Business Journal 2016-2017

2016-2017

Kies Takes Helm at Chamber of Commerce

State Bond Supports Culinary School Growth • From the Chamber of Commerce • Facts & Figures www.NCCOAST.com

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Contents 8

nccoast.com email: editor@nccoast.com Email roze@nccoast.com for subscription information.

Published by NCCOAST 201 N. 17th St., Morehead City, NC 28557 252.247.7442 nccoast.com Publisher Allyson Sproul Creative Director Kim LaChance (kim@nccoast.com) Managing Editor Amanda Dagnino (editor@nccoast.com) Sales Jamie Bailey (252.241-9485) jbailey@nccoast.com Ashly Willis (252.342.2334) awillis@nccoast.com Graphic Design Morgan Davis Billy France Roze Taitingfong Production Director: Rudy J. Taitague Mail Center: Skip Hicks, Michael Mojica Pressman: Allen Henry Folder Operator: Jason Yates Bindery Operator: Rudy D. Taitague Distribution Manager: Dorrie Nicholson Pre-Press: Kyle Dixon The NCCOAST Business Journal serves to showcase Carteret County as a prime location for creating and continuing business endeavors. The NCCOAST Business Journal includes editorial information from the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, Carteret Community College, Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association and the Tourism Development Association and its publisher, NCCOAST, which has final editorial control of each edition and does not reflect the opinions of any entity other than those of NCCOAST. Entire contents, maps, advertisements and graphic design elements copyright 2016-2017 NCCOAST. Reproduction is strictly prohibited without the publisher’s consent.

Though every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all advertising and editorial copy contained herein, the publisher may not be held responsible for typographical errors. NCCOAST and its employees, agents or representatives may not be held responsible for any actions or consequences derived as a result of following advice or instructions contained herein. NCCOAST reserves the right to refuse any advertising or editorial content deemed inappropriate, misleading or in violation with the law.

Vol. 9 2016-2017

STATE BOND SUPPORTS CCC EXPANSION

Carteret Community College’s Culinary and Hospitality programs will have a new home in the year ahead thanks to the Connect NC.

10 KIES TAKES HELM AT CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

The former director of the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association fills the president’s chair at the chamber.

16 FACE YOUR FINANCIAL FEARS Reward yourself in retirement by planning now.

20 THE MANY BENEFITS OF

NETWORKING

One of the best ways to get your business name into the right hands is by building a powerful network.

22 THE ABC’S OF WRITING A PRESS

RELEASE

Local media can be a great asset in marketing your business if you use the news to your advantage.

26 TOURISM CONTINUES TO RISE IN

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina saw a 2.7 percent increase in visitation in 2015, outpacing the national average.

28 BREAK THROUGH

The internet and social media continue to be one of a business owners greatest friends.

30 IS GRAD SCHOOL RIGHT FOR YOU?

It’s not for everyone, but for those with the patience, finances and time, graduate school can be a great option.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

14 From the Chamber 23 Productivity 32 Money Matters 36 Business Briefs 42 Facts & Figures 46 Advertising Index

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“We offer our area’s most complete range of tile & stone.”

Working as a team, Doris and Monty Groff have been helping area residents add a touch of artistry to their homes for more than 15 years through Artistic Tile & Stone, Atlantic Beach. Opened in 2001, the business was expanded in 2007, adding a showroom so clients can browse an array of stone and tile samples.

“We offer our area’s most complete range of tile and stone,” said Doris. “From natural stone to porcelain, custom mosaics, glass, pebbles, we have it all.”

In addition, the pair offers creative design expertise, assisting clients from selection through installation.

“Our educations and trade backgrounds make a unique pairing,” she added.

“I offer not only the aesthetic and design skills but my engineering experience definitely allows us to specify and utilize most current construction principles and products.”

Monty, on the other hand, comes from a background in counseling and ministry, which makes for a great work leader. His technical experience has developed and continues to grow from trade certifications received in the masonry and stone trades.

Some of the most popular items this season include pebble mosaics for shower floors and fireplaces and glass/stone mosaics for accent vanity walls and kitchen backsplashes.

“We try not to carry brands that are available in all carpet and big box stores, rather, we pride ourselves with bringing into our collection very unique products from all over the world,” said Doris. For the customer, that means options they may not be able to find anywhere else in Carteret County.

“Not only do we have the area’s most extensive selection of tile and stone, but we also offer full bath remodels, from demolition, re-plumbing, cabinetry, countertops and custom glass enclosures,” added Doris.

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State Bond Supports CCC Expansion Carteret Community College is set for growth in the year ahead thanks to $2.67 million from the state’s $2 billion Connect NC bond. The funds are joined by $2.2 million from the county and additional funds from the Carteret Community College Foundation to expand its hospitality and culinary arts program.

Now housed in a 50-year old building along Arendell Street, the new 14,780-square-foot building will allow the culinary program to double its enrollment. It currently serves more than 60 students. Overall the project is estimated to cost $5.7 million, which includes the purchase of an additional 1.6 acres to the west of the established culinary site. Groundbreaking on the new facility is planned for 2017.

“According the National Restaurant Association, North Carolina has one of the fastest growing and most vibrant hospitality/culinary economies in the US,” said CCC President Dr. Kerry Youngblood.

“Hospitality and tourism have continued to play an ever increasing role in the economy of Carteret County with significant increases in tourism revenues over the past several years. Our deep roots in maritime culture combined with some of the highest quality seafood products in the world set the stage for Carteret County to emerge as one of the finest places in the eastern US to experience quality dining. This translates directly to employment. The hospitality bar has slowly risen over the past several years and continues to do so. If we can provide well trained professionals to meet the employment need, that growth will continue. Statistics show that well trained hospitality professionals advance at a much faster rate, are more satisfied with their employment, and are better paid than lesser skilled coworkers.”

Graduates of the CCC culinary program, which is under the direction of Shana Olmstead, can be found throughout the county and beyond at a variety of restaurants and hotels. In a tourism driven economy, the need for skilled workers in restaurant and hospitality arenas continues to rise year over year. According to a Power Point presentation compiled by the college, executive sous chefs earn an annual salary of $46,000, chefs earn $37,000 and pastry chefs net $40,000 a year. To date, 90 graduates of the program are employed in their chosen fields.

“This new culinary and hospitality facility will provide an incredible learning experience for our future students,” said Youngblood. “We are so excited to begin construction and to become a one-of-a-kind culinary and hospitality school with the tools students and instructors need to succeed. The Crystal Coast is quickly becoming a culinary destination with fine foods and restaurants. We’re so happy to be a part of that and to provide a quality workforce for our county. We are very grateful for the support of our state, our commissioners, the tourism authority, the chamber of commerce, the Golden Leaf Foundation, CCC Foundation, Beaufort Wine and Food, the NC Seafood Festival and many of our locals.”

According to Alize Proisy, public information officer for the college, faculty, trustees, architects and engineers are joining her and Dr. Youngblood in field trips around the state researching different culinary schools to make sure CCC’s new addition is the best it can be. So far, they’ve visited ECU and Nash Community College with a trip planned to the western part of the state in the fall.

“When we visit the culinary programs around the state we are looking for a creative efficient and effective use of space and materials that can maximize flexibility and multiple usage,” added Dr. Youngblood.

Backing for the Connect NC bond was strong throughout the state and across the political aisle. In all, it supports new construction and repairs on 17 of the UNC college campuses, infrastructure improvements to state and local parks, agricultural projects, repairs to public safety facilities and projects at each of the state’s 58 community colleges. About two thirds of voters supported the bond, which was placed on the primary ballot in March 2016. Fort Macon is also receiving a piece of the Connect NC pie – $135,000 for a 10-inch Civil War cannon and other items.

“North Carolina’s Community Colleges form the backbone of workforce development in the state by aligning instruction with workforce needs, and providing students with affordable educational opportunities,” Mary Carlyle Brown, who heads the chamber’s Public & Government Affairs Committee said earlier this year in a release.

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Kies Takes the Helm

at Chamber of Commerce Business owners and visitors to the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce will find new leadership in the president’s spot – but they will also find a familiar face. Tom Kies, the former executive director of the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association took on the role vacated by a retiring Mike Wagoner on June 27.

“I’m loving it – I’m the luckiest guy in Eastern North Carolina,” said Kies, smiling broadly. “I live in a great place, I have a great job and a wonderful life. This is really the icing on the cake.”

Bucky Oliver, chair of the chamber board of directors said the search committee received 13 applicants in all, which they prescreened and whittled down to the five people they interviewed.

