NCCOAST BUSINESS JOURNAL-Aug-Oct 2010

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August 15-October 15, 2010

Pulling Up

By Their Bootstraps Fishermen Expand Market to the Triangle & Beyond with New Cooperatives

PLUS Marketing on a Budget Ask SCORE 7 Signs it’s Time to Sell

Published by NCCOAST

Communications in cooperation with the Carteret County Economic Development Council and the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

The Islander Suites Ocean Front • Emerald Isle

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Investment property with owner privileges All suites offered for sale Own a part of the Legendary Islander Inn Located at 102 Islander Drive, Emerald Isle NC

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Chuck Hazlett Area Director Supporting Clients on the Crystal Coast Also in New Bern, NC 28562 (800) 209-9411 X 2573 - Office (919) 225-2128 - Cell chazlett@metlife.com www.chuckhazlett.com

Raleigh

North Carolina

Greenville

Wilmington Myrtle Beach

Morehead City

Indian Beach

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CONTENTS Vol. 3 • Issue 4 Aug. 15-Oct. 15, 2010

nccoast.com email: ncbj@nccoast.com The NCCOAST Business Journal serves to showcase Carteret County as a prime location for doing business. The NCCOAST Business Journal is published by NCCOAST Communications in cooperation with the Carteret County Economic Development Council and the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

The advertising deadline for the Oct.15Dec. 15 issue is Sept. 10. For additional information, visit nccoast.com.

22 WHEN FISH WALK Local fishermen and students from Duke come up with innovative ideas to build new markets for the region’s rich commercial fishing industry.

Published by

NCCOAST Communications 201 N. 17th St., Morehead City, NC 28557 252.240.1811 • 800.525.1403 fax 877.247.1856 nccoastcommunications.com Publisher Tom Kies Managing Editor Craig Ramey (editor@nccoast.com) Staff Writer Amanda Dagnino Advertising Sales Jamie Bailey (252.241.9485) David Pennington (252.723.7801) Wes Rinehart (252.241.4666) Ashly Willis (252.723.3350) (sales@nccoast.com) Graphics Manager Kim Moore (kim@nccoast.com) Graphic Design Mimi Davis, Amy Gray, and Roze Taitingfong The NCCOAST Business Journal is published six times per year by NCCOAST Communications.

Seven-thousand copies are produced per issue with 3,000 direct mailed to Carteret County Chamber of Commerce and Carteret County EDC members and other select recipients, including out-of-area venture capitalists. The publication is also available at select locations throughout Carteret County. Subscription rates are $15 per year. Email sales@nccoast.com for subscription information. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. The NCCOAST Business Journal is staff produced and cannot be held responsible for any unsolicited editorial material. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Content is as accurate as possible at presstime.

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FROM THE EDC Jerry Jones, EDC president and mayor of Morehead City, writes his inaugural column for the Carteret County Economic Development Council.

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BIZ BEAT Why it’s good to do business in North Carolina, ‘Outrageous’ awards and the area’s newest businesses.

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TARGETING TOURISM Carteret County’s tourism industry gets several boosts this summer thanks to the official opening of Cape Lookout Lighthouse and more.

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RESOURCES No matter how we analyze it, our younger generation and the adults that help mold their minds are one of the greatest resources we have.

30 BUSINESS CLASS

Change paths and learn skills with this comprehensive list of businessrelated classes offered at CCC this summer.

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TECH SUPPORT As college students head off to college, help them protect one of their greatest assets – their laptops.

CAPITAL IN THE CAPITOL Gov. Perdue signs the state budget. What does it mean for you?

MARKETING From T-shirts to press releases, pick up some creative marketing ideas and run with them.

IN OTHER BUSINESS 10 From the Chamber 34 Ask Score 34 The Onlooker 35 In the Network 36 In Deed 36 Hiring Line 37 Military Matters 37 Financial Aid 38 Business Index

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Think Beyond The Box For All Your Refrigeration Projects

Bally Refrigerated Boxes is recognized internationally as a premiere manufacturer of Walk-In Coolers and Freezers and Refrigerated Buildings for the foodservice industry. In addition, we provide a complete range of refrigeration equipment including: y Evaporators, Condensing Units, Multi Compressor BF Line Condensing Units and Condensers for any application y Blast Chillers and Freezers y Self-Contained Straddle Systems and Drop-In Package Systems y Innovative Controls, including the impressive new SmartVap II electronic control

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From the EDC Defining Economic Development If you ask a group of people to define “economic development” you would probably find a diverse mixture of opinions. However, if you ask that same group to identify some of the benefits of “economic development,” you would probably hear answers like: job creation, stronger economy, community leaders and elected officials working together, general improvements to living standards, supporting and facilitating the creation of new businesses opportunities, promoting and supporting existing businesses, capitalization of existing infrastructures, identifying and supporting the need for new infrastructure, marketing our area’s unique attributes … the list goes on. I believe the one common denominator of economic development that everyone would agree on is that “individuals” drive it.

Carteret County has always and continues to be fortunate to have so many of these individuals. In 1971, the Carteret County Economic Development Council was formed with a mission and a commitment to improve our quality of life. Although we still work on the core issues of economic development, we have transitioned into an organization that focuses on broader regional/state initiatives that potentially could dramatically impact our economy and to educate the public on these issues.

Carteret County continues to have a strong seasonal tourism industry (I remember the days when all energy was focused between Easter and Labor Day and everyone worked as hard as they could to ensure they would make enough money to carry them through the long slow winter months). We have now evolved into a more diverse year-round local economy. This stronger economy didn’t just happen by chance; it was because of a collective effort of many individuals.

More recently, because of new legislative regulations such as our coastal stormwater rules, substantial increase in coastal insurances, inadequate transportation infrastructure and other items, they

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have created new challenges, therefore new creativity. One thing for sure, the EDC Board of Directors, along with the EDC Advisory Board and the EDC Foundation Board and all the supporting groups and members are up to the task of opening doors of economic prosperity for Carteret County.

As president, I encourage everyone to support your EDC by becoming a member and by being a part of one of the most dynamic, effective organizations in the county. One of the EDC Board of Directors’ goals is to interact more with other organizations throughout our county and beyond.

And although we recognize there might be different missions and responsibilities, we know the core basis of all of our organizations is the same. It’s about responsible, controlled growth that enhances our economy and quality of life while protecting our existing natural resources. This balance is achieved by a collaborative effort of many organizations and individuals.

Economic development in Carteret County exists and prospers because of businesses and individuals that understand you can’t sit back and wait for things to happen, you have to remain involved and make them happen. Your EDC Board of Directors thanks our existing members for your continued help and support and we invite new members to come aboard, support and be a part. Economic development always has been and will always continue to be a “work in progress” and we are all in this together opening doors of opportunity.

For more information on how you can “Be a Part,” call Shirley at 252.222.6121 or visit our website at carteretedc.com.

Jerry Jones President of the Carteret County Economic Development Council & Mayor of Morehead City

RE-ELECT Carteret County Commissioner

WADE NELMS • Four Years Proven Experience Treating Citizens with Dignity and Respect • Wade has used a common sense approach involving citizens in the decision-making process and is not just another rubber stamp for a select few.

• Voted conservatively to keep the tax rate at .23 per $100 valuation.

• Supported the small business climate in a tourist-driven market.

• Supported Smart Growth and encouraged development while protecting our resources.

• Supported our Schools while saving money during completion of bond projects.

• Supported the Military Growth Task Force and our local military bases.

• Supported recreational and commercial fishing.

Commissioner Nelms invites you to view his voting record at: http://www.carteretcountygov.org/agen_min.asp Commissioner Nelms has been called the "Voice of Reason" by constituents.

If you want to keep a proven candidate, who listens to the citizens, vote to re-elect Wade Nelms on Nov. 2nd.

Paid for by: NelmsAgain2010, P. O. Box 818, Newport, NC 28570

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so does another one, and another one . . .

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The EDC opens doors to the growth & economic prosperity of Carteret County.

b o J r u O is to ors o D n e p O

• Inclusion on Web Site with links!

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• Inclusion in Membership/Demographic edition of NCCOAST Business Journal!

• Reduced rates for ads in the Business Journal!

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From the Chamber Finalists Split $10,000 Grand Prize In Chamber’s Reverse Drawing The five finalists agreed to the $10,000 Grand Prize at the July 10 Reverse Drawing, an annual fundraising event presented by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

The lucky winners each received $2,000. They were: Ken & Julie Ashe, Albert Fleming, Doug Paulus, Kyle Mayer and Stephanie Sokol.

“This was the third straight year that the Costume contest winners for a “Circus Celebration,” finalists in from left, are Danielle Clark (1st), Debbie Fisher (2nd) the Reverse and Gina Clark (3rd).

