Best of All Worlds Scenic beauty meets

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Fits Like a GloveSpecialty textile firm

sews up expansion

Built to LastRegion crafts a highly skilled workforce

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WorkstyleBuilt to Last 10Region crafts a highly skilled workforce

Fits Like A Glove 14Specialty textile firm sews up expansion

strong properties, Big potential 16Advanced materials consortium draws new players

Best of All Worlds 26Scenic beauty meets lively arts scene

insightoverview 3

Almanac 4

Business Climate 8

transportation 20

health 22

education 24

economic profile 28

Gallery 29

through the Lens 33

special advertising section: Wilkes economic development Corporation

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Best of All Worlds Scenic beauty meets

lively arts scene

Fits Like a GloveSpecialty textile firm

sews up expansion

Built to LastRegion crafts a highly skilled workforce

WiLkes County, north CAroLinA

businessclimate.com/wilkes-nc -economic-development

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Business

sponsored By the WiLkes ChAmBer oF CommerCe | 2012

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WiLkes County, north CAroLinA2012 Edition, volumE 11

ContEnt dirECtor Bill mcmeekin ProofrEading managEr RAven pettyContEnt Coordinator JeSSicA wAlkeRStaff WritEr kevin litwinCoPy Editor Jill wyAttContributing WritErS pAmelA coyle,John FulleR, melAnie hill, BetSy williAmSSEnior graPhiC dESignErS lAuRA gAllAgheR, JAnine mARylAnd, kRiS Sexton, vikki williAmSgraPhiC dESignErS RAchAel geRRingeR, tAyloR nunleySEnior PhotograPhErS JeFF AdkinS, BRiAn mccoRdStaff PhotograPhErS todd Bennett, Antony BoShieRColor imaging tEChniCian AliSon hunteRExECutivE intEgratEd mEdia managEr Suzi mcgRudeR

ad ProduCtion managEr kAtie middendoRFad traffiC aSSiStantS kRyStin lemmon, pAtRiciA moiSAn

Chairman gReg thuRmAnPrESidEnt/PubliShEr BoB SchwARtzmAnExECutivE viCE PrESidEnt RAy lAngenSEnior v.P./SalES todd potteRSEnior v.P./oPErationS cASey heSteRSEnior v.P./CliEnt dEvEloPmEnt JeFF heeFneRSEnior v.P./buSinESS dEvEloPmEnt Scott templetonSEnior v.P./agribuSinESS PubliShing kim holmBeRgv.P./buSinESS dEvEloPmEnt chARleS FitzgiBBonv.P./ExtErnal CommuniCationS teRee cARutheRSv.P./viSual ContEnt mARk FoReSteRv.P./ContEnt oPErationS nAtAShA loRenSv.P./travEl PubliShing SuSAn chAppellv.P./SalES heRB hARpeR, JARek SwekoSkyControllEr chRiS dudleySEnior aCCountant liSA owenSaCCountS PayablE Coordinator mARiA mcFARlAndaCCountS rECEivablE Coordinator diAnA guzmAnSalES SuPPort Coordinator Alex mARkSSalES SuPPort ProjECt managEr SARA quintSyStEm adminiStrator dAniel cAntRelldatabaSE managEr/it SuPPort chAndRA BRAdShAwWEb CrEativE dirECtor AlliSon dAviSWEb ContEnt managEr John hoodWEb ProjECt managEr noy FongnAlyWEb dESignEr ii RichARd StevenSWEb dEvEloPmEnt lEad yAmel hAllWEb dEvEloPEr i nelS noSewoRthyWEb aCCount managEr lAuRen euBAnkPhotograPhy dirECtor JeFFRey S. ottoCrEativE SErviCES dirECtor chRiStinA cARdenPubliCation dESign dirECtor muRRy keithCrEativE tEChnology analySt BeccA ARyaudiEnCE dEvEloPmEnt dirECtor deAnnA nelSondiStribution dirECtor gARy SmithExECutivE SECrEtary kRiSty duncAnhuman rESourCES managEr peggy BlAkerECEPtioniSt lindA BiShop

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Overview

Wilkes County, n.C.: Where opportunity and prosperity meetA Diverse economy is set in the splenDor of the Blue riDge mountAins

wilkes county, n.c., is open for business. with more than 69,000 residents and a location amid the splendor of the Blue Ridge mountains, wilkes county has built impressive industry sectors that include manufacturing and food production. wilkes county includes a cluster of companies centered around the building products industry. Among the region’s largest employers is lowe’s cos., which has about 2,200 workers in the county.

