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Remembering September 11
by U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes
(September 11, 2007) -- USA Today recently reported a story with the following headline: "Is
9/11 becoming just another calendar date?" It's not to me, and I hope
it's not to any American. September 11 is a day that I will never
forget because the attacks happened while I was with so many folks from
the 8th District and North Carolina.
Six years ago on September 11, we had just begun the second day of the
annual Chamber Fly-In I host with several other North Carolina members
of Congress. All of our county Chambers of Commerce were invited to
come to Washington to meet with lawmakers and hear from other national
leaders and journalists to get a full perspective on the issues facing
us.
On the second day of the event, all participants (approximately 300) had
gathered for a breakfast followed by a series of speakers. My office
was taking the lead on the event this particular year, and I remember
when our staffer who was serving as the coordinator for the event told
me that Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta had canceled because there
was an "accident" involving an airplane and the World Trade Center. At
that time, the rumors circulating were that a small airplane had hit the
tower. Of course, those rumors were wrong.
Approximately 16 minutes after the first impact, a second plane hit the
other tower at the World Trade Center, and 30 minutes after that, the
Pentagon was hit.
It was at this point that rumors really began to fly in the absence of
information. We knew that two planes had hit the World Trade Center and
that something had happened at the Pentagon. At this moment, I huddled
with Congressmen Bobby Etheridge and Mike McIntyre and we quickly
decided it was time to get all these chamber folks away from the
Capitol. About a minute after we had the chamber participants
evacuated, the police shouted a mandatory evacuation for everyone
because they thought a plane was headed for the Capitol and was just
minutes away.
There were some erroneous rumors that the State Department and part of
the White House had been bombed which added to the confusion and further
unnerved folks. Just as we got outside the building, I remember seeing
the column of smoke coming from the Pentagon and there was a loud
booming noise which everyone thought was another distant explosion. We
learned soon after that the boom was from the F-16s breaking the sound
barrier, scrambling into position to stop any more aircrafts.
I believe that United Airlines Flight 93 - which crashed in rural
Pennsylvania following a heroic struggle between the passengers and
terrorists - was the airplane meant to target the U.S. Capitol. How
much worse would 9/11 have been to our nation if they had succeeded?
After evacuating, there was really no place to go - the roads were
gridlocked - so my wife Barbara and I took the staff over to our
apartment which was a few blocks away. After having a few minutes to
finally see the true horror of what had happened on television, some of
our various chamber participants began to show up as well.
Understandably, they wanted to leave town and get back to their homes
and families in North Carolina. We spent time helping them locate all
their members and plot a way back home.
Six years has passed, and our nation has been through a lot. There have
been subsequent terror plots from al Qaeda - some have succeeded and
some attacks have been foiled by officials. The world's terrorists have
become more sophisticated and they quickly adapt too many of our counter
tactics. We cannot let our guard down, and ultimately, one of the most
powerful defense mechanisms we have in our country is the vigilance of
millions of people watching for suspicious behavior. That's why 9/11
can't become 'just another calendar date.'
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Action plan for economic development urges interagency cooperation
(September 14, 2007) -– An economic development action plan for Anson County was unveiled in a presentation by the Sanford Holshouser Business Development Group at the Hampton B. Allen Library on Sept. 11.
Presenters Crystal Morphis and Bob Comer, managing partners with Sanford Holshouser, painted a snapshot economic and demographic profile of the county; listed the county’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT); and offered recommendations for economic development.
Those in attendance included Anson County Commissioners Anna Baucom, Jim Sims, Claude Spencer and Bobby Sikes; County Manager Andy Lucas; Wadesboro Mayor Don McRorie; Wadesboro Town Manager John Witherspoon; Anson County Sheriff Tommy Allen, Anson County Partnership for Children Executive Director Elaine Scarborough; Roger Sauls with Progress Energy; Bruce Simmons with Pee Dee Electric; and members of the Anson Economic Development Corp., including Chairman Don Scarborough and Immediate Past Chairman Punky Morton.
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.