Drawing chose to share the grand prize,” said Chamber President Mike Wagoner. “The event at the Crystal Coast Civic Center was another resounding success. The theme was ‘A Circus Celebration.’”

The winning square in the Side Board drawing operated by the chamber’s Military Affairs Committee was purchased by Tommy “Boom Boom” Giblin; he pocketed $810.

Marlins Host ‘Chamber Night’ at New Ballpark The Morehead City Marlins delivered on management’s promise to provide “wholesome, family entertainment” for residents and visitors to the Crystal Coast during the summer of 2010 – the club’s inaugural year as a member of the Coastal Plain League, a wooden bat league for collegiate players.

One of the promotional highlights of the season was the June 23 “Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Night.”

Several hundred chamber members and their families attended, boosting attendance for the night to 1,336.

Woody Warren of Bluewater Real Estate, chair of the chamber’s board of directors, threw out the ceremonial first pitch – a blazing fastball that nipped the outside corner of the plate, and Bridget Curran of the Quality Inn sang the national anthem a cappella.

Woody Warren

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Debbie Godwin of the Hampton Inn & Suites of Atlantic Beach and a member of the chamber’s board of directors was there and offered this observation: “The Marlins have been a great addition to what we have to offer tourists and vacationers in the summertime. The community really embraced the Marlins players, coaches and staff. We love having them here.”

Bruce Caldwell of First Citizens Bank and the chamber’s past chair is a season ticket holder.

“I’ve always had an affection for the game of baseball, so I tried to attend as many Marlins home games as I could,” he said.

“Puck O’Neal Field at Big Rock Stadium at Rotary Park is a wonderful, new facility that rivals some of the professional minor league parks across the country.”

(His older brother, Mike Caldwell, pitched Finn, the Marlins’ mascot, eyes up a cool drink for 13 years with Ashleigh Phillips and Scott Wagoner of in the Major Sunset Slush of Atlantic Beach.

Leagues. He had his best season in 1978 when he went 22-9 with a 2.36 ERA and led the American League in complete games with 23. He was named the AL’s Comeback Player of the Year by The Sporting News and finished second in the Cy Young Award balloting to Ron Guidry.)

To follow the Marlins, go to mhcmarlins.com.

Chamber/JobLink Awards Luncheon Set for Sept. 9 Reservations are now being accepted for the 6th annual Chamber/JobLink Appreciation Luncheon and Awards Presentation at noon on Thursday, Sept. 9, at Piccata’s 909 Catering Co. and Event Center in downtown Morehead City.

The cost to attend is $13 per person. Register by calling the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce at 726-6350.

The keynote speaker will be Rodney Kemp of Chalk & Gibbs Insurance and Real Estate, Morehead City, North Carolina’s 2003 Historian of the Year. His talk is entitled “The ACES of Success.” (cont. on page14)

S1564137

NIGHT ON THE TOWN SPECIALS AIRPORT SERVICE PARTY BUS & SPECIAL EVENTS BUSES AVAILABLE

Morehead City Marlins Vice President Buddy Bengel and Catcher Chris Schaeffer of North Carolina State University

Thanks, Guys!

The Carteret County Chamber of Commerce salutes “Our Boys of Summer” – those college players who spent the season with us as members of the Morehead City Marlins Baseball Team.

Continuous Service Since 1995 Owner, Tracy Moore

252-646-4490 Morehead City www.ADiamondLimousine.com

Our hats are off to the host families, management, staff and vendors who all contributed to the success of the Marlins’ inaugural season. Thanks for the show!

We’re proud to have the Morehead City Marlins as a member of the Chamber.

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

www.nccoastchamber.com

252-726-6350 • 1-800-622-6278

THE ALL-SEASON COMFORT OF TRANE

Quality and Professional Heating and Air Conditioning Services for Eastern North Carolina “Serving the Crystal Coast since 1975”

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B I Z B E AT North Carolina’s Business Climate: A Comparison of State Rankings North Carolina Small Business Commissioner Scott Daugherty compiled a listing of state business climate rankings and compared the criteria to determine what specific elements contribute to North Carolina’s excellent results.

Specific Criteria Supporting North Carolina’s Positive Rankings: - High return on investment for government expenditures benefiting businesses - Moderate business costs - Low percentage of business taxes to gross state product - Excellent workforce - Good quality of life - Access to capital - Moderate regulatory environment - Strong technology and innovation - Excellent transportation and infrastructure - Low state and local property tax - Unemployment insurance tax And the good rankings: - #1 2009 Best Business Climate (Site Selection Magazine) - #1 2010 Lowest State & Local Tax Burden on Business (Council on State Taxation and Ernst & Young) - #2 2009 Best States for Business (CEO Magazine) - #2 Most Favorable Business Climate, ’08 (Development Counselors International) - #3 2009 Pro-Business State (Polina Corporate Real Estate) - #5 The Best State for Business, ’09 (Forbes) - #9 America’s Top State for Business, ’09 (CNBC) - #12 2009 Boardroom Guide to the Best States for Business (Directorship Magazine) Submitted by the NC Governor’s Office

Outrageous Awards Set for October The deadline to nominate individuals for “Outrageous Customer Service” Awards is Friday, Sept. 10.

The awards program is presented by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, NCCOAST Business Journal, Carteret Community College and the Dolphin Ridge Club.

“Awards will be presented to at least five people in our communities who go above and beyond the call of

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duty to serve their customers or clients,” said chamber Chair Woody Warren of Bluewater Real Estate.

The nomination process is simple, just contact Carteret County Chamber of Commerce President Mike Wagoner at mike@ncccoastchamber.com and share your story.

Tom Kies, publisher of the NCCOAST Business Journal, said: “We encourage nominations from everyone – employers, co-workers or those who have been on the receiving end of Outrageous Customer Service.”

Winners will be recognized during a Customer Services Champions Reception beginning at 4pm on Tuesday, Oct.19, at the Dolphin Ridge Club, 101 Dolphin Ridge Road, Emerald Isle. Register by contacting the chamber at 252.726.6350.

The featured speaker at the reception will be Dr. Kerry Youngblood, president of Carteret Community College.

Gallery Doubles as Events Venue Coastal Home Gallery in Morehead City is opening its doors to event planners looking for a unique venue for receptions, parties and special gatherings. The gallery, which serves as a showplace for home décor and function, allows visitors the unusual opportunity to stroll through creatively designed vignettes in order to experience maximum use and appeal for everything needed inside and outside of a home.

Earlier this year, the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce bestowed the Award for Merit in Development – Excellence in Design and Construction to the gallery.

“We intended for this place to be a first for Eastern North Carolina,” says gallery co-owner and owner of Windows and More, Jason Yeomans. “While we were working toward creating an unforgettable experience for potential customers of gallery tenants, it did occur to us that the innovative layout would lend itself to becoming an attractive event location.”

Features that will appeal to event planners include wireless Internet, eight programmable flat-screen televisions throughout the gallery, audio, indoor water feature, cinema/screening room with mini stage, fully functioning kitchen and photo “op” areas such as a gazebo and balcony.

For more details visit coastalhomegallery. net/events-venue.html or call Cristy Reese at 252.240.8900.

Carteret General Hospital New Urgent Care Facility Opens

NEW CORPORATIONS

In an effort to speed up response time in the emergency room and offer an alternative treatment for minor emergencies, Carteret General Hospital has opened the CGH Urgent Care Center. Located behind the hospital at 3722 Bridges St., the urgent care cen-

Business is on the move and each edition of NCCOAST Business Journal makes sure you know how fast it’s going with regular listings of Carteret County’s newest corporations. The following were formed in April and May.

ter is for minor emergencies like sprains, simple cuts, burns and ear infections when primary care physicians are unavailable.

To help accommodate Carteret County’s influx of traffic during the summer, CGH Urgent Care is open seven days a week, from noon to midnight Monday through Saturday and noon until 8pm on Sunday.

For more information call 808-6641 or visit cghurgentcare.com.

Bay Design Group Opens Morehead Office Bay Design Group, a full-service engineering, surveying and land planning firm, has opened a new office in Morehead City. Jason Miles, P.E., a principal with the firm and Bill Forman, P.E. are the senior consulting engineers for the company at their new location.

Forman is a longtime resident of the Morehead City area and well regarded as an expert in waterfront, coastal and municipal engineering. Miles looks forward to moving his family to the “Crystal Coast” from the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. His expertise, gained through design and construction of engineering and development projects throughout Richmond and Hampton Roads, will serve to complement Forman’s experience and service in the local and regional communities of coastal North Carolina.

