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Greetings!
Please take a moment to read the latest economic development news for Halifax County... |
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Business Leader Magazine Recognizes LSA America, Inc.
LSA America owners, Doug and Betty Hempstead, were recently named one of Business Leader Magazine's "Top 50" Entrepreneurs. The magazine recognizes Southern business leaders who have created innovative, high achieving companies that contribute to their industries and business communities. LSA America successfully relocated the production of the Allegro light sport aircraft from the Czech Republic to the United States landing in Halifax County. Betty Hempstead,
CEO of LSA America says that while it was an honor to receive this recognition, Halifax County's economic development partners have helped them all along the way. "We are committed to making this company a success in Halifax County and to giving back to the community that has helped us get off the ground," Hempstead commented. For more information on the Top 50 Entrepreneurs award for LSA America, click here. |
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Study Reveals Economic Impact of HCC
A study released by Halifax Community College (HCC ) outlines the role the college plays in promoting economic development, enhancing student careers, and improving quality of life. Completed by Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc., the study illustrates the value HCC brings not only to students, but the entire Roanoke Valley. Highlights of the study include:
- HCC employs 169 full-time and 190 part-time faculty
- HCC operations and the spending of non-local students contribute a total of $13.5 million in income to the Roanoke Valley economy annually
- The average annual earnings of a student with an
associate's degree is $31,700, or 109.9% more than
someone without a high school diploma or GED, and 35.5% more than a student with a high school diploma
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Small Business Grant Assistance Available
Local governments have until April 30, 2012 to apply for funding from the NC Department of Commerce, Division of Community Investment & Assistance for the Small Business & Entrepreneurial Assistance (SBEA) grant program. Grants ranging from $150,000 to $250,000 are available to support eligible activities that will lead to job creation or retention by existing small businesses that currently employ 1 to 100 employees. Assisted businesses must employ from one up to 100 full-time employees and have been in business in the community for at least two years. Additionally, at least one new job must be created per $25,000 of grant funds and 70% of the new jobs created or retained must be filled with persons of low to moderate income.
Additional information about the program is available at the Halifax Development Commission's website by clicking here. |
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New Town Hall Opens In Littleton
Town commissioners, citizens, and state and federal officials attended the open house for the new Littleton Tow n Hall. The newly-renovated facility is located on Main Street in the former Owen Electric building. Renovations were funded through a grant and loan from USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Program. "The vision for a new Town Hall began over five years ago," said Mayor Betty Willis. "Not only will we have more room to conduct Town business, we also have a facility that can be used by the community," Willis added. The former Town Hall building will be renovated to house Littleton's Police Department. |
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Weldon Receives Grant For Building Upfit
The Town of Weldon has received a $64,000 grant from the NC Rural Economic Development Center to support building renovations for a new restaurant to be located in the former Roanoke River Outfitters Building on US Highway 301. "This grant is leveraging approximately $325,000 in private funds and the creation of eight new full-time jobs," said Weldon Mayor Julia Meacham. "A full service restaurant will be an important anchor in bringing tourists and visitors to downtown Weldon," she added.
The restaurant is being developed by Weldon businessman, Earl Smith. Smith plans to complete the upfit of the building in the next three months for a summer opening. |
Halifax Horizons Member Profile Halifax Regional Medical Center
With over 1,000 full and part time employees, Halifax Regional Medical Center is one of the area's largest employers and a major economic catalyst for Halifax County. Halifax Regional is licensed for 204 beds, including behavioral health and nursery services, and is fully accredited by The Joint Commission. Offering a broad array of medical and surgical services, Halifax Regional provides 24-hour emergency care, backed by the latest technology, and a Medical Staff of more than 80 active physicians representing most medical specialties. Patients come from Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties in North Carolina and Mecklenburg, Brunswick and Greensville counties in Virginia, serving a wide region along the Interstate 95 corridor. For specialized treatment, Halifax Regional offers affiliations with major medical centers, including Vidant Health, WakeMed, UNC Hospitals and Duke Hospitals. Last year, Halifax Regional began construction of a $6.5 million outpatient, registration, and surgical services renovation that will be completed this summer.
"Providing high quality, value based healthcare is only part of the benefit of Halifax Regional Medical Center to our community," commented President & CEO Will Mahone. "Each year, Halifax Regional purchases millions of dollars in goods and services from local businesses and vendors," he added.
"Halifax Regional Medical Center has been a member of Halifax Horizons from the beginning," said Halifax Horizons President Anitra Collins. "Halifax Regional is a member of the Horizons Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Will Mahone is an excellent community leader and Halifax Regional is a valuable partner in our local economic development efforts," Collins added.
For more information about Halifax Regional Medical Center, click here. |
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HEMC & NCEMC Contribute $10,000 to Halifax County Business Horizons
Halifax Electric Membership Corporation (HEMC) and the NC Electric Membership Cooperative (NCEMC) recently presented Halifax Cou nty Business Horizons with a check for $10,000. "We have targeted these funds to assist the Halifax Development Commission with critical site studies required for industrial sites in our service area," said Charles Guerry, HEMC General Manager. "These funds will help Halifax County be more competitive by completing important due diligence steps for potential projects in the HEMC territory," Guerry added.
Accepting the contribution on behalf of Halifax Horizons, President Anitra Collins commented, "This is a classic example of how working together works. These funds will be used to improve our site options for new jobs and investment and generate a return for HEMC in the form of new customers."
For more information about Halifax County Business Horizons, click here. |
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Empire Foods Highlighted at Northeast State of the Region Event Greg Hatem, Chairman of the Board of Empire Foods, was one of the featured speakers at the Fourth Annual "State of the Region" held in Williamston. The event, hosted by North Carolina's Northeast Commission, highlighted projects and initiatives that offer growth opportunities for the Northeast Region. Over 350 people attended the event.
"Food processing is one of our targeted industry sectors," commented Vann Rogerson, President & CEO of the Northeast Commission. "Projects like Empire Foods can help us strengthen linkages between food processing and agriculture that will help us be more competitive for these industries in the future," Rogerson added.
Construction of the Empire Foods project is underway at the Halifax Corporate Park on Highway 561 with completion expected by year's end. |
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On behalf of the Halifax County Economic Development Commission and Halifax County Business Hoizons, Inc., thank you for the very important role you play in enhancing our economic development opportunities in Halifax County.
Sincerely,
Cathy A. Scott
Halifax Development Commission |
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