“We had a very strong application pool, however, Tom’s interview and his knowledge of the industry and our community stood out.”

Kies spent five years leading the DMCRA and spent an additional five years as publisher and general manager of NCCOAST, publisher of the Business Journal, a magazine he helped launch.

The roles not only gave him a vast knowledge of the Crystal Coast and the surrounding counties, but helped forge a variety of relationships with some of the area’s most prominent business owners and community leaders. In addition, he is a former chairman of the chamber of commerce board, former president of the Rotary Club, former marketing chair of the Crystal Coast Hospitality Association and sits on the board of directors of the Carteret County Economic Development Council.

“We’re blessed to have him,” Oliver added. “We couldn’t have made a better choice given his involvement and knowledge of the community. This gave us a particularly good head start in filling the very large shoes left when Mike retired.”

“It’s very similar to the work I was doing with Downtown Morehead City Revitalization – on a larger scale – but very similar, so it has made for an easy transition,” said Kies. “I have those key relationships established. For example if I have a question and I know Emerald Isle Town Manager Frank Rush may have an answer, I feel comfortable picking up the phone and giving him a call – that relationship is there. It’s really nice to be able to reach out to everybody on a much broader scale.”

Now settled in to this freshly painted office, Kies said he has several key areas that he is focused on in the months ahead. A strategic planning group will be looking at new sponsorship packages for chamber events and evaluating ways to add extra value for members. What do members need? The chamber’s primary purpose is to improve the economic climate of the county. So what can the chamber do to help area businesses achieve?

“We’re also taking a long look at ways that we can improve how we communicate with our members and the community – and we’ve already started to improve by maximizing our digital presence and increasing our social media. If you do it right, it’s amazing how many people you can reach.”

One of our biggest challenges is our seasonality – but Kies said he’s seeing a lot more shops and restaurants stay open all year round and it’s important that the chamber stresses shopping and dining locally so they can continue to thrive year-round.

“Our quality of life here is our greatest strength in attracting 10

new business,” Kies said. “We have some strong business resources in place and a beautiful environment to do business.

“Groups such as SCORE, the Small Business Center and the chamber, more than 900 members strong, are here to support new businesses and old. With the brand new hospitality and culinary building slated to go up at the college, we also have a great example of how devoted the county and the state are to our development and positive growth.”

Kies also mentioned the growing science and research facilities in Carteret County as another of its biggest assets and it’s hard not to imagine the role the Crystal Coast can play in the biotech industry as a whole.

The primary focus of the 2016 Strategic Business Plan includes: • Implementing and maintaining internal and external

communications programs of excellence.

•

Broadening the economic base by fostering a healthy business climate.

•

Enhancing the quality of education in Carteret County.

•

Encouraging consumers to "Shop Carteret First."

•

Forging strong relationships with elected and appointed officials.

•

Maximizing the return on investment for all chamber members.

•

Recruiting new members and retaining existing members through increased participation and involvement in chamber programs, events, committees

and task forces.

It seems Kies is already off to a running start. He stresses an open door policy – anyone who has questions, ideas or simply wants to introduce themselves is welcome to swing by the office for a visit.

The DMCRA would like to congratulate Tom Kies

BE PART OF Phase I and II of the Big Rock Fountain at the Jib Property in Downtown Morehead City are complete. In addition to being a tourist attraction, the fountain serves as a perpetual trophy for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and the Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament. Past and future winners are memorialized with a permanent etching on the base of the fountain. The 6,700 sq. ft. decking and the weigh in station are serving as Tournament Central for this part of the coast and the project continues to spur economic growth in downtown Morehead City.

History...

Business Journal Cover 2016-2017

You can be part of this project by ordering a personalized, engraved paving brick that will be placed in the walkway around the perimeter of the fountain.

Three sizes are available to suit any budget.

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13

Ne t

from the chamber

Chamber’s 2016 Directory

The 2016 Business Directory & Visitors Guide, published by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, is available – free of charge – at the chamber headquarters at 801 Arendell St., Morehead City. The 90 page publication includes a complete roster of Chamber members who are listed three ways- categorically, alphabetically and by key contacts.

“This is a great resource for long-time residents as well as folks who have just moved to the Crystal Coast,” said Chamber President Tom Kies.

relationships with our Coastie families. We are forever grateful.”

The official Proclamation singled out the Chamber’s Military Appreciation Committee (MAC) for its events and activities, especially the john C Beitz Serviced Person of the Quarter Luncheons.

David Heath, MAC Chair, expressed appreciation for all the resolutions and letters of support that cam in, including those from the Chamber’ Board of Directors, The County Board of Commissioners and town governing boards in Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Morehead City, Newport and Pine Knoll Shores.

Who Is the Best at Customer Service?

Plan Now for Leadership Carteret 2017

The Carteret County of Chamber of Commerce is leading the way to discover who the tops in Carteret County when it comes to customer service.

“One of the best marketing tools a company can have is an employee who shines at customer service,” said Chamber President Tom Kies.

“We’re looking for those high achieving individuals for our 2016 Outrageous Customer Service Awards.”

The nomination process is simple. Just send in a detailed note about someone you work with or someone who has served you well. Direct your correspondence to Tom Kies at tom@nccoastchamber.com. The deadline is Sept. 16. The awards ceremony will be in mid-October. The awards program is also co-sponsored by the Carteret Community College, and the Emerald isle Beach & Pool Club. Reception sponsorship opportunities are available.

It’s not too early to call ahead and reserve your place in the Leadership Carteret 2017 program, starting in January and going through March. The Leadership Class meets for 10 consecutive Wednesdays.

“This will be our 29th season to offer Leadership Carteret and our slogan is: ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,’” said Lana Collmann of the chamber.

“The goal is a comprehensive orientation about contemporary issues and challenges that are unique to Carteret County. And we introduce the class members to the county’s top business leaders and decision makers,” said Tom Kies, chamber president and graduate of Leadership 2007. “We visit places off the beaten path and behind the scenes in order to give the participants an experience they will never forget. We guarantee it.”

The Leadership Carteret Steering Committee (consisting of past graduates of the program) will be formed in September and applications will be available after Labor Day. Tuition is $415 for Chamber members and $525 for others. The class is limited to 35 participants. Address inquiries to Lana Collmann at lana@ nccoastchamber.com.

Chamber Awards Community Leaders

County Named ‘Coast Guard Community’

On Feb. 25, Carteret County officially became a US Coast Guard Community, becoming only the second to receive this honor in the country.

Commander Javier Delgado of Sector North Carolina Field Office Fort Macon said: “For more than a century, the citizens of Carteret County have made efforts big and small to strengthen long-standing and enduring

14

Earlier this year, the Carteret Chamber of Commerce presented its major awards during the Crystal Ball at the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel. Former Chair Kerry Youngblood served as master of ceremonies for a brief program and 2016 Chair Bucky Oliver presented the awards.

Beaufort Mayor, Richard Stanley, received the Joan Huss Pulley Award for Public Service, sponsored by Duke Energy. This award memorializes Joan Huss Pulley who served on the chamber’s board of directors. The award embodies Joan’s spirit for civic deeds.

Sandi Malone of the Arts Council of Carteret County accepted the chamber’s Citizen of the Year Award, which honored her late husband Bob Malone of Carteret Community Theatre.

Clarke Merrell received the Arnold Murray Small Business Person of the Year Award. Merrell is the owner of Circa 81, Dank Burrito as well as several other businesses in Carteret County.

Recognized as the winner of the Cassie Algeo Award for Extraordinary Chamber Leadership was Christina Fulcher of BB&T. Additionally, Raymond Hopkins earned the Debbie Godwin Ambassador of the Year Award.

90 years

SERVING COASTAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1925 WITH A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE. Photo by : Carolyn Temple of Coastal Image Photography

We’re Your Chamber at the Coast!

The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce is committed to reaching out to visitors, guests and second home owners who come to the beach.

The staff and all of our members are dedicated to making your stay at the Crystal Coast more enjoyable, relaxing and memorable. And, we are always seeking to improve and strengthen the connections between small, independent businesses and vacationers.

Our restaurants, stores, shops and service providers are reliable businesses that are capable of satisfying every whim, desire and need – everything from Accommodations and Accountants to Window Treatments and Yacht Sales. Just name it – child care, lawn care, skin care, pet care, home care or formal wear.

