April 28, 2010
Progress
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It’s been a rough couple of years for our local economy. Jobs have been shed in almost every sector. Entire factories have shuttered. Our towns and cities are scrambling for the means to sustain payroll and services. Some of our families have been cold and hungry. Many have gone without things they previously considered necessities. But we are learning how to cope with the wounding of our dominant industry and new jobs are coming (some are already here) to offer us paychecks instead of meager unemployment checks. It is a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. And this time it isn’t a freight train bearing down on us.
Repairing Tear the
in the
FABRIC of our
Economy
Progress We’re making
As old jobs go away, what’s coming next? Milltown is now our history; tech, service our future Once we made yarn for America. Our parents and grandparents spun fiber into the gold that fueled our economy. Small family-owned mills all the way up to internationallyowned megafirms provided paychecks, and, in-turn, food for our tables, clothes for our backs, heat for our homes and education for our children. It was literally a way of life. But a global economy stoked the fires of change and much of what we knew was no longer relevant. There is no paycheck for those who know how to produce yarn when the
yarn is being produced by foreign hands. Other employers in our midst evaporated for other reasons, leaving just as deep a wound for their newly-jobless. Carolina Freight employed thousands until a smaller company saw the benefit to be gained from acquiring the company’s decades of experience, contacts and contracts, and, yes even it’s vision. Freightliner shed employees by the hundreds as it sought a better way to operate in the current economic light. Another companywas so well-positioned in the market it caught the attention of entertainment giant Sony. The result was the moving of production from here to Britain and the loss of hun-
dreds of jobs. Other firms are still here, but have been forced to trim back as a wicked economy took its toll on those things we produce here. That’s our past. So what’s our future? Probably lithium batterypowered cars. And military defense. And transportation. And electricity. And medicine. And technology And education. And Charlotte. After all we all know how wonderful our communities are and we know why we prefer to live here. Well, many more people are discovering that very thing every year and leaving Charlotte just to be able to enjoy
our lifestyle. And, oddly, a rejuvenation and a re-thinking of our yarn heritage. Jobs are coming back to the very mills that closed. Some of them will be doing the very same thing they did before but probably with updated practices. And some of those mills have found ways to stay at the top of their game and actually gained market share, developed new products and expanded their views of the marketplace. The following pages will examine how our local companies, our governments, our schools and others are... Repairing the Tear in the Fabric of Our Economy.
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Progress
April 28, 2010
This textile business is still going strong Pharr Yarns innovates, thrives, even in bad economy By THOMAS LARK thomas.bannernews@gmail.com
McADENVILLE—It’s a great place to work. McAdenville folks will tell you that about Pharr Yarns. For generations, local people have worked for the textile company, forming a kind of family tradition. Unlike most American textile manufacturers, now sadly gone thanks to what Ross Perot once accurately called “the economic suicide of NAFTA,” this company is going the distance with innovation and positively thriving, even in these harsh economic times. And according to company spokesman Mel Collins, Pharr Yarns isn’t going anywhere except onward and upward. Collins recently talked about the company and its leaders, men of vision and foresight with a genuine concern for their workers. Every year, Pharr Yarns is an integral and indispensable part of making a highly decorated McAdenville into Christmas Town, USA. Collins said Pharr Yarns was established in 1939. It has about 1,300 local employees as well as operations in California and Georgia. “Gaston County and McAdenville have been home for Pharr Yarns for more than 70 years,” said Collins. “For the past seven decades, Pharr Yarns families have played a vital role in local businesses, churches and our educational system through hard work, volunteer efforts and charitable giving. The people at Pharr Yarns have proven to be dedicated, resourceful and innovative. Our people, most born and raised in Gaston County, remain our greatest asset. “Additionally,” he contin-
ued, “Gaston County and its local leaders clearly understand and value the importance of maintaining a supportive climate to allow businesses to grow, prosper and create jobs for its people. A great example has been the leadership and support to business provided for many years by State Senator David Hoyle of Gaston County.”
innovations.
Small town, big plans
“McAdenville is a vibrant small town with a tremendous future,” said Collins. “The new YMCA in McAdenville is providing a gathering place for area residents while promoting healthy lifestyles and expanded recreA bright future opportunities. Pharr Yarns is a company ational McAdenville continues to that values its traditions. “For more than 50 years,” see development of new The cavernous confines of the interior of this Pharr Yarns facilin family- ity form a beehive of activity. Pharr Yarns has been in business said Collins, “Pharr has been housing proud to sponsor the McA- friendly neighborhoods. more than 70 years. neighborhoods denville Christmas lights that These bring joy and the magic of have welcomed an influx of runs through McAdenville. cycled polymers and advanced Recently, canoe and kayak polymers made in part from Christmas to approximately new residents who have landings have been opened in corn—instead of petrochemi600,000 visitors to this small quickly embraced the tradi- Spencer Mountain and McA- cals—to reduce dependency town each year. The McA- tions and values of this warm denville. on oil. These investments denville Christmas lights have “And this fall have created more than 100 an annual regional will see the dedi- new jobs thus far.” economic impact of cation and openAround the world, Pharr nearly $12 miling of the Yarns’ advanced yarn systems lion.” Carolina Thread are used in home furnishings, Change is an Trail at McA- automotive applications, ineconomic indenville,” he dustrial protective products evitability. And c o n t i n u e d , and life-saving high performCollins said Pharr “which will pro- ance applications, such as fireknows just how to vide miles of fighter protective apparel and adapt. scenic hiking op- flame-resistant garments to “Pharr Yarns recportunities while protect American soldiers in ognizes that it must conserving our combat. continually evolve reLooking to the next decade, Photographs by Steve Rankin natural and re-invent itself The offices of Pharr Yarns are seen here. The sources.” Collins said Pharr is more How do you than ready for the challenges. to meet the chang- bustling textile complex takes up a huge chunk of succeed in “The evolving needs of our ing needs of our McAdenville, both literally and historically. today’s econ- customers will continue to customers and to omy? Collins drive innovation and new remain successful in fiercely and friendly small town. competitive markets,” he said. While McAdenville sees ex- said you’ve got to stay on the product development at Pharr “Our company motto is ‘a tra- citing new development, it cutting edge, and Pharr is Yarns now and in the future,” doing just that. he said. “Pharr Yarns is comdition of innovation.’ This “At Pharr Yarns,” he said, mitted to make the necessary blend of keeping true to our continues to deeply value its traditions while fostering in- historical structures and its “one of the most important in- investments in machinery and vestments in our future has new technologies to ensure novation throughout all levels rich history.” Last year, McAdenville’s been the building of a state-of- success. Additionally, Pharr of our company has been— and will be—the key to our Historic District was placed the-art BCF extrusion plant Yarns is committed to ongoing success. Our future will be en- on the National Register of and the purchase of support- investments in the training ing yarn manufacturing equip- and development of its work sured by all of us at Pharr Historic Places. Collins added that Pharr ment. This $40 million capital force to ensure that it has the Yarns continuing to focus on Yarns is continuing a partnerand work hard to meet the ship with the Catawba Lands project is allowing us to create skills needed to continue to needs of our customers, while Conservancy to expand recre- new and exciting products, produce products made in continuing to embrace new ational use of the South Fork many of which are manufac- America that can compete and tured from environmentally win in worldwide markets.” technologies, new ideas and Catawba River corridor that friendly materials such as re-
We’re Making Progress...
Together!
We have been a proud Kings Mountain employer and corporate citizen for over 50 years, and salute all of our neighbors who faithfully support our community.
Chemetall Foote Kings Mountain, North Carolina
April 28, 2010
Progress
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Patrick Yarns goes high tech to grow in a no-growth industry By EMILY WEAVER Editor, Kings Mountain Herald
Patrick Yarns–the last familyowned textile mill in Kings Mountain, credited with never having laid off a single employee–is hiring. “We are expanding our capability to manufacture yarns for technical, performance and protective apparel,” said president of Patrick Yarns, Gilbert Patrick. The expansion, he continues, will involve installing more machinery and hiring more operators, supporting managers and engineers. Patrick Yarns is set to receive a small industrial incentive grant from the City of Kings Mountain to help cover its capital investments. The company applied for a North Carolina state grant for a substantial machinery investment. After discovering that the business-retention grant would only help if the company was serious about moving to another state, Patrick said they decided to drop the application. He notes that they want to expand because “Kings Mountain is home.” Kings Mountain has been home to many family-owned textile mills. Of those, Patrick Yarns is the sole survivor and seems to be hitting a
growth spurt at the age of 45. Gilbert Patrick took over the company his father H. Lawrence Patrick started from scratch in 1964 as president in 1993. The operation had 50 workers manning one location along Railroad Avenue. Patrick Yarns now has two state-of-the-art plants, on both sides of town, with 170 employees and is still hiring. But times haven’t been easy. The decaying shells of textile mills, which now litter the region, prove it. Gastonia once proclaimed itself to be the “Spindle City”, with more textile spindles per capita than any other city in the world. Not anymore. Charlotte bragged about having more textile manufacturing industries within a 75-mile radius than any other metropolis in the world. Not anymore. “To remember and list the textile plants that were once here and thriving in Kings Mountain is like walking through a cemetery,” Patrick told a group of Rotarians this year. There was the Margrace, the Park Yarn, the Pauline and the Bonnie. There was the Mauney Mill, the Craftspun, the Oxford, and the Phenix (Burlington), the Schneider, the Old Mill (at plant 19), the Shannon Duplex, the Enterprise Mill and
An employee checks the machine as it spins the fiber. All photos contributed by Patrick Yarns
the Lula Mill. All were cotton-processing facilities…now deceased. These industries were the lifeblood of the community. “They supplied our troops, sent children to college, helped improve our community and provided (income), health benefits and retirement for their employees,” Patrick said. “Recent textile plant closures within the last eight to nine years have been mostly due to the change in international trade agreements and the United States’ unwillingness to enforce trade laws.” Spectrum Dyed Yarns is one of the latest “casualties in the global trade war,” Patrick said. Another one is R.L. Stowe, a textile firm that had operated in Belmont for 108 years. Thirty-six-year-old Spectrum closed two years ago in the throes of the “Great Recession” to which many plants have succumbed. Even Patrick has felt the pinch. “We did experience some short time last year, but both plants are (now) running a full five-to-six day schedule,” Patrick said. Still…no layoffs. Diversification and ingenuity may have been keys to Patrick Yarns’ survival. See PATRICK on Page A9
Where do these high tech fibers go? •hospital mops •water filters •Kevlar vests •Firefighters turnout suits •Air Force One •The Space Station •Fiber Optic Cable •And U2 concert tee shirts
The “mean, green machines” at Patrick Yarns help the company stay competitive.
http://www.southerncompany.com/careerinfo/home/aspx
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April 28, 2010
Progress
April 28, 2010
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Southern Power: All systems go By ELIZABETH STEWART lib.kmherald@gmail.com
GROVER–Site clearing for the transmission right-of-way and general site preparation is underway at the 275acre site of Southern Power's proposed $400 million Cleveland County Generating Facility. Plant officials say all systems are "go"' as four combustion turbine units are scheduled to be on line in early 2012. Stephanie Swindle will serve as plant manager. General site work is ongoing for the power block, according to Southern Power official G. Steve Higginbotham. “We feel that North Carolina is a good market for us and we have had positive experiences working with local lead-
ers,” he said at groundbreaking on the site. Southern Power President Ronnie Bates also said at the groundbreaking ceremony that “we are excited”. “It’s a big boost to the local economy,” said Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey. The City of Kings Mountain will be connecting a 12-inch line to the water main at US Highway 29. Cleveland County will run the raw water line from Moss Lake to the Buffalo Creek Dam on Long Branch Road to the plant location. Ground was broken last October for the natural gas-fueled, simple cycle combustion turbine electric generating plant expected to produce millions of dollars in economic benefits through job creation and property taxes for Cleveland County and the surrounding grow-
Rendering photo of the proposed Cleveland County generating project near Grover.
ing market of the Carolinas. The early Christmas 2008 present that Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, was coming to the Kings Mountain-Grover area was good news for a struggling economy. The City of Kings Mountain made history with the signing of a 20year contract to supply raw water for the new industry. In full production it could become the county's second largest
taxpayer with what officials predict will be a billion dollar business. With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast and a leading U.S. producer of electricity. Southern Power is among the larger wholesale energy providers in the Southeast. Officials said in ear-
LIB STEWART photo Mayor Rick Murphrey, left, is shown as he welcomed Southern Power President Ronnie Bates last October to the site of the Cleveland County Generating Facility near Grover.
lier announcements that the plant could employ hundreds of construction workers but can operate commercially with six people. State permitting and other prelimi-
nary work takes time but plant officials say they are looking forward to beginning construction and becoming a good neighbor to the area.
