Images Wilkes County, NC: 2012 by Journal Communications

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Wilkes County, North Carolina

Best of All Worlds Scenic beauty meets lively arts scene

Fits Like a Glove Specialty textile firm sews up expansion

Built to Last

Region crafts a highly skilled workforce Sponsored by the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce | 2012

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Built to Last

Region crafts a highly skilled workforce

Fits Like A Glove

Specialty textile firm sews up expansion

Strong Properties, Big Potential

Advanced materials consortium draws new players

Best of All Worlds

Scenic beauty meets lively arts scene

Insight

Overview

Almanac

Business Climate

Transportation

Health

Education

Economic Profile

Gallery

Through the Lens

Special advertising section: Wilkes Economic Development Corporation

On the Cover A welding class at Wilkes Community College Photo by Todd Bennett

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Wilkes County, North Caro lina 201 2 Edition , volum e 1 1 Content Director Bill McMeekin Proofreading Manager Raven Petty

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Best of All Worlds

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Fits Like a Glove

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Scenic beauty meets lively arts scene

Specialty textile firm sews up expansion

Built to Last

Lifestyle

Region crafts a highly skilled workforce

Find out what it’s like to live here and what makes the community such a special place to be.

sponsored By the WiLkes ChAmBer oF CommerCe | 2012

Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner Senior V.P./business Development Scott Templeton Senior V.P./Agribusiness Publishing kim holmberg V.P./business Development Charles Fitzgibbon

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Business Images Wilkes County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: Wilkes Chamber of Commerce 717 Main St. N. • Wilkesboro, NC 28659 Phone: (336) 838-8662 • Fax: (336) 838-3728 wilkesnc.org • www.explorewilkes.com

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Wilkes County

Overview

Wilkes County, N.C.: Where Opportunity and Prosperity Meet A Diverse economy is set in the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Parks such as Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest‚ W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir and Stone Mountain State Park allow residents and visitors the chance to play outdoors, whether it’s hiking, biking, canoeing or bird-watching. Wilkes Community College, home base for the annual MerleFest, offers the Walker Center, a major venue for performing arts.

number of occupational, technical and pre-baccalaureate programs and also has strong ties to the local business community. Wilkes County offers a balance of tranquil settings, high-quality schools, vibrant arts and cultural attractions, and a range of living options from revitalized downtowns in communities such as Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro to mountain retreats.

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Wilkes County, N.C., is open for business. With more than 69,000 residents and a location amid the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wilkes County has built impressive industry sectors that include manufacturing and food production. Wilkes County includes a cluster of companies centered around the building products industry. Among the region’s largest employers is Lowe’s Cos., which has about 2,200 workers in the county. A number of well-known companies have operations in Wilkes County, including Tyson, Louisiana-Pacific, Window World, Gardner Glass and Worldwide Protective Products. The region offers a number of business advantages, including available land and buildings, a suite of innovative incentive and financing programs, a 500-acre certified industrial site ready for a large user, major industrial parks, available water systems and top-notch infrastructure that includes rail service and an airport with a runway that can accommodate large jets. Wilkes County stays well connected with close proximity to Interstate 77, which links to major east-west route Interstate 40. Wilkes County Airport offers services for corporate and general aviation aircraft and handles more than 23,000 flights per year. A key asset to providing a skilled workforce in Wilkes County is the presence of Wilkes Community College. The college offers a

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Pleasant Hill Ronda 421 North Wilkesboro

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Almanac

History’s Mysteries The former Wilkes County Courthouse dates to 1902 and was eventually abandoned, but it underwent a restoration in 2005 and today houses the Wilkes Heritage Museum. The museum chronicles the characters and significant occurrences in business, industry, arts and culture in Wilkes County through the centuries. Exhibits tell the story of Native Americans, Moravian explorers, Revolutionary and Civil War heritage, moonshine days, stock car racing and natural disasters like the 1916 and 1940 floods. The museum complex also includes the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame, and its front steps feature a Veterans’ Walk of Honor that pays tribute to servicemen and women. Go to wilkesheritagemuseum.com for more.

Wine All You Want Wilkes County’s award-winning wineries are a great way to spend a day or two learning about North Carolina wines. A beautiful afternoon can be spent eating fresh bread and cheese, sipping wine and gazing at the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the popular spots in the county is Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery, which is open for tastings every day except Tuesdays. McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks and Elkin Creek Vineyard are other popular wine-tasting destinations in Wilkes County. Grape growers say the Wilkes County region has an ideal climate and good soil for such an enterprise. You can learn more about Wilkes County wineries by visiting www.explorewilkes.com/wineries.php.

Wilkes County

Tom’s Story Takes the Stage Wilkes native Tom Dula (Dooley) was a Confederate Civil War veteran who was tried and hanged shortly after the war for the murder of his fianceé, Laura Foster. However, many people believe that one of Dula’s jealous ex-girlfriends murdered Foster, but he accepted blame to protect his former lover. Each summer, the Wilkes Playmakers stage a popular play based on the events. Dula’s story was popularized in 1958 by the top-selling Kingston Trio song Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley. By the way, in 2001 Tom Dula was acquitted of all charges after a petition was sent around Wilkes County. For more, go to www.wilkesplaymakers.com.

See to Believe Wilkes Art Gallery features 12 exhibitions annually, and offers a variety of workshops and classes for children and adults. Its gift shop is stocked with items from local and state artists and crafters. The gallery was founded in 1962 in the parlor of art patron Annie Winklerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, then moved in 2004 to the renovated original North Wilkesboro Post Office building. The current gallery has 10,000 square feet of space that includes 3,500 square feet of exhibition space, a complete ceramics studio, painting and drawing studios, two multipurpose classrooms and the gift shop. For more, go to wilkesartgallery.org.

Totally Wired Carolina West Wireless celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011 with a live concert performance at Wilkes Community College by country music artists Diamond Rio. Carolina West Wireless is headquartered in Wilkesboro, and offers data service, mobile service, wireless equipment and wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. CWW is owned by a partnership consisting of Skyline Telephone, Surry Telephone and Wilkes Telephone. Also in 2011, Carolina West Wireless joined with Verizon Wireless to partner in an initiative to bring wireless services to communities throughout rural America. For more on the company, go to www.carolinawest.com.

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Almanac Sew and Tell The Wilkes County Quilters, founded in 1988, offer a Barn Quilt Trail of 13 quilts affixed to the sides of barns along a driving tour through the county.

P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f Pa u l a S e bas t i a n

Guild members meet each Tuesday (except the fourth Tuesday) at Wilkes Heritage Museum. The guild has demonstrated quilting and needle art at events such as Art Demonstration Week at the NWNC Visitor Center and Whippoorwill Academy, as well as in local schools. President Joan Scorof says anyone who would like to be a quilter can attend a session, thereby helping to preserve and advance the art of quilting.

A is for Apple The first Saturday of October draws more than 100‚000 visitors to downtown North Wilkesboro for the annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival. The festival is one of the largest one-day arts and crafts events in the Southeast, and more than 100 civic, church and nonprofit organizations participate. Besides arts and crafts, the festival offers abundant apple-related activities along with vendors and musical performances. Entertainers in October 2011 included The Elkville String Band, Al Wood & The Smokey Ridge Boys, the Zephyr Lightning Bolts and the Wagon Wheel Cloggers. For more, go to www.applefestival.net.

Aid the World’s Suffering Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine. The CEO of the organization is Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham.

P h o t o C o u r t e s y o f S a m ar i ta n ’ s P u rs e

Wilkes County is home to the organization’s North American Disaster Assistance Center, which is based on a 4.2-acre site in North Wilkesboro, where Samaritan’s Purse stores supplies that aid people in crisis across North America. Samaritan’s Purse is the largest customer at Wilkes County Airport, where the organization is adding a second hangar to house aircraft that can be used on nonstop flights around the world.

When a massive earthquake devastated Haiti in January 2010, Samaritan’s Purse purchased lumber and supplies from Lowe’s to build simple shelters for the thousands of people left homeless by the quake. For more, go to www.samaritanspurse.org. Wilkes County

Sharps and Flats Legendary folk music guitarist Doc Watson and Bill Young started the MerleFest music festival in Wilkesboro in 1988, in memory of Docâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son, Eddy Merle Watson. The popular event began simply as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and has grown into the largest bluegrass and folk music festival in the United States. Still held on the WCC campus, MerleFest now draws more than 75,000 music fans each April. Its goal is to help keep Appalachian-style music alive, with musicians, such as Marty Stuart (shown here), from across the globe in attendance. The 25th anniversary celebration is set for April 26-29, 2012. For more, go to merlefest.org.