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15

Take Action to Save for Retirement

Retirement is supposed to be a reward for decades of hard work, but if you haven’t planned well, the milestone may be a dark cloud on your horizon. In fact, new data shows that nearly 50 percent of Americans are most afraid of outliving their income or the inability to maintain their current lifestyle, and nearly 20 percent are worried about having enough money to cover health care expenses.

The research, released by the Indexed Annuity Leadership Council (IALC), also found that despite these very real fears, Americans are failing to take action to address them. For example, a quarter of Baby Boomers, the age group closest to retirement, have less than $5,000 saved for retirement and nearly one in five Americans have no idea how much they’ve saved.

The findings indicate that Americans are afraid of the unknown when it comes to managing their money and retirement. While you can budget for leisure and travel, health care expenses and life expectancy are unpredictable.

“Americans are living longer than ever, so it’s no surprise that the No. 1 retirement fear is that they’ll run out of money in their final years,” said Jim Poolman, executive director of the IALC. “Thankfully, there are strategies and products out there that can help you create sufficient retirement income to last throughout your lifetime, which can help with this crippling fear.”

To take control of the uncertainty and create peace of mind when it comes to retirement, here are some simple steps you can follow: Those who plan for retirement are estimated to save three times more than those who don’t. Take into account that your expenses may increase during retirement, specifically for items such as health care and travel. Also, be sure to revisit your budget periodically to make adjustments for new circumstances that affect how much you need to support the retirement lifestyle you desire.

Investing in a 401(k) is a great way to start a retirement portfolio, but putting all your eggs in one basket is a common mistake.

One method to provide balance to your retirement portfolio is to add some more conservative, low-risk products, such as Fixed 16

Indexed Annuities (FIAs), which protect your principal regardless of market ups and downs. According to the survey, FIAs are an attractive choice for consumers, with 45 percent of Americans surveyed interested in this type of retirement product.

A savings strategy that makes sense today might not fit your needs in five, 10 or 20 years. Factors like market volatility, changes in your career or personal life, can impact the amount you’re able to save and how much you anticipate needing when you reach retirement age.

While it’s not as critical to track the ups and downs of your portfolio in your younger years, the closer you are to retirement, the more important it becomes to be aware of your account values. Your level of risk should reflect your age and your retirement goals. Generally, the younger you are, the greater risk you may be able to tolerate because market cycles generally rebound losses over time. When the window of time before retirement is tighter, you may not be able to recover from a dip as easily.

Even seemingly little adjustments can have a noticeable impact on your finances over time. For example, packing your own lunch and giving up an evening out with friends once weekly or monthly will allow you to direct that money to a retirement account instead. Also, be sure to pay your credit card bills on time to avoid fees that not only affect your credit rating but deplete funds that could be directed to retirement savings.

Set up scheduled transfers so you don’t forget or aren’t tempted to spend the money you planned to save. Treat your retirement account as a debt you owe and be sure to pay yourself every month. If necessary, meet with a financial advisor who can help you determine a strategy to pay down debt without sacrificing your retirement planning.

Find more tips and tools to guide your retirement planning at FIAinsights.org.

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in the Network

The Many Benefi You’ve got your business plan memorized, your location locked in, inventory is in stock and everything is staged and poised for business – but how do you let everyone know you’re there and what you’re doing? It’s that dirty word that comes next – marketing – the necessary evil that many small business owners turn away from for fear of cutting into the small budget they’ve set aside.

But marketing doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, one of the best places to start is by networking with other local business owners. Networking plays an integral role in professional growth.

Men and women who can nurture relationships within their fields are more likely to be in tune with what’s going on in their professions, and a network of fellow professionals can help men and women advance their careers.

But networking often falls by the wayside for today’s busy professionals, many of whom simply can’t find the time in their hectic schedules to foster relationships with professional colleagues. The benefits, however, are too numerous to ignore, and it behooves men and women to make an effort to build and maintain strong networks. And keep in mind, it doesn’t have to be stuffy or boring. Most networking events are casual in nature, like the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce’s Business after Hours events which include the chance to have an after-work nibble and an adult beverage while socializing with fellow members in a relaxed setting.

Sometimes who you know is more important than what you know. Fellow business leaders and professionals have a wealth of knowledge they’re willing to share. Having trouble with insurance?

Need an idea for low cost signage? Trying to organize a charitable event? Odds are there are folks nearby who have some great suggestions. In addition, they can offer encouragement and moral support and the connection may open the door to partnering on a new project or venture. These are the people who really understand what the day to day professional environment is like in your community – they understand your plight.

While these relationships are wonderful for brainstorming and troubleshooting, they are also vital in growing your business. When you foster a professional relationship, the other person in that relationship will be quick to think of you when they need a given service or are asked for a referral. That can benefit business owners’ bottom lines, but even men and women who don’t own a business can benefit, as their bosses will no doubt recognize the role they played in bringing in new business.

Once professionals recognize that networking is about more than just building a web of contacts who can help them find their next job, they can begin to prioritize networking so it can help them in their existing jobs. Make an effort to keep in touch with current and previous clients and any other contacts made over the years. Something as simple as a quarterly email to catch up or an inquiry to see if there’s anything fellow professionals need will help you stay on their minds, which can help bring in new business or learn about new opportunities down the road. Maintaining and 20

building a professional network does not always require a lot of work, as even seemingly small gestures can pay big dividends if men and women prioritize such efforts.

A network is only beneficial if it remains current. Keep track of the professionals in your network so you know when and where to reach them should you need to do so. A professional networking site such as LinkedIn is a great way to stay on top of what your network is up to, and such a site also is a valuable tool when you want to update your network with any new information about yourself. Revisit your network a few times each year, updating with any new information so you aren’t left scrambling for email addresses or phone numbers when the time comes to get back in touch with your contacts.

Every business person can likely name a few fellow professionals who only seem to contact you when they want something. You don’t want to earn a similar reputation among your own contacts, so don’t forget to make periodic contact with your colleagues even when you don’t need anything at all. Or seek out a contact when you are the person in need of somebody else’s services.

So where do you start? The chamber is a great place to begin.

In addition to its networking events, the organization offer annual awards, special interest groups and Leadership Carteret, which provides a great introduction to Carteret County’s most valuable assets and includes a variety of team building exercises. Rates are low and generally based on company size. Annual membership in the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, for example, starts at about $200 and goes up depending on the number of employees. Once a member, take advantage of the many benefits. Like all things, membership alone doesn’t work unless you take an active role. Attend networking events or swing by a midday ribbon cutting and introduce yourself and your services to the new kid on the block.

Civic organizations are another great outlet. Be it the Rotary, the Civitans, the Lion’s or the Kiwanis – it doesn’t matter which one works best for you. Each provides a great opportunity to mingle with like minded business leaders. Make sure you have your pocket full of business cards so they’re easy to pass out as you make friends and colleagues.

A little volunteer work is another great way to gain some face time with the community. Donating services or stock to a silent auction for a charitable event, for example, may be an easy handsoff way to get the company name out there. But actually filling a seat on a board or manning a booth and giving a few hours of your time to a worthy cause builds connections in the community. Not only does it allow you to put your face with the company name, but it also gives folks a strong indication of who you are and that you care about the community where you do business.

Networking can easily be seen as an unnecessary hassle. But professionals who network the right way will find that their efforts pay dividends for themselves, their companies and even their professional colleagues.

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When it comes time to grab some attention for your business, don’t discount the media as a free opportunity to get your name out there. Sure, marketing and paid advertisements are important.

But taking advantage of the business news section of your local paper can provide great dividends as well.

Did someone get promoted? Have you had a record sales year or month? These are great reasons to pen a brief press release. It’s important to have something that is newsworthy in order the grab the attention of the media outlet you plan to send your release to. It’s a good idea to browse through the feature and business sections of the publication to get an idea of what they publicize. Then, evaluate your business and find an angle. Are you launching a new product line? Have you won an industry award? Are you participating in a fundraiser for an area charity? Have you topped last year’s profits? Delve deep and most 22

businesses can come up with angle, but be sure to include plenty of information about your business as well, including the services your offer.

Templates can be a great help and there are plenty of free options available. Mircosoft Office has some built in and there are multiple free options from viable business associated websites.

Keep in mind that your release should say “For immediate release” at the very top, followed by accurate contact information.

Be concise. Reporters want to know the facts: who, what, where, when and why. Supply the information in a clear, uncluttered manner. Remember, this is not advertising copy … but rather a free service provided by an unbiased source, so keep the flowery, complimentary language to a minimum and stick to data and facts.

