Business Journal, Summer 2017 by NCCOAST

2017-2018

Doing Business In Carteret County

New College President · From the Chamber of Commerce · Facts & Figures www.NCCOAST.com

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CONTENTS Vol. 10 2017-2018 www.nccoast.com

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 Carraway Billy France Roze Taitingfong Production Director: Rudy J. Taitague Mail Center: Skip Hicks Pressman: Allen Henry Folder Operator: Destiny Fulcher Bindery Operator: Rudy D. Taitague Distribution Manager: Ken Rhue 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 2017-2018 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. Email roze@nccoast.com for subscription information.

Vol. 10 2017-2018

CCC WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT

Dr. John Hauser becomes the fifth president at Carteret Community College.

18 IMPROVE CYBER SECURITY AT HOME & WORK

With corporate cyber attacks a mainstay in the nightly news, learn steps you can take now to protect your information.

CARTERET COUNTY AIMS TO EXCEL IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

A look at the many ways Carteret County’s is excelling based on recommendations offered by Edward T. McMahon with the Urban Land Institute in Washington, D.C.

24 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AWARDS COMMUNITY LEADERS

Area business leaders are recognized during the chamber’s Crystal Ball.

28 AT THE INDUSTRIAL PARK - GEODYNAMICS

Local success story Geodynamics expands its footprint at the Crystal Coast Industrial Park

30 AT THE INDUSTRIAL PARK SHEARLINE BOATWORKS

Expansion is on the horizon for this local custom boat company lead by president Chip King.

36 DOWNTOWN VIEW From a name change to a new leader, see what’s moving

at shaking at Downtown Morehead City, Inc.

36 MAKE SCORE ONE OF YOUR FIRST STOPS This band of volunteers is dedicated to seeing small

businesses succeed.

IN OTHER BUSINESS

10 From the Chamber 14 From the President’s Desk 16 In the Network 22 The Onlooker 46 Facts & Figures 48 Advertising Index

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Carteret Community College Welcomes New President

Dr. John Hauser started as the fifth president of Carteret Community College (CCC) in July, coming to CCC from Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, where Hauser served as vice president of applied career technologies and Alleghany Center since 2011. He has spent 19 years in the NC Community College System, with 10 years of administrative responsibilities. “We are extremely pleased to have Dr. Hauser join us as the college’s new president,” said Dr. Matt Zettl, chairman of the CCC Board of Trustees. “With his experience as a creative leader, the College can look forward to further development of existing programs, and exploration and initiation of new opportunities.” Dr. Hauser earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Appalachian State University. He began his career at Wilkes Community College in 1997 as a director of industry services and moved his way up to executive director, dean and finally vice president. Before his career in education, Dr. Hauser was a mechanical and plant industrial engineer. “In coming months, I plan to listen and learn from faculty, staff, students, trustees and alumni to understand more fully the many existing and future opportunities facing the college, and to hear their aspirations for this great institution,” said Dr. Hauser. “I am excited to work with all members of the community to drive Carteret to even greater heights. I’m also looking forward to getting to know the people who make up our surrounding community.” Having been involved in Career and College Promise (the high school dual enrollment program) and SkillsUSA (workforce skills competition) at his previous college, Hauser is excited about Carteret Community College’s growth in those areas. The col8

lege’s enrollment growth this past year is in large part due to an over 100% increase in dual-enrolled high school and homeschooled students. In June, Carteret saw its first gold medal winner in the SkillsUSA national championship in Louisville, Ken. The college is growing and expanding its use of technology and building programs through the use of 3D printers, drones, and a 5-axis CNC router – all to better prepare the local workforce. Dr. Hauser said the college is pushing forward with its exciting new hospitality & culinary arts project, with a projected ground-breaking in May of 2018. In addition, he notes that the Carteret Community College Foundation has a smorgasbord of new and existing events on the 2017-2018 calendar to raise money for students and programs and enrich the cultural life of the community. “I’m incredibly proud of Carteret Community College and look forward to leading and growing our college over the next year and beyond.” Dr. Hauser and his wife Robin moved to Beaufort. The Hausers have two children. Their daughter Logan is a sophomore at NC State University majoring in fashion and textile management with a concentration in fashion development and product design. Their son Carter is attending his first year at Catawba College on a basketball scholarship and plans to major in education. The Hausers also have a 12-year old yellow lab named Charlie, and a lionhead rabbit named Bunny. “My wife Robin and I look forward to developing new relationships in Carteret County and becoming active members of the community,” said Dr. Hauser.

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FROM THE CHAMBER

Help Us Identify True Customer Service Champions

Leadership Carteret, Class of 2017 posing in front of the infamous wall at Camp Albemarle.

Leadership Carteret 2018: Now Accepting A pplication

The Leadership Carteret Class of 2018 is now forming. Word on the street is that this could be the best class ever. Leadership Carteret is an in-depth professional development program, presented annually by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. Sessions, which begin in January of 2018, meet for 10 consecutive Wednesdays. “This will be our 31st consecutive season to offer Leadership Carteret, and our goal remains the same – ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,’” said Lana Collmann of the chamber. “The program offers a comprehensive orientation about contemporary issues and challenges that are unique to Carteret County,” she said. “We take the class to places off the beaten path and behind the scenes to give the participants an experience they will never forget. It’s an unforgettable experience.” The class is held to 35 members and fills quickly. The class will go behind the scenes at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, see an oyster farm, climb the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, among a host of other interesting features. Last year, the class split up into five groups and partnered with regional nonprofits that left a long lasting, meaningful difference in Carteret County. The nonprofits that benefited in 2017 were the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina, Hope Mission, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and NC Coastal Federation. To apply to enroll in Leadership Carteret 2018, contact Lana Collmann at 252-726-6350 or lana@nccoastchamber.com or sign up online at www. nccoastchamber.com. Tuition is $400 for chamber members and $500 for others.

Chamber’s 2017 Directory Is Guide To ‘Doing Business’ at the Coast

The 2017 Business Directory, published by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, is now available – free of charge – at chamber headquarters at 801 Arendell St., Morehead City. The 72-page publication was printed by NCCOAST (publisher of NCCOAST Business Journal) and designed by graphic artist Billy France. The business directory section includes the complete roster of chamber members who are listed three ways – categorically, alphabetically and by key contacts. It also contains information for people who are considering relocation to the Crystal Coast, including school, local government and tax information. “We encourage local businesses to give copies to vacationers, guests, clients, customers and prospects,” said Chamber President Tom Kies.

There’s a talent search under way … as the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce is spearheading efforts to salute the 2017 Customer Service Champions in local communities. “Each year, we present a handful of ‘Outrageous Customer Service’ Awards to individuals across the county,’” said Tina Purifoy, chair of the chamber’s board of directors. “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, tom@nccoastchamber.com. The deadline is Aug. 31. The awards ceremony will be in October. The awards program is also co-sponsored by Emerald Isle Beach & Pool Club. Reception sponsorship opportunities are available. The 2016 Outrageous Customer Service Award winners were: Don, Jeri and Brett Dixon from Kites Unlimited; Debra Whaley, Attorney at Law; Wanda Bennett, member of the Carteret County Foundation Board; Heather Ward of Emerald Isle Realty; Butch Moore of Parrott’s on 11th and Crystal Coast Civic Center; Jeff Fisher of Office Fusion Solutions; Will Johnson of Softwater Solutions; Shannon Hudson of Branch Banking and Trust; and Linda Travis of Sanitary Restaurant. Dr. Kerry Youngblood of Carteret Community College, who was the featured speaker at the awards ceremony, said: “‘Above and beyond’ is a consistent theme for all these award recipients. They are all excellent communicators and truly care about their customers. They ignore the clock; it has no meaning. For them, customer service is 24/7 in all directions.”