“It’s a big boost to the local economy.” - Mayor Rick Murphrey
Congratulations to Kings Mountain on achieving status as a 2009 NC Main Street Community!
The Mountaineer Partnership, Inc.
Being awarded Main Street designation is a significant milestone for the Kings Mountain’s Downtown Business District and an acknowledgement that we are on our way toward restoring it as the center for community life for residents and visitors alike.
Kings Mountain Main Street Program Economic Development Report
2009 Private-Public Partnership Investment made $31,000 MSD Private Property Tax $30,000 City Matching Funds $61,000 Total 2009 Revenue Grants CDBG Small Business & Entrepreneurial Assistance Rural Reuse Grant - Body Junction Rural Reuse Grant - Steakhouse Project NC Small Town Economic Prosperity Program Main Street Solutions Grant
Amount $250,000 $12,000 $252,000 $125,000 $300,000
Jobs 10 1 27 NA 20
Status Secured Secured Applied Applied Applied
Potential Opportunities Main Street Energy Grant
$250,000
NA
NA
Return on Investment Secured $262,000 2009 Grants Secured to date $61,000 Main Street Program Investment
= 429% return on investment
Applied
= 946% return on investment
$577,000 2010 Grants Secured to date $61,000 Main Street Program Investment
Potential $250,000 Main Street Solutions/Energy Grants $61,000 Main Street Program Investment
= 410% return on investment
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April 28, 2010
Industrial profiles... Where we work in Cleveland and Gaston Counties Pepsi Beverages Company 152 Commerce Drive, Cherryville Cherryville’s PepsiCo is one part of a big company, said Mark Begley, Unit Sales Manager for Pepsi Beverages Company. Said Begley, “Pepsi Beverages Company (PBC) is PepsiCo’s beverage manufacturing, sales and distribution operating unit in the United States, Canada and Mexico. PBC handles approximately 75 percent of PepsiCo’s North America beverage volume.” Its diverse portfolio includes some of the world’s most widely recognized beverage brands including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Aquafina, Gatorade, SoBe, Lipton, and Amp Energy. “In many markets, PBC also manufactures and distributes non-Pepsi brands including Dr Pepper, Crush, ROCKSTAR, and Muscle Milk,” he said. The operating unit is headquartered in Westchester County, New York and employs approximately 70,000 people. Locally, PBC at 152 Commerce Drive, in Cherryville, employs 61 people. You can learn more about PBC at www.pepsico.com/pbc.
Blachford RP Corporation 707 Broadview Dr., Kings Mountain
When looking for a facility, we received outstanding support from the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce Economic Development group to secure the former Anvil Knitwear facility. Unlike most business moving into an area, Evonik did not ask for or receive any tax breaks or grants. We were and are able to utilize a lot of local contractors for the build out and maintenance of the facility. In addition, Evonik has worked to secure our workforce from the local Cleveland County area. The Evonik facility houses our engineering staff who along with the production, lab and bench scale facility are all under one roof including our administrative and management staff. This promotes our R&D activities and continues improvements and information exchange to streamline operations, products and services. In 2008 Evonik Energy Services LLC was awarded the Mayors International Community Award, which is a clear sign that the company not only integrated itself in the power industry but also in the local community. We are proud to be part of Cleveland County’s economic landscape. Evonik Energy Services is another organization in the Charlotte region which supports the “Charlotte USA – The New Energy Capital” initiative. In the world market, Evonik Energy Services is operating 11 biomass units, invested in solar and wind and is the largest geothermal energy producer in the world!
Blachford RP Corporation was established in Kings Mountain in the year 2002. Blachford is an industry leader in manufacturing rubber/carpet OEM flooring for the heavy truck, bus, and automotive after-markets. Our customers include companies such as Peterbilt, Kenworth, Daimler, Volvo, International, Thomas Bus, Blue Bird Bus, and many others. Blachford has grown from approximately 20 employees at inception to 49 employees in 2010 and now consists of two shifts. This growth has come from Blachford securing numerous pieces of new business. In turn, this new business has allowed us to hire many new employees, in spite of a downturned economy. Over the next year we will be implementing new programs that will further expand our footprint here in Cleveland County. This new business will bring more jobs and opportunities to the community. In addition to the new business, analysts are predicting the heavy truck market will drastically increase by the end of the fourth quarter, which will also bring many opportunities to those who are seeking employment. We anticipate continuing our growth within the next decade and look forward to doing it here in Cleveland County. Blachford enjoys being in Cleveland County because of its centralized location to Charlotte Douglas Airport and other industries in the area. These are a few added bonuses along with the county’s willingness to help its industry become and remain successful.
FAS Controls Inc.
Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. & HarvestWorks, Inc.
Firestone
1100 Airport Rd., Shelby FAS Controls Inc. is a diversified manufacturer of electro-mechanical components primarily for vehicle markets, located in Shelby. Our business was founded originally in 1911 and moved to Cleveland County in 1973. Our primary focus is on pressure switches, flow control valves, circuit breakers, mechanical switches and coils. Applications for our products include fluid pressure monitoring, air pressure monitoring, hydraulic flow control, and pneumatic flow control. We serve the passenger vehicle, heavy truck, motorcycle, military, off-road and construction, agricultural, industrial and commercial markets. In addition to organic growth from diversification to new customers and new markets, FAS Controls is actively seeking global growth via acquisition of similar and complementary product lines. We will celebrate our 100th anniversary since our original founding during 2011 and are proud to be a long-term resident employer in Cleveland County. The company employs 121 workers. When asked some of the things they enjoy most about doing business in Cleveland County, the company noted the area’s “strong work ethic” and the “overall favorable weather conditions” and “location” of the county.
Anand retired, Dunn in
650 N. Post Rd., Shelby Cleveland Vocational Industries, Inc. (CVII) opened its doors in 1985 providing employment and training opportunities to 10 individuals with barriers to employment. From the beginning, CVII has set the standard for supported employment services and meeting the needs of the people they serve. CVII provides human services within its 57,000 sq. ft. outsourcing and fulfillment center. Other businesses locally and from all over the nation outsource their work to CVII and our staff assist those we serve with doing the work. In November 2001, CVII started LifeSkills to meet the needs of individuals who are not able to work but are still in need of daily activities. LifeSkills provides a rich array of activities from arts and crafts to community volunteer work. In May 2003, a company called HarvestWorks, Inc. began providing services in proximity to CVII with a vision to provide an agricultural farm-based program. In March 2006, CVII and HarvestWorks merged to strengthen their missions. CVII then moved its LifeSkills program into HarvestWorks. In addition to human services, HarvestWorks offers children and adults with special needs various public services. HarvestWorks offers a place for birthday parties, special events and educational or school farm tours. HarvestWorks has a miniature petting zoo, gemstone mining flume, banquet hall/reception area, serves lunch throughout the week and provides meals for events. These services give the individuals we assist rich learning opportunities and community integration experiences. And, these public services help fund the programs for individuals with special needs. CVII continues to seek new businesses to partner with for fulfillment and outsourcing work. HarvestWorks is currently developing a large and unique therapeutic and recreational park. For more information about CVII visit WeWork.org or FulfillmentOutsource.com. For more information about HarvestWorks visit HarvestWorksInc.org
Evonik Energy Services LLC 304 Linwood Rd., Kings Mountain Evonik Industries (headquartered in Germany) is a large organization with 58 manufacturing facilities that employs over 3,000 workers in North America. The energy focus of Evonik in North America is Evonik Energy Services LLC which provides engineering and consulting services to the utility sector. Evonik Energy Services began operation in the early 1990’s in Washington, D.C. The offices moved to Durham, NC in 1999 and then to the Charlotte area in 2005. In 2006 when Evonik Energy Services decided to move a portion of Evonik’s service business, SCR catalyst regeneration business, from Germany to the U.S. market, a manufacturing facility was needed. In late 2006, Evonik Energy Services decided to locate in Kings Mountain at the former site of the Anvil Knitwear Company that had shut down in 2000. Evonik Energy Services remodeled the facility and began operation in September 2007. Since then, the facility has grown to over 200,000 square feet of space and more than 40 employees.
Firestone Diversified Products, LLC (FSDP) has announced that Tim Dunn, most recently Project Manager, New Business Development for Bridgestone Australia, has accepted the position of president of Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company, LLC (FSFT), effective April 1, 2010. He succeeds Jaggy Anand, who elected to retire after 40 years with Bridgestone Americas and Firestone companies. “Jaggy is an important part of our team, and he has had a great career,” said Ken Weaver, chairman, CEO and president of FSDP, the parent company of FSFT. “He has served FSFT well, leading the company for 18 years as president. We will certainly miss him.” Anand joined the Bridgestone Americas family in 1970 as an industrial engineer at the company’s tire facility in Bloomington, Ill. He was promoted to Industrial Engineering Manager in 1974. In 1983, Anand accepted the title of Plant Production Manager for the consumer tire facility in Albany, Ga. When the Albany plant closed in 1986, Jaggy joined the FSFT plant in Kings Mountain as Plant Manufacturing Engineering Manager. He was promoted to Kings Mountain/Gastonia Plant Manager in 1988 and was named President of FSFT in 1992. Anand and his wife, Nancy, plan to remain in Gastonia, during retirement. Dunn assumes his new role as FSFT president after having previously held several positions within the Bridgestone Americas family of companies. Dunn was hired as Northeast Territory Manager for the company’s consumer tire organization in 1986. In 1992, Dunn was promoted to Northeast Regional Marketing Manager, and in 1993 he was named Northeast Regional General Manager for the Bridgestone Firestone consumer replacement tire business. In 2002, Dunn relocated to Nashville, Tenn., to accept the role of Operations Manager for consumer replacement tire sales. He was promoted to director of the North American Consumer Replacement Tire National Marketing & Supply Chain Management in 2006, and to executive director of North American Consumer Replacement Tire Marketing in 2008. Last year, Dunn accepted an international assignment as project manager for New Business Development – Retail with Bridgestone Australia. Dunn holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Bucknell University. As president of FSFT, Dunn will report directly to Weaver. “We are excited that Tim will be joining the Diversified Products team as president of FSFT. His experience with the tire side of the Bridgestone Americas family will serve him well in this new position,” Weaver said. “We look forward to a bright future for FSFT under Tim’s leadership.” Headquartered in Kings Mountain, Firestone Fibers & Textiles Company, LLC (FSFT) has three locations in the United States and Canada. FSFT manufactures nylon and polyester tire cord for Bridgestone Americas tire plants and other non-tire product manufacturers, and manufactures other industrial fabrics and nylon resins. In the recent past, FSFT has supplied fabrics used for military tenting for the living quarters of our troops in the Middle East. Other unique products include the heavy industrial fabric used on the Landing Craft Air Cushion, more commonly termed the hovercraft. FSFT also produces all the reinforcement materials used in Firestone EPDM and TPO roofing systems. FSFT is a subsidiary of Firestone Diversified Products, LLC (FSDP).