According to the “Executive Summary,” the formation of an umbrella organization for economic development would unite the Office of Economic Development (currently without a director), Anson Economic Development Corp., Anson County Chamber of Commerce and Anson County Tourism Development Authority in a common cause to accomplish economic development goals.
The cooperative partnership, funded in part by county government, municipal governments and the private sector, would share office space, staff and resources while coordinating strategic planning for economic development. The action plan also recommended that representation on boards and committees include members from the Anson County School System and South Piedmont Community College, the Anson County Arts Council, the Anson County Historical Society, Uptown Wadesboro Inc. and other civic groups.
The implementation part (over a three- to five-year period) of the action plan listed prioritized goals – organizing for success, concentration on product development, workforce development, and land use and zoning – and suggested steps to achieve each goal.
Highlights of the SWOT assessment include:
- Strengths – Quality of life, South Piedmont Community College, the future Monroe Bypass, Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge, the availability of reasonably-priced and developable land, Cloud Field, and the county’s proximity to Charlotte.
- Weaknesses – Growing social problems, the skills level of the workforce, no immediate access to the Interstate system, the perception of drug use and out-of-control crime, poor student performance in the public schools, and high property taxes.
- Opportunities – New leadership with new ideas, SPCC’s involvement in workforce development, retail development to include an attraction to the Wal-Mart Supercenter area, the creation of more “shovel-ready” industrial sites, the New Ventures Olde Mill Gallery, agri-business, and proper planning and zoning to prepare for inevitable growth.
- Threats – A fear of changing the status quo, the cycle of poverty, and the feasibility of an industrial park located on U.S. 74 adjacent to the Anson Waste Management facility.
Highlights of the economic and demographic profile include:
- From 2000 to 2005, the county’s population gain was 96 – 25,275 in 2000, 25,372 in 2006.
- SAT scores continue to lag behind North Carolina and United States levels – 849 average in 2004, 879 in 2005, 884 in 2006 and 859 in 2007 (as compared to a 1,008average in 2006 statewide).
- A 4.5% decrease in the labor force between 2002 and 2006.
- A 2.1% decline in the unemployment rate from 2002 to May 2007.
- In 2000, figures showed that 40% of Ansonians commuted outside the county to work (compared to 30% in 1990); and that 23% of the workforce is commuting in (compared to 19% in 1990).
- Anson County is exporting a higher skilled workforce while importing a lower skilled workforce.
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Two 'Vital Forums' for women scheduled
(September 17, 2007) -- The fourth and fifth in a series of forums for women will be held Oct. 4 and 11, 2007.
"Self-Esteem and Motivation" will be held at South Piedmont Community College in Building A on the Old Charlotte Highway Campus in Monroe on Thursday, Oct. 4. "Achieving Peak Performance" will be held in the Ingram Room at SPCC's Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro on Thursday, Oct. 11. Both sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m. and will include lunch. Cost is $10. Preregistration is required by calling Lois Crumpler at 704-242-4847; or register on-line at www.ebizAnson.org or at www.spcc.edu. Deadline for registration for the Oct. 4 session is Sept. 27; for the Oct. 11 session, Oct. 4.
 Presenter Denise Ryan is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina with a master's degree in business. Her company, Firestar, specializes in motivation. Ryan has spoken for Fortune 500 companies as well as small businesses. Her trademarks are infectious enthusiasm, a big smile and candor.
"Self-Esteem and Motivation" will be a high-energy session that explores the role of the attitude in detail with tips on keeping yours positive. Finding your unique purpose is the key theme; attendees will explore what makes them unique. Getting out of your comfort zone and confronting your fears are major ways to improve self esteem.
"Achieving Peak Performance" will help the entrepreneur or the overworked employee to manage three key areas of their lives to operate at full capacity: health and fitness, mental state, and personal development and growth.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their business cards and e-mail addresses, brochures and/or product samples to exchange during the networking lunch.
Sponsors of the Series for Women are Anson County Chamber of Commerce, Anson Women's League, Las Amigas - Morven Chapter, New Ventures Business Development, Inc., SPCC Small Business Center, The Charlotte Observer Neighbors of Union County and Union County Chamber of Commerce.