Anna Smith, director of administrative services.

Chamber Welcomes Anna Smith

Anna Smith has joined the chamber staff as director of administrative services. She will be responsible for office administrative duties, as well as the chamber’s website and social media feeds. The position was previously held by Susan McNamara, who is now the director of The Bridge Down East. Anna is a 2011 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Penn., where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism, with a print concentration. She was raised in nearby Lewistown, Penn She graduated from Penn State in less than four years, and during her time as a student, worked for the student newspaper at the Altoona branch campus and The Daily Collegian at the University Park campus. She spent a summer studying abroad in Puebla, Mexico, while earning credits for her Spanish minor, and spent her final semester interning at The Hill newspaper in Washington, D.C., while completing classes. In December 2011, Anna relocated to the Crystal Coast where she had accepted a position as a municipal government reporter with the Carteret County News-Times. She spent the past five and a half years there in two different reporting roles, writing under her maiden name, Anna Harvey. In 2014, she married J.J. Smith, a sports reporter at the News-Times. The couple resides in Beaufort.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK

What Does Economic Development Look Like on the Crystal Coast? As of this writing, the county is taking applications and resumes for the position of executive director of economic development. While this is taking place, I took some time to ruminate on what economic development is all about here in our little piece of paradise. From a chamber of commerce point of view, Carteret County is undergoing a burst of economic growth. In the 2015-2016 fiscal year, taxable retail sales in the county was $1,042,560,897. That’s right over a billion dollars. Out of 100 counties in North Carolina, little Carteret was 27th in taxable sales. About $200 million of that was food sales. Is it any wonder that Lidl decided to build a store here? The county is undergoing a growth spurt not seen since the Great Recession. An unprecedented boom of new housing is being built with the largest being a two-phase project called Beaufort East Village. When finished, it will consist of almost 800 homes covering nearly 300 acres. Construction in Carteret County is at an all-time high. And real estate sales are on the rise. According to the Carteret County Association of Realtors website, through May of 2017 compared to the same period of time last year, sold listings are up by nearly 10% and average sold price is up by 8.9%. Tourism is one of the area’s largest and fastest growing industries and a major component of the Carteret County economy. More than 3,300 tourism-related jobs have been created over the past several years with an annual payroll of $61.75 million in 2015. In fact, tourism and travel in 2015 generated $336.90 million dollars in revenue, which is a 3.33% increase over 2014 … placing the county in the top 17 in North Carolina. Tourism and hospitality is such an economic engine here that Carteret Community College will soon break ground on its new Culinary and Hospitality Facility, 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. Because of the seasonal nature of our market, unemployment fluctuates. During the height of the recession, the fluctuations were between 10% and 8%. Now the fluctuations are at a high of 6% during the ‘off season’ and 4% during the ‘season’. Who are Carteret County’s biggest employers? Carteret County Public Schools – 1,026; Carteret Health Care – 775; Carteret County Government – 386; US Coast Guard – 300; Wal Mart – 224; Bally Refrigerated Boxes – 201; Lowes Home Centers – 159; and Carteret Community College – 156. But the real powerhouse employer for Carteret County? It’s not in Carteret County – the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point, with 557 active military and 1,369 civilian employees who live in Carteret County, but work on base. 14

Another powerhouse that is rarely talked about is the sheer number of microenterprises in Carteret County. Microenterprises are companies that have 4 or less employees. According to numbers received from Carteret Community College compiled in June, there are 7,441 microenterprises here on the Crystal Coast. Of those, here are some of the larger categories: Construction – 1,186; Real Estate and Rental and Leasing – 1,049; Administrative SupTom Kies, President port/Remediation Services – 721; Carteret County Professional, Scientific and Technical Chamber of Commerce Services – 691; and Retail Trade – 676. What is it that attracts businesses to the Crystal Coast? Our greatest strengths are the quality of life, our schools and health care. The quality of life is, in no small part, our location. Carteret County has a total area of 1,341 square miles of which 506 square miles is land and 834 square miles (62%) is water. We are, by the way, the third largest county in North Carolina by total area. The Crystal Coast is aptly named, with beautiful beaches, pristine waters – both saltwater and fresh – fabulous boating and fishing, temperate weather and clean air. Transportation Impact and Frank Door are both here because of the quality of life. The schools in Carteret County are ranked high in North Carolina. Niche.com ranks over 8,000 public school districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents. According to Niche, Carteret County public schools ranked #9 out of 115 districts in the state and #18 with the best teachers in North Carolina. An interesting side note, Niche also ranked our public school district #2 Best District for Athletes. And for health care, Carteret Health Care recently completed a $53 million expansion that added 112,000 square feet of new space to the facility, including a three-story specialty pavilion and a new area above the existing emergency department. The facility is recognized as a Top 100 rural & Community Hospital in the US by iVantage Health Analytics in 2016 and the only North Carolina Hospital recognized in 2017. While there are numerous hurdles when it comes to attracting businesses and companies to settle in Carteret County, there are a lot of good things to brag about. The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce is proud to be the area’s loudest cheerleader.

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. We’ve got it covered.

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IN THE NETWORK

Bob and Shawn Cherry of SFI Group, Inc.

Henry Kahen of Edward Jones Investments and Judge Doug McCullough, author of “Sea of Greed.”

Chrissy Suralik of Inkspiration Studio and Amy Nelson of Wells Fargo Advisors

Gus Tulloss of Gus H. Tulloss Insurance and Jody Smith of Sound Bank

Keri Nielson, Johnny Lewis and Amy Doane of WNCT9

Taking the Work out of

Networking The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce stages dozens of networking events throughout the year that are meant to be informative, a great way to meet other business leaders and, most of all, FUN! Julie Naegelen, director of membership services for the chamber, suggests, “It’s important to be yourself at these events, but to get the most out of these events, be genuine and have a purpose.” Naegelen said, “Prepare yourself ahead of time before entering the room at each networking forum you attend. Don’t try to meet and distribute business cards to everyone you don’t know. That can be overwhelming and unproductive. Try this technique – be selective, and use people you know to introduce you to people you would to meet. Make a target list of five people that you would like to get to know – potential business contacts. “The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce specializes in arranging networking functions. If you are brand new, don’t shy away. The chamber staff and members of the Ambassadors Club can show you around and help you learn how to maximize your effectiveness. That’s a key part of the member services we offer. “We can get you plugged in to attend any or all of the business 16

After Hours events for the year. Open to members and their guests, the admission is $5 and a business card. The sponsor receives copies of the cards, which that business can use to follow up with attendees.” Naegelen went on to say, “We always have a drawing for door prizes and your business card in my basket is your ticket to win.” The chamber’s largest networking opportunity of the year, the Business After Hours Expo, will be held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center on April 19, 2018 and can accommodate about 65 exhibitors. The annual event attracts about 500 attendees. “It’s like a Business After Hours networking event on steroids,” said Naegelen, who serves as the Expo coordinator. “We’ve learned how to combine the buzz and excitement of a business trade show with the fun and flair that is associated with the Chamber Business After Hours.” Another networking and learning opportunity are the Small Business Roundtables that meet at 8am, Tuesday-Friday, at set locations around the county. These sessions are sponsored by the county’s Small Business Resource Alliance. There is no cost to attend and advance registration is not required.