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Business Climate

All the Right Tools Wilkes County’s assets provide strong base for business Story by Betsy Williams • Photography by Todd Bennett

“We have strong leadership from the private and public sectors and have adopted a proactive stance,” says Jeff Garstka, EDC president. “We are set up for success, with an excellent and unique spirit of collaboration.” The county offers a 500-acre certified industrial site ready for a large user, world-class office space, four-lane access to Interstate 77 and Interstate 40, and a general aviation airport with an instrument landing system capable of accommodating large jets. The airport also offers industrial sites to niche businesses that need an aviation component, further diversifying site selection choices. “Wilkes County provides a very friendly business climate, with a long history of supporting our existing

photos by Todd Benne t t

ilkes County’s economic toolbox is loaded with all the right tools a business might need: a strategic location, abundant natural resources, infrastructure, transportation and communication connectivity, available land and a suite of incentive and financing programs backed by progressive leadership. With more than 69,000 residents, a location amid the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a roster full of business advantages, this North Carolina county has built impressive industry sectors that include manufacturing and food production. The county’s economic development effort is led by the public/private Wilkes Economic Development Corp., composed of elected officials and local business leaders.

Wilkes County

industry and business,” Garstka says. “Our extremely good water supply, excellent utility structure, creative incentives, strong public education system and jobs-based training make a compelling story for industries that are looking for a lower-cost alternative, without sacrificing amenities.” The EDC has created a Local Expansion and Attraction Program incentive of $750,000 in private funds to incentivize high-growth economic development opportunities and local expansion projects, resulting in new jobs and investment for the county. A number of well-known companies have major operations in Wilkes County, including Tyson Foods Inc., Lowe’s, Louisiana-Pacific, Window World, Gardner Glass Products and Key City Furniture. Tyson Foods is Largest Employer With almost 2,700 employees and a payroll of $76.9 million, Tyson is the county’s largest employer. It completed a $25 million expansion in 2010 that added 175 employees. “We have a great relationship with

leaders in Wilkes County and always maintain an open door to discuss how we can benefit the community,” says Worth Sparkman, Tyson manager of public relations, noting that the company recently donated 21 acres of desirable property to Wilkesboro. “We’re very happy with our operations and team members in Wilkesboro, and they are an excellent asset to our community.” More than 200 Wilkes employees have more than 25 years of service, and 38 of those had more than 40 years of service. “Longevity contributes to successful operations in any business, and clearly has done so in our business in Wilkesboro,” he says. Retail, Service Sectors Grow Expanding industry has meant expanding retail and service sectors, says Linda Cheek, president of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. “We’re seeing growth in retail and restaurants, in young employees and retirees who are moving here, and this is a good shift for our community,” she says. “They’re arriving with style, and that’s going to bring additional business.”

About Wilkes County, N.C. 69,340

Population (2010)

5.6%

Population change 2000-2010

29,287

Labor force (2010)

$49,846 Median family income (2010)

14.3%

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Above: Louisiana-Pacific Corp. is one of the major employers in Wilkes County, which has attracted a significant cluster of companies in the building products industry.

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Built to Last Craftsmanship finds a home in Wilkes County

Wilkes County

Building A Deep Tradition Lowe’s, a Fortune 50 company and the secondlargest home improvement chain in the world, has deep roots in Wilkes County. The company was founded in 1946 in North Wilkesboro by Carl Buchan. Today, Lowe’s employs more than 2,200 people in its Wilkes operations, which include a customer support center, three specialty distribution centers and a retail store. The contact center is adding 275 jobs, bringing total employment by the company in Wilkes County to 975.

Story by Betsy Williams • Photography by Todd Bennett

ust like vinegar in its famed barbecue sauce, craftsmanship is part of the character of North Carolina, and Wilkes County is a birthplace of companies renowned both for manufacturing and selling the quality products sought by craftsmen. In 1946, Lowe’s, one of the most respected names in the building materials industry, was founded in Wilkes County by Carl Buchan. Today, Lowe’s employs more than 2,200 people in its Wilkes operations, which include one store, a customer support center and three specialty distribution centers. “We still believe, just as Carl did, that Wilkes County is a great place to work,” says Lowe’s spokesperson Stacey Lentz. In fact, Lowe’s continues to invest in the community.

The contact center is adding 275 jobs, bringing total employment to 975 by the end of 2011. “As a company, we are seeing increasing customer orders on Lowe’s website, www.lowes.com,” Lentz says. “We have in-sourced Lowe’s appliance service customer calls and are offering repair service for outdoor power equipment through the Lowe’s contact center.” Furniture Industry Led To Growth Gardner Glass Products is another leader in the building materials industry with roots in Wilkes County. Founded by Edd Gardner in 1962, Gardner Glass Products is today a nationally known industry leader in the manufacturing of mirror and glass products. The company operates two manufacturing

facilities – one in Wilkes County – and three distribution centers across the United States. The proximity to the original customer base, which at the time was the local furniture industry, is why Gardner located his business in Wilkes County, said Tommy Huskey, CEO. “The furniture industry and the building materials industry used a lot of the same materials, and a lot of the same sort of craftsman workers who were so good with their hands; so it was a natural evolution for that segment to grow as another diminished,” he said. “The entrepreneurial leadership and vision of the founders of these companies was so strong and unique, that they’ve been able to change and adapt as needed in an ever-changing global economy.” The outlook for Gardner Glass is positive, particularly in the

Above: Gardner Glass Products, a nationally known leader in the manufacturing of mirror and glass products for the home industry, operates a facility in Wilkes County.

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Wilkes County

decorative glass segment, and that’s good news for Wilkes County. “The reason we’ve continued to stay here has a lot to do with our people and our customers,” Huskey said. “It’s a great place to raise a family, to find people that understand honest work, and it’s a beautiful area.” (Mr. Huskey passed away at the age of 57 in November 2011 after a long battle with cancer.) Family Businesses, Deep Roots Church & Church Lumber Co., a family-owned business founded more than 70 years ago, produces approximately 31 million board feet of lumber each year, which it sells wholesale to domestic and export markets, including China. Other companies with a presence in Wilkes County include Louisiana-Pacific, which employs 350 at a hardboard siding plant in Roaring River, and The InterFlex Group Inc., a leader in specialty flexible packaging serving the fresh food, packaged food, confectionery, pet product and industrial product markets. Wilkes County is also the corporate headquarters of Window World, the nation’s largest window replacement company, and ECMD, comprising four distinct building product companies serving builders, architects and consumers. “This is a very family-oriented company,” says Dana Deem, Window World president. That type of company atmosphere is a good fit for Wilkes County. “Wilkes County has a great labor pool and work ethic,” Deem says. “The culture here is warm and friendly and that’s what attracts businesses.”

New franchise owners and sales reps are given training at the Window World headquarters in North Wilkesboro.

Brame Huie Pharmacy “The Prescription People” Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sat. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1920 W. Park Dr. N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659 (336) 838-8988

www.bramehuiepharmacy.com

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Fits Like A Glove Unique textile operation expands, adds jobs in Wilkesboro Story by Kevin Litwin

new name and more employees are among the changes at Worldwide Protective Products, which made news in early 2012 by changing its long-time name from Manzella Worldwide and announcing plans that will lead to the addition of 93 full-time jobs to its protective glove and arm sleeve manufacturing operation in Wilkes County. Worldwide Protective began sewing gloves and

Wilkes County

arm protection products in Wilkesboro eight years ago, and its owners admit that they never planned for their business to get so big – but it did. “We surprised ourselves and eventually ran out of space at our three separate facilities,” says Kerry Dyer, one of three partners who own Worldwide Protective Products. “It became important for us to consolidate into a single location for efficiency

P h o t o s C o u r t e s y o f W o r l d w i d e Pr o t ec t i v e Pr o d u c t s

and productivity, but no building had been available. That is, until now.” Knitting Know-How Dyer says the company has acquired a 90,000square-foot former glove manufacturing facility that had closed on Golden Needles Street in Wilkesboro, so manufacturing for Worldwide in that building is tentatively scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2012. “Wilkesboro has been a hub for glove manufacturing and knitting know-how for an incredibly long time, and this latest facility allows us to continue our sales growth in the industrial marketplace,” Dyer says. “Besides protective gloves and arm sleeves, we are also manufacturing full-body garments for the glass and steel industries. Workers in those fields not only need protection for hands and arms, but for their necks, legs and torsos.” Military and Sports The company’s products are cut resistant as well as heat and cold resistant. Besides glass and steel manufacturing, other industries that use the gloves and arm sleeves include food processing, automotive, the military, law enforcement, construction, metal fabrication, pulp and paper, utilities, appliance

manufacturing, aerospace and sports. The company, which is headquartered in the Buffalo, N.Y., area currently has 75 employees and will add 93 employees over the next few years. Wilkes Economic Development Corp. President Jeff Garstka says the building consolidation and employee expansion initiative took about 14 months to iron out with negotiations taking place between Worldwide Protective executives and Wilkes EDC, Wilkes County and Wilkesboro officials. “Their business has been doing very well, which is kind of unique for a textile manufacturer here in the U.S.,” Garstka says. “They are succeeding in a niche market and came to the Wilkes EDC in mid-2009 to talk about expansion. The company looked at buildings in several counties in North Carolina and Virginia, and ultimately we reached a deal to keep them here in Wilkes County.” Garstka says Worldwide has purchased many new sewing machines and other equipment for their new location venture. “Already having 75 employees is great for Wilkes County, and eventually adding another 90-plus workers will be a pretty big boost to our local economy,” he says. “It’s good to see Worldwide continuing this region’s strong textile heritage.”

Worldwide Protective Products is expanding its specialty textile operation in Wilkes County.