Firestone Diversified Products, LLC (FSDP) is based in Indianapolis, Ind., and is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM). FSDP is responsible for BSAM’s nontire businesses, including building and industrial products, natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles.
Martin Marietta - Kings Mountain Quarry 262 Holiday Inn Drive, Kings Mountain The Kings Mountain Quarry is Martin Marietta’s second oldest quarry, having begun mining in 1940. In a normal economy the operation produces between 600,000 and 800,000 tons of crushed stone annually. The crushed stone we produce is an essential raw material utilized in the construction of the roads, bridges, railroads, homes, and other buildings which make up our communities. It is these roads, bridges, and railways that provide the infrastructure that all commerce requires. A strong and large national infrastructure is essential in maintaining and also improving the economy. Martin Marietta believes in the future of the Kings Mountain and Cleveland County market and economy. This is evident in the current plant relocation and expansion project on the Kings Mountain Quarry property. The project is a multimillion dollar endeavor that will increase production capacity and extend the longevity of this quarry by several decades. The project is expected to be completed by December 2011. Cleveland County is home to a large mining industry. The many local companies that engage in mining have created a plentiful and experienced work pool of miners from which a company like Martin Marietta can hire. Low relative tax rates and business-friendly politics are extremely helpful, too. The company employs 20 workers in Cleveland County.
McNeilly’s Inc. & Quality Hardwood Frames Inc. 229 & 231 Carpenter Grove Church Rd., Lawndale
The last furniture plant in Cleveland Co. We started a furniture frame plant in 1987. We build frames for such companies as Ethan Allen, Broyhill, Drexel, Century, Bernhardt Furniture and many more. At one time we employed 58 wonderful people. As business started to drop off in the frame plant, we started a middle to high end leather upholstery furniture plant. We employ about 35 wonderful people in the upholstery plant. We build all the frames for McNeilly Inc. in our frame plant and send them next door to be upholstered and shipped out the door. We have salesmen in almost every state. Not many people know about our plant and seem surprised when they learn about us. We are the only remaining furniture plant in Cleveland County. We have no imports. What we produce is an ALL AMERICAN upholstered sofa, loveseat, stationary chair, recliner chairs, theater seating for the home entertainment room, cocktail ottomans, storage ottomans, manual or motorized recliners, swivel rocker recliners, and incliners (wall huggers) that only need to be about 4” from the wall.
Purolator EFP 1022 Industry Dr., Shelby Purolator EFP in Shelby is a member of the Purolator Advanced Filtration Group of CLARCOR. What began in 1978 in Cleveland County as a small family-owned business known as Southern Screen has grown to become the market leader of polymer filtration products. Together with another manufacturing plant located in Houston, TX, and warehouses in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, and Dalton, GA, we are also a leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of specialty wire cloth parts for the automotive, electronics, and consumer markets. In today’s marketplace, the demand for quality has never been greater. Our Shelby facility is ISO 9001:2008 certified, offering the quality assurance that is critical to our customers. We are dedicated to providing a safe work environment for all our employees. In December, 2009 we received our SHARP re-certification with OSHA. As a small facility, we consider ourselves to be a big family; thus, people oriented, yet business minded. One of the biggest advantages of operating a business in Cleveland County is its location. The county is centered between Gaston, Lincoln and Rutherford counties which gives us access to a large diverse labor force. It also allows for easy access to the main interstate highways which assures that products flow easier and quicker to our customer base. Cleveland County also offers that small town charm and friendly atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place to live, work and play. Purolator EFP, in Shelby, currently employs 57 workers.
Sloan Graphic Arts 816 Cherryville Rd., Shelby Sloan Graphic Arts was established in 1987 with three partners: Clay Sloan, and Becky and Terry Sloan. We have expanded our print shop to offer vinyl lettering and signs to residents of Shelby and surrounding areas. Currently we employ two full-time partners and one part-time employee. Due to the explosion of computers and printers in all businesses and most homes, our printing customers have dwindled. This is the main reason we offer signage to help us stay in business. We have a wide variety of clients–from young brides in need of invitations for the big date to physician offices that use envelopes like there’s no tomorrow. Fortunately, word of mouth from our customers has been a tremendous asset to our business. We aim to please and our customers know that to be true!
April 28, 2010
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His momma said he’d make it!
STI/Specialty Textiles, Inc. 515 Marie St., Kings Mountain STI manufactures and distributes upholstery fabrics sold to the residential furniture market. STI has one plant, established in 1964 and located at 515 Marie Street, Kings Mountain. The North Carolina plant weaves and finishes fabric used in the United States, Canada and Mexico. STI owns and operates a distribution warehouse in Mississippi. The warehouse purchases fabric woven in North Carolina and sells the yardage to furniture manufacturers located in Mississippi. The North Carolina plant employs 140 skilled workers operating three shifts, five days a week. The plant is a safe and air conditioned working environment. Many of the newer associates are learning valuable skills from more senior employees. Turnover is low but for anyone lucky enough to land a job, they will be treated with respect and opportunities to advance. This is a place where senior management and owners are on the floor and know many employees by name. STI is fortunate to be part of a stable manufacturing base in Cleveland County. Located close to Kings Mountain and Crowders Mountain there are plenty of outdoor activities to take advantage of. The city of Kings Mountain has continued to improve restaurants and other services offered to companies and citizens located within its boundaries. Assets like Moss Lake, Gateway Trails and the Kings Mountain Triathlon are regional draws that bring people to Cleveland County. Kings Mountain High School is only one of the fantastic schools that Cleveland County has to offer. These are only a few reasons why manufacturing companies thrive in Cleveland County. The future is bright at STI. STI is winning the battle with foreign imports from China. STI has been manufacturing yarn to be used in the weaving process and plans to expand this effort. With the support of Cleveland County and the City of Kings Mountain, STI will continue to grow and employ many more quality people from Cleveland County in the future.
Ellis spends 63 years in the lumber business By EMILY WEAVER Editor
Ellis Lumber Company, now in its 63rd year of operation in Shelby, began as many brave entrepreneurial endeavors do–with an idea and chance. William Yancey Ellis, 88, grew up on a farm in the Mt. Sinai Church community. He attended school up through the age of 15 when he quit just three months into his studies at the old No. 3 High School. He was itching to work and found a job at his father’s sawmill. Before he quit school, his father challenged his plan to work at the mill, saying he would not be able to do the job. But the tenacious teen took a day off, went to a mill, learned the ropes and later joined his father on the job. “I worked there five years and when I was 20 years old I saved up $56 and left home,” Ellis said. After a five-year hiatus, working at a shipyard in Charleston, a job in WinstonSalem, and meeting and marrying his wife, Ellis returned home. On his 25th birthday, July 30, 1946, he began a job at the Thompson Lumber Co. in Shelby. “I liked the job. I was making $25 for 50 hours, so about 50cents an hour,” he said. But while he worked he noticed the customers that would leave with truck-beds full of rough-sawed lumber, who, he added, seemed to be turned away from having their pieces “dressed” once cut. “One morning about 10 o’clock I was walking down the road to the (lumber) yard and saw another truck driving away,” he said. And then he had an idea. “If I just had a little machine that I could work and dress the lumber that he’s (the ‘bossman’) turning down, I believe I can make a living,” Ellis said. “I knew where a
little machine was down in Blacksburg that I could buy so in the afternoon I told my boss, Mr. Thompson, ‘If I could dress the lumber you’re turning down I think I could make some money, but I’d hate to quit.’ He told me not to quit and that he’d double my salary. “That was hard to turn down,” Ellis added. But still that idea of dressing lumber stayed in his mind. He picked up his wife and they went to his parents. “I told Daddy about it. Dad said, don’t give up $50 a week, you might try this and spend the rest of your life paying off your debts.” His father told him to go on to college and become a successful lawyer or a doctor. “I told him, ‘No. I wanted to work with lumber,’” he recalled. “Mama was in the kitchen cooking on the wood stove.” He went in and told her about his dilemma. “I’ll never forget what she said. Mom said, ‘Go on son. You’ll make it.’ “I went to work and told Mr. Thompson, ‘I hate to quit, but I believe I can make a living on my own,’” Ellis said. He and his wife counted up all of their assets and with the $1,200 between them he got her permission and set off to buy the machine. He bought what he needed for $1,135, leaving him and his wife $65 to run on until he could earn their living. Ellis started his machine and business up in a rented parcel of a cotton patch in Shelby. It was a one-man operation that first year–just Ellis and the machine braving the weather and the elements without any shelter. “I was so afraid I would go broke and I wanted to make my daddy wrong. For the first year my wife got me up at 4 or 5 each morning and I worked from 6 a.m. until 10 o’clock at night,” he said.
After that first year, he used materials from an old barn and sheets of tin to build a shed over his operation. “So I could work in the rain a little better,” he said. Then, he started buying lumber to sell in his business and later he moved into the building material market, selling supplies from flooring to ceiling and everything between, until, he said, big box competition came in and undercut their prices. Then, Ellis Lumber Co. eased out of the building material business and into the log home material market–a move the company continues to profit from today. With 18 employees, they now ship logs to over 10 different states east of the Mississippi and
operate a lumber yard that has grown from one acre, on the first site, to span 12 acres today. Ellis’ two sons are working with him in the business and are learning and training to one day take over. But even though his company continues to operate and, at times, thrive 60 years after that first shift on the cotton field, Ellis shuns the word “success”. “If I had sense enough to do like my daddy said and gone on to college, I might have been successful,” he laughed. But he has been successful and he credits the county’s good labor force for where he is today. “If it hadn’t been for good employees, I couldn’t have done what I’ve done,” he said.
A&E has the world on a string By THOMAS LARK thomas.bannernews@gmail.com
MOUNT HOLLY—American & Efird has the world on a string. The yarn plant is showing no signs of coming unraveled in this current recession. And it appears to have just the right yarn needed to knit up the tear in the economy’s fabric. It’s one of the biggest taxpayers in Mount Holly and indeed in all of Gaston County. According to spokeswoman Mildred Hurd, A&E is an international company with some 1,100 employees in this country—about 900 of them right here in Gaston County. In other nations around the globe, the company employs about 7,900 people. Hurd recently talked about her company and the secret of its success. “A&E began in 1891,” she
said, “on what was known as Dutchman’s Creek. It was first called the Nims Manufacturing Company. After a consolidation with other textile companies, the new corporation was known as the American Yarn and Processing Company. In 1952, the company merged with Efird Manufacturing, and the company name was changed to American & Efird.” Hurd said A&E likes doing business here. “Mount Holly and Gaston County are great places to call home,” she said. “The reasonable water and power rates that we have here allow us to successfully compete with countries that have lower labor rates. “The area work force is represented by many hardworking and dedicated individuals. We have generations of families who come to work at A&E. See A&E on Page 11A
Announcing Weekend Hours
CaroMont Pediatric Partners Located in BELMONT Beginning June 1st we will be open on Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pictured above: Dr. Owensby, Jeff Wright, Sherry Spargo, Dr. Brugman and Allison Hux
Also come join in the fun for our annual Kinderdays when we will celebrate your soon to be kindergartner by giving away prizes, school supplies and playing games while completing the required physical for kindergarten. Call the clinic for details.
CaroMont Pediatric Partners - Belmont 209 Park St., Belmont, NC • 704-829-0025
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Progress
A worker in the Chemetall Foote lab checks his work. A round flask gives him the appearance of being in a space suit, alluding to the high tech nature of his work.
