For Members Only is published monthly when the General Assembly is not in session

Memo from NCCBI Chair Barry Eveland
Joining Team General Assembly
will help us and help your company
Labor Day is behind us and fall elections are underway. We’re four months away from the North Carolina General Assembly returning to Raleigh, but NCCBI is laying the groundwork now to identify key issues we’ll be working on and to put a new, more effective grassroots organization in place.

If you believe that your company’s bottom line is affected by what the state legislature does each year, then we invite you to participate in NCCBI’s new program, Team General Assembly. This program will support our organization’s already well-respected lobbying efforts. Below is information about why the new program is needed and how it will work.

We know you already have lots of demands on your time. This program was devised with those demands in mind. But what you may not know is that changes in the way the General Assembly does business is making it increasingly difficult for our organization to protect business interests without help from you and other members.

Today legislators are much more interested in hearing directly from their constituents than from the ever-growing number of professional lobbyists. You have the ability to cut through the clutter by contacting your legislator with the right messages. They will return your phone calls or make time for you on their schedules. Our lobbyists can do a good job in laying the groundwork. Your participation will make the sale.

Please take a serious look at the attached information. Ask yourself what better way can you spend your time than with a short visit with a legislator or a trip to Raleigh to help prevent additional costly regulation, higher taxes or fees. Your success in that role will pay off far more than the cost of your time.

If you have any questions, please contact Phil Kirk, Leslie Bevacqua, or Julie Woodson. We hope you will sign up to be on Team General Assembly.

Sincerely,



TEAM GENERAL ASSEMBLY
A Grassroots Program for NCCBI

BACKGROUND
NCCBI has an excellent record over many years when it comes to working with North Carolina’s General Assembly. Among all registered lobbyists, Phil Kirk and Leslie Bevacqua Coman consistently rank among the top 25 for effectiveness. General Assembly leaders and members regularly seek input from the organization. There is much more competition for legislators’ time than in years past. Consequently, each year there are NCCBI issues that don’t receive the attention from legislators that is needed. It’s an outgrowth of changing times in the General Assembly. The close split between Republicans and Democrats means more than ever that everyone’s vote is important.

YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
One thing cuts through the clutter at the General Assembly faster than any other – personal contact to legislators from influential constituents. Consequently NCCBI is organizing a team of business leaders who can personally contact their legislators at crucial moments in the legislative process. Those contacts can come in a variety of forms:

Telephone Calls
Visits with legislators in the Raleigh office
Hometown informal meetings
Small contingent visits
Appearances at legislative committee meetings

YES, IT WILL TAKE A LITTLE TIME, BUT THE REWARDS ARE GREAT
Contacting legislators is time well spent for your company. In a small amount of time you can protect or enhance your company’s bottom line. The General Assembly’s decisions affect your taxes, health care, regulatory burden and other business costs. NCCBI lobbyists stay on top of these issues and others. They will contact you when there is key decision being made where your help can turn the tide. When that time comes NCCBI lobbyists will give you enough information so that you will to feel comfortable contacting your legislator.

For this program to be successful NCCBI must know that it can count on you and you need to know that you can count on NCCBI. That’s why we have devised a Team General Assembly mutual pledge. Take a look and please sign up now.


TEAM GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLEDGE

Two major ways that you can impact public policy at the grassroots level is by
(1) communicating with your legislators, and (2) providing first-hand information to legislative committees about how a particular piece of legislation has specifically impacted (or could potentially impact) your business or organization.

If you are willing to become a member of NCCBI’s TEAM GENERAL ASSEMBLY, please commit to one or both of the following ways that you can make a difference for the business community in North Carolina.

In its pledge to you, NCCBI staff commits to providing you necessary information about business issues before you are expected to contact your legislators and/or testify before a legislative committee.

_____As a member of TEAM GENERAL ASSEMBLY, I agree to personally contact my district legislator(s) regarding relevant business-related issues, which may include a personal visit, a telephone call, writing a letter or sending an e-mail communication.

_____As a member, I will make myself available to appear before a legislative committee and testify on behalf of an issue that has impacted (or will impact) my business or organization. I realize that NCCBI will provide information regarding the issue and will give me as much notice as possible before I am expected to participate in the hearing process.

____ As a member, I will be willing to travel to Raleigh occasionally to attend a briefing session or attend a legislative committee meeting or hearing.

