LEDA 2008-2009 Annual Report

In economic development, we "sell" the entire community to our existing businesses and new

companies alike. So when we have a great year, we need to thank the entire community. A sin-

cere thanks to all 71,302 residents, a great school system, quality parks, dedicated fire fighters

and law enforcement officers, generous civic organizations, a strong business community, sup-

portive city and county staff and visionary political leaders; you provide a quality environment

and a cooperative atmosphere that allow the LEDA Board of Directors and staff to operate in a

successful manner.

The 2007/2008 fiscal year ranks as the third highest in announcements of industrial investment

in Lincoln County. What makes this even more impressive is all of the investment came from our

existing businesses. They are the foundation of our economy and why LEDA makes the retention

and expansion of existing business our number one goal every year.

To serve our local businesses and community and welcome new companies to here, LEDA

opened our new facility on Main Street in Lincolnton. This is the organization’s first permanent

home made possible by a joint effort between the public and private sectors. We are honored

that this effort was recognized by the Downtown Development Association with their Downtown

Renaissance Award.

The past fiscal year adds to numerous years of accomplishments by LEDA. These accomplish-

ments are made possible by the strong team that I have worked with – past and present. A spe-

cial thanks to our current team of Rhonda Hunter, Crystal Gettys, Mitch Miller and Kim Phillips.

And everlasting thanks to our past team members: Charity Pitman, Laura Foor, DeAnne Brittain,

Don Ballard, Hollis Henderson and Jim Warren.

E xecutive Director’S LETTER

Lincoln Economic Development Association

Barry MatherlyExecutive Director

Barry Matherly, Executive Director

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March 2008

LEDA Brings In CEO of NC ChamberThe Lincoln Economic Development Association hosted its first Lincoln

Leaders Seminar featuring, Lew Ebert, President and CEO of the North

Carolina Chamber. He shared with the audience that North Carolina was

the second poorest state in America fifty years ago and is now ranked the

fourth fastest growing state and the fifth largest manufacturing state in

America today. "It’s like we are on steroids, the good kind," says Ebert.

"Other states are taking a hard look at what North Carolina is doing and

want to duplicate it."

Ebert explained that the job of the NC Chamber is to be the front line

advocate for businesses, going to bat for their needs and focusing on

the things that businesses care about. "Being complacent is not what

our job is," said Ebert.

The pillars for a prosperous state are education and workforce development, making sure the economy has the tools

necessary to be successful, and to have a competitive business climate. Mr. Ebert ended with the comment that

"The future matters and we need business leaders to help, shape and lead".

"Other states are taking a hard look at what North Carolina is doing and want to duplicate it."–Lew Ebert, President and CEO of the North Carolina Chamber

March 2008

LEDA Hosts Fourth Annual MilestoneAchievement AwardsLincoln Economic Development Association hosted its fourth

annual Milestone Achievement Awards Banquet at Court Street

Grille in Lincolnton. The event recognizes manufacturers and

distributors in the City of Lincolnton as well as Lincoln County

for their past, present and future commitment to the county on

their 5 year anniversaries.

There were six recipients present for the Milestone Award Banquet this year:

Allied Manufacturing 10 years; Central Carolina Sprinkler Co., Inc. 25 years; RSI Home Products, Inc. Semi-Custom 10

years; Russo’s Tinting 10 years; Textile Piece Dyeing, Inc. 15 years; and Westport Marina 25 years.

In addition to the six awards that were presented at the ceremony, six others achieved milestones as well:

Custom Works RC Products 5 years; Duke Power CT Plant 15 years; National Fruit Products 35 years locally and 100

years for their corporation; Northeast Chassis & Bodies 10 years; Precision Performance Coatings 10 years; and Price-

Davis, Inc. 30 years.

The Milestone Achievement Award recognizes manufacturers and distributors in the City of Lincolnton as well as Lincoln County for their past, present and future commitment

to the county on their 5 year anniversaries.9

November 2007

RSI Home Products is the Lincoln County Industry of the Year With the purpose of promoting and highlighting the contributions of Lincoln County’s

existing industries, Lincoln Economic Development Association awarded the 2007

Lincoln County Industry of the Year Award to RSI Home Products Inc.

This award is based on four components: First, the industry must have made a positive impact in Lincoln County within the last year. Second, the industry

must be involved with the Lincoln community through direct financial, time and/or other significant contributions.

Third, the industry must be a leader in their field and have produced a positive performance during their last fiscal

year. Finally, the industry must maintain the highest standards of conduct in working with the community, govern-

ment, other business and their own employees.

RSI has called Lincoln County home since 1998 and made generous donations to Habitat for Humanity, United Way’s

211 campaign, "Relay for Life" and supports a variety of other charities and projects. They continue to grow at an

incredible rate of 30+% annually, providing over 1000 jobs locally and operating three Lincoln County locations. The

company’s current expansion will result in an additional 330,000 square feet of operating space and will result in an

another 200+ new jobs for our community.

RSI continues to grow at an incredible rate of 30+% annually, providing over 1000 jobs locally and operating three Lincoln County locations.

LEDA Sets Sail with Stakeholders EventLEDA held the Annual Stakeholders Events aboard the

Championship Charter Yacht. We were delighted with

the turn out and welcomed the many partners that

help us to achieve our goals throughout the year.

Those in attendance included people from the NC

Department of Commerce, Regional Developers,

Elected Officials, LEDA Staff and LEDA Members. A

heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in playing

such a vital role in LEDA’s continuing success! As the

balmy evening turned into a perfect night on the lake,

everyone enjoyed the time together. It proves that as

hard as we all work to make Lincoln County a better

place to be, there’s still room for a little fun.

L E D A E V E N T S


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International Dessert ReceptionWith one out of five Lincoln County manufacturingemployees working for international companies, theweek wouldn’t be complete without a little internationalflavor. The international dessert reception was Friday atthe LEDA office. Sample desserts from Brazil, Singapore,Iceland, Australia, Israel, Austria, Japan, Germany and theUnited States were served.

L E D A E V E N T S

October 22-26 2007

Industry Appreciation WeekLincoln County and the City of Lincolnton officially declaredOctober 22-26, 2007 Lincoln Economic Development Association(LEDA) Industry Appreciation Week. To celebrate the community’sappreciation for Lincoln County industries, LEDA has an exciting,event-filled week scheduled.

Chip-n-Putt LuncheonThe week’s events kicked off with an appreciation luncheon atLincoln Country Club on Tuesday. Industries, LEDA board and pri-vate members and supporters attended and everyone got theopportunity to chip and putt before lunch for prizes.

One of the highlights of the week on Thursdaywas a grand tour of Crawford & CrawfordComposites/Crawford Race Cars in Denver.Crawford engineers sports car racing parts forthe Daytona Prototype, Le Mans Prototype andNASCAR Winston/Busch Series.

Industry Tour

IMA Forklift RodeoThe forklift rodeo occurred on Wednesday at RobertBosch Tools Manufacturing Plant in Lincolnton. The eventis sponsored by the Industrial Managers Association(IMA) of Lincoln County. "The rodeo includes skilled fork-lift drivers from industries throughout Lincoln Countycompeting to win a grand champion trophy," says RobertHunter, IMA Chairperson.

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May 2008

Crate and Barrel “LEEDS” theway in Lincoln County and inthe RegionCrate and Barrel’s $23.5 million distribution centeris the first of its kind in Lincoln County, theCharlotte region and the state; their expansion willmeet the green building (LEED Certified) and per-formance measures earning a certification whichsymbolizes that their building is environmentallyresponsible, profitable and a healthy place to work.The expansion is expected to bring with it initially70 new jobs, then expected to grow to 220 jobs.

"We will be building a 400,000 sq ft facility, expandable to 800,000 sq ft, to add capacity to our furniture distribu-tion and home delivery network. We have been extremely happy with our relationship with Lincoln County and lookforward to another successful project. The Lincoln County area has provided an excellent pool of new associatesand we are excited to be expanding our presence in this region," says John Ling, VP Supply Chain Management &Logistics with Crate and Barrel.

