Iredelllivingnov14

IREDELL LIVING • NOVEMBER 2014 1

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Living the Good Life

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Molly Malone's BOUTIQUES

Nurturing Style and Fashion

2 IREDELL LIVING • NOVEMBER 2014

November 2014

Iredell Living the Good Life


LIVNG

I from the publisher

Myron T. GoughPublisher, Iredell Living

Welcome to the November issue. This year is slowly winding down and the holidays are just about here. As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays, let us pause for a moment to think about the many things we have to be thankful for. While my list is long, good health and happiness are at the top of it. I trust that you can easily find many things for which you are thankful.

Please remember all of our veterans and take a moment to say “thank you for your service” this Veterans Day. Even though I was never in the military, my father served in the navy. I have a special affinity for all those who served and plan to make at least two Veterans Day observances on November 11th. Mitchell Community College has a wonderful annual observance at their campus in Statesville, and there will be a Veterans Day parade in downtown Mooresville this year. I hope you can attend one or more of these events.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for reading the November issue of Iredell Living Magazine!

Follow us on facebook–IredellLivingMagazinehttp://twitter.com/IredellLiving

W W W . I R E D E L L L I V I N G M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Mailing Address - 1670 E. Broad Street, Suite #195 Statesville, NC 28625 704-873-7307E-mail - [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSKristie Darling • Kirk Ballard • David Bradley

Meredith Collins • Linda B. WilsonFrank Lichtenberger, MD, PhD

COVER PHOTOGRAPHYShane Greene Photography

COVER STORYMolly Malone's Boutiques

Editorial stock photography, unless otherwise noted, is from ThinkStock.com

Iredell Living reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing. Submissions are welcome, but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. Iredell Living assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

Myron T. GoughPublisher/[email protected](704) 873-7307

Kathy WheelerArt Director/[email protected](828) 238-3224

Bob [email protected](336) 686-7271

Linda B. [email protected](704) 657-0237

Heather [email protected](704) 962-8080

“Uncle” Jim [email protected](980) 722-2861

Iredell

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LIVNG

I content

November 2014

23

18

8 • Gracie's Hope–A Brighter Future For Veterans

10 • Do You Have A Seafood Allergy?

12 • Molly Malone's Boutiques Nurturing Style And Fashion

18 • The Enchanted Olive The Finest Balsamic Vinegars, Oils, And Spices

23 • What's Cooking?! Favorite Thanksgiving Sides

26 • A Word From The Statesville Chamber My Hope For Statesville And Our County

28 • A Word From The Mooresville- South Iredell Chamber North Carolina Small Business And Economic Summit 2014

8giving back | food | health | local business


November 11th is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, a truce between allied nations and Germany became effective. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that day as one for remembering those who served their country. In 1938, November 11th was made the legal holiday known as Armistice Day, but in 1954, with the addition of World War II and Korean War veterans, the name was changed to Veterans Day.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are 22 million veterans in our country. Unfortunately, many of them return home with health issues, mental or physical conditions that are the result of their military service or combat. Most are unprepared emotion-ally and financially to deal with these problems. We are becoming more aware of our veterans’ needs, but there is still a long way to go toward solving many problems.

One organization in particular is doing their part to help veterans. Gracie's Hope, Inc. was created in 2007, and its Hyperbaric Healing Center in Hunt-ersville opened in 2013. It was formed through a partnership of Brian and Shannon Pridmore and Eric and Tamara Sutton.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was first developed to treat diving problems,

such as decompression and gas embo-lism. The therapy reduces the size of gas bubbles and transports blood to tissues. Director of Gracie's Hope, Eric Sutton, has witnessed the results. “By increas-ing the amount of oxygen, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the plasma is greater, allowing more to reach the tis-sues, increasing stem cell production,” Eric tells us.