By EMILY WEAVER Editor
Ron France, president of Chemetall Foote Corp., unfolds the map and places it on the table in his office. It’s a map of the world’s supply of lithium with small red dots, each targeting current and expected lithium reserves, scattered among the countries. One of those tiny red dots is over Kings Mountain–the U.S. headquarters to the world’s largest lithium company. As the electrification of the automobile industry shifts into high gear across the globe, this Kings Mountain plant will play an important role in the transportation revolution by mass-producing a key element in this drive– lithium hydroxide. Lithium-ion batteries can’t run without it. Although electric cars can run on different power packs, lithium-ion batteries have become the optimum “fuel” of choice for the car manufacturers. In 2008, as gasoline prices sloshed over $4 a gallon, then-presidential candidate Barack Obama announced he would “push to have one million plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles on America’s roads by 2015,” according to PBS (Public Broadcast Station). And in August 2009, money talked. Chemetall Foote was awarded stimulus funds of $28.4 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to expand its Silver Peak, Nev., lithium carbonate operations and install geothermal power to that plant. Nearly half of the award will also be used to build a new lithium hydroxide plant here in Kings Mountain. The new line of production will add 20 full-time laborers to Chemetall’s current payroll of 120 highly skilled employees. France said that they will be taking bids for construction of the new plant by late summer “and we expect between 100 and 150 construction workers onsite over the next year-anda-half”. The grant is part of a multi-billion dollar federal investment aimed at making America one of the leading electric car battery producers in the world over the next five years. According to TIME magazine, the U.S. was barely making 2% of the world’s electric vehicle batteries a few years ago, but with the help of federal investments “American companies are positioned to increase production tenfold - and potentially control 40% of the global lithium-ion-battery market by 2015” (“Why Start-ups are Charging Into Lithium”, TIME, April 5, 2010). President Obama echoed this statement recently during a visit to the Celgard Plant in Charlotte. Warnings of global
April 28, 2010
The new oil?
warming, the rumored threat of dwindling oil supplies, tensions among the Middle East, and unstable oil prices have revamped the support for electric cars among government officials. “Chemetall Foote is at the forefront of advanced battery technology,” said U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan (DNorth Carolina), at the announcement of the grant award. “The Recovery Act grant will give the company the resources to increase the quality of lithium for next-generation batteries, which will create high-tech manufacturing jobs in our state. This funding is an investment in batteries that will help power electric cars and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil.” The global market for lithium-ion batteries is estimated to grow from $877 million this year to $8 billion by 2015, according to Pike Research, a consulting firm; and, in North America alone the market
Chemetall Foote Kings Mountain plant is the leader in making the stuff electric cars run on
photo by LIB STEWART
NEW KILO LAB–Chemist Jeff McCall, left, and Chemetall Foote President Ronald A. France in the new kilo lab at the Kings Mountain Foote operation. Chemetall Foote has received a $28.4 million grant to build a lithium hydroxide plant in Kings Mountain to produce next generation transportation batteries. is expected to swell from $287 million to $2.2 billion in five years. The tempting aroma of growing demand has left many mouths watering over the dream of getting a bite of the lithium pie. Several entrepreneurs have studied the map of potential lithium reserves, surveying the chance of joining the market. About a dozen start-up companies have popped up in the United States and Canada and the competition seems to be getting fierce. But Chemetall Foote, a subsidiary of its parentcompany Rockwood Holdings, operates a lithium brine plant in Nevada, that is the only present source of lithium raw material in the United States. Along
with the company’s Chilean plant, Salar de Atacama–which also produces lithium carbonate and lithium chloride–and other operating sites in Langelsheim, Germany, Tennesee and Texas, they are the largest global producer of lithium and lithium compounds, like the ones needed for electric car batteries - putting the KM plant on the map in a big way.
History of the electric car Hybrid and electric vehicles have been around for some time now. According to PBS, “Scottish inventor Robert Anderson created the first crude electric carriage powered by non-rechargeable primary
cells in the 1830s.” Battery-powered vehicles drove onto the scene in the late 1800s, inspiring even Thomas Alva Edison to begin a quest for a battery powerful enough to energize commercial automobiles. His research would later yield to the creation of the alkaline battery. By 1900, nearly onethird of all cars traveling on the roads of New York City, Boston and Chicago were electric, according to PBS. But there were issues. Traveling longer distances was a chore. Horsepower in electric cars was a joke. With the readily available source of gasoline, Henry Ford came to the consumer’s rescue with the
mass-produced, gasolinepropelled Model T in 1908. These cars were cheaper. They could go longer distances and their “get up and go” really got up and went. It seemed to be a nice, long affair. But then came air pollution, soaring oil prices and the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973. The popularity of electric cars returned as did the quest to make them go the distance and go faster. The quest continues today with promising results seen in the use of lithium-ion batteries. Instead of puttering around at top speeds of 30 mph, some of these new electric cars driving off the assembly line can go from 0-60 in seconds, can go faster than 90 mph and certain
cars like Nissan’s Leaf can travel up to 100 miles on a full charge before needing a boost.
The price of oil independence New designs have transformed these once boxy, tiny cars into sleek, sporty and sexy roadsters, leaving many buyers waiting for the day they can afford one. That day may not be too far off. Some of the hybrids and electric cars a few years ago were priced at $60,000-plus, but Nissan recently reported that its Leaf will sell for around $25,000. As the demand for lithium-ion batteries grows and more investment is funneled into the market as technology improves, many suspect prices will continue to drop. “The battery is the most expensive component of that vehicle,” France said. “But it’s not the lithium,” he added, that packs the punch. Lithium costs less than $3 per pound and with 2030 lbs. to a battery one might think it should cost $60, instead of the estimated $10,000-plus price tag it currently wears. But there is a lot that goes into these batteries to make them safe for the consumer, while fitting performance standards. The power-packs have to handle countless partial charge-discharge cycles over a preferred eight-to10-year life span with enough power range to travel longer distances (100-plus miles) between charges, while being able to absorb energy from braking and create surges of power for acceleration. Lithium-ion batteries seem to fit the bill better than other rechargeable batteries and Chemetall produces, at its Langelsheim plant in central
April 28, 2010 Germany, a special ingredient for these powerpacks to make them safer. The KM plant makes a substance called LiBOB, which the company describes as a “patented additive for the electrolyte in lithium ion batteries, which enhances thermal stability and prevents overheating in large battery packs”. With the new plant they will also produce lithium hydroxide. “If there’s no lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, there’s no lithiumion batteries,” France said. In addition to the grant money awarded to Chemetall, the company’s Rockwood plant in Nevada has received funding to expand production of lithium carbonate. The money will also help make the company even more competitive by allowing it to create its own “green” electricity to power the plant.
Oil dependence vs. lithium dependence But France has heard some question whether or not we are trading one dependence for another. If we are, what’s the worst that can happen? “Cars right now are dependent on oil. If something were to happen in the Middle East today and they cut off your supply of oil how long could you drive your car? Maybe about another week before you ran out,” France said. “Within a month we would probably all be having our cars parked wondering what are we going to get around in.” But if we all drove electric cars that were all powered by lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and our supply of lithium was limited, most would have years, not a month, before needing alternate transportation.
Patrick
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“Some batteries can last 10 years so even if you’re halfway through it, you’ve got five years...for the national security of America and all of the great minds we’ve got to come up with the next battery,” France said.
The beginnings of a world-leader Chemetall Foote Corporation traces its origins to Dr. A.E. Foote who founded the Foote Mineral Company in 1876 as a purveyor of rare minerals. It became a major producer of lithium chemicals when it acquired the right to mine spodumene at Kings Mountain in the early 1950s. Lithium was extracted from the spodumene ore using traditional hard-rock mining methodology–hydraulic shovels and dump trucks. Ore was ground, milled and run through flotation cells and reacted with sodium carbonate to make lithium carbonate. In the 1960s Foote pioneered the production of lithium carbonate from solar evaporation brine ponds with the opening of the Silver Peak, Nev. plant. In 1984, Foote developed the world’s richest commercial brine deposit at the Salar de Atacama located in the desert of northern Chile. The spodumene mining operation at the Kings Mountain plant ended in the early 1990s, but is still listed as a potential source of lithium carbonate, should the market demand require it to be brought back into production. Today, Chemetall produces lithium metal and lithium foil for the primary lithium battery market, as well as lithium aluminate, lithium bromide, lithium chloride and pharmaceutical grade lithium carbonate in the Kings Mountain
Continued from Page A3 “By continually evolving and reinventing ourselves, we focus our collective vision so that what we make today is different than what we made three years ago and our mindset is that what we make three years from today will be different than what we are making today.” The company’s yarns are “key components in a wide spectrum of products,” he said. Patrick’s performance yarns can be found in everything from the anti-microbial mops used at hospitals to the water filters used in homes or at the municipal water treatment plant. Patrick’s fibers have been woven into the fire-restrictive carpeting underlay used in Air Force One. The company spins materials used in Kevlar (bullet-resistant) vests worn by law enforcement and the high temperature heatprotection fibers found in a firefighter’s turnout suit. Patrick Yarns creates water-swelling textiles used in fiber-optic cables and the company’s fibers can be found in devices used by NASA at the space station. “Our recycled yarns were even chosen last summer for the U-2 concert t-shirts,” Patrick said. Patrick Yarns has 11 patents and six trademarks to its name. The company’s most active trademarks are: Aquatrust (anti-microbial fibers for water filtration), Earthspun (earth-friendly yarns), Espun (yarns made from 51 percent or greater recycled or renewable fibers), FiberTac, and MicroPower (a patented process). From cotton blends to polyesters and Teflon to stainless steel, Patrick Yarns spins every fiber globally available at either 100 percent or in blends. “We also spin yarns produced from plant stalks, called bast fibers,” Patrick said. “If it’s a fiber, we spin it.” “The biggest reason for our success is our experienced and knowledgeable team of associates and our ‘can do’ attitude. This coupled with our world-class manufacturing facilities enable us to be a success driven, unique textile solution provider to each of our customers.” Because Patrick Yarns’ customers vary as widely as the textiles they produce there is no standard sales sheet with items and prices. The company simply asks, “How can we help your business?” “These days you can’t afford to just sit on your past successes. You have to be flexible, engage your customers and work closely to engineer solutions to increase their profitability and future market share,” Patrick said. Patrick’s need to be innovative and flexi-
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO An employee at Chemetall Foote inspects a ring of lithium foil at the Kings Mountain plant. plant. Lithium aluminate is used in the production of fuel cells, another green energy alternative. Lithium bromide is used in dehumidification systems, and lithium chloride is used as a scrubber in carbon dioxide absorption. Pharmaceutical-grade lithium carbonate is used to treat bipolar disorder. In addition to their products sold around the world, Chemetall Foote Corp. has proved to be a good steward to its home community. In 2007, the company donated 12 square miles of its acreage to the Kings Mountain Gateway Trails, turning land once mined for lithium into a scenic gold mine for healthy recreation.
By the numbers: •$28.4 million stimulus grant •Nearly $15 million new plant •20 new permanent jobs •200 construction jobs •$877 million market now •$8 BILLION market by 2015 •$25,000 - price of the new Nissan Leaf electric car
Ron France contributed to this report.
ble may be inherited traits. His grandfather, Gilbert Dixon Hambright, founded Kings Mountain Cotton Oil Company in 1904 at 700 S. Railroad Avenue. But the operation wasn’t limited to a cotton gin and an oil mill. Hambright also ran a coal yard and an ice plant at the factory to keep business steady throughout the year. Patrick’s father, H. Lawrence Patrick, whom the senior center was named after, bought KM Cotton Oil Co. from Patrick’s uncle when he returned from his second tour of duty with the Marines in the Korean War. “With the market segments served by the oil mill waning, he started a yarn mill at that location and incorporated Patrick Yarn Mill in 1964,” Gilbert Patrick said. Whether through competitive pay and benefits to its workers, or continually upgrading and improving its facilities (which create jobs in the construction sector) or simply by paying taxes and utility bills on time, Patrick Yarns continues to support the community, just like the mills of old.