Pete Acker, Chairman of the Lincoln Economic Development Association, "Crate and Barrel has laid the ground-work for what is yet to come in Lincoln County. Environmental issues have become more and more of a focal point;it’s exciting to see one of the top industries of Lincoln County setting the standard for others to follow."

"We have been extremely happy with our relationship with Lincoln County and look forward to another successful project." – John Ling, VP Supply Chain Management & Logistics with Crate and Barrel

April 2008

Timken Invests $7.1 Million in Equipment in Lincoln CountyTimken plans for an equipment expansion at its Iron Station, North Carolina location.The bearing manufacturer which employees over 950 people is planning to retrofit anexisting line. The retrofit is a unique line designed to support a particular automotiveprogram. The project is expected to be complete by the third quarter of 2008 with aninvestment of $7.1 million.

Chairman, Lincoln Economic Development Association, Pete Acker says, "It is alwaysexciting to see our local businesses thrive. Timken is one of Lincoln County’s largestemployers as well as a generous contributor to our community; by their product lineexpanding, it shows stability within their industry; I am delighted to see this expansionfor Timken."

"We are pleased that Timken has decided to make this additional investment in their Iron Station facility. Suchdecisions by our existing industries indicate great promise for the future of Timken employees in Lincoln County.We look forward to the success of this new undertaking and the continued success of Timken here in LincolnCounty," says Tom Anderson, Chairman, Lincoln County Commissioners.

"Timken is one of Lincoln County’s largest employers as well as a generous contributor toour community." – Pete Acker, Chairman, Lincoln Economic Development Association

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November 2007

Leonard Automatics Moves toNew Park in DenverLeonard Automatics was the first industry to breakground at Denver’s Balsom Ridge Business Park.

They moved to Denver, North Carolina in 1980 and into the DenverIndustrial Park in 1985 to begin manufacturing its own line of finish-ing equipment for the garment manufacturing industry. They alsoexpanded into the industrial laundry market with a line of finishersfor rental uniform companies at that time.

"We’re really looking forward to this new location," says Jeff Frushtick, Owner and President of LeonardAutomatics, Inc. "Our continuous growth as a company finally surpassed the last facility space and this new30,000 square-foot building with 5,000 square feet of office space will take us to the next level," adds Frushtick.The new expansion means added production and additional employees for the company.

Now recognized as world leaders of product design and services in the industry, the company’s reputation ofexcellence and innovation sets them apart for long-term success.

"Our continuous growth as a company finally surpassed the last facility space and this new spacewill take us to the next level." – Jeff Frushtick, Owner and President of Leonard Automatics, Inc.

Cataler North AmericaIncreases Their CapacityCataler North America installed additionalmanufacturing equipment in the LincolnCounty Industrial Park. The $16.3 millioninvestment will consist of equipmentexpansions, facility improvements andplans to bring in an initial 50 new jobs.

Cataler Corporation is headquartered in Japan and is a leading manufacturer of catalysts for cleaning automobileemissions. The catalysts are designed to meet the particular needs of customers both in Japan and overseas, andare produced at plants in five different countries around the world.

"Lincoln County has proved that it was an excellent choice for the location of our business. Our goal is to con-tinue to be a good corporate citizen and employer for the area," says Rick Yoshikawa, President of CatalerNorth America.

"We are pleased that Cataler North America has made this decision to once again expand their operation inLincoln County. This decision will make further economic opportunities available to the citizens of Lincoln Countyand reflects Cataler North America’s continuing confidence in and commitment to Lincoln County," says LincolnCounty Commissioner Chairman, Tom Anderson.

"Lincoln County has proved that it was an excellent choice for the location of our business."

– Rick Yoshikawa, President of Cataler North America.

May 2008

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August 2007

Location Suits Campbell and Sons MachiningCampbell and Sons Machining is a metal parts manufacturer spe-cializing in manufacturing component parts supplied to othercompanies. The expansion helps the shop respond quickly to cus-tomers while working to expand their customer base. "Becomingpart of organizations like Lincoln County’s Industrial ManagersAssociation (IMA) will help us network with industry leaders anddemonstrate what we have to offer," stated Ronnie Campbell.

