FROM THE HEART: Fairgrove center seeks sponsors for gift program. 1B
Participants satisfied as Showtime wraps up BY PAM HAYNES ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
HIGH POINT – Showtime’s 40th edition ends today with mixed feelings from exhibitors at the fabric and textile event. Economic factors including high fuel costs and stock market conditions weren’t as gruesome for the event as they have been during recent shows. Some exhibitors said they continued to see effects from those factors while others reported an uptick in business. “Traffic has become lighter and lighter through the years,” said Rita Winston of E-Tex LA, a Los Angeles-based fabric company. “It’s slow this time, but business has been better for us from last season.” Held each June and December, Showtime is organized by the International Textile Market Association and held in Market Square. The event caters to all sectors of the fabric industry, but most of its business comes from the home furnishings sector. Jane Matteson, a trend consultant in the textile industry who made several presentations at the show, said traffic seemed lighter, but many companies were holding appointments with clients earlier in the event. She said she saw the heaviest traffic on Monday. “It’s still important for anyone in the industry to be here. It’s where the energy is,” she said. “You have to be engaged in the process here to do well outside.” The event, which opened Sunday, was estimated by the High Point Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to bring about 3,000 people to the city with an economic impact of about $1.3 million, slightly down from last year’s projections. Dave Cavan, a national sales representative with Libas Limited Ltd., said traffic appeared the same compared to the last two shows. He said that’s a good sign. “Traffic has been average and surprisingly OK,” he said. “I’m pleasantly surprised. The economy is still bad and business is not good, but we’re optimistic here.” Organizers said the event ran smoothly. “Everybody is so happy,” said Catherine Morsell, director of ITMA. “The whole, overall atmosphere is very positive, and we are pleased with buyer attendance. We’ve had a lot of new attendees and some people walking the floor to see if they want to exhibit next year.” Showtime will celebrate its 20th year in operation at its next show June 6-9. phaynes@hpe.com | 888-3617
WEDNESDAY December 9, 2009 125th year No. 344
ROSY FUTURE? Gov. Perdue says state’s economy on the rebound. 2A
www.hpe.com High Point, N.C.
SPLIT DECISION: Cowgirls, Red Raiders net victories. 1C
50 Cents Daily $1 Sundays
K-9 ‘super cop’ gets his due BY DARRICK IGNASIAK ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
THOMASVILLE – Among his colleagues at the Thomasville Police Department, John Elgin is known as a “dedicated and diligent” officer. For his efforts, Elgin, 32, was named the 2009 Employee of the Year for the Thomasville Police Department last week. It’s the second time that he has been recognized as Thomasville’s top cop
It’s the second time that John Elgin has been recognized as Thomasville’s top cop in his nine years as an officer in the Chair City. in his nine years as an officer in the Chair City. “I was a little surprised,” said Elgin, who holds the rank of master police officer. “I just do what I’m supposed to, as well as the other officers. We all go out there, try to assist the community and do our job. To be named officer of the year was a big honor to represent all the officers in the department.” Police Chief Jeff Insley said Elgin, who helps oversee the department’s K-9 program, is “loyal and dedicated” to the law enforcement agency. “John is very dedicated, diligent, sees projects/tasks through, SONNY HEDGECOCK | HPE
John Elgin, Thomasville police Employee of the Year, with partner Cheko.
OFFICER, 2A
WHO’S NEWS
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Aaron Ratterman, an eighthgrade, homeschooled student at Haynes Hill Academy, had a poem published in the December issue of Highlights for Children. His poem is titled “Deer!” The 14-year-old is the son of George and Dona Ratterman of Davidson County.
INSIDE
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VEGAS WOES: World Market Center sees increase in evictions. 2A OBITUARIES
---- Annie Donnell Louise Kanoy, 82 Pamala Foster James Mearite, 91 Mildred Nelson, 72 Martha Pinson, 94 Betty Pope, 84 Dick See, 73 Norman Smith, 74 Wilbur Smith, 93 Obituaries, 2B
WEATHER
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Lake should open to recreation March 1 Rain likely High 64, Low 35
BY PAUL B. JOHNSON ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
GREENSBORO – People who for years have looked forward to the chance to enjoy an outing on Randleman Lake have less than three months to wait for the opportunity to arrive. The Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority remains on schedule to open the 3,000-acre lake to fishing and boating on March 1. At their monthly meeting Tuesday, authority board members said they intend to adopt final policies on recreational use of the lake at their next meeting Jan. 12 at the authority office in Greensboro. The authority already has codified lake regulations, which are posted on its Web site, www.ptrwa. org. Board members still are ironing out final details, such as fees for fishing on the lake, authority Executive Director John Kime said. Meanwhile, work crews for the authority remain on track to complete the water treatment plant and related water lines in time to begin supplying drinking water to customers in the summer of next year. The authority would start supplying drinking water by the end of June, contingent on state regulatory approval, Kime said.
8C
INDEX
SONNY HEDGECOCK | HPE
This is the new Greensboro/High Point Transfer Pumping Station located at Coltrane Mill Road and N.C. 62.
AT A GLANCE
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Randleman Lake has been decades in the making to become a drinking source for five cities and Randolph County. The construction of the dam and filling of the lake are complete. The Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority is building a $60 million to $70 million water treatment and pumping plant to provide water to the county and High Point, Greensboro, Jamestown, Archdale and Randleman.
“Construction is on schedule and The authority’s series of 48-inch and 24-inch water distribution going well. It’s going about as good lines should be completed by the as it can go,” he said. first of next year, Kime told the board members. pjohnson@hpe.com | 888-3528
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