Formed in 1996 from parent companies established in 1974 and 1982, Bay Design Group specializes in land and waterfront development, municipal, environ(cont. on page 14)

505 Grove Street, LLC – 1107 Bridges St., Morehead City All Seasons Storage, LLC – 1006 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort The Anchorage Marina, LLC – 517 E. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach Arise Ministries, Inc. – 202 Waters Edge Drive, Newport The Barnyard, Inc. – 452 Howard Blvd., Newport Bayview Park Subdivision Homeowner Association, Inc. – 110 Boat Basin Drive, Cedar Point Blair Pointe Leftovers, LLC – 911 Arendell St., Morehead City Boundary Stone, Inc. – 103 Camp Morehead Drive, Morehead City Brother & Sisters II, LLC – 9100 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle BTA, LLC – 3025-I Bridges St., Morehead City Burleson Marine Service, Inc. – 135 Radford Lane, Newport Carlson Consulting and Management Group, Inc. – 134 Beechwood Drive, Pine Knoll Shores Carteret County Veterans Council – 3710-B John Platt Drive, Morehead City Carteret Land Development, LLC – 683 Hwy. 70, Williston Carteret Surgical Management, LLC – 3714 Guardian Ave., Morehead City CCR JJ, Inc. – 414 Straits Road, Gloucester C.O.D., LLC – 315 Live Oak Road, Newport The Crime Scene, Inc. – 300 Osprey Ridge Drive #18, Emerald Isle Crystal Coast Gymnastics, Inc. – 146 Little Nine Road, Morehead City Crystal Coast Windows, Inc. – 213 Tidewater Drive, Newport Davco Land, Inc. – 180 Avis Drive, Newport Eagle Swamp Farms, LLC – 4121 Sound Drive, Morehead City East Carolina Luthiers, Inc. – 105 N. 10th St., Morehead City East Coast Storehouse and Food Pantry – 615 Tom Mann Road, Newport ELP IV, Inc. – 701 W. Haven Blvd., Morehead City Fantasy Roofing and Construction, LLC – 702 Bridges St., Morehead City G and G Seafood, LLC – 4824 Hwy 24, Newport HCW Emerald Isle, LLC – 304 N. 35th St., Morehead City Healthy Eatz, LLC – Hwy 24 and Hibbs Road, Newport H & R Abate, Inc. – 125 Island Quay Drive, Atlantic Beach JJ Stuckey & Partners, LLC – 380 Yacht Club Drive, Newport JLL Transportation, LLC – 304 N. 35th St., Morehead City JM-Hardison, Inc. – 216 Dogwood St., Atlantic Beach Le Rouge Tete, LLC – 5270-C Hwy 70 West, Morehead City Lookout Ford, Inc. – 500 Shell Pointe Road, Morehead City McGinnis Point Construction & Development, LLC – 2401 Arendell St., Morehead City Mermaid Crossing, LLC – 7325 Archers Creek Drive, Emerald Isle Monster Pictures, LLC – 22 Rutledge Ave., Beaufort Morehead City American Legion Auxiliary Post 46, Inc. – 114 Bur Oaks Blvd., Newport Morris Marina Bar & Grill, LLC – 1000 Morris Marina Road, Atlantic Murray Automotive Group, Inc. – D-4 Westpoint II, Pine Knoll Shores Nelson Bay Trading Company, LLC – 1029 Hwy 70, Stacy Nelvic, LLC – 1009 Lake N Shore Drive, Morehead City Ocean Venture Rentals, LLC – 612 Atlantic Beach Causeway, Atlantic Beach Onoff, Inc. – 200 Colonial Drive, Beaufort Pickett’s Big Oak Drive In, LLC – 1167 Salter Path Road, Salter Path The Point Rentals, Inc. – 160 Shore Drive, Salter Path Potter’s Store, LLC – 710 Cedar St., Beaufort RssMint, LLC – 138 North Shore Drive, Beaufort Seaboard Management, LLC – 304 N. 35th St., Morehead City Sentinel Investment Advisors, LLC – 140 Madison Bay Drive, Beaufort Sierramotive, LLC – 114 Carefree Lane, Morehead City Sound Choice Insurance, LLC – 911 Arendell St., Morehead City Spence Welding & Fabrication, 201 J. Bell Lane, Newport SYLBDYLB, LLC – 1210 Arendell St., Morehead City In Touch Home Care, LLC – 120 Bogue Landing Drive, Newport Trout Creek Canvas, LLC – 910 Cedar Point Blvd #57, Cedar Point Union Artists Group Ent., LLC – 311 Pearson Circle, Newport Zesspa Properties, Inc. – 103 Sara Court, Morehead City

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B I Z B E AT (cont. from page 13)

mental and coastal engineering. The firm is dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions through office locations in Richmond, the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck areas of Virginia, and their newest location in Morehead City.

Olive Garden Names Caldemeyer GM of New Location Olive Garden Italian Restaurant has appointed New Bern resident Amanda Caldemeyer as general manager of the new restaurant located at 5152 Hwy 70 in Morehead City. The Tuscan Farmhouse-design Olive Garden opened Monday, July 19.

“Amanda is passionate about delighting guests with a genuine Italian dining experience,” said Valerie Insignares, executive vice president of operations for Olive Garden. “Her track record of operational excellence makes her a great leader for our restaurant’s service and culinary teams.”

Caldemeyer brings more than 19 years of restaurant industry experience to her new position. She has been with Olive Garden for more than three years, most recently as general manager of the Olive Garden located at 1770 Glidewell Drive in Burlington. Caldemeyer received an associate’s degree in business from Hamilton College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Those interested in applying for a position with Olive Garden should apply in person at the restaurant Monday through Sunday from 8am-5pm or call 252240-0250.

Olive Garden is the leading restaurant in the Italian dining segment with more than 700 restaurants, more than 87,000 employees and $3.3 billion in annual sales.

Do you have news you would like included in the next NCCOAST Business Journal? It’s easy. Just send all copy and photos to editor@nccoast.com before Sept. 10 and we’ll do our best to fit it in the next edition.

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From the Chamber (cont. from page 10)

“The JobLink Career Center is proud to be associated with this event, which is the centerpiece of ‘JobLink Appreciation Week’ in Carteret County, Sept. 5-11,” said Mary Brown, manager of the Carteret County office of the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina. She also chairs the JobLink Leadership Team.

“Everyone knows how the JobLink agencies assist job seekers, but we also provide valuable resources to employers in the county, and we offer a wide range of services that can aid in the hiring process,” Brown said.

“One of the highlights of the program is the presentation of an Award of Achievement that goes to an individual who has benefited directly from the services offered through the JobLink Career Center,” she added.

Additionally, two Employers of the Year will be recognized, and two Community Advocate Awards will be presented. The Gordon Seaman Award, sponsored

by PRIDE Electrical Contracting, will honor the Skilled Trades Professional of the Year.

Planning Underway for Chamber’s 2011 Directory & Visitors Guide Planning has begun for the 2011 Business Directory & Visitors Guide, the annual publication of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce.

This publication’s theme will be: “Carteret: One Great County!”

Make your family memories on the beaches of the Crystal Coast. (Photo by Chamber Visitor Guide contributor Jeff Pennell/Emerald Isle Photography)

“We are borrowing a passage that has been used by Chamber Chair Emeritus Dr. Joe Barwick on past occasions to illustrate how the county’s diversity melds together to form a complete package for locals and visitors alike,” said Tom Kies of NCCOAST Communications, who becomes chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2011.

“The unique amenities of coastal living that add to our quality of life here also make the Crystal Coast a premier recreation destination for second home owners and vacationers,” Kies said.

The Business Directory & Visitors Guide goes into production this fall with distribution planned for January 2011.

“The strength of this publication traditionally has been the quality of photography,” Kies added. “We welcome contributions by professional photographers as well as hobbyists and visitors.”

To submit digital photos, contact Chamber President Mike Wagoner at 726-6350. All photos that are published will be credited.

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Carteret County We offer a wide range of services to meet your employment and training needs: Business Services • • • • •

Labor trends & workforce information A resource of job-ready candidates Employee recruitment & retention assistance Employee training & education Hiring incentives

Job Seeker Services • • • •

85 years

JobLink Career Center

Job search and résumé assistance Skill assessment and occupational skills training Unemployment insurance One-stop access with local agencies & resources

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When Fish Walk ...

By Amanda Dagnino

On this unseasonably cool Saturday morning Eddie Willis of Harkers Island is hanging net in the shade of his fish market, Mr. Big. His well-practiced hands are quick and methodical, sliding floats and sewing line as he talks. He glances up occasionally to emphasize a point, but his calloused hands never skip a beat, repeating the motion they’ve trained a lifetime for. The net yet to be hung trails off to the back yard where it feeds out of a box about 40 feet from its starting point.

“There’s three more like them,” Willis commented with a small chuckle. “I figured if I want pound net for the fall I best get started now.”