Signed


Print Name


Please provide your most recent contact information:


POSITION TITLE:          


COMPANY


CONTACT ADDRESS:


CITY, STATE, ZIP:


PHONE NUMBER:                                                FAX NUMBER


EMAIL ADDRESS:

Please return this form to Debbie Mueller, PO Box 2508, Raleigh, NC 27602 or fax it to 919-836-1425. You may also e-mail the information to dmueller@nccbi.org. Thank you.


How concerned should you be over
changes in federal overtime rules?

For years, Congress has debated revising the rules governing who is -- and who is not -- an "exempt" employee under federal overtime rules. Finally, relief came just a few weeks ago in the form of new regulations announced by the U.S. Department of Labor. But the new rules attracted sharp criticism from labor groups and became mired in presidential politics. Meanwhile, employers like you are scratching your heads trying to figure out whether you’re required to change your payroll systems and salary budgets.

The new regulations are the first major update to the overtime rules since 1954. Employers were required to begin applying the new rules on Aug. 23 but many failed to do so. According to Steve Dellinger, an employment attorney with the Ogletree Deakins law firm in Charlotte who specializes in wage and hour law, "the new regulations are a good opportunity to review a company's pay policies and to take advantage of the revised provisions limiting employer liability." He adds, "This is especially important given the rise in wage and hour class actions."

You have the opportunity to learn more about these new regulations, and what you need to do to be in compliance, at a seminar sponsored by NCCBI at six locations across the state in late October and early November. The "Making Workplace Law Work for You" seminars are intended for small business owners and the professionals who advise them. The objective is to train business people on the many changes in the federal and state laws controlling the workplace so you can avoid costly lawsuits.

The seminar will answer your specific questions on revisions to FSLA, such as: How improper deductions can destroy an otherwise exempt position. How many employees must a manager supervise to meet the executive exemption? Is my administrative assistant really exempt? When does the computer professional exemption apply?

The cost of the seminars is $250 with 10 percent discounts for NCCBI members. The cost includes the luncheon and keynote address, a three-ring binder containing all conference materials and refreshments during breaks. Click here to register online and pay with your credit card right now. To register by phone, call Marsha Lewandowski at NCCBI at 919-836-1400.

The N.C. Bar Association, the N.C. Association of CPAs and the national Society for Human Resource Management have placed their stamp of approval on the Workplace Law seminars, meaning that attorneys, CPAs and HR professionals who attend the seminars will receive continuing education credits toward renewing their accreditations.

The seminars also will cover:  Wage and Hour Issues  •  HIPAA and COBRA  •  Business Insurance  •  Covenants Not to Compete  •  Avoiding Lawsuits  •  Negligent Hiring  • Workplace Privacy • and Employment Relationships.  This is the second year NCCBI has offered these seminars for business people. After last year's seminars, 97 percent of the attendees who completed evaluation forms said they were so impressed that they would come back again.
 
Luncheon speakers include N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake Jr.; U.S. District Court judges Frank W. Bullock  Jr.,  James C. Fox, Graham C. Mullen and Richard L. Voorhees; and Magistrate Judge James C. Dever III.

The main presenters at the seminars will be Thomas A. Farr and Gretchen W. Ewalt, attorneys with Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart and co-authors of the book “The Employment and Labor Law Resource Guide,” and other attorneys with the firm. The book is written especially for small business owners, supervisors, personnel managers and the attorneys and CPAs who advise companies.


NCCBI News

10 area meetings on tap this month

The second half of this year’s area meeting tour begins this month with 10 events over the course of 12 days concentrated along the coast and in the Piedmont. Chair Barry Eveland and the NCCBI staff will be packing their bags for trips to Elon, Elizabeth City, Greenville, New Bern, Wrightsville Beach, High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Statesville and Salisbury.

If you live in one of those areas and haven’t already made plans to attend the meeting in your town, please do so. You can register in a matter of seconds through the NCCBI web site or by calling Marsha Lewandowski of the NCCBI staff at 919-836-1400. Remember, we encourage everyone to bring a prospective member to the meetings.

Large, enthusiastic crowds have turned out at the meetings held so far, and more than the usual number of members seem to be viewing the events as good opportunities for business development. A noticeable number of business cards have been exchanged amid conversations about an uptick in the economy. And this being an election year, several candidates for the legislature and statewide offices have been on hand, including several candidates for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Council of State.

In his report to members, Eveland has hammered home the three priorities that the Executive Committee adopted for the association last year and reaffirmed for this year – economic development; a reduction in taxes, both corporate and personal; and efficiency in government. NCCBI President Phil Kirk has updated members on recent changes in the association that he delivers in the form of a quiz.

The Asheville meeting scheduled for Sept. 20 was postponed due to the problems from hurricanes in the western part of the state. That meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, Nov. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Inn on Biltmore.