Extended Hours 7AM - 7PM CaroMont Family Medicine of Cherryville
Did you know? According to Gilbert Patrick, president of Patrick Yarns: • In 1985 the U.S. manufactured 95% of all the garments in this country. Now that percentage is less than 5. • As recent as 2001 the textile industry spent more money for improvements and capitalization than any other manufacturing segment in the U.S. • Just eight years ago, the U.S. grew 18-19 million bales of cotton a year with the U.S. textile industry, alone, consuming over 12 million a year. Now, U.S. industry consumption per year is less than four million bales. • Textile operations are still one of the largest manufacturing employers in the nation. The overall sector employed more than 675,000 workers in 2008. Textile mills employed 298,000.
Elizabeth Scism, NP • Dr. Charles Young, MD
• X-Ray • Spirometry • Holter Monitors • Dopplers
704.445.0442 120 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC
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Progress
April 28, 2010
By MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael.cherryvilleeagle@g mail.com
Salesman Ricky Cornelius said Cherryville Distributing and Matthew Dellinger may just be one of the best kept business secrets in Cherryville. Cornelius, 48, said he has known Dellinger since the 80s and has worked for him, on and off, for at least that long. “He’s a great guy to work for and really knows his stuff about a great many things. He knows cleaning supplies and such, as is a pretty fair history buff, too!” Dellinger, 100 percent owner (as he puts it) of Cherryville Distributing Company, said his company was founded in the late 1940s, and incorporated in 1968 as a supplier of auto(photos by MEP/The Eagle) motive and industrial chemChecking out one of the 200-plus items in the showroom, CDC salesman Rick Cornelius talks about icals. “I bought it in 1968 are to businesses and homeowners as well. from the Kerr-Beam estate and we just built on it from there. “CDC has grown to encompass over 200 specialty and general cleaning products,” said Dellinger, “and we can claim a global customer base. “Using guidelines set forth by federal, state, and local authorities, we strive to cially in the warmer people of Cherryville over have entered international have,” Dellinger said. market environmentally safe weather,” he added. the past 42 years and enjoy markets with our enzyme“With faith, good friends, products at the lowest possiCornelius said CDC has a great camaraderie with a based products and have loyal customers, and a lot of ble price. And we have re- what he termed a “buffet” of customer base of 300-plus.” seen promising results and hard work, we foresee a cently renovated our products, ranging from car Dellinger said he, like sales in the aquaculture and bright future and we hope to showroom to make our wash supplies to disinfec- many other local business soil stabilization industry.” continue to expand our marproducts available to the tants, and “...many, many owners, knows how tough Dellinger added that kets at home and abroad.” general public.” types of household cleansers times are. He also knows there are certain university Dellinger and his loyal One of those products is such as are used in every that many say times are studies that have been com- crew have been listening to the Karcher line of power home and business in Cher- starting to look up. pleted on CDC’s bio-pesti- suggestions from vendors washers, which Cornelius ryville and around the area.” “Despite uncertain eco- cide products. and patrons in order to make said move out the door at a Said Dellinger, “We nomic times my company “Field testing will begin the company and its prodsurprising rate. “Those enjoy the relationships we has expanded to double in in Vietnam later this year for ucts even more viable and things sell like crazy, espe- have developed with the size in the last five years. We mosquito abatement we desirable to its growing
how useful the products
Cherryville Distributing Company: keeping Cherryville clean for 70 years client base. “To that end,” said Dellinger, “we have become accessible at our web site, www.cherryvilledistributing.com. We hope folks will check us out on the web and see what we have to offer.” By doing business the old-fashioned way with a new bit of a twist, Dellinger said he and CDC hope to stick around another 40 years and more.
Who makes what in Cherryville? Bradington-Young, Inc.
Mr. Alan Cole 920 East First Street PO Box 487 Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-435-5881 Fax: 704-435-4276
Product: Furniture Employment: E (100-249) Year Established: 1978 Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic
Carolina Custom Metal Finishing
Mr. Terry Lovell 617 East Main Street Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-445-1710 Product: Chromium Plating Employment: G (1-49) Year Established: 2005 Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic Cherryville Distributing Mr. Matthew Dellinger 322 East Main Street PO Box 250 Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-435-9692 Product: Janitorial/Printing Chemicals Employment: G (1-49) Year Established: 1968 Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic Cherryville Public Warehouse, Inc.
A&E is one of the world’s largest global manufacturers and distributors of industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles. We’re proud to be a part of the community since 1891
American & Efird, Inc. P.O. Box 507 Mount Holly, NC 28120
Ms. Debra Brown 1000 West Academy Street PO Box 400 Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-435-5465 Fax: 704-435-1924 Product: Warehousing, Fulfillment Employment: G (1-49) Year Established: Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic FleetNet America, Inc. Mr. Oren Summer 300 Commerce Drive PO Box 970 Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-435-3897 Product: Truck Fleet Breakdown Serv. Employment: E (100-249) Year Established: 1997 Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic Gatza Marble Products Mr. Robert Gatza 121 R & S Access Road Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-445-1660 Fax: 704-445-1690 Product: Cultured Marble Employment: G (1-49) Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic Keystone Powdered Metal Mr. Randy Dacanal 100 Commerce Drive PO Box 189 Cherryville, NC, 28021-0189 Phone: 704-435-4036 Fax: 704-435-8132 Product:Powdered metal bearings/ parts Employment: E (100-249)
Year Established: 1984 Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic Modern Polymers, Inc. Mr. Rich Hilliard 901 West Academy Street PO Box 398 Cherryville, NC, 28021-0398 Phone: 704-435-5825 Fax: 704-435-2063 Product: Plastic foam packaging Employment: F (50-99) Year Established: 1977 Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic Pepsi Cola Bottling Mr. Mark Begley 152 Commerce Drive PO Box 626 Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-435-8801 Product: Soft Drink Bottling Employment: F (50-99) Year Established: 1992 Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic Pizza Equipment Supply Mr. Marcus Bramhall 100 Sweetree St., Cherryville, NC 28021 1437 E. Franklin Blvd.(mailing address) Gastonia, NC, 28054 (mailing address) Phone: 704-445-1121 Employment: F (50-99) Year Established: 2005 Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic R-Anell Housing Group Mr. Dennis Jones 235 Anthony Grove Road Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-445-9610 Employment: D (250-249) Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic South Pine Needles Mr. David Musick East Church Street PO Box 156 Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-445-9000 Employment: G (1-49) Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic Southern Shavings Mr. Bill Culp 254 Tot Dellinger Road Cherryville, NC, 28021 Phone: 704-435-8159 Employment: G (1-49) Public/Private: Private Domestic/Foreign: Domestic
April 28, 2010
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MAN OF STEEL Former textile worker finds growth in Metal Finishing By MICHAEL E. POWELL michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com
Cherryville businessman Pete Lovell said he started his Carolina Custom Metal Finishing business at 617 East Main Street in Cherryville on April 1, 2005, with just three employees. "Presently I have six employees," Lovell said simply. He currently lives in Lincolnton and originally wanted to have his business there. "I felt that the (Cherryville) Chamber and mayor in Cherryville showed more interest in having me here, so that’s where I am. I really enjoy the quiet atmosphere and slow pace here." Lovell's company is a metal finishing operation, he said. "We polish all types of metal parts and items and can apply decorative electroplated finishes, such as copper, nickel and chrome. We process furniture and lamp parts, auto-
mobile and motorcycle parts for restorations and upgrades, as well as machinery and electronic components," he said. Lovell said his business is basically a one stop shop for all plating needs. "We use a triple chrome plating process (copper, nickel, chrome) on steel, cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass. We can strip old chrome finish from most parts and restore them to look like new. We plate parts for automobiles, boats, motorcycles, musical instruments, appliances, old games and juke boxes. We also do industrial copper and nickel plating," he said. Lovell's business background didn't start out in what he is currently doing, he said. Said Mr. Lovell, "I spent most of my life in textile sales and marketing. As our representatives in Washington were destroying the textile industry by
encouraging it to move off-shore, I was looking for a different and more stable environment in which to end my career." "I saw a chrome plating shop for sale in a classified ad, and then set about doing a good bit of research. It appeared to me through my research that metal finishing could be a growth business even in tough times," he said. Lovell said his business started slow and the learning curve has been "quite steep". "But we’ve grown substantially, each of the five years we’ve been in business." For Lovell, that beats any recession "learning curve". Lovell said his company can be reached at (704) 445-1710, or by fax at (704) 445-1715. They also have a web site: www.carolinachrome.biz, and an e-mail address at: carolinachrome@bellsouth.net.
A&E
You can count on
Continued from Page A7 “We are proud of our employees. We are also proud of our community. A&E has always been a good community citizen.” Hurd said that A&E and its workers give of their time and money to support local charities and civic organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the United Way and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and others. “We also take a leadership role in the ‘Clean Air Works’ program every year,” she said. “A&E and our parent corporation, Ruddick, have donated generously to the Mount Holly Community Foundation in support of Mount Holly and its greenway project.” And unlike most American companies during these dark economic times, A&E is looking to expand. “We plan to continue to strengthen and expand our Asian markets and grow our product lines in the U.S.,” said Hurd, “to enable us to continue to be a major producer of industrial sewing thread, supporting global markets in retail clothing, non-apparel products and specialty yarns. In addition, our long-standing commitment to environmental, health and safety and social responsibility will continue to be a top priority at all of our operations worldwide. We believe that enhancing environmental sustainability in operations and in the supply chain is the right thing to do. “We want to continue to be a premier employer and a good place to work,” she continued, adding that the company offers its employees “dependable work, good benefits and satisfying careers. We will continue our efforts to support our local community by giving of our resources to charitable causes and protecting our environment though our evolving sustainability programs.”
Kings Mountain...
Rick Murphrey Mayor
(photos submitted by Carolina Custom Metal Finishing)
Custom choppers showcasing some of Lovell's CCMF chrome work
“Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Kings Mountain is a caring community, a vibrant, growing city with a rich, proud history and a promising future. Kings Mountain offers you the serenity of a small-town with close proximity to all the conveniences of some of the largest cities in the Carolinas. Kings Mountain’s sense of ride in its history is evident as is the community’s focus on economic development... embracing the past, planning for the future.”
Kings Mountain City Council
Howard Shipp Ward 1
Mike Butler Ward 2
Tommy Hawkins Ward 3
Rodney Gordon Ward 4
Ric Moore Ward 5
Houston Corn At Large
Dean Spears At Large
Marilyn Sellers City Manager
City of Kings Mountain 101 W. Gold Street, Kings Mountain, NC
704-734-0333
www.cityofkm.com
Your Hometown Newspapers...
Banner News
The newspapers that proudly present this special section. Read more about your community every week.
Page 12A
Progress
Cleveland County’s First Choice in HealthCare
April 28, 2010
Every Patient, Every Day, Always
Cleveland County’s first digital mammography offers advanced screening and diagnostic mammograms. The system also features ImageChecker® technology that significantly enhances detection of abnormalities. Since early detection is key to surviving breast cancer, this is an important screening
Cancer Center
service for local women. For more information, call 980-487-3141.
Imaging Departments in Cleveland
Cleveland Regional Medical Center has been providing state-of-the-art cancer care
Radiology Services
Digital Mammography
to patients for more than 30 years. One of the first in the region to be certified by the American College of Surgeons, the Blumenthal Cancer Center at CRMC offers a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and patient care. Specially trained radiation therapists, oncology nurses and others support board-
County HealthCare System use state-ofthe-art equipment to provide a variety of imaging services. Imaging Services can be an important part of the physician’s evaluation process in reaching a diagnosis. The types of imaging offered at Cleveland Regional Medical Center and Kings Mountain Hospital include X-rays, CT Scans, Ultrasound, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography.
certified medical and radiation oncologists
In addition, CRMC offers PET/CT scans,
and surgeons. Together, they work with
Digital Mammography and Stereotactic
patients and families to provide quality
Breast Biopsy. For more information,
care and excellent service. For more
call (KMH) 980-487-5432
information, call 980-487-3724.
or (CRMC) 980-487-3141.
Cleveland Regional Medical Center: 980-487-3000 Kings Mountain Hospital: 980-487-5000 www.ClevelandCountyHealthCareSystem.org
April 28, 2010
Progress
Page 1B
Some last minute earth moving doesnʼt get in the way of the roofers as they get about their business. The weather has cooperated well, said Judy Beam, owner of Carolina Care Center and Carolina Cottages.
Nothing succeeds like success for
Carolina Cottages
(photos by MEP/The Eagle) Carolina Care Center owner Judy Beam talks about one of the seven nearly complete cottages being constructed behind the Carolina Care Center campus. With her is son-in-law Michael Hopper. The two were out looking over the progress of the builders, and liking what they saw. by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail .com
Judy Beam is a firm believer in the old saying, “Nothing succeeds like success.”
She proved that with her family’s business, Carolina Care Center of Cherryville, which has grown exponentially with its $1.9 million Carolina Cottages expansion as one more success story for her family, and for Cher-
ryville too, she said. Beam said the cottages are a Phase One plan and have come a long way from the December 2009 groundbreaking when there wasn’t much to look at but a set of plans and some freshly
moved earth. As she laid out a new set of plans for the clubhouse Beam said, “As you can see, we have expanded it (the clubhouse). It will have a basement, a health center, an extended gathering area, and
we have added a patio.” The plans were drawn up by Cherryville native Jack Whitworth. “There will be state-ofthe-art equipment in the health center, as well as in the apartments themselves,” she added. With 14 units now under roof, and one completed and just about ready for its first resident, Beam said things are progressing nicely. “We are in the process of framing in the last unit this week,” said Beam. “We have seven units and each one has a little something different about it. The brick may be different on the outside, and of course, we finish the interiors to the client’s satisfaction.” The units have the same floor plan with something “tweaked” or a little different about each facade. The small community will be a gated one, Beam said, and a card will be required in order to get in. Beam is especially proud of keeping with her and her brother Michael’s original promise at the groundbreaking to stick with local and Cherryville contractors and subcontractors “...as much as was possible.” “The framing work is being done by Vic Hoyle and Eddie Heavner and his brother Kevin, all of Cherryville, are doing the brick work.” Gary Dellinger Electric of Cherryville is doing the wiring and electrical work, she added. Inside work, such as tiling and such is being com-
pleted by Taylor Boyer of Taylor Tile Company,” Judy said. “His brother Chuck, who has a separate company, is doing some of the inside work as well. They’re from Cherryville.” Gwen Putnam has the distinction of being one of the first residents of Carolina Cottages, and is closely followed by their second resident, Jean Lohr, in a cottage next to Putnam’s in the first completed cottages. Putnam said she is “...looking forward to” moving in as soon as she could. In addition to all the construction jobs that have benefitted the area from the construction of Carolina Cottages, Beam noted the full and part-time jobs that would be added when it is all done. Beam stands by her original motto, or statement, when ground was broken in the cold December of 2009; “It is the beginning of gracious retirement for the Cherryville people. “And we have further plans for Carolina Care and Carolina Cottages,” she said with a smile, as she pointed to an area that will one day boast a walking trail and the space beneath a huge old tree that will serve as a small manicured lawn and park. “We may have some type of outside tables or spots there where residents can sit on warm days and relax.” “All in all, we’re very excited about seeing this all come to pass and get finished. I can’t wait to see what’s next,” she said, taking it all in.
Advertisement
Want to know a dirty little secret about your community newspaper? Those “talking heads” on television love to talk about the decline in newspaper paid circulation numbers. But the truth is those statements apply to the top 200 or so metropolitan newspapers in the US. And the same thing can be said about their own industry (but they never mention that). In fact readership at community newspapers (like ours) of 15,000 or less is VERY strong. And those newspapers comprise 80% of all newspapers in the US. And they love to talk about declining advertising spending with newspapers. Again, that applies to those same top 200 or so metro papers...and their own TV industry. Actually advertising sales at those same smaller community newspapers is down less than half of those bigger daily newspapers and, in fact, any other major industry in the US! In other words, your community newspaper is weathering the economic storm better than television, radio, automotive, real estate, retail and most other sectors. Why is that? Probably because advertising in your community newspaper works and is cost-effective. Quoting Brian Steffans of the
National Newspaper Association on the results of a recent survey by Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism of residents of those small communities served by community papers and not large daily papers: “Will the auto industry (or housing or retail or (_) industry) disappear because sales fell 25%? No. Neither will newspapers. If readership is not a problem, or not the problem, then it must be advertising. Wrong. Pick a quarter or year over year, and you’ll read that ad revenue for newspapers is down about 25 percent. Certainly not great. But the Oct. 12 edition of the Wall Street Journal said that following the “cash for clunkers” program, “auto sales have continued to plummet, falling 23 percent in September from a year earlier.” Did the headline say “Auto industry to disappear”? Nope. It said something about automakers being “restless” and Cadillac dropping its ad firm. Sure, GM will shed Saturn and Pontiac, but most everyone figures GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes and the rest of the auto industry-will be around for quite some time. We’re a long way off
from a Jetson’s-like transportation revolution that will replace cars in the way that cars replaced the horse and buggy. Look at the housing industry, the retail industry, just about any industry you’d care to mention. Sales are off 20 percent or more in almost every one of them. Are we seeing the end of the housing industry? The retail industry? It’s the RECESSION ... DUH!”
The survey says... Even more people are reading newspaper ads today! Yes, that’s right...readership of ads in small community newspapers is UP, not down. What the survey shows this year: -80 percent of people read the supermarket ads or ad inserts in their local newspaper (up 7 percent from a year ago). -75 percent read the department store ads or ad inserts in their local newspaper (up 9 percent from a year ago). -72 percent read the home improvement or hardware ads or ad inserts in their local newspaper (same as a year ago). -67 percent read the discount store ads or ad inserts in their local
newspaper (up slightly from a year ago). -78 percent read the classified ads in their local newspaper (same as a year ago). -63 percent read the public notice ads in their local newspaper (same as a year ago). In fact, they look for it and use it to make buying decisions! Again, quoting Steffan... Skeptics might say: reading an ad doesn’t make it valuable. I’d personally argue that exposure is valuable. But we have stronger information: -69 percent of respondents said they use newspaper advertising inserts to make purchasing decisions. -70 percent say they often go looking for, or seek out, newspaper advertising to find information on the latest offerings and sales available in their area. Do you think the majority of Americans would say they often turn on the TV or radio to view or listen to ads? They turn those on to watch entertainment or listen to music or talk. And if they watched and listened to every station in the market, it’s unlikely they would find all the ads that are in one convenient place, such as the local newspaper.
Do you think the majority of Americans can find sales and specials from local community retailers and services on the Web? Most of those ads are national, and you’d have to visit dozens or hundreds or thousands of websites to track them all down. Or you could turn to one convenient local newspaper or its website.
They prefer papers to web or TV. -79 percent say that if they had a choice, they’d rather look through the ads in the newspaper than watch advertisements on TV. -70 percent say that if they had a choice, they’d look through the ads in the newspaper than view advertisements on the Internet. Finally, nearly half (47 percent) say there are some days when they read the newspaper as much for the ads as for the other content in the paper. Do you think anyone turns on the TV or radio as much for the commercials as for the entertainment or music. Our dirty little secret...More people are reading our newspapers than ever before, and using ads in those papers to make buying decisions.
Page 2B
Joy Progress
April 28, 2010
•A new look for an old icon helping Kings Mountain find its ‘renaissance’ downtown
by ELIZABETH STEWART
Other needs include an additional dressing room and bathroom back stage. Then-and-now photos of KMLT grace the lobby walls. The original concession stand has converted into a refreshment area and the old ticket window reopened. “We decided on a redesigned sign with a more art deco style but plans are to remove the facade as money becomes available, to bring out some of the original features, Champion said. Remembering the history is part of what led to the naming of the theatre as the Joy Performance Center. Now the building offers snappy cool digs for a group that has been pretty nomadic throughout its existence. See JOY on Page 7B
Staff writer
photo by EMILY WEAVER The Joy of the Kings Mountain Little Theatre on S. Railroad Ave. in downtown Kings Mountain is emerging as the place to be for top-notch entertainment. Above, President Jim Champion changes the marquee.
The Joy has been called the Joy for over a half century and now the Joy of the Kings Mountain Little Theatre is shaping up to be one of the biggest draws for downtown revitalization. “There’s a lot of history here,” says veteran officer, director, actor and Jim of all trades Jim Champion, L-T president. He will be handing over the gavel to Teresa Williams as he heads up efforts to raise nearly $100,000 for 270-plus new seats in a big refurbishing project of a 60-year-old building “reborn” by the non-profit volunteer group. The progressive movement spurred by hundreds of volunteers is seen in the hundreds of talented people who perform on stage and behind the scenes, and in the new interest and caliber of shows now being offered and enjoyed by the public. “And it’s going to get better,” says Champion. Recent crowd pleasers brought the largest attendance in the theatre’s history. Over 550 people turned out in January for two shows in one day featuring humorist James Gregory. The children’s play “Charlotte’s Web” was also a sell-out attracting 1800 theatre-goers. Charlie and David Cash opened the Joy Theatre June 1, 1949 and operated continuously until the late 1980s, selling to Gospel Assembly Church for a sanctuary. KMLT raised the money and bought the S. Railroad Ave. building in April 2001. They removed the pulpit and added to the existing vaudeville stage by removing four rows of seats, added a dressing room, a handicap accessible bathroom and a handicap lift. New lighting and sound systems were installed. A new roof and renovation of public restrooms were other big projects. Recently Boy Scout Dylan Painter painted the lobby area as his Eagle project which included refurbishing and hanging of the original doors. A master plan calls for new seats, new carpet, different wall treatments and curtains, acoustical tile and a new facade.
Teresa Williams, incoming president of KMLT, shows off a chair to point out a big fundraiser for 270 new seats, a project which kicks off major refurbishing of the 60-year-old former movie house.
I llove ove iit.t. Teaching isn’t just jusst a profession for teachers teacheers such as Debbie George Georrge at West Elementary in Kings Mountain, Mountain it’s it s a way of life. life Yes, more Cleveland teacchers are licensed than Clevelaand County Schools teachers other area schools, schoolss, but they are also a part parrt of the communities they theey serve.
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A ppartnership artnership between The The Star and Cleveland County Schools
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Progress
April 28, 2010
Page 3B
Belmont Abbey College Gaston County’s educational jewel experiencing biggest growth in its storied history By THOMAS LARK thomas.bannernews@gmail.com
BELMONT–Belmont Abbey College is probably the single most important part of all of eastern Gaston College. And according to college spokesman Edward Jones, Belmont Abbey is experiencing the greatest growth in its entire 134year history. Enrollment is at an all-time high, and the college, like the Barque of Peter, is weathering the world’s current financial stormy waters just fine, thank-youvery-much. Young people always need to further their educations. To that end, colleges offer some of the most recession-proof jobs in the country. And what could be a better education than the classic liberal arts curricula offered at one of the country’s best-known Roman Catholic colleges? The Abbey made it through the depressions of the 1890’s and the 1930’s. And it will sail through this recession, too. Jones recently talked about Belmont Abbey, its history and its future.