New regulations, he explained, require that gill nets now have holes less than 4 inches if they are to be

Eddie Willis of Harkers Island hangs net outside his island fish market in preparation for next fall.

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used in nearby Core Sound. But for this fourth generation fisherman, adapting to changing rules and regulations is an expected part of the commercial fishing landscape.

Willis, however, is one of the lucky ones. Where others have switched career paths and looked to alternative industries – he, once again, practiced his ability to adapt to the changing environment.

Along with a band of fellow fishermen and his wife, Allison, Willis is making a name for himself – not on Harkers Island like we’d naturally assume – but in Carrboro.

Core Sound Seafood, as a brand, has long been a sought after meal option outside of eastern North Carolina, but now inland residents have an easy way to access fresh, local catches; it comes to them.

Based on the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model, which has been present in the US since the early 1980s, Community Supported Fisheries (CSF) allow individuals to purchase a share in a 12-week program that allots them a set amount of seafood each week. Consumers pay in advance, which provides a guaranteed income for the fishermen and helps them cover expenses, and the seafood is brought to a pre-determined drop off point weekly.

“There’s no guarantee of what kind of seafood you’re going to get, you just know that if you have a full share you’ll get four pounds and if you have a half share, you get two,” said Willis. “We mix it up quite a bit. We want them to try different things and see how many varieties of fish we have in local waters.”

One week, his wife explained, they may get flounder and shrimp, the next scallops and shrimp, then Spanish mackerel and clams or mullet and soft shell crabs. Because many of the consumers may be unfamiliar with the products, a couple of recipes arrive with the week’s catch, helping those unfamiliar with the species.

“I had a woman recently who told me that she didn’t know flounder tasted like that – she really loved it,” said Willis. “But that’s because she’s probably never had fresh flounder. She was probably used to eating flounder that had been held for 4-5 days and that’s makes a big difference in the flavor.”

And that, said Willis, is one of the most important factors. What Core Sound Seafood delivers is fresh, not frozen, and is guaranteed to be in the hands of

the consumer within 36 hours of coming out of the water.

To facilitate this, Willis works with area fishermen.

He fishes a few nights a week and then handles the cleaning, processing and deliveries, packing up early each Thursday morning and making the trek to Carrboro.

“Fishing is the one thing I miss the most so every moment we’re not in the market or preparing for deliveries we’re out on the water,” said Willis.

In addition, he has five fishermen who sell to him as a dealer on a regular basis, but in order to offer a versatile package each time, the seafood comes from a variety of places.

“We really try to share it out a little bit,” he explained. “This week, for example, our mackerel is coming from Ocracoke Fresh. Last week we got scallops from Leslie Daniels in Beaufort.”

In its fourth week of deliveries, Core Sound Seafood has 129 members.

“Now, we were only advertising about two and half weeks before we started,” Willis said. “If we had a little more time, we would have had better numbers starting out. But we’re getting shareholders every day. I feel pretty positive that this will easily grow and we’ll eventually be able to add drop-off locations.”

It was an idea, he said, that had been knocked

around among fishermen for years.

“But a student over at Duke got one up and running and it quickly got everyone’s attention,” said Willis.

That student is Josh Stoll, who is completing his graduate studies at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment. Stoll, along with other members of Duke Fish, the student chapter of the American Fisheries Society, launched Walking Fish last fall, a CSF which delivers in Durham with the help of Carteret Catch, a localized program that denotes which restaurants and fish markets deal in local seafood.

It was the conglomeration of several different ideas, said the student. Originally from Down East, Maine, Stoll was more than familiar with the economic and environmental concerns felt in small fishing communities. With those issues in the forefront of his mind, he watched with curiosity as community projects sprung up around the country.

“Fishing communities are always looking for new, innovative ways to market their product,” he said.

“And this program was really inspired by all these community projects that are cropping up in different parts of the country, including here in Carteret County.

“The response has been really amazing. We knew people would be interested but I don’t think we real(cont. on page 24)

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(cont. from page 23)

ized just how much. It took us about six months of pretty intense planning but during the first 12-week session we sold 400 shares in three weeks.”

In its second round, 450 shares sold in just four days.

“Not only do people want local North Carolina seafood, but they want to feel like they’re part of a solution, too,” Stoll surmised. “People like the idea of making an investment in their community. They like the idea of benefiting the environment, economy and community at the same time. They like being involved in positive, feel good projects like this.”

With a webpage, a Facebook page and a blog, members have begun discussing recipes, even sharing pictures of completed dishes.

“So it’s not just us providing information, it’s this group of about 800 people who are all adding to the

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conversation. It’s been pretty exciting to watch,” said Stoll.

What people have found is a great new way of creating an alternative market bypassing retail stores and groceries, offered Barry Nash of NC SeaGrant, who facilitates the Carteret Catch program.

“This is one kind of market,” he said. “I don’t consider this a panacea, but rather one option for marketing their seafood directly and establishing relationships, one on one relationships, with customers.

People inland are looking for that personal connection. They value the lifestyle of commercial fishermen and certainly value their heritage and ultimately they want to see that survive.”

For now, the program only targets individuals, as opposed to restaurants or other businesses, but it’s an area that Stoll is certainly interested in branching into. Does he worry that this and similar programs will

ultimately have an effect on culinary tourism for the area?

“Absolutely not,” he said. “If people try North Carolina seafood, they’re going to want more. It’s going to attract even more people to the coast. This is an introduction for them – an advertisement for the

Tucked into the corner at Mr. Big Seafood, Eddie Willis talks about the weekend’s catch and the next Walking Fish allotment

seafood industry here. I think it will make people a lot more aware of what they can get at the coast.”

It has been a positive experience, not only for inland consumers, but for the fishermen as well. On average, Stoll said, participating fishermen are getting about 30 percent more for their product than they normally get, so there’s an economic engine behind the process.

“In addition, by working together, by organizing, the fishermen are finding that they have a louder voice,” added Stoll. “So you get this economic aspect, but you also get this political aspect and that’s important, too.”

It’s a statement reiterated by Willis. While it’s a more complicated process, fishermen are averaging about 25-50 cents more per pound for their fish.

“You know, we’re used to being out there on the water – we’re not the best marketers you’d find. So it’s been a little difficult getting off the boat and dealing with the public,” Willis said. “But we’ve met some really nice people up there and we’re building great relationships. Like all things, you get out if it what you put in and we’ve learned that we have to put a lot

more into it than we used to. For 30 years I’d get up and go fishing with my daddy. That’s not the way it is anymore. I’m doing so much other stuff that I’m lucky if I can fish two or three nights a week – but you do what you have to do.”

And Willis has found a variety of ways in which to market his services. In the fall, he and Allison take turtle taggers from NOAA out on their boat, he ships crabs to New York and sells fresh, pond-raised flounder to Atlanta for sushi. And now, thanks to Core Sound Seafood, he spends at least one day a week as a spokesman for Down East Carteret County.

“What we’re trying to do is develop more markets than we had because the days of volume are over,” he continued. “If the markets are smaller, then we need to develop a higher number of small markets.

So far, our trips to Carrboro are really making a big difference for us. It’s going great and everyone is happy, very tickled with the fish they are getting.

We’re pleased with the turnout and hope we’ll be able to grow.

“Ultimately you have to give up that one thing you love the most – fishing,” Willis said. “But we do all we can to promote the region, promote our seafood and hold on until fishing comes back around.”

To learn more, visit coresoundseafood.org or walking-fish.org. I

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TA R G E T I N G TO U R I S M

Lighting the Way for 150 Years More than 100,000 visitors flock annually to Cape Lookout National Seashore – and now, they have an additional reason to make the trek into the wild. The 150-year-old Cape Lookout Lighthouse reopened its doors to the public mid-July, showing off its reinforced stairs and safety additions that make it safer for visitors. And it’s an opening that will most certainly be a boon for Down East vendors – such as ferry boat operations and marinas.

The lighthouse itself may be the lure, but visitors rarely stop in Carteret County just to visit one locale.

So odds are we’ll see increased motel room nights and a boost in retail and restaurant business as a direct effect of the lighthouse opening. In addition, folks in Morehead City, Beaufort and Down East can expect to see visitors to the western end of the county, making that trek out to the seashore, perhaps introducing them to businesses they’ve never visited before.

US Senator Kay Hagan enjoys the view from the newly opened Cape Lookout Lighthouse. (Photo by Amanda Dagnino)

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Spanish Mustangs, seen here from the Rachel Carson Reserve, have been named North Carolina’s official state horse.

With its opening, notes Bett Padgett of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, all of North Carolina’s beacons are open and available for guests except for the small tower located in Ocracoke.