NCCBI again would like to thank the dozens of member companies who are serving as sponsors of the area meetings. They are listed in the program for each event, are acknowledged in signboards and recognized from the podium.

Encourage your employees to vote for Amendment One
NCCBI has been strongly encouraging its members to get involved with the passage of Amendment One, which as you know will be on the ballot on Nov. 2. We also need you to help make sure your employees are educated about this very important issue.  If you have already worked to educate your employees, please keep it up. Voting is more convenient than ever in North Carolina. General Absentee Voting – with no excuse required – will be available from Oct. 14 through Oct. 30, unless the county board of elections extends voting until 5 p.m. on Oct. 30. Early and late hours also will be available on Election Day. The polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

North Carolina is one of only two states in the country without the powerful economic development tool called self-financing bonds. With 185,000 jobs lost, North Carolina can no longer afford such a distinction.

We owe it to ourselves to have this tool that’s been so successful in attracting jobs and reinvigorating communities across America.

Self-financing bonds pay for themselves. Bonds pay for public improvements such as streets, water and sewer service and sidewalks in special development districts. Those facilities and the private development they support cause property values in a district to improve. That generates additional tax revenues to pay off the bonds.

Projects the bonds will support include the re-use of abandoned textile and furniture plants, affordable housing, commercial development in inner cities, industrial parks, redevelopment of areas damaged by environmental pollution or natural disasters.

In addition to local governments, the State Local Government Commission must approve each bond. In more than 50 years no local bond approved by the Commission has defaulted. Because the bonds do not pledge the community’s full taxing power no local referendum is required. That flexibility makes North Carolina communities much more competitive for projects that can’t wait months for a referendum.

According to the U.S. Chamber, a 2000 pre-election poll revealed that nearly 80 percent of employees said that they wanted to hear from their employers about the candidates running for office and the issues at stake.  With more than 1.2 million citizens employed by NCCBI members, an opportunity exists to get voters “FOR” Amendment One to the polls on Election Day.

For more information about Amendment One, visit the website www.amendmentone.org


Amendment One campaign – We’re on the move!
With less than six weeks to go before Election Day, the effort to pass Amendment One is in full swing. Amendment One continues to be a hot topic and we are working hard to ensure victory on Nov. 2.  The campaign successfully launched its paid media campaign on Sept. 22 with the release of a 30-second TV spot focusing on bringing jobs back to North Carolina. The spot is running in visible time slots and is scheduled to run statewide until Election Day.

At each of the area membership meetings we’re holding, NCCBI Chair Barry Eveland and NCCBI President Phil Kirk talk about the importance of voting FOR Amendment One. The enthusiasm we encounter for this issue is contagious. We continue to reach out to people and explain the benefits of supporting Amendment One and how self-financing bonds will help our state create jobs and become more competitive. 

We continue to push forward with our grassroots efforts. Leaders from local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations across the state are speaking out on the facts of Amendment One.  Please work to double your efforts so we are successful on Election Day.  Encourage your co-workers and friends to support jobs by voting for Amendment One!
 

Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee briefed on new laws
NCCBI’s Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee met Sept. 8 and heard from Cindy Avrette, fiscal analyst with the General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division; and Charles Collins, former state Department of Revenue executive now serving as director of government affairs for Taxware. 

Like other NCCBI policy committees, Tax and Fiscal Policy is preparing recommendations for the 2005 legislative session. The committee will forward its recommendations to NCCBI’s Executive Committee which will adopt NCCBI position statements at its Nov. 30 meeting.

Avrette reviewed 2004 finance law changes and gave a few insights into what might be expected in 2005. Her highlights list for 2004 included legislation supported by NCCBI and adopted by the General Assembly to aid with economic development. Included in the list were additional funding for the One North Carolina Fund, elimination of the IRB wage standard, additional funding for community colleges for equipment and new and expanding industry training, changes in the R & D credit and $468 million of special indebtedness to finance various capital projects including the UNC-CH Cancer Center and the ECU Cardiovascular Disease Institute. A complete summary of finance law changes that were passed during the 2004 legislative session is available by going to the General Assembly website at www.ncga.state.nc.us.

In looking forward to what can be expected on 2005, Avrette pointed out that as we begin the 2005 legislative session there is a “possible shortfall of revenue of $1.1 billion.” This includes non-recurring revenue used to fund recurring expenditures and revenue generated from sales tax and personal income taxes that are due to sunset on June 30. NCCBI strongly supports the sunset on the top marginal rate for personal income taxes.