Grammar, usage and internet etiquette counts. Don’t send a press release in all capital letters making it difficult to read. Likewise, don’t use industry associated acronyms and internet slang that others may not understand. Don’t try to be too witty – but rather opt for nice, clean, well-written sentences. Don’t be in too much of a rush – editing and rewriting may be required. Don’t expect to complete your project in one sitting. Instead, write a rough draft and come back to read it later, first checking for content and then for grammar, language and spelling. This is your chance to present a professional face to the public – make a good impression. Don’t hesitate to read it out loud to yourself and get a feel for how the release flows.

Be sure to include a photo if available. If there’s something specific to illustrate, make sure you include print-ready art. Most media outlets require a large format, 300 dpi images. Color is always better, as it can easily be converted to black and white as needed, while the opposite isn’t possible. Make your photo interesting. Instead of trying to line up the entire office staff holding up a sign, focus in on one or two employees doing something more active.

Use a friendly format. If you email your release to area media outlets, make sure it is in a user-friendly format. Most offices today can read a simple Microsoft Word document. If in doubt, a raw text format is safe.

Many a press release is simply disregarded because it cannot be opened by the recipient. Avoid a .pdf that will require the newspaper to retype the release if they decide to use it.

Include a quote or two from the company president/owner or from the parties involved in the subject matter. And create a standard “about us” section that you can tack on to the bottom of each press release giving a brief description and history of the company.

Include your logo and contact info. Put that logo at the top of the release for ease of name/business recognition. Double check your contact information – a typographical error in your phone number or email address can make all the difference.

Improving Office Productivity Productivity is paramount to a company’s success. A productive staff tends to meet or even exceed its goals, strengthening a company along the way. As a result, business owners often find themselves looking for ways to increase productivity, which could be lagging for a number of reasons.

Though lack of morale is often assumed to be the reason behind a lack of productivity among staff, such an assumption is not always accurate. Poor productivity might be a byproduct of the office environment, which could be suffering. The following are a handful of steps business owners concerned about staff productivity can take to address those concerns and get their organizations back on the right track.

Upgrade hardware. Thanks to the prevalence of technology, men and women have grown accustomed to getting what they need and want a lot faster than the days of yore. For example, the social networking tool Twitter has revolutionized the way many people get their news. Many people have grown accustomed to that immediacy, so a lack of immediacy can be frustrating. Business owners should keep that in mind when examining their hardware.

Older computers, for example, are considerably slower than newer models, and older machinery can compromise productivity and frustrate employees. Upgrading employee hardware can help business owners improve efficiency and productivity and make for a happier, less frustrated workforce.

Look into lighting. Lighting can have a significant impact on employee productivity. Adequate lighting helps employees stay alert throughout the workday, while poor lighting can cause fatigue as the day progresses. If the office is dimly lit, upgrade lighting fixtures, even installing more fixtures in areas that are especially dark.

Help employees hone their skills. Employees who feel as though they have reached a plateau and opportunities to advance their careers have all but dried up are less likely to be productive than those who feel they can continue to move up within a company.

In such instances, employee morale needs to be addressed, even

if there are no immediate promotions to be had. Business owners may improve that morale by helping employees hone their skills, be it paying for coursework that allows them to improve existing skills or sending them to seminars where they can learn more about their field. Such efforts are relatively inexpensive investments for employers, but they show employees that their companies are willing to invest in them. Such gestures can improve morale and productivity.

Set targets and follow up on them. A sleepy office environment or low employee morale are not always behind lower productivity. In some instances, employees simply need to have goals set for them in order to improve their productivity. Goals should be realistic but not too simple to achieve, as poorly set goals can give employees the wrong impression. When tasked with meeting easy targets, some employees may think their employer does not have much confidence in their abilities, while others may embrace easy goals and use them as an excuse to be unproductive. So while goals should be realistic, they also should inspire employees to do their best. Once targets have been established, don’t forget to follow up and ensure progress is being made. Setting targets but failing to follow up on employee progress can produce an environment in which employees feel as though their efforts are not valued.

Encourage employee input. Determining why productivity is sagging is not always so easy. But many times employees themselves are a business’ best resource with regard to identifying why things have taken a turn for the worse. Business owners can create an environment in which employees know their input is valued.

If necessary, instruct department managers to conduct monthly meetings with staff to address issues such as work flow, teamwork and responsibility. During these meetings, which can be valuable during periods of low or even exceptional productivity, managers can solicit suggestions from employees about improving productivity and efficiency.

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Tourism Continues to Rise in North Carolina

With lower gas prices, tourism continued its steady climb in 2015 with record visitor spending of $21.9 billion, a 2.7 percent increase over 2014, outpacing the national average for growth last year of only 2.1 percent.

“Nearly 50 million people from across the United States visited North Carolina destinations last year,” Gov. Pat McCrory said. “The money they spend supports 211,400 jobs and more than 45,000 businesses.”

The figures are from research conducted by the US Travel Association on behalf of Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Other findings from the study showed state tax receipts as a result of visitor spending rose 6.1 percent to more than $1.1 billion. Visitors spent nearly $60 million per day in North Carolina last year and contributed about $4.9 million per day in state and local tax revenues as a result of that spending.

“The tourism industry’s success is shared across North Carolina,” said John E. Skvarla III, NC Commerce Secretary. “Tourism means jobs in all of the state’s 100 counties. In addition, each North Carolina household saves $475 annually in state and local taxes as a result of taxes generated by visitor expenditures.”

It also means record numbers of visitors are enjoying North Carolina State Parks. More than 17.3 million people visited the state’s 39 parks in 2015, up from 15.6 million the previous year, according to the NC Division of Parks and Recreation.

“An 11 percent increase proves that nothing compares to the enriching experience of a visit to a North Carolina state park,” Gov. McCrory said. “North Carolina’s natural beauty is an important part of our overall quality of life that is second to none. I commend the men and women of our parks division for creating unique adventures that can turn a visit into a lifetime memory, and 26

sharing our vision of preserving our state parks for future generations.”

Among 39 state parks and state recreation areas, 30 reported increases in attendance in 2015. Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in Chatham County reported the highest attendance at 1.6 million visits and was among six state park units logging more than a million visitors. The others were Fort Macon, Jockey’s Ridge and William B. Umstead state parks and Falls Lake and Kerr Lake state recreation areas.

“The diverse beauty of North Carolina is found in our state parks,” said Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Susan Kluttz. “From the mountains to the coast, each park is unique in the wonderful opportunities it offers to our visitors to connect to nature.”

In recent years, many state parks have added special events to their calendars to complement system-wide events such as First Day Hikes, National Trails Day and Take a Child Outside Week.

Newer state parks such as Carvers Creek in Cumberland County and Gorges State Park in Transylvania County are being discovered by the public.

“Beginning with First Day Hikes a year ago, North Carolinians found every opportunity to enjoy our state parks in 2015, setting an attendance record for the third straight year. This reflects the value they place on our state parks and the opportunities for family recreation,” said Mike Murphy, state parks director. “There are even more reasons to visit in 2016 as we celebrate our 100-year history with special events statewide and in every state park.”

At Fort Macon, despite drawing more than 1.2 million visitors, a new nature trail was introduced and the site took on the renovation of its bath house near the beach access.

A recent National Park Service report shows that 400,413

shows $16.9 billion of direct spending by 307.2 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 295,000 jobs nationally; 252,000 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the US economy was $32 billion.

The increase in tourism continues locally through 2016, notes Karen Gould, director of digital and event marketing.

“The Crystal Coast has seen a nice growth in the tourism industry with the addition of more cottages and condominiums on the market as well as several renovations to hotel properties,” said Gould. “We have also seen renovations and additions to some of our attractions and new exhibits at the NC Aquarium and the NC Maritime Museum. Cape Lookout National Seashore has added a full moon climb at the lighthouse that has proven to be very popular. We are considered one of the best “foodie” destinations in North Carolina with some of the finest dining experiences one can imagine. Having spoken with retailers and restaurants the tourism season has been the best they have seen in years. Our Occupancy Tax collections are showing a 6 percent increase over last year.”

John Mauser Photo

visitors to Cape Lookout National Seashore spent $17,698,100 in communities near the park in 2015 and supported 274 local jobs.

“Cape Lookout National Seashore welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Superintendent Patrick Kenney. “We are delighted to share the story of this place and the experiences it provides. We also feature the park as a way to introduce our visitors to this part of the country and all that it offers. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and it’s a big factor in our local economy as well. We appreciate the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.”

