LEDA Private Investors

ACCOUNTANTSMiller, Sherrill, Blake, Eagle, CPA’s ~ Cindy Sherrill

ADVERTISINGA-2-Z Promotional Products ~ Jack FunkBurke Communications ~ Jack BurkeKatie Wood Inc ~ Aaron WoodLincoln Printing Services ~ Hilmi AriSLD Unlimited Marketing/PR Inc ~ Sherre’ DeMao

ARCHITECTSBoyle Consulting Engineers ~ Chuck BoyleCES Group Inc ~ Judy & Chuck Heleine

ATTORNEYSKennedy & Wulfhorst PA ~ Todd WulfhorstPendleton Pendleton & Deaton ~ Clay Pendleton

AUTOMOTIVEAbernethy Chevrolet ~ Mitch Abernethy

BANKINGBB&T ~ Chuck LongCarolina Trust Bank ~ Mike ClineFifth Third Bank ~ Rich LevyFifth Third Bank ~ Rebecca SmythwoodFirst Citizens Bank ~ Debbie SipeFirst Federal Savings Bank ~ C D Stroup IIIFirst National Bank ~ Joe CrewsPeoples Bank ~ Danny Richard

CIVIC/COMMUNITYLC Coalition Against Child Abuse ~ Cathy DavisLincoln County Family YMCA ~ Ron JohnstonUnited Way Lincoln County ~ Laura Slack

COMMERCIALFamily Coin Laundry ~ Lloyd TrotterFunderburk Batteries ~ Buddy FunderburkGDS Inc ~ Jerry HodgeGDS Inc ~ Barry Burleson Guardian Security of NC ~ Gerald ParkIntegrity Computer Solutions ~ Danny ElmoreKing’s Office Supply ~ Bo KingPiedmont Vending Company ~ Zed BradleyTRT Trailers ~ Terry WhitenerWal-Mart ~ Steve LandWarlick Funeral Home ~ L D (Bud) Warlick Jr

CONSTRUCTIONCarolina Metal Buildings ~ Dwight SmithCentral Carolina Sprinkler Co Inc ~ Roger WilliamsDenver Construction ~ Kenneth TuckerGeymont Construction - Jerry GeymontHope Springs Builders ~ Walter ClarkHoward Construction ~ Tom HowardLincoln County Home Builders Association IncPWA Builders ~ Jim Austin

Private member funding provides

Lincoln Economic Development Association

with the ability to attract new industries

and help the existing industries

with expansion possibilities.

Results of these are new or better jobs

for the people of the area and a larger

or better tax base for their governments,

all of which lead to the noted purpose of

economic development,

which is to improve Lincoln County’s

“Quality of Life”.

Special

hanks for Support:

LEDA INVESTORSSeptember 2008 – August 2009

LEDA Public Investors

Lincoln Economic Development Association2

TCity of Lincolnton & Lincoln County

3

July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

DEVELOPERS/ENGINEERSAnderson Properties ~ John AndersonChoate Construction Co ~ Matt ReddCrescent Resources Inc ~ Jim ShortDenver Industrial Park ~ Lee KillianHecht Development ~ Robert HechtPiedmont Companies ~ Willie HeafnerThe Keith Corporation ~ Alan Lewis

EDUCATIONLincoln Campus - Gaston College ~ Rosalind WelderLincoln County Schools ~ Dr David Martin

HOSPITALITYDays Inn ~ Brad DesaiHome Place Restaurant & Catering ~ David HeafnerMitchem’s Kitchen ~ Carrol Mitchem

The following investors were inadvertently omitted from LEDA Private Investors listed on page 3 of the annual report.

INSURANCEJames M Moore & Associates ~ Jim MooreLincoln Mutual Insurance ~ W E Coates JrNationwide Insurance ~ Jackie SipeWatson Insurance Agency ~ Neal Rhyne

INVESTMENT/FINANCIAL SERVICESEdward Jones ~ Buddy CollinsJames M Moore & Associates ~ Bo MooreRhyne Financial ~ Jody Rhyne

MEDICALCMC - Lincoln ~ Pete AckerAustin Orthodontics ~ Dr Steven AustinAdvanced Family Eye Care ~ Dr Amanda BarkerJohn L Cloninger DDS PA ~ Dr Les CloningerRobert T Cloninger DDS ~ Dr Robert CloningerDrs Darab & Richardson ~ Dr David J DarabR Keith Dedmond DDS PA ~ Dr Keith DedmondPulmonary Clinic of the Carolinas ~ E Michael Eziri MDHamilton Orthodontics ~ Dr Todd HamiltonAnimal Hospital of Cornelius ~ Dr Wayne Jones DVMJohn L Lassiter DDS PA ~ Dr John LassiterLincolnton Animal Hospital ~ Dr Karen Miller DVMCarolina Eye Care ~ Dr Scott NishekRichard R Pence DDS MAGD ~ Dr Richard Pence

REAL ESTATEAbernethy Realty ~ David AbernethyAllen Tate Realtors ~ Joe & Beth YarbroughApple Realty ~ Marsha JordanBCB Investments ~ David DupreeClark Properties Inc ~ David Clark JrLackey Whitley & Milholland ~ Brad WhitleyLackey Whitley & Milholland ~ Michael MilhollandLincoln Bonded Warehouse ~ John LinebergerLincoln Co Board of Realtors ~ Kathy HendricksPrudential Carolinas Realty ~ Doug CoreSullivan Property Owner ~ Chad Gore

STAFFINGBarrett Business Service ~ Susan EureyExpress Employment Professionals ~ Kevin RobergeLincoln Staffing ~ Stephen StarnesStaffmasters USA ~ Courtney Dean

TRUCKINGCatawba Transport Group ~ Danny AbernathyHouser Transport Inc ~ Sam Houser

UTILITYAT&T ~ Todd LanhamDuke Energy Carolinas ~ Tammy Trexler-WhaleyEnergyUnited ~ Tim HolderNisbit Oil ~ Rhodes & Beal Oil Co ~ Jimmy WhitePiedmont Natural Gas ~ Michael DurhamRutherford EMC ~ Randy WardTimes Oil ~ Mark Boyd

INDUSTRIESActavis Corp ~ Greg SherwoodActive Manufacturing ~ Peter DowAllied Separation Tech Inc ~ Lorie WilliamsAmerican Tire Distributors ~ Ray EureyAnatech Ltd ~ George BarrBlum Inc ~ Michael GeisCalico Coatings ~ Tracy TrotterCarolina Roller & Supply ~ Mack HarveyCataler North America ~ Al AlvarezCrate&Barrell ~ John LingDellinger Precast Inc ~ Gary DellingerDuke Energy ~ Paul BeattyGE Security ~ Phil WekenmannHerbert Performance Parts ~ Doug HerbertHof Textiles ~ Lothar HacklerJMC Brumos Racing ~ Michael & Jackie ColucciKirk & Matz ~ Victor MatzLarry Grant & Company ~ Larry GrantLeonard Automatics Inc ~ Jeff FrushtickM Conley Company ~ Robert Stewart IIIM Conley Company ~ Doug EdwardsModacam Inc ~ Bud TschudinMohican Mills Inc ~ Jerry DeesePackaging Unlimited ~ Scott WilliamsonR W Garcia ~ Greg HuffstetlerRobert Bosch Tool Corp ~ David LeeRobert Bosch Tool Corp ~ Jeanette HovisRSI Home Products Mfg ~ Robert HunterSabo USA ~ Marcos Sant’ AnnaSteele Rubber Products Inc ~ John DancoffThe Timken Company ~ Paul HubacherUnited Plate Glass ~ Angelena EllisUniversal Rubber Products ~ Robert DavisVT LeeBoy Inc ~ Dennis EmoWireway/Husky Corp ~ Ron Young

INDIVIDUAL/RETIREDOR NO COMPANY AFFILIATE

Jim Beam Harold Howard Jr

Peter Browne Fred Houser

Jerry Cochrane Sharon Patton

Martin Eaddy Brad Rivers

Neil Finger Betty Setzer

Jim Foreman Robert Tull

Darrell Gettys Dr Jim Watson

3

July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

July 24, 2008

German Company Picks Eastern Lincoln County

A German heavy-equipment company invested $5.1 million to build a partsdistribution and technical support center in eastern Lincoln County that proj-ects about 25 jobs to the area.