Charles Collins updated the committee on Streamlined Sales Tax initiative and its impact on North Carolina. The Streamlined Sales Tax Project is a multi-state effort to develop a simplified sales tax collection system for all types of commerce, including Internet and traditional transactions.  Most businesses and taxpayers, responsible for sales and use taxes, will be affected by this effort, which has been underway since March 2000.


Gubernatorial debate scheduled

Gov. Mike Easley and Republican challenger and former state senator Patrick Ballantine will participate in an education forum on Oct. 4 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. The debate will be the first between the two gubernatorial candidates and is being sponsored by the Education: Everybody’s Business Coalition, the N.C. Cable Telecommunications Association, SAS Institute and Time Warner Cable. The debate will be held on the campus of SAS Institute and will be carried live in the triangle area on News 14 Carolina. The debate will be re-broadcast on local cable channels several times before Election Day.

Update on the streamlined sales tax project
Action on the Streamlined Sales Tax Project (SSTP) is occurring on three different fronts. SSTP is an effort created by state governments, with input from local governments and the private sector, to simplify and modernize sales and use tax collection and administration. The proposals include tax law simplifications, more efficient administrative procedures and using emerging technologies to substantially reduce the burden of tax collection. The states are taking action on provisions in their legislatures and also through administrative rules. States also are moving to implement technology solutions and provide for a structure that will ensure that they maintain and build on the progress they have made.

SSTP Work – Some of the issues which SSTP is currently working on deal with bundling, the uniform certificate and reports to be provided under the exemption administration, definition of digital property and some telecommunication terms and some sourcing issues dealing with some states that tax a number of services, such as South Dakota. SSTP is also reviewing how states handle buydowns and prepared food for uniformity among states that have enacted streamlined provisions.

Legislative Action by States – Twenty one states have passed significant parts of the provisions of the Agreement. A review is occurring currently to verify that these states are in compliance with the provisions. An initial review is being conducted by the business community that will provide a report to the Implementing States body. (It appears that North Carolina is in substantial compliance with the provisions but does have a few issues to address by 1-1-06.)

Two of the states, Texas and Washington, have not passed the destination sourcing provision and will be found out of compliance based upon today’s provisions. It is too early to tell the status of the other states since the review will take place later this year. Some states have effective dates of certain provisions of July 1, 2005 and it is expected that 15 or more should be in compliance by that date.

Conforming Committee – To help expedite the implementation of the provisions the Implementing States body formed this committee to establish committees, provide for a system to ensure compliance in the future and to maintain the agreement. The group will also assist with the technology implementation.

North Carolina has been a leader in the effort since it began and is expected to be in compliance with the provisions. There are some issues that need to be addressed by Jan. 1, 2006, such as a few multiple rates and caps. In addition there could be a few definitions that need attention based upon the current work of SSTP. There could be other issues based upon the review of North Carolina’s Compliance Checklist by the other states but it appears to be in substantial compliance.

Information provided by Charles Collins



Exciting Young Executives Forum meeting planned for November
The next meeting of the NCCBI Young Executives Forum is open to NCCBI’s membership on a first-come, first-served basis. The meeting, to be held Friday, Nov. 5, will feature former governors Jim Holshouser and Jim Hunt in an informal conversation facilitated by NCCBI President Phil Kirk. The governors will share their personal success stories and some of what they’ve learned during their lives of public service.

This will be a unique opportunity to hear from two former governors at one meeting! One is a Democrat, one a Republican, but their impact on North Carolina has crossed political lines and they continue to play integral roles in our state’s progress.

The meeting will be held 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro. Cost is $50 and includes lunch. Space is limited, so take time and register today!

Another highlight of the agenda will be a 2004 election overview provided by John Davis, executive director of NCFREE. Since it will be only three days after the general election, this will be an informative and exciting look at the election results!

For more information and to receive a registration form, e-mail Debbie Mueller, Legislative Assistant, at dmueller@nccbi.org.


Kirk praises Union County leaders, unveils magazine special section
"It is great to be in the fastest growing county in North Carolina and the 24th fastest growing county in the United States," NCCBI President Phil Kirk told 45 business and community leaders at a breakfast on Sept. 23 at the Union County Chamber of Commerce in Monroe. The event was held for NCCBI to officially unveil the Union County community profile, which appears in the current edition of the NORTH CAROLINA magazine.
 
"It is significant that Union County is featured as a part of annual education issues because of the importance you place on the value of public education through the Union County Public Schools, South Piedmont Community College, and Wingate University," Kirk said. He urged the business community to continue to raise standards and expectations for education at every level. He saluted the business community for leading the effort to successfully pass four public school bond referenda in the past six years.
 
"We select counties which value economic development," Kirk said. "Union County boasts a diverse economy, one which provides excellent, good paying jobs for your hard-working citizens."
 
He plugged the value of partnerships and working together on many issues, including economic development and marketing the county's resources. He also praised the quality medical care delivered through Union Regional Medical Center. "Union County values a good quality of life. Each of your 14 towns boasts its own unique identity and you need to continue to work to maintain and enhance your uniqueness. You place a special value on tradition and history and community festivals and events. Marketing is extremely important for your continued growth."
 
Union County Chamber President Jim Carpenter and Kirk urged the group to work hard for the passage of Amendment One, self-financing bonds, which will be on the ballot on Nov. 2.



Young Executives hear ‘lessons from a leader’
"Courage is the most important characteristic of effective leadership," Queens University President Dr. Pamela Lewis told members of the NCCBI Young Executives Forum at its Aug. 27 meeting at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
 
In the "Lessons from a Leader" part of the agenda, Dr. Lewis urged the audience to "take risks and not to accept the status quo." She used themes from the Wizard of Oz in discussing other characteristics of effective leadership, such as competence, heart, and courage. In addition, she focused on the value of a liberal arts education and the value of learning to think critically and developing strong oral and written communication skills.
 
Dr. John Silvia, chief economist for Wachovia, said the unemployment rate now is the exact same it was when President Clinton was seeking re-election in 1996. "Economic growth in the United States is stronger than in Europe or Japan. Sixty-two percent of business people in the U. S. say business is improving and that also applies to manufacturing. Jobless claims are down and the growth in income is key. It is up four percent above last year at this time."
 
On a panel discussing "Economic Opportunities and Challenges in the Charlotte Area” were Scott Cooper, senior manager of promotions and media relations for Lowe's Motor Speedway; Jim Palermo, executive in residence at Johnson & Wales University; and Jim Humphrey, director of the Charlotte Department of Transportation.

NCCBI President Phil Kirk updated the young executives on the priorities for NCCBI during the next several years. Also participating on the program were Dr. Harry Williams, YEF chair; Joe Milazzo II, YEF vice chair; Russell Jones and Bill Durham, members of the steering committee.
 


Please welcome these new NCCBI members
Companies that joined or rejoined NCCBI in August, along with the name of the key executive at each company, include: Advanced Energy, Robert Koger, Raleigh; Aramark, William Leonard, Philadelphia, PA; Atlantic American Properties, Lynne Scott-Safrit, Kannapolis; Carolina Human Resources, Michael Womble, Sanford; City of Kannapolis, Mike Legg, Kannapolis; Deloitte & Touche, J.R. Shearin, Raleigh; Development Management Inc., Ivon D. Rohrer Jr., Charlotte; Duke University, John Burness, Durham; E.B. Wall & Associates, Elizabeth Wall, Lenoir; Fidelity Investments, Wayne Douglas, Raleigh; Freeman Communication Services, Jef Freeman, Charlotte; Home Savings Bank of Eden, W. Thomas Flynt, Eden; North Raleigh Hilton, Fred Vanslyke, Raleigh; Office of Dr. Walt DeVries, Dr. Walt DeVries, Wrightsville Beach; Pro Line Printing Inc., Gerald Pfister, Pineville; R.D. Harrell Co., Dean Harrell, Matthews; R.H. Barringer Distributing Co., Mark Craig, Greensboro; Ralph Whitehead Associates, Inc., G. Stuart Matthis, Charlotte; Richard Gaylord Homes Inc., Richard Gaylord, Raleigh; Sanmina-SCI Corp., Jim Campbell, Durham; Seymour Support Council, Troy Pate, Goldsboro; Shaw University, Dr. Clarence Newsome, Raleigh and Watauga County EDC, Joe Furman, Boone.


Candidates for superintendent of public instruction debate issues
The two candidates for state superintendent of public instruction faced off in a debate on the issues Sept. 10 in an event arranged by the Education: Everybody’s Business Coalition in partnership with Time Warner Cable, the N.C. Cable Telecommunications Association and SAS Institute. Democratic candidate June Atkinson and Republican candidate Bill Fletcher responded to questions from moderator John Dornan, executive director of the Public School Forum, and questions posed by members of the audience.