Get BAC “The college was founded by Benedictine monks in 1876,” said Jones. “It was originally known as St. Mary’s College. In 1913, the name was changed to Belmont Abbey College.” Today, BAC employs some 270 people. Jones said that he and the college enjoy doing business in Belmont and Gaston County. “The current tough economy notwithstanding,” he said, “the City of Belmont and Gaston County provide a beautiful setting and a dynamic business environment in which our college has every opportunity to flourish. Mayor Dr. Richard Boyce and his staff, councilman Charlie Martin and other council leaders, Ted Hall and the Montcross Chamber of Commerce, the leadership and members of the Gaston County Chamber of Commerce, local businesspeople, townspeople, you great people at ‘The Belmont Banner’ and other folks too countless to name are incredibly helpful and supportive of the Abbey. “The local population has always blessed the Abbey with a diverse work force comprised of people who possess a rock-solid work ethic,” Jones continued. “Down through the decades, we have learned a great deal from working alongside the kind, generous, hard-working people of this area. And we hope they’ve learned a few things by working alongside us.”
Green-BACs: A big impact on the local economy He cited a recent independent study conducted by the Hanover Research Council of Washington, D.C. It estimates that Belmont Abbey College and the monastery of Belmont Abbey had a combined impact of $31.2 million on Gaston County’s economy during the period of June of 2007 through May of 2008. That $31.2 million figure does not take into account the impact on the Belmont economy made by the arrival of such companies as Wal-Mart, Lowe’s, the Hampton Inn and Chick-Fil-A. “Nor does it take into account the record growth we experienced in 2009 and thus far
in 2010,” said Jones. “This kind of positive economic impact would not be possible were it not for the healthy synergy that exists in our community between town and gown.” Abbot Placid Solari, O.S.B. recently stated the overarching vision for the college’s future quite succinctly: “Our hope is that Belmont Abbey College will come to be one of the premier Catholic colleges in the country.” Jones noted that BAC’s mission statement summarizes its aspirations this way: “Our mission is to educate students in the liberal arts and sciences so that in all things God may be glorified. In this endeavour, we are guided by the Catholic intellectual tradition and the Benedictine spirit of prayer and learning. Exemplifying Benedictine hospitality, we welcome a diverse body of students and provide them with an education that will enable them to lead lives of integrity, to succeed professionally, to become responsible citizens and to be a blessing to themselves and to others.” If the present is any indication, the Abbey’s future is quite bright. Jones said that during the autumn of 2009, the Abbey’s total enrollment reached an all-time high of 1,638 students. From 2005 to 2009, total enrollment increased by an astonishing 84.6 percent (from 887 to 1,638). The average SAT scores of first-year traditional students have also risen by 25 points since 2005. Today, students from 40 states and 25 countries are benefiting from the kind of liberal arts education that only the Abbey can provide. “To accommodate our growing number of students and faculty our new campus on the grounds of the former Sacred Heart College in the heart of Belmont has undergone significant renovations and expansions. And more expansions are planned. So far, 15 classrooms and 16 offices have been renovated. Plans are also in the works to expand the parking lot, as well as to resurface the tennis courts.” And he added that BAC opened its new Charlotte campus on Aug. 25, 2009, with 77 new adult students. The Charlotte campus offers degrees in business management, elementary education and educational studies. “We added the liberal studies major in January,” said Jones, “and we expect to add the criminal justice major in the fall.” Currently, there are 87 adult-degree program (ADP) students registered at the Charlotte campus for the spring 2010 semester. The goal for the fall semester there is 200 ADP students. Jones also mentioned how the recent additions of the new tennis and track-andfield teams have brought the total number of teams on the Abbey Athletics fields to an all-time high of 21. “This is a time when exciting new professors and administrators are joining us,” he said, “top-notch people with advanced degrees from Harvard Law School, Oxford, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, Duke, Berkeley and the University of Cambridge. “And if our fund-raising this year is any indication our alumni and other supporters have been energized by the positive momentum they’re seeing. For example, we
Walking near the monastery, Fr. Chris listens to a pair of students. Belmont Abbeyʼs many students are fortunate to have the monks as teachers and advisers.
recently successfully met ‘the $350,000 Challenge,’ where alums offered $350,000 in matching gifts if the college could raise $350,000 from local businesses, alums and non-alums by a certain deadline. “That means that over $700,000 of much-needed cash has been infused into the Abbey’s financial operations to help pay for such things as scholarships for students, professors’ salaries, repairs to our historic buildings and more.” At last count, he said, Gaston County businesses had donated $5,400 to help the Abbey meet the $350,000 Challenge. And 462 Gaston County non-alums had given $120,000 toward the effort. Alumni donations are up about 28 percent, and total donations to the school are up about 27 percent so far this year.
BAC to the future The Abbey’s plans for the next decade and beyond are pretty ambitious, said Jones. “We want to grow the Honors Institute of Belmont Abbey College which is helping us steal away top-notch students from such competitors as Notre Dame, Georgetown, Duke, Davidson and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. See ABBEY on Page B7
Photographs contributed by Renae Heustess
Inside the Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, Abbot Placid Solari is seen with one of the cathedralʼs distinctive stained-glass windows in the background.
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Page 4B
Progress
Award Winning HealthCare for Cleveland County
April 28, 2010
Every Patient, Every Day, Always
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information, call 980-487-3589.
Cleveland Regional Medical Center: 980-487-3000 Kings Mountain Hospital: 980-487-5000 www.ClevelandCountyHealthCareSystem.org
April 28, 2010
Progress
Page 5B
LIKE A PHOENIX Cherryville computer company rises from Carolina Freight by MICHAEL E. POWELL michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com
As its name implies, Phoenix Corporate Services, Inc., has literally risen, not from any ashes like the mythical bird of old, but from one of Cherryville's most beloved and remembered businesses–Carolina Freight. Phoenix occupies about 2,900 square feet in a facility located in downtown Cherryville, said John William Rudasill, Jr., the company's president. "We can do just about anything anyone needs as far as computer set-ups are concerned, from installing them, to designing programs for the systems we install, and keeping them in top shape. We also work on personal computers, too." Rudasill said the company can provide expertise on integrating new technologies into what he called "legacy" systems, client server systems, or into new systems currently being developed. "We have successfully integrated digital imaging into legacy systems that require Internet access, and have provided business-to-business solutions using established electronic data standards." In addition, Rudasill said their company also offers a full array of consulting services for businesses in many areas. "We offer consulting on system workflow analysis, documentation and procedures, and systems and applications review and enhancements and more," he said. "Our services can be tailored to meet any of our customers' needs." Rudasill said the company will work directly with any business' staff to understand its particular business requirements in order to prepare appropriate solutions. This can be done, he said, be-
cause each of Phoenix's staff members has a comprehensive knowledge of database design as well as various programming languages including but not limited to COBOL, Visual Basic, CICS, TP8, Access, IDS2, and IDMS. "We also have associates who are Microsoft Certified systems engineers and Microsoft Certified Professional Internet Experts as well. "The actual Phoenix facility consists of a raised floor computer room that houses a large mainframe computer, multiple largeend servers and all the associated support equipment and peripherals." There is also a large tape library for storage of archival and backup data files housed in the building, added Rudasill, who said he got his start with computers at Carolina Freight. "It's the same story with just about everybody who lives in Cherryville. We all got our start somewhere, somehow, at Carolina Freight!" Rudasill said the facility's computer equipment is protected from power spikes or drops by a 100 kva uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and its continuous power needs are supported by a 150 kva diesel generator that automatically starts in the event of an extended power interruption. The three employees at Phoenix–Rudasill, Ron Sigmon, and Martel Sigmon–formed the company along with Howard Roberts, who is no longer with the company, in 1995 shortly after ABF (Arkansas Best Freight) bought out Carolina Freight. Rudasill has a Bachelor's in Computer Electronics and started out at CF in 1975 as a computer programmer. "Ron and I basically moved up the ladder at Carolina Freight."
photo by MEP/The Eagle Phoenix Corporate Services President John W. Rudasill, Jr. (left), gets hands-on work done as Ron Sigmon, VP of operations, looks over and a client's computer. Along with Martel Sigmon the men have more than 75 years of computer service work among them. For Rudasill and the Sigmons, being at Carolina Freight in its heyday was "a different time" and one he remembers fondly. "At the end (of CF)," said Rudasill, "I was president of Carrier Computer Services, which was a spin-off of Carolina Freight. Ron and Howard were both directors." Now, they draw from their wealth of experience gained in those various computer departments as they work their computer magic for clients in Cherryville and the nearby counties. "The three of us had 20 years
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each of service with Carolina Freight, and we remember it fondly," Rudasill said. "But when it came time for things to fold, we all knew we had to do something." Enter Phoenix Corporate Services. "We talked about what to name our business and it just seemed appropriate to call it Phoenix, as it was like a phoenix rising from the ashes of CF," although he said he hesitates to liken it to that even today. "We had thought about that name since before we formed the company in September of 1996.
"We're proud of what we have been able to accomplish as Phoenix Corporate Services. We count among our customer base many religious institutions, credit union services, textile manufacturing companies, city governments and many others too numerous to name here. "Any success we have today is due to our ability to creatively address the highly complex and critical areas of businesses, both large and small, which we learned through the years of doing what we love to do," he concluded.
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Page 6B
Progress
April 28, 2010
Medical Breakthrough KM Hospital notes 60 years of service
Photo by EMILY WEAVER KINGS MOUNTAIN HOSPITAL has reached a milestone in service to the community. by ELIZABETH STEWART lib.kmherald@gmail.com
Sixty years - a milestone for service organizations, and Kings Mountain Hospital has emerged stronger, continues to progress and by all accounts is a busy place. The hospital admitted 46,333 patients in 2009. Service, quality and compassionate care is its trademark, say three veteran employees with over 100 years of experience among them. That "can do" attitude of many people helped a hospital in the business of healing to heal itself. Phyllis Phillips, Director of Radiology, Ron Costner, Director of Patient Access, and Nadine Harris, Assistant Vice President of Inpatient Services, have been a vital part of the facility along with many others in the history of the hospital's past, present and future. They got into the medical profession and stayed, and they love it. Phillips graduated in the first radiology graduating class at Cleveland Community College in 1976 and earned her MBA from Baker College in Michigan. Her interest in radiology was piqued witht her first glimpse of a radiology department as a youngster; she was fascinated by the technician giving her a chest xray. "I wanted to do
that," she said. his 38th year with the local He is a USAF veteran years ago. "My brother be"Thirty four years ago hospital in July. He started who served in Vietnam and came sick when he was an when I went to work at the hospital work at Gaston is active in Ranlo Bap- 8th grader and I admired hospital there were three of Memorial Hospital in tist Church. nurses who looked after us in radiology, four chairs the admitting office "Once a person him and found my calling," in the waiting room and two for two years, went gets admitting in she said. Harris graduated xray rooms. None of us to night school at their blood they can't from Charlotte Presbyterian knew what a 'mouse' was on Gaston College to rub it out," says Cost- Hospital School of Nursing a computer and we used earn his Associate dener. and worked two years for film," she laughed. gree and came A registered Watauga Medical Center Today 20 people work in to Kings nurse, Na- before moving to Shelby. a beautiful MRI/CTI suite Mountain dine Har- She is married to Roger equipped with the latest ad- Hospital ris joined Harris and they have two vancements in state-of-the in 1972. the hos- children: Michael and art technology. p i t a l Suzette Harris and Amanda "We all remember when s t a f f and Chris Kees, and four the hospital struggled for 3 2 grandchildren. They are acsurvival, but everyone tive in Poplar Baptist pitched in and helped. And Church. I think the family feeling in It was nearly five years this hospital shows the unity ago that Kings Mountain of our people here and the Hospital debuted its $12 community." She said the million renovation and hard-working staff wears major expansion. The twomultiple hats. "If I had to story addition is one of mop floors, I would," she the most functional said. and handsome in the Phyllis and Felton area, with an express Phillips have thee care emergency dechildren: Jevongela partment that douWilson, Cartisa bles the number of Lackey, and Decederpatients who can be ick Phillips, and four served. A new physigrandchildren. They cal therapy departare active in St. Peter ment was built at the Baptist Church in front of the hospital Grover. in what formerly Ron Costner housed administrashares Phillips' enthution, and additional siasm for the hospital radiology waiting and his busy departspace was added. ment, which registers There is also a comall patients who munity room. The Photo by LIB STEWART main entrance is encome through the hospital doors. Cost- Phyllis Phillips, Ron Costner and Nadine Harris are among a hanced by big winner, a Ranlo resi- large number of veteran employees with a "can do" attitude at dows, curving walls, dent, will celebrate Kings Mountain Hospital. a fountain, a circular
drive and a clear glass-covered drop off point. The two new operating rooms are probably the most modern in the state with high tech Stryker video and computer equipment suspended from the ceiling to create a safer work environment. The 10,495 square foot surgery department includes a waiting area with curved glass walls and a children's play space. The nine post- and pre-operative rooms have windows near the ceiling to allow in natural light. Looking back to 1951 when the hospital was a 24bed facility and a private room cost $11 per day, the community can appreciate the struggles that led to the tremendous growth of this now expanded hometown hospital which partners with Cleveland Regional Medical Center in Shelby and Carolinas Health Care Systems. Integration of the two Cleveland County institutions into a single Cleveland County hospital system Jan. 1, 2003 enabled both Shelby and Kings Mountain facilities to retaining its name. Each was already a part of the Charlotte hospital system. "We've come a long way but aren't we glad we had a part in it," said Phillips. And Costner added, "We were a part of its past, present and now its future."