Sennebogen North America built the 48,000 square foot structure on 30acres off Old Plank Road; where the company will also use the building totrain operators for its equipment.

Bringing the German Facility to the county "strengthens our growing list ofinternational companies," says Pete Acker, Chairman of the LEDA Board.

The 50 year old family owned company from Straubing, Germany has been building an internationalreputation for innovation and dependability in the world’s most specialized bulk material-handlingequipment. Sennebogen offers a complete line of purpose-built machines to meet the specific needsof their customers handling scrap, logs, coal and other bulk materials.

"The company picked Lincoln County for its great connection to highways, the airport and infra-structure available in the region."

– Constantino Lannes, President Sennebogan North America

Lincoln Economic Development Association

February 2009

JMC Brumos Racing

In February of this year the JMC Brumos team moved into their newly built 16,000 square foot facili-ty located in the Balsom Ridge Industrial Park. In the same week of moving into their new facility, theJMC Brumos team celebrated their win at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, taking first and third place.

The professional road racing team has a partnership with Porsche who supplies the engines; thecars are built by Riley Tech in Mooresville and serviced, maintained and crewed by JMC BrumosRacing. Mike Colucci is Technical Director and owner of JMC Racing; the Brumos Team employseighteen people; of whom four moved with the team from Florida, six were hired right out ofNASCAR Technical School and eight were locally hired.

Recently acquired, Grand Am Road Racing is now a division of NASCAR and races in the US as wellas Canada and Mexico. Being a former stock car and professional road racer himself; Mike Colucciis certainly no stranger to the sport; bringing home at least ten wins as a driver and 78 winsthroughout his motor sports career.

"Moving to Denver, NC was a good move for me; I like the small town atmosphere and the senseof community that is here. I must give Max and Jan Crawford with Crawford Race Cars the creditfor us moving to NC and I can't thank them enough for allowing us to use a portion of their facil-ity to house our business until we could get settled into a building of our own. I also appreciateall the support the Lincoln Economic Development Association gave us in providing the neces-sary information and help we needed throughout this project. I would highly recommend anyrace team to locate in Lincoln County."

– Mike Colucci, JMC Brumos Racing

4

LEDA ANNOUNCEMENTS

October 8, 2008

Magna-Tech Manufacturing

Magna-Tech Manufacturing leased The KeithCorporation’s 38,500 square foot shell buildingin the Lincoln County Industrial Park. Magna-Tech created a new production facility to heattreat and seal automotive castings. The initialcapital investment of building, land and equip-ment was $2.5 million and the company has ini-tial plans for 20-25 new jobs in Lincoln County.

Magna-Tech Manufacturing is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana and was established in 1987 as a provider ofvacuum impregnation of castings. Magna-Tech operates in multiple locations, including Sheboygan, WI;Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico; Glassport, PA; Greenville, SC; Sylacauga, AL; and Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada.The company operates multiple processing lines while utilizing an array of vacuum impregnation processes anda variety of impregnation sealants.

“Magna-Tech has been very pleased with the assistance of the Lincoln Economic Development Associationand the efforts that have made this new Magna-Tech facility a reality. We look forward to becoming a part ofthe community and we are confident that locating in Lincolnton will create new opportunities for all of us.”

– Dan Irvin, President of Magna-Tech Manufacturing

May 9, 2009

Chinese Company Opening Manufacturing Facility in Lincolnton

Todaytec, the leading manufacturer of thermal transfer bar coderibbons (TTR) in China, has selected the Denver/East Lincoln areaof Lincoln County as the site to open a manufacturing and distri-bution facility to service the North American market. Todaytec hasleased 6,000 square feet and will be located in the DenverBusiness Park.

The company produces fax ribbons, hot stamp foils and barcoderibbons and has experienced a 3 fold increase in its bar code rib-bon business in 2008, especially for export. Known for their highquality ribbons and customer service, this new southeastern loca-tion will give Todaytec the strategic capability to respond to mar-ket demands in an even more timely and cost efficient manner.