Ronnie and brother Steve both agree, "The business atmosphere here is welcoming and everybody,including the City of Lincolnton, Lincoln Economic Development Association and fellow industries havebeen so supportive."

Over the next five years, Campbell and Sons Machining plans to expand the facility again and upgrademachinery. Brothers Ronnie and Steve believe keeping Lincoln County an industry-friendly community iskey to keeping existing industry in the area.

"The business atmosphere here is welcoming and everybody has been so supportive." – Ronnie and Steve Campbell

April 2008

Blum Invests $10 Million in Manufacturing in Lincoln CountyBlum, Inc. announced plans for equipmentand tooling investment at its North Americanheadquarters in East Lincoln County totaling$10 million dollars, the new investmentincluded metal stamping equipment, toolingand a new assembly machine.

"In 2006 Blum showed its commitment to manufacturing in the US by moving the stamping and assem-bly of its flagship product to its facility in Lincoln County," says Karl Ruedisser, General Manager and CEOof Blum, Inc. "Now, with these further investments, Blum will be able to streamline the productionprocess by also bringing in much of the assembly of TANDEM’s component parts. Most importantly, theseinvestments will help sustain existing US jobs."

Lincoln County Commissioner Chairman, Tom Anderson states, "This decision clearly indicates the contin-uing success of Lincoln County’s efforts to support existing business and industry that have chosen tolocate in Lincoln County.” Added Pete Acker, Chairman of Lincoln Economic Development Association,"Blum is a tremendous asset to the eastern end of Lincoln County, with continuous and consistent growth.We are excited about the future and what is yet to come from such an innovative industry."

"Most importantly, these investments will help sustain existing US jobs."

–Karl Ruedisser, General Manager and CEO of Blum, Inc.

a n n o u n c e m e n t S

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DEVELOPERAnderson Properties ~ John AndersonChoate Construction Co ~ Matt ReddCrescent Resources Inc ~ Jim ShortDenver Industrial Park ~ Lee KillianPiedmont Companies ~ Willie HeafnerThe Keith Corporation ~ Alan Lewis

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

INSURANCEJames M Moore & Associates ~ Jim MooreNationwide Insurance ~ Todd BowmanWatson Insurance Agency ~ Neal Rhyne

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

MEDICALCMC - Lincoln ~ Pete AckerAdvanced 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 & Austin ~ Drs Hamilton & AustinLincolnton Animal Hospital ~ Dr Wayne Jones DVMJohn L Lassiter DDS PA ~ Dr John LassiterRichard R Pence DDS MAGD ~ Dr Richard Pence

REAL ESTATEAbernethy Realty ~ David AbernethyAllen Tate Realtors ~ Joe & Beth YarbroughAllen Tate Relocation ~ Pam McGlothlinApple Realty ~ Marsha JordanBCB Investments ~ David DupreeBaker Realty & Construction ~ Michael BakerCentury 21 Hecht ~ Robert HechtClark Properties Inc ~ David Clark JrFerguson & Associates Inc ~ Neil FergusonLackey & Whitley ~ Brad WhitleyLincoln Bonded Warehouse ~ John LinebergerLincoln Co Board of Realtors ~ Kathy HendricksMarathon Realty & Auction ~ Michael MilhollandPrudential Carolinas Realty ~ Doug CoreSullivan Property Owner ~ Chad Gore

STAFFINGAdecco ~ Ann WilsonBarrett Business Service ~ Susan EureyExpress Employment Professionals ~ Kevin RobergeLincoln Staffing ~ Stephen StarnesStaffmasters USA ~ Amy Dyson

TRUCKINGCatawba Transport Group ~ Danny AbernathyHouser Transport Inc ~ Sam HouserUnique Transportation Inc ~ Michelle Johnson

UTILITYAT&T ~ Todd LanhamDuke Energy Carolinas ~ Tammy Trexler-WhaleyPiedmont Natural Gas ~ Michael DurhamPrecise Power Service Corp ~ Gregory CoxRutherford EMC ~ Randy Ward

