Cover

BUSINESS

July 2012

NCCOAST

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Published by NCCOAST Communications

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CONTENTS

Vol. 5 • Issue 2 JULY 2012

nccoast.com email: editor@nccoast.com 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 Economic Development Council, the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, Carteret Community College and its publisher, NCCOAST Communications, which has final editorial control of each edition and does not reflect the opinions of any entity other than those of NCCOAST Communications.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Content is as accurate as possible at presstime.

Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.

For additional information, visit nccoast.com

Published by NCCOAST Communications 201 N. 17th St., Morehead City, NC 28557 252.240.1811 • 800.525.1403 fax 877.247.1856 nccoast.com Managing Editor Amanda Dagnino (editor@nccoast.com) Staff Writer Josh Lambert Sales Director Jamie Bailey (252.241.9485) Advertising Sales Jasa Lewis (252.648.1272) Anne Riggs-Gillikin (252.725-9114) Ashly Willis (252.723.3350) (sales@nccoast.com) Creative Director/Layout Kim Moore (kim@nccoast.com) Graphic Design Mimi Davis, Kyle Dixon, Corey Giesey

The NCCOAST Business Journal is published two times per year by NCCOAST Communications.

Five-thousand copies are produced per issue and distributed among high traffic areas, local businesses and direct mailed to all members of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. Email sales@ nccoast.com for subscription information.

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AN IMPACT 10 MAKING Emerald Isle-based Transportation Impact helps

clients navigate and negotiate the parcel shipping industry.

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BIZ BEAT Duke and Progress Energy merge to serve 3 million North Carolinians.

FROM THE CHAMBER Small Business Week, Connect Carteret for young professionals, marketing services for chamber members and more.

CHAMBER AWARDS The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce presents major awards to area businesses.

BRANCHING OUT – BUILDING BUSINESS Small local companies find ways to add services and expand their bottom line during economic downturn COAST GUARD DESIGNATION Carteret County seeks designation as a Coast Guard Community.

IN OTHER BUSINESS 15 In the Network x 20 The Onlooker x 28 From the EDC x 30 Ask Score 31 Advertising Index

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B I Z B E AT Duke & Progress Merge

Biofuels Center Awards Grants

The NC Utilities Commission announced today its approval of the proposed merger between Duke Energy Corporation and Progress Energy, Inc. The combined company will serve approximately 3 million customers in North Carolina.

“In light of consolidation now underway in the energy sector, we believe this merger will best serve the interests of the state, its taxpayers and energy consumers by keeping jobs here in North Carolina,” said Edward S. Finley, Jr., chairman of the Utilities Commission. “It seems far preferable for Progress Energy to merge with North Carolina-headquartered Duke Energy than with a company in another state.”

The commission agreed largely with the recommendations of the Public Staff, an independent state agency representing consumers of regulated utilities. It found the projected benefits of the merger outweighed any anticipated costs and risks. The merger guarantees at least $650 million in fuel and fuel-related savings to be allocated among utility customers and is expected to produce operating efficiencies to be reflected in future rates.

In addition, the commission imposed many conditions to protect consumers. It is requiring the merged companies to commit $16.48 million annually in community and charitable support during the first four years following the merger, as well as $10 million in energy assistance for low-income customers, $5 million for workforce development and $2 million for NC Greenpower, a nonprofit promoting renewable energy. The commission is also requiring any costs associated with the merger to be paid by the companies and their shareholders – not by North Carolina utility customers.

Today’s action does not reduce consumer choice. Current state law bars the two utilities from serving the same areas, and that ban is not changed by the Commission’s approval of the merger. The combined company will be the parent to the two utilities that have reliably provided power for many years and will continue to do so in their separate service territories.

The NC Commission will maintain oversight and control over both utilities and their rates, which will remain separate for now.

The Biofuels Center of North Carolina has awarded $1,479,949 for 12 projects statewide to develop the biofuels sector. The center’s 2012 grants program awards grants to nonprofit organizations and academic institutions across the state to accelerate commercial-scale renewable fuels production.

Biofuels Center president and CEO Steven Burke affirmed the value North Carolina will gain from the 12 awards. “The projects directly address immediate needs of the statewide biofuels sector – biomass economics, efficient fuel development, soil science, wildlife sustainability and waste-to-fuels conversion – and also reflect its decentralized nature, contributing to western, central and eastern communities alike,” Burke said. “In range and impact, the projects also verify why North Carolina has become quickly a credible national site for biofuels.”

Strengthening and funding capabilities statewide for biofuels commercialization is a prime task within the center’s legislative and policy mandate, and is key to development of sector leadership, economic return and meeting the state’s goal: By 2017, 10 percent of North Carolina’s liquid transportation fuels will come from biofuels grown and produced within the state.

The center received 34 pre-proposals totaling more than $4.7 million from 17 institutions following its November 2011 request for applications. While the lion share of the awards went to state universities, several counties and a community college were added to the list this year.

Additional information:

• Biodiesel Feedstock Harvesting and Production Improvements $100,000 ∙ Catawba County

The commission’s order is based on more than a year of analysis, including: · Four public hearings involving 29 witnesses from 26 organizations. · Thousands of pages of evidence and legal arguments. · Extensive written comments from utility customers. · A recommendation approving the merger from the Public Staff. · The merger application was filed by Duke Energy and Progress Energy on April 4, 2011.

• Increasing Biofuels Production and use at Haywood Community College and Haywood County Materials Recovery Center $15,770 ∙ Haywood Community College

The awarded projects are:

• NC’s Role in the Global Biomass Energy Market $75,000 ∙ UNC-Chapel Hill • The Economic Impact of Biomass Alternatives on North Carolina’s Economy $50,000 ∙ UNC-Chapel Hill • Arundo donax Response to Nitrogen in Central Piedmont Soils $568,601 ∙ NC State University • Evaluating Biomass Harvesting Practices with Respect to Wildlife Sustainability $100,000 ∙ NC State University • Suitability of NC Piedmont Soils for Bioenergy Crop Production (Year 2) $47,346 ∙ NC State University • Modeling Impacts of Biomass Production on Landscapes and Wildlife $98,038 ∙ NC State University

• Delivering an Enzyme-based Solution for the North Carolina Biodiesel Industry, $99,994 ∙ Chatham County Economic Development Corporation • Integrating Ethanol Production with Municipal Waste Management in Catawba County $95,200 ∙ UNC-Charlotte • City of Raleigh: Assessment of Energy Crop Production at Wastewater Treatment Facilities $100,000 ∙ City of Raleigh • Accelerating the Western North Carolina Biofuels Industry $130,000 ∙ AdvantageWest Economic Development Group n

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From the Chamber Chamber’s New Directory Accents Quality of Life

The 2012 Business Directory & Visitors Guide, published annually by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, is now available – free of charge – at chamber headquarters at 801 Arendell St., Morehead City, The 116-page publication was printed

by NCCOAST Communications (publisher of NCCOAST Business Journal), and designed by graphic artist Andrea Vangelist.

“Our pictorial focus was to illustrate why Carteret County and the Crystal Coast form the ‘Water Sports Capital of North Carolina,’” said Chamber President Mike Wagoner.

The cover of the 2012 “There is so much to do here beside, on, Business Directory & Visitors in and under the water that we want people Guide features a beach to know about,” he said. “The response sunset photograph by Carolyn Temple of Coastal from members of the community has been Image Photography. overwhelmingly favorable.