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Strong Properties, Big Potential Advanced materials consortium draws new players Story by Pamela Coyle • Photography by Todd Bennett

ompanies that make everything from aerospace components to bathtubs and decking boards for the construction industry to trailers for 18-wheelers and even bridge decks and power poles for civil infrastructure have a partner in the Northwest North Carolina Advanced Materials Cluster Initiative. The initiative helps manufacturers of advanced materials identify and find industrial properties in its three-county area: Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties. But efforts go far beyond help with site selection. Wilkes Community College, home to

many of the cluster’s efforts, can make prototype parts, develop custom workforce training programs and provide technical assistance. “The market is growing and the applications for composite materials is growing,” says Mike Pierce, WCC’s director of advanced materials technology and chairman of the school’s Industrial Workforce and Development Division. Much of the focus is on fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) and recruiting advanced materials companies that manufacture such materials. ABS plastic is another advanced material gaining wide use in the medical field, including the development of joint replacements. Custom Training and Rapid Prototyping The Applied Technology Center at Wilkes Community College has state-of-the-art equipment that can, for example, produce a rapid three-dimensional prototype from a drawing that originates with a CAT scan. Advanced polymer fabric cloth is making hernia repair easier and less invasive. “If companies have projects they want us to work on for them or with them, our shops are available,” Pierce says. “Our students have worked on design as well as production. We have produced some prototype parts composites and also have been involved in

Students work on computers in the Architecture Technology program (left) and work with robots on a small-scale production line (right) at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro.

Wilkes County

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Wilkes County

product development of electronic components.” The Advanced Materials Cluster, with multiple public, philanthropic and industry partners, is working not only to recruit new companies to the region but also provide them with technical assistance and worker training. To Scott Hamilton, president and CEO of AdvantageWest Economic Development Group, which has a complementary advanced materials initiative that spans Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany and 20 other counties in western North Carolina, the Northwest Cluster has a significant advantage. “To have a community college with a focus on advanced materials and composite materials is a big asset to the company and a big advantage to the community,” Hamilton says. “Companies relocating or expanding can utilize a very state-of-the-art modern facility that will train a company’s workforce in a customized way.” New Materials, Stronger Properties In early October 2011, CertainTeed Corp., a manufacturer of building materials, announced an expansion of its operation near Roaring River in Wilkes County, investing $2.9 million and creating 29 new jobs. The company is eligible for support

through WCC, which has a range of traditional and new manufacturing disciplines, including the new composites lab, mechatronics (a combination of robotics and electronics), reverse engineering and rapid prototyping, as well as classic areas of heavy equipment, construction, welding, architectural engineering and auto body. New advanced materials have properties the region’s early industrial leaders could only dream about. Composite materials typically are stronger than steel on a weight comparison, and additives can make them more resistant to corrosion and fire, Pierce says. They are moldable, can be cast in any shape, and are finding wide use in the aerospace, construction, alternative energy and medical fields, among others. Hamilton says automotive and aerospace companies are showing more interest in the region, which is well situated to supply Tier 1 automakers in the burgeoning Southeast automotive manufacturing corridor. “We are always going to have manufacturing,” he says. “The jobs may be fewer but will require higher skills and have higher pay. That’s what makes specialized training through WCC and the Northwest Cluster so valuable.”

From left: A composites class at Wilkes Community College; CertainTeed Corp. is expanding its Wilkes County operations.

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Transportation

Well Connected Transportation access boosts Wilkes County business Story by John Fuller • Photography by Todd Bennett

ilkes County, N.C., has the right connections for business. While nestled in a beautiful mountain setting, Wilkes County offers great access to major highways and metro areas all along the eastern seaboard. The county is within 10 minutes of Interstate 77, a major north-south highway. Within an hour’s drive is Interstate 40, a major east-west corridor, which connects to major routes all along the East Coast. One of the major thoroughfares in Wilkes County is U.S. Route 421, a four-lane, divided highway that bisects the county and offers convenient access to I-77.

Links to Major Markets “Route 421 is much like an interstate highway in terms of access and convenience for business traffic,” says Jeff Garstka, president of the Wilkes Economic Development Corp. “For manufacturing and small- to mid-size distribution companies, our infrastructure is ideal.” U.S. Route 268, another major artery, connects to the Wilkes County Airport and the Wilkes Industrial Park in North Wilkesboro. With three business park locations, Wilkes County can offer a site to meet any company’s distribution and manufacturing requirements. The Wilkes Industrial Park is a 550-acre park located in North Wilkesboro. Wilkes Industrial Park has municipal water and sewer, three-phase electricity and natural gas, all with sufficient capacity. The park offers numerous sites in a variety of configurations to suit the needs of virtually any business. It is the home of Minton Sales and Camco Electric and is the future home of PowerSport Grafx research, development and manufacturing facilities. The park is located less than 3 miles from the Wilkes County Airport and is near the Yadkin Valley Railroad short line, which connects to the Norfolk Southern Railway, a Class I railroad. Airport has Room to Grow The Wilkes County Airport, a general aviation facility, is home to many corporate and personal aircraft. Nearly 23,000 operations are conducted annually on the 6,200-foot runway. The airport is home to MX Aircraft Inc., a maker of composite sport, aerobatic and racing airplanes. Airside sites offer direct taxiway access to the airport, and landside sites are available as well. Currently, the airport has approximately 50 acres, U.S. Route 421 is a four-lane, divided highway that bisects Wilkes County and offers convenient access to I-77.

