Business Journal 2015

2015-2016

Power List The

Eight of Carteret County’s Most Influential Leaders

In The Network • Military Matters • Chamber Presents Awards

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2015-2016

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Contents 6

Published by NCCOAST 201 N. 17th St., Morehead City, NC 28557 252.247.7442 nccoast.com Publisher Allyson Sproul Managing Editor Amanda Dagnino (editor@nccoast.com) Sales Manager Jamie Bailey (252.241-9485) Advertising Sales Scott Hopkins (252-342-1985) Ashly Willis (252.342.2334) (sales@nccoast.com) Operations Manager Kim LaChance (kim@nccoast.com) Graphic Design/Layout Morgan Davis Production Director: Rudy Taitague Lead Pressman: Daniel “Skip” Hicks Pressmen: Allen Henry, Anthony Stamper Commercial Pressman: Edd Moore Bindery Leader: Jason Yates Bindery Operator: Rudy Taitague Distribution Manager: Dorrie Nicholson Pre-Press: Kyle Dixon Homes Coordinator: Roze Taitingfong Commercial Print: Andrea Vangelist, Amy Krysa 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 2015 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.

the power list A glimpse at 8 Carteret County residents who are truly making a difference in the community.

14 THE CHANGING SHAPE OF TRANSPORTATION

Is Hwy 70 on track to become one of the state’s newest interstates?

20 VISITor SPENDING ON THE RISE

Carteret County experienced the third largest growth in visitor spending in 2014, according to a report released this summer.

22 ADDRESSING NEGATIVE REVIEWS

The internet is keeping businesses in check with its variety of online review forums. Keep yours on track with these helpful tips.

23 REMAIN PRODUCTIVE WHEN WORKING FROM HOME

26

Telecommuting continues to grow in popularity – but how do you stay disciplined and focused throughout the day?

CHAMBER PRESENTS

Each year the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce recognizes those business leaders who are standing out in the crowd.

The young leaders organization celebrates the opening of its business incubator.

28 CONNECT CARTERET IN OTHER BUSINESS

12 In the Network 24 From the Chamber 28 The Onlooker 30 Military Matters 34 Advertising Index

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Vol. 8 2015-2016

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Power List The

Eight of Carteret County’s Most Influential Leaders

By Amanda Dagnino Taped discreetly to the cpu of my office computer, shaded by the stack of papers that sits atop it, is one basic, succinct quote: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” Few people realize Abraham Lincoln’s wise words are there, tape curling, corners ripped, its clean Helvetica typeface speaking volumes. But while it goes unnoticed by most, it reminds me daily of two important things – all men are not created equal, at least when it comes to power, and one man can indeed make a difference, even if it’s only on a small scale.

Power is something anyone can achieve. What truly matters is what is done with it.

Here’s a look at those individuals who have made an impression on us of late, our movers and shakers if you will, our most influential people. It is not, by no means, an accounting of every wonderful person along the Crystal Coast; there are simply too many for any publication to feature. These are, instead, those who we plan to keep an eye on, not because we think they’re up to mischief, but because we think we might be able to learn something.

Patrick Conneely

When discussing her nomination of Patrick Conneely for an Outrageous Customer Service Award presented by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, Shawn Cherry hit the nail on the head in describing her visits to Morehead City’s Chik-fil-A. “Their positive and energetic enthusiasm makes me feel better about everything. I am suddenly very aware of the lack of good service from other places and industries. And it makes me do a check on myself … am I being polite? Am I being helpful? Do I make people feel welcome? It’s not often that a restaurant – or any business really – especially one staffed with young people, makes me want to be a better person.”

Employer of the Year, Outrageous Customer Service Award,

these are milestones for Patrick Conneely, but they are by no means the mission. For the Conneely’s, helping young people develop their professional skills as well as a strong code of ethics is the most important matter at hand.

We’d heard stories of their outreach through the years. A young person without a home was employed, mentored and matched with a fellow co-worker as roommates. A student who lacked transportation when it came time to go off to college was moved in before the first day of classes. The young man currently finishing his paralegal training under his guidance; the former employees working at local banks. With a job at Chik-fil-A, life lessons come free of charge, from developing a personal code of ethics to budgeting and volunteerism.

The restaurant employs about 20 high school students and 20-25 community college students at any one time, according to Patrick’s wife Laura. And daily, Conneely can be found in the thick of things – at the drive through window, in the kitchen, cleaning the dining room.

“Our employees work so hard for us. Ten times harder than you would find in a corporate setting,” she said. “And sometime they just need an extra boost, a little guidance. Many young people today don’t have someone to show them what to do next. We’re so glad that we are in a position where we are able to help out a little bit.

“It sounds like a lot when you say it out loud, but when you’re in the middle of life, when living it, we’re so in it that sometimes we almost forget that this isn’t the traditional normal,” Laura admits.

“To love people, to help people move to the next step if the help is needed, that’s really why we’re here.”

Patrick, she said, is an incredibly humble man and that is perhaps what makes his efforts so appealing. While always moved and appreciative, he gets a little embarrassed by the recognition that comes his way. The biggest compliment of all, she said, is when local companies request that he speak on leadership – which he will be doing later this month with a group of teachers.

“That just isn’t why he does it,” said Laura. “His goal is to inspire others and that’s when he is most in his element.”

Certainly the environment at the fast food chain is partly credited to the impeccable business model created by Chik-fil-A, however, it takes an individual to pick up those tenets and run with them. Patrick doesn’t jog. The former offensive captain for the UNC-Chapel Hill Tar Heels who helped lead the team to victory over Arkansas in the 1995 Carquest Bowl has been in a full sprint since he left the field. And he shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. From Spirit Nights that donate a portion of their proceeds to area nonprofits to the green team that works with local high schools students to promote environmental stewardship, Chik-fil-A and Patrick Conneely are incredible assets to the community.

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Donnie Griggs

Individually, Keith and Travis have made significant contributions to a variety of foundations and worthy causes. Each has served on the board of the Economic Development Committee in Emerald Isle and held advisory roles for the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

There is a lot that the men do that is relatively quiet, admits marketing and public relations manager, Brandon Staton, who said he could talk forever about their integrity and character.

There isn’t a week that goes by that we don’t hear some mention of Donnie Griggs, founding pastor of One Harbor Church.

Griggs, his team of pastors and church elders have become mainstays in the community. From removing fallen trees, building handicapped ramps, hosting Family Promise to provide food, lodging and fellowship for homeless families in need, revamping mobile homes so they will pass inspection at Willis’ Mobile Home Park or partnering with Johnson Family Dentistry to offer heavily discounted dental services to those in the community who cannot afford dental insurance.

Griggs, his wife Jill, and a group of friends, felt called to start a church that reached out to people who had given up on Christianity or had never been to church. The hope was that One Harbor would be a church that would serve and be a blessing to the city and surrounding community.

In January 2009, the One Harbor Church began with 17 adults and two children in a living room. By Easter Sunday it had moved into a former gas station in Atlantic Beach and as summer took hold it began offering two services. Fall saw a move to the DJ Shooters building further down Highway 58. In August of 2010, the congregation had outgrown that space as well. It moved to the Olde Towne Theatre building in downtown Morehead City and began offering two services within a matter of months. With a larger number of members who reside in Beaufort, the church launched a second location on Turner Street in Beaufort in October 2012. It too now offers two services each Sunday.