“We encourage local businesses to give copies to vacationers, guests, clients, customers and prospects.”

Chamber Begins ‘Talent Search’ For Customer Service Champions

The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce invites nominations for its 2012 Outrageous Customer Service Awards.

“Each year, we recognize ‘Outrageous Customer Service’ that is performed by individuals across the county,’” said Mary Carlyle Brown of Realty World First Coast Realty, who is chair elect 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 Mike Wagoner at mike@ nccoastchamber.com. The deadline is Aug. 31. The awards ceremony will be in October.

The awards program is co-sponsored by NCCOAST Communications, Carteret Community College and the Emerald Isle Beach & Pool Club.

Beaufort Selected America’s ‘Coolest Small Town’

Beaufort received the most votes in the recent online contest to select “America’s Coolest Small Town,” which was sponsored by Budget Travel Magazine.

As a result, the magazine will be featuring Beaufort in an issue this fall.

“This designation is an enormous achievement with national significance, Beaufort Mayor Richard Stanley steps back from and the residual benefits the television camera to celebrate Beaufort’s title will be monumental as “America’s Coolest Small Town” with about 200 for tourism in Beaufort citizens who attended a rally at town hall in February.

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and all of our communities at the Crystal Coast,” said Joan Pulley of Joan Pulley Realty of Beaufort, who is a member of the NC Travel and Tourism Board.

“Now, the whole world knows what we have known all along – that Beaufort is full of charm and has been ‘historic and fine since 1709.’”

While Beaufort was being dubbed cool, Morehead City finished 10th in nationwide voting to determine America’s “Ultimate Fishing Town,” which was sponsored by the World Fishing Network.

This was the narrative for Morehead City’s nomination: Morehead City is home to the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, the Super Bowl of Fishing in June. When the Mullet Blow occurs in the fall, fishermen are shoulder-to-shoulder on the piers.

(Spots, Drum, Flounder and Speckled Trout are also biting.)

Offshore, you can catch Dolphin fish, Tuna and King Mackerel.

Inshore, fishing for Reds, Seatrout and other species occurs yearround.

Town entrance signs proclaim Morehead City as a “Fishermen’s Paradise,” and the results of a recent online contest validate that slogan.

Small Businesses Roll Out Red Carpet for Summer Visitors

“Small Business Week in Carteret County” on May 20-26 was the official kickoff to the summer tourism season at the Crystal Coast. About 60 business people and local officials attended a Small Business Appreciation Luncheon on May 24 at The Country Club of the Crystal Coast in Pine Knoll Shores.

“This function served as a pep rally for our local businesses to roll out the red carpet for the tourists and second home owners who are headed our way to enjoy their summer Joan Lamson introduced Dick Brvenik, vacations,” said Mal Garland president & CEO of Carteret General of Sound Bank, who chairs the Hospital, as the featured speaker at the chamber’s board of directors.

Small Business Appreciation Luncheon.

“Almost all of the employers in Carteret County qualify under the US Small Business Administration’s classic definition as small businesses – having fewer than 500 employees. Beyond a shadow of a doubt – small businesses are the foundation for our past success as a community – and the backbone of our economy,” he said.

Carteret County’s annual Small Business Week observance is coordinated by the Small Business Resource Alliance. Partners in the alliance are the chamber, Carteret Community College, Carteret County Economic Development Council, JobLink Career Center, North Carolina Military Business Center and SCORE. Joan Lamson of Pine Knoll Shores, who is a SCORE counselor, said the alliance sponsors six Small Business Roundtables that meet in various sections of the county once a week. These one-hour gatherings are designed to help small business owners and managers be more successful, by addressing contemporary

topics that affect the bottom line – from hiring and customer service skills to marketing and accounting.

There is no cost to attend and advance registration is not required. To inquire, contact John Smith at 252-222-6200 or 252222-6123.

Chamber MAC Keeps Rollin’ Along

The Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce has a busy fall/winter schedule of events.

Service members from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Coast Guard Sector Field Office Fort Macon and the Army Reserve Center in Morehead City are invited to attend Business After Hours Military Fun Day on Friday, Sept. 14.

The MAC will participate in the Carteret County The chamber MAC participates each year in the Carteret Veterans Day Parade County Veterans Day Parade. Here’s the MAC “Boat Float,” with MAC members and children aboard. in Morehead City on Saturday, Nov. 10.

The “Cookies for the Troops” campaign is planned for the week of Dec. 17, and local residents are encouraged to contribute homemade desserts to be delivered to military members who are on duty during the Christmas season.

Young Business Professionals Group Open to ‘Young at Heart’

Young business professionals in Carteret County have launched an organization known as “Connect Carteret, A Young Professionals Network.” There is no cost to participate. The group’s mission is “to make Carteret County a place where young professionals can achieve the same social, academic, cultural and financial goals of larger communities, while maintaining a higher quality of life.”

The group is endorsed as an independent entity by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce and the Carteret County Economic Development Council (EDC).

“We were pleased to collaborate with the EDC to get this group up and running and help our younger members expand their networking horizons,” said chamber President Mike Wagoner.

Connect Carteret is sponsoring monthly “Happy Hour Connections” social gatherings. There is no age limit to participate in Connect Carteret. Functions are open to the “young at heart.”

For more information, contact Connect Carteret co-chairs: Bridget Curran of the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at bridget.curran@eastcoasthospitality.net or Andrew Wheeler of Wells Fargo at Andrew.T.Wheeler@wellsfargo.com.

Chamber Offers Marketing Services

From the archives of NCCOAST Business Journal, an article

by Managing Editor Amanda Dagnino that appeared in print in 2010 provides a great service to businesses that are just starting

(cont. on page 14)

Dedicated to the Ones We Love

The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce respectfully dedicates the 2012 Reverse Drawing “Be True To Your School” in memory of Debbie Godwin and in honor of Jack Goldstein.

This photograph is from the 2008 Reverse Drawing, when they were crowned as costume contest winners. (Debbie served on the Chamber's Board of Directors until her death on November 7, 2010.

Jack is a former Board member and officer.)

Join us as we celebrate their lives Saturday evening, August 18, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. Tickets are $100...and it’s your chance to win the Grand Prize of $10,000.

Call 726-6350

Open for Business and At Your Service 801 Arendell Street - Suite 1, Morehead City

www.nccoastchamber.com

252-726-6350 • 1-800-622-6278

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Making an Impact

Transportation Impact Changes the Parcel Shipping Industry Nationwide

By Josh Lambert Transportation Impact is doing just as its name states by providing its clients with the most competitive small package contracts in the industry. Keith Byrd and Travis Burt, the two responsible for founding this fast-growing company, spent several years managing negotiations on behalf of UPS. With this extensive carrier experience and knowledge, Transportation Impact has developed a system and negotiation process that has helped them achieve goals in business growth and provide measurable results to meet their clients’ needs.

Despite a challenging economy, Transportation Impact has been able to thrive. The company has made tremendous leeway considering just four years ago Keith Byrd, partner and cofounder, and Doug Starcke, a managing partner with First Flight Solutions, were working out of a 5 foot by 10 foot storage area in the back of a local surf shop they owned in Emerald Isle.

With the troubled economic times, companies are looking for ways to save money.

“It’s great for us because we’re usually dealing with the controller, the CFO, of the company and they are looking for ways to cut costs” said Byrd. “We go in and negotiate. We act as an extension of their team, help them negotiate better rates and also provide an audit after the packages have been delivered to ensure compliance.”