The Pridmores discovered hyperbaric oxygen therapy when their daughter, Gracie, was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder. Gracie wasn't able to crawl or sit up. The Pridmores were told there was nothing more that could be done, but they decided to try HBOT for Gracie. During her first 40 treatments she began to crawl. Walking was accomplished in the next 40 treat-

ments. HBOT was not covered by their health insurance, and the family was left with the entire expense of treatments. Their goal is now to make treatment available to children and veterans who cannot pay out-of-pocket.

The hyperbaric oxygen chamber is effec-tive for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). “I hear all the time that veterans don’t want to be on all the prescriptions,” Eric says. “We have seen first hand that our treatment is working. So much so, that Oklahoma has recently passed a bill to provide HBOT to all veterans there suffering from TBI/PTSD. We are working on other states now to also cover our treat-ment. We take a multifaceted, drug free approach to helping treat these issues.”

All the funding for HBOT has been through donations and fundraising. “One issue has always been that no matter how cost effective we provide it, many still do not have resources to pay,” Eric continues. “We have hundreds who want treatment but can’t afford it. Our mission is to make this life chang-ing therapy available to anyone. We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered with the Independence Fund, Bill O'Reilly's most supported non-profit organization.” With a focus on providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veter-ans, the Independence Fund is now an exclusive partner with Gracie's Hope. It is an amazing, all volunteer organization

By Linda B. WilsonPhotos provided by Gracie's Hope

Hyperbaric Healing Center


Gracie's HopeA Brighter Future

for Veterans

Right–Jim Kiger, Eric Sutton, Tommy Rieman, and Joe DeLamiel-leure • Below–Jenna and Gracie Pridmore with Panther Kealoha Pilares • Opposite page–Independence Fund Veterans at Gracie’s Hope–Michael Verardo, Tim Ramos, and Emmanuel Byron


where over 95 percent of all monies raised go to veterans.

Eric estimates that over 100 veterans will be helped through Gracie's Hope this fiscal year. Thanks to the help of individu-als and corporations, hundreds who need help will get it. “We are opening another clinic in North Myrtle Beach in Decem-ber,” Eric adds. “We will also be operating a new clinic for the Independence Fund in 2015.”

Gracie Pridmore is now 12 years old. She attends school and has a much better quality of life than her parents could have dreamed of nine years ago. Her family has passed the miracle that is Gracie's hope on by creating a non-profit organization for others in need.

This Veterans Day, let’s remember the men and women who have risked their lives on foreign soil to keep us safe at home.

For more information on Gracie's Hope, visit www.gracieshope.org or contact Eric at [email protected] or 704-875-7189.


As an allergist, I get asked many questions by other

physicians, friends, and family about food allergies.

One of the most common food allergies I am con-

sulted about is seafood. Over 5% of adults report an allergy to

seafood, however, about one in five truly has an allergy. Con-

cern for seafood allergy usually results in dietary avoidance,

but can sometimes lead to unnecessary avoidance of medical

procedures. In all developed countries, seafood allergy is a

major healthcare cost, accounting for up to 40% of emergency

visits for food allergy reactions.

Seafood, and corresponding allergy, is typically divided into

shellfish versus finned fish, such as tuna, cod, flounder, and

trout. Shellfish is further divided to mollusks (clams, oys-

ters, squid, and octopus) and crustaceans (crab, shrimp, and

lobster.) Very few people have allergies to all of these foods,

and everyone is different. People who have reactions to finned

fish usually are OK with shellfish and vice versa. However,

most people who are allergic to mollusks will have crustacean

allergy, but only about 40% with crustacean allergy will also

react to mollusks. The allergens in seafood can become air-

borne during processing or cooking; therefore, I recommend

that people with an allergy to one family of seafood avoid all

commercial seafood.

Seafood is a highly desirable addition to anyone’s diet, given

that most is high in lean protein, omega fatty acids, and is an

otherwise very healthy food. Many people, who have avoided

shellfish for years, really do not have an allergy to seafood.

Much of the time there are additives or contaminants that will

make people feel sick for a few hours. This is not necessarily

an allergy to the seafood itself. Finned fish near the top of the

ocean food chain, such as snapper or grouper, tend to accu-

mulate toxins and parasites. A common toxin is cigautoxin.