“The “feel” of One Harbor is intentionally contextualized for our area,” explained Pastor Bryan Hart. “We want to make it easy for people who are skeptics, doubters, or seekers to feel welcome, regardless of their walk of life. Dress code is not important, but authenticity is. One of our distinctives is that we want to be a church where it is hard to pretend.”

It’s laid back, come as you are approach speaks loudly to the area’s young people and the church responds with active youth and young adult programs, including community service projects and outreach.

In 2015, One Harbor Church has added a new level of permanence to its relationship with Carteret County – home ownership.

Early in the year it purchased several lots on Fisher Street between 17th and 16th streets and is in the process of renovating the site it can call its own. The new facility will provide space for Sunday worship services, kid’s ministry, church offices, as well as space to offer financial classes, small groups, recovery groups, etc. Pastor

North Carolina Secretary of Commerce John Skvarla, III, made a stop in Emerald Isle on Aug. 17, not to discuss policy as one might assume, but rather to share his remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the only company in Carteret County listed on Inc. Magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest growing private companies in America.

Founded in 2008 in the back room of the Swell Surf Shop, Transportation Impact, which specializes in helping high-volume shippers reduce cost, has saved companies across the county more than $125 million to date. The company brings together the talents of Keith Byrd and Travis Burt, both of whom have spent more than 20 years in upper management with UPS. As a service provider, the company could, in essence, be located anywhere and still service its various clients. Byrd and Burt, however, take pride in calling the Crystal Coast home. From two employees to nearly 40, the growing business hopes to move into its new 13,000 square foot digs in 2016. The multi-use building will house the company offices, two residential properties and a restaurant.

It is not necessarily the company’s marked growth that impresses us most, but rather its investment in the community. And we’re not the only ones; Transportation Impact has garnered local, state and national recognition for its aggressive growth and corporate responsibility. Since its inception, the company has donated more than $1 million dollars to various causes. It has awarded scholarships to high school seniors each year since 2010, been the primary sponsor of the Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival since 2012, donated more than $10,000 to the towns pedestrian/bike path, and been heavily involved with the Boys and Girls Club, Petty Family Foundation, Carteret General Hospital’s new cancer center, Broad Street Clinic and many others. In addition, employees of the company have logged hundreds of hours of community service along the way.

Hart said they hope the additional space will allow the church to partner with a variety of local nonprofits to further the church mission of serving the community.

Pam Morris

tablish similar programs. She continues to serve as president of the organization. In addition she serves on the eligibility panel for the Division of Marine Fisheries.

“Pam Morris has given untold hours to the communities of Down East through her work with fisheries organizations such as the Carteret County Fishermen’s Association and Carteret Catch,” said Amspacher. “Her understanding of fisheries issues and her long history of working for the industry have been a collective testament to her commitment to the commercial fishing industry.”

Through it all, Pam Morris is as unassuming and genuine as they come. A mass of dark hair and a constant smile to greet you, she is not only tough as they come, but loved by everyone who meets her. We feel certain, with Pam in their corner, that everyone will know how vital Carteret County’s fishing community is to its character and culture.

Trace Cooper

When the conversation turns to commercial fishing in Eastern North Carolina there’s little doubt that Pam’s name will be mentioned. Whether you’re in Wrightsville Beach, Harkers Island or Hatteras, her reputation as an advocate for the commercial fishing industry precedes her up and down the coast.

A festival on the Outer Banks, a panel discussion on sustainable fisheries at the Farm to Fork Picnic in Durham, a board meeting of the Carteret Catch program, of which she was a founding board member – whatever the event, Morris is there, telling the story of Down East and the challenges faced by those attempting to keep the state’s commercial fishing industry alive.

She was supposed to be an art teacher. The former commercial fisherman earned a bachelor’s degree in creative arts and teaching credentials from UNC-Charlotte. She returned to her alma mater, East Carteret, for a year of teaching, but in 2000 she found herself at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum, working alongside Karen Amspacher as plans were developed and the museum’s permanent home was constructed.

“Pam’s talents and skills are especially evident at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center where she serves as exhibit coordinator,” said Amspacher, the museum’s executive director. “Her dedication to the Core Sound Museum has helped make it what it is today through local displays, community nights and her love for waterfowling traditions and community heritage. She loves Down East and it shows in her hard work and determination.

The Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center would not be what it is without Pam Morris.”

Along with Karen, Morris had another mentor, the late Janice Smith, wife of the late Billy Smith. The couple was instrumental in the formation of the NC Fisheries Association in 1952 and dedicated their lives to raising awareness of the fishing industry. Morris was able to pick up the torch that the couple ignited and share the story far and wide.

Not only was Morris instrumental in the formation of the Carteret Catch program, which lets shoppers and diners know which fish markets and restaurants are serving up local seafood, but she went to other communities along the coast and helped them es-

Trace Cooper is a man that puts his money where his mouth is.

Nevermind that he is mayor of Atlantic Beach and a third generation resident of the small ocean front community, where he strives to maintain the family atmosphere and ensure that the needs of his constituents are met.

Mayor Cooper, an attorney and developer, manages, owns and operates a third-generation family business, Oceanana Family Resort & Fishing Pier in Atlantic Beach. He is also owner and proprietor of the Arendell Room Cocktail Bar in Morehead City. In the last few years, however, his business holdings have increased – this time in his own backyard. The entrepreneur and business partners recently opened the popular Idle Hour Biergarten and Pescara restaurants, both in Atlantic Beach.

This year, his dedication to the community, and to the generations of Coopers who have preceded him, was recognized with the inaugural Joan Huss Pulley Award for Public Service sponsored by Duke Energy Progress and presented by www.NCCOAST.com

the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

“Mayor Cooper is using his time, talent and compassion to positively impact the lives of others, and he exhibits the business values of integrity, stewardship, inclusion, initiative, teamwork and accountability,” offered Millie Chalk of Duke Energy Progress during the ceremony. “He is known for his progressiveness but also for his respect for the values of his hometown and its citizenry. He is totally dedicated to protecting the heritage of Atlantic Beach as a small beachfront community visited by thousands each year,” Chalk said.

Cooper was nominated for the award by Atlantic Beach Town Manager David Walker and the town staff, which speaks volumes of his role as a leader. Walker noted that Cooper is known not only for his progressiveness, but for his respect for the values and heritage of the community and its citizens.

Mayor Cooper serves as chair of the Carteret County Beach Commission and chair of the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, but perhaps his favorite role, said Mike Wagoner, president of the chamber, is serving as “Promoter-in-Chief ” of all vital citizen, tourism and business related interests in Atlantic Beach. Atlantic Beach and the entire county are richer for his hands on approach to town management.

Bucky Oliver

One of the first things Bucky and Wendi Oliver did when they arrived on the scene was to offer an olive branch. Their development, Front Street Village, began hosting community events almost immediately, including fireworks on the Fourth of July so Beaufort residents no longer had to cross the bridge to Morehead City or Atlantic Beach. Then came the trolley that provides transportation throughout town for a nominal fee.

Once the first stage of development was complete, the Boathouse at Front Street Village, the site began making its space available for fundraising and special events, establishing themselves as an active part of the community. In 2015, the Beaufort Wine & Food Festival moved the bulk of its main events to the site with great success.

Bucky and Wendi’s reach extends to Morehead City as well, where they embraced Carteret Community College, becoming the primary sponsor of the college’s annual Spanish Mackerel and Dolphin Fishing Tournament, which aids the Carteret Community College Foundation.

They have also shown a great deal of support for the county’s public school system as well. The couple took on the work of supporting Hill Center reading training for teachers across the county.