The newly negotiated rates have allowed companies to keep jobs that would have otherwise been cut and even reinvest money back into their businesses.

“The great thing is that we are paid from the savings we generate for a client, so there is no out-of-pocket cost. It is a no-brainer,” added Byrd. “We go in and do a free analysis and tell our clients one of two things. There is no gray area in our business model; it is black and white. Either we can help you or we can’t.”

The team at Transportation Impact negotiates probable, beneficial options and makes recommendations to the client, but the client has the last say in making any final decisions. The group implements new practices in accordance with preexisting systems many companies already have in place. They will identify

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an area suitable for process improvement and only issue recommendations to their clients. The clients will then implement the recommendations they view as valuable. The client’s interests are most important to the team at Transportation Impact.

“The client receives full credit for everything they have already done on their own. Our software measures the dollar impact of the possible savings by percentage as compared to the company’s previous savings,” said Doug Starcke of First Flight Solutions. “We only share with them what we have done collaboratively.”

Transportation Impact habitually acquires savings of between 15 and 25 percent for their clients through countless negotiations with carrier companies. These results are possible through employing numerous years of experience and by possessing an exceptional ability to uncover where hidden savings may be found. The team knows where to look for savings, what savings level may be achieved and how to negotiate with the carriers to achieve these savings. Whether it is recognizing an opportunity to move expensive air shipments to the ground or the implementation of time saving technology, Transportation Impact can locate problematic areas that will save time and money and improve the efficiency of the supply chain.

The collective experience of the Transportation Impact team exceeds 125 years and is rooted in such things as carrier costing, pricing and negotiating. This means the company understands the parcel industry, both from carrier and client perspectives. A partnership with Transportation Impact allows companies to receive incomparable leverage in contract negotiations with parcel carriers such as UPS and access to the best reporting and optimization tools in the industry, which allow them to obtain the best possible pricing available in the market. This, in turn, enhances clarity on shipping costs and improves busi-

ness processes and expenses for clients.

Most people from Transportation Impact, including one of the founding partners and many employees, are from the Crystal Coast. Doug Starcke grew up in the area, Keith Byrd has lived in Emerald Isle since the late 1980s and has raised his family there, and Travis Burt is from Greenville and has owned property in Emerald Isle for many years.

“What better place to have your business than beautiful Emerald Isle, North Carolina?” asked Byrd with a smile.

Thus far, they’ve been great stewards for the community. The company has made substantial donations to the Veteran’s Memorial and was a large contributor to the Emerald Isle Bike Path. Every year at Christmas, the team visits local elementary, middle and high schools and works with guidance counselors to find a needy family from each school. The team then shops for groceries, a tree and gifts for a wish list created by the entire family, not just the children. The company was also the primary sponsor for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Emerald Isle and feels it is important to be involved with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and the Emerald Isle Business Association. They also issue four scholarships each year; three to local high schools and one to Campbell University’s business school.

“We’ve been very fortunate. We need to give back,” said Byrd. “We love the people in this community and it feels great to be able to give something back.”

The company recently took a giant leap in the sponsorship world by becoming a NASCAR sponsor for Richard Petty Motorsports.

Both Byrd and Burt have been long-time friends of the Petty family and a casual conversation blossomed into professional negotiations and meetings with the CEO and Richard Petty himself.

“After negotiations, we came to an agreement and it was just amazing,” said Byrd. “The first day the press release from Richard Petty Motorsports went out we had 2,000 hits on our website. We were very excited to align ourselves with the character of Richard Petty. When you look at Richard Petty, you are looking at a man with ethical and moral values, and we try to align ourselves with people like that.”

NASCAR also filmed a documentary on Transportation Impact that will illustrate the process of a first time sponsor going from start to finish. The film will show how Transportation Impact came to be a sponsor, the joy they get from the races and the experience a company has when becoming a new NASCAR sponsor.

Both Byrd and Burt have been recognized in magazines and received awards for their success. Burt was named Small Business Person of the year in 2011 by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce and Byrd was honored as a “Mover & Shaker” in Triangle Business Leader magazine. The company has been the focus of numerous magazine articles, the most important of those being Parcel Magazine, a leading publication in the parcel industry.

Transportation Impact prides itself on professionalism, diligence and execution. This hardworking approach extends to carrier interactions and has proven to be extremely important as Transportation Impact not only maintains, but deepens current relationships between carriers and clients and the community. n

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Chamber

Presents Major Awards Art Schools, mayor of Emerald Isle, was selected by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce to receive its Citizen of the Year Award. He was honored at a special annual Awards Reception on March 8, at The Boathouse at Front Street Village in Beaufort.

“Art Schools has served as town mayor since 2001 and his accomplishments have been plentiful and abundant,” said chamber board member Woody Warren of Bluewater Real Estate. “Under his leadership, the town has balanced progress with preservation and has enhanced the quality of life for full-time residents.

Art has elevated Emerald Isle’s reputation as a family vacation beach community, and during his long tenure at the helm of the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, he helped advance and promote Carteret County as a major tourism destination on the East Coast.”

Other winners: ● Travis Burt, co-founder and managing partner of Transportation Impact in Emerald Isle, won the Arnold Murray Small Business Person of the Year Award.

Transportation Impact has grown from a small start-up business in 2008 to one of the fastest growing companies in America, moving from five employees a year ago to more than 20 today. The company helps its clients to reduce small package shipping costs by negotiating competitive contracts with carriers. ● Linda Whalen of Balloons for You and SkyBank Financial won the Cassie Algeo Award for Extraordinary Chamber Leadership. ● Debbie Fisher won the Debbie Godwin Ambassador of the Year Award. She is affiliated with four chamber member businesses: Mary Kay Cosmetics, Office Fusion Solutions, Hyper International Business Development Center and Coastal Heritage Construction & Realty. ● Holler Developers of Morehead City received Awards of Merit for Development for its state-of-theart medical and professional buildings – East Coast Square South and East Coast Square North in Morehead City. The chamKeith Byrd and Travis Burt, both of Transportation Impact. ber recognizes building construction projects that make a positive statement for “Community Character” in Carteret County by accentuating unique, coastal qualities that encourage an attractive commercial landscape. n

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Art Schools and Woody Warren.

Debbie Fisher

Linda Whalen

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From the Chamber (cont. from page 9)

out or have been forced to whittle down marketing expenses in a tough economy.

“We refer to Amanda’s article, ‘10 Ways to Advertise on a Budget,’ all the time, and share it with new members as a how to primer,” said Julie Naegelen, director, membership services at the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

When Carteret General Hospital wanted to assemble a crowd to celebrate the opening of its new Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center in Morehead City, management called in the chamber to handle the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Tip Number 2 is to join the chamber in your area. “Rates are low and generally based on business size,” Amanda wrote. “Annual membership in the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, for example, costs $240 for a company with 0-5 employees, $335 for 6-10 and upward.”

Naegelen said the 2010 rate schedule remains unchanged, two years later.

“Many of our members have been affected by a stalled economy, and while there appear to be more green shoots cropping up this summer, the chamber’s board of directors has frozen the cost of membership. In fact, we haven’t had a dues increase since 2007.

“Many businesses are amazed that the chamber specializes in offering an array of ‘celebration services’ free of charge. Whatever the occasion – grand openings, ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, open houses and milestone anniversaries – we can help.