“We believe that Lincoln County provides Todaytec with numerous business advantages and high qualityof life. On behalf of all my colleagues in Denver, NC and Hangzhou, China we are very excited to makeLincoln County our new home in North America.”

– Mr. Jack Liu from the company’s Hangzhou, China Headquarters

5

July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

October 30, 2008

Hof Textiles InvestsOver $3 Million inProduction Capacity and Technology

Hof Textiles Inc. in Lincolnton is theleading supplier of nonwovens forautomotive engine compartment components. Nonwovens from Lincolnton are used in nearly all auto-motive brands produced in the US. Engine compartment components utilizing HOF’s Nonwovens provideeffective noise reduction for a wide frequency range, superior appearance and excellent performanceincreasing the driving comfort for cars of all brands.

Innovation and growth is supported by investments totaling over $3 million in additional productioncapacity and new technology. These investments will increase the value of HOF’s Nonwovens producedin Lincolnton for customers and the North American automotive industry. The new equipment is due tobe up and running by April 2009, bringing initially with it six new jobs. As production increases so willthe need for more jobs. The investment will create highly skilled operator & maintenance jobs.

"The investment will continue to support our double digit sales growth and create additionalattractive jobs for highly skilled operators and maintenance personnel."

– Lothar Hackler, President and CEO of Hof Textiles

LEDA EXPANSIONS

Lincoln Economic Development Association6

May 18, 2009

GE Security Plans to Expand Their Production Equipment

The Lincoln County Board of Commissionersapproved the incentive request made by the LincolnEconomic Development Association on behalf of GESecurity for an equipment expansion over the nexttwo years.

GE Security celebrated the opening of their 106,000square foot facility leased from The KeithCorporation located at the Lincoln County IndustrialPark with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in February2008. Just over a year now from that celebration,the security company is expanding its operations.

Plans for a $1.4 million dollar equipment invest-ment promises to bring at least thirteen new jobs toLincoln County.

"We are delighted our Lincoln County was chosen for this transition of work; the move to LincolnCounty will further drive our operating efficiencies and better serve our customers. I would liketo thank the Lincoln Economic Development Association and Lincoln County who have beenvery supportive of GE Security; this continued support makes Lincoln County a viable place toexpand our business," – Phil Wekenmann, Plant Manager, GE Security

LEDA GRANTS

Lincoln Economic Development Association

LEDA JUST INAugust 24, 2009

Ostec Industries looks togrow in Lincoln County

Ostec Industries announced on August 24, 2009 that it would begin its operation occupying a 12,000square foot facility located in the Denver Industrial Park. The company plans to invest approximately$2,000,000 in the facility and equipment, initially bringing in 5 jobs.

With over 100 years of experience Ostec Industries is a three-generation-old family owned businesswhich originated in Hanover, Massachusetts. The company is a CNC Swiss type lathe screw machineshop which caters to the specialized requirements of the Military, Electronics, Aerospace, Medicaland Dental industries. Ostec has a track record of being one of the preferred vendors of the high qual-ity conscious military, commercial and automotive industries.

“Lincoln County had everything we were looking for. We were able to find the building that bestsuited our operation and with the support from the Lincoln Economic Development Association(LEDA) and Gaston College this experience has been an easy transition.”

– Ostec President Richard Coste

8

October 15, 2008

Duke Power Carolinas Investment Fund

Duke Power Carolinas Investment Fund granted Lincoln Economic Development Association a grantin the amount of $30,000.00 for the purpose of funding the economic development of the PowellProperty infrastructure in the Lincoln County Industrial Park. The road improvements have been atremendous asset to the continued viability of the industrial park as LEDA moves forward in securingnew companies for the additional industrial acreage acquired on Powell Drive.

February 2, 2009

Fifth ThirdFoundation

5/3 Donates to LEDA Continuing Ed

Lincoln Economic Development Association was financially assisted by the Fifth Third Foundation.The grant establishes a Fifth Third Professional Scholar Program at LEDA that is designed to helpemployees gain cutting edge knowledge that will help improve the community. Fifth Third Foundationpresented LEDA with a check for $5,000 to support LEDA's professional development and trainingprogram. Funds were utilized for educational and professional development by LEDA staff.