The couple arranged for the Hill Center’s top staff members to train local teachers in these highly recognized and effective teaching methods. When the Carteret County Public School Foundation formed, Bucky agreed to serve on the all-volunteer board of directors and the Boathouse continues to hold special events throughout the year to help support the organization. The business has shown support to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coastal Carolina and has been a remarkable partner with the Town of Beaufort.

We feel certain we will see more of the Olivers as Front Street Village continues to take shape. Plans for the space include a variety of resort-style cottages and townhomes, a restaurant, chapel, hotel and more, all within reach of downtown Beaufort – by trolley, of course.

Phil Collins

OK, we’ll admit it – sometimes breaking through the protective wall that surrounds Carteret County can be tricky. We are not always keen on change and we’re certainly leery of people who come from ‘off ’ with great plans for our future development.

But every once in a while a visionary moves to the area who it seems should have been here all along. Bucky Oliver not just loves picturesque Beaufort as a place to do business, he understands it and recognizes its needs. And because of that, the Olivers and their master planned community at the site of the former Beaufort Fisheries plant on Taylors Creek, have been a near perfect fit from its conception.

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Rarely does a major event happen in Carteret County without Sound Bank’s name attached in one way or another. And leading the way each step is President and CEO Phil Collins.

When Sound Bank’s founders got together in the spring of 2000 to talk about starting a community bank, they felt that a bank which was locally owned and operated could provide better personal service, especially with decisions being made locally by people who live and work in and are committed to the community. It would also be important for employees to be dedicated to giving back to the community through local involvement, said Mary Charles Jenkins, marketing manager.

Today, associates are involved in almost every major organization in the county, serving on boards and as officers in organizations such as the local hospital, Rotary clubs, chambers, PTOs, churches, historical associations and Boys and Girls Clubs. It also supports the arts, local schools, community colleges and local sports teams.

They make their share of donations, but are most proud of their hands-on involvement, she said. Giving back to the community, both through donations and in-kind, is a philosophy not only supported by but encouraged by Collins.

The bank opened in 2001 in a small temporary office and moved into her current location in Morehead City in 2003. In 2005, a branch opened in Cape Carteret, a loan production office opened in New Bern in 2006 and in 2007 Beaufort’s branch opened. A loan production facility was added in Jacksonville in 2012 and a full service branch in Cedar Point in 2013. In 2014, the bank acquired VantageSouth in New Bern and in 2015 opened a

loan production office in Wilmington. A full service branch is in the works for Wilmington with an expected opening at the end of 2015.

The company has grown from an upstart with 12 employees to a thriving community bank with over $150 million in assets, six locations and 46 employees, said Jenkins. Through it all, community service and giving back to the community has been in the forefront, from sponsoring the Red Cross Bloodmobile and hosting “behind the scenes” field trips for second graders to serving on a variety of boards in Eastern Carolina. Members of the staff serve on boards for the Carteret Community Foundation, Salvation Army, Carteret County Planning Commission, Crystal Coast Hospice House, Emerald Isle Business Association, Camp Albemarle, Beaufort Historical Association, Beaufort Business Association, Local PTO’s and more.

In Collins’ own words recently: “I do not know if there is another bank in our area that is more active in the community than we are. We may not give as much money-wise, but hour-wise all of our employees are very involved in local community civic organizations. I really cannot think of a civic group in town that does not include an active Sound Bank employee or director. That goes for everything from the local hospital to the economic development council to the downtown revitalization. We have a large seafood festival here, which is the second largest festival in North Carolina that we are very active with. We give employees time off from work sometimes to be involved with these things, so we really promote community involvement.”

when he served as publisher of our family of magazines. With that said, our appreciation for the role he plays in our individual lives isn’t enough to garner Tom a listing with our power players. The work he has done as the leader of the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association, however, is nothing short of remarkable.

A writer, a manager, a networker – Tom wears many hats. But it is when marketing something he truly believes in that his biggest talent is most evident. And Tom Kies adores Morehead City. From small projects to major investments, he attacks each task with the same veracity.

The mission of DMCRA is to restore Morehead City as a destination through sustainable revitalization. Tom woes business owners interested in downtown Morehead City, he assists with grant requests, works hand in hand with the town on major projects, organizes the Alive at Five concert series, parades and July 4th festivities. He tirelessly ensures that Morehead City is a place that people not only want to do business, but where they want to visit and live.

In the past few years Tom was paramount in getting bike racks installed in the downtown area, he has awarded façade grants to numerous downtown businesses, helped Connect Carteret launch its small business incubator, planned the ever-growing Crystal Coast Boat Show, hosted workshops for business leaders to help determine curriculum at Carteret Community College, facilitated the filming of a music video on the waterfront and helped bring the Southern Kingfish Association National Championship Fishing Tournament to the waterfront this fall. And that barely scratches the surface. New business filters in to Morehead City at a steady clip and the town is enjoying a noticeable uptick in foot traffic.

This summer, with the opening of the Bask condotel on the Morehead City waterfront, and the opening of the new home for the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament, Tom’s ability to rally support for large projects has never been more apparent. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed. Consumer finance website NerdWallet recently ranked Morehead City fifth on its Best Place to Start a Business in North Carolina list.

With Tom Kies on its side, we feel certain Morehead City will continue to assert itself as the perfect place to eat, shop and fish!

Tom Kies

It’s no secret to anyone in the business community that we at NCCOAST might have a little bit of a soft spot for Tom Kies. Our former leader, friend and mentor had a profound effect on us all www.NCCOAST.com

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in the Network

1

2

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Networking: 4

Get in the Game

Make networking your favorite sport. Think of it as a game in which you have a plan of attack.

“The goal is to make quality contacts with other people and exchange information, specifically to develop mutually beneficial relationships,” said Julie Naegelen of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. “Networking is good for your business and good for the community. When you attend events wearing a community service mindset, you are there with the intention of helping your community and other attendees by offering your help to others first.

“If someone offers to help you, that’s the icing on the cake.”

Harvey Mackay, businessman, author and syndicated columnist, puts it this way: “My Golden Rule of Networking is simple: Don’t keep score.”

Sandy Jones-Kaminski is the author of “I’m at a Networking Event – Now What??” It’s all about attitude.

“Networking is a farming event, not a hunting event. You’re there to plant seeds and cultivate your garden, not to bag prey,” she said “With that in mind,” adds Naegelen, “I have two pieces of advice to help those who are attending a networking event alone. First, seek out the hosts, sponsors or staff and introduce yourself and thank them for hosting/sponsoring/coordinating the event. Tell them what your business is and does, and be sure to let them know if you are a first-time attender.

Invite their assistance in introducing you to a few ‘interesting people.’ You will be surprised how attentive and responsive they will be to help.

“Second, get in line for something to eat or drink. Address the person ahead or behind you in much the same fashion as you did in approaching the key players at the event. If there are no lines, look around for another solo person to approach.

“Local chambers of commerce, of course, specialize in arranging networking functions, such as Business After Hours. As a staff, we love newcomers and first-timers and are there to guide and assist them in connecting and engaging with others.”

The Business After Hours Expo, hosted by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce will be held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center on April 28, 2016 and is a great place to get started. The venue can accommodate about 65 exhibitors and will attract 500 or more attendees.

“It’s like a Business After Hours networking event on steroids,” said Naegelen, who serves as 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 a Chamber Business After Hours. The result is a colossal event that businesses look forward to, with plenty of food and drink. The public is invited to attend.”