Wilkes County

with capacity to expand to more than 300 acres, all served by municipal water and sewer and three-phase electricity. Major commercial air travel is available less than 90 minutes away at either Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro or Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte. Major distributors in the county represent a cross-section of its manufacturing mix. They include Lowe’s, Tyson Foods, LP Building Products, ECMD Inc. and The InterFlex Group. Major improvements to routes 268 and 421 are also planned for the future, Garstka says. Route 421 is undergoing major “super street” enhancements to keep traffic flowing, and Route 268 will be widened in certain sections and improve access to the Wilkes Industrial Park. “Our transportation infrastructure should be very appealing to small- to mid-size manufacturers and distributors,” says Garstka. “We’re ready to welcome them.”

Wilkes County Airport

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Health Care

Prognosis Positive Wilkes Regional Medical Center invests in facilities, treatment

Story by Melanie Hill

ilkes Regional Medical Center is bringing big-city care to Wilkes County. The 130-bed, community-owned hospital is adding physicians, enhancing services and undergoing a $14 million expansion to accommodate the needs of a growing community. From the spacious suites of WRMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Beginnings Birthing Center to arthroscopic surgery and rehabilitation, the North Wilkesboro hospital offers comprehensive services for all stages in life. At WRMCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outpatient Diagnostics Center, patients

Wilkes County

access advanced technology, including digital mammography, advanced MRI technology and a 64-slice CT scanner with cardiac capabilities. Dialysis, pediatrics, occupational therapy and home health also are among the services available to patients at WRMC. Emergency Department Expansion In 2011, Wilkes Regional broke ground on a $14 million construction project that includes expansion of its emergency department.

r e n d e r i n g C o u r t e s y o f C l ar k Pat t e rs o n L e e A r c h i t ec t u ra l F i r m , C h ar l o t t e , NC

Wilkes Regional Medical Center has unveiled plans for a $14 million emergency department expansion.

The 9,500-square-foot expansion will more than double the size of the existing emergency facilities and increase the number of exam rooms from 19 to 29. The addition also will house separate treatment areas for orthopedic injuries, cardiac care and mental health services. Completion is expected by early 2013. “We currently have one of the busiest emergency departments in the region, with more than 3,000 visits per month,” says Gene Faile, president and chief executive officer of WRMC. “The new emergency department was designed for future growth and to minimize patient wait times.” Heart Center of Wilkes Regional Included in WRMC’s expansion is a 2,200-squarefoot heart center located adjacent to the emergency department. The Heart Center of Wilkes Regional opened in a temporary office in July 2011 and will relocate to the new facility in 2012. Created through an affiliation with North Carolina’s Wake Forest Baptist University Medical Center, the Heart Center of Wilkes Regional is staffed by two board-certified cardiologists, William Scarpa, Jr., M.D., and Julian Thomas, M.D. The specialists offer a

full range of noninterventional cardiology services, including echocardiology, nuclear studies, EKG and arrhythmia evaluation, and much more. Inpatient services also are available. “Patients no longer need to travel outside of Wilkes County to see a cardiologist,” Faile says. “Our goal wasn’t just to bring cardiologists to Wilkes County, but to have them on our campus next door to our hospital’s cardiology services. We’re looking at a comprehensive approach to the delivery of heart services for our patients.” Faile anticipates the addition of a third cardiologist in 2012. A commitment to quality is nothing new to WRMC. The hospital recently received the gold seal of approval from The Joint Commission, and was ranked among the best for quality among Carolinas HealthCare System’s 33 health-care facilities. In 2011, the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence recognized WRMC for commitment to quality improvement and exceptional performance in surgical care. The hospital also was ranked among the best for shortest lengths of stay, lowest mortality rates, quality measures and a reduction in readmission rate.

Wilkes Regional Medical Center

• Owned by the Town of North Wilkesboro, N.C., and governed by the Hospital Operating Corp.