“Many thanks to Fifth Third for their generous contribution to LEDA's continuing education pro-gram but also the bank's donation of the site upon which the new economic development officesare located at 502 East Main Street. Fifth Third bank continues to be a major corporate advocateof economic development and growth in Lincoln County and has been an important part of thesuccess the Lincoln Economic Development Association has enjoyed. Because of support likethis, LEDA has been instrumental in bringing new business to the area and supporting existingindustry and insuring success to all involved.”

– LEDA Chairman Pete Acker, President and CEO of Carolinas Medical Center

July 23, 2009

LEDA Lands Expanded Metal Company

Spantek, based in Hopkins, MN will be moving their Greensboro, NC manufacturing facilityto Lincoln County. The expanded metal company will occupy the former RSI Home Products,Semi-Custom 60,000 square foot facility on Generals Boulevard.

Founded in 1963, Spantek is an ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturer of expanded metaland is a recognized leader in the expanded metal industry; designing and manufacturingcustom-sized expanded metal coils and blanks for original equipment manufacturers.

Spantek decided to re-locate to Lincoln County after many months of visiting potentialareas. Upgrades to the RSI facility have already begun and the plan is to be up and runningby October 2009. By the end of December Spantek will employ up to fifteen people withplans to increase that number to twenty-five within a year and a half.

"We are excited about the move to Lincolnton. It was determined that we should be inthe Charlotte area—Lincolnton was the ideal place. Our initial association with civicand business leaders, LEDA staff and various people in the community reinforced thisdecision.

– Rod Miller, Spantek President

LEDA JUST IN

9July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

LEDA EVENTS

Chip-n-Putt Luncheon

The month kicked off with an appreciation luncheon at Lincoln Country Club on October 2,2008. Industries, LEDA board and private members and supporters attended and every-one got the opportunity to chip and putt before lunch for prizes.

October 2008

Industry Appreciation Month

Lincoln County and the City of Lincolnton officially declared October 2008 LincolnEconomic Development Association (LEDA) Industry Appreciation Month. To celebrate thecommunity’s appreciation for Lincoln County industries, LEDA had an exciting event-filledmonth scheduled.

LEDA EVENTS (Cont.)

10

IMA Forklift Rodeo

The Forklift Rodeo occurred on October 7th at Robert Bosch Tools Manufacturing Plant in Lincolnton.The event is sponsored by the Industrial Managers Association (IMA) of Lincoln County.

"The rodeo includes skilled forklift drivers from industries throughout Lincoln County compet-ing to win a grand champion trophy," says Greg Huffstetler, IMA Chairperson.

Industry Tour

One of the highlights of the month was a grand tour of Blumin East Lincoln on October 15th. The Blum brand turns theopening and closing of furniture into an experience that sig-nificantly increases the comfort of motion in all areas of thehouse, but especially the kitchen.

International Appreciation Reception

A twist on our dessert reception in previous years, all theplugs were pulled out for this spectacular event that tookplace at Woodmill Winery on October 23rd. Guest dined onappetizers, main entrees, drinks, and of course dessertsfrom every country represented in Lincoln County. With oneout of five Lincoln County manufacturing employees work-ing for international companies, the month wouldn’t becomplete without a little international flavor.

Lincoln Economic Development Association

Leonard Automatics, IncLincoln County 2008 Industry of the Year

With the purpose of promoting and highlighting thecontributions of Lincoln County’s existing industries,Lincoln Economic Development Association awardedthe 2008 Lincoln County Industry of the Year Awardto Leonard Automatics, Inc.

The award is based on four criteria:First, the industry must have made a positive impact in Lincoln County within the lastyear. Second, the industry must be involved with the Lincoln community through directfinancial, time and/or other significant contributions. Next, the industry must be aleader in their field and have produced a positive performance during their last fiscalyear. Finally, the industry must maintain the highest standards of conduct in workingwith the community, government, other business and their own employees.

Leonard Automatics, Inc is a leader in its industry and has called Lincoln County homefor 39 years. During this time the company has helped set the standard for corporatecitizenship. The industry has given generous financial support to the community whichhas benefited organizations such as the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, North LincolnHigh School and the North Lincoln marching band and drama department as well asnumerous Lincoln County agencies. The employees have given countless hours of timeto community service. The importance of this industry to the Lincoln communitystretches from their tireless involvement in community activities and organizations, totheir generous financial contributions, to their exemplary business performance andconduct; this year’s Industry of the Year winner embodies a model corporate citizen.