“We bring the expertise, the scissors, the fancy ribbon, the shovels, the portable public address system, the camera – and best of all, the people,” Naegelen said.

Photographs are published weekly in the chamber’s electronic newsletter (The PULSE) and in the monthly printed newsletter (Chamber News).

Leadership Carteret Builds Better Community Leaders

Will the Leadership Carteret Class of 2013 be the best class ever?

The 10-week program, presented annually by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, begins in January of 2013 “Our slogan is ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,’” said Diane Warrender of the Chamber. “The program offers a comprehensive orientation about contemporary issues and challenges that are unique to Carteret County.”

The 27-member Class of 2012 graduated March 28. Here are comments from two of the participants:

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“I had a great time in Leadership Carteret and would recommend it to everyone I know,” said Durwood Garner of the NC State Ports Authority.

“I learned so much about the county, the Betty Barnes of Progress Energy learned how to fire the stinger people, the missile launcher in the Leadership Carteret program from the Marines at Cherry Point who are assigned to the 2nd Low Altitude economy Air Defense Battalion. (Steve Hellersperk photo) … very well worth the investment of time,” said Denise Natali-Paine of First Command Financial Planning.

To inquire about enrollment in Leadership Carteret 2013, contact Diane Warrender at 252-726-6350 or diane@nccoastchamber.com. Tuition is $400 for chamber members and $500 for others.

Chamber’s Reverse Drawing Is Aug.18 at the Civic Center

The public is invited to attend the 20th annual Reverse Drawing, presented on Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s simply the best party of the summer,” said Tracey Brinson of the chamber, “and someone will win the grand prize of $10,000 cash.

“Tickets are $100 each and only 325 tickets will be sold. You do not have to be present to win,” she said. “The chamber accepts cash, checks, MasterCard and VISA. “Each $100 ticket admits two people to the event, which offers a buffet dinner, an open bar, a silent auction, entertainment, dancing, plenty of fun and good fellowship and a free cab ride home within the county limits. Doors open at 6 p.m.

The theme is “Be True to Your School.” If you come in costume, prizes will be awarded in a college division and high school division.

The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce respectfully dedicates the 2012 Reverse Drawing – “Be True to Your School” – in memory of Debbie Godwin and in honor of Jack Goldstein.

For information, contact Tracey Brinson at tracey@nccoastchamber.com or 252-726-6350. n

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NCCOAST.COM

In the Network Business After Hours Expo Attracts 500 to Civic Center The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Expo on May 3 was a smash success, with 70 exhibitors showcasing their wares at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City and approximately 500 attendees.

“This was a spectacular event, combining the buzz and excitement of a business trade show with the networking features associated with a chamber Business After Hours,” said Julie Naegelen, who served as Expo coordinator for the chamber.

“We especially want to thank the chamber member restaurants and caterers who provided guests samples of their specialty dishes,” she said.

Presenting sponsors were Carteret General Hospital and CenturyLink.

Media Partners were Beasley Broadcast Group, Carteret County News-Times, Crystal Coast Hospitality Association, Crystal Coast Tent & Event Rentals, Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, NCCOAST Communications and WTKF-FM 107.1, “The Talk Station.”

Save the date: The 2013 Business After Hours Expo is set for Thursday, May 2, 2013, and will be back at the Civic Center, Naegelen said.

Six more Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours events are scheduled during the remainder of 2012.

“We always welcome new and prospective members to come and join in the networking,” said Naegelen..

All Business After Hours events are on Thursdays from 5:30-7pm. Admission is $5 per person and a business card for Chamber members. Pre-registration is required and advance payment is preferred. Guests are welcome, but please contact Julie Naegelen at 252-726-6350 or julie@nccoastchamber.com to make arrangements.

Aug. 9 Aug. 30 Sept. 20 Oct. 18

Nov. 8 Dec. 6

Hampton Inn, Morehead City Furniture Distributors, Morehead City Family Tire & Auto Service, Morehead City Friends of the NC Maritime Museum & NC Maritime Museum, Beaufort Doctors Vision Center, Morehead City Sea Classics Trading, Morehead City

NCCOAST Communications representatives at the Business After Hours Expo, from left, Ashly Willis, Jasa Lewis, Jamie Bailey and Anne Riggs-Gillikin.

John Smith of Carteret Community College squeezes between Tina Purifoy, left, and Gina Clark, both of the Crystal Coast Civic Center.

Gus Tulloss of Gus H. Tulloss Insurance, Bruce Caldwell of First Citizens Bank and Tom Taft of Compass Landing Apartment Homes.

Chamber Treasurer Bill Rogerson, Marjorie Guilbert and Andrew Wheeler, all of Wells Fargo.

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15

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17

Branching out & Building Business Small Businesses with Big Ideas

With the country in an economic downturn, some companies on the Crystal Coast have added other facets to their preexisting businesses to supplement financial revenue and stability. From additions to name changes, these businesses have sought out ways to increase revenue and consumer spending. Some have gotten creative with their approaches to this nationwide economic problem and others have built upon a successful business they have already established.

The owner of Gaskill’s Hardware, Grey Sabiston, has added a bar in the back of his 105-year-old hardware store in Beaufort with more than 25 beers on tap. Hannah’s Haus is a small bar with a big selection of craft beers, which is the main focus. In addition to the numerous beers on tap, they offer more than 100 varieties of bottled beers. The new tavern features bar games such as corn hole, darts and ping pong, for which occasional tournaments are held. On occasion, the people at Hannah’s Haus host oyster roasts, potluck dinners and even chili competitions. The bar even has an official mascot, mastiff Hannah, who is also the greeter at the hardware store.

Sabiston said he decided to open a bar in the back of his hardware store to satisfy his love of craft beers after his wife Jessica, a beer and wine wholesaler, began to thrive in sales.

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“As a whole, we didn’t reinvent the wheel with craft beer, but we brought a huge amount of craft beer to the area at one time,” he said. “I love good beer and it’s hard to find good beer.”

Other bars have tried to follow suit by adding craft beers to their preexisting selections, but no one is able to match the selection and variety offered at Hannah’s Haus. Although it is risky to start a new business in such trying economic times, Sabiston has found a way to supplement his existing business with a bar that helps balance out the revenue stream. The locals usually frequent Hannah’s Haus more in the winter months according to Sabiston, and these months are especially important.

“The bar carried us 13 weeks this past winter, which helped offset any losses seen by the hardware store,” said Sabiston.

The hardest thing about starting Hannah’s Haus has been trying to manage two businesses at one time, said Sabiston.

But he’s is no stranger to economic hardships as he recalls some tough years in the late 1980’s faced by the hardware store.

“You just have to try new and different things to help boost revenue. You have to try everything, but you have to be careful in doing that because if you make the wrong decision,

you have just wasted a huge amount of money on something you will just have to give away to people,” said Sabiston.

Gaskill’s Hardware has been adding merchandise to supplement revenue long before the idea of Hannah’s Haus came about. They began to carry Carhartt apparel and hunting decoys, which caught on fast with the customers. But it seems to be the bar, with its games, live music and selection of beers that has attracted the most people.

Owning a restaurant is already difficult enough, but one local restaurateur has managed to keep two restaurants running at once by making a few slight changes to one of the establishments.

Owner and chef of Beaufort Grocery Co., Charles Park, decided to change the name of his second restaurant, Shepard’s Point, to Beaufort Grocery Too. While Park owned and operated both restaurants, Shepard’s Point, with its downtown Morehead City location, had never quite reached the popularity of its sister restaurant in Beaufort, and many people around the Crystal Coast were not aware that the sites were under the same ownership.