• 93 active medical staff members

• 130 beds

• 500 births each year

• 10 skilled nursing facility beds

• 17,932 inpatient days annually

• 824 employees

• 32,650 emergency department visits annually

• 8 counties served

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Education

Work in Progress College programs sharpen skills of labor force

Story by Kevin Litwin • Photography by Todd Bennett

ike Pierce says 75 percent of students at Wilkes Community College are enrolled in career and technical programs specifically designed to help prepare them to immediately enter the workforce. Pierce, a workforce development expert at WCC and director of the college’s advanced materials technology program, says some of the most popular current career choices of study include health technologies, law enforcement, gaming and simulation, alternative energy and industrial maintenance. Other hot career paths are in heavy equipment and transportation technology, electronics engineering and welding technology. The college, which serves Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties, has one of the highest-rated workforce development staffs in North Carolina. Pierce says, “Not only do we provide strong

Wilkes County

training, but we also have strong ties to the business community.” The college works with dozens of businesses on workforce development projects, including such top employers in the region as LP Building Products, Tyson, ECMD, Gardner Glass and Interflex Group. “We serve many local industries by providing customized technical classes,” Pierce says. “For example, if a company needs us to put together a basic brush-up electricity class for its incoming maintenance personnel, we do that. WCC is also the area contractor for Workforce Investment Act services, which includes applying for and accessing federal grants.” Technically Speaking Also part of the workforce development effort at WCC is an Applied Technology Center

Wilkes Community College offers a number of training programs that provide the region with a highly skilled workforce.

formally dedicated in 2009. It houses advanced technology equipment to train students to work in fields such as the aerospace, transportation and construction industries. “We are supplying training for some very advanced areas of study these days, including curriculum programs in composites engineering, advanced machining, computer engineering and horticulture technology,” Pierce says. “The college also helps prepare people for state tests depending on what career they may be in – from a notary class to a plumbing contractor.” To further add to its industrial and workforce development initiative,

Wilkes Community College has a capital campaign underway to fund an Automotive Technology Complex. “A lot of our students are enrolled in curriculums such as automotive systems technology as well as collision repair and refinishing technology, and we’re looking to make the college one of the leaders in automotive technology in all of North Carolina and beyond,” Pierce says. “Our faculty has widely varied technical interests but shares the common goal of educating the best engineering technologists possible. In fact, the entire college pledges itself to quality education, training and retraining for the workforce.”

About Wilkes Community College • Wilkes Community College is a public, two-year institution • Serves residents of Wilkes, Ashe and Allegheny counties • Founded in 1964 with 68 students, today it enrolls more than 3,500 full-time students and 8,500 in continuing education • WCC hosts the annual MerleFest music festival every April

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Livability

Best of All Worlds Wilkes County residents enjoy rural life, big city entertainment

S taff P h o t o

Todd Bennet t

Wilkes County

Story by Jessica Walker

ome to charming downtowns, outdoor opportunities and an array of cultural attractions, Wilkes County is an ideal area for anyone seeking a high quality of life. Wilkesboro, the county seat, features a historic downtown district, a recently expanded selection of shops and restaurants, and Wilkes Community College’s main campus. “It’s a small town, so people get to know each other,” says Ken Noland, Wilkesboro town manager. “It’s a very civic-minded community, and there are lots of opportunities for people to get involved.” Festivals and Events In 2011, the Historic Downtown Wilkesboro Main Street Program began an Open Air Market and a Special Event Series, both of which took place from May through October on Friday evenings. The market was a place for craft and produce vendors to set up shop and sell their handmade or locally grown items, while the Special Event Series included a wider variety of attractions, such as musical performances and themed activities. “We’ve found that these events have been very successful,” Noland says. “There are large crowds at every gathering, and I think that will continue.” Also located in the area is North Wilkesboro, which hosts several fun events each year. The town’s annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, put on by the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club, draws crowds of more than 100,000 people, making it one

of the largest single-day arts and crafts festivals in the southern United States. Another popular event is the Shine to Wine Festival, where local wineries and vineyards display and publicize their wines. Held in historic downtown North Wilkesboro, the event includes live entertainment, art and food. MerleFest The largest event in Wilkes County – and the surrounding area – is MerleFest. The festival, held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, was founded in 1988 as a fundraiser for the college. Musician Doc Watson became involved in the effort and requested that the event be named in honor of his late son, Merle Watson, who was also a popular musician. MerleFest features entertainment in nearly every genre of music. Past performers include Willie Nelson, Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, and Elvis Costello. “We typically draw more than 75,000 participants over the four-day period,” says Ted Hagaman, executive director of events and hospitality for Wilkes Community College. “In 2011, our attendees came from 48 states and 12 foreign countries.” In 2012, MerleFest will celebrate its 25th anniversary, and organizers expect it to be the biggest yet. “This year, it looks like we’ll have close to 100 different artists on 14 different stages,” Hagaman says. Not only does the festival serve as the college’s main fundraiser, it generates an estimated $10.2 million economic impact each year.