Leonard Automatics, Inc. has demonstrated strong business performance with anincrease in sales year after year and a recent completion of a new facility and equipmentexpansion in the Balsom Ridge Industrial Park in Denver.

LEDA EVENTS: INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR

“ The importance of this industry to the Lincoln communi-

ty stretches from their tireless involvement in community

activities and organizations, to their generous financial

contributions, to their exemplary business performance

and conduct; this year’s Industry of the Year winner

embodies a model corporate citizen.”

11July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

12

May 21, 2009

5th Annual Stakeholders Event

The Lincoln Economic Development Association held its 5thAnnual Stakeholder’s event on May 21st, "A Red, White &Bluegrass" Celebration at Cline Farm Club House in westernLincoln County. Over 100 guests gathered to celebrate the manyeconomic successes of Lincoln County. LEDA has over 135 private

and corporate investors which providefunding for the association as well asthe support they receive from LincolnCounty and the City of Lincolnton andthe event gives these investors theopportunity to network and interact.Also present were regional economicdevelopment consultants, brokers, andprivate firms with potential develop-ment opportunities for Lincoln County.

The event was catered by David Heafnerof The Home Place and music was pro-vided by Terry Greene and Hard TimezBluegrass Band.

September 12, 2008

LEDA Goes to the NHRA Carolinas Cup

Fifty members of the LincolnEconomic Development Associationand their guests traveled by bus fromDoug Herbert Racing in Lincolnton tothe NHRA inaugural Carolinas CupDrag Races to support their home-town hero, Doug Herbert, on Friday,September 12. LEDA hosted the eventand Doug Herbert Racing provided the venue in theirhospitality area at the track. For many, this was their firstexperience at a drag race and the contrasts with NASCARevents were many. Every ticket holder also had theopportunity to access the pit area behind the standswhere an almost carnival atmosphere prevails and youcan get up close and personal with your favorite driversand their crews as they tune and detail their vehicles inpreparation for their next heat. The LEDA group later hadthe opportunity for a question/answer session withDoug as he described preparation for the heats and hisexperience as a drag racer. Overall, Doug Herbert finished 5th in this year's race and gave his home-town fans a great show and a taste of the drag race circuit that will bring them back for more.

Lincoln Economic Development Association

LEDA EVENTS (Cont.)

November 20, 2008

Surprise Announcement at LEDAHosted Business After Hours

The Lincoln Economic Development Association co-hosted the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber BusinessAfter Hours along with the Downtown Development Association on November 20. The theme of the event wasinspired by the many Lincoln County businesses and industry involved in the automobile industry and motor-sports in particular. Race cars were on display from Doug Herbert Racing, Crawford & Crawford Composites,Inc. and Calico Coatings.

Over 150 guests attended the event, including NHRA drag racer Doug Herbert and prominent NASCAR figureRay Evernham who announced that he will be buying the East Lincoln Speedway. Evernham reported that ithis intent to give up and coming younger drivers the opportunity to hone their skills at the track in the hopesthat the drivers of tomorrow will come from the facility.

July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPORT 13

March 19, 2009

LEDA Hosts Fifth Annual Milestone Achievement Awards

Lincoln Economic Development Association held itsfifth annual Milestone Achievement Awards Luncheonat the Lincolnton Country Club; recognizing manufac-turers, distributors and the motor sports industry in theCity of Lincolnton as well as Lincoln County for theirpast, present and future commitment to the County ontheir 5 year anniversaries.

There were fourteen recipients present for the Milestone Awards luncheon this year. Among them were:Always on the Edge Sportswear 5 years; Anatech Ltd. 5years; Herbert Performance Parts 5 years; R.W. Garcia5 years; RSI Home Products, Mfg. 5 years; UCS, Inc. 5 years; Belding Hausman, Inc. 10 years; Crawford RaceCars LLC, 10 years; Actavis Mid Atlantic 15 years; Universal Rubber 20 years; Blum, Inc. 30 years; The TimkenCompany 30 years; Leonard Automatics, Inc. 40 years; NC Spinning Mills, Inc. 45 years.

