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Business groups working to spur growth after economic study [Star-News, Wilmington, N.C. :: ](Star-News (Wilmington, NC) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) April 17--A recent study proclaimed that New Hanover County had some work to do to become "business-friendly," giving more than 20 suggestions for making the area more appealing to industries looking to settle in or relocate. But the report, conducted by Atlanta-based Garner Economics at the request of the county commissioners, was quick to point out that county government couldn't change the business climate on its own. "Within the strategy, there are actions that the county can and should take independently, but there are many more for which it can only be a catalyst or advocate," the report reads. "To fully succeed in carrying out the strategy, all entities in the county -- both community efforts and economic development concerns -- will have to work together and be committed to raising the bar for economic development and creating opportunities for the county's citizens." And it seems that most entities mentioned in the report are willing to start those efforts. Wilmington Business Development Inc. (WBD), an economic development group contracted by the city of Wilmington, New Hanover and Pender counties to bring new industries to the area, was the focus of several of the report's suggestions. The report said New Hanover should combine WBD and the Brunswick County Economic Development Commission to form a new group that would focus solely on branding and marketing the three-county micro region. New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties have a "natural synergistic relationship to each other based on workforce commuting patterns, retail trade and healthcare service delivery," the report stated. Scott Satterfield, CEO of Wilmington Business Development, said he didn't feel an entire new group was necessary as the two groups already have a "great working relationship." He said they talk frequently about clients and host company visits jointly. The report also suggested hosting annual familiarization events for consultants and companies, which Satterfield said he was already doing in some capacity. Jim Bradshaw, the executive director of the Brunswick County Economic Development Commission, said working together is something they've "done in the past, continue to do, and will expand in the future." Bradshaw and Satterfield have participated in several trade shows and conference together, Bradshaw said. They also hosted seven national site selectors last year, in conjunction with the port authority, for a three-day tour of all three counties. "This is not an event-of-the-day business. This is a long grind. You are constantly planting seeds and you never know where an opportunity will be," Satterfield said. "We spend an immense amount of time with decision makers, people representing companies and industries and getting them to understand what this region is all about." Neither Bradshaw nor Satterfield could point to a specific example of a company choosing to locate here after one of their joint ventures. The report also recommended WBD start an ambassador program to train local business leaders to promote the region and to hire an outside firm to lead an aggressive marketing campaign. While the report had many suggestions for the group, Satterfield said he felt "some of the report was an affirmation for some of the things we are already doing." He cited the recent incentives packages for Castle Branch and Live Oak Bancshares' nCino company as examples, calling them the type of "strong corporate locations that Garner said were good types for our area." "Lots of different people have a stake in economic development," Satterfield said. "We're excited about partnering where we see we can bring value. We can be supportive of that. We are all in." A partnership between Cape Fear Community College and the Wilmington International Airport was also encouraged by the Garner Economics report. These recommendations include establishing an airframe and power plant certificate program at CFCC and for the airport to develop further hangar facilities to support the additional workforce and need. The report said having this type of specialized training and a ready-made workforce in this growing field would be attractive to businesses looking to relocate. Jon Rosborough, the airport director, said he thought these suggestions were "spot on." He said the airport authority has already started talking about additional hangars as part of its strategic planning, though it is still "conceptual." Airport officials have also already had preliminary meetings with CFCC on several possibilities for new programs to support the aviation industry, he said. The airport has been considering funding sources and is conducting further research, but Rosborough said this report gives them the "extra push" needed to get the ball rolling. Amanda Lee, the vice president for instructional services at CFCC, said the school is "absolutely interested" in looking into the certificate program. Historically, CFCC has been involved with new businesses coming to the area, she said. School officials try to meet with company leaders before they relocate and start training programs as soon as possible. "By the time the business opens, they already have the workforce coming," she said. For example, the school's nuclear tech program was put in at the request of GE Hitachi. CFCC is also already training potential employees for New York-based Acme Smoked Fish Corp., which is opening up a plant in Pender County this year. "A lot of our new programs start at the suggestion of industry. We also keep a close eye on trends," she said. "But the main thing is that we do not want to graduate people in fields where there are not jobs." She said the school wants to continue working with the airport to find out what type of programs would best support its functions. The suggested certificate program will be high on the priority list, she said. "We're just very excited to see what the next steps are," Lee said. Ashley Withers: 343-2223 On Twitter: @AshleyWithers ___ (c)2014 the Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.) Visit the Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.) at www.starnewsonline.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |