12022003 Meeting Clear

Report To: 

Report To Buncombe County Commissioners December 2, 2003 Sharon Willen, Director Business & Industry Services Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Overview: 

Overview Keeping existing industry strong and attracting new industry is a complex task. Thank you for doing so well at balancing the interests of industry against the interests of individual citizens and their families. 80% of all new jobs are created by local business and industry.

Existing Industry Program: 

Existing Industry Program Buncombe County Economic Development Commission Recognizes the Importance of Existing Industry by Supporting A Full Time Staff Position

Existing Industry Program: 

Existing Industry Program 180 visits to local companies per year Provide consulting services to assist companies, for example: Help expedite installation of traffic signals, street signs Refer to organizations that help keep costs down Promote buy-local and provide introductions for small manufacturers to larger manufacturers and other potential local buyers.

Existing Industry Program: 

Existing Industry Program Publish an e-mail newsletter providing info on important meetings, legislation, educational and networking opportunities Administrate the WNC Talent Bank Distribute the Available Industrial Buildings publication Facilitate the annual Manufacturing Leadership Awards competition and recognition event

Local Manufacturing: 

Local Manufacturing Bad News and Good News Employment levels are down to 13,800 from 14,400 Six major plant closings have been announced However, 8 firms have recently expanded and others are considering expansion. (+75 jobs)

Slide7: 

Plastics Process Supervisor – ($40,000) Quality Auditors Electric Sign Installers/Service Tech ($14) Marble Shop production ($8.50) Warehouse/delivery ($8.50) Manufacturing Engineer ($40 – 50,000) Sample New Jobs

Slide8: 

Stable healthcare insurance costs Support for entrepreneurs Smaller Manufacturers may not be eligible for County incentives Manufacturing Concerns

13,800 Manufacturing Jobs: 

13,800 Manufacturing Jobs Economic Impact Generate over $742 million of personal income Add $61 million in state and local tax revenues (annually) Add $184 million annual federal tax revenue Support another 7,800 local non-manufacturing jobs

Support for Industry: 

Support for Industry Suggestion For a period of time, reduce the County threshold on capital investment so smaller manufacturers may take advantage of the County expansion incentive policy.

Existing Industry: 

Existing Industry Thank You For Your Guidance and Support Sharon Willen, Director Business and Industry Services Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce