^The ANSON BIZ-ZINE
WADESBORO, ANSON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, U.S.A.

     (January 4, 2008) –- Choosing Anson County’s Top Ten economic and retail development stories for 2007 is sort of like shooting at moving ducks at the local carnival – it’s hit or miss.
     The good news, unlike previous bad news years, was: no major yearend plant closings with layoffs and loss of jobs. The bad news was: no major announcement of any new industries locating/re-locating to the county that would provide needed jobs and additional tax base dollars.
     That said, the June opening and September dedication of the Anson Plant, a peak generating powerplant located near Lilesville, ranks as The Anson Biz-zine’s No. 1 story for 2007.
     The facility is owned by the North Carolina Electric Membership Corp. and will operate when the demand for energy and the wholesale cost of power is at its highest – usually during the hottest days of the summer and the coldest nights of the winter.
     Although there will not be an increase in employment opportunities, the plant will provide the county with a substantial financial boost via the tax base.
     “Last fiscal year, the county realized approximately 65% of the ad valorem (real property tax) value of the plant,” said County Manager Andy Lucas. “The result was $550,000 in property tax revenue growth. The County will realize the full amount in FY 2008-2009, which will likely provide an additional $250,000 in tax revenue growth.”
     Lucas said the growth revenue in FY 2007-2008 was used to offset the sharp increase in the required Medicaid match (33% increase) and to fund close to $200,000 in deferred capital improvement/maintenance projects. Lucas said projects at South Piedmont Community College, the Hampton B. Allen Library and emergency communications were examples of funding.
     “It is anticipated the growth revenue from the peaking plant in FY 2008-2009 will again be directed to capital improvement projects at SPCC, the Anson County School System and for Courthouse renovations,” Lucas said.
     The No. 2 Biz-zine story in 2007 was Anson County’s designation as a 21st Century Community by the N. C. Department of Commerce. The announcement was made in October.
     The program’s mission includes:

• Ensure economic prosperity and sustainability in the state’s most needy communities.
• Identify communities that are experiencing economic development challenges.
• Create a strong partnership between the Department of Commerce and the designated communities.
• Seek creative strategies that support long-term economic vitality.
• Engage key federal, state and local partners in an effort to maximize resources.