Topics covered during the one-hour forum included compliance with the Leandro decision, modification of the state’s accountability system, recruitment and retention of teachers, positions on the lottery, consideration for a statewide bond initiative, issues around high school dropouts and relationships with the State Board of Education. Time Warner Cable and other members of the Cable Association across the state intend to broadcast the forum numerous times on cable outlets across North Carolina between now and Election Day. 

The Education: Everybody’s Business Coalition includes North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry, the Public School Forum, the N.C. Association of School Administrators, the N.C. Business Committee for Education, the N.C. School Boards Association, the N.C. Business Committee for Education and the Council of Local Chambers of Commerce. NCCBI Vice President of Government Affairs Leslie Bevacqua Coman chairs the coalition. 

Executive Committee conducts business at quarterly meeting
John Davis, executive director of NC FREE, told members of the NCCBI executive committee at its meeting on Sept. 9 at the Angus Barn that Bush, Easley, and Bowles would carry North Carolina if the election were held now. He also predicted that the Democrats would again control the N.C. Senate and recapture control in the N.C. House by a narrow margin, but he also said this would likely result in having co-speakers again.

John Ketchum, president of Charlotte public relations and consulting company Loeffler, Ketchum and Mountjoy, presented a preliminary outline of a project that his company is doing to help NCCBI develop a more effective marketing campaign designed to recruit and retain more members. The company is donating its services to NCCBI and Chair Barry Eveland expressed his appreciation of this helpful gesture.

Graham Denton, second vice chair, and Rosemary Wyche, vice president of development, stated that the Bank of America membership campaign is gaining momentum and will reach its goal of $100,000 by the end of the year. Steve Tuttle, vice president of communications, reported on the positive financial health of the magazine, the Morant computer conversion project, and personnel issues. Leslie Bevacqua, vice president of governmental affairs, talked about the Amendment One campaign, the Team General Assembly grassroots campaign, and various legislative issues.
 
Eveland gave an update on the progress being made on NCCBI's four major priorities -- lowering the corporate and personal income tax rates, economic development, government efficiency, and membership and internal operations. NCCBI President Phil Kirk discussed the recommendations from three focus groups that he and Wyche conducted in the Triangle, Triad and Charlotte. Richard Wiley of Duke Power and vice chair of NCCBI's economic development committee, reported on economic development legislative successes in the past General Assembly and discussed some of the issues the committee will address in the future, such as more assistance for small and existing businesses.



State Government
Governor wants express permitting expanded statewide
Widely-praised express permitting pilot projects in Wilmington and Raleigh should be expanded statewide, Gov. Mike Easley said in announcing a comprehensive reform of environmental permitting processes, including a money-back guarantee. The governor said that if a business submits a complete and accurate permit application to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the application is not processed in the time allowed under existing rules, the agency will refund the permit application fee. The first permit area to be eligible for the money-back guarantee is site development; fees in these programs typically range from $50 to $5,000.

Easley also announced plans to immediately expand DENR’s express permitting program in Washington this fall and Mooresville in the spring. Easley plans to expand the program statewide next year. A pilot program in Wilmington has praised as a key component of the state’s successful effort to attract the Verizon Wireless Call Center and 1,200 associated jobs to the state. Under express permitting, applicants pay a supplemental fee to receive coordinated, expedited review of permit applications. Express permitting also has been successfully introduced on a pilot basis in the Raleigh region.

The average turnaround time for erosion and sedimentation control plans has been cut from 20 days to two days; and storm water permits are averaging nine days compared to 70 days under the regular program. During the first six months of 2004, the express permitting pilot program brought in $400,000 in fees to cover the additional service costs.

Other reforms that Easley announced include:

 Preliminary review. Staff from the divisions of water quality, air quality, coastal management, land resources and other DENR agencies will review every permit application for general completeness within the first two weeks of receipt. Following this initial review, the agency will promptly notify applicants who have submitted incomplete applications and provide immediate approval of straightforward applications that meet all requirements.

 Keeping place in line. Permit applicants who respond in a timely manner when an application is returned by staff (for correction or additional information) will keep their place in line, rather than dropping to the bottom of the applicant pile.

 Avoiding “last minute” permit returns. Permit staff cannot return an application (for correction or additional information) within two weeks of a program’s maximum allowed days for permit review without approval from their division director.

 Technical assistance. DENR will work to improve the quality of permit submittals through cooperation with the Association of Professional Engineers of North Carolina. High quality applications are essential to timely permit completion. According to agency records, as many as 25 percent of initial permit submittals are incomplete in some programs.

Over the past three years, DENR and other state agencies have taken several steps to improve and streamline permitting processes. Another such initiative is the Ecosystem Enhancement Program, which was begun in 2002. A nationally recognized collaboration between DENR, the Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EEP developed a better, more environmentally friendly way to address highway construction projects. The EEP has helped reduce highway project costs and delays.