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas of the US Geological Survey and Lynne Koontz of the National Park Service. The report

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Break Through Digital Basics for Businesses

Consumers today increasingly rely on connected devices to research products and services before making purchases – so it’s no secret that small businesses need to focus more of their marketing resources than ever before on online strategies.

As the journey from consumer query to purchase becomes more complex – incorporating multiple devices, websites, apps and offline activities – so too do the options for tracking consumer behavior and leveraging online media for targeted advertising.

There are companies today specializing in almost every aspect of online marketing, leaving business owners with a dizzying array of options. For many the question is not the value of online marketing, but rather where to start and how much they need to do to accomplish their marketing objectives.

Do local businesses really need a website? The answer is unequivocally yes. Websites are how local businesses get found via directories and search engines. It’s the “home base” for pertinent information about your business, including hours, location, products, services and more.

Remember that keeping your website information current and correct is extremely important. Inaccurate information can get picked up by other sites and directories, which, in turn, makes it harder for your potential customers to find and engage with your business.

Don’t slack off when it comes to providing information about 28

products, the company and the industry. In the age of information, it behooves small business owners to provide readable, informative content. Good content serves many purposes, from attracting higher search engine rankings to helping prospects choose your products or services, and reinforcing your brand. A good start is to look for opportunities to educate and share your expertise.

How-to videos, FAQs or links to informative resources about your industry are great ways to add value and encourage people to come back to your website. Other content, such as seasonal greeting videos or stories about work you’re doing in the community, may serve to humanize your brand and build authentic connections with your customers.

Mobile is quickly becoming the device of choice for consumers to search the web. According to research by International Data Corporation on behalf of YP, nearly one in three consumers uses two or more devices when looking for information about products and services; and in 2015, Google announced that it receives more searches from smartphones and tablets than from computers. Yet many businesses are slow to adapt.

If your website is difficult to navigate from a mobile device, you can lose business to your competitors – especially since mobile searches are often about more than finding information.

Consumers are using their mobile phones to take action after visiting a site, including calling a business, checking store hours and

mapping directions. Make sure your site is mobile-friendly and easy to use from a variety of devices so you don’t miss out on potential customers.

Social Side

Among the internet’s tools for drawing business, social media is one of the foremost reasons many people now go online.

While engaging in social media won’t turn a failing business into a successful enterprise overnight, it can help business owners in a number of ways.

At this writing, Facebook has 1.71 billion monthly active users.

Twitter, another popular social media platform, has more than 313 million registered users. Simply put, social media is more popular than ever before, and its popularity is growing by the day.

Businesses can take advantage of this by joining social media and immediately increasing their visibility. And that visibility is constant, as social media sites don’t close at 10pm and they reach customers far and wide.

Social media can be used as a promotional tool. Blog about a product to help potential customers better understand it, and customers won’t feel as if they’re being delivered a sales pitch.

Business owners can easily produce how-to videos to explain the product, and any questions customers have can be simply sent via social media. Business owners won’t have to spend as much time trying to convert them from potential customers into actual customers, and the informal nature of promoting a product via social media can make customers feel more comfortable about their decisions.

Though it can sometimes feel like the days of the successful small business owner is a thing of the past, social media is making it easier for small business owners to promote themselves and entice customers along the way. Buying from large corporations tends to alienate consumers, and small business owners can use that to their advantage. Use social media to tell your story. When consumers know who is behind a product, they tend to trust the company more and feel a more personal connection than they’re likely to feel with a larger company or corporation.

Social media users enjoy the social sites because they give them a chance to share their thoughts on a variety of things, including the products they buy. Small business owners can help their business by encouraging those who follow them on social media to share their thoughts about certain products or promotions. Employ social media to understand what customers like and dislike about certain products. This market research might once have cost small businesses a substantial amount of money, but now social media allows business owners to access this valuable information at relatively no cost.

Mary Kurek of Atlantic Beach, a professional networker with years of experience navigating social media and finding ways in which it can benefit businesses admits that it can be a daunting task, especially for someone who isn’t as computer literate as they would like to be. But it certainly isn’t impossible. Once you’ve established your business account, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other sites are easy to find your way around. Simply take a bit of time to explore and begin making a list of how the sites can benefit your company.

“You have to think about it with a marketing mindset. There are all kinds of ways to promote events and services,” said Kurek.

“Know that it does take some time – an investment of your time – but it is also a great way to reach a very large market.”

Daily activity is important, but it doesn’t take a lot to gain attention. Take pictures of you providing services, whether you’re a plumber or you own a boutique. Share info about your products or just take a picture of the beautiful view you have from your

office window.

“Keep in mind that it’s not so much about direct selling, but more about building a relationship and having a back and forth with potential clients,” she said.

Take time to search for other local businesses and friends and “like” their page or become “friends.” Then make a point to like the things they post on a regular basis, hence promoting your own company’s visibility. If you have competitors in the market, check out who is following them and request to connect. Note that many of the social media sites also have localized groups.

For example, 8,000 local people may be members of Beaufort NC on Facebook, and by joining and participating in the ongoing commentary, your business name is reaching out daily without a pushy sales pitch.

“When you’re first launching your business page you can boost your posts on Facebook,” suggested Kurek. Posts can be boosted for as little as $5 and the online tool allows you to choose the demographics you want to reach. “Do it every day for a month, post a relevant article, put out some great pictures, and you’ve build a brand with a perfect audience.”

Be cautious not to post too much – once or twice a day is usually adequate. Overloading your followers may make them decide you’re taking too much of their time. The business tools built into Facebook, for example, let you know which posts have earned the most attention and will help you finesse your activity.

Perhaps posting at noon gets 200 likes, while posts put up at 9am only grab the attention of 25.

For those who aren’t interested in tackling the beast themselves, there are a variety of companies set to handle your social media presence for a fee. But most business owners will find a small investment of their time will go a long way.

Word-of-mouth has long been a friend to small business owners, and now social media enables satisfied customers to share their experience with friends and family members who might one day become your next satisfied customer. Small businesses often need all the help they can get to establish and maintain success. Social media can be a significant ally to your small business in a number of ways.

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Is Grad School Right for You? Graduate school has long been a place professionals turn to when looking to give their careers a boost. But since the recession, graduate schools have seen a marked increase in attendance.

According to a 2015 UCLA survey, more than 82 percent of high school freshmen expressed a desire to attend a graduate program.

Economists expected to see the spike during the economic downturn, but numbers continue to increase as the financial markets rebound. The National Center for Education Statistics predicts an additional 21 percent increase in enrollment through 2020.

So is it right for you?

As with any major decision, weighing the pros and cons about seeking a higher level degree is vital. There are as many great reasons to go to grad school as there are reasons to avoid it altogether.

As one student writes, you don’t sample graduate school with the same carefree spirit of experimentation as you approach your early years of college. It is costly, it is highly competitive, it puts a strain on relationships and it will leech every free moment you have.

According to FinAid.org: “The median additional debt (the debt that graduate students pile onto the debt that they acquired as undergraduates) is $25,000 for a master’s degree, $52,000 for a doctoral degree and $79,836 for a professional degree. A quarter of graduate and professional students borrow more than $42,898 for a master’s degree, more than $75,712 for a doctoral degree and more than $118,500 for a professional degree.”

If the financial ramifications don’t scare you away, the academic demands might. Not only are graduate students expected to take an active role in their course work, but there are research studies, field work, clinicals and the dreaded thesis to content with as well.

In many graduate programs, about half of the students who begin never finish. And there is no written guarantee that it will translate to a higher salary.

But there is much more to consider than work load and finances. What really matters most is if the degree will move your career forward. Many people pursue an advanced degree out of intellectual curiosity, while many others do so in an effort to resuscitate careers or facilitate a transition to a new career. Ask 30

yourself if your career has reached a plateau and if the next logical step is an advanced degree. If a graduate degree aligns with your career goals, then you likely won’t regret pursuing such a degree regardless of the cost. On a similar note, if a graduate degree is required in another field you want to transition into, then the cost of that degree likely won’t be too much of a hindrance. But if a graduate degree isn’t necessary for your career but more of a shortcut to furthering that career, then the cost of pursuing the degree might not be worth it, and it could be something you grow to regret when loan payments come due.

Family also comes into play for many professionals who are weighing an advanced degree. Graduate degrees are not easy to come by, and the work required is considerable. Professionals with families must consider the impact their pursuits of advanced degrees may have on their families. Many professionals pursue advanced degrees part-time, which means they may not earn their degree in two years like full-time students will. Professionals with families must decide if the graduate degree is worth a three- or four-year investment and the sacrifices that will need to be made during those three or four years.