In addition to the fourteen awards that were presented at the ceremony there were others who achieved thismilestone as well. CX Systems, 5years; Front Row Motor Sports, 5 years; Race Tech, 5years; Tra Co RacingEngines, 5 years; BC Race Cars, 10 years; News at Norman, 10 years; Hot Rod Express, 15 years; CarolinaImaging Group, 20 years; Virginia-Carolina Refractory, 20 years; Aqua North Carolina, 45 years.

"It’s an honor to be able to present these awards; the commitment, dedication and sustainability of thesecompanies sheds a positive light for our community during these economic times."

– Pete Acker, Chair, Lincoln Economic Development Association

14 Lincoln Economic Development Association

April 14, 2009

Lincoln Leaders SeminarRick Smyre, Futurist andPresident of Center forCommunities of the Future

Rick Smyre was the featured speaker at theLincoln Economic Development Association’sLincoln Leaders Seminar held on April 14,2009 at the Verdict Ridge Country Club. In hispresentation titled "Are You Ready", Smyrediscussed megatrends, including globalwarming, a shift to alternative energy, demo-graphics and technology.

"There are three different types of economy – the last states of the industrial age economy;knowledge economy and organic economy. Manufacturing will be vastly different in the futureas traditional industries give way to nanotech, biotech and molecular technology. Americansmust change the way they think, foster an open-minded and creative passion for learning. Andpreparation is key to future success."

– Rick Smyre, Futurist and President of Center for Communities of the Future

LEDA EVENTS (Cont.)

September 23, 2008

Lincoln Leaders SeminarScott Dorney, Executive Director; NC Military Business Center

The Lincoln Economic Development Association hosted its sec-ond Lincoln Leaders Seminar featuring Scott Dorney, executivedirector for the NC Military Business Center who spoke to theindustries and businesses of Lincoln County at Verdict RidgeCountry Club about the government contracting opportunitiesthat are waiting for them.

North Carolina ranks 26th in the procurement of governmentcontracts, although statistically NC is one of the highest militaryinstallation states.

"There is almost three hundred billion dollars of government contracts available, currently NorthCarolina is only obtaining one percent of their potential; mainly because North Carolina is notgoing after them. Since then North Carolina has obtained several government contracts but notnearly as many as we should. Why should those dollars go to another state when North Carolinahas the ability to obtain those contracts? There are eight defense contractors in Lincoln Countynow and that number could be much higher with the industries that are located here. "

– Scott Dorney, Executive Director, NC Military Business Center

SITE Selection MagazineSite Selection Names LEDA Top Micropolitan in U.S.

Site Selection Magazine named the Lincolnton/LincolnCounty one of the top 10 micropolitan areas for 2008.This annual ranking tracks non-metropolitan areas with-in the United States. Communities are ranked based onthe number of major industrial projects located andexpanded by local economic development professionals.Lincoln Economic Development Association worked onthese projects which are counted by the North CarolinaDepartment of Commerce and submitted to the magazine.

15

July 2008 • June 2009 ANNUAL REPORT

LEDA AWARDS:

IEDC Award LEDA Existing Business Program #1 in the WorldInternational Economic Development Council Gives LEDA Award in Atlanta

The Lincoln Economic Development Association was selected as the win-ner in the category of Business Retention and Expansion for the ExistingBusiness Program with a population criteria of 50,000 – 200,000 whichwas submitted for the 2008 IEDC Excellence in Economic DevelopmentAwards. The project was selected by a panel of economic developmentexperts consisting of members from both the public and private sectors.

ProAd AwardLEDA and SLD Unlimited Marketing Win ProAd Award

At the 28th annual meeting of theCarolinas Chapter of the BusinessMarketing Association, SLD UnlimitedMarketing/PR, of Denver N.C., receiveda ProAd Silver Award for their work withthe Lincoln Economic DevelopmentAssociation. The award recognizes thebest in business-to-business strategyand creativity in North and SouthCarolina. The winning piece titled,"Your Ship is about to Sail" was used byLEDA at the annual Stakeholders event.