     Lucas sad the county has realized the benefit of the 21st Century Community designation. “The County was recently awarded $850,000 in grant revenue from the Golden Leaf Foundation, N.C. Rural Center and the N.C. Department of Commerce for a sewer improvement project that will allow Hornwood to increase production and ultimately lead to the creation of 30 additional jobs,” he said.
     “The County has recently submitted a planning grant to the N.C. Rural Center to fund a joint, long-term capital improvement water filtration and distribution plan with Union County,” Lucas said. “The study will assess the feasibility and cost associated with increasing Anson County’s finished water production and distribution to Union County.
     “Increased water sales to Union County have the potential to decrease the burden of rising water rates for business and homeowners in Anson County,” Lucas said.
     Additionally, “the N.C. Department of Commerce staff will be in Anson County during the month of January working with the county’s 21st Century Community Steering Committee to set the vision, goals and key strategies for the next two years,” Lucas said. “This will enable the county to begin developing specific work groups to address issues such as workforce development, infrastructure improvements, literacy, community development, etc. Once strategies are established, the department of commerce staff will work in collaboration with the county to identify resources to fund the high priority projects.”
     At No. 3, the overall economic development picture took a big hit when Director Kevin Gullette submitted his resignation in March, which became effective April 13. The director’s position remained unfilled over the next 8 ½ months; meanwhile, Gullette’s duties were assumed by the county manager (in addition to his regular duties).
     Gullette, who came to Anson County in July 2003, went to Virginia, where he took the position as director of economic development and tourism for the City of Fredericksburg.
     Lucas said, “we are assessing our options for re-posting the position and we hope to fill the position by no later that the end of February or early March.
     “In the interim, I will continue to work with the Charlotte Regional Partnership, the N.C. Department of Commerce and all of the other economic development stakeholders to ensure we are in a position to respond both favorably and timely to requests from site consultants and/or developers,” Lucas said.
     At No. 4, and in the wake of the economic development director’s departure, the Anson County Commissioners recognized the need for an economic development action plan, hired a consultant group and, in September, presented the plan to the public.
     The action plan listed several action-oriented recommendations aimed at improving the county’s take on economic development – including a reorganization plan for county agencies and organizations that deal with economic development.
     The action plan recommended the formation of an umbrella organization for economic development that would include combining the Office of Economic Development , the non-profit Anson Economic Development Corp., the not-for-profit Anson County Chamber of Commerce and the county commission-appointed Tourism Development Authority in a common cause to accomplish established economic development goals.
     The partnership would be funded, in part, by county government, municipal governments and the private sector; would share office space, staff and resources; and would coordinate strategic planning for economic development.
     The action plan also recommended that representation on boards and committees include members from the Anson County School System, South Piedmont Community College, the Anson County Arts Council, the Anson County Historical Society, Uptown Wadesboro Inc. and other civic groups.
     The Sanford Holshouser-prepared action plan (to be implemented over a three- to five-year period) recommended listing prioritized goals – such organizing for success, concentration on product development, workforce development, and land use and zoning – and suggested steps to achieve each goal.
     At No. 5 is the decline of the Anson Station Shopping Center on the east side of Wadesboro and the retail upsurge adjacent to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on the west side.
     Anson Station Shopping Center first lost Wal-Mart; then Curves, Cato’s, Dollar Tree, Pee Dee Tobacco and various other tenants moved out. That left nine vacancies in an 18-store shopping mall that currently includes anchors Peebles and Food Lion, plus Alltel Mobile, Papa Joe’s Pizzaria, KD Nails, Jade Kitchen, Sunny Beauty and Subway (also Burger King in an out-parcel).
     Moving in on Wal-Mart’s coat-tails on the west side were Cato’s, Dollar Tree, Shoe Show (a former Anson Station Shopping Center tenant), AT&T Mobility, Lee’s Nails, Sonic Drive-In and Murphy Oil and Gas. Other stores will follow, which may include Asian Garden (the name is on the marquee).
     The rest of the Top Ten Anson Biz-zine stories:
     No. 6 – New Ventures Business Development Inc. (NVBDI). In May 2007, NVBDI opened the Artisan and Business Center and unveiled a previously untapped source of commerce – the general public as well as tourists passing through the county. The Center provides office quarters, studio space and shared services. The Olde Mill Gallery and Studios helps to showcase, and sell, local artisans’ work. In addition, NVBDI offers administrative services, training, and consultant services, while closely monitoring their progress and growth closely.
     No. 7 – Events. The county has several events that draw visitors and outside dollars to help boost the local economy. The Chamber Open Golf Tournament at Twin Valley Country Club, Polkton’s Fun Day, Morven’s October Fest, Ansonville’s Homecoming Celebration, the Big-Game Hunt Tournament and the Discover Anson Bike Ride provided a venue for on-site sales and related off-site services. The abrupt cancellation of Wadesboro’s People Fest likely cost the community’s economy over $250,000 in lost revenues (as one dollar spent is turned over two-three times).
     No. 8 – Anson Bank & Trust’s Expansion. The local bank announced in December that a new facility will be constructed on U.S. 74, near Beachum & Lee Ford and across the highway from Brasington’s.
     No. 9 – Grand Openings, re-Grand Openings, Ribbon-Cuttings, Groundbreakings and Open Houses. The Anson County Chamber of Commerce stayed busy with an average of an event each month, starting with the formal dedication of the new South Rutherford Street building housing JB Watson & Co. Other facilities in the limelight included Our Place Cafe, Dianne’s Restaurant, Branch Banking & Trust’s open house, the Town of Lilesville’s groundbreaking for the new Hatcher Park, Mama Noi’s, Britt Insurance, Second Nature and Permanent Solutions Salon.
     No. 10 – The unemployment picture. With no major plant closings or layoffs affecting Anson’s unemployment, the monthly rate meandered along in the low-to-mid sevens and low-to-high sixes. The highest figure in 2007 was 7.4% in June; the lowest number was 6.3% in September.
     The following is a comparison of unemployment rates from 2006 and 2007:
          January – 6.5% in 2006; 6.9% in 2007 (up .4%).
          February – 7.3% in 2006; 7.3% in 2007 (unchanged).
          March – 6.8% in 2006; 7.0% in 2007 (up .2%).
          April – 6.7% in 2006; 6.9% in 2007 (up .2%).
          May – 8.2% in 2006; 7.1% in 2007 (down 1.1%).
          June – 8.1% in 2006; 7.4% in 2007 (down .7%).
          July – 8.5% in 2006; 7.0% in 2007 (down 1.5%).
          August – 8.1% in 2006; 6.5% in 2007 (down 1.6%).
          September – 7.6% in 2006; 6.3% in 2007 (down 1.3%).
          October – 7.0% in 2006; 6.8% in 2007 (down .2%).
          November – 6.9% in 2006; 6.4% in 2007 (down .5%).
          December – 6.7% in 2006; (December 2007’s jobless figures will not be released until Jan. 25)

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE

     (January 5, 2008) –- Anson County’s October unemployment rate jumped a half-percent to end a three-month decline; then dipped .4% for November for the second lowest rate for the year at 6.4%.
     Anson’s jobless rate was 6.8% in October (771 unemployed); 6.3% in September (717 unemployed); 6.5% in August (737 unemployed); 7.0% in July (794 unemployed); 7.4% in June (846 unemployed); 7.1% in May (805 unemployed); 6.9% in April (779 unemployed); 7.0% in March (789 unemployed); 7.3% in February (825 unemployed); and 6.9% in January (764 unemployed).
     In November, Anson County’s labor force numbered 11,281 (down 79 from October); the number of employed people was 10,559 (down 30 from October); and the number of unemployed people was 722 (down 49 from October).
     The November breakdown for Anson’s neighboring counties:

• Montgomery – 11,755 labor force; 737 unemployed; a rate of 6.3% (down .2% from October).
• Richmond – 20,309 labor force; 1,598 unemployed; 7.9% rate (down .2% from October).
• Stanly – 30,616 labor force; 1,511 unemployed; 4.9% rate (down .2% from October).
• Union – 88,513 labor force; 3,598 unemployed; 4.1% rate (unchanged from October).

     For November, the state’s unemployment rate was 4.6% – unchanged from October. North Carolina’s labor force numbered 4,537,615 in October with 208,778 people jobless.
     Statewide, Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.6% (up .2% from October), followed by Richmond County at 7.9%.
     The civilian labor force estimates for all 100 counties are available on the Employment Security Commission's website at www.ncesc.com. For local information, call the ESC office at 704.694.6551 or visit www.ansonjoblink.com.

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE

     (January 12, 2008) – Colleen Frenzel, project coordinator, presented an overview of the Carolina Thread Trail concept to members of the Anson County Tourism Development Authority on Jan. 9.
     Frenzel said the conceptual trail will connect communities, serve approximately 2.3 million people, have up to 40 destinations as a tourism draw and cover over 73,000 square miles.
     The Carolina Thread Trail comprises 15 counties – Cleveland, Catawba, Lincoln, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, Stanly, Union Mecklenburg and Anson in North Carolina, and Cherokee, York, Chester and Lancaster counties in South Carolina.
     “The Thread represents a unique opportunity to connect communities across 15 Carolinas counties – accessible to all with a legacy of last benefits,” Frenzel said during a PowerPoint presentation. “Benefits include economic, social, recreational, environmental, and health and wellness.”
     She said the Carolina Thread Trail has three roles:

1. Vision and Invitation -- Provide a bold vision of connected communities characterized by abundant green spaces linking people and places.
2. Public Outreach and Raising of Private Capital – Create network through a collaborative process that weaves together members of our cities, towns and counties. Funded through a private capital campaign that will be leveraged with state and federal funds (which has raised over $15 million to date and has given out the first two planning grants).
3. Facilitation and Education of Technical Information – Oversee individual efforts and serve as a repository of technical information (to include facilitating initial collaboration and to help educate practitioners about technical information.

     The outcome, she said in her presentation, is the creation of a broadly accessible resource that will be a permanent and sustainable legacy for the people in the designated region.
     Right now, the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge is the only Anson County entity listed on the conceptual map.
     TDA Chair Russell Sikes and board member Anna Baucom suggested the formation of a committee to look into applying for a planning grant to study what Anson County has to offer to the Carolina Thread Trail concept.
     For more information, visit www.carolinathreadtrail.org.

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE

     (January 14, 2008) – Local officials were on hand to welcome the new management at the Omelet Shoppe and to officially cut the red ribbon for a grand re-opening on Jan. 14.
     Todd Moore, chairman of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, told co-owners Donnell Lindsay and Robert Wall that he was “glad to see hometown folks doing something economically in our hometown.”
     Wadesboro Mayor Pro Tem Ed Emory joked, “I eat here all the time … and have spent the last 20 years supporting this establishment.” Then, on a more serious note, Emory said, “it is great to know that we have hometown folks investing in our community and I congratulate you on your business endeavor.”
     Anna Baucom, Anson County Commissioners chair, joked, too, saying, “the Omelet Shoppe is an extension of our family kitchen.” She then extended congratulations on behalf of her board, saying, “We extend wishes for your success. You can make us all proud. You will get a lot of tourism traffic here and you will represent the county well.”
     Lindsay thanked those who attended the grand re-opening, commenting, “We are a friendly, family-oriented place of business. We want to get to know you by name and not by a number.”
     Ceremony attendees included Emory, Wadesboro Councilmen Bob Blalock and Sam McLendon, and Town Manager John Witherspoon; Baucom; Chamber of Commerce Directors Jeania Martin, Jay Wright, Harvey Leavitt, Tommy Allen and Moore; Chamber Executive Director Lynn Edwards; Chamber Officer Manager Dusty Moser; and Lilesville Mayor Richard Harrington.
     The Omelet Shoppe, located at 1300 E. Caswell St. in Wadesboro, is open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch and supper. Lindsay said the Omelet Shoppe currently offers a $4.99 hot bar for lunch and that they will be considering a hot bar for breakfast and supper later on.