Chef Park and his wife, Wendy, had separately mulled over the idea of opening a barbeque restaurant, until they eventually combined their thoughts and brought the idea to fruition.

“Barbeque restaurants are trending now, and in this business, if you want to be successful you’ve got to move with the trends or you’re going to go out of business,” said Park.

“The fine dining thing just wasn’t working in these economic times. It costs too much to do.”

Park indicated that many people who came into Shepard’s Point were intimidated by the décor and viewed it as too fancy or expensive. He was faced with a busted economy that left little room for fine dining in people’s daily lives.

“I just tried to simplify everything I did, while still keeping all the good and beneficial things I was doing,” said Park. “I took the tablecloths off the tables and eliminated some expenses by doing that and through attrition I got rid of some people and just didn’t rehire them.”

He started his new project by painting the exterior of Beaufort Grocery Too. People began to inquire about the renovations Park was undertaking and a buzz began in the community. No one really knew what Chef Park had in store for Shepard’s Point, and he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

According to Park, the Shepard’s Point sign needed to be taken down to paint the building space behind the sign and the sign needed to be fixed as well.

“I went to Joyce Veltman, zoning officer for the town of Morehead City, because I had to get my sign approved and

she asked me if I was changing the name. I told her ‘Yes, but don’t tell anyone,’ so she helped keep it under wraps for me,” said Park. “I still have people asking me if I bought Shepard’s Point to expand Beaufort Grocery.”

Although the décor has changed, the exterior has been painted and there is a new name, there are still some reflections of Shepard’s Point restaurant on the new menu. “Now, people just associate it with Beaufort Grocery Too,” said Park. “It was a pretty smooth change. I was able to keep everything quiet. The name change and changing the format of the restaurant worked pretty well.”

When it came to actually changing the name of Shepard’s Point, Chef Parks got the best suggestion and advice from his mother. “Originally we were going to call it something different, but my mother suggested calling it Beaufort Grocery Too, meaning also, which I thought was great,” said Park.

This new name allows people to expect from the new restaurant what they have been used to from the original Beaufort Grocery, but with a twist.

Park has also expanded his culinary business by partnering with the Emerald Isle Wine Market to offer food to-go out of the market.

“When the wine market burned down, they opened it back up and were interested in carrying some of our products because a lot of people in Emerald Isle go to Beaufort Grocery,” said Park.

The first year, Park sent an assortment of food items and has since narrowed the items down to the best sellers. They mostly sell items out of a cooler that people can re-bake along with pies, quiche, frozen soups and sandwiches and salads in the summertime. This facet of Park’s business has been a slow process and a learning experience. (cont. on page 26)

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THE ONLOOKER Chamber Presents Pro-Business 2012 Legislative Agenda

With the possibility of another BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) process as early as 2013, the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce joins with other community-based organizations to bolster support for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Fleet Readiness Center East.

“We are ratcheting up efforts to promote and document community support for Cherry Point,” said Chamber Chair Elect Mary Carlyle Brown.

“The chamber is the ‘Voice of Business’ and loves hearing the ‘Sound of Freedom.’ Therefore, ‘Support for the Military’ is in our top-tier of priorities on our pro-business 2012 Legislative Agenda.

“With all the rumblings about another BRAC on the horizon – as early as 2013 – we are putting on a full-court press to defend military and civilian jobs at Cherry Point,” Brown said.

“Where would we be if Cherry Point were to close its doors and lock its gates? It’s too scary to even think about, but we must … and do everything in our power as a unified region to assure it doesn’t happen.

“Fortunately, we have two strong legislators to help us protect the future of Cherry Point. They are Sen. Jean Preston

Jeff Strader of the NC State Ports Authority, Rep. Pat McElraft and Morehead City Council Member Harvey Walker confer at the chamber’s Legislative Luncheon, which was held on April 27.

and Rep. Pat McElraft,” Brown said.

Certainly, when the General Assembly convened in Raleigh on May 16, legislators hit the ground running … and running hard. Chamber Chair Mal Garland said: “Right away, the chamber had to spring into action, because one of the first bills introduced in the Senate dealt with changing the School Calendar Law.

(cont. on page 31)

MOREHEAD CITY CIGAR

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• Sales • Parts • Service

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4862 HWY 70 • Morehead City (252) 648-8631

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5871 Hwy 70 East • Newport, NC • 252-223-5060

Meet the Merchant There is no better way to get to know a business than to get to know the person behind the scenes. In Carteret County, where business is often done with a smile and a handshake, nothing can take the place of a face-to-face chat with a business owner to make you feel like you’re in good hands. From landscapers to auto dealers, businesses along the Crystal Coast are owned by our family members, friends and hopefully, our friends to be. Here is your chance to get to know a few of them – and we hope you’ll take the time to stop by and meet them in person.

Mike Denmead

Artisan Granite and Marble Linda and Mike Denmead want you to take them for granite – literally. The mother and son team who own and operate Artisan Granite and Marble in Emerald Isle, have been breathing new life into Bogue Banks one bathroom or kitchen remodel at a time. Since opening their doors on Oct. 1, 2006 the pair has been focused on providing the highest quality service to their clients throughout the community.

“We’re really a small family business,” Mike said recently. “I had this great opportunity right after college to open a business with my mom and it’s been such a great experience.”

And things have really evolved from there. Artisan is ready to handle your needs for granite, marble, limestone, travertine and various manmade products, including the new Vetrostone, a coastal themed product made of pharmaceutical grade epoxy that integrates oyster shells, seaglass and mirror pieces into its hardscape. In addition, the company added Artisan Tile & Design, led by Mike’s girlfriend, Ashley, adding a whole new aspect to the company.

“So we started doing counters and now have the capability of total home remodels – new showers, new counters, new floors,” said Mike.

The company’s vast showroom and Linda’s wealth of knowledge make decision making just a little bit easier. Mike said the company wanted to visually display different ideas and uses for products, allowing the customer a variety of options.

“You can see things online or look at them in a catalog, but you don’t get the same impression as when you’re right in front of a piece of granite,” said Mike. “We have a small kitchen set up, various islands, etch treatments, full shower walls, a mock shower that is tiled, natural stone on the wall, slate on the wall, floor on the diagonal and on the straight. There’s a lot to see and touch and really get a feel for how a product would work in your room.”

And that’s a huge help for his mom, Mike said, who is dedicated to making sure customers are completely satisfied with their choices.

No job is too big or too small, Mike said. From new construction to a 32-inch vanity that needs a facelift or a small outside table in need of the perfect top – the goal at Artisan is to provide granite for everyone who needs it, 252-354-7774. www.nccoast.com

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Thirty Years Behind the Wheel For more than 30 years, this father and son team has immersed themselves in the world of automobiles. From finding great deals at the auction to walking a first-time buyer through the steps to car ownership, Bud Shipp and son, Brian, owners of Bogue Auto Sales on Hwy 24 and Oceanside Auto Sales on Hwy 70, are committed to their loyal customer base and the community that sustains them.

Buying a car has a reputation for being an ordeal, said Brian, who was born and bred in Cape Carteret. One of the company’s goals, he said, is to take that stress out of car buying and to make it comfortable for the client.

“We want happy customers,” Brian said. “And we want people to know that when they come see us they’re going to be taken care of – we’re going to go through the process with them and make it as easy and fun as possible.”

