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Message from 
the President:

   

Politics are on the front burner. The primary election is behind us and the legislative session begins this week. While we don't expect a lot of our issues to be tackled during this short, election-year session, we are working with Womble Carlyle to address certain issues with the state government and our representatives in Washington.

 

Mega-Site - The site readiness program that PTP supports will require support from Raleigh in many forms. There is a good understanding of the needs and the potential rewards, so we are continuing to paint the very positive economic picture that a mega site occupant would bring about.
 
PTI Expansion - We've had some good coverage of the PTI expansion plans this month with an Op-Ed and front page article. Making our case for development at PTI in the media and in Raleigh will help maintain focus and support.
 
Incentives - As I've mentioned in a few speaking engagements, we support the use of a general incentive fund for the state. Instead of working each time to pass an incentive package, a general incentive fund would be used at the discretion of the state and economic developers to capitalize on site selection opportunities.
 
Taxes - The goals for the PTP and our EDC partners are to bring North Carolina's business tax code more in line with our competitor states. We are at a disadvantage when matched up head to head on taxes and it's an issue that can make or break a deal.
 
I know that all of us will be paying close attention to the political action this year. No matter what happens in Raleigh or Washington, PTP is holding steady with its vision for transformational projects that will make a real difference for the Triad.   

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May 2012
Looking on the Bright Side 

 

The PTP is working with Ted Abernathy of the Southern Growth Policy Board to gain insight into the economic development position of the Triad region relevant to other comparable regions. Ted has given us great analysis of the global, national, and regional economic scene with an eye to how the Piedmont Triad measures up.

 

Ted recently sent us a report on the economy that he calls a "Seeing Around the Corner" Economic Commentary. He describes the content this way, "There is enough economic information that no matter which lens you use to look at the economy, you can make a compelling case."

 

The News & Record took to the sunny side of the street reporting recently, "The death of manufacturing in the Triad has been greatly exaggerated." The PTP can also see the bright side of the economy, and we certainly have some reason to hope for the region with many recent wins and expansions.

 

"The Triad's numbers have turned," noted Ted, "and it's a tide we might just be able to ride."

 

Link to the report here and we look forward to hearing more from Ted each quarter. 
Quick Hits   
  • Penny Whiteheart attended the May 7-8 meetings of the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones relating to our FTZ and the significant rules changes coming from Washington, DC. Penny reports, "They are revising the rules and processes for the first time in 20 years making them simpler and requiring less documentation."
  • PTP NEXT received 28 applications for the Spring 2012 Business Competition. The Review Team has selected three finalists that will make presentations on May 17th. Grant recipients will be selected in early June. Please visit PTP NEXT to learn more. 
  • This week, PTP hosted four visiting reporters and editors from bio- and medical related trade publications. They were in town for two days of one-on-one meetings with companies, a reception with regional leaders and a tour of some of our biotech and science assets. This tour follows a template we have used in the past for logistics, aviation and advanced manufacturing. We hope to gain positive media coverage in this important segment.

 

 PTP in the News

New & Expanding Firms: 

Events

 
  • April 1-5: NPE 2012 International Plastics Showcase (Orlando)
  • April 21-26: High Point Market (High Point)
  • April 30-May 3: Food Retail Exhibition (Dallas)
  • May: Experience NC (Asheville)
  • May 8-9: Civil Aviation Manufacturing Conference (Charlotte)
  • May 14-15: PTP-hosted BioTechnology Media Tour
  • May 16: PTP Executive Committee Meeting
  • June 27: Second Quarter PTP Board Meeting


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