A number of well-known companies have operations in wilkes county, including tyson, louisiana-pacific, window world, gardner glass and worldwide protective products.

the region offers a number of business advantages, including available land and buildings, a suite of innovative incentive and financing programs, a 500-acre certified industrial site ready for a large user, major industrial parks, available water systems and top-notch infrastructure that includes rail service and an airport with a runway that can accommodate large jets.

wilkes county stays well connected with close proximity to interstate 77, which links to major east-west route interstate 40. wilkes county Airport offers services for corporate and general aviation aircraft and handles more than 23,000 flights per year.

A key asset to providing a skilled workforce in wilkes county is the presence of wilkes community college. the college offers a

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number of occupational, technical and pre-baccalaureate programs and also has strong ties to the local business community.

wilkes county offers a balance of tranquil settings, high-quality schools, vibrant arts and cultural attractions, and a range of living options from revitalized downtowns in communities such as wilkesboro and north wilkesboro to mountain retreats.

parks such as Rendezvous mountain educational State Forest‚ w. kerr Scott dam and Reservoir and Stone mountain State park allow residents and visitors the chance to play outdoors, whether it’s hiking, biking, canoeing or bird-watching. wilkes community college, home base for the annual merleFest, offers the walker center, a major venue for performing arts.

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Almanac

history’s mysteriesthe former wilkes county courthouse dates to 1902 and was eventually abandoned, but it underwent a restoration in 2005 and today houses the wilkes heritage museum.

the museum chronicles the characters and significant occurrences in business, industry, arts and culture in wilkes county through the centuries. exhibits tell the story of native Americans, moravian explorers, Revolutionary and civil war heritage, moonshine days, stock car racing and natural disasters like the 1916 and 1940 floods.

the museum complex also includes the Blue Ridge music hall of Fame, and its front steps feature a veterans’ walk of honor that pays tribute to servicemen and women. go to wilkesheritagemuseum.com for more.

Wine ALL you WAntWilkes County’s award-winning wineries are a great way to spend a day or two learning about North Carolina wines.

A beautiful afternoon can be spent eating fresh bread and cheese, sipping wine and gazing at the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the popular spots in the county is Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery, which is open for tastings every day except Tuesdays. McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks and Elkin Creek Vineyard are other popular wine-tasting destinations in Wilkes County.

Grape growers say the Wilkes County region has an ideal climate and good soil for such an enterprise. You can learn more about Wilkes County wineries by visiting www.explorewilkes.com/wineries.php.

tom’s story tAkes the stAGewilkes native tom dula (dooley) was a confederate civil war veteran who was tried and hanged shortly after the war for the murder of his fianceé, laura Foster.

however, many people believe that one of dula’s jealous ex-girlfriends murdered Foster, but he accepted blame to protect his former lover.

each summer, the wilkes playmakers stage a popular play based on the events. dula’s story was popularized in 1958 by the top-selling kingston trio song Hang Down Your Head, Tom Dooley. By the way, in 2001 tom dula was acquitted of all charges after a petition was sent around wilkes county. For more, go to www.wilkesplaymakers.com.

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totALLy Wiredcarolina west wireless celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011 with a live concert performance at wilkes community college by country music artists diamond Rio.

carolina west wireless is headquartered in wilkesboro, and offers data service, mobile service, wireless equipment and wireless plans that provide nationwide coverage. cww is owned by a partnership consisting of Skyline telephone, Surry telephone and wilkes telephone. Also in 2011, carolina west wireless joined with verizon wireless to partner in an initiative to bring wireless services to communities throughout rural America. For more on the company, go to www.carolinawest.com.

see to BeLievewilkes Art gallery features 12 exhibitions annually, and offers a variety of workshops and classes for children and adults.

its gift shop is stocked with items from local and state artists and crafters. the gallery was founded in 1962 in the parlor of art patron Annie winkler’s home, then moved in 2004 to the renovated original north wilkesboro post office building.

the current gallery has 10,000 square feet of space that includes 3,500 square feet of exhibition space, a complete ceramics studio, painting and drawing studios, two multipurpose classrooms and the gift shop. For more, go to wilkesartgallery.org.