Working with clients directly hasn’t always been Brian’s role, who admits that his dad made him work his way up through the ranks. From washing cars as a teenager, to working in sales, finance and buying – his father built upon his education each year, teaching him all aspects of the family business.

“And he still doesn’t cut me any slack,” said Brian, laughing. “He holds me accountable as he would anyone else and he has created a very hands-on businessman. I still jump back there and clean cars when I’m needed. I still work directly with customers.”

While he’s shown his ability in various departments, buying cars at the auction continues to hold the same romance it did when he was a youngster. Brian admits he loves cars, having grown up around the business, and loves going to the auction and finding a great car at a great price. But safety, he said, is always in the forefront of his mind. If a car isn’t safe enough that he’d feel comfortable enough that he wouldn’t mind his mom, Karen, jumping in and going for a spin, then Brian said he doesn’t want it on the lot.

“He has really given me a lot of help and support and he’s become really good at buying which is a key in the car industry,” said Bud. “My son is very mature within his age, a very settled young person … it’s really been a blessing for me. He’s my best asset.”

Oceanside and Bogue Auto Sales offers a full selection of service areas, including pre-owned cars, loans and financing, a certified service department and a full selection of parts and accessories.

View our 250 + vehicle inventory at www.bogueautosales.com Bulk Purchasing Special

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Cars • Trucks • SUVs • Classics 7677 Hwy 70, Newport 252.223.3999

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5326 Hwy 24, Bogue 252.393.2496

Embracing Technology, Change at Carteret General Just a few months shy of his first year at the helm, Dick Brvenik, president of Carteret General Hospital, has a lot to smile about.

A Gold Quality Award from the American Heart Association, new technology for joint repair and plans in the works for a comprehensive cancer treatment facility on the hospital campus are just a few of the hospital’s achievements during the last 10 months.

With an emphasis on outstanding quality, new technology and community information, the hospital continues to not only stay competitive among its peers, but exceed by offering centralized medical services.

Bringing new technology to Eastern North Carolina has been important to Brvenik. In February, the site launched the new orthopedic robotic surgery program, MAKO, a surgeon controlled robot. A handful of similar programs are offered throughout the state, but Brvenik said Carteret General’s is the only coastal facility in both Carolinas with MAKO on site.

“It’s a far less invasive technology that performs the surgery with incredible precision and results in more rapid recovery so the patient has restoration of function faster,” he said recently, noting that he’s proud that Carteret General is one of only a limited number of sites to provide the option. The technology shortens both hospital stays and the need for rehabilitation.

“This is a significant investment that was made and it is benefiting patients throughout our area,” he added.

With added service options, it becomes even more important that information gets into the hand of the consumer. Just this summer, the hospital licensed the phone number 1-800-DOCTORS to do just that – match the patient with the appropriate medical professional. Whether someone is new to the area or looking for a particular specialty, they can contact the 24-hour referral service to make sure their needs are met. The goal, the president said, is to not only provide the best information available, but to also encourage the patient to get more involved and engaged in their own care.

“We’ll even go so far as make a phone call to make an appointment while that person is on the line,” said Brvenik. “We’re really excited about this.”

At Carteret General these days, it’s hard not to be excited when the words American Heart Association (AHA) are mentioned. In June the site received a Gold Award, signifying that the facility has maintained compliance of the AHA’s high standards for the management of heart failure for the last 24 months. In 2010, the site earned a Bronze Award and in 2011, a Silver. Guidelines set forth by the AHA help guide treatment plans, from the use of cholesterol-lowering drugs to avoid a heart attack to full cardiac rehabilitation after hospital discharge.

“Carteret General Hospital is dedicated to making our care for heart failure patients among the best in the country and implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines – Heart Failure program will help us accomplish this goal by making it easier for our professionals to improve the long-term outcome for these patients,” said Cindy Jones, director of quality, accreditation and case management at Carteret General Hospital. “As we work to make Carteret General even better for you and your family, our recognition for heart care is another example of how we are committed to your health.”

“We’re really proud of some of the things we have done to improve patient safety,” added Brvenik, noting that the staff is fundamentally committed to the health of the community.

Under his leadership medication errors have been reduced, hospital acquired infections have been reduced and the staff has done so well in the reduction of urinary tract infections associated with catheter use that it was contacted to demonstrate their practices in a video used to educate doctors across the country.

As Brvenik transitions into his second year at Carteret General, he does so with a new partnership in tow. This summer, the hospital announces its partnership with UNC-Health Care and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The affiliation will enhance the cancer services and care delivery for Carteret County and surrounding areas. The partnership will help to promote community wide strategies to improve cancer screenings, facilitate early detection and treatment, enhance treatment planning and professional education through teleconferencing with oncology specialists and streamline the process for patients who may seek second opinions at the UNC Cancer Care.

“Matching resources and services for cancer patients is an essential focus for Carteret General’s cancer services. This opportunity demonstrates our commitment to deliver exceptional care and expand treatment options available for patients. We will be celebrating the benefits of this partnership for many years to come,” said Brvenik.

As the hospital continues to grow, the president said the administration will continue to focus on growth, education and quality health care for Eastern North Carolina. After all, “Their Mission is Your Health.”

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Getting Artistic in Atlantic Beach Working as a team, Doris and Monty Groff have been helping area residents add a touch of artistry to their homes for more than 11 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 paring,” 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 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.

Avid boaters and horse enthusiasts, this couple is happy with the opportunity to both work and play in Carteret County. They feel fortunate to have been able to raise their family in a small town and enjoy loading up the horses for a trail ride or hopping on the boat to meet friends at Shackleford Banks for some down time. During the work week, of course, you’ll find them hard at work at 607 Atlantic Beach Causeway. To learn more, call 252-241-7579 or visit artistictileandstonenc.com.

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Branching out & Building Business (cont. from page 19)

“The thing out of Emerald Isle is still struggling,” said Park. “But it is at a point where we don’t lose any money.”

With an uncertain economy, real estate sales have bottomed out. Blue Water Real Estate in Emerald Isle has expanded its sales to include pools and pool maintenance in addition to real estate, to help maintain a steady flow of revenue. They have also started to offer insurance coverage for homes, automobiles and boats.

According to Woody Warren, broker-in-charge and president of Blue Water, adding pool retail and maintenance “just fits into our business model.”

The real estate company was using outside vendors to supply and maintain pools at their properties, which they decided to bring in-house. They have been maintaining pools for about 10 years, but only selling them for the past three or four years.

“We started maintaining pools because the work from outside subcontractors was not meeting our standards and it was very expensive,” said Warren.

The technicians employed by Blue Water have had proper training for spa and pool maintenance through the American Swimming Pool and Spa Association. This training allows the real estate company to provide the best possible installation and maintenance services offered. Moving these services in-house has not only allowed Blue Water Real estate to retain labor, but has also allowed the opportunity for them to offer more jobs.

“In this economy we either had to lay off labor or figure out how to retain labor,” said Warren. “We now have 12 full-time and two part-time employees in the areas of pool installation and maintenance. We are also able to keep these workers employed during the off season because there is maintenance to be done year round.”

Blue Water Real Estate has also recently begun to provide insurance coverage for homes, cars and boats. This is something Warren thinks they should have done long ago.

“We have one part-time insurance employee as of now. I would hope by next year that person will become full-time or we would have another employee,” said Warren.

All of these added facets have been beneficial to Blue Water’s business by allowing them to cut costs, create jobs and supplement revenue.

Warren said the company is still looking to cut costs in different and creative ways, but has big plans for everything from insur-

ance sales to event coordination and concierge services for the future.

“We have to do whatever we can to cut costs, retain jobs and create revenue in this economy,” said Warren.

While Warren has turned to pools, a neighboring surf shop is looking at the natural landscape to help his business grow. With the emergence of stand up paddle boarding, Hot Wax Surf Shop in Emerald Isle has added to its existing retail products, instruction and camps to encompass more paddle driven water sports. Stand up paddle boarding is the newest of these sports and is gaining popularity at a rapid pace.

This sport can be best described as a combination of kayaking and surfing, because a person stands up on a board, like in surfing, but uses a paddle to propel themselves like kayaking. These boards can be used for everything from exercising to racing to riding waves. Different boards are better for different types of riding and Hot Wax Surf Shop offers a great selection of stand up paddle boards as well as conventional kayaks. It also carries surfboards, body boards and other water sports equipment and action sports accessories along with apparel from all the major action sports brands.

Adding more of the paddle sports like standup paddle boarding and kayaking allows them to reach a larger customer base and add new clientele, which results in more business and better revenue.

These are only a few success stories abound along the Crystal Coast of business that have managed to stay afloat, and thrive in some cases, during these tough economic times. By thinking outside the box, adding small facets or making small changes, these business owners have beaten the odds and will continue to grow and tailor themselves to the economic times of our country in order to stay successful. n

Carteret County Seeks Coast Guard Designation An important piece of Carteret County’s maritime heritage is the presence of the US Coast Guard in the community.

“Carteret County has a love affair with the Coast Guard – and vice versa – because a large number of Coast Guard retirees have made the transition to become permanent and seasonal residents here,” said Mike Wagoner, president of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

“So, why isn’t Carteret County an official ‘Coast Guard Community?’ There are 13 other communities across the country that have been awarded this designation. It’s high time we fix that,” Wagoner said.

The chamber’s Military Affairs Committee launched an initiative in March to “get her done” and complete the paperwork to apply to become America’s 14th “Coast Guard Community.”

Thanks go to Coast Guard Lt. Tim Braun for planting the seed and collaborating on this project, Wagoner noted.

You might say the story begins with the formation of the US Life Saving Service in the 1870s along the New York and New Jersey coastlines.

According to Carteret County historian Rodney Kemp: “Ca’e Bankers (residents of the Cape Lookout area) traditionally were sensitive to those victims of the perils of the sea. The whaling crews in the time before the Life-Saving Service would respond when a ship was wrecked off the Cape. Thus was the case in the fabled wreck of the Crissie Wright in January of 1886.

“She come ashore on the sea beach side of Shackleford Banks near the Wade Shore community, having lost her rudder.

The whaling crews were prepared to attempt a rescue when the wind shifted and caused mountainous waves to prevent their

Principals at the MAC Service Person of the Quarter Luncheon on May 18, from left: Cmdr. Tim Mattison and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Shannon Noceda, both of the US Navy; and Yeoman 3rd Class Jennifer Hassan and Chief Warrant Officer Ricky Thornhill, both of the Coast Guard.

Coast Guard Cmdr. Derek D’Orazio recently honored retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate Ira C. Lewis of Harkers Island, who served in the Coast Guard from 1938-59. Chief Lewis turns 94 in August. His illustrious career as a surfman is just one of the reasons why the chamber’s Military Affairs Committee is working to have Carteret County designated as “A Coast Guard Community.”

launching. The temperature dropped to 12 degrees (F), and the wind and water roared,” Kemp said.

“The would-be rescuers built a large fire on shore to tell the members of the Crissie Wright’s crew that they would rescue them when nature so obliged. When finally rescuers were able to get aboard, two of the crew had washed overboard, three were frozen to death and only one survived. The publicity of this tragedy encouraged building of the Life Saving Stations in this area,” he concluded.

The Core Banks (1888), Portsmouth (1894) and Cape Lookout (1896) Life Saving Stations (now part of Cape Lookout National Seashore) were all staffed by surfmen. From the watchtower, a nightly guard scanned the water for vessels in trouble, and foot patrols walked the dark, stormy ocean beaches. In the boathouse, oar-powered surfboats and crews were waiting, ready to be sent down the ramp and out to sea.

Crews would assist ships in distress, and there was plenty of action, as Cape Lookout Shoals was known as Promontorium Tremendum, the “Horrible Headland.”

In 1905, nine members of the Cape Lookout Life Saving Station received Gold Lifesaving Medals for their heroic rescue of seven crew members of the Sarah D. J. Rawson, a threemasted schooner that had run aground on the south side of Cape Lookout Shoals. They were: James Fulcher, William Gaskill, John Guthrie, Kilby Guthrie, Calupt Jarvis, John Kirkman, Joseph Lewis, Tyre Moore and Walter Yeomans.

The modern US Coast Guard service was created in 1915, when Congress merged the Life Saving Service with the Revenue Cutter Service (established by Alexander Hamilton in 1790).

Rodney Kemp adds: “It is not very well known, but when the different services consolidated into the Coast Guard in January of 1915, the ‘first’ rescue under that name was off Cape Lookout

by Capt. Fred Gillikin of Marshallberg and his crew. Capt. Fred lived to be 100 and was honored by a parade in Morehead City as the oldest living Coast Guardsman.”

Today, there are 10 units of the Coast Guard based at the original Fort Macon site, and a station in Emerald Isle. n

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From the EDC Jobs, Growth and Place The EDC “kicked off” its “Place Initiative” last month and make no doubt about it, the main driver is jobs. We know communities must have a “ready to go” inventory of sites and buildings to address the wide ranging needs of business and industry and that the process to get “up and running” be fast, cost-effective and confidential. We understand that ultimately tax breaks and monetary incentives are necessary to make a major new “multi-million dollar” investment a reality. These tools are, and will continue Myles Stempin to be, critical components of economic development. However, many recent surveys and studies conducted over the last several years are noting the significant effect “place” has in determining business locations … especially on small businesses.

The visual perception of a community is the first thing we normally think of when we consider place. Is there a relationship between old and new architecture? Is there a defining style, a sense of space? Is it unique?

But it is more than just aesthetics. Many communities use the arts, culture and history to create a sense of place – especially when they are authentic and distinctive. Environmental and social concerns are vital. Is the community connected to its natural environment? Are there natural areas? Is the air clean and the water clear? Is there sufficient green space? Are there public spaces to encourage interaction? Is it pedestrian friendly; are there sidewalks and trails? Does it have walk-ability and bike-ability? Is there access to mass transit and intermodal centers? Is there a sense of neighborhood? Are there “towns within towns?” Is the community well maintained? Has the community invested in itself? Do the people have a “pride of place?”

Because businesses today can truly locate anywhere, place, investment and job creation go together. We know that substantial job growth will come from where it always has – small business. Since the early 90s about 65 percent of net new jobs were created by small businesses (less than 100 employees and privately held). Small businesses generate almost 50 percent of Gross Domestic Product. They also employ about 50 percent of the workforce.