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE

Shady Oaks Plantation B&B in Ansonville

Historic home restored as B&B

     (January 18, 2008) -- The stately white mansion in Ansonville known as the General Smith House has a new owner and a new name.
     Don Byrd, a native of Norwood, has returned to his roots after 35 years teaching linguistics on a university level in New York State.
     Byrd continued the restoration begun by former owner Sonny Beachum, and plans to revitalize the home as the Shady Oaks Plantation Bed and Breakfast. (The “Shady,” he explained, was added after the sign out front was erected.)
     When not lecturing or writing textbooks that are used in schools and colleges around the world, Byrd has been traveling to distant countries. While there, he has picked up objects d’art, such as the feathered headdresses from Brazil that are framed and mounted on the walls, or the many rugs from Iran, Turkey, Armenia and elsewhere.
     The rooms are furnished in an eclectic style. Some pieces were purchased abroad, some are antiques inherited from his mother, some are reproductions, and some are from – J.C. Penney. A Chippendale sofa may sit only one room away from a clear acrylic dining set, or an abstract painting that catches your eye on one wall will be no less interesting than a series of Thai dancing figures or a Japanese mask on another. Yet Byrd has pulled it all together with an unerring eye for style, color and form.
     Subsequent trips will undoubtedly result in even more artifacts. Byrd is interested in preserving what he calls “raw” art – handmade items that were made solely to please or amuse the maker. He pointed out a golliwog (a primitive black doll) that he discovered in Morven.
     Byrd anticipates guests enjoying weekends exploring the 19th century plantation house and grounds. There is one bedroom with a double bed on the ground floor, four bedrooms upstairs with double or twin beds, and one room with a single bed on the landing. Each has a private bath and flat panel TV.
     All visits are by reservation only. Call 704-826-1081 or e-mail drhbyrd@aol.com for more information.

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE

     (January 24, 2008) -– On Jan. 1, Todd Moore became the 37th chairman of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.
     Moore, the marketing representative for Pee Dee Electric Membership Corp., served as vice chairman in 2007, and replaced outgoing 2007 chairman Tommy Allen.
     Jay Wright, owner/operator of Jay Wright Insurance (State Farm Insurance), will serve as vice chairman; and Lewis Evans, agency manager with Farm Bureau Insurance of Anson County, will be the treasurer.
     Moore is the second graduate of the Leadership Anson program to serve as Chamber chairman, following in the footsteps of Dana Maness, who was chairman in 2006.
     In looking ahead, Moore said, “As we begin 2008, the Anson County Chamber of Commerce is in the best shape – both financially as well as membership – that I can remember.
     “Our executive director (Lynn Edwards) and office manager (Dusty Moser) both worked extremely hard in 2007 and it shows,” Moore said. “I am very proud to succeed Tommy Allen as chairman and I hope to make 2008 a successful year as well.
     “With the amount of growth we experienced, now we will need to focus on retention and value to our membership. Look for some exciting opportunities to help through volunteering in 2008. We plan to make it another banner year for the Chamber as well as for all of our members,” Moore said.
     The Chamber’s current Board of Directors include: officers Moore, Wright and Evans; Tommy Allen, Anson County Sheriff; Don Altieri, representing New Ventures Business Development Inc.; Preston Burns, retired; Katherine Emory, representing Uptown Wadesboro Inc.; Greg Firn, representing the Anson County School System; Harvey Leavitt, Leavitt Funeral Home; Dana Maness, Anson Bank & Trust; Jeania Martin, Anson Community Hospital; John McKay, representing South Piedmont Community College; Don Scarborough, Plank Road Realty, representing the Anson Economic Development Corp.; Russell Sikes, Plank Road Realty; Bobby Talton, Progress Energy; Sam Turner, Sam K. Turner Jr., CPA; Chris Wease, CMH Flooring; and Jarvis Woodburn, Coffing Hoists.
     For more information about the Chamber, call 704.694.4181 or visit www.ansoncounty.org.