The right graduate program for you may not necessarily be close to home. Unlike younger students or recent college graduates, professionals often have established ties within a community. This includes a network of friends and fellow professionals. Leaving that life behind to pursue an advanced degree likely won’t be easy, so professionals considering such a pursuit should weigh the impact such a move may have on their quality of life and if that sacrifice is worth pursuing the degree.

An advanced degree can be a great way for professionals to boost their careers. But such pursuits come at a cost, and those costs should be considered before the application process even begins. Using graduate school as an outlet because you aren’t sure what to do next or can’t find a job in your chosen field isn’t necessarily the best decision, however, if your career path requires a higher degree or the added knowledge will advance your career, it may be the ideal next step. Before making a decision, be sure to talk with others who have attended the program so you have a clear picture of its demands and requirements.

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Money Matters

New Overtime Rule Takes Effect in December What at least some are considering a win for workers across the country, the Dept. of Labor has finalized a rule to update overtime protections. In total, the new rule is expected to extend overtime to 4.2 million Americans who are not currently eligible under federal law, and it is expected to boost wages for workers by $12 billion over the next 10 years. This includes more than 425,000 employees in North Carolina.

The 40-hour workweek has been a pillar of economic security for working families. The rules of the road were simple: if you were called on to put in extra work, your employer had to pay you extra regardless of whether you received an hourly wage or a salary. This left most Americans with more money in their pockets, more time to balance obligations at home and at work, and the opportunity to get ahead with more time outside of work for school or additional training.

Yet over the past 40 years, the share of full-time workers qualifying for overtime based on their salaries has plummeted from 62 percent in 1975 to 7 percent today.

The final rule, which takes effect on Dec. 1, 2016, doubles the salary threshold – from $23,660 to $47,476 per year, or $913 per week – under which most salaried workers are guaranteed overtime (hourly workers are generally guaranteed overtime pay regardless of their earnings level). Additionally, this new level will be automatically updated every three years to ensure that workers continue to earn the pay they deserve.

Overtime protections were first put into place by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, and established the general standard that workers be paid time-and-a-half for any hours worked over 40 hours in a week.

In general, all hourly employees are guaranteed overtime, and salaried employees are presumed to have the same guarantee unless they both: (1) make more than a salary threshold set by the Dept. of Labor, and (2) pass a test demonstrating that they primarily perform executive, administrative or professional duties.

A limited number of occupations are not eligible for overtime pay (including teachers, doctors and lawyers) or are subject to special provisions.

At just $455 per week or $23,660 per year, it was easy for employers to avoid 32

paying overtime by classifying employees as managers and having them do the same work as hourly employees plus a few more managerial tasks,” Clermont Ripley, an attorney with the Workers’ Rights Project at the NC Justice Center, said in a press release. “I have had clients who were classified as managers and paid a salary who were required to work 12 or 13 hour days doing a lot of the same work as the hourly employees they were supervising but for a lower hourly rate – often less than minimum wage. “ It’s a ruling that has come under fire by small business owners and their proponents, including the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, which has taken a public stance opposing the new limits. On May 10, 2015, the chamber board unanimously approved a resolution to this effect with all 21 members of the board voting.

In addition, bills are in committees in both the House and the Senate. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina is cosponsor of the S. 2707 and Rep. Walter Jones is cosponsoring HR 4773 – the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act – which is attempting to block the change, although both would require presidential action.

“Most employers aren’t sitting around on a pile of cash just waiting to be told by the federal government to hand it over to their employees,” Tillis commented. “Mandates for higher pay will require these already struggling small businesses to lay off or reduce the hours for workers they can no longer afford.”

Chamber President Tom Kies notes that it is important that employers begin to take heed of the pending change and make preparations.

“I think we should be planning ahead,” Kies said.

“We’re going to start tracking our staff ’s hours here at the chamber in September so we can be ahead of the game. People need to be prepared and begin looking at how this will affect their company.”

In addition to tracking all employees time, employers must decide if it is more cost effective to raise salaries above the newlyappointed threshold, or to pay overtime to those employees who may occasionally work more than 40 hours a week.

The Dept. of Labor will release technical instructions to help private employers, nonprofit employers and institutions of higher education come into compliance with the new rule.

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Business Briefs Cherry Point’s air traffic control services that cover more than 9,000 square miles of airspace for military, civil and commercial air traffic in the region.

Pappas, MCAS Cherry Point’s commanding officer since August 2013, has successfully managed the air station through multiple challenges brought on by ever-evolving Dept. of Defense-wide fiscal constraints, always with a focus on the future of Cherry Point and its ongoing role in support of the 2d MAW. During FY 2015, Cherry Point’s overall economic impact was $2.01 billion. It employs1,962 Carteret County residents, along with 4,016 Craven County residents, 115 from Pamlico and 113 from Jones.

State Ends Year Strong

New Home for Transportation Impact

Transportation Impact moved into new digs at 8921 Crew Drive in Emerald Isle this summer. Co-Founders Travis Burt and Keith Byrd gave local officials a tour of the company’s future home earlier this year and welcomed them back in July for a Business After Hours event through the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

The 13,000 square foot, three-story building, features views of both the sound and the ocean. Other planned features include an outdoor leisure area with cornhole boards and horseshoes along with a roof top terrace to enjoy the views.

The first two floors house offices, while the third houses the restaurant Caribsea.

“This has been our dream since we began in the back of the surf shop,” said co-founder Keith Byrd, referencing the storage closet of a local surf shop from which the company operated during its infancy. “We used to drive over the Emerald Isle bridge and talk about how amazing it would be to have a state-of-the-art building on the island where we could grow and continue to be successful.

After eight years of hard work, here we are.”

Transportation Impact, a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree, is a supply chain spend-management firm headquartered in Emerald Isle. Founded in 2008, the company offers a portfolio of supply chain services and technologies that help large companies reduce the costs associated with small package and freight shipping.

North Carolina ended the fiscal year with strong revenue growth, according to the state governor’s office, meaning business tax rates will be lower in 2017.

Tax revenue collections were $21.3 billion, more than $300 million above the threshold for triggering a reduction in the state’s business tax rate from 4 percent to 3 percent beginning Jan. 1, 2017. This will be less than half the 6.9 percent rate paid by North Carolina businesses in 2013, the governor’s office said in a news release.

“Even in an environment of historic tax cuts saving taxpayers more than $4.4 billion over five years, state revenues continue to grow due to our tremendous job growth, economic expansion and responsible fiscal management,” North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory said.

North Carolina’s business tax rate will now be the lowest in the nation among states with a business income tax. The next lowest state business income tax rate is 4.31 percent in North Dakota.

In addition to reducing the business income tax rate in 2017, North Carolina will also reduce the personal income tax rate in 2017 from 5.75 percent to 5.499 percent.

Ferry Takes Helm at Cherry Point

A new commander took the helm of the Marine Corps’ largest air station during a change of command ceremony on the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point parade field. Col. Chris Pappas, III relinquished command to Col. Todd W. Ferry during the formal affair.

Ferry comes to MCAS Cherry Point after serving as the J-5 Mission Support Division chief and as the J-5 director of staff, United States Africa Command, since 2013. From 2010 to 2012 he was the commanding officer of Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164, MCAS Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Ferry arrived as Cherry Point prepared to celebrate 75 years of service in Eastern North Carolina on Aug. 18, 2015.

Established on Aug. 18, 1941, Cherry Point has grown into one of the best all-weather jet bases in the world, occupying approximately 29,000 acres. The air station commander is responsible for the primary air station complex in Havelock, as well as multiple outlying landing fields and bombing ranges in Carteret and Craven counties. His responsibility stretches even further with 36

State Ports Show Boost in Volume

Continuing a recent trend of growth, the NC State Ports Authority enjoyed a banner year in fiscal 2015 with an 18 percent increase in containerized cargo volumes year-over-year. By con-

tainer volume growth percentage, North Carolina’s Ports are among the fastest growing on the East Coast.

In addition, the authority is moving forward with a $100 million investment in infrastructure improvements. With new cranes, an enhanced berth, a wider turning basin and further expansion on the way, North Carolina’s Ports will improve upon its operational efficiencies to keep cargo moving and congestion at bay at the Port of Wilmington.

“The Authority has ample capacity to support cargo volumes today and into the future,” Chief Commercial Officer Greg Fennell said. “With an ideal location, significant investment, modern facilities, and our lack of congestion we stand ready to help our customers succeed.”