It causes headaches, abdominal pain, and vomiting within a

few hours of consuming seafood. The effects of this toxin can

last for a few hours to as long as a few months. Parasites such

as Anisakis can infect fish but only rarely cause infection in

human beings. They can cause allergic-like reactions in people

but only because the fish had an infection, not because the

person was allergic to the fish. Scromboid, which occurs when

seafood is not stored properly, results from the breakdown of

fish tissue into histamine, which, when eaten, causes itching

and redness just like an allergic reaction can. Finally, metabi-

sulfites are sometimes added to seafood to protect the color

and flavor, and these compounds can cause wheezing and

shortness of breath in susceptible people.

The only treatment of seafood allergy is avoidance and having

medicine available at all times for potential reactions. Shellfish

allergy used to be considered a risk factor for allergic reactions

to the dyes used in medical imaging, however, many stud-

ies have shown that there is no real risk associated between

the two. Keep in mind we have several clinical tests that can

confirm or rule out a seafood allergy.

About the author:

Dr. Frank Lichtenberger is an allergist with

Allergy Partners of Statesville located at

1525 Davie Avenue. For more information

call Dr. Lichtenberger at 704.873.5055 or

visit www.allergypartners.com/statesville.

Do You Have ASeafood Allergy

By Frank Lichtenberger, MD, PhD


Amanda Rogers is a woman on a mission. As Molly Malone’s alter ego (read: busi-ness owner and fashionista par excellence) she has cast a wide net to bring exclusive, unique fashions and accessories to women for miles around. With three highly suc-cessful boutiques in our region (Hickory, Mooresville and Birkdale Village), Amanda’s newest location in Kannapolis/Concord is poised to become a haven for fashion con-scious shoppers looking for style, trends, and quality at easy to afford prices. “When I’m at market shopping for what’s going into my stores, I try to come up with new ideas; I look for things that are exciting to me,” Amanda shared as we toured her Mooresville store. “I have a really good instinct for finding items that my custom-ers will love. When women shop here, I know it’s because they appreciate the pas-sion I put into making selections for Molly Malone’s.”

Molly Malone’s boutiques are well known for one-of-a-kind jewelry, handbags, acces-sories, gifts, and clothing. As she expands into the Concord/Kannapolis area, Amanda has been making new selections for all her

LIVNG

I cover story

By Kristie Darling | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

Molly Malone's BOUTIQUES

Nurturing Style and Fashion

Photos: On the cover–Amanda Rogers, owner of Molly Malone's Boutiques, with daughter PaisleyPictured–Every girl needs a pair of cowgirl boots! Molly Malone's Boutiques offer a large selection in all price points and many brands like Laredo, Dan Post, Old Gringo.


stores. In the eight years since opening her first boutique in Hickory, Amanda’s confidence and business sense, as well as her fashion instincts, have soared. “I’ve built this business steadily, with lots of hard work, focusing my vi-sion on what it could become,” Amanda explained. “I’ve stayed true to who I am and always give it my all…now I see our growth as an outcome of intuition and experi-ence. And, of course, my amazing employees!”

PERSONAL ATTENTION “I love coming to work,” Jessica Picciano exclaimed. “I give all the credit to Amanda–I know that we’ll have what customers are looking for, because she really knows what’s going to be popular and fashionable. If we can’t satisfy our customers, we’re not doing our job. For Amanda and me, that’s not an option.” Jessica is district manager as well as manager of the Mooresville store. She’s been with Molly Malone’s since 2008, and her experience and love of helping women look and feel their best is apparent to shoppers everyday. “She never says no,” Amanda told me. “My mantra when I have a tough decision is ‘what would Jessica do?’ We’re a good balance to each other.” Amanda and her employees all work hard to ensure that customers are so pleased when they walk out, that they’ll come back often, bringing moms and girlfriends with them.