To learn more, contact Julie Naegelen at julie@nccoastchamber.com or 252-726-6350.

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1. Crystal Hesmer, right, of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament pos-

es with chamber board members, from left: Debby Forbush of Great Windows; Wendy Routson of the Emerald Isle Beach & Pool Club; and Syndie Earnhardt of Bluewater Real Estate.

2. Donna Comer of Donna H. Comer State Farm Insurance and Robin Comer of White Oak Shores Camping & RV Resort attended the chamber’s Crystal Ball in January. He serves as chair of the Carteret County Board of Commissioners.

3. Bill Johnson of Soft Water Solutions, is pictured at Business After Hours with BB&T bankers Mary Ellen Barker, left, and Ruth Roberts.

4. Mary Charles Jenkins and Jody Smith, both of Sound Bank, and Rebecca Stimpson of Carteret Community College.

5. Scott Hopkins and Ashly Willis, both of NCCOAST, represent the company at the annual Expo.

6. Jeff Schwartzenberg of Kitty Hawk Kites/Life Is Good, a unique retail store in Beaufort, assists Janie Jones, a Chamber Board member, in assembling her sportswear wardrobe.

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The Changing

Shape of Transportation

Could Hwy 70 become a future interstate highway? It’s still a ways down the road, but Congress is deliberating bills that could make it happen.

The U.S. Senate voted July 30 to approve the Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy (DRIVE) Act (S. 1647). North Carolina’s U.S. Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis (both Republicans) are applauding the inclusion of Hwy 70 in the legislation. This could pave the way for one of our main thoroughfares in Eastern Carolina to become a future Interstate highway.

“I will continue to work … to ensure the US-70 and Raleigh-Norfolk corridors soon become part of the Interstate system,” Sen. Tillis said.

He noted that the “highway bill will produce long-lasting benefits for North Carolina, including reduced traffic congestion, improved access to military bases and increased investments in our state’s transportation and infrastructure.”

Sen. Burr said: “The DRIVE Act is not only beneficial to North Carolinians living along the corridor, but for all who will have better access to our state, whether it’s to do business or to visit our scenic treasures.”

The bill now goes to the U.S. House of Representatives. Both Burr and Tillis said they will continue “working the bill” with North Carolina’s Congressional delegation.

Working another angle, U.S. Rep. G. K. Butterfield (D-Wilson) has in-

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troduced H.R. 1844 – the Military Corridor Transportation Improvement Act – in recognition of the importance of providing superior transportation facilities from MCAS Cherry Point to the Port of Morehead City.

All of North Carolina’s representatives are co-sponsoring the bill, which seeks to have Hwy 70 designated as a “future interstate.” The bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

“Transportation is the backbone of a region’s economic vitality and without an adequate transportation system, people cannot easily reach their intended destination, goods cannot be delivered in a cost effective manner and investors may look to invest in better served areas,” said Mary Carlyle Brown, who chairs the Public & Government Affairs Committee of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

“Because the US 70 highway corridor is central to Carteret County’s transportation system, the chamber advocates improvements to the US 70 corridor between Raleigh and Carteret County to eventually result in a limited or restricted access thoroughfare of Interstate quality that is designed to move traffic more efficiently and with greater safety.”

Construction on the Hwy 70 Gallants Channel Bridge project to replace the aging Beaufort drawbridge is progressing nicely and is slightly ahead of schedule, according to the general contractor’s reports.

Progress on the Havelock bypass has been stymied, however, with delays occurring in the review of the NC Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) Environmental Impact Study. It has taken longer than expected to get the Federal Highway Administration to sign off, according to the Rob Hanson, section head of project development for NCDOT’s Eastern Region.

Nevertheless, NCDOT is proceeding with the next step, which is to host a design public meeting on Monday, Aug. 31, in Havelock.

“The Havelock bypass is one of the missing links in the US 70 corridor

upgrade, and the chamber fully supports construction of the selected route,” said Chamber President Mike Wagoner. “Traveling from Morehead City and Newport, the bypass would begin at the Carteret-Craven county line and curl through the Croatan National Forest property southwest of the City of Havelock to connect with existing US 70 at a point beyond Tucker Creek and just before Lewis Farm Road.”

On another transportation matter, Carteret County community leaders are frustrated with the tug-of-war that developed between the governor’s office and the General Assembly related to the Connect NC bonds package.

Gov. Pat McCrory proposed a $2.85 billion Connect NC bonds package. Legislators need to “say yes” in order to put it on the statewide ballot for voters to decide this fall.

The bulk of the bonds money ($1.48 billion) would be used to pay for transportation and highway projects. The list includes $125 million for improvements at the Port of Morehead City.

Another $1.37 billion would be earmarked for state infrastructure improvements. The NC Community College System would receive up to $300 million for repairs and renovations of campus buildings. All 58 of the state’s community colleges would get at least a sliver of the pie.

The bonds will not require a tax increase and will not put a strain on the state budget. Interest rates are low now but are expected to be raised later this year or in early 2016.

“Because of the state’s fiscal strength and strong balance sheet, the state’s AAA bond rating would be preserved,” reported the governor’s office.

The chamber’s board of directors has supported placing the bonds referendum on the ballot to allow the people to vote whether they want the bonds. The Carteret County Board of Commissioners has approved a resolution urging the same.

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Visitor Spending on the Rise With a 7.3 percent growth rate, Carteret County had the third largest increase in visitor spending in North Carolina during 2014. Gov. Pat McCrory and Dept. of Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III announced in August that 97 of the state’s 100 counties saw increases in visitor spending in 2014. Data from Visit North Carolina showed that visitor spending neared $5 billion in Mecklenburg, topped $2 billion in Wake and topped $1 billion in Guilford and Dare counties. Rounding out the top ten counties for visitor spending in the state were Buncombe ($963 million), Forsyth ($785 million), Durham ($700 million), New Hanover ($508 million), Brunswick ($496 million) and Cumberland ($490 million) counties.

This is an exceptional performance for Carteret County, as visitor spending increased from just under $303 million in 2013 to almost $325 million in 2014.

Domestic visitors spent a record $21.3 billion statewide in 2014, an increase of 5.5 percent from the previous year. State tax receipts as a result of visitor spending topped $1 billion in 2014, and local tax revenues directly resulting from visitor spending totaled more than $636 million.

Visitor expenditures directly supported 204,909 jobs and generated more than $4.9 billion in payroll income across North Carolina.

“Tourism is a major force in North Carolina’s economic development,” said Gov. McCrory. “The industry is fueling a continued growth in jobs and contributing substantial sums to the state budget and local economies in every corner of our great state.”

Secretary Skvarla added, “Nothing compares with our state’s diverse natural beauty and rewarding experiences at every turn. We can take pride in North Carolina’s position as the sixth most-visited state in the nation with nearly 50 million overnight visitors in 2014.”

The visitor spending figures come from an annual study commissioned

by Visit North Carolina and conducted by the U.S. Travel Association.

The study uses sales and tax revenue data, employment figures and other industry and economic data to determine the overall impact of visitor spending in North Carolina. Highlights include:

20

Mecklenburg County received $4.9 billion in domestic travelers’ expenditures to lead all of North Carolina’s 100 counties. Wake County ranked second with $2.0 billion, followed by Guilford County with $1.3 billion.

