up to $700,000 each to carry out their projects. To find out more about the grant awards, click here.

New Census figures show North Carolina ranked 11th for percentage of residents living in poverty
The U.S. Census Bureau last month released annual data on poverty, income and health insurance that show North Carolina making little progress in those areas from 2003 to 2004. In fact, the data finds North Carolina losing ground on the percentage of its residents living in poverty. At the time of the 2000 Census, 12.3 percent of North Carolinians lived at or below the poverty line, compared to an estimated 15.1 percent today. There are currently only 10 states that have a higher percentage of people living in poverty than North Carolina. The state did make modest gains in median household income, which rose from $39,184 in 2000 to $39,323 in 2003-2004, and on the percentage of residents without health coverage, which fell from 17.7 percent to 16.5 percent in the three-year period. Even with those gains, however, North Carolina is ranked 16th in the nation for uninsured residents and has the 10th lowest median household income. To see how North Carolina fared compared with other states, click here.

Reports and Research

Website offers free annual credit reports
As of September 1, North Carolina residents can request one free credit report per year from each of the three national consumer credit reporting companies. This web-based, centralized service is provided by the three companies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, which recommend periodic financial monitoring to prevent identity theft and maintain financial stability. To find out how to request your free credit report, visit the website or call 1-877-322-8228.

Southern Growth’s Southern Community Index gauges quality of life issues
With its just-released Southern Community Index, Southern Growth Policies Board calls attention to the importance of quality of life issues and their impact on community livability in the South. In creating the index, the board developed a list of 15 indicators it says will serve as a starting point for future discussions on quality of life issues. The indicators include voter turnout, leadership diversity among women and African-Americans, access to health care, rates of homeownership, availability of affordable rental housing, per capita income, crime rates and childhood poverty statistics. The index ranks the Southern region on each of these indicators and offers a comparison with the nation, then measures the performance of each Southern Growth member state. Each set of state measures includes a profile of a program or initiative that is having a positive impact on communities within that state. To read the Southern Community Index, click here.

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Meetings and Events

Sustainable rural development the focus of September 23-24 conference at UNC-Pembroke
UNC-Pembroke will host its second major rural development conference Sept. 23-23, “Sustaining Rural America.” The Center for Community Action in Lumberton and UNC-Pembroke’s Regional Center for Economic, Community and Professional Development designed this year’s conference around the theme of defining common strategies for sustainable rural development. Specifically, the conference will take a close look at the need to revamp strategies that offer aggressive approaches to chasing the global market because these programs often do not include rural areas and assets. Workshops will explore how rural leaders can take steps in their own communities to implement sustainable rural development projects that promote, preserve and protect local resources. At the 2004 event, more than 450 participants came together to identify key issues and obstacles facing rural communities and to build a stronger network of rural leaders and organizations committed to sustainable development practices, policies and research. The registration fee is $125. For more information or to register, visit the website.

SBA offers free webcast Sept. 21 for owners who want to expand their small businesses
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a free, three-hour webcast titled “Navigating the Maze” on Sept. 21 to help grow small businesses. The webcast will offer tips on how to map growth potential, conduct strategic growth planning and advice on how to secure government contracts and incentives. The seminar is designed especially for small business executives from eligible 7(j) firms who have been in business for more than five years. For further information or register for the live seminar, visit the website at www.sls-7j.net.

Eight-week seminar series starting Sept. 27th teaches companies how to be competitive in the global marketplace
Tools for Trade is an eight-week seminar that will meet each Tuesday morning in Charlotte to help North Carolina companies learn to start, expand or enhance their export business. Sponsored by the Carolinas Export Assistance Center, the N.C. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBTDC, the N.C. District Export Council and the Minority Business Development Agency, the seminar series is free to the first 25 registrants. Classes will be held from 9:30 to noon each Tuesday morning through Nov. 15 at the Charlotte Export Assistance Center conference room at 521 East Morehead Street. The sessions will cover discussion on risk assessment, methods of payment, letters of credit, incoterms, harmonized codes and developing an international marketing plan. In addition, participants will be introduced to the support network of international trade service providers. To learn more, or to register, call, e-mail, or fax Dan Holt at the Carolinas Export Assistance Center, (704) 333-4886 fax: 704-332-2681, dan.holt@mail.doc.gov.