Extensive growth can also be seen on the general cargo side at North Carolina’s Port of Morehead City. Total tonnage is up 19 percent year-over-year through February 2016 due to an influx of new accounts, including imported grains.

North Carolina’s Ports in Wilmington and Morehead City, plus inland terminals in Charlotte and in Greensboro, link the state’s consumers, businesses and industry to world markets, and serve as magnets to attract new business and industry while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy. Port activities contribute statewide to 76,000 jobs and $700 million each year in state and local tax revenues.

breweries looking to expand or relocate on the East Coast,” continued Chung.

Nationwide, beer marketing and beer tourism have become increasingly critical to the craft beer industry. With craft beer having grown 12.8 percent by volume in 2015 on top of 18 percent growth in 2014, according to the Brewers Association trade group, craft breweries have often simply sold out their production with little marketing. However, with over 4,400 breweries now in the United States, both retail shelf space and tap room visitors are harder to come by.

“The Beer Marketing & Tourism Conference provides factual, concrete advice for breweries looking to improve their marketing and for all beer and tourism industry players to improve their beer tourism offerings,” said conference organizer Allan Wright, president of Zephyr Conferences.

“Beer tourism is booming but also becoming more critical as tap room sales provide much higher margins to breweries while beer tourists fill beds and restaurant seats in areas successful attracting visitors.”

Emerald Isle ‘Best Beach Bargain’

Emerald Isle and Sunset Beach were given a nod this summer from RealtyTrac, a leading source for comprehensive housing data, in its special report ranking the best bargain beach towns for summer 2016 based on median home prices, average summer temperatures, air quality and density of registered criminal offenders.

For the report RealtyTrac analyzed more than 1,400 cities in coastal counties as defined by the US Census Bureau. The list was narrowed all the way down to the top ranking bargain beach town in each of the 15 states with a city matching the final criteria for a bargain beach town

Beer Marketing Conference Set for Asheville

The first-ever Beer Marketing & Tourism Conference will take place March 28-30, 2017 in Asheville. Beer and tourism industry leaders from throughout North America and beyond will gather for three days of education, discussion and networking.

Asheville and North Carolina are natural hosts for this conference. The city is known for its beer scene, with more breweries per capita than any other US city, according to ExploreAsheville.

The city has its own brewers association, the Asheville Brewers Alliance, with 36 brewery members. Additionally, three national craft beer players (Sierra Nevada Brewing, Oskar Blues Brewing and New Belgium Brewing) have all established major facilities in the area.

Moreover, on a state level there is strong support for the local beer industry in general and beer tourism in particular.

“The craft beer industry is an important driver of economic development in North Carolina. Home to more than 170 breweries, more than any other state in the south, the industry supports 10,000 jobs statewide and has an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion to our state,” explained Christopher Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, which oversees tourism marketing for the state.

“Hosting the first-ever Beer Tourism & Marketing Conference here in our state allows us to showcase what makes North Carolina a major destination for not only beer tourism, but also craft www.NCCOAST.com

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Welcome New Businesses to Carteret County Now Open

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Family BUSINESS 2017

If there is one thing we’re proud of in Carteret County it is our sentinel businesses that have nurtured our community for generations. Many of our restaurant owners, shopkeepers and service providers are keeping up a tradition – a family tradition carved out by their parents and grandparents before them.

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ilyESSFam amSIN FBU ily

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ounty

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From Business to Beach Travel

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41

Facts & Figures

2016 Demographics The demographics below have been gathered from a variety of sources, including the Carteret County Economic Development Council, US Census Bureau, NC Dept. of Commerce, Access NC, NC Dept. of Revenue and more, to provide a snapshot of the Crystal Coast and its many communities.

POPULATION Population Overview

Population

Median Age

Male

Female

Source: US Census Bureau

Carteret County North Carolina United States 68,879 10,042,802 308,745,538 47

37.4 37.3 49.1% 48.7 49.2 50.9% 51.3 50.8

Population by Community

2010 1,495 4,039 684

1,917

1,279 3,655 112

8,661 4,150 644

1,339

Atlantic Beach Beaufort

Bogue

Cape Carteret Cedar Point

Emerald Isle

Indian Beach

Morehead City Newport

Peletier

Pine Knoll Shores

2014 1,506 4,195 701

2,058 1,305 3,717 116

9,258 4,694 654

1,366

Median A ge 53.6 39.6 39.5 45.4 48.5 53.0 63.3 43.8 37.6 40.1 62.2

Population by A ge Under 5 5 to 9 10 to 14 15 to 19 20 to 24 25 to 29 30 to 34 35 to 39 40 to 44 45 to 59 50 to 54 55 to 59 60 to 64 65 to 69 70 to 74 75 to 79 80 to 84 85 and over

Percent

4.7 5.0 5.6 5.5 5.2 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.2 6.9 8.0 8.1 7.9 7.1 5.1 3.5 2.5 2.2

Source: Carteret County Economic Development Council

WAGES & INCOME Comparative Wage & Income Demographics

Per Capita Income

Median Household Income Source: US Census Bureau

42

Carteret County North Carolina United States $27,975 $25,284 $28,155 $47,179 $46,334 $53,046

Total labor force 2015: Employed

Unemployed Percent

31,399 29,535 1,864 5.9

Source: Access NC

Work in state

Work out of state

73.9% 24.4%

Annual Wages by Business Sector Sector

Total All Industries

Total Government

Total Private Industry

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, & Hunting

Utilities

Construction

Manufacturing

Wholesale Trade

Retail Trade

Transportation and Warehousing Information

Finance and Insurance

Real Estate and Rental Leasing Professional and Technical Services Mgt. of Companies, Enterprises Administrative and Waste Services Educational Services

Health Care and Social Assistance Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Accommodation and Food Services Other Services Ex. Public Admin.

Public Administration

Total Employed 22,754 4,627

18,126

Annual Wage $31,200 $41,236 $28,652

96 130 1,125 1,039 601 4,385 376 268 475 549 666 12 880 64 2,334 683 3,864 805 1,814

$27,924 $63,232 $35,412 $34,528 $41,288 $23,452 $37,700 $37,804 $53,976 $30,264 $51,948 $31,512 $24,856 $30,784 $41,548 $20,852 $15,600 $23,608 $39,052

Source: NC Dept. of Commerce

Cherry Point Impact – 2015 Year over year, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is the largest employer of Carteret County residents. In 2015, 1,369 civilian employees aboard the base live in Carteret County along with 557 active duty military members. In addition, 1,962 civilian family members call the county home and 633 family members of active duty personnel. With retired military and their family members factored in, Cherry Point accounts for 9,991 people total in Carteret County.

During FY2015, Cherry Point’s overall economic impact was $2.01 billion and awarded more than $72.5 million in contracts.

Top 30 Employers Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Company Carteret County Public Schools Carteret General Hospital NC Dept of Transportation Carteret County Government United States Coast Guard Wal-Mart Associates Inc Bally Refrigerated Boxes Lowes Home Centers Inc Carteret Community College Atlantic Veneer

Town Of Morehead City Bluewater Real Estate NC Dept of Environment & Natural Resources Veneer Technology Jarrett Bay Boatworks NOAA Beaufort Lab Harborview Healthcare Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. Big Rock Sports, LLC Bojangles Famous Chicken & Biscuits

United States Post Office Time Warner Cable Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative Food Lion

Snug Harbor On Nelson Bay Duke University Marine Lab Belk Inc

Town of Emerald Isle McDonalds

DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center

Part Time 28

247

169

161

70

126

2

116

200

0

23

41

Full Time 1120 755 441 386 300 282 182 174 168 161 151 125

0 0 8 0 26 0 0

119 226 108 108 99 99 90

0 0 0

87 80 80

0 167 19 3 56 69 56

75 68 67 62 59 57 57

35

35

Source: 2014 NC Dept. of Employment Security; Carteret Economic Development Council