Additionally, we are not just talking about corporate or business movement but also individuals selecting a new community to call home. PlanIt East, Eastern North Carolina’s regional planning partnership, is projecting a population increase of up to 1,000,000 people for our region by 2050. Exponential growth will begin when upgrades to Hwy 70 and Hwy 17 are completed in 2030. The majority of this great influx, after the losses experienced by everyone over the last five years, will be from people looking for cost-effective communities offering a strong sense of place. When you look at a map of the east coast, we are one of the last cost-effective coastal areas.

Placemaking is not only our best strategy to generate jobs and attract compatible investment, but it is the key piece we need to keep our creative young people here and attract other “twentysomethings” to our towns. Again, statistics have shown that during this recession, communities with a larger percentage of young, creative workers have fared much better.

It is also safe to say that these communities will prosper more in the future economy. n

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Counselors to America’s Small Business

Q:

Help! I own a business that sells to other businesses. I’ve been pretty busy for a number of years, and have benefited from word-of-mouth advertising because I’ve satisfied a lot of customers, but now the well seems to have dried up. What am I doing wrong … and what can I do about it?

A. Your situation is not unique. When we get busy taking care of customers we sometimes forget that we’ve got to think about how to fill the “pipeline” again. This applies to every business whether wholesale, retail, consumer, or business to business (B-2-B), whatever your market and whatever your product or service.

Building customer relationships is never-ending. From the initial customer meeting, we start building the foundation for future business, whether it is with that customer or with a referral to a new customer. In your situation, it might be helpful to think back to the beginnings of some of those successful relationships. How did you get the first customer? How did you get them to come back again? If they could still use your product or service and haven’t purchased for a while, why did they stop buying from you? How often did you contact them even though they weren’t in need of your goods at the time? Examine every memory about these customers including what went right and what went wrong. This should give you some insight about you and your business reputation.

Then, take a look at the business environment. Do you have more competition than you used to have? Are your customers buying from someone else? How do you and your business compare to your competition? Has the customer turned into a friend but not a customer? Be fair and be honest about this. The conviction that we are the “best” often stands in the way of us looking at new ways of doing things.

Look next to changes in technology. Has innovation passed you by? Have you kept up with changes in technology? Are your customers buying a different product now?

Consider this question from the product/service perspective as well as the customer relationship perspective. How’s your website? Is it current? VERY current? What sort of customer relationship can be established over the Internet? What about other media opportunities? Facebook? YouTube?

Twitter? Could these be helpful? Are you technically “with it?”

Are there any changes in regulation that have affected you? Are you politically astute? Do you know your local planning/zoning board and other local elected officials? Do you have contacts at the state level? How well are you connected to your congressman? Have you met your Senator?

Do the elected officials know who you are?

What about your trade association? What about the chamber of commerce or any other association or group connection? Do they know who you are?

Do you write press releases to every possible media outlet when you have news? How have you created news? Do you

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know the media contacts? Not just who they are, but have you personally met them?

Now, most importantly, and taking into consideration your answers to the above questions, make a list of past customers and rank them by dollar value. Total the dollar value and calculate 80 percent of the total sales value. Draw a line under the lowest customer name that represents this 80 percent of the dollars. It is likely that 20 percent (or so) of your customers represent 80 percent of your sales. Study these 20 percent of your past customers and clone them. This is your most likely marketing opportunity. Focus on these customers, their industries, their locations and anything they might have in common and go after them. They are the potential customers likely to drop into your pipeline.

Call SCORE at 252-222-6126 for an appointment to speak with a SCORE counselor FREE to discuss the future of your business. It’s always FREE and the benefits are priceless.

Hope to hear from you soon and much good luck. n Joan Lamson Score Mentor SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) with 364 chapters across the US, including one in Carteret County. Each edition of NCCOAST Business Journal will include a small business question submitted to SCORE. To ask your own question call 252.222.6126 and leave us a message.

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THE ONLOOKER (cont. from page 20)

“Originally, Senate Bill 795 ripped out the requirement that schools not open for students before August 25 and replaced it with the provision that students would report on the next to last Monday in August (as early as Aug. 17, but never later than Aug. 24).

“The chamber objected to any change that would shrink the summer tourism season,” he said. “Language in the bill was adjusted to allow schools to open on the Monday closest to Aug. 26 (as early as Aug. 23, but never later than Aug. 29). It was noted that if this bill passes, school will start after Aug. 25 more often than before Aug. 25 – so we believe that’s a satisfactory situation that we can all live with.

“Another big issue that the chamber has been monitoring is the sea level rise debate, and we support the work of the NC 20 public-private partnership that represents the 20 coastal counties to influence public policy decisions relating to the economic development interests of the region,” Garland said.

The Carteret County Board of Commissioners has taken a leadership role in the sea level rise debate, because state policy, rules and regulations loom in the balance, depending on whether 39 inches or 8 inches of sea level rise by 2100 becomes the standard.

Because of the uncertainty regarding the projected rate of sea level rise, the Carteret County Commissioners approved a resolution on March 19, which requests the development of protocols articulating the precise methodology as to how sea level is to be measured, recorded, interpreted and reported, with full participation in this process by local coastal governments.

The chamber’s board of directors calls for “sea level rise guidelines that are based on true scientific measurements, not science-related assumptions.” n Mike Wagoner, president Carteret County Chamber of Commerce

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 sales@nccoast.com or phone 252.247.7442 or 800.525.1403.

ALBERT J. ELLIS AIRPORT.......................... 5 910.324.1100 ARTISAN GRANITE & MARBLE................. 21 252-354-7774 BALLY REFRIGERATED BOXES, INC ......... 7 252.240.2829 B&B OUTDOOR........................................... 20 252.223.5060 BB&T............................................................. 25 252.727.7900 CARTERET COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE................................................... 9 252.726.6350 CARTERET COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL . ....................... 28 252.222.6120 CARTERET GENERAL HOSPITAL.............. 23 252-808-6000 CHALK & GIBBS INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE SERVICES . ................................... 17 252.726.3167 CHANNEL MARKER...................................... 5 252.247.2344

COASTAL CAROLINA HEATING & AIR...... 16 252.728.5717 COASTAL CAROLINA REGIONAL AIRPORT...................................................... 13 252.638.8591 CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER.............. 17 252.247.3883 DUOCRAFT CABINETS............................... 16 252.240.1476 ECON DEVELOPERS, INC ..... BACK COVER 252.726.9583 FLOYD’S RESTAURANT............................. 16 252.727.1921 GROFF’S ARTISTIC TILE & STONE........... 24 252.247.7579 ICW GIFTS & MONOGRAM CO..................... 3 252.808.3008 KIRKMAN,WHITFORD,BRADY, BERRYMAN &FARIAS......................................................... 3 252.726.8411 MOREHEAD CITY CIGAR............................ 20 252.648.8631 OCEANSIDE/BOGUE AUTO SALES.......... 22 252-223-3999/252-393-2469

PCS PHOSPHATE.......................................... 7 252.726.4234 PICCATA’S.................................................... 17 252.240.3380 QWIK PACK & SHIP..................................... 24 252.728.4813 SEEGAR’S FENCE CO................................ 16 252.222.2260 SOUND BANK.............................................. 13 252-727-5558 TOWN & COUNTRY IGA................................ 7 252-726-3781 THE UPS STORE............................................ 7 252.726.4433 WASTE INDUSTRIES..................................... 7 252.223.4176 WILLIAM’S HARDWARE................................ 7 252.726.7158 WINBERRY FARM.......................................... 3 252.393.2281 YORK PROPERTIES, INC. . .......................... 2 252.247.5772

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