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Improve Cyber Security at Home & Work

The internet plays an integral role in many people’s daily lives. The number of internet users has increased from 738 million in 2000 to 3.2 billion in 2015, according to a new report from the International Telecommunication Union. While spending time online has become second nature, it’s important that users remember to prioritize security when spending time online. Both Google and McAfee estimate that there are roughly 2,000 cyber attacks every day around the world. This costs the global economy around $460 billion per year. Many people and businesses think they may be doing enough to safeguard against attacks, but they may not be as safe as they could be. Sophisticated hackers can steal data and extort money from vulnerable organizations and individuals. The following are some ways individuals and organizations can safeguard their networks from cyber criminals. Employ anti-virus software. Rely on anti-virus software to safeguard against computer viruses and spyware. Keep such software up-to-date as well. Remember to download and install updates as they become available. If you think you’ll forget to do so, activate the software’s auto-update feature. Exercise caution with email. Do not open emails from unknown senders. Also, be suspicious of unexpected emails that contain attachments and links, whether you know the sender or not. Employees clicking on email attachments they believe are from trusted sources is “the No. 1 threat for organizations,” said Proofpoint’s Gary Steele, a secure email specialist. Go beyond the firewall. Security breaches are inevitable, warn technology experts, so attention needs to be shifted from just securing main firewalls to developing a lot of smaller roadblocks around data that can’t afford to be lost. This involves signing each bit of digital information with a unique code that can stonewall potential hackers. Smaller breaches are easier to manage in businesses because hackers will not take down an entire company. Consult an IT security firm for this type of protection. Use off-site protection. Regularly back up your computer data and consider keeping some of it off-site. This makes it easier to retrieve and restore data in the event of a breach. This can be done via a ‘cloud’ storage company, or with a stand alone hard drive that can be removed and kept off site. Keep passwords protected. Never share passwords with others and change passwords frequently. When selecting passwords, choose hard-to-guess ones that have at least eight characters with a mix of letters, cases, numbers and symbols to make passwords harder to crack. It can be tricky to come up with a random set of symbols that you can remember by heart. We love the idea of 18

employing a short sentence – Where’sthebeef? or Iamatworktoday! Be sure to never write your password down or share it with anyone. Use the highest level of security. For applications that connect to the Internet such as browsers, social media, email clients, etc., use the highest level of security setting that will still offer the functionality you need. Be aware of mobile threats, too. Many firms enable employees to use their own mobile devices to access company information. IT professionals cannot monitor security settings on mobile devices, and it’s best to restrict access to very secure data when accessed remotely. Cyber security has become a concern for large and small businesses, as well as individuals who rely heavily on the Internet. But there are some simple and effective ways to protect networks and personal devices from cyber criminals.

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Crystal Coast Aims to Excel in Sustainable Tourism By Mike Wagoner

Most simply defined, commerce is “the activity of buying and selling.” Tourism, then, is just your basic form of commerce. Fortunately, visitors like the tourism product that the Crystal Coast is “selling”…so they keep “buying.” Indeed, the summer of 2017 was a profitable one for Carteret County’s assorted tourism businesses. Edward T. McMahon is an expert on the subjects of tourism and economic development. The Senior Fellow for Sustainable Development with the Urban Land Institute in Washington, D.C. McMahon is a regular contributor to Urban Life magazine. One of his recent articles dealt with “Principles for Responsible Tourism.” “Tourism is big business. Americans spend more than $800 billion a year on travel and recreational pursuits away from home,” McMahon says. “Tourism is … a critical to the U.S. economy. It provides communities with many benefits: new jobs, an expanded tax base, enhanced infrastructure, improved facilities and an expanded market for local products, art and handicrafts. In short, it can be an important tool for community revitalization.” McMahon says problems for host communities can arise, however, if the focus is on “mass-market tourism,” such as mega-hotels, theme parks and cruise ships that mean “quantity.” “Sustainable tourism is lower volume and lower impact, but has a higher yield,” McMahon says. “Sustainable tourism is about high ‘quality’ and the focus is on places that are authentic, specialized, unique and homegrown. To understand sustainable tourism, think about unspoiled scenery, locally owned businesses, historic small towns and safe and walkable … neighborhoods.” A challenge is how to make a tourism destination like the Crystal Coast even more appealing. McMahon suggests each community embrace and invest in “identifying, preserving, enhancing and/ or restoring its natural and cultural assets – in other words, protecting its heritage and environment. 20

“It is, after all, the unique architecture, culture, wildlife or natural beauty of a community or region that attracts tourists in the first place. If the destination is too crowded, too commercial or too much like every other place, then why go?” McMahon continues: “The truth is … the more a community does to enhance its uniqueness, the more people will want to visit. This is the reason why local land use planning, historic restoration and design standards are so important.” He offers a set of recommendations. Let’s see how the Crystal Coast is measuring up.

1. Preserve and restore historic buildings, neighborhoods and landscapes.

“Saving the historic buildings and landscapes is about saving the heart and soul of the community. It is also about economic competitiveness,” McMahon says. “Travel writer Arthur Frommer put it this way: ‘Among cities with no particular recreational appeal, those that have preserved their past continue to enjoy tourism. Those that haven’t receive almost no tourism at all. Tourism simply won’t go to a city or town that has lost its soul.’” “Preservation-minded communities like Santa Barbara, Charleston, Annapolis, Savannah, Santa Fe and Quebec City are among North America’s leading tourist destinations precisely because they have protected their unique architectural heritage,” according to McMahon. Surely, we can add Beaufort, N.C., to the list.

2. Focus on the authentic.

“Communities should make every effort to preserve the authentic aspects of local heritage and culture, including food, art, music, handicrafts, architecture, landscape and traditions. Sustainable tourism emphasizes the real over the artificial,” McMahon says. He would enjoy going Down East in Carteret County and visiting the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center at the

end of the road on Harkers Island to learn about fishing, hunting and decoy carving.

3. Ensure that “tourism support facilities” are compatible with their surroundings.

McMahon says tourists need places to eat and sleep that are in keeping with the integrity of the destination. Again, it’s about the authenticity. “Tourism is the sum of the travel experience,” he says. “It is not just what happens at a museum or a festival.” It also involves the places that tourists dine, where they go for entertainment, the roads they drive down, the main streets they shop on, and so forth. Harmonious relationships matter. The Crystal Coast excels in providing a full spectrum of options for lodging, dining and shopping, unique to the personalities of the towns and beaches.

4. Interpret the resource.

“Education and interpretation are another key to sustainable tourism,” McMahon says. “Visitors want information about what they are seeing, and interpretation can be a powerful storytelling tool that can make an exhibit, an attraction, even an entire community comes alive. Interpretation instills respect and fosters stewardship. Education about natural and cultural resources can instill community pride and strengthen one’s sense of place.” He cites Gettysburg, Pa. and Richmond, Va., as good examples of communities that are doing a great job of telling their respective history stories. Education and interpretation are alive and well in Carteret County, from Cape Lookout National Seashore to Fort Macon State Park on Bogue Banks. In between is Beaufort with its attractions that include the NC Maritime Museum, the Beaufort Historic Site and the Old Burying Ground. Let’s get Ed McMahon a ticket to ride Beaufort’s red English double-decker bus to get an earful of “interpretation” by the docent aboard. Is Martha Barnes free?

5. Protect community gateways.

“First impressions matter,” McMahon says. “A good first impression is important and a bad first impression is hard to change. Some communities pay attention to their gateways. Others do not. Community appearance is important. It affects a community’s image and its economic well-being.” Emerald Isle is the gateway to the western end of Bogue Banks, and the town is making a powerful “community character statement for southern coastal beach flavor.

6. Control outdoor signs.

“Protecting scenic views and vistas, planting street trees and landscaping parking lots all make economic sense, but controlling outdoor signs is probably the most important step a tourism-oriented community can take to make an immediate, visible improvement in its physical environment,” McMahon advises. Billboards and uncontrolled signs are nothing but “clutter – ugly, ineffective and expensive,” he says. “Almost all of America’s premier tourist destinations have strong sign ordinances because they understand that physically attractive communities attract more business than ugly ones.” There is a noticeable absence of billboards along the Newport stretch of Highway 70, and that’s a positive step in the right direction.