The largest percent increases in visitor spending were seen in Orange (7.7 percent), Cabarrus (7.6 percent), Carteret (7.3 percent) and Moore (7.1 percent) counties. Dare County followed with a 7.0 percent increase, followed by Union (6.9 percent), Buncombe (6.8 percent), Beaufort (6.6 percent), Iredell (6.5 percent) and Wake (6.5 percent) counties.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the 7.3 percent increase,” said Carol Lohr of the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority. “Our guests are coming to the Crystal Coast to enjoy quality time with family and friends,” Lohr said.

“We have 85 miles of beautiful beaches, part of which are in the Cape Lookout National Seashore and Fort Macon State Park.

“We have enjoyed a fabulous summer of 2015 with beach-perfect weather, and we hope our visitors will continue to enjoy the Crystal Coast throughout the fall,” she added.

Positive spending growth was seen throughout the state’s regions. The Southwest (6.2 percent) and North Central (6.1 percent) regions experienced the strongest growth, yet all eight regions had spending growth of 4 percent or more from 2013 to 2014.

Mecklenburg County had the largest number of direct tourism employees (48,327) and the largest payroll ($1.6 billion). Four other counties had more than 10,000 direct tourism employees: Wake (21,143), Guilford (12,761), Dare (12,304) and Buncombe (10,227).

Ninety percent of the state’s counties saw direct tourism employment growth in 2014. Counties with the largest year-over-year increases in direct tourism employment: were Cabarrus (5.3 percent), Orange (5.2 percent), Moore (4.8 percent), Dare (4.7 percent), Carteret (4.7 percent), Union (4.6 percent) and Buncombe (4.5 percent).

Full tables can be accessed at partners.VisitNC.com. For more information about the travel impact numbers, contact Visit North Carolina.

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How Businesses can Address Negative Online Reviews Online retailer comment sections and review sites have become very popular over the last half decade. More and more consumers now rely heavily on product and business reviews to inform their decisions and purchases. Some consumers may scan individual product reviews prior to purchasing a big-ticket item, while others may visit review sites to find the right restaurant.

Savvy business owners recognize the influence that such reviews can have on their businesses. For example, a 2011 study of Yelp. com, an online business review sit that allows users to comment on and rate businesses employing a five-star rating system (five being the highest rating a business can receive), from researchers at Harvard University found that a one-star increase among reviews of Seattle restaurants led to a growth in revenue between 5 and 9 percent. Yelp reports it had an average of approximately 132 million monthly unique visitors in the first fiscal quarter of 2014, and those figures illustrate just how much consumers have grown to rely on review sites to inform their purchases.

As the Harvard study indicated, positive reviews can dramatically improve a business owners’ bottom line. But what about negative reviews? The best way to address negative reviews is to cater to customers’ needs in such a way that no such reviews are ever written. But issues, including negative reviews, are bound to arise, and business owners who work long hours may find it difficult to reconcile poor reviews of a company they put their heart and soul into. That compels some to overreact to negative reviews or immediately go on the defensive. But there are more productive ways to address negative online reviews and even turn them into a positive experience for all parties involved.

• Pay attention to your online reputation. In recognition of the influence online review sites wield, many larger companies employ brand management professionals or firms whose job includes monitoring review sites and investigating and, in some cases, rectifying negative reviews. Small business owners can take the same approach, even if it means monitoring such sites on their own.

Routinely scan popular review sites in an attempt to manage your online reputation. Such monitoring can not only shed light on any disgruntled customers but also provide insight to business owners with regards to which aspects of their businesses are most popular among their customers and which may need more work.

• Investigate any issues. Many people take to the Internet, and review sites in particular, just to vent. But that does not mean business owners should ignore bad reviews as isolated incidents with customers looking to start trouble. Do your best to investigate any poor reviews (and, if you have the time, thank those reviewers who have left glowing reviews), first conducting an internal investigation of an incident with your employees before contacting cus22

tomers to reassure them that you are addressing their concerns.

When speaking with customers, express your willingness to compromise and your desire to make the situation better. Customers appreciate such gestures, and many will likely edit an existing review to reflect your positive response to their initial critique.

• Respond to the review publicly. If the issue has been addressed and the customer has been satisfied but has not changed their initial review, you might want to issue a public response to their review, admitting that there was an issue but it has since been rectified and that you were more than willing and happy to address the problem.

• But not all issues can be resolved. If your investigation of the issue found that the initial review contained inaccuracies and these inaccuracies prevented you from rectifying the situation with the customer, you can then write a brief response to the review that corrects the inaccuracies. Keep this type of response short and sweet, as you don't want potential customers to see your response as hostile.

• Encourage additional reviews. A savvy business owner won't shy away from review sites but rather embrace them for the opportunities they present. Positive word-of-mouth has long been a friend to business owners, and online review sites facilitate this way of sharing positive experiences of a business. Encourage your customers to write online reviews of their experiences with your business. This can offset negative reviews, help to steer future customers to your business and provide some valuable insight into how customers view your business. Include links to your page on review sites on your website or send emails encouraging customers to provide feedback. Many customers will be happy to provide such feedback and be glad to hear that you want to hear from them

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Maintain Productivity When Working From Home Telecommuting has grown more and more common over the last decade. Thanks in large part to advancements in technology that make it easier than ever before to connect remotely with coworkers, telecommuting is now something more and more companies are embracing.

According to Global Workplace Analytics, a consulting and research firm that focuses on emerging workplace strategies, the total telework growth from 2011 to 2012, the most recent year for which statistics are available, was 3.8 percent. But those figures don’t tell the entire story, as the rise of telecommuters increased considerably since 2006, when the number of teleworkers grew by 26 percent over the year prior.

Telecommuting can pay dividends for workers and businesses alike. Workers benefit from telecommuting in a variety of ways.

Working parents find telecommuting drastically cuts back on or even eliminates childcare costs, saving them thousands of dollars per year. Working from home also saves workers’ vehicles from the everyday wear and tear of driving to and from work, potentially adding years to a vehicle’s life expectancy.

Businesses also benefit from allowing employees to work remotely. Small businesses may need less office space if many of their employees work from home, saving them substantial amounts of money in rent. In addition, businesses who allow workers to telecommute may not need to spend as much on computers and other tools for their employees, as many telecommuters use their own personal computers when working from home.

While telecommuting can benefit employee and employer, the success of such an arrangement depends largely on the employees who will be working from home. Men and women who work from home often find they have more freedom at home than they did when working in an office, and how they handle that freedom will go a long way toward determining how successful they are at telecommuting. The following are a handful of strategies telecommuters can employ to ensure their work-from-home experiment is a productive success.

fice, and it’s a wholly separate line from your personal lines at home. It’s important that telecommuters keep a separate phone solely for work so their personal and professional messages do not get mixed up, which can make it more difficult for men and women to do their jobs.

Use the technology at your disposal. One of the ways technology has made it easier to work from home is by providing a number of ways workers can stay in constant and instant contact with their coworkers. But such technology is only useful if telecommuters make it work for them. Video conferencing allows telecommuters to conduct ‘face-to-face’ meetings with coworkers, while instant messaging is a valuable tool to stay in touch with coworkers who you work with directly. Use these programs to your advantage, and you’ll notice you’re not only more productive but also still able to maintain a personal connection with your coworkers.

Stick to a schedule. Workers who still commute to work adhere to a schedule, and so should telecommuters. Sticking to a schedule will allow you to maintain the same level of productivity you aspired to when working in the office, and a schedule will ensure your personal life does not encroach on your professional life.