Wages by Occupation Occupations Accountants & auditors

Architecture and engineering

Arts, design, entertainment, sports & media

Bookkeeping

Building, grounds cleaning & maintenance

Community and social services

Computer and mathematical

Construction and extraction

Customer service representatives

Education, training, and library

Food preparation and serving related

Healthcare practitioners and technical

Healthcare support

Installation, maintenance & repair

General & operation managers

Landscapers & Groundskeepers

Life, physical and social science

Management occupations

Office and administrative support

Personal care & service occupations

Production

Protective service occupations

Receptionists & information clerks

Registered nurses

Retail sales

Sales & related occupations

Secretaries and administrative assistants

Transportation and material moving

Employment 110

150

130

310

800

180

180

850

380

2,010

3,710

1,100

690

1,000

310

170

260

860

4,260

7870

930

840

380

420

1,400

4,020

520

1,240

Entry $23.26 $17.26 $10.92 $10.81 $8.15

$15.39 $19.32 $11.89 $9.08

$13.98 $8.19

$16.88 $9.58

$10.94 $22.99 $8.75

$17.30 $13.46 $9.17

$8.18

$8.97

$11.08 $9.97

$19.90 $8.20

$8.23

$12.22 $8.65

Average $31.61 $30.26 $18.20 $16.27 $10.63 $20.80 $32.29 $17.13 $13.53 $19.00 $9. 91 $34.89 $12.11 $16.82 $44.70 $12.74 $33.48 $41.65 $14.05 $11.85 $14.08 $16.05 $12.40 $26.31 $11.60 $13.36 $16.49 $13.71

Experienced $35.79 $36.76 $21.83 $19.00 $11.87 $23.51 $38.77 $19.75 $15.75 $21.50 $10.77 $43.89 $13.37 $19.76 $55.56 $14.74 $41.58 $50.74 $16.49 $13.69 $16.64 $18.54 $13.62 $29.51 $13.30 $15.93 $18.63 $16.24

Source: NC Dept. of Commerce

www.NCCOAST.com

43

Facts & Figures

TAXES & HOUSING

Property Tax Rates Occupancy Tax Collections

by Year

Property Tax Rates

(Per $100 valuation) Carteret County

Atlantic Beach

Beaufort

Bogue

Cape Carteret

Cedar Point

Morehead City

Newport

Peletier

Emerald Isle – Oceanfront

Non-oceanfront Indian Beach – Oceanfront

Non-oceanfront Pine Knoll Shores – Oceanfront

Non-oceanfront

.300 .165 .3475 .050 .1525 .0625 .350 .357 .055 .195 .155 .230 .190 .257 .213

Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Total $4,475,762 $4,752,828 $4,634,779 $4,304,382 $4,391,301 $4,453,946 $4,401,808 $4,669,968 $5,189,070

Source: 2014 NC Dept. of Revenue

Atlantic

Beaufort

Broad & Gales Creek Cedar Island

Davis

Harkers Island Harlowe

Marshallberg

Mill Creek

Mitchell Village North River

Otway

Salter Path

Sea Level

South River

Stacy

Stella

Wildwood

Western Carteret

.070 .055 .030 .100 .085 .070 .075 .090 .045 .050 .090 .070 .060 .095 .060 .085 .040 .00675 .040

Sales & Use Tax (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015)

Housing

Housing Units

Owner-Occupied Units

Median value of Owner-Occupied Units Median gross rent

Total households

Persons per household

Building permits 2015

Source: US Census Bureau

48,982 70.2% $193,500 $780 29,352 2.27 345

Business Group 3% & 4.75%

Gross Collections $312,289

Taxable Sales $10,059,513

Apparel

Automotive

Food

Furniture

General Merchandise Lumber & Building Material Unclassified

$1,644,859 $1,728,724 $9,034,014 $1,542,553 $11,281,033 $6,352,182 $14,637,608

$34,457,914 $36,257,104 $189,431,510 $32,413,510 $236,738,038 $133,556,341 $306,863,997

Source: 2014 NC Dept. of Revenue

Magazine for & Residents Monthly News Property Owners Bogue Banks

Vol. 21, No. 3 Fest • St. Paddy’s Volunteer Awards • Aquarium Show • Home & Garden & Pig Out • Oyster Roast • Bites & Blues • At the Aquarium e • Horoscop Watch • Property • Emerald Tidings • Book Bag • Events Calendar • Mayors’ Notes Atlantic Beach Emerald Isle Pine Knoll Shores

201 N. 17th St.,

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Morehead City, NC 28557

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Magazine for & Residents Monthly News Property Owners Bogue Banks

nccoast.com Vol. 21, No. 5 • Music Festivals Show • Wooden Boat • PKS Exhibit • Mile of Hope • Boat Show • At the Aquarium • Shorelines e • Horoscop • Property Watch • Emerald Tidings • Book Bag • Events Calendar • Mayors’ Notes Atlantic Beach Emerald Isle Pine Knoll Shores 201 N. 17th St.,

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Business Directory The following is a list of businesses advertising in the NCCOAST Business Journal with the corresponding page number of their advertisement. For information on advertising in a future issue of the NCCOAST Business Journal, email jbailey@nccoast.com or phone 252.247.7442.

ADVANCED OFFICE SOLUTIONS............... 13 252.393.1112 ADVANTAGE COASTAL PROPERTIES....... 27 252.354.9000 AL WILLIAMS PROPERTIES.......................... 9 252.726.8800 ARTISAN GRANITE & MARBLE.................... 2 252-354-7774 ARTISTIC TILE................................................ 6 252.241.7579 BALLY REFRIGERATED BOXES, INC . ................................................ 13 252.240.2829 BASNIGHT GARNER REAL ESTATE............................................... 46 252.723.3006, 252.241.3622 BEAUFORT FURNITURE HOME STORE..... 38 252.728.3201 BOGUE BATTERY......................................... 35 252.622.4994 BRAZDA MARINE......................................... 31 252.240.1600 BUDGET BLINDS.......................................... 17 252-247-3355 B&W CLEANERS.......................................... 17 252.247.6978 CAROLINA PRINCESS................................. 40 252.726.5479 CARTERET COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.................................................. 15 252.726.6350

CARTERET HEALTH CARE.................... 24-25 252-808-6000 CHALK & GIBBS........................................... 15 252.726.3167 CHANNEL MARKER..................................... 33 252.247.2344 CHURCHWELL’S JEWELERS...................... 17 252.354.7166 COASTAL CAROLINA ORTHODONTICS...... 3 252.726.1137 COASTAL CAROLINA REGIONAL AIRPORT....................................................... 41 252.638.8591 COASTAL COUNTERTOPS.......................... 19 252.247.0015 COASTAL IMAGING...................................... 47 252-633-5057 CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER............... 41 252.247.3883 DIAMOND LIMOUSINE................................. 33 252.240.1680 DOWNTOWN MOREHEAD CITY REVITALIZATION ASSOCIATION................. 11 252.808.0440 FAT FELLAS.................................................... 7 252.223.3299 FLOYD’S 1921............................................... 12 252.727.1921 FRONT STREET VILLAGE........................... 11 252.838.1524 GUS H. TULLOSS INSURANCE................... 13 252.937.6913 JACKIE’S AMERICAN GRILLE.................... 39 252-354.8111 JAKE’S ON ARENDELL................................ 39 252.499.9872 KIRKMAN, WHITFORD, BRADY & BERRYMAN............................................... 35 252.726.8411

KURTIS CHEVROLET..................................... 5 252.726.8128 LIFTAVATOR.................................................... 2 252.634.1717 MOORE ORTHOPEDICS................................. 3 252.808.3100 ROYAL COAT DECORATIVE CONCRETE... 45 252.727.5418 SEAPORT ANTIQUE MARKET..................... 13 252.726.6606 SOUND BANK............................................... 31 252-727-5558 SOUTHEASTERN ELEVATOR...................... 48 252.726.0075 STYRON & STYRON INSURANCE................. 9 252.726.0062 SUGARLOAF ISLAND DELI......................... 40 252.222.0231 SUNSHINE CLEANERS................................ 12 252.726.4444 TIDE TAMER.................................................. 18 252.747.5180 TOWN & COUNTRY IGA................................. 9 252-726-3781 THE UPS STORE........................................... 17 252.726.4433 WASTE INDUSTRIES.................................... 13 252.223.4176 WILLIAM’S HARDWARE............................... 35 252.726.7158 WILLIS INSURANCE AGENCY..................... 12 252.726.7844 WINDOWS & MORE...................................... 34 252.726.8181

BASNIGHT GARNER REAL ESTATE - Professionals who absolutely love what they do... helping YOU! “ The Basnight Garner Real Estate Group is an outstanding group of professionals, ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to satisfy the

”

customer and get the job done!

-John and Kathy Connolly Find Us On Facebook Check out our website: www.basnightgarner.com Carol Basnight: 252-241-3622 carolbasnight@kw.com Sharon Garner-Thompson: 252-725-3006 sgarnerthompson@gmail.com 46

Accepting Most Insurance Including Blue Cross Blue Shield

Women’s

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