7. Enhance the journey as well as the destination.

Getting to one’s vacation destination “can be half the fun, but frequently it is not,” McMahon says. “Except for a few special roads like the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Natchez Trace Parkway, a drive

McMahon Has Ties to Eastern North Carolina This isn’t the first time that Edward T. McMahon’s work has been cited in the Business Journal. He came to Morehead City in 2004 as keynote speaker for an economic summit hosted by the Carteret County Economic Development Council at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Establishing “community character” was at the heart of his message: “It’s accomplished one building at a time, one project at a time. Good design can be good for business.” McMahon participated as a lead speaker at a large gathering in 2012 known as EnvisionEAST-2050 in Trenton in nearby Jones County, sponsored by PlanIt EAST, which was an outgrowth of the regional Military Growth Task Force. The event was a nine-county forum to plan for anticipated population increases around military installations in eastern North Carolina. His emphasis in that talk was to realize “a place is more than just a location on a map, and sense of place involves a unique collection of qualities and characteristics – visual, cultural, social and environmental – that provide meaning to a location.” Local community leaders were urged to leverage each community’s strengths for the benefit of the region but to stand united in welcoming and supporting military families. along a typical American highway can be a profoundly depressing experience.” He quotes the late great North Carolinian Charles Kuralt, a prince of television journalism: ‘Thanks to the Interstate highway system, it is now possible to drive across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.” The remedy is to take a drive on the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway through the Down East section of the county. It’s refreshingly uncluttered. The southern gateway is on Highway 70 beyond Beaufort. The byway route continues north along Highway 12 and includes two state ferry rides into the northern Outer Banks counties.

8. Get tourists out of their cars.

“If you design a community or development around cars, you will get more cars. But if you design a community or development around people, you will get more pedestrians,” McMahon says. “Walkability is very good for business, especially tourism-oriented businesses. The best way to get people out of their cars is to create places where people can safely walk and bike in attractive settings,” places like San Francisco and San Antonio, he points out. Beaufort and Morehead City are pedestrian friendly, as are the beach communities with sidewalks along Highway 58. The best place to walk is anywhere near the water or along the shoreline. If a tourism community doesn’t have a plan to succeed, that’s the equivalent of having a plan to fail, in McMahon’s mind. He says it’s prudent to develop a plan “to preserve the natural, cultural, and scenic resources.” Once the natural scenery is gone…it’s gone for good. Carteret County and the Crystal Coast get very high marks toward “responsible tourism.” www.NCCOAST.com

THE ONLOOKER

County Internalizes Economic Development Function By Mike Wagoner

The Carteret County government has taken over responsibility for the economic development function and is looking to hire an economic developer. He or she will become an employee of county government and report directly to Carteret County Manager Tommy Burns. The job posting announcement put the annual salary roughly between $79,000 and $123,000. Having an internal economic development department as a part of county government will be something new for Carteret County. In the past, the Carteret County Economic Development Council (EDC) functioned much like a public/private partnership. Formed in 1971, the EDC always had a paid director who reported to an all-volunteer board of directors. The EDC was a separate nonprofit organization and technically unaffiliated with county government. Historically, however, the EDC received a majority of its annual funding in a $175,000 allocation from the county government. Another $50,000 or so in revenue would flow in each year through EDC membership dues. Things began to change almost two full years ago (September 2015) when the EDC’s economic developer voluntarily resigned. The EDC board acted swiftly and reeled in Greg Lewis to become interim director. A well-respected member of the EDC board, he had also served on the Carteret County Board of Commissioners and spent time as the board chair, giving him great insight into how the county ticked. The past Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year (2014), he brought a renewed integrity to the EDC office. However, at the county commissioners’ annual planning retreat in February 2016, an ultimatum was delivered by the commissioners to the EDC. Commissioners set forth certain requirements for the EDC, including a restructuring that “allowed the commissioners a greater role” in the governance of the EDC. Failure to do so would result in defunding the EDC organization by the county board. EDC leaders publicly expressed their willingness to talk and work things out. An agreement in principle never materialized. Being true to their word, the commissioners did pull the funding for the EDC, contributing zero dollars in fiscal year 2016-17 and again in the current fiscal year budget. The EDC continued to operate, drawing down its cash reserves. Lewis performed valiantly as the sole sentinel manning the fort to recruit new business and industry for the county. Lewis stated that he was approached in March of this year by an emissary from the county government in Beaufort who requested he resign immediately. Lewis obliged and this decision was reported in the Carteret County News-Times March 20, 2017. The EDC office is in a small, one-story building on the campus of Carteret Community College near the entrance to the Crystal Coast Civic Center. The address is 3615 Arendell St., Morehead City. Other building occupants are the Carteret Community College Small Business Center and the Carteret County SCORE 22

chapter, which is a volunteer-based business consulting service. Shortly after Lewis vacated the premises, sources said maintenance personnel came in to change the locks on the EDC doors and locked down the office. On two recent occasions in July, telephone calls to the main EDC number were routed by the voice of Greg Lewis to a “no one’s here to take your call” mailbox to leave a message. Calls to the secondary number rang repeatedly. Calls to the EDC toll-free 800 number were greeted by a recording requesting the caller take a telephone survey. Those who do “win a sea cruise for two.” Hopefully, all that has been remedied by now. Key components of the economic developer’s job description, as posted on the county website are that he or she will be responsible for developing an effective “economic development program for the county,” one that can expand and diversify the county economy, generate job growth, foster business success and competitiveness as well as bolster the county tax base.” Also, the economic developer will be charged with consulting with local government officials and opinion leaders “along with retail and industry executives for promoting economic growth through expansion and retention of existing industrial and commercial bases and attraction of new business into the county.” In the area of workforce development, the economic developer is expected to work with closely with local community colleges, the public school system and the NCWorks Career Center “to understand labor supply and define methods to ensure the availability of an adequate, well-trained workforce.” Other points of emphasis include marketing, networking and grant writing proficiencies. Two former members of the EDC board of directors offered observations and raised some issues that will need to be resolved. B.J. of Beaufort expressed concerns that the county commissioners are “taking over” the economic development function in the county: “Do county commissioners truly believe the EDC can and will continue to operate as an independent, nonprofit, membership-driven organization to support economic development in the county?” “Why would a business want to continue to pay membership dues to the EDC? If the county government is calling the shots, let the taxpayers foot the bill to underwrite the expense. And let the voters decide it it’s worth the expense.” L.J of Pine Knoll Shores asked: “I am curious about what is going to happen to the nonprofit Carteret County Economic Development Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) organization that was established to replicate a “committee of 100” approach to attract private sector donors?” “‘Blue Ocean’ was the code name for a potential economic development project within the county that would bring in hundreds of jobs. I would hate to see us lose a project like this because of any confusion about who’s in charge of economic development.” The new economic developer will arrive with a lot on his or her plate … with a lot at stake.