Let others know your schedule. Though you’re now working from home, your schedule likely has not changed. You may be able to sleep in a little later because you no longer have to commute, but your workday is likely still eight hours. Once you have established your schedule, let others in your household, whether it’s a spouse, your children or roommates, know when you will be working on a daily basis. This reduces the likelihood that your housemates will distract you or walk into your office while you’re on a video chat or conference call with colleagues or clients.

Ask for a work phone. Many companies who allow employees to telecommute will provide a phone for such workers.

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from the chamber

The 2014 Outrageous Customer Service Awards recipients: Front row – Sam Cooper, Lauren Gibson and April Mason; middle – Greg Moss, Rudi Rudolph, Brenda Reash, JJ Jones and Matt Hagen; and back – chamber leaders Kerry Youngblood, Mary Carlyle Brown and Bill Rogerson.

2nd Class Electrician’s Mate James Harper of Coast Guard Station Fort Macon, was honored by the MAC as a Service Person of the Quarter. Tiffany Benfield attended the ceremony as his guest.

Communities Demonstrate Patriotic Spirit

The Military Affairs Committee (MAC) of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce is a pacesetter in building stronger partnerships between the business and military communities.

“Our primary role is to recognize military members for their service to the country and show them how much we value their families as community members and neighbors,” said David Heath of the Town of Newport, who chairs the Chamber MAC. Each quarter, the MAC honors three Service Persons – a Marine or Sailor for MCAS Cherry Point, a Coast Guardsman from Fort Macon or Emerald Isle and a Soldier from the Army Reserve unit in Morehead City.

Any interested Chamber member is welcome to join the MAC. There is no additional cost to participate. To inquire, contact Susan McNamara, who is the Chamber staff liaison to the MAC, at susan@nccoastchamber. com or (252) 726-6350.

Keep up with MAC activities on Facebook at CarteretChamberMAC.

College and the Emerald Isle Beach & Pool Club. Reception sponsorship opportunities are available.

The 2014 Outrageous Customer Service Award winners were: Samantha Cooper and Lauren Gibson, both of Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites; Matt Hagen of Port City Motors; James “JJ” Jones of UPS; April Mason of Carteret County Aging Services; Greg Moss; Brenda Reash of Carteret Community College; and Greg “Rudi” Rudolph of the Carteret County Shore Protection Office.

Dr. Kerry Youngblood of Carteret Community College thanked the award winners for demonstrating Outrageous Customer Service, and acknowledged that “a happy customer is a walking billboard for your business.”

“It’s obvious the winners are people with a special touch. Artistotle, the ancient Greek philosopher and scientist, said: ‘We are what we repeatedly do.’ Excellence, then, for these individuals is not a one-time occurrence, but a habit.”

Chamber’s 2015 Directory

The 2015 Business Directory & Visitors Guide, published by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, is available – free of charge – at chamber headquarters at 801 Arendell St., Morehead City. The 88-page publication includes the complete roster of Chamber members who are listed three ways – categorically, alphabetically and by key contacts.

“It’s the ideal resource for newcomers and relocation prospects,” said Chamber President Mike Wagoner.

Looking for Customer Service Champions

Who are the practitioners of “Outrageous Customer Service?”

There’s a talent search under way … as the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce and NCCOAST (parent company of NCCOAST Business Journal) are spearheading efforts to salute the 2015 Customer Service Champions in local communities.

“Each year, we present a handful of ‘Outrageous Customer Service’ Awards to individuals across the county,’” said Chamber President Mike Wagoner.

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 Sept. 18. (The awards ceremony will be in mid-October.)

The awards program is also co-sponsored by Carteret Community

24

Leadership Carteret’s Matias Lagos of Spinnaker’s Reach Realty and Kerri Sommer of the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

A pply Now for Leadership Carteret 2016 The Leadership Carteret Class of 2016 begins its 10-week “journey” in January, and applications are now being accepted at the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. The professional development program is offered for 10 consecutive Wednesdays, from January 13-March 16.

“This will be our 28th consecutive season to offer Leadership Carteret, and our slogan is: ‘Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,’” said Susan McNamara of the chamber.

“The goal is to provide a comprehensive orientation about contemporary issues and challenges that are unique to Carteret County, and we introduce the class members to business leaders and decision makers,”

she said.

“We visit places off the beaten path and behind the scenes, in order to give the participants an experience they will never forget. We guarantee it.”

Patty Stanley of Construction Accounting Specialists, who was a member of the Class or 2015, said: “Thank you so much Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. This Leadership Program provides such value to our county – through networking, relationships, connections and opportunities to benefit our businesses and our nonprofit organizations.”

To apply to enroll in Leadership Carteret 2016, contact Susan McNamara at 252-726-6350 or susan@nccoastchamber.com. Tuition is $415 for chamber members and $525 for others.

Legislative Update

Coastal homeowners applauded the ruling by NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin to deny the excessive rate increase in homeowners’ insurance premiums that had been requested by the North Carolina Rate Bureau in 2014.

Almost all of Carteret County was targeted for a 35 percent rate increase, but following an extensive public hearing, Goodwin determined the rate request “was excessive and unfairly discriminatory” to the coastal region, especially Carteret County.

Therefore, he ordered a 5.6 percent decrease for the Bogue Banks beaches territory and reduced the increase for most other sections of the county to 3.1 percent.

“Obviously, this was good news for residents, and it helped propel a bit of a rebound in the local real estate market, by restoring ‘consumer confidence,’” said Mike Wagoner of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

“The public hearing process also served to reinforce the vital need to seriously revamp or overhaul the methods and systems used to establish homeowners’ insurance rates in North Carolina,” he said.

“As a result, several ‘insurance reform’ bills were introduced in the 2015 session of the General Assembly, which were generally supported by Senator Norman Sanderson or Arapahoe and Representative Pat McElraft of Emerald Isle. (Both are Republicans.)

The chamber serves as the “voice of business,” dealing with federal, state and local public policy issues.

The chamber maintains a Legislative Agenda, which prioritizes the legislative concerns of Carteret County businesses and organizations, and actively advocates for a pro-business environment. Access the document at www.nccoastchamber.com.

We’re Your Chamber at the Coast!

Photo by Carolyn Temple of Coastal Image Photography

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.

The chamber hosts Legislative Luncheons before and after each session of the General Assembly. Here are: Gus Tulloss of Gus H. Tulloss Insurance and a member of the North Carolina Board of Transportation; Rep. Pat McElraft; and Sen. Norman Sanderson.

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Chamber Present s

Awards for Leadership and Achievement Earlier this year, the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce presented its major annual awards during the Crystal Ball at the DoubleTree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel.

It was a short trip for two of the recipients who have Atlantic Beach addresses.

Tommy Morrow of Atlantic Beach Surf Shop received the Arnold Murray Small Business Person of the Year Award and Atlantic Beach Mayor A. B. “Trace” Cooper, III, won the Joan Huss Pulley Award for Public Service, sponsored by Duke Energy.

Additionally, Greg Lewis, former Carteret County Commissioner, was presented the Citizen of the Year Award.

Tommy Morrow established Atlantic Beach Surf Shop in 1964, and the family-owned business celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2014. Nominated by the Atlantic Beach Town Council, A.B. Surf Shop has brought “fame and prestige” to the Crystal Coast and Carteret County … by “riding every wave … and every new fad to come along … to grow stronger with each passing year.”

By capitalizing on the surfing culture, music, lifestyle and fashion, A.B. Surf Shop doubled the size of its store in 2007. That was about the time that Tommy Morrow turned over management to sons, Johnny and Chuck, who grew up working in the business.