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE

     (January 29, 2008) – Anson County ended 2007 with a .3% rise in the unemployment rate to 6.8% for December and finished the year with an unofficial annual jobless rate average of 6.86%.
     In 2007, the 6.3% September rate was the lowest mark, while the 7.4% June rate was the highest.
     Anson’s jobless rate was 6.4% in November (722 unemployed); 6.8% in October (771 unemployed); 6.3% in September (717 unemployed); 6.5% in August (737 unemployed); 7.0% in July (794 unemployed); 7.4% in June (846 unemployed); 7.1% in May (805 unemployed); 6.9% in April (779 unemployed); 7.0% in March (789 unemployed); 7.3% in February (825 unemployed); and 6.9% in January (764 unemployed).
     In December, Anson County’s labor force numbered 11,235 (down 46 from November); the number of employed people was 10,473 (down 86 from November); and the number of unemployed people was 762 (up 40 from November).
     The December breakdown for Anson’s neighboring counties:

• Montgomery – 11,619 labor force; 743 unemployed; a rate of 6.4% (up .1% from November).
• Richmond – 20,112 labor force; 1,645 unemployed; 8.2% rate (up .3% from November).
• Stanly – 30,409 labor force; 1,556 unemployed; 5.1% rate (up .2% from November).
• Union – 87.811 labor force; 3,589 unemployed; 4.1% rate (unchanged from October and November).

     For December, the state’s unemployment rate was 4.7% – up .1% from November). North Carolina’s labor force numbered 4,499,970 in November with 211,836 people jobless.
     Statewide, Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.7% (up .1% from November), followed by Hyde County at 9.3% (up 5.3% from November), Graham County at 8.6% (up 1.6% from November), Swain County at 8.3% (up 2.6% from November) and Richmond County at 7.9%. The notable rate jumps in Hyde, Graham and Swain counties can be attributed to the decline in tourism traffic in the respective beach and mountain areas.
     The civilian labor force estimates for all 100 counties are available on the Employment Security Commission's website at www.ncesc.com. For local information, call the ESC office at 704.694.6551 or visit www.ansonjoblink.com.

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE

     (January 30, 2008)-- The Anson Board of Education approved Dr. Gregory A. Firn’s staffing plan that included reconfiguration of several central office positions, reassignment of staff, and the reassignment of responsibilities to ensure the mission of learning for all is achieved.
     The mid-year retirements of Assistant Superintendent, Maxter Allen and Career and Technical Education Director, Ray Clayton created an opportunity to reconfigure central office positions to provide leadership in key, critical functions.
     The creation of an Executive Director for Teaching and Learning will be filled by Michael Freeman who will leave the Peachland/Polkton Elementary school principalship. This position is a key leadership position to bring consistency, oversight, and results for improved teaching and learning. Mr. Freeman has served in several roles throughout his career in Anson County. “His knowledge and experience in education is invaluable to work we are engaged in” said Firn.
     Michael McLeod is being elevated to an Executive Director of Individual and Organizational Accountability. He will be responsible to ensure the planning and implementation of continuous improvement is achieved in all facets of the school system. Firn offered, “I have been very impressed with Mr. McLeod’s work over the past six months that we have worked together. It was obvious that his leadership is central to our success”.
     Debbie Taylor will move to central office as an interim Director to assume the responsibilities of student and administrative services vacated by McLeod. Lastly, the position of community schools is being reorganized to include parent and business partnerships. Steve James will become the Director of Community and Business Partnerships providing leadership to cultivate and sustain authentic, two-way partnerships.
     “We are not simply replacing staff. Rather, we are building an effective leadership team to facilitate, coach, guide, lead, and create the results we desire and expect for all our learners” said Dr. Firn.
     To fill the vacated principal positions, Craig Wright will be moving from Anson Middle School where he has served as an assistant principal to become the interim principal at Peachland/Polkton. Mary Ratliff, an assistant principal at Anson High School, will become the interim principal at Wadesboro Elementary. Each interim position will be advertised later in the spring. The process for filling these positions permanently will be communicated later this spring.
     The reconfiguring and reorganization is all within current fiscal resources and is not adding any additional cost to the school system. The staffing plan goes into affect February 1, 2008.

Article courtesy of Anson County Public Schools, Central Office

RETURN to TOP

RETURN to ARCHIVE MAIN PAGE

RETURN to HOME PAGE