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Award winners and presenters from the Crystal Ball, include, from left, Christina Fulcher, presenter; Debbie Fisher, Ambassador of the Year; Dr. Kerry Youngblood, Citizen of the Year; Tommy Bennett (representing the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament), Award for Public Service; Janita Gonzales, Extraordinary Chamber Leadership; Bucky Oliver, Outstanding Chamber President for 2016; Patrick and Laura Coneely, Business Persons of the Year; and Tina Purifoy, presenter. (Dan Williams photo)

Earlier this year, the Chamber of Commerce presented major awards during the Crystal Ball at the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach. Tina Purifoy, 2017 Chairperson of the Chamber Board of Directors, announced the winners: First up was the Chamber Ambassador of the Year. The Ambassador’s Club works to stay in touch with chamber members all year-round. This is the chamber’s “business retention team.” Ambassadors volunteer to help the chamber go and grow. This award is given annually to a Chamber Ambassador who goes all out to welcome new businesses and connect with long standing businesses in the community on behalf of the chamber. The award was given to Debbie Fisher of Mary Kay Cosmetics and Office Fusion Solutions. The Cassie Algeo Award for Extraordinary Chamber Leadership was presented to a chamber member who has demonstrated outstanding performance through his or her volunteer service to our organization. Janita Gonzales of Island Inn of Atlantic Beach is the co-chair of Connect Carteret - A Young Professionals Network and the engine behind the 2016 Claus Crawl, which took place last December. Janita has also participated in the Leadership Carteret Class of 2016and is a facilitator for Leadership Carteret 2017. In August, she was a volunteer for the Chamber’s Reverse Drawing. Patrick and Laura Conneely, owners of Chick-fil-A Morehead City, were named this year’s winner of The Arnold Murray Small Business Person of the Year Award. This award is presented by the chamber to an individual, or individuals, who have demonstrated exemplary business practices to address quality, customer service, environmental stewardship and social responsibility, as well as demonstrating community leadership and actively contributed to improve the quality of life. Patrick and his wife, Laura, own and operate the 2016 Symbol of Success award winning Chick-fil-A Morehead City. They moved here in 2009 from Charlotte to open the restaurant and still can’t 24

believe they get to live at the beach! A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Patrick was a four-year starter at center and guard on the football team under coach Mack Brown. Patrick and Laura’s company have given over $20,000 in scholarships, employed 150 high school and community college students, given $15,000 back to local schools and organizations through fundraisers, donated $100,000 in food for various worthy causes, serves over 3,000 every day and is consistently in the top five Chik-Fil-A from over 2,000 restaurants. Patrick served as the chairman for the NC Seafood Festival in 2014 and now serves on the board of the Carteret Health Care Foundation. The Joan Huss Pulley Award for Public Service is a tribute to individuals who make a difference in their communities and organizations, by using their time, talents and compassion to positively impact the lives of others. The honoree should exhibit the following business values- integrity, stewardship, inclusion, initiative, teamwork and accountability. This award is always given by its sponsor, Duke Energy, and this year it was presented to the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Accepting the award was Tommy Bennett of the Insurance Center – Lancaster, McAden, Willis, Smith on behalf of the tournament board. The Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award was given to Dr. Kerry Youngblood and announced by Bucky Oliver. Oliver said, “Kerry has been instrumental in working with Beaufort Sister Cities, overseen the Veterans Student Success Center, energized the 50th anniversary campaign, brought music to Joslyn Hall and elsewhere, and had the vision to capture the culinary and hospitality opportunity that will be a landmark to his experience and skill in the form of our new culinary facility. In our professional careers, ultimately, we are judged well if we leave an organization stronger than we found it.” And lastly, Bucky Oliver was given an award for his outstanding service as chairman of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce for 2016.

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Geodynamics is pois By Mike Wagoner

Business is good at Geodynamics of Morehead City. It’s so good, the company recently purchased a second lot in the Crystal Coast Business Park, a 58-acre industrial park on the western edge of Morehead City. “We really need to expand our facilities and add to our team, in order to keep pace with our business growth,” said Geodynamics President Chris Freeman. The company was able to buy a 3.68acre parcel in the industrial park located directly across the street from our present building. “Our plans are now just beginning to take shape, but expansion is inevitable. This provides us with the perfect piece of property that we need to move our plan forward,” he said. Geodynamics specializes in several areas of coastal and marine mapping, monitoring, data collection and analysis. The company uses high-technology instrumentation and sonar imaging to paint an accurate picture of what the bottom of the ocean looks like. Currently, it has a fleet of five research vessels; each is Coast Guard-approved and designed to perform a different function. “Our unique mobility and quick ability to be on-site at remote research locations provide an exceptional opportunity for clients who are eager to take advantage of specific weather conditions, storm events or scheduling windows,” Freeman said. “In addition, our shallow-draft, highly maneuverable vessels allow unprecedented access to the nearshore coastal zone.” “We have the expertise to conduct hydrographic surveys and create high-end GIS (Geographic Information Systems) maps for clients in the mid-Atlantic Ocean region, throughout the Southeast and into the Gulf of Mexico,” Freeman said. Much of the company’s work is for the federal government, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Navy. 28

“Port deepening is necessary for U.S. ports to accommodate Post-Panamax vessels, so we have performed projects for the North Carolina State Ports Authority and similar agencies in other states,” Freeman said. “Seafloor mapping and charting the approaches to the ports is critical to accurate and timely dredging, and it’s a never-ending task, because the ocean floor is ever-changing due to multiple factors. You simply cannot afford to have a ship run aground. “We estimate there is a 200-year backlog in the United States to update all the nautical charts, so the focus is to concentrate first on the high-commerce areas. We’ve done plenty of work related to seaports in: Jacksonville, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; and Norfolk, Va. We’ve had contracts to do precision-based charting for NOAA in places like Port Mansfield, Texas; Venice, La.; and Panama City, Fla. Geodynamics also works close to home for county governments and municipalities on matters related to beach erosion, sustainable beach nourishment, channel shoaling, nearshore sand resources and stabilization of inlets. The company has been working continuously with the Carteret County Shore Protection Office for more than a decade and has completed assorted community service mapping projects for Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Morehead City and Pine Knoll Shores “to help our local communities,” Freeman said. The Geodynamics business was formed in 2001 by Chris Freeman and his wife, Sloan Freeman; she is CEO. Chris was working as a marine geologist at UNC-Chapel Hill Institute of Marine Science in Morehead City, and Sloan was employed at the Duke University Marine Lab on Pivers Island in Beaufort. At the Duke lab, she was responsible for managing and coordinating multi-million dollar research grants, contracts and projects in the field of coastal science. Chris said: “We met while playing ‘ultimate frisbee’ – it was one of those rivalry games between the UNC and Duke staffs, and yes, we have one of those “house divided” flags at home.” Home

sed for future growth includes their children, Clara and Dane. The Freemans’ first hire was David Bernstein, who is still on staff serving as chief hydrographer and senior manager of staff and projects. In all, there are eight full-time people at Geodynamics and three part-time employees. During the warm-weather months, up to five additional seasonal technicians are typically brought on to help with the survey work. Geodynamics is a case study in successful entrepreneurship, whereby two people with academic backgrounds had an idea for a business enterprise. They stepped out of their comfort zones and went for it with zest and gusto. Now, they are creating good jobs and contributing immeasurably to the local economy as well as the tax base. Chris Freeman said: “The Carteret County Economic Development Council (EDC) worked very hard for Geodynamics. When we reached the point in our business that we were literally spilling out of our 1,250-square-foot leased space on Industrial Drive, the EDC helped with our efforts to expand to a permanent home at the Crystal Coast Business Park. We bought the land in 2009 and then custom-designed the building to meet all our specifications. We started up operations here at this site in 2011.” Geodynamics’ office was built with the environment in mind, including green building features like geothermal heating/cooling, extra insulation for energy efficiency, energy efficient light fixtures, plumbing for rainwater toilet flushing, low-impact development of parking areas and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint and flooring materials. “We wanted our reduced ecological footprint to send an important message to the community and to our clients that we care about the environment that we help to understand,” Chris Freeman added. “We are firmly planted in Carteret County,” he said. “One reason is because the marine science, research and technology