Today, the store is a year-round shopping destination, a magnet that benefits all other Atlantic Beach shops and boutiques and retail establishments … as the Morrows are constantly drawing in new shoppers and greeting loyal customers who return to this local landmark.

“The Joan Huss Pulley Award memorializes the late Joan Pulley, who served on the chamber’s board of directors from 2004 until her death in 2013,” said Millie Chalk of Duke Energy. “The award embodies Joan’s spirit for civic deeds. As longtime chair of the chamber’s Public & Government Affairs Committee, she fought for what was good for the chamber and the business community.”

Mayor Trace Cooper serves as chair of the Carteret County Beach Commission … and as chair of the Crystal Coast Tourism Authority, but perhaps his favorite role is serving as “Promoter-inChief ” of all vital citizen, tourism and business related interests in Atlantic Beach.

“Trace is known for his progressiveness as well as his respect for the values of his hometown and its citizenry. He is totally dedicated to protecting the heritage of a small beachfront community visited by thousands each year,” noted Atlantic Beach Town Manager David Walker.

Mayor Cooper is also an astute businessman and entrepreneur.

He owns and manages a third-generation family business, Oceanana Family Resort & Fishing Pier in Atlantic Beach. Most recently, he and his business partners opened two new restaurants in Atlantic Beach, Idle Hour Biergarten and The Pescara. He is also owner and proprietor of the Arendell Room Cocktail Bar in 26

Morehead City.

Greg Lewis served on Carteret County Board of Commissioners from 2006-14 and is a past chair. He currently serves on the board of trustees of Carteret Community College and is a past chair.

“Greg’s passion for Carteret County in unparalleled,” said Chamber Chair Dr. Kerry Youngblood, president of Carteret Community College. “Carteret County has benefited greatly from his civic leadership and dedication to public service.”

Currently, Lewis is president of the Allies for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow (ACT), a public/private partnership that is committed to ensure the sustainability of MCAS Cherry Point and Fleet Readiness Center East. He is also serving as a member of the NC Coastal Resources Commission.

Lewis spent his career working in financial affairs, retiring from Atlantic Veneer Corporation in Beaufort. He is a C.P.A and a selfemployed consultant.

Two additional Carteret County Chamber of Commerce leaders were recognized in 2015 for their contributions to the organization.

Mary Carlyle Brown, chair of the Public & Government Affairs Committee, received the Cassie Algeo Award for Extraordinary Chamber Leadership, in recognition of her efforts in the government affairs arena.

In presenting the award, Bill Rogerson, past chair of the chamber’s board of directors, said: “Issues advocacy is a primary focus for the chamber, and we have been aggressive in our opposition to the “critical habit designations” for multiple species (turtles, birds and fish), as these federal rulings threaten to strangle use of the beach by people.”

Brown also led the chamber’s charge into battle to oppose exorbitant homeowners’ insurance rates.

“Mary Carlyle also continues to fight valiantly to preserve and protect the existing School Calendar Law … and maintain the uniform school start date,” he said. “The health of our tourism-based economy depends on summer tourism revenues.”

Debbie Fisher won the chamber’s Debbie Godwin Ambassador of the Year Award. She is an independent Mary Kay Cosmetics sales director and owner of Office Fusion Solutions and the Professional Business Center.

“Ambassadors Club volunteers are constantly striving to sell and promote the chamber in the community, and no one does this with more fervor and professionalism than Debbie Fisher,” Rogerson said.

The Ambassadors earn points for making these contacts and by attending the various chamber functions. Fisher has been the Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year for six of the past seven years.

Tommy Morrow holds the Small Business Person of the Year Award.

He is flanked by sons Johnny Morrow, left, and Chuck Morrow, and their wives, Kim, Sandra and Amanda. (Coastal Image Photography)

Atlantic Beach Mayor Trace Cooper is circled by town employees who nominated him. Clockwise, from bottom, are Katrina Tyer (holding award), Sabrina Simpson, Jessica Fiester, Fire Chief Adam Snyder, Town Manager David Walker and Meredith Joyner. (Coastal Image Photography)

Sandee & Greg Lewis

Debbie Fisher and son, Alex Fisher.

Mary Carlyle Brown and husband, Steve Brown, are real estate brokers with Landmark Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty.

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27

The onlooker

Digital Overload: It’s Enough to Make Your Head Hurt The modern world is bad for your brain, according to Dr. Daniel J. Levitin, a professor of psychology and behavioral neuroscience at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

He wrote an article recently that appeared in The Guardian, an international newspaper, detailing how “our brains are busier than ever before, due to multitasking with digital devices.

The problem is: The human brain is not wired to multitask well.

“So, we’re not actually keeping a lot of balls in the air like an expert juggler,” Dr. Levitin wrote. “We’re more like a bad amateur plate spinner … frantically switching from one task to another….”

“Even though we think we’re getting a lot done, ironically, multitasking makes us demonstrably less efficient,” Dr. Levitin stated.

A lot has been written lately on this subject of “Digital Distraction or Overload” by experts, including the folks at The Herman Group, a strategic business management consulting firm based in Greensboro.

The June 17 edition of The Herman Trend Alert explains that “‘Digital Overload’ may be the most significant problem facing our workplace today.”

“We are constantly busy, producing little of value.”

“FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), FOBO (Fear of Being Offline) and ‘nomophobia’ (fear of being out of mobile phone contact) are all forms of anxiety related to obsession or compulsion.

“We are all constantly checking our laptops, tablets and phones because we worry about receiving new information later than others, responding too slowly to a text or email, or being late to comment on or like a social media post.”

Dr. Levitin said multitasking increases the production of the

stress hormone cortisol, which can overstimulate the brain and cause mental fog or scrambled thinking.

He cited research by Dr. Russell Poldrack of Stanford University in California, noting that multitasking can cause new information to go to the wrong part of the brain. Without distraction, new information goes into the hippocampus. With distraction, the new information goes into the striatum.

What’s more, Dr. Levitin says multitasking causes the prefrontal cortex and striatum to burn up oxygenated glucose, the fuel they need to stay on task. Multitaskers also run the risk of suffering a neural addition, he said.

The antidote is to control the digital overload rather than letting it control you. Easier said than done.

Writing for the June 2015 edition of Harvard Business Review, Dr. Larry Rosen, a psychologist and author, recommends three strategies: •Use behavioral principles to wean yourself from digital devices, gradually increasing your off-grid time.

•Take recharging breaks every 90 minutes. Take a walk, listen to music, look at art, exercise or meditate.

•Keep technology out of your bedroom. Abstain from viewing digital material at least one hour before bedtime. Allow your brain to promote the production of melatonin, which allows you to rest.

You know you have a case of digital distraction, Dr. Levitin concluded, when your 10-year old child answers the question of “What does your father/mother do for a living?” with the reply: “He/she answers emails.”

By Mike Wagoner President, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce

Connect Carteret Leverages Grant Award To Launch Business Incubator Young business professionals in Carteret County are celebrating the opening of a new entrepreneurial incubator facility in Morehead City.

The group, known as “Connect Carteret – A Young Professionals Network,” was the beneficiary of a $20,000 New Generation Initiative grant that was awarded to the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce in 2014 from the NC Rural Economic Development Center.

The scope of the grant was to design and develop an innovative community improvement project that is aimed at attracting young adults to Carteret County and retaining young people after they complete their education.