The Birkdale Village store was Amanda’s third location. It opened in 2012. “This shopping location epitomizes the growth headed toward Charlotte–people hang out here, enjoy fine restaurants and fun shopping. We’re near the movies–it’s a special place,” Amanda explained. “It’s been a good challenge for me; this store opened me up to new opportunities.” Alex and Ani bracelets–a new line of wrapped or single bangles with mix and match meaningful charms to wear alone or in clusters–are just one opportunity Amanda has seized. As Alex and Ani’s sole retailer in the area, Molly Malone’s steps out, once again, bringing an exciting fashion statement to its loyal customers. Their holiday selection is now available for trying on, mixing up, and taking home.

FEELING GOODDeveloping a helpful but not intrusive customer service model started at the first store in Hickory. “Excellent customer service brings women back again and again,” Jorden Denny shared. “I love working with this awe-some team of women who just want to help people feel good about themselves.” Jorden’s role has moved her to the new Kannapolis/Concord store. It’s located beside Hallmark, near Target in Afton Ridge.

Photos–above, top to bottom:• Shop at Molly Malone's Boutiques for your favorite brands and

one-of-a-kind items.• Superb one-on-one customer service and something for everyone• From headbands to boots, you are sure to find all of your winter

fashion accessories at Molly Malone’s Boutiques.


Amanda’s mom, Merilee Gwaltney, has worked in the Hickory store for many years. She says, “Amanda is a top-notch busi-ness woman, very motivated with an eye for style and fashion. If she says she’s going to do something, count on it!” One of Merilee’s bonus roles has always been keeping her beauti-ful granddaughter, Paisley Amelia Rogers. Paisley has a good chance of becoming a creative business force, herself, as she spends plenty of time helping Mom and Nana run the shop. “She loves dressing up modeling cute outfits,” Merilee says with a smile. “She’s a lot like her mother; it’s a joy watching her grow up!” Amanda is very family focused, and she told me her driving force has been to give her daughter a good future. “I’d love nothing more than to build Molly Malone’s as my legacy to Paisley. She loves art–maybe she’ll be a fashion designer...she’s a hoot!”

WHAT’S IN STOREAmanda spends serious time shopping the fashion markets in New York and Las Vegas. She searches out unique new styles, fabrics and colors that she knows her customers will enjoy. “Because I buy just one item in each size and affordable fashions you won’t find in other stores, our inventory changes every week,” says Amanda. “Our 12 to 15 daily new custom-ers quickly become regulars when they see that there’s always something new to try on. Women who’ve been shopping with us for years always find unique-to-me outfits and accessories for leisure, work or going out on the town.”

Jewelry is the perfect place to start your new look. Lokai bracelets are among the most elemental, strung with white and black balls carrying Mt. Everest water and mud from the Dead Sea. Lenny and Eva’s cuffs, wraps, and beads that carry sentiments and adornments to match your mood are fun. Their popular children’s bracelets are special, too. Ginger Snaps’ mix-and-match designs offer totally customizable looks that let you select birthstones, monograms, symbols of faith, love, family, sports and more. Waxing Poetic’s beautiful charm bracelets collect sentimental insignia pendants that can hang in clusters from necklaces, as well. Kameleon Jewelry’s motto is “Change is Natural” and their fun, interchangeable designs make change easy, too. And, the Alex and Ani jewelry line is already extremely popular–come try some on!

For warmth, whimsy, style and comfort, choose Pretty You bedroom slippers for yourself or as a gift. You’ll never walk around the house barefoot again! Laredo and Dan Post boots are a must as the weather cools. Western, traditional, and cowgirl styles will carry you through the season. Match up with printed leggings and an outfit you love, and once again, Molly Malone’s has got you on your way. Looking at these amazing selections, remember that gift choices are abundant for all your women friends and family.

Photos–above, top to bottom:Kameleon is sterling silver jewelry with interchangeable pops to go with every outfit.

Printed leggings is a must have for fall/winter this season. One size fits all and is super comfy ($12.95 or 2 for $20).