sector here is so vibrant. In addition to UNC and Duke, we have the North Carolina State University CMAST (Center for Marine Sciences and Technology) in Morehead City and the 115-year-old NOAA Beaufort Lab. Combined, they provide good jobs for hundreds of scientists and support personnel. “Because of this unique concentration of internationally distinguished marine scientists working in these world-renowned research labs here in Carteret County, we’re sometimes touted as the Woods Hole (Mass.) of the mid-Atlantic region,” he said. “At Geodynamics, our partnerships with the academic institutions and these laboratories are extremely beneficial to our own work, but it’s a two-way street. We offer the ability to enable researchers to compete for and receive grant money by dovetailing high-resolution seafloor mapping with their ongoing research. Our science is quite specialized with very expensive instrumentation and software and personnel who work every day to maintain the cutting edge, so our academic and NOAA Beaufort Lab partnerships have really been a win-win over our 15 years in business.” There’s a synergy here, and the cluster includes boat builders, the marine trades and many fabricators,” he noted. “We would like to see other marine science-based companies to start up or relocate here.” Visitors to the Geodynamics facility at 310-A Greenfield Drive are immediately greeted by a canine “welcoming committee.” “You might say we’re a dog friendly workplace,” Chris said laughingly. “There are five, sometimes six, dogs on the premises most days. The dogs get along great, and it’s just part of the family-like culture we have going for us here.” The Freemans’ own dog, Obi, carpools with his owners to the office. “He’s just a big, old hound dog who has the run of the place,” Chris said. Obi spends most of the time, however, appearing somewhat comatose, stretched out on a comfy couch in dad’s. Obi lets the younger dogs handle the “meet and greet” function. www.NCCOAST.com

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Shearline Boatworks Specializes in

‘Owner Satisfaction’

By Mike Wagoner

Any boat builder wor th his or her salt can build a boat that floats. Building a boat that totally meshes with the owner’s personality is another issue. Customized boat building is both an ar t and a science at Shearline Boatworks in Morehead City. The boat builders there are perfectionists, and word is get ting around in the boating world. Shearline is very busy these days, and the company needs to expand its operations to meet the demand, according to owner Chip King. Shearline recently agreed to purchase additional land in the Crystal Coast Business Park. The 3.82-acre parcel adjoins Shearline’s existing proper ty, located at 321 Facility Drive, Morehead City. “We are operating at full capacity, so we need one or more new buildings,” King said. We are in the design phase to properly plan what we need facility-wise to move forward.” Shearline is a home-grown business, star ting up in Car teret County in 2000, using a single garage bay to build a 30foot, center console boat. King recalled: “We were a crew of young, enthusiastic guys, bet ting on a dream, blasting music and talking trash to one another in the shop while we worked. Onlookers commented at the time that it looked like too much fun to be work.” The name itself, Shearline, is a playful twist of “sheer line,” a nautical architectural term referring to the curvature of the hull along a line that runs from bow to stern. Working with the Car teret County Economic Development Council (EDC), Shearline moved from the garage to the county’s industrial park in 2004, set ting up shop on a 1.88-acre parcel. Needing more space and another building in 2006, the company acquired yet another 1.02-acre site in 2006. Each Shearline boat is a unique project of its own, because no two designs are ever the same. Pleasure and recreational fishing boats produced on the Nor th Carolina coast developed a unique “Carolina flare” in the bow, which literally “throws water away from the boat and allows it to travel more smoothly through choppy waters.” Shearline produces that same style of boat today. Watch the video on the Shearline Boatworks website at shearlineboatworks.com to see how it works. King is a native of Greensboro. He graduated from the University of Nor th Carolina-Chapel Hill and took a job selling boats in Beaufor t. His passion, however, was not to sell boats, but to build them – the finest boats possible. His wife, Mary Cheatham King, was his “high school sweethear t” in Greensboro. She is also a Chapel Hill graduate and a business owner – Mary Cheatham King Real Estate in Morehead City. The Kings have two children, Sally and Walter. Modern-day boat building at Shearline effectively “marries the old with the new,” Chip King said. “We’re building traditional wooden boats, but we’re doing it with the latest in computer technology.” “We begin with a blank slate, saying to the client: ‘You tell us what you want, and we’ll build it.’ It’s all up to the client’s imagination. We don’t have a list of standard features and there is no limit to one’s options. “So, in effect, the boat goes from the client’s head to our

heads, then to the design engineer. Using fully parametric engineering software, the design engineer creates a three-dimensional model to share with the client. Usually after several iterations, the design becomes finalized. It’s imperative that the client knows all the details about how the boat will be built,” King said. “A computerized router cuts each piece of wood to the exact shape it needs to be. Then, by hand, we put the bones of the boat together. The rest of the project is built very much in the same way as traditional, Carolina boats. “Ordinarily, hand-built construction of a boat takes one to three years, depending on the size and complexity of the boat. Every step is precision-based, and there is no way to speed up the process, if you want to do it the right way,” King said. “Our boat owners are encouraged to visit the shop floor as often as they want. The more they are engaged during the entire process, the more equipped we are to build the best boat possible.” Shearline is one of the local companies that is benefiting greatly from its connection and par tnership with the NC Marine Training and Education Center (MARTEC), located on the campus of Car teret Community College in Morehead City, said the EDC’s Greg Lewis. “MARTEC is the only comprehensive marine technology training center in the entire mid-Atlantic region, offering educational courses in marine propulsion, boat building, fiberglass technology, marine management and other related subjects,” he said. “It’s the epitome of what community colleges are supposed to do – serve the specific needs of local employers.” King has high praise for Bryan Gray, who is the MARTEC curriculum coordinator, and he said Shearline personnel are more than glad to serve as guest lecturers and to provide demonstrations in the classrooms and working laboratories at the college. “Bryan runs a great program, and our relationship goes back a long way,” King said. “The MARTEC graduates have been great additions to our team.” In addition to building boats, Shearline can fix them. King said the company offers a full range of restoration and renovation services. “Whether you are looking for a custom paint job, some teak accents, a new hard top or tuna tower, or a complete makeover, we can serve all of your boating needs,” King said. “Our clients can be assured that the same at tention to detail and the highest quality workmanship available will be applied to every boat that comes into our shop.” Was that loud music playing in the background and trash talking going on among the work crew? “Although we’ve come a long way since our original garage shop in 2000, some things have remained the same – and I hope they always will,” King said. Call Shearline Boatworks a place were enthusiastic guys can have some fun … still bet ting on their dreams … and get ting results. There are more of them these days. The operation now employs 18 people (and their seven dogs). “We’re contemplating a name change to Shearline Boatworks & Kennels,” he said jokingly. “The dogs add to the feel and culture of the place.” King’s own dog, Mac, is a golden retriever that rules. “Mac is Shearline’s CEO. We all work for Mac,” King quipped. www.NCCOAST.com