INDUSTRIESActavis Corp ~ Greg SherwoodActive Manufacturing ~ Rob PellegrinoAllied Separation Tech Inc ~ Lorie WilliamsAmerican Tire Distributors ~ Ray EureyAnatech Ltd ~ George BarrBlum Inc ~ Michael GeisCalico Coatings ~ Tracy TrotterCampbell & Sons Machining ~ Ronnie CampbellCarolina Roller & Supply ~ Mack HarveyCataler North America ~ Al AlvarezDellinger Precast Inc ~ Gary DellingerDuke Energy ~ Paul BeattyGE Security ~ Phil WekenmannKirk & Matz ~ Victor MatzLarry Grant & Company ~ Larry GrantLeonard Automatics Inc ~ Jeff FrushstickM Conley Company ~ Robert Stewart IIIM Conley Company ~ Nance RobinsonModacam Inc ~ Bud TschudinMohican Mills Inc ~ Jerry DeesePackaging Unlimited ~ Scott WilliamsonPerformance Parts ~ Doug HerbertR W Garcia ~ Greg HuffstetlerRobert Bosch Tool Corp Mfg ~ David LeeRobert Bosch Tool Corp Dist ~ Shane JonesRSI Home Products Mfg ~ Robert HunterSabo USA ~ Panico PeresSteele Rubber Products Inc ~ John DancoffThe Timken Company ~ Paul HubacherVT LeeBoy Inc ~ Dennis EmoWestport Marina ~ Lowry HobbsWireway/Husky Corp ~ Ron Young

INDIVIDUAL RETIREDOR NO COMPANY AFFILIATE

Jim Beam Harold Howard JrPeter Browne Fred HouserJerry Cochrane Betty SetzerNeil Finger Robert TullJim Foreman Dr Jim Watson

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ATTORNEYSKennedy & Wulfhorst PA ~Todd WulfhorstTim Sellers ~ Attorney

AUTOMOTIVEAbernethy Chevrolet ~ Mitch Abernethy

BANKINGAquesta Bank ~ Louis FletcherBB&T~ Chuck LongCarolina Trust Bank ~ Mike ClineCarolina Trust Bank ~ Mort WadsworthFifth Third Bank ~ Micah LeeFifth Third Bank ~ Jim MauneyFirst Citizens Bank ~ Debbie SipeFirst Federal Savings Bank ~ C D Stroup IIIFirst National Bank ~ Joe CrewsPeoples Bank ~ Patsy Black

CIVIC/COMMUNITYLincoln County Family YMCA ~ Ron JohnstonUnited Way Lincoln County

COMMERCIALA-2-Z Promotional Products ~ Jack FunkBoyle Consulting Engineers ~ Chuck BoyleBurke Communications ~ Jack BurkeCarolina Metal Buildings ~ Dwight SmithDays Inn ~ Brad DesaiFamily Coin Laundry ~ Lloyd TrotterFunderburk Batteries ~ Buddy FunderburkGDS Inc ~ Jerry HodgeGDS Inc ~ Barry BurlesonIntegrity Computer Solutions ~ Danny ElmoreKatie Wood Inc ~ Aaron WoodKing’s Office Supply ~ Bo KingLM&M Consultants ~ Martin EaddyMitchem’s Kitchen ~ Carrol MitchemNisbit Oil-Rhodes & Beal Oil Co ~ Jimmy WhitePiedmont Vending Company ~ Zed BradleySLD Unlimited ~ Sheree’ DeMaoTimes Oil ~ Mark BoydTRT Trailers ~ Terry WhitenerWal-Mart ~ Steve LandWarlick Funeral Home ~ L D (Bud) Warlick Jr

CONSTRUCTIONCentral Carolina Sprinkler Co Inc ~ Roger WilliamsDeal Construction Inc ~ Andy DealDenver Construction ~ Kenneth TuckerGeymont Construction ~ Jerry GeymontHope Springs Builders ~ Walter ClarkHoward Construction ~ Tom HowardJNH Construction Co ~ Jeffrey HarrisLincoln County Home Builders Assoc IncPWA Builders ~ Jim Austin


Private member funding provides


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 Thanks to:

LINCOLN COUNTY

and the

CITY OF LINCOLNTON

Leda INVESTORS 2007/2008

p r i v a t e i n v e s t o r s

p u b l i c i n v e s t o r s

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L E D A C a p i t a l C a m p a i g n

recuitersAT&T

Burke Communications IncCarolinas Medical Center - Lincoln

Carolina Trust BankCentral Carolina Sprinkler Co

First Federal Savings BankGE Security

Guardian Security of NC IncMACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc

Supporters

Fifth Third Bank Lincoln County

ChampionsGeymont Construction Co Inc

Mansour Edlin ConsultingThe Keith Corporation

The Timken Foundation of Canton

PartnersBlum Inc

City of LincolntonChoate Construction Company

EnergyUnitedIMA-Industrial Managers Association

GraNd Champions


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Duke EnergyHarold Howard Jr

King’s Office Supply IncLincoln County Board of REALTORS

The M Conley CompanyMarathon Realty & Auction

Merriman Schmitt ArchitectsModocam Inc

Allied Separation Technology IncStephen M Austin DDS/PA

BB&T BankCataler North America

Clark FamilyJerry and Evelyn Cochrane

Doug CoreCrate and Barrel

James M Moore & AssociatesPiedmont Natural Gas

R B Pharr & Associates P ARSI Home Products Inc

Rhyne FinancialRobert Bosch Tool Corporation

Times Oil CorpBob E Tull

Jim and Teresa Watson

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January 2008

GE Security opens new facilityin Lincoln County Industrial ParkGE Security celebrated its location with an official rib-bon-cutting ceremony and tour of its new $10.5 million,116,144 square-foot facility. GE Security’s presence with200 jobs helps the Lincoln County Industrial Park reacha milestone by surpassing 2,000 jobs. Phil Wekenmann,Plant Manager, shared his excitement with the crowd ofcompany leaders, employees, community officials andspecial guests who attended the celebration.

GE Security, a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of theGeneral Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a leading sup-plier of security and life safety technologies, with oper-ations in more than 35 countries and $1.8 billion inannual sales. GE Security offers one of the industry'sbroadest product portfolios, covering explosives andnarcotics detection, intrusion and access control,video surveillance, key management, and fire detec-tion. GE Security's products are used to protect peopleand property across a wide range of industries, includ-ing aviation, law enforcement, banking, education,healthcare, mass transit, residential and retail. www.gesecurity.com

r i b b o n c u t t i n g s

August 2007

Brazilian Company OpensFirst North American Facility

Sabo USA, Inc. celebrated its first North Americanfacility with an official ribbon-cutting ceremonyand tour of its new 30,000 square-foot facility inthe Lincoln County Industrial Park. The Brazilianmanufacturer set to invest about $18 millionlocally. The company projects about 100 jobs atthe facility over the next two years and an addi-tional $10 million investment over the next threeto four years.

According to Jose Eduardo Sabo, President and CEO of the Sabo Group, the company chose to locate its firstmanufacturing plant in the U.S. so they could accommodate the growth in the North American market andget closer to customers.

In addition, R. Panico Peres, Director of Operations, Sabo USA, Inc. stated, "County and state officials demon-strated that not only a large pool of qualified workforce was readily available, but they also offered incentivesfor additional training. This type of commitment is very important to our company."www.sabo.com.br

June 2008

United Plate Glass opens a new plant in Lincoln County; third in U.S.

United Plate Glass celebrated the opening of their newest locationwith an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of its new $5 million,55,000 square-foot facility in the Lincoln County Industrial Park.

The company is family owned and operated and currently operated by Mike & Bart Cully along withMike’s wife Joyce. Mike and Joyce toured many industrial parks around the Charlotte area, but couldnot find one that beat or paralleled the attractiveness, central location and accessibility of the LincolnCounty Industrial Park.

United Plate Glass is headquartered in Butler, Pennsylvania about one hour north of Pittsburgh.They are a glass fabricator and distributor currently serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia andNew York. The Lincolnton facility will allow them to expand into the southeast. www.unitedplateglass.com10

LEDA 2008-2009 Annual Report

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Transcript of LEDA 2008-2009 Annual Report