While it had been open to the public both on a regular basis and on special occasions in the past, Cape Lookout was permanently closed to the public in 2008 because of safety issues. When completed in 1859, it had wooden stairs installed. They were quickly replaced with cast iron steps, however, they were never connected to the tower’s inner wall and constantly required repairs. This design flaw made for a precarious climb.

Thanks to a $500,000 grant in October of last year, the flaw is no longer apparent.

“Every step has been braced, a new handrail is in place and new safety improvements for children on the gallery deck make it a much safer climb today,” Cape Lookout National Seashore Superintendent Russel Wilson said.

Standing 163-feet tall, Cape Lookout is the only state lighthouse in operation 24 hours a day. Visiting hours, however, will be a little more stringent. Plans are to have the structure open from 10am to 3:30pm Thursday through Saturday. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children, seniors and the disabled. Children under 8 are not allowed to make the steep climb to the top due to safety concerns.

Tickets are available on a week-by-week basis – with tickets selling on Tuesday and Wednesday for climbs that same Thursday, Friday and Saturday. During its first official season, tickets can only be purchased at the seashore headquarters at the end of Harkers Island Road. Hopes are they can eventually be sold via telephone and at the ranger station near the structure.

Diving In! While the views are great from the top of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, they’re also pretty awesome under the sea – at least that’s what the folks over at Scuba Diving magazine seem to think. With more than 2,000 shipwrecks lining the ocean’s floor, the publication has once again named the Graveyard of the Atlantic the No. 1 dive spot in the US, a ranking that has brought divers from throughout the country and around the globe to experience Carteret County’s active underwater environment. Team the award with the pending availability of new efficiency rooms opening in Beaufort, just paces from Discovery Diving, and traffic is sure to increase in the months to come.

Popular attractions hidden beneath the surface include a German U-boat sunk by American forces during World War II, The Papoose, an American tanker torpedoed in 1942 and many more.

Ready to take the plunge? Local dive shops have licensing classes beginning throughout the year and regular weekend trips to wrecks in the region are routinely on tap.

Born to be Wild A common locals’ joke in Beaufort involves a tourist asking what time we feed the horses … well, we don’t. But thanks to the state House, we do recognize their historic standing. In late May, what many have already known was made official as the Spanish mustang became the state horse of North Carolina. The suggestion was championed by Senate leader Marc Basnight.

Access to the horses is easy for those with boats – but those who don’t will find the help they need in the ferry services that operate out of Beaufort’s waterfront. Also expecting to see an increase in business are water tour businesses and kayak rentals.

Referred to in Carteret County as the banker ponies, the wild island ponies are said to be descendants

of horses abandoned by colonists from Hispaniola who attempted to settle the Atlantic coast in the early 1500s – or shipwrecked nearby. The history is a little unclear in spots. However they got here, DNA and science has found a rare gene linking North Carolina’s feral horse population to the Spanish mustang and connecting the region’s horses to wild herds found in Puerto Rico as well as Montana’s Pryor Mountains.

Found along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, the island strands that run parallel to the coast, horses can be seen as far south as Shackleford Banks and as far north as Corolla. The herd is managed by the National Park Service with the help of nonprofit groups, such as the Foundation for Shackleford Horses. Annually, the animals are rounded up for health checks and inoculations, however, they are otherwise left to their own accord.

People come and go, especially during the summer months, but the horses seem relatively unscathed by their presence. Dining on the sparse vegetation found on the islands and drinking from water ponds, the animals move about freely, often walking right up to a campsite if it’s set up along their normal walking route. It is not uncommon to see a beach full of midday summer time traffic and a pair of wild horses strolling by in the backdrop – in fact, in Carteret County it’s an expected part of the landscape.

No Fee Hikes Planned With all the benefits to tourism Carteret County has received this season, it seemed almost certain that something would turn the wrong way. News reports at the end of May were determined there was little the NC Ferry Division could do but raise its modest rates in order to meet new US Coast Guard requirements to increase crew sizes on most ferries and more than double inspections and repairs. Thanks to an $11.3 million increase in the state’s finalized budget, it seems the concern has been thwarted, making it easier for those on a budget to use the service.

While there are times when it seems like Carteret County is on the absolute edge of the country – it actually isn’t. It’s the pathway to Ocracoke, Hatteras and other popular Outer Banks towns. There’s just one way to get to the Cedar Island ferry – Hwy 70. And just one ride down this scenic byway introduces new visitors to the businesses that line the way.

During the summer of 2009, the service had to reduce runs as it helped the state lower its annual budget during the financial crisis. This year it is being rewarded, and so are consumers and business owners. The budgetary increase will allow the ferry to return its service to the level seen in the summer of 2008. For schedules, visit ncdot.gov/ferry. I

By Amanda Dagnino www.nccoast.com

27

RESOURCES

Strong Report Cards Not Enough in County’s Battle for Education Dollars As Carteret County schools celebrate the accolades received of late – including meeting its Adequate Yearly Progress expectations – it finds little time to celebrate as it faces yet another budget crisis that could potential effect the area’s most important resource, its youth.

Mike Wagoner, president of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, lauded the school district in the last issue of the NCCOAST Business Journal, calling it the “very best among all districts in the 13-county territory that forms North Carolina’s Eastern Region.” Wagoner noted that 90 percent of Carteret County students in grades 3-8 were at or above grade level in math, compared to the state average of 80.9. In addition, 80.5 percent of students in the same grades were at or above their grade level in reading. The state average is a mere 68.7.

“Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Dan Novey expect the Carteret County schools to widen these favorable gaps,” wrote Wagoner.

Of course, that only applies when Novey has control over the process.

And when it comes to money – superintendents are left at the mercy of county, state and federal dollars. After requesting $19.55 million from the county this year, Novey was given a local budget of $18.75 million, a figure that not only falls short of the request, but doesn’t meet last year’s $19 million budget.

“The budget shortfalls cause a tremendous strain on performance.

When teachers, administrators and staff are asked to do more with less they rally and their spirit carries them,” Novey said in July. “But at a certain point, that rally and spirit deflate and results suffer. You put your treasure where your heart is. The investment we make in our students is an investment we make in our future. The dollars that flow through the school system are dollars carefully and well spent. We make sure that every dollar is channeled toward student growth. We fund quality instruction, and hiring and developing quality teachers and staff.”

While the school system knows additional cuts have been approved at the state level, the superintendent is unsure how much they will affect the county until individual allotments are handed out. However, more than 20 position cuts have been identified, including maintenance, clerical, administration and teaching positions. Some will be handled through normal attrition and reduction of hours, but Novey said at this point, he’s unsure how many people will lose their jobs.

“Every department conducts a careful audit to make sure money is spent on ‘must have’ items. Gone are the days when money is spent

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on ‘want to have’ items. We are working to conserve energy and promote every effort that reduces budget demands so we can protect quality instruction by maintaining effective programs and good class sizes,” Dr. Novey said.

“At this time we simply don’t have the full picture of the state budget or its impact on our school system budget, and we will not have the full picture until we receive more information from the Department of Public Instruction,” Novey continued. “The status of our local school system budget will not be known until we receive the allotments. There are still items in the budget bill that could impact our budget and we need further interpretation of those items from the state. One example is the $518 million in federal funding that the state has used as revenue in its budget but has not yet been approved by Congress.

Our budget would be impacted should the state not receive those funds but that impact has not yet been determined.”

White Oak Elementary School teachers Kelly Marshall (foreground) and Nicole Aschenbrenner get an educational lesson from Leadership Carteret for Educators while standing near the Old Burying Ground in Beaufort.

How I Spent My Summer As the district struggles with budgetary concerns, educators in Carteret County spread their wings and tried new things this summer.

Thirteen educators from the Carteret County Public School System and Carteret Community College completed the five-day Leadership Carteret for Educators program on June 16. Basically, this is a miniversion of Leadership Carteret that is offered annually by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, exclusively for teachers and professional staff.

“One of the new graduates commented that she now has a much better understanding of what employers need and want in terms of employees’ skills and traits; this will help her in offering guidance and counsel to her students,” said Diane Warrender, manager of chamber programming.

“Another class member was impressed that so many of our local attractions provide educational resources that apply and relate to the standard course of study. These are tools that can be brought into the classroom setting,” she said.

Leadership Carteret for Educators participants learn the resources available to them as teachers while touring through the NC Maritime Museum.

Superintendent Novey was the keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony.

He offered comments of “hope and optimism” and thanked the educators for participating in Leadership Carteret for Educators to hone, sharpen and perfect their leadership skills … all to benefit the arrival of their students in late August.

Our Common Core Standards North Carolina’s State Board of Education has adopted the Common Core State Standards, released in June by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers.

With the adoption of these state-led education standards, North Carolina is in the first group of states to embrace clear and consistent goals for learning to prepare children for success in college and work.