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Downtown Morehead City is steeped in history and tradition, boasting buildings, establishments and a working waterfront that have existed far longer than many of us. While it is the past that often times invokes feelings of nostalgia, it is our present and future that conjures excitement and anticipation of what is to come for the downtown area between 4th and 14th streets, north from Calico Creek and south to Bogue Sound. According to Lisa Rueh, executive director of Downtown Morehead City, Inc., from July of 2016 to June 2017, 11 new businesses opened in downtown Morehead City and three businesses expanded. This growth includes a wide variety of businesses, from shopping and retail to dining and entertainment to professional services and trades. In total, $15,462,035 was spent in public and private investments downtown, to include rehabilitation and improvements to existing buildings and beautification projects through façade grants and new construction projects. Downtown Morehead City also recognized this wave of excitement and evolution. In addition to naming Rueh as their executive director, the organization also opted for a name and brand update in recognition of the area’s changing landscape and continued growth. This year, Downtown Morehead City (DMC) participated in strategic planning sessions with North Carolina’s Main Street Association, creating one, three and five-year strategic plans and adopting new mission and vision statements to reflect the emerging culture and advancement of downtown. The successes with a 2017 Great Main Street Award by North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association. DMC hosted another successful summer music concert series in Jaycee Park with Alive at Five and welcomed over 60 boat

dealers and exhibitors along with thousands of attendees to the 10th annual Crystal Coast Boat Show, which launched a brand new website this year. This year it is spearheading the Morehead City Downtown Countdown, a New Year’s Eve waterfront celebration for children, teens and adults including 6pm and midnight crab pot drops and fireworks. None of this success would be possible without the DMC volunteers, who last year donated 12,479 hours to the organization. Those who are interested in getting involved are invited to join in on the excitement by sitting on one of Downtown Morehead City, Inc.’s monthly committees – Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization. Local downtown businesses are invited to attend quarterly business socials and those who love downtown Morehead City can follow along on Facebook and Instagram @downtownmhc and attend the many year-round events, including Small Business Saturday, Chowder and Cheer, Christmas in Downtown, Downtown Countdown, Crystal Coast Boat Show and the Alive at Five concert series. Looking ahead, Rueh said, “It is an exciting time downtown! We are filling storefront space and working together to continue making downtown Morehead City a great place to live, work and play on the Crystal Coast. We want to thank those who have chosen downtown Morehead City and recognize our business owners who believed in downtown Morehead City from the start, pioneering the way for a movement that is only going to gain momentum. Here is to over 200 years of business in downtown Morehead City and to what is on the horizon for many years to come. “ For more information on Downtown Morehead City, Inc. and upcoming events, visit www.downtownmoreheadcity.com.

Make SCORE One of Your First Stops SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, prosper and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for over 50 years. Because our work is supported by the US Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to our network of 12,000+ volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at very low cost. Since 1964, SCORE “Mentors to America’s Small Business” has helped more than 10 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through mentoring and business workshops. Volunteer business mentors in over 320 chapters serve their communities through education dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small businesses. SCORE provides free business advice through our network of volunteer business experts. You can meet with a mentor online or face-to-face in a chapter near you. To request a mentor, visit www. score.org/find-mentor and search for a mentor by keyword, industry, location or expertise. If you prefer, we can also make a match for you based on your business question. SCORE’s experienced business mentors provide general business advice on every aspect of business planning, start-up, management and growth. The key qualification SCORE mentors bring is real-world business experience. They are working and retired business owners, executives and managers who have been through the same challenges and decisions that many entrepreneurs are facing today. Working with a SCORE-certified mentor means personalized guidance and support from those who have “been there” and are equipped with the opti36

mal tools to help others succeed too. The discussion with your SCORE mentor is strictly confidential. Our mentors sign a code of ethics and conduct that addresses the protection of your information and business idea. Your mentor’s goal is to use their expertise to help you make sound decisions for your business. Since 1997, SCORE has offered a leading online business resource for entrepreneurs – www.score.org. This site is a comprehensive small business resource that includes SCORE’s mentoring service. SCORE’s website also offers “how-to” guides, small business quizzes, online workshops, live webinars, and the SCORE Small Business Blog with info on current trends in entrepreneurship. All SCORE online workshops (available at www.score.org/ take-workshop) are free of charge. You can register for a live webinar presented by a business expert, view a recorded webinar, or take an e-learning course on a business topic. We also offer instructor-led workshops, roundtables, and events in your community. These are available for free or for a nominal fee. All funds received from the local workshops go back to supporting the chapter and development of new workshops, handouts, materials and other business resources. For information about starting or operating a small business or becoming a SCORE Mentor, call the Coastal Carolina SCORE Chapter, 3615 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC at 252-222-6126. Visit SCORE at www.score.org. Bob Linder, Chair Coastal Carolina SCORE Chapter

GRANITE & MARBLE

“ Behind the Water Slide in Emerald Isle.”

203 Boardwalk Dr., Emerald Isle, Phone: 252-354-7774 www.NCCOAST.com

You are Invited to:

Eat Shop Play in

May 26

CELEBRATING 79 YEARS

Connect Carteret Fundraising Concert The Tonez (Swashtones)

June 2 June 16 July 7 July 21 August 4 August 18 September 1

Liquid Pleasure Bounce Punch Jim Quick & Coastline Band Mikele Buck Jan Michael Fields Band North Tower

A special welcome to the new downtown businesses and NO OUTSIDE BEVERAGES ALLOWED IN ROPED OFF AREA to those who have provided Carteret County residents and visitors with a great place to live, shop, and play for so many years. Thank you for making downtown Morehead City a premier year round destination

Annual Events:

Enjoy year round and special events including live music and entertainment, a plethora of fine dining options, shopping, art galleries, endless maritime activities for the whole family and more!

Crystal Coast Boat Show in May

The Garner Family invites you to come taste what made Carteret County and the Crystal Coast famous; fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Their mission, passed down from their father and grandfather is simple. Provide the highest quality food available in the cleanest environment possible. The name itself supports their dedication and loyalty to excellence and is the foundation of support for their community and patrons. Enjoy the broad range of ever-changing menu items that are guaranteed to satisfy not only the traditional broiled, grilled & fried seafood lovers, but also cuisine created by Chef James Scott that includes Angus beef, chicken, always homemade chowders and homemade desserts.

501 EVANS STREET, MOREHEAD CITY, NC

(252) 247-3111

Alive at Five Summer Concert Series Small Business Saturday Christmas in Downtown Christmas Parade New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Downtown Countdown

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1001 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC 252-808-0440 | downtownmoreheadcity.com

Lisa Rueh, Executive Director Amy Suggs, Assistant Director

f Downtown Morehead City, Inc. i @downtownmhc 38

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Find us on Facebook to stay updated on our current events. Find our full menu at: www.floyds1921.com

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2017 Demographics The demographics below have been gathered from a variety of sources, including the 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

506.2 square miles 136.1 people per square mile

Population Overview

Carteret County North Carolina United States Population 68,879 10,042,802 308,745,538 Median Age 47 37.4 37.3 Male 49.1% 48.7 49.2 Female 50.9% 51.3 50.8 Source: US Census Bureau

Population by Community

2010

2015

Median A ge

Atlantic Beach 1,495 1,596 51.6 Beaufort 4,039 4,153 39.7 Bogue 684 622 45.2 Cape Carteret 1,917 2,223 45.6 Cedar Point 1,279 1,429 44.2 Emerald Isle 3,655 3,708 53.5 Indian Beach 112 179 60.1 Morehead City 8,661 9,162 43.3 Newport 4,150 4,598 43.3 Peletier 644 866 39.0 Pine Knoll Shores 1,339 1,515 61.3 Source: US Census Bureau

Population by A ge

Percent

Birth to 19 19.7 20 to 29 10.8 30-39 10.8 40-49 12.6 50-59 16.4 60+ 29.6

60+

Birth to 19

20 to 29 50 to 59

30 to 39 40 to 49

WAGES & INCOME Total labor force Employed Unemployed Unemployment rate Percent living in poverty

Annual Wages by Business Sector

32,121 30,772 1,349 4.2 13.8%

Sector Total Employed Annual Wage

Source: Access NC, June 2017

Work in state Work in state, out of county Work out of state

74.8% 23.4% 1.9%

Cherry Point Impact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall economic impact was $2.01 billion and awarded more than $72.5 million in contracts.