FleetNet America keeps Cherryville trucking by MICHAEL E. POWELL michael.cherryvilleeagle@gmail.com
Sometimes when one door closes, another one opens, or so the saying goes.
Such is the case with the shutting down of one of Cherryville's most venerable of businesses: Carolina Freight. And it is now the case that many current businesses in Cherryville got their starts being a part of
The supervisor's desk is a very busy place, said Heather Holt, Director of Marketing for FleetNet America. "Most of our work is routed through there."
the old Carolina Freight business legacy, then staying alive and going strong after the fact of its closing, thus somehow continuing, in a fashion, CF's, and the late, great C. Grier Beam's, legacy. That is certainly true of FleetNet America, which started out in 1953 as the internal breakdown department for Carolina Freight Corporation, according to Heather Holt, Director of Marketing for FleetNet America. Holt said as far as the the history of the company goes, it is vast and diverse. "In 1993 the department was incorporated to allow the opportunity for other trucking companies to take advantage of our established nationwide breakdown service, which had already proven itself in the industry by providing meaningful data along with timely repairs." However, in 1995 Carolina Freight was purchased by Arkansas Best Corporation (ABFS) which is still FleetNet's parent company today. "The majority of our coordinators were previously employed by Carolina Freight and were secured by FleetNet America after the company merger," she said. "Our coordinators represent an average of over 25 years in maintenance ranging from shop management to floor mechanic, as well as tire and recapping venues." Holt said the capstone of the merger was a name change, which came about in 1997. "That's when we experienced a name change to FleetNet America, Inc." Many people speculate about what FNA is and what it is not, Holt said. "FleetNet America, Inc., is a third-party, vendor management company that coordinates emergency roadside service and maintenance management service for commercial equipment. FleetNet services primarily Class 3 through Class 8 segments of the commercial trucking industry, historically concentrating on unscheduled emergency fleet repair needs." Late in 2005, Holt said the company began concentrating on fleet contract main-
tenance needs with its "TMcare" program. "This division includes our Material Handling Maintenance Management program; a program in which FleetNet America provides maintenance management by managing vendors and the maintenance process through specific customer requirements in our Roadside and TMcare programs 24 hours-per-day, 365 days-per-year," Holt said. And while that may sound like a mouthful of a job description, it is music to the ears of any trucker stranded or in need of emergency roadside assistance. "FleetNet’s Roadside coordinators utilize a network of over 60,000 truck repair vendors to assist in providing vehicle repair and emergency road service throughout the continental United States, and Canada," she added. In addition to providing for the "...mechanical and tire service needs" of its customers, FleetNet has a targeted service program called the “FleetNet Select Towing and Recovery Program”. "This addresses non-consensual towing and incident management," said Holt, "and by using the same select towing vendors, we developed a new program which we call FleetNet Vehicle Securement." Holt said this program promptly secures a fleet’s abandoned equipment which minimizes the risks as well as the cost of undelivered freight and uncontrolled equipment. "To handle non-emergency towing needs, FleetNet developed the Transport and Tow Quote program as well," she added. When all is said and done, FleetNet is responsible for the management of over 200,000 events annually. The company currently employs about 130 people, and does 99 percent of its business outside the Cherryville/Gaston County area, she said. The company is also the recipient of many awards and accolades for its contributions to the industry since its inception.
See TRUCKING, B7
April 28, 2010
Progress
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Abbey Continued from Page B3 “We also want to continue growing our exciting new entrepreneurship program led by Harvard Law School grad Jeff Thomas, who has brought in such teachers as the Emmy Award-winning inventor and entrepreneur Louis Foreman to offer real-world lessons in business to both our traditional and adult students. We plan to continue aggressively growing our adult degree program at both our Belmont and Charlotte campuses, which are helping so many adult students change their careers and lives for the better.” Jones also extolled the work of BAC President Dr. William Thierfelder. “We plan to stay faithful to our president’s desire to bring sportsmanship back to college sports and thus to ensure that sport at the Abbey is a means for developing virtue in our student-athletes,” he said. Jones added that the Abbey hopes to continue its nationwide outreach through the Envoy Institute of Belmont Abbey College (check out the Website at www.envoyinstitute.net) and the ‘One-Minute Monk’ (consult www.oneminutemonk.com), both of which have won the Abbey hours of free air time on radio stations, both Catholic and Protestant alike, nationwide. “Through available grants,” he said, “we hope to build beautiful new athletic facilities that can be enjoyed by our student-athletes and local citizens alike. We plan to help build a new facility for ‘Room at the Inn’ on our land here in Belmont, which will make us the first college campus in America to host such a facility for unwed mothers and their babies. “In the not-too-distant future,” Jones added, “we hope to embark on a capital campaign that will garner multimillion-dollar gifts from donors for such projects as a new library, new dormitories, a new or renovated science building and more. And we hope to do all of these things in the spirit of our college motto, so ‘that in all things, God may be glorified.’ ”
Joy Continued from Page 2B The new seats will be more comfortable, made of plush foam with fabric upholstery and wooden backs and arm rests. Additional rows of seats are planned. Pledges of $350 per seat are invited from the public and each seat will be marked with a plaque with information on the donor and the person or persons honored or memorialized. The Joy, as a modern picture house, used to seat 772 people at one showing and there was also a balcony and projection room. The seats were overstuffed models covered in ma-
The headquarters of FleetNet America, located in Cherryville, NC. The truck breakdown business, started in 1953 as a part of Carolina Freight Carriers Corporation, does 99 percent of its business outside Cherryville and Gaston County.
TRUCKING From B6 (See Timeline Breakdown box) “As the largest independent emergency roadside service provider, FleetNet has traditionally coordinated truck maintenance services including tire replacements, vehicle towing, and other mechanical repairs for fleets in the
United States and Canada," FleetNet America President and CEO Oren Summer said. "With a long history in the transportation industry, FleetNet has established trusted, contractual relationships with vendors nationwide. These long-time vendor relationships, combined with FleetNet’s industry experience and expertise, provide the natural foundation for introduction of new service offerings,” added Summer.
Timeline Summary
1953 -Established as the breakdown de-
ware
2006 -Vehicle Securement program
partment for Carolina Freight Carriers 1993 -Incorporated as Carolina Breakdown Service, Inc. 1995 -Purchased by Arkansas Best Corporation 1997 -Name changed to FleetNet America, Inc. 1999 -Account Activity Email Notifications; handle road failures via satellite 2002 -Interface with maintenance soft-
gram; awarded 2002 Quality Service Partner by FedEx Ground 2004 -Handled 500,000th event since incorporating in 1993 2005 -Oren Summer awarded Technology & Maintenance Career Leadership Award by CCJ Magazine 2005 -Preventive Maintenance program, TMcare, added
2007 -Handled 1,000,000th event 2008 -Non-emergency towing program
roon cowhide with light tan arms, later replaced by light blue models and light blue drapes and carpet. But among the unique features of the Joy were two main floor soundproof crying rooms for parents to take children who suddenly decided they were displeased with the situation. There was also an off-balcony smoking room. The Cash Brothers received congratulations on their opening from Hollywood stars Clark Gable, Greer Garson, Betty Grable, Ginger Rogers and others on their opening June 1, 1949. Kings Mountain Little Theatre was founded as a play-reading group in the 1940s. It incorporated in the early 1950s
2003 -Select Towing & Recovery pro-
and, after a few years of doing plays on area stages, members got involved in the summer battle dramas produced at KM National Military Park. Champion says one goal is to present a drama about the Battle of Kings Mountain on stage at Joy Theatre. In 1969 KMLT reorganized and held performances over the years at Central School, several churches, Park Grace School, and KM Woman’s Club. “Forever,” a barbershop quartet composed of Tim Miller, Scott Neisler, Andy Neisler and Randy Patterson, inaugurated the official opening of KMLT’s first home at the Joy on Thanksgiving weekend 2001. KMLT was in its own space and able to reach many more people.
added
added, Transport & Tow
2008 -Employee total doubled since 2004
2009 -Material Handling Equipment Maintenance Management Program added
As involvement increased, KMLT has offered four productions a year plus a summer drama camp for children. It rents to groups for meetings, business seminars and piano recitals; hosts school groups, class reunions, birthday parties, etc. Two weddings and receptions have been held at the Joy as have community-wide Veterans Day and Martin Luther King services in inclement weather. Free movies, plus popcorn, are courtesy of KMLT and Central United Methodist Church the fourth Saturday monthly at 10 a.m. Reel to Reel, a four day event in July, has been a popular attraction for nine years. Champion says KMLT rents the facilities to help pay for upkeep, such as utilities and mainte-
nance. The current season shows will include “Funny Money” on May 7-8 and 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee at 3 p.m. on May 9 and directed by Stan Logan; and “Play On” in August, a comedy directed by Dan Preharn, drama teacher at KMHS. The 2010-2011 season will feature the children’s play “Wizard of Oz”, “Swingtime Canteen”, a musical comedy set in World War II; the drama “The Dining Room” and the popular “Harvey.” Seat contributions may be forwarded to PO Box 1022, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 or contact any Little Theatre member.
Salutes Gaston County
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Belmont, NC
Gaston College Dallas, NC
Kayaks on the South Fork
Belmont Abbey College Belmont, NC
Gastonia Memorial Hospital Gastonia, NC
McAdenville’s Family-friendly Neighborhoods
First Presbyterian Church Belmont, NC
McAdenville Christmas Lights
McAdenville’s Pharr Family YMCA
“A great place to live, work, play, worship and learn” Daniel Stowe
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Progress
April 28, 2010