North Carolina’s nonprofit sector to come together for annual conference Oct. 5-7 in Charlotte
The N.C. Center for Nonprofits will hold its annual conference Oct. 5-7 in Charlotte. This year’s conference, “Radical Notions for Common Ground,” will feature working sessions on fundraising, strategic planning, board development and tips for growing a nonprofit in a difficult environment. Experienced consultants will be on hand Thursday, Oct. 6, from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis to work with individual participants on issues that are affecting their daily work. Dr. Paul Light, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., will give a keynote address on how to build more robust nonprofits in these turbulent times. To register for the event online, click here. For directions to the Westin Hotel, 601 South College Street, click here.

4th annual National Small Farm Conference to be held October 16-19 in Greensboro
The 4th National Small Farm Conference, "Enhancing Opportunities for Small Farmers and Ranchers," will be held October 16-19 at the Sheraton Greensboro Hotel/Koury Convention Center at Four Seasons in Greensboro. Co-hosted by North Carolina A&T State University and North Carolina State University, the conference will include sessions on alternative farm enterprises, marketing, risk management and organic agriculture. Agricultural professionals will learn tools to help growers maximize their resources through marketing, learn how to develop an income safety net and enhance the use of risk management tools. Other topics include supporting agricultural research, and the promotion of size specific rather than scale neutral technology. To find out more or to register for the conference, click here.

2005 Rural Partners Forum Set for Nov 3-4: “Small Town, NC: Embracing Change, Taking Charge”
Join the Rural Center November 3-4 for the14th annual Rural Partners Forum at the North Raleigh Hilton. “Small Town, NC: Embracing Change, Taking Charge” will look at how North Carolina’s small towns are doing in today’s rapidly changing world, what they need to be successful now and in the future, and offer promising new strategies for their leadership, governance and financing. The center will also release details of a major new initiative to bring financial resources, technical assistance and information to North Carolina’s small towns, along with a new report that documents vital information on these rural places. Participants will see how North Carolina’s small towns are grappling with change and charting new courses for the future through a new video, and will have an opportunity to attend workshops that will showcase small towns across the state and their creative strategies for jump-starting their economies. For more information on the forum, contact the communications office at the Rural Center, (919) 250-4314. To register online, visit the center’s website.

Southeast Wireless Symposium to be held Nov. 16-17 in Asheville
The e-NC Authority is hosting the third annual Southeast Wireless Symposium Nov. 16-17 in Asheville. Workshop sessions fall under the categories of education, business, government and healthcare, and cover such topics as wireless deployment and operation costs, technology concerns, public policy and legal issues. Day two of the symposium will feature an in-depth workshop on building wireless municipal networks. For more information or to register, visit the e-NC Authority’s website, or call Donna Sullivan at (919) 250-4314.

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At the Rural Center

First phase of Project New Start complete, exceeds goals on service delivery for dislocated workers
The first phase of the center’s Project New Start, a jobs assistance program focused on dislocated tobacco workers, has helped 617 workers get back on their feet in Wilson, Vance, Transylvania, Henderson and Buncombe counties – surpassing the original goal by more than 200. With $350,000 in funding from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and a $30,000 investment by the center, Project New Start was launched in February 2004 to help workers map out an employment transition plan, search for a new job, and help with basic education and job training skills. The Rural Center worked with three local community-based organizations in areas hard hit by tobacco layoffs to provide comprehensive workforce development services to 617 dislocated workers – 247 of whom found a new job through the program. In addition, 151 workers obtained education or job skills training and 196 received emergency or supportive services. The center is applying to both the U.S. Department of Labor and the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission for funding to continue the program in a second phase. To find out more about Project New Start, contact Anne Bacon, senior director for workforce development, at (919) 250-4314, annebacon@ncruralcenter.org.