Total All Industries 23,928 $32,344 Total Government 4,483 $43,264 Total Private Industry 19,445 $29,796 Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, & Hunting 96 $27,924 Utilities 134 $63,492 Construction 1,179 $37,128 Manufacturing 1,094 $34,996 Wholesale Trade 609 $43,004 Retail Trade 4,627 $24,440 Transportation and Warehousing 366 $38,636 Information 271 $43,368 Finance and Insurance 472 $58,604 Real Estate and Rental Leasing 562 $29,848 Professional and Technical Services 663 $54,392 Mgt. of Companies, Enterprises 17 $26,052 Administrative and Waste Services 965 $29,224 Educational Services 62 $26,052 Health Care and Social Assistance 2,270 $43,784 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 830 $20,332 Accommodation and Food Services 4,500 $17,940 Other Services Ex. Public Admin. 899 $24,128 Public Administration 1,875 $40,820 Source: NC Dept. of Commerce

Comparative Wage & Income Demographics Carteret County North Carolina United States Per Capita Income $28,991 Median Household Income $48,457

$25,920 $46,868

Source: US Census Bureau

Top 25 Employers Rank Company Employees 1 Carteret County Public Schools 1000+ 2 Carteret Health Care 500-999 3 Carteret County Government 500-999 4 Wal-Mart 250-499 5 Carteret Community College 250-499 6 Big Rock Sports 250-499 7 Food Lion 250-499 8 Lowe’s Home Centers 250-499 9 Bally Refrigerated Boxes 100-249 10 Town of Morehead City 100-249 11 McDonald’s 100-249 12 Lowe’s Foods 100-249 13 Atlantic Veneers 100-249 14 NC Dept. of Natural Resources 100-249 15 General Mills Restaurants 100-249 16 Veneer Technologies 100-249 17 South East Employee Leasing 100-249 18 Harborview Healthcare 100-249 20 Belk 100-249 20 Adams Keegan, Inc. 100-249 21 NC Dept. of Cultural Resources 100-249 22 Parker Marine Enterprises 100-249 23 Maxin Healthcare 100-249 24 NC Dept. of Public Safety 100-249 25 Bojangles 100-249 Source: LEAD, 4th quarter 2016

TAXES & HOUSING Property Tax Rates - Towns

(Per $100 valuation) Carteret County .31 Atlantic Beach .165 Beaufort .3475 Bogue .050 Cape Carteret .1975 Cedar Point .0625 Morehead City .350 Newport .357 Peletier .055 Emerald Isle – Oceanfront .195 Non-oceanfront .155 Indian Beach – Oceanfront .235 Non-oceanfront .215 Pine Knoll Shores – Oceanfront .257 Non-oceanfront .213

$29,979 $56,516

Occupancy Tax Collections by Year Year

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

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 $6,427,084

Source: NC Dept. of Revenue

Sales by Type

(July 1, 2015-June 30, 2016)

Type Carteret County

3% & 4.75% $12,104,421 Apparel $35,225,570 Automotive $42,183,803 Food $199,422,796 Furniture $33,161,956 General Merchandise $252,915,380 Lumber & Building Material $145,173,523 Unclassified $322,373,447 Source: Carteret County Economic Development Council

Property Tax Rates – Fire Districts Atlantic .080 Beaufort .055 Broad & Gales Creek .040 Cedar Island .100 Davis .085 Harkers Island .110 Harlowe .075 Marshallberg .0975 Mill Creek .045 Mitchell Village .050 North River .090 Otway .080 Salter Path .070 Sea Level .095 South River .060 Stacy .085 Stella .040 Wildwood .0675 Western Carteret .040

Housing Housing Units 49,362 Owner-Occupied Units 71.1% Median value of Owner-Occupied Units $196,800 Median gross rent $794 Total households 29,565 Persons per household 2.27 Building permits 2016 329 Source: US Census Bureau

www.NCCOAST.com

BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADVANCED OFFICE SOLUTIONS............... 48 252.393.1112 ADVANTAGE COASTAL PROPERTIES....... 51 252.354.9000 AL WILLIAMS PROPERTIES........................ 11 252.726.8800 ARTISAN GRANITE & MARBLE.................. 37 252-354-7774 ARTISTIC TILE.............................................. 12 252.241.7579 ATLANTIC BEACH SEAFOOD..................... 32 252.247.2430 BALLY REFRIGERATED BOXES, INC ........ 13 252.240.2829 BASNIGHT GARNER REAL ESTATE........... 49 252.515.0552 BEAUFORT HOME........................................ 13 252.728.3201 BLU SAIL GALLERY..................................... 44 252.723.9516 BOGUE BATTERY......................................... 15 252.622.4994 BUDGET BLINDS.......................................... 12 252-247-3355 B&W CLEANERS.......................................... 35 252.247.6978 CAROLINA PRINCESS................................. 43 252.726.5479 CARTERET COMMUNITY COLLEGE............ 2 252.222.6000 CARTERET COMMUNITY THEATRE........... 45 252.497.8919 CARTERET COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.................................................. 15 252.726.6350 CARTERET HEALTH CARE.................... 26-27 252-808-6000 CHALK & GIBBS........................................... 39 252.726.3167 CHANNEL MARKER..................................... 25 252.247.2344 CHURCHWELL’S JEWELERS...................... 50 252.354.4453

COASTAL AWNINGS.................................... 23 252.222.0707 COASTAL CAROLINA REGIONAL AIRPORT....................................................... 35 252.638.8591 COASTAL COUNTERTOPS.......................... 17 252.247.0015 COTE BOUTIQUE.......................................... 40 252.773.4225 CRYSTAL COAST BREWING CO................. 41 252.773.0974 CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER............... 33 252.247.3883 CRYSTAL COAST COFFEE ROASTERS..... 38 252.515.1045 DIAMOND LIMOUSINE................................. 33 252.240.1680 DOWNTOWN MOREHEAD CITY, INC.......... 38 252.808.0440 FAT FELLA’S BBQ & GRILLE........................ 7 252.223.3299 FLOYD’S 1921............................................... 41 252.727.1921 FRONT STREET VILLAGE............................. 9 252.838.1524 GIGI & COMPANY......................................... 43 252.773.0394 GINNY GORDON’S........................................ 43 252.726.6661 GUS H. TULLOSS INSURANCE................... 13 252.937.6913 KIRKMAN, WHITFORD, BRADY & BERRYMAN............................................... 40 252.726.8411 KURTIS CHEVROLET..................................... 3 252.726.8128 KUTT UPS – ELISE WILDER........................ 11 252.727.5888 LIFTAVATOR.................................................... 2 252.634.1717 LORELEI’S ATTIC......................................... 44 252.725.2060

MOORE ORTHOPEDICS................................. 6 252.808.3100 MORTON WATER.......................................... 11 252.222.0513 PAM BIRD, REALTOR................................... 25 252.241.0160 PARROT’S ON 11TH..................................... 42 252.773.0532 ROLAND’S BARBECUE................................. 5 252.728.1953 PROMISE’ LAND MARKET........................... 45 252.222.0422 ROYAL COAT................................................ 19 252.727.5418 SALTY’S CADDY SHACK............................. 44 252.773.0607 SANITARY FISH MARKET & RESTAURANT........................................... 38 252.247.3111 SOUND BANK................................................. 5 252-727-5558 SOUND CHOICE INSURANCE, LLC............ 42 252.247.5000 SOUTHEASTERN ELEVATOR...... Back Cover 252.726.0075 STYRON & STYRON INSURANCE................. 9 252.726.0062 SUGARLOAF ISLAND DELI......................... 40 252.222.0231 SUNSHINE CLEANERS................................ 12 252.726.4444 TOWN & COUNTRY IGA................................. 9 252-726-3781 THE UPS STORE........................................... 35 252.726.4433 WASTE INDUSTRIES.................................... 13 252.223.4176 WILLIAM’S HARDWARE............................... 35 252.726.7158 WINDOWS & MORE...................................... 34 252.726.8181

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