“We identified there was a real need in our community to have a working environment for start-up and early-stage businesses – a shared place where young business people could work, conduct research, meet privately with prospective clients or customers and build their businesses,” said Christina Fulcher of First Citizens Bank, who is serving as Connect Carteret co-chair.

The incubator, “Kick Start Carteret – A Connect Carteret Project,” is centrally located within the county, occupying a suite of office space on the second level of an accounting firm’s building at 300 N. 35th St., Morehead City.

28

Grant funds were used to rent the space and outfit it with stateof-the-art technology.

“We opened the doors in August 2015, and the initial response has been highly positive, with utilization exceeding expectations,” said Scott Eckholdt of Wells Fargo, also a Connect Carteret co-chair.

Connect Carteret is an independent association of young business people that was spawned collaboratively by the chamber and the Carteret County Economic Development Council in 2011 to help younger people to expand their networking horizons.

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 new incubator is fully consistent with fulfillment of this objective, Fulcher added.

Connect Carteret offers monthly events for young professionals, alternating between Lunch and Learn professional development sessions and social networking functions.

For more information about Connect Carteret, contact Christina Fulcher at christina.fulcher@firstcitizens.com or Scott Eckholdt at scott.eckholdt@wellsfargo.com.

Follow Connect Carteret on Facebook at Connect Carteret – A Young Professionals Network.

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Military Matters

Cherry Point Military Operations Fuel Economic Growth

Carteret County is one of the premier supporters of Allies for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow (ACT), a public/private partnership that exists to protect and sustain jobs at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Fleet Readiness Center East.

ACT’s purpose is to “be an advocate for our military assets,” and Carteret County is heavily invested, reported ACT President Greg Lewis of Carteret County.

The military operations at Cherry Point are the largest single employer of Carteret County residents. Nearly 9,500 people (active duty military and civilian employees, retirees and family members) who live in Carteret County are dependent on Cherry Point’s payroll.

The regional annual economic impact of Cherry Point is nearly $2.05 billion to the four counties of Carteret, Craven, Jones and Pamlico.

All military bases face uncertainties in 2015 due to budget downsizing within the U.S. Department of Defense.

“Yet, Cherry Point is well-positioned with military construction dollars, some $180 million over the next four years, in the pipeline for Cherry Point,” said Jamie Norment, an attorney with Ward and Smith, P.A., of New Bern, who provides lobbying services for ACT. “Longer term, it is possible that nearly $850 million will be spent on new construction at Cherry Point over the next 20 years,” Norment said. “Having strong support from ACT and our region will greatly increase our chances of successfully getting those funds programmed for Cherry Point.”

In addition to its lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., ACT is focusing on the North Carolina General Assembly in Raleigh, because the military is the state’s second largest industry.

The Marine Corps, Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard directly or indirectly employ more than 10 percent of North Carolina’s workforce. The military’s contribution to North Carolina’s economy is nearly $32 billion; only agriculture contributes more.

Fleet Readiness Center East is the largest industrial employer in North Carolina located east of I-95, providing more than 3,000 civilian jobs with an annual salary twice the national average.

MCAS Cherry Point is designated as the future site of the largest concentration of F-35B Joint Strike Fighters.

“ACT is working hard to ensure these aircraft arrive on 30

schedule,” Lewis said.

Learn more about ACT at www.alliesforcherrypoint.com.

Carteret County itself is in the process of completing a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) to prevent encroachment on military operations associated with the base.

The purpose is to identify potential “incompatible uses of land, air, water and other resources” that could have negative impacts on “the military’s ability to carry out its testing and training mission.”

At the same time, the study will help local governments in “establishing compatible land use regulations” to guard against encroachment.

Additionally, the JLUS process is designed to enhance communications and coordination between the local communities and MCAS Cherry Point and Fleet Readiness Center East.

“Certainly, Carteret County government is to be commended for launching this study,” said Mary Carlyle Brown, who chairs the chamber’s Public & Government Affairs Committee. “We want to protect the airspace and encourage growth and development onboard MCAS Cherry Point.

The county was awarded a $365,000 grant from the Office of Economic Adjustment, a unit of the U.S. Dept. of Defense, to conduct the JLUS. Citizens can provide input and keep track of the study team’s progress at poll.cityzenapp.us/Project/Index/6.

The final report is expected to be released in January 2016.

The JLUS team will pay close attention to the three military training sites located within Carteret County. These include: • Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, also known as Bogue Field, an 875-acre landing field that serves as the Marine Corps’ only east coast site for field carrier landing practice. Pilots perform night-time simulated landings on an aircraft carrier of an amphibious assault ship.

• BT-11 Piney Island is a 12,500-acre electronic practice range at the eastern tip of Carteret County and part of the Mid-Atlantic Electronic Warfare Range where aircraft pilots fly over the area to have bombing simulations recorded and scored electronically via computers to lessen the environmental impact.

• Atlantic Outlying Field is a 1,514-acre facility in the community of Atlantic, which is utilized for air-to-ground exercises and contains numerous electronic warfare threat emitters and simulated targets. The final report is expected to be released in January 2016.

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

AL WILLIAMS PROPERTIES............ 32 252.726.8800 ARTISAN GRANITE & MARBLE...... 13 252.354.7774 ATLANTIC BEACH SEAFOOD......... 15 252.247.2430 BALLY REFRIGERATED BOXES, INC . .................................... 14 252.240.2829 BOGUE BATTERY............................. 21 252.622.4994 BRAZDA MARINE............................. 29 252.240.1600 BUDGET BLINDS.............................. 15 252.247.3355 B&W CLEANERS.............................. 15 252.247.6978 CAROLINA PRINCESS..................... 21 252.726.5479 CARTERET COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE...................................... 25 252.726.6350

CARTERET HEALTH CARE........ 18-19 252.808.6000 CHALK & GIBBS............................... 33 252.726.3167 CHANNEL MARKER......................... 31 252.247.2344 COASTAL CAROLINA ORTHODONTICS................................ 3 252.728.5717 COASTAL CAROLINA REGIONAL AIRPORT........................................... 32 252.638.8591 COASTAL COUNTERTOPS.............. 17 252.247.0015 COASTAL IMAGING............................ 5 910.353.3759 CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER..... 2 252.247.3883 C&S PAINT CENTER......................... 31 252.393.2323 DOWNTOWN MOREHEAD CITY REVITALIZATION ASSOCIATION..... 34 252.808.0440 IHRIE SUPPLY CO.............................. 7 252.247.4948 KIRKMAN, WHITFORD, BRADY & BERRYMAN & FARLAS................ 21 252.726.8411 KURTIS CHEVROLET....................... 35 252.652.8017

LIFTAVATOR........................................ 2 252.808.0284 MOORE ORTHOPEDICS..................... 3 252.808.3100 SOUND BANK................................... 29 252.727.5558 SOUTHEASTERN ELEVATOR......................... Back Cover 252.726.0075 STYRON & STYRON INSURANCE..... 7 252.726.0062 SUNSHINE CLEANERS.................... 13 252.727.4840 TIDE TAMER...................................... 16 252.747.5180 TOWN & COUNTRY IGA..................... 7 252.726.3781 THE UPS STORE............................... 13 252.726.4433 WASTE INDUSTRIES........................ 14 252.223.4176 WILLIAMโ S HARDWARE................... 13 252.726.7158 WILLIS INSURANCE AGENCY......... 14 252.726.7844 WOODMEN LIFE INSURANCE......... 22 252.342.6002

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