Revenue Department reaches out to Hispanic taxpayers
The N.C. Department of Revenue is taking a proactive approach to dealing with the state’s growing Hispanic population. Since 1990, North Carolina’s Hispanic population has grown over 400 percent. Given that the state now has one of the highest Hispanic populations in the nation, it is increasingly important that state government give attention to the various issues involved in providing services to non-English speaking persons in North Carolina.

Earlier this year, the department requested an allocation of $250,000 from the General Assembly to use on Hispanic-related issues. Once that appropriation was received, the agency formed a task force to examine the relevant issues and implement a plan to use the $250,000 in the most effective manner.

The departmental task force has focused on three main areas. First, the agency is seeking to recruit more Spanish speakers and Revenue employees. The agency currently has meager resources needed to just communicate with the Spanish speaking population. Recruitment of qualified, Spanish fluent job candidates is an agency priority.

Second, the Department is focusing on outreach to and education of the Hispanic community on tax issues. The NCDOR is working with Hispanic community and business organizations along with business owners who employ large numbers of Hispanic laborers to make inroads in explaining state tax obligations to the Hispanic population. This effort is designed as a service to Hispanic workers and business owners so that they may better understand the state’s tax laws and requirements and also to prevent them from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous elements that may seek to prey on the lack of knowledge about state taxes among the Hispanic population.

Third, the Department is looking to translate tax information in a variety of media for distribution among the Hispanic community. Translation of tax instructions, the department’s web site and the Interactive Voice Response system in the agency’s call center are all areas that are being examined.

The Department of Revenue seeks to provide better service to the Hispanic population of North Carolina while at the same time boosting understanding of and compliance with the state’s tax code within this same group. By using its resources effectively and taking a proactive approach to this issue, the NCDOR seeks to fulfill its mission and responsibility to all the citizens of North Carolina.  

Economic Development Briefs

Ritz-Craft Corp., a leading builder of modular and manufactured housing, said it will locate a new manufacturing facility in Richmond County, creating 252 new jobs and bringing an investment of $10 million. The modular home manufacturing facility will be located in the new Richmond County Industrial Park. Construction will begin in December and the company plans to be operational by August. The new jobs will include skilled, home construction-related manufacturing positions. Workers will receive an average salary of $14 an hour. Ritz-Craft was awarded a $250,000 grant from the One N.C. Fund. Ritz-Craft Corp., headquartered in Mifflinburg, PA, has more than 800 employees, producing more than 40 homes per week. The Richmond County Industrial Park has been classified as a Certified Site by the N.C. Department of Commerce. Richmond County has invested $3.5 million in the industrial park and the certified sites.

Turkington Industries, a world leader in bakery machinery and equipment, acquired APV Baker-Goldsboro and will continue operations in the existing Wayne County facility. This strategic acquisition by Turkington Industries will result in the retention of 120 jobs. Turkington Industries is a privately owned company with headquarters in Lancashire, England, and more than 250 employees worldwide. Turkington Industries will take over the operations of the Goldsboro facility early this month. The average salary at the plant is $46,000 a year and includes metal workers, assemblers and engineers, as well as sales and marketing positions. Turkington was awarded a $300,000 grant from the One N.C. Fund.

Southport Boat Works LLC, a manufacturer of center console and cabin sport fishing boats, will bring 200 jobs and a $5.8 million investment to Brunswick County during the next three years. Its headquarters and manufacturing facility will be located in Leland Industrial Park, occupying a 15-acre tract with 52,000 square feet of air-conditioned manufacturing space. In addition to a multi-million dollar machinery investment, the company has installed state-of-the-art air make-up, material handling, fiberglass trim and resin management systems. Initial employment of 51 workers will grow to over 100 during the first year of operation. By the end of three years, Southport Boat Works expects to have filled all 200 positions. These skilled manufacturing positions will pay an average weekly salary of $640.

The N. C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund has awarded the Department of Environment and Natural Resources a $3.87 million grant to fund the third phase of the state’s voluntary floodplain swine buyout program. The program, which first received CWMTF funding in 1999, removes high-risk hog farms from the 100-year floodplain. A $5.7 million CWMTF grant was awarded in 1999 and another $6.1 million grant was funded in 2002. As a result, 22 hog farms in the 100-year floodplain have been bought out, decommissioning 34 waste treatment lagoons in the process. Buyouts for another eight hog farms are on-going. The Division of Soil and Water Conservation has mailed a solicitation for swine producers’ bids and, as in the first two phases of the buyout program, will rank the offers received to maximize the total water quality benefits associated with the use of these funds.