The Walker Center Also located at Wilkes Community College is the Walker Center, the area’s main venue for cultural events. “The Walker Center provides a unique experience for a rural community in North Carolina,” Hagaman says. The center has hosted a variety of popular musical acts, such as the Beach Boys, Diamond Rio, the Oak Ridge Boys and Art Garfunkel. Broadway shows have also taken place at the Walker Center, including Cats, Hairspray and Footloose. “One reason that the Walker Center continues to be strong and vibrant is because of the participation and support from the community,” Hagaman says. “There’s a lot of pride here in supporting the college.” Outdoor Opportunities When it comes to recreation, Wilkes County residents and visitors can enjoy easy access to the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir, where popular pursuits include boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking on the trails of Dark Mountain. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Stone Mountain State Park are also nearby. It’s not just the area’s offerings that attract residents. Wilkes County’s proximity to other opportunities helps draw newcomers, Noland says. “Wilkes County is located in an area where you can get to the mountains in about 20 or 30 minutes,” he says. “We’re also close to the coast, which is only about four hours away.”

Clockwise from top: Boating on the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir; The W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir also offers mountain biking trails; The Broadway show Hairspray performed at the Walker Center at Wilkes Community College; The Waifs perform at MerleFest.

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economic profile Business snapshot With more than 69,000 residents and a location amid the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wilkes County has built impressive industry sectors that include manufacturing and food production. The county offers a number of business advantages, including a 500-acre certified industrial site ready for a large user, major industrial parks, available water systems and an airport with a runway that can accommodate large jets.

Population

Income

Wilkes County (2010): 69,340 Households: 26,614 Median Age: 39.7

Median Household Income,$35,542 Per-Capita Income, $18,524 Educational Attainment Bachelors Degree or higher: 12.39% High School Degree or higher: 73%

Key Industry Sectors Government: 16.5% Manufacturing: 14.5% Retail: 12.1% Construction, 9.8% Health Care and Education: 9.3% Other Services: 7.0% Accommodation and Food Service: 6.1% Administrative and Food Service: 4.7% Wholesale Trade: 3.0% Transportation & Warehousing: 3.1% All Other: 13.9%

Labor Force Statistics Labor force: 33,836 Unemployment rate: 10.6%

Transportation Airport

offers convenient access to I-77. U.S. Route 268, connects to the Wilkes County Airport and Wilkes Industrial Park in North Wilkesboro.

Major Employers Tyson, 2,700 Lowe’s, 2,200 Wilkes County Schools, 1,200 Wilkes Regional Medical Center, 848 County of Wilkes, 430 Louisiana-Pacific Corp., 360 Wilkes Community College, 252 ECMD Inc., 179 Walmart Stores, 156 Villages of Wilkes, 150 Westwood Hills Nursing & Rehab, 130 The InterFlex Group, 103 Sources: www.wilikescounty.net, www.quickfacts.census.gov

Wilkes Regional Airport www.wilkescounty.net

Highways

Wilkes County is within 10 minutes of Interstate 77, a major north-south highway. Within an hour’s drive is Interstate 40, a major east-west corridor. U.S. Route 421 is a four-lane, divided highway that bisects the county and

What’s Online For more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on Wilkes County, go to businessclimate.com/wilkes-nc-economic-development.

This section is sponsored by

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Wilkes County

Gallery

W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir Staff Photo

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Gallery

The race car driven by NASCAR driver and Wilkes County native Junior Johnson on display at the Wilkes Heritage Museum

Wilkes County

Raffaldini Vineyards Staff Photos

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Ad Index

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28 Tyson Foods

18 Wilkes Blue Ridge Medical Group

13 Wilkes Community College

A1 Wilkes Economic Development

C4 Wilkes Regional Medical Center

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Wilkes Community College www.wilkescc.edu

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Wilkes County

Wilkes Regional Medical Center www.wilkesregional.com

Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced Wilkes County through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: Wilkes County Being a geek, I’m always fascinated when I get to visit a place that utilizes advanced technology. Usually it’s high-end manufacturing with automated robots or students at a major university learning cutting-edge technology. Before visiting Wilkes Community College, it would not have been on my radar. But it is now. The school’s Advanced Technology Center offers training in advanced composites, 3D design and robotics. They even have the ability to “print” a 3D prototype. Not too shabby for a school nestled in a small town in northwestern North Carolina …