Stop focusing on what you can't be and start celebrating who you are. -- Denise Ryan
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North Carolina Electric Membership Corp. (NCEMC) Board President Buddy Creed cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the Anson Plant dedication on Sept. 12. Creed was joined by (from left to right) Andy Lucas, Anson County Manager; Rick Thomas, CEO of NCEMC; Donny Spivey, NCEMC Secretary/Treasurer; U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes; Lynn Edwards, Executive Director of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce; and Chip Leavitt, Vice President of NCEMC. |
Peak generating facility dedicated
(September 17, 2007) – Leaders of North Carolina’s electric cooperatives gathered Sept. 12 with federal, state, local officials and other dignitaries to formally dedicate the Anson Plant, a peak generating facility located on Blewett Falls Road east of Lilesville.
The facility, owned by the North Carolina Electric Membership Corp. (NCEMC), began commercial operation on June 1. The plant will operate when the demand for energy and the wholesale cost of power is at its highest – during the hottest days of the summer and the coldest nights of the winter.
U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, N.C. Senator Bill Purcell and N.C. Representative Pryor Gibson were in attendance. Also present were Jenny Michael and Ryan Combs, representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr, respectively.
NCEMC, the power supplier for the state’s electric cooperatives, began work on the Anson Plant two years ago. The natural gas facility has the capacity to produce up to 340 megawatts of electricity annually.
“We have received tremendous support from the local community and Anson County officials, which has really helped to facilitate the construction of this plant. We’re pleased to be part of this community,” said Rick Thomas, CEO of NCEMC.
The Anson Plant is a simple cycle plant. The plant is fueled by natural gas, which goes through a combustion process to expand hot gas that will drive turbine rotors. Natural gas is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly ways to produce electricity, and the technology is efficient, safe and reliable.
North Carolina’s electric cooperatives provide energy to 2.5 million people in 93 of 100 counties, primarily in the rural parts of state. The electric cooperatives own and maintain 95,000 miles of power lines, by far the most of any electric utility in North Carolina.
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Pictured from left to right are Lewis Evans and Eloise Harrington, representing the Anson County Farm Bureau; Michael Griffin, Griffin Farms; keynote speaker Steve Woodson, N.C. Farm Bureau Federation; Ken Horne, representing Hornwood Inc.; and Tracie and Calvin Phillips, owners of Peaches and Cream. The Farm Bureau was recognized as the “Outstanding Agri-Business of the Year”; Griffin as the “Outstanding Farmer of the Year”; Hornwood as an “Outstanding Corporate Leader”; and Peaches and Cream as an “Outstanding Small Business” at the annual Farm-City Banquet on Sept. 18. |
Farm-City Banquet recognizes leadership
(September 19, 2007) –- Approximately 100 people attended the annual Farm-City Banquet at the Lockhart-Taylor Center on Sept. 18.
The get-together was highlighted by the presentation of the “Outstanding Farmer of the Year” and the “Outstanding Agri-Business of the Year” awards.
In addition, the Anson Economic Development Corp. (AEDC) recognized a corporate leader and small business.
Richard Melton, Anson County Cooperative Extension agent, honored Michael Griffin of Griffin Farms, Polkton, as the “Outstanding Farmer of the Year.” Melton said Griffin Farms is truly a family venture that includes Michael’s children and his grandfather.
“In the past three to five years, Griffin Farms has made strides in adopting new technologies and innovations … and has become more diversified in farming – especially in beef cattle and soybeans.”
Lynn Edwards, executive director of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, announced the “Outstanding Agri-Business of the Year” – Anson County Farm Bureau.
Edwards said North Carolina Farm Bureau “has a huge interest in education and funds three programs featuring agriculture and education – the R. Flake Shaw Scholarship Fund, the Ag in the Classroom Program and the Institutes for Future Agriculture Leaders.” She said the Anson County Farm Bureau awards two $1,000 scholarships yearly to Anson County students.
She said Dr. Danny Wright, Brown Creek Animal Hospital, is a past recipient of the Shaw Scholarship.