Center to hold Oct. 19th workshop on how to apply to the N.C. Economic Infrastructure Fund program
The Rural Center is gearing up to fund a new round of rural infrastructure projects under the $20 million N.C. Economic Infrastructure Fund replenished by state lawmakers last month. The grants and investment program focuses on job-creating water and sewer, building reuse and research and demonstration projects in rural communities. On Oct 19th the center will host a three-hour workshop that will offer detailed information on how to apply for these funds. This free workshop is designed for engineers, county managers, finance officers, commissioners, business owners and other rural leaders. Space is limited, and those interested in attending should contact Courtney Kilpatrick at (919) 250-4314, ckilpatrick@ncruralcenter.org, by Oct. 10th to secure a space. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the center’s Raleigh office, 4021 Carya Drive.

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From the N.C. Press

Eden Daily News: Schools rejoice over lottery
Playing the numbers isn't that unusual in Rockingham County. For years residents have traveled the short distance across the state line into Virginia to buy lottery tickets, but those days are numbered. Gov. Mike Easley signed off on the lottery bill last week, a day after it narrowly passed in the senate. Supporters have rallied for a state lottery for more than 20 years. Among those excited to hear about the vote is Dr. Bill Capehart, superintendent for the county school system. "When I heard that yesterday, the faith that I put in the legislative process was certainly, certainly renewed," Capehart said. North Carolina schools could benefit from the lottery to the tune of an estimated $400 million annually. The money is earmarked for new school construction and updates as well as class size reduction and college scholarships. Kentucky instated its lottery while Capehart was an administrator there and he said the results weren't overnight but when they arrived they helped out immensely. "It's going to mean conducive learning environments for our children. It's going to mean we can look to the latest technology when educating our children," Capehart said. One person watching the process with a skeptical eye is Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham. Berger was a staunch opponent of the bill and said few schools in states with lotteries see a benefit from it. Berger said his job now will be to make sure the money goes where it's intended to go.

Greenville Daily Record: Katrina victims may move to front of the line for housing
The Greenville Housing Authority board has called a special meeting to consider whether Hurricane Katrina victims should be placed ahead of locals on a waiting list for public housing. That suggestion has drawn criticism from at least one board member who said it is unfair to the hundreds who have waited for housing assistance. Nancy Colville said also that the "temporary" housing arrangement would place long-term strains on the housing authority's resources, as well as those of other service providers in Greenville and Pitt County. North Carolina is expected to field about 1,100 people driven from their Gulf Coast homes by devastation from Katrina. The local housing authority, which functions with federal dollars, has 524 people on the waiting list for more than 800 units owned by the agency. Another 814 people await slots in subsidized housing that is privately owned. If the board passes the policy change, victims of Katrina who were already part of the Section 8 program, or who lived in public housing, would be given preference in receiving units here when they become available, according to documents provided to board members.

Tideland News (Swansboro): Katrina is a downer for area businesses
Labor Day beneficiaries in tourist towns like Swansboro and Emerald Isle were hit hard by Hurricane Katrina's ripple effect on the nation's economy. On Thursday, three days after the storm ripped through Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, business owners in eastern Onslow and western Carteret counties had an inkling that the three-day weekend wasn't going to live up to past holiday windfalls. "Everybody went into a panic," said Swansboro Police Chief H.C. "Pug" Pugliese following a daylong crush at area gas stations as motorists sought to top off their tanks in the face of rapidly rising prices and rumors of an impending shortage. By the end of the day, most of the local pumps had run dry and, in Raleigh, Gov. Mike Easley issued a statement that urged fuel conservation, leaving the anticipated Labor Day business bonanza in jeopardy. Casper's Marina in Swansboro was negatively affected, despite a quick rebound in the petroleum supply. "I had people calling me all day Thursday asking if we had gasoline, which we had plenty of," said Susan Casper. With fewer people taking to the water, Casper said the ship's store was overstocked. "Everybody's getting beer for Christmas," she said of the surplus.

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Copyright by N.C. Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. 2002. We encourage you to share this UPDATE with interested individuals, organizations, or agencies. Material may be reproduced in electronic or print form. We ask that you please cite the Rural Center as the source.

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The mission of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center is to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies that improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians, with a special focus on individuals with low to moderate incomes and communities with limited resources.

N.C. Rural Economic Development Center
Michelle Taylor, UPDATE editor
Kelly Tucker Griffin, UPDATE production manager
Elaine Matthews, vice president for communications and development
4021 Carya Drive, Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 250-4314 Fax: (919) 250-4325
www.ncruralcenter.org