Names in the News

NCCBI’s Bevacqua Coman again named a Top 10 lobbyist
NCCBI’s top lobbyists – Vice President of Governmental Affairs Leslie Bevacqua Coman and President Phil Kirk, again were ranked as among the most influential lobbyists in the General Assembly by the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research. In fact, NCCBI was one of only four organizations statewide that had two lobbyists ranked among the most influential in the biannual survey. The rankings are based on a survey of all 170 members of the legislature, all 366 registered lobbyists and legislative liaisons based in the state and the 21 capital news correspondents.

Bevacqua Coman was ranked as the sixth most influential and Kirk was ranked 22^nd among the 366 lobbyists who work in the General Assembly. Bevacqua Coman was ranked fifth in the 2001-02 session and seventh in the 1999-00 session. Kirk was ranked 14^th in the 2001-02 session and eighth in the 1999-00 session.

The only other organizations or entities to have at least two representatives on the most influential lobbyists list were BellSouth, the N.C. Home Builders Association and the Governor’s Office.

Michael Almond, president and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Partnership since 1999, announced he would retire in April. Almond, 55, formerly was a partner in Parker, Poe, Adams & Bernstein firm. Michael Mayer, partnership chairman, said he expects a smooth transition.

October 2004

4, Monday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Transportation Committee meets, NCCBI boardroom

5, Tuesday, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Council of Local Chambers meets, NCCBI boardroom

6, Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Tax & Fiscal Policy meets, NCCBI boardroom

7, Thursday, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m., Worker's Comp Working Group, NCCBI boardroom
13, Wednesday, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., Lobbyist Group meeting, NCCBI boardroom

15, Friday, 11:45 a.m.- Luncheon, Elon Area Meeting, Elon University - Moseley Center, McKinnon Hall

20, Wednesday, 11:45 a.m.- Luncheon, Elizabeth City Area Meeting, Pine Lakes Country Club 

20, Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.- Reception, Greenville Area Meeting, Greenville Hilton 

21, Thursday, 11:45 a.m. - Luncheon, New Bern Area Meeting, New Bern Convention Center

21, Thursday, 5:30 p.m. - Reception, Wrightsville Beach Area Meeting, Blockade Runner

21, Thursday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Legal Issues and Workplace Policies Committee meets, NCCBI boardroom

26, Tuesday, 7:30 a.m.-Breakfast, High Point Area Meeting, String & Splinter

26, Tuesday, 11:45 a.m.-Luncheon, Greensboro Area Meeting, Grandover

26, Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.-Reception, Winston-Salem Area Meeting, Womble-Carlyle/Piedmont Room

27, Wednesday, 11:45 a.m.-Luncheon, Statesville Area Meeting, Statesville Civic Center

27, Wednesday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Health Care Committee meets, NCCBI boardroom

27, Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.-Reception, Salisbury Area Meeting, Salisbury Country Club

28, Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Workplace Law Seminar, Grandover Resort, Greensboro

29, Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Workplace Law Seminar, North Raleigh Hilton

November 2004

1, Monday, 5:30 p.m.-Reception, Asheville Area Meeting, Inn on Biltmore Estate, Vanderbilt Room 

4, Thursday, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Tax & Fiscal Policy Committee meets, NCCBI boardroom

5, Friday, 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m., Young Executives Forum, Greensboro Area

8, Monday, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, Worker's Comp Working Group, NCCBI Boardroom

8, Monday, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Task Force on Chamber Relations, NCCBI Boardroom

9, Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Workplace Law Seminar, Hilton Charlotte Executive Park

10, Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Workplace Law Seminar, Grove Park Inn and Spa, Asheville

10, Wednesday, 6:00 p.m., Business Hall of Fame induction and dinner, Westin, Charlotte

15, Monday, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m., Lobbyist Group meets, NCCBI boardroom

17, Wednesday, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., Council of Associations meets, NCCBI boardroom

18, Thursday, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., Workplace Law Seminar, Blockade Runner, Wrightsville Beach

19, Friday, 10:00 a.m. , NCCBI Environmental Concerns Committee, NCCBI boardroom

19, Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Workplace Law Seminar, Greenville Hilton 

22, Monday, 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., NCCBI Finance Committee meets, NCCBI boardroom

30, Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., NCCBI Executive Committee meets, Bank of America, Charlotte

30, Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. , NCCBI Board of Directors meets, Bank of America , Charlotte