Lewis Evans, Anson County Farm Bureau agent, and Eloise Harrington, Anson County Farm Bureau, president, accepted the plaque.
Dana Maness, Anson Bank & Trust vice president and AEDC treasurer, recognized Peaches and Cream as an “Outstanding Small Business in Anson County.”
“In 2003, Calvin Phillips developed a vision of an entrepreneurial venture to expand his current business, Phillips Farms,” Maness said. “Calvin needed a conduit to make his product readily available to the locals and tourists in Anson County.
“His vision is Peaches and Cream. Calvin’s vision, combined with his wife Tracie’s sweat equity in the project, has culminated in a new landmark on the western end of Wadesboro,” Maness said.
“I came to Anson County in 2002. When I would tell family and friends where I work, they would immediately say ‘The Curve on 74.’ Now, when I tell people where I work, they say ‘Peaches and Cream,’”
Maness said.
Calvin and Tracie Phillips accepted the plaque.
Elbert Marshall, Marshall Bruney Media Consultants and AEDC secretary, recognized Hornwood Inc. as the “Anson County Corporate Leader.”
“Thirty-seven years ago, Hornwood Inc. emerged as one of Anson County’s premiere industries. Today, Hornwood remains a top county employer and is a keen competitor in the global market,” Marshall said. “It has not been an easy road to forge – due to the decline of the textile industry over the past 20 years. There has been belt-tightening and cost-cutting.
“However, Hornwood has molded a simple philosophy – find end uses for their products that are not import sensitive and give the customer what they want,” Marshall said, adding , “And, a bit of luck has figured in there. And, knowing when to get out of the commodity market and when get into more specialized, more technical markets for a quick turnaround.”
Marshall said, “Hornwood’s involvement with the community stems from the example set by Ken and Chuck Horne’s parents. Both were very active in the community in elected and volunteer positions. Over the years, Hornwood has placed an emphasis on education, thinking that an educated workforce is going to do a better job and the result will be more satisfied customers.”
Marshall said Hornwood’s Partners tutor at Lilesville Elementary School; pays their Partners to attend parent/teacher conferences; pays their Partners for continuing education; awards two $1,000 scholarships each year; and encourages their Partners to serve the community and gladly allows them to work flexible schedules to do so.”
Marshall said the Anson Economic Development Corp. and the AEDC’s Retention and Expansion Committee “would like to recognize Hornwood as a corporate leader … and thank Ken and Chuck Horne and their Partners for all they do for Anson County.”
Ken Horne, Hornwood vice president, accepted the plaque.
Keynote speaker Steve Woodson, associate general counsel with the N.C. Farm Bureau Federation, addressed farmland preservation and outlined methods to follow that included zoning, the purchase of development rights and a voluntary agriculture district designation.
Woodson said when urban folks move to the country that there are headaches – for the new resident and the farmer. He pointed to the charm of country life and wide open spaces as a lure for city folks, but they often encounter farm odors or tractors working the land past sundown. He said, oftentimes, nuisance suits are filed against the farmer for what city folks see, smell and hear.
He said the voluntary agriculture district addresses possible development rights that are not protected by any county zoning ordinances, and allows farmers a say-so via agricultural district boards to address possible development infringements on or near their property.
Interesting agricultural statistics presented the Farm-City Banquet gathering included:
- Between 2003 and 2006, North Carolina lost 300,000 acres in farmland and 5,500 farms – the most in the nation in the time period (ahead of California, Pennsylvania and New York).
- There are 539 farms in Anson County with an average of 187 acres per farm (100,447 total acres).
- Farm income in 2006 was $105.7 million.
- Agriculture is Anson County’s largest industry.
- For every tax dollar received from working agricultural lands, Anson County government spends 34 cents for services.
The Farm-City Banquet was sponsored by the Pee Dee Electric Membership Corp. and was catered by the Anson County Cattleman’s Association.
Janine Rywak, Anson County Extension Center director, closed the meeting by echoing Woodson’s call for farmland preservation, stating that in 10 years, without proper planning, Anson County’s rural persona could well disappear.
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