“North Carolina has always been a leader in education reform and this is yet another example of how the leadership in this state remains committed to putting our children first,” said Gov. Bev Perdue in a release from her office.

North Carolina was one of the 48 states to participate in the state consortium led by governors and chief state school officers. Teachers, education advisors and other groups have provided valuable feedback to the groups working since fall 2009 to write the Common Core standards on behalf of the state consortium. With the release of the Common Core, it is up to each participating state to formally adopt the Core and to plan their state’s implementation.

These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have throughout their K-12 education so that they will graduate high school fully prepared for college and careers. I From Staff and Wire Reports

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29

BUSINESS CLASS

School Is In Session Whether it’s starting a new business or finding a way to make your current business even better, there’s always something to be learned. To stay ahead of the curve many people regularly attend conventions and seminars, however, one of the greatest resources of getting ahead lies in business-related classes. To help keep the local economy on track, Carteret Community College does just that with a series of Corporate and Community Education Division classes. Each edition of NCCOAST Business Journal supplies a list of the school’s upcoming business-related classes. Call 252.222.6200 for more information or to register.

Listings for other seminars and classes to be included in “Business Class” are also welcome and should be submitted to editor@nccoast.com

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Begin

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Date

T/Th, 16 sessions T/Th, 12 sessions Wednesday, 1 session M/W, 16 sessions T/Th, 8 sessions Tuesday, 1 session Thursdays, 6 sessions T/W, 2 sessions Fridays, 3 sessions M/W, 8 sessions Sat., 8 sessions M/W, 16 sessions M/W, 14 sessions M/W, 14 sessions T/Th, 16 sessions Sat, 3 sessions T/Th, 10 sessions Tuesday, 1 session T/Th, 8 sessions Wednesday, 1 session

DayTime

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Keeping Laptops Safe at School With students heading off to college, parents nationwide are considering purchasing a new laptop for their kids and are contemplating the costs associated with it. What they often don’t consider is the cost of replacing a college laptop if it is stolen – and this cost can be much higher than you would expect.

A recent Ponemon Institute report valued loss of data from a stolen laptop to be approximately $5,870 – a price much higher than the cost of a new laptop for a college student.

According to Absolute Software, a company specializing in computer theft recovery, data protection and computer lifecycle management, dorm rooms are one of the top five places laptop theft occurs.

As the laptop has become much more than just a note-taking tool, students have more to lose if their computer gets stolen. Today’s college students use a laptop for a variety of activities, including writing term papers and storing class materials, personal photos and thousands of dollars worth of movies and music. With many colleges going so far as to require all incoming students to equip themselves with a laptop, students stand to risk hours of lost class time and falling behind at school while coordinating a replacement – especially right before an important assignment or final exam.

“When thinking about the cost of replacing a lost or stolen laptop, college students and their parents often forget to count all the digital assets on that computer – including priceless photos, extensive music collections, as well as stored school files and papers,” said Mark Grace, vice president of consumer business at Absolute Software. “To get a better idea of how expensive it really is to replace a stolen laptop, students and

TECH SUPPORT parents need to take into consideration all the data stored on the computer. One way to take a physical inventory of a laptop is to use a digital net worth calculator, like the one available at lojackforlaptops.com. People are often shocked to see how much they have and could potentially lose.”

Using the digital net worth calculator, a laptop that originally cost $1,000, with 1,000 music and movie files, 200 photos and videos and 20 school papers and notes stored on it, can skyrocket to $4,010 for a replacement – more than four times the original cost.

Instead of risking a costly replacement, parents can take several effective measures to ensure their student’s laptop, and the valuable information stored on it, are well protected: • Use visual deterrents, such as a laptop lock. While this isn't a foolproof security measure, it does make the computer less of an "easy target" for thieves.

• Mark your property. Many laptops can be engraved with your name and the computer's serial number, a further deterrent for thieves.

• Purchase and install inexpensive tracking software on your student's laptop. Software such as Computrace LoJack for Laptops helps police track and retrieve a laptop if it is reported stolen.

• Back-up, back-up, back-up. There are now more low-cost back-up options than ever for students, including external hard drives. Backing up a 20-page semester thesis or invaluable college memories means that in the event your laptop is stolen, you'll still have an extra copy.

By taking these steps, parents and students can better protect their laptops, ensuring that both the laptop and its stored files are safe. I

C A P I TA L I N C A P I TO L

Perdue Signs State Budget Gov. Bev Perdue signed the budget for fiscal year 2010-11 on June 30, cutting more than $1 billion from state government while making critical investments in job creation, education and setting government straight.

“I signed a budget today that does more with less, but still keeps North Carolina moving forward toward a full economic recovery,” said Gov. Perdue. “This year was tough, but next year will be tougher. This budget puts our state on firm ground as we head towards the challenges of next year.”

Gov. Perdue signed the budget prior to the July 1 deadline – the first on-time budget in seven years. Since taking office, Perdue has approved cuts to the state budget by more than 12 percent and the elimination of more than 3,500 positions in state government.

• The adopted budget provides more than $200 million for several key investments around assistance to small businesses and infrastructure in an effort to help sustain or create 20,000 jobs over the next three years.

• $58 million to establish the North Carolina Mobility Fund that will relieve traffic congestion, improve logistic capabilities and create jobs around the state.

• $34 million in tax relief by establishing a 25 percent refundable tax credit against unemployment insurance contributions.

• Investments in the Main Street Solutions program and other small business assistance programs to grow home-

grown businesses that create the bulk of new jobs.

• $10 million recurring funds to supply teachers with diagnostic assessment tools that will give them the unprecedented ability to track individual students in real time, showing where they need help so teachers can keep them from falling behind.

• Funding enrollment growth and financial aid at both the community college and university levels to meet the growing demands on higher education.

• The governor’s efforts to find efficiencies and ferret out waste, fraud and abuse were supported with the expectation of saving an estimated $35 million in Medicaid alone.

In addition, the budget: • Reduces spending by $20.5 million by linking inmate medical costs to the Medicaid fee schedule.

• $8.8 million for the Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Automated Data Services (CJLEADS) project that will merge all criminal data records into one interactive and comprehensive system.

• $4.7 million to expand the VIPER system which ensures that first responders on the ground are adequately equipped to communicate with one another during emergency situations.

• Funding to begin to establish statewide capacity for law enforcement to collect DNA at the time of the arrest.

• Restoration of the $40 million community mental health reduction which occurred in 2009. I

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MARKETING

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

It is unknown territory for most people, and in the world of advertising there are plenty of people who tout the best interest of your company and promise remarkable results. Yes, print marketing is definitely a vital part of any advertising plan – but if your budget is small, make sure you choose wisely and that you’re reaching out to the appropriate demographic.

Picking and choosing with print marketing alone, however, may not be enough to yield the results you’re hoping for, namely, an account book that shows a profit at the end of the year.

There are numerous ways to get your name out there on a shoestring; and when combined with strategically-placed advertisements, they’re sure to help get your business off the ground in no time.

1. Design a great logo and a business card that grabs attention. Make it an odd shape, an eye-catching color – a piece of work all its own – but make it

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$$ $

stand out as opposed to one someone will simply drop in their desk drawer and forget about. In addition, employ the use of company letterhead, giving your business a professional image from the start.

2. Join the chamber of commerce in your area.

Rates are low and generally based on business size.

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.

3. Have your customers advertise for you. Pens, mugs, notebooks, visors, rulers, T-shirts, the options really run the gamut and you’ll be surprised at how inexpensive logo material can be. Plain white T-shirts with a black and white logo on the left chest area can be made for about $3 a piece plus a $15 set-up and one-time $10 screen charge. Pens and pencils, can be made in bulk for a few cents each – a few cents that will definitely help get your name out there in the community.

4. Make friends with the Internet. Having a website alone doesn’t ensure you’ll be found. Make sure your company has a free business listing with major search engines, Google, msn, aol, Bing and others, but don’t stop there. Profile your company on Wikipedia, list your services on Craigslist, create a Facebook and myspace page, and interact with them daily, letting customers know what’s on sale or what is on today’s lunch menu. Create free professional profiles for yourself on sites such as Linkedin. Encourage your customers, staff, friends and family to critique your business online as well. If you have a webpage, sites such as agridwork.com provide a platform to trade links with other companies – they give a link to your site on their page and you, in turn, provide a link for them.

5. Join civic organizations. The Rotary, the Civitans, the Lion’s or the Kiwanis – it doesn’t matter which one works best for you. But getting out there and mingling with other professionals in your community is the single best way to raise awareness about your fledgling business. Make sure you have your pocket full of business cards so they’re easy to pass out as you make friends and colleagues.

6. Give back to the community. Perhaps it’s donating some of your store’s

The ABC’s of Writing a Press Release

stock to a silent auction for the hospital gala, or preparing food for the Humane Society dinner – but every time you give, you’re reaching out to people you may not have met before and you’re giving them a strong indication of who you are and that you care about the community where you do business.