Alex and Ani is the hottest brand in the country right now– inspired with positive energy and proudly made in the USA!


Photos–above, left to right:• Now featuring little diva clothing, siz-

es range from 2/3T–9/10. Miss Paisley sure knows how to sell already and she is only 5 1/2!

• Baggallini is our newest handbag line–only sold at the Mooresville location.

• This black fringe dress is from a new collection by Missy Robertson.

Below, from left to right–Merilee Gwaltney, Mother and Hickory man-ager; Amanda Rogers, owner; Jessica Picciano, district manager and Moores-ville manager

A visit to your nearby Molly Malone’s is really needed to get the full picture. Amanda’s team of fashion professionals is focused on your needs and desires. “A lot of stores aren’t family friendly,” Jessica shared. “We love helping men pick out gifts, making sure everyone finds exactly what they’re looking for. We stand behind everything we sell.” Jessica, Merilee, Jorden, Ame, and Amanda all go the extra mile to ensure you will have a perfect shopping experience. All purchases leave the store packaged like a pretty present, so

they’re ready to give or enjoy yourself. Can’t find time right away for a shop-ping trip? Sign up for periodic email announcements and specials from the boutique at www.mollymalonesbou-tique.com.

“I’m not going to say I’m done with store number four,” Amanda added, “but it’s always possible. I am working hard to make it all come together–in-store and online–whatever’s needed to make shopping at Molly Malone’s an unforgettable pleasure.”

HICKORY2237 Highway 70 SE • Hickory

Phone: 828-328-2217

MOORESVILLE607 River Highway • Mooresville

Phone: 704-663-1630

BIRKDALE VILLAGE16926 Birkdale Commons Parkway

HuntersvillePhone: 704-892-5668

CONCORD/KANNAPOLIS307 George Bay Court • Concord

Phone: 704-792-0935

Hours: Mon-Sat. 10a-7p / Sun. 1p-6pHickory store is closed on Sun.

www.mollymalonesboutique.comwww.facebook.com/mollymalonesboutique


Many people want to eat healthier, but they don’t want to trade off flavorful food. Whether you’re focused on health benefits, or you just want to try something different for din-ner tonight, The Enchanted Olive can help spice things up.

Located in downtown Mooresville, The Enchanted Olive carries over 60 varieties of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO), special oils, and balsamic vinegars. They recently added spices that are all blended in-house. All products contain no MSGs or GMOs, and are gluten free.

The store is arranged differently than most food stores. How many times have you seen a flavor or spice and hesi-tated to buy because you weren’t sure if you and your fam-ily would like it? Here, the oils and vinegars are displayed in vats around the store, and you can taste before you buy. Once you make your selection, it is bottled and sealed fresh on the spot, ensuring you leave with a product you will en-joy. “We want people to have a hands-on experience and to be able to create something that meets their specific needs,” owner Shannon Barker explained.

If you’re not sure what to buy, Shannon and her staff can help. “We have quite a few customers who come in looking for something specific for their meal,” Shannon said. “They

tell us they are cooking chicken that night and want something to incorporate into dinner. We have recipes and ideas to share.”

The oils, vinegars, and spices can be used in marinades, dressings, and dips, or drizzled over fruits or vegetables. During the holidays, gift baskets are available.

The health benefits of the products at The Enchanted Olive are outstanding. “Balsamic vinegars help with type 2 diabetes, lower-ing cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure,” Shannon said. “My

By Meredith CollinsPhotos by Shane Greene Photography


Photos: Opposite page–• Lon, Cole and Shannon Barker • Taylor Lyons helping a custom-

er find exactly what she needs

Above–Daniel Bratcher filling a spice order for a customerRight–Wedding favors and gift packs for any occasion

grandfather actually takes two table-spoons per day to control his COPD. These products contain monounsaturat-ed fat, which is a good fat that your body needs. They contain vitamins A, D, E and K, and omega fatty acids, all good for weight loss and increasing metabolism.”

If this has piqued your interest, but you’re not sure where to start, stop in for a food demonstration. Two Saturdays each month, there is a demonstration every 30 minutes to show people how to prepare something with the products in the store.

They also have wine tastings with com-plimentary food pairings once a month, as well as wine and paint classes once a month.

A spacious loft in the store has seating for up to 49 and is available for corporate meetings, holiday parties, baby showers, bridal lunches or any group function.

For Shannon, the store really is a family af-fair. Originally from this area, she and her husband wanted to stay near their roots and invest in their local community. With over 20 successful years in food service, Shannon has certainly put her experience to good use at The Enchanted Olive. There are plans to expand in the future–exciting things ahead!

The Enchanted Olive119 North Main Street, Downtown Mooresville

704-230-4704 www.enchantedoliveoil.com


Photos © Andrea Skjoid | © DreamBigPhotos | iStock | Thinkstock

1 ¹/³ cups French-fried onions (French's)

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350°F. Mix soup, milk, pepper and drained green beans in a 1 ½ quart casserole dish. Fold into the mix half of the French-fried onions.

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Add remaining French-fried onions to the top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the onions turn brown.

Sweet Potato Casserole3 cups mashed sweet potatoes ½ cup sugar 2 beaten eggs ¼ cup butter, melted ½ cup milk 1½ teaspoons vanilla

Topping1 cup brown sugar ¹/³ cup flour 1 cup chopped pecans ¹/³ cup butter, melted

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350°F. Grease a nine inch square baking dish. Use a9"X13" dish if you are doubling therecipe. In a large bowl, mix sweetpotatoes, sugar, eggs, butter, milkand vanilla. Pour into greasedbaking dish.

In a large non-stick pan, melt butterand mix in topping ingredients. Crumble the topping mixture over sweet potatoes. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.

Green Bean Casserole1 10 ¾ ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup ¼ cup milk ⅛ teaspoonblackpepper2 14 ½ ounce cans cut green beans, drained

What's Cooking?!Favorite Thanksgiving Sides


A W O R D F R O M

My Hopefor Statesville

and Our County

David BradleyPresident and CEOGreater Statesville

Chamber of Commerce

What do YOU envision the future will look like?

In 2009, I had the opportunity to go through a nine-month experience with a group of dynamic leaders throughout the region–the American Leadership Forum. As a reminder of some of our work, I have a keepsake box on my desk engraved with the question, “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” I think about that often.

That simple, and yet uniquely complex question, prods one to think about our future. It does not allow a future in which you react to what is happening, always waiting for someone else to take action and make decisions. The future that question elicits is one in which we are compelled to be actively involved in the development of its outcome.

Pretty simple vision, really. My hope for Statesville and Iredell County is that we become a community that bustles with energy. We would see that retail opportu-nities are plentiful, that cultural arts expe-riences are outstanding, that we embrace a diverse population, and jobs are in good supply. Education is THE base funda-mental need for all of these to become reality. Growing industry is attracted to a community with outstanding educational achievement, partnered with the facilities to support that achievement.

Citizens of Iredell County have an oppor-tunity to approve two bond referendums on November 4. This is an important issue at a critical time. It is awfully easy to make a case for these bonds based on history. My plea is that you look beyond yesterday and today.

Blessedly, we have two public school systems and a community college that are recognized as some of the best in the state. They have, and do, serve a crucial role in our growing economic prosper-ity–right now. We have to look forward to what our needs will be. Through the last census, Charlotte was the fourth fastest-growing metropolitan service area in the country. That growth is actually

increasing. It is imperative that we begin preparations right now for what we want our schools to look like in ten years and beyond. If we fail to be proactive in reno-vating existing schools and/or building new schools, we will fall tragically behind, and getting caught up becomes more costly and less efficient.

The future that I envision is one that doesn’t cause excessive worry for the safety of our children at school. Not only do we owe it to our children to provide extraordinary resources within the class-room, we must maintain facilities that are safe from weather, excessive degradation, and in which students can maximize the value of their time. Today, in some of our schools, we don’t have safe environments. The time to prepare for the future is right now.

According to the Bureau of Labor Sta-tistics (2014), 11 of the top 20 fastest growing occupations are in the medical profession. Mitchell Community College has an extraordinary history of provid-ing qualified degrees for the medical field. The blueprint for their future, as determined by the upcoming bond referendum, includes a 40,000 square foot health sciences building to serve as a hospital simulation facility, and expand by 50% the number of people who will be certified through many of their medically related courses.

Again, I am plagued by the question, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” The only failure is to choose NOT to be ACTIVELY involved in determining your future. I believe in the values that quality education bring to a community. Extraordinary education brings better jobs, less crime, less poverty, a deeper appreciation for diversity, and a greater sense of pride in the place we call home.

The board of directors of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce has approved a resolution of support for the two bond referendums on the November 4th ballot. We hope you will exercise your right to vote.



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Kirk BallardPresident and CEO

Mooresville - South IredellChamber of Commerce

North Carolina Small Business and Economic Summit

2014

A WORD FROM

A delegation of regional chambers of commerce and economic development corporations recently met in Washing-ton for a Small Business and Economic Development Summit hosted by federal government leaders.

One purpose of the September summit was to build relationships with mem-bers of Congress to help preserve their support in bringing millions of dollars into our region.

A briefing, that included U.S. represen-tatives, Congressmen Robert Pittenger and Richard Hudson, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, and others, focused on accomplishments and future goals for the state. Lowering the corporate tax rate from 6% to 3% by 2017, and lowering the individual tax rate of 7.5% to a flat 5% was discussed, as well as a plan to pay down our unemployment insurance debt early. Connecting talent to jobs, with a focus to match North Carolina jobs with North Carolina people through efficient use of re-sources, streamlined customer service for citizens and businesses, alignment of programs, and a consistent, cohesive strategy all under one name, NC-WORKS, was an important topic.

The North Carolina Economic Devel-opment Board worked for six months developing a strategic plan to guide economic growth and activities for the next 10 years. Highlights are:

• Targeted Clusters and Brand-ing: Using wage rates and projected growth, industry clusters were targeted for attracting and retaining jobs. For example, North Carolina is a national leader in manufactured plastics, but has not worked to attract chemical companies. We have very developed biopharmaceuticals, but limited focus on surgical and dental instruments. We need to nurture high-performing industries committed to our state, and focus on industry clusters that match our workforce with high return rates, and develop go to market plans for each targeted cluster.

• Business Climate: Efforts are needed to measure and promote the improv-ing tax climate in the state for relocat-ing businesses. Broad scale regulatory reform can strengthen our competitive advantage and the creation of the Office of Regulatory Reduction and Review can review outdated and redundant regulations that serve as a barrier to job creation and capital investments. Incen-tives play a role in competing across the nation; each tool must have a true re-turn on the investment of public funds. Business courts should be expanded to speed up costly litigation and reduce time-consuming appeals.

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Our universities must become best in class on transferring technology and research to startup enterprises and commercial use. Tax credits are criti-cal to encourage broad venture capital investment, and small business services must be streamlined for easy access, providing one-stop information and resource services.

• Talent and Retiree Attraction: North Carolina must establish its repu-tation as a destination for the creative class. University and community col-lege curriculums must be realigned to deliver a trained workforce to support new businesses. Retirees and second ca-reer entrepreneurs should be recruited, and best practices shared between communities to attract this talent pool. Similarly, North Carolina can lead the nation in attracting and retaining mili-tary retirees and veterans.

• Education and Workforce Devel-opment: North Carolina can create competitive advantages by enhancing career/technical education focusing on STEM training for industries like manu-facturing, IT, health, and agribusiness. Workforce development programs must integrate with school curriculums and career development. We left with valuable information about the work our elected representatives do to address our concerns and needs. We don’t hear about this often enough.


IREDELL LIVING • NOVEMBER 2014 31IREDELL LIVING • NOVEMBER 2014 31

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