7. Offer great customer service. Sometimes it’s just that easy. If you and your staff are willing to never let a customer go away unhappy, they will only have nice things to say about you to others. Much of a company’s business grows by word of mouth – and great customer service can ensure that the word is positive.

8. Create an email database of customers and put together a monthly newsletter. Using response cards is a great way to gather addresses, and while it may only start out with a handful, it will grow over time.

Put a coupon in the newsletter, or offer a monthly drawing so everyone will want to make sure they’re on your list. Let customers know what you’re up to, what’s new in the store, what’s special on the menu or who your new staff members are.

9. Use your car. We’ve all seen that guy whose job it is to drive around an ad-covered truck, right? Well, why not make your own. We’re not saying you have to put unmovable stickers on your back window or anything, but a magnetic sign or window cling can go a long way when it comes to getting your name and logo out there on the streets.

10. Make friends with the media. Offering something new in the community? Are you carrying on a generational tradition? Hiring new employees when everyone else is on a freeze? It costs you nothing but time and the worst thing they can do is turn you down. If that’s the case, don’t be deterred, sometimes it is just a matter of available space. Give the story a new twist and try again.

What’s your angle? It’s important to have something that is newsworthy in order the grab the attention of the media outlet you plan to send your release to.

It’s a good idea to browse through the feature and business sections of the publication to get an idea of what they publicize. Then, evaluate your business and find an angle. Are you launching a new product line?

Have you won an industry award? Are you participating in a fundraiser for an area charity? Have you topped last year’s profits? Delve deep and most businesses can come up with an angle.

Find a template. The safest idea for the non writer is to find a free template either through Microsoft Office or online. There are plenty to be found. Keep in mind that your release should say “For immediate release” at the very top, followed all pertinent contact information.

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

Grammar, usage and Internet etiquette counts.

Don’t send a press release in all capital letters making it difficult to read. Likewise, don’t use acronyms and Internet slang that others may not understand. Don’t try to be too witty – but rather opt for nice, clean, wellwritten sentences.

Edit and rewrite. Don’t expect to complete your project in one sitting. Instead, write a rough draft and come back to read it later, first checking for content and then for grammar, language and spelling. This is your chance to present a professional face to the public – make a good impression.

Include a photo. If there’s something to illustrate, make sure you include print-ready art. Most media outlets require a large format, 300 dpi image. Color is always better, as it can easily be converted to black and white as needed, while the opposite isn’t possible.

Make your photo interesting. Instead of trying to line up the entire office staff holding up a sign, focus in on one or two employees doing something more active.

Use a friendly format. If you email your release to area media outlets, make sure it is in a user-friendly format. Most offices today can read a simple Microsoft Word document, while few still have the ability to open Word Perfect. Many a press release is simply disregarded because it cannot be opened by the recipient.

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

By Amanda Dagnino

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Counselors to America’s Small Business

Ask SCORE

Q

: I own my own business and have just added another service to what I already provide. How do I get my customers to learn about this new service? I really think they will like it, if I can get them to understand what it’s all about.

A

: First of all, congratulations to you for expanding your business. Business expansion comes in two ways.

One way is to market your products or services to a new group of customers and the other is to add a new product or service to your existing product/service lines. In either case, the answer is to “inform and educate.” Informing and educating your customers (and potential customers) is basic to every business but adding something after you are established needs extra attention.

You have probably already thought about a brochure to explain the new service, but if not, that might be the very first thing you should consider. Something graphic, if possible, to show the benefits of the new line can be very useful. This could be mailed to existing customers or given to potential customers as well. If you have a website, you would certainly consider the news of the “new service” as a headline there.

Your advertising would reflect the new service, whether it is print, radio, TV or whatever is appropriate to your business.

Something you might not have considered yet is to send out a “press release.” If you have not used press releases before, please consider this as a powerful tool for your business and it is FREE. Step one is to develop a list of all possible media outlets. Include newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, anyone who might even possibly reach your target market. But also include any entity that might just write about you and your new service whether they reach your market or not. Your idea might be of interest for folks who are writing about innovation…or whatever else. You can use the reprints of this article to send to your most desired customers and gain credibility quickly. The basics of a press release are the same as any story. Tell them what, when, who, why, where and whatever else is essential. Keep it to ONE item and one page if possible. SCORE counselors can help you develop a professional press release and a template that you can use for all kinds of news about your business.

Call SCORE at 252.222.6126 for an appointment to speak with a SCORE counselor free to discuss your business idea. I Hope to hear from you soon.

Joan Lamson, Counselor, SCORE 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.

THE ONLOOKER Communities Rally to Support Cherry Point After a flurry of activity in June and July to rally support for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point as the preferred location for squadrons of the F-35B Joint Strike Fighters, we are now in waiting mode.

The Navy is scheduled to complete and release its final East Coast Basing Environmental Impact Statement sometime this fall and the much-anticipated decision is expected in December.

The Navy’s “preferred alternative” is to base eight of 11 operational squadrons at MCAS Cherry Point (Havelock) and three at MCAS Beaufort (Beaufort, SC). Public meetings were held in June near both air stations to gather comments from citizens.

The deadline to submit written comments was July 12.

In its analysis of what the “preferred alternative” would mean for Cherry Point, the Allies of Cherry Point’s Tomorrow (ACT) organization is reporting that the eight operational squadrons represent 128 aircraft, 1,194 military personnel, with an annual economic impact of $46.9 million. Construction costs over a 7year period are estimated to be $507.7 million.

Certainly, this would bolster the region’s economy, beginning in advance of 2014, when the aircraft would begin arriving.

However, the leadership of ACT, which is a public/private partnership involving local governments, businesses and organiza-

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tions, pushed hard for a “different alternative” that would bring all 11 operational squadrons to Cherry Point. ACT believes that MCAS Cherry Point offers superior infrastructure and support facilities, due in large part to the presence of Fleet Readiness Center East, the maintenance and repair facility at Cherry Point.

ACT also stresses that Cherry Point offers superior military-community relationships. “Eastern North Carolina has a long history of adopting and implementing positive policies and practices that support the military and its missions,” ACT says. Furthermore, the communities around Cherry Point “have worked collaboratively for many years to promote compatible growth and solve other issues of vital importance to the base and communities.”

This may appear somewhat intangible on paper, but you know a military friendly community when you see one – and collectively our municipalities and jurisdictions are just that.

If all 11 operational squadrons come to Cherry Point … the numbers and dollars escalate. According to ACT, Cherry Point would receive 176 aircraft, 2,127 military personnel, with an annual economic impact of $82.9 million. Construction costs over a seven-year period would be about $703.3 million.

Many local and regional entities, organizations and individuals participated in the public comment process. Thanks to all who expressed support for Cherry Point and made the case in their own words that the Joint Strike Fighters would be welcome here and embraced as good neighbors. I Mike Wagoner

IN THE NETWORK

‘Meet Me After Work’ Sometimes working late can be a good thing … especially if you’re making connections over some food and drinks while you do it. And that, in essence, is what the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours networking series is all about. All are from 5:30-7pm and admission is $5 per person and a business card.

One recent event was held at the Hampton Inn & Suites of Atlantic Beach as seen in the photos below.

If you would like to announce a networking event or submit photos to “In the Network” please send them to editor@nccoast.com before Sept. 10.

Kevin Whitley of Chalk & Gibbs Insurance and Real Estate and Vaughn Branch of SERVPRO

Tom Kies of NCCOAST Communications, Joan Lamson of SCORE and Gus Tulloss of Gus H. Tulloss Insurance

Business After Hours Schedule Thursday, Aug. 31, at Coastal Outlet, 1075 Cedar Point Blvd., Cedar Point. Co-sponsored

by Edward Jones Investments – Walter S. O’Berry III. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Boulia Enterprise Real Estate & Development, 6931 US 70 West, Newport.

Thursday, Oct. 21, at the NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front St., Beaufort. Cosponsored by the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum.

Carl Meeks an d Sandy Font aine, both of Coastal Outle t

use of Pat & Mar vin Ro Company

For more information, call the chamber at 726-6350.

Seegars Fence

Gerry Howell of AARP Carteret County Chapter 1714 and Scot Archer and David Lalone, both of Le Rouge tete

Nancy Duffy of Coastal Trim & Accessories and Carolyn & Bob Fowle, both of Realty World First Coast Realty

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IN DEED Raise Property Values

by Cutting Cost The NC Energy Office is launching a $3.7 million program to improve energy efficiency in new single-family homes and multi-family housing under construction. Two agencies have been designated to work with the state to develop, implement and monitor a statewide residential energy efficiency program that will provide sustainable energy savings in new homes for both homeowners and renters, while improving the comfort and durability of the homes.

The Appalachian State University Energy Center in Boone and Systems Building Research Alliance, a nonprofit consortium of electric utilities and major manufactured and modular home building companies, have been designated by the Energy Office to lead the effort. Plans are to improve energy efficiency in nearly 2,500 single-family homes and 480 multi-family units, along with 1,700 manufactured homes. The program, funded through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will demonstrate to

builders and homeowners that energy improvements make homes more attractive to buyers, generate greater marketplace demand for energy-efficient homes and result in long-term energy savings.

Appalachian State University will receive $2.6 million to focus on site-built single-family and multi-family home energy efficiency improvements. Systems Building Research Alliance, originally incorporated in North Carolina and now based in New York, will receive $1.1 million to focus on manufactured homes built to federal standards, addressing energy efficiency improvements. The alliance is currently responsible to the federal Environmental Protection Agency for quality control oversight of Energy Star for both manufactured and modular homes.

The two agencies will be responsible for managing the program, recruiting and training local builders and contractors, recruiting participants, monitoring construction and verifying energy savings along with economic benefits – including job creation and retention. Homes participating in the program must achieve a minimum of 15 percent in energy savings, including heating and cooling.

For more information on program participation, contact Appalachian State University at 828-262-6351 or Systems Building Research Alliance at 212-496-0900. The NC Energy Office is a division of the NC Department of Commerce. I

HIRING LINE County Continues to Rank Below State’s Unemployment Rates While we peaked in January with 10.7 percent unemployment, the spring and summer, as many would have predicted, have only served to widen the gap between Carteret County’s stats and the state average. For May and June, the state clocked in at 10 and 10.1 percent, while the local unemployment figures were 7.5 and 7.4.

The county unemployment figure may have dropped, however, the number of initial claims rose in June. In May only 211 new claims were filed with the Employment Security Commission in Morehead City, and 264 were filed in the month of June.

The months are, however, the lowest we’ve seen in the past

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year. In June of 2009 some 357 individuals filed an initial unemployment claim and in January, Carteret County’s worst month during the past year, 713 people signed up for benefits. Last June the employment rate for Carteret County was 7.7 percent.

Gov. Perdue is particularly encouraged by strong growth in the private sector. The 11,600 new private sector jobs, created last month, represent the largest monthly increase since March 2007.

“I’m encouraged that our focus on supporting home-grown industries and small businesses is paying off in our efforts to create new jobs for North Carolinians,” said Perdue. “While the pain isn’t over yet, this month’s employment figures make me optimistic that North Carolina is on a path to recovery – led by our private sector industries and small businesses.”

Perdue is hopeful we’ll see more job growth during the coming months. The governor signed two bills in July that will help guide that path.

“This jobs package — which was strongly supported by legislators in both parties — gives North Carolina more tools in our economic development toolbox,” said Perdue. “I intend for us to be as competitive and innovative as any state — both nationally and internationally.”

The JobsNOW legislation provides a number of critical tools for economic development in North Carolina, including: • A new tax credit for investments in the digital media industry.

• Extension of tax credits for businesses that create new jobs and new investment.

• Enhancements to North Carolina’s film tax credit to increase our competitiveness in film production.

• Raising the bonding limit for small businesses that compete for small state construction projects — which makes it easier and cheaper for small businesses and historically underutilized businesses to do work for the state. I

Military Population Growing Beyond Projections With military bases in nearby Havelock and Jacksonville, neighboring counties have been preparing for population growth stemming from the US Marine Corps “Grow the Force” initiative since 2007. In its birth, the Military Growth Task Force (MGTF) was formed to help ease those growing pains, which were estimated to bring an additional 11,477 new military members and civilian staff to the three installations at New River, Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point.

Now, it seems, things have changed.

The latest number from the Marine Corps Installation East shows that estimate has jumped to an actual number of 14,233 since January 2007. Combined with family members and

M I L I TA R Y M AT T E R S dependents that move to the area with active military personnel, which is an additional estimate of 18,505 people, and the projected creation of civilian jobs that are set to draw another 20,713, the seven surrounding counties of Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones, Onslow, Pamlico and Pender counties are bracing for a population jump of 54,951 by the end of September 2011.

Combined with a regular projected growth of 25,154 (which doesn’t include the military growth at all), eastern North Carolina is eyeing up a population upswing of more than 80,000 people in a span of just five years (Jan 07-Sept 11).

Speaking Up Concerned about how all that growth will affect your town?

So is the MGTF. Hoping to inform Eastern North Carolina residents with all the expected changes and plans, as well as some preemptive solutions, the MGTF is launching its speaker series at various locations in the eastern region.

This series is offered by request to community groups, businesses, leadership organizations and other interested parties.

To stay updated on when and where the next speaker series will be held or to schedule your own, call Colleen Maloney, director of communications for MGTF eastern region, at 910.325.8112 or email Maloney@nceast.org.

From a MGTF Report

FINANCIAL AID

7 Signs That it’s Time to Sell Your Business The toughest decision a business owner has to make is deciding to sell, particularly in an uncertain market. If you’ve built your business it probably has become who you are. When you’re not at work you’re always thinking about it or making plans for it. You never really stop and if you sell, you really are leaving behind more than a job.

Here are some signs that might help you decide if now is the time to exit your business.

The business no longer holds your interest. Sometimes it’s simply a case of burnout. The early heady days are gone, and now it’s just a job you don’t necessarily like.

At this point you should consider selling.

You’ve had a health scare. Suddenly the business is secondary to family and friends and all of the things you want to do before it’s too late. Health reasons are certainly a valid reason for selling.

The children aren’t interested. The original idea may have been to turn the business over to the children. Now they may not be interested or capable of operating it successfully. Better to provide them with an alternative investment.

Work life and personal life are at odds. When you started out the business your family life were in sync and everything ran smoothly. Now nothing does and you have to decide is it worth it or is this the time to sell.

Significant additional capital is required. Your business is successful, however, to take it to the next level of success you need more capital. There’s a question as to whether you can get it and if the payback time meets your eventual exit strategy. It could be best to realize your gain and move on.

You’re working for the bank. Despite your best efforts the business is not meeting its bills and paying you what you once earned or need today. The problem is financial and not the business. It could be that you’ll realize a better price today than by holding and risking a further deterioration.

You need to plan for retirement. The business is an important asset, perhaps, the biggest you have. You’ve worked to get to the point where you can enjoy the result of your labor. You realize, however, that your wealth is too concentrated and you need diversification.

If any of these signs apply to your personal situation, it’s time to brush off your exit plans and consider your options.

Selling a business takes considerable time and few sell in less than a year. To delay planning your exit strategy can be a costly mistake. An additional incentive may be to start today as the current Federal Tax Code is beneficial to sellers and may not be in future years. I Bill Horton Senior Broker Sunbelt Business Brokers of Coastal North Carolina, Inc.

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COMMERCIAL LAW • CORPORATE LAW • REAL ESTATE LAW

KIRKMAN WHITFORD BRADY & BERRYMAN. P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ATTORNEYS Real Estate, Estate Planning, Wills Debra Whaley, Attorney at Law 252.222.4555, 209 N 35th St, Morehead City, NC 28557 dwhaleylaw@hotmail.com

NEIL B. WHITFORD CAROLYN B. BRADY* MELISSA BERRYMAN KIMBERLY L. FARIAS** KYLE C. DART 710 ARENDELL STREET SUITE 105 MOREHEAD CITY, NORTH CAROLINA 28557-1347

(252) 726-8411 FACSIMILE (252) 726-6974

Real Estate, Corporate & Commercial Law Kirkman, Whitford, Brady & Berryman, P.A. Neil B. Whitford 252.726.8411, 710 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557 lawyers@kirkmanwhitford.com www.kirkmanwhitford.com

TELEPHONE

E-mail: lawyers@kirkmanwhitford.com www.kirkmanwhitford.com * ALSO LICENSED IN GEORGIA

** ALSO LICENSED IN CALIFORNIA

CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE Bill Boulia Enterprise, Inc. Bill Boulia 252.223.2122, Newport, NC 28570 boulia@bizec.rr.com www.bouliaenterprise.com

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Professional Service Tailored to Your Specific Needs and Goals

All Design, Building, Landscaping and Interior Decorating in Above Photos by ECON Developers, Inc.

Remodeling • New Construction • Repairs • Commercial Construction Management & Consulting • Insurance Mitigation Marine • Home Maintenance Coordination Thermographic Imaging

ECON Developers Incorporated General Contractor

252-726-9583 • www.econdevelopersinc.com 40

PO Box 789 • Atlantic Beach Located in the Beacon’s Reach Administration Building, Sunny Shores Drive, Pine Knoll Shores

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