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seW And teLLthe wilkes county quilters, founded in 1988, offer a Barn quilt trail of 13 quilts affixed to the sides of barns along a driving tour through the county.

guild members meet each tuesday (except the fourth tuesday) at wilkes heritage museum. the guild has demonstrated quilting and needle art at events such as Art demonstration week at the nwnc visitor center and whippoorwill Academy, as well as in local schools. president Joan Scorof says anyone who would like to be a quilter can attend a session, thereby helping to preserve and advance the art of quilting.A is For AppLe

the first Saturday of october draws more than 100‚000 visitors to downtown north wilkesboro for the annual Brushy mountain Apple Festival.

the festival is one of the largest one-day arts and crafts events in the Southeast, and more than 100 civic, church and nonprofit organizations participate. Besides arts and crafts, the festival offers abundant apple-related activities along with vendors and musical performances.

entertainers in october 2011 included the elkville String Band, Al wood & the Smokey Ridge Boys, the zephyr lightning Bolts and the wagon wheel cloggers. For more, go to www.applefestival.net.

Aid the WorLd’s suFFerinGSamaritan’s purse is a nondenominational evangelical christian organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.

Since 1970, Samaritan’s purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease and famine. the ceo of the organization is Franklin graham, son of evangelist Billy graham.

wilkes county is home to the organization’s north American disaster Assistance center, which is based on a 4.2-acre site in north wilkesboro, where Samaritan’s purse stores supplies that aid people in crisis across north America. Samaritan’s purse is the largest customer at wilkes county Airport, where the organization is adding a second hangar to house aircraft that can be used on nonstop flights around the world.

when a massive earthquake devastated haiti in January 2010, Samaritan’s purse purchased lumber and supplies from lowe’s to build simple shelters for the thousands of people left homeless by the quake. For more, go to www.samaritanspurse.org.

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Almanac

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shArps And FLAtslegendary folk music guitarist doc watson and Bill young started the merleFest music festival in wilkesboro in 1988, in memory of doc’s son, eddy merle watson.

the popular event began simply as a fundraiser for wilkes community college and has grown into the largest bluegrass and folk music festival in the united States. Still held on the wcc campus, merleFest now draws more than 75,000 music fans each April. its goal is to help keep Appalachian-style music alive, with musicians, such as marty Stuart (shown here), from across the globe in attendance. the 25th anniversary celebration is set for April 26-29, 2012. For more, go to merlefest.org.

Business Climate

All the right toolsWilkes county’s assets provide strong base for business

Story by Betsy Williams • photography by Todd Bennett

Wilkes County’s economic toolbox is loaded with all the right tools a business might need: a strategic location, abundant natural resources,

infrastructure, transportation and communication connectivity, available land and a suite of incentive and financing programs backed by progressive leadership.

With more than 69,000 residents, a location amid the splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a roster full of business advantages, this North Carolina county has built impressive industry sectors that include manufacturing and food production.

The county’s economic development effort is led by the public/private Wilkes Economic Development Corp., composed of elected officials and local business leaders.

“We have strong leadership from the private and public sectors and have adopted a proactive stance,” says Jeff Garstka, EDC president. “We are set up for success, with an excellent and unique spirit of collaboration.”

The county offers a 500-acre certified industrial site ready for a large user, world-class office space, four-lane access to Interstate 77 and Interstate 40, and a general aviation airport with an instrument landing system capable of accommodating large jets. The airport also offers industrial sites to niche businesses that need an aviation component, further diversifying site selection choices.

“Wilkes County provides a very friendly business climate, with a long history of supporting our existing

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About Wilkes County, n.C.

69,340Population (2010)

5.6%Population change 2000-2010

29,287Labor force (2010)

$49,846Median family income (2010)

14.3%Bachelor’s degree or higher

industry and business,” Garstka says. “Our extremely good water supply, excellent utility structure, creative incentives, strong public education system and jobs-based training make a compelling story for industries that are looking for a lower-cost alternative, without sacrificing amenities.”

The EDC has created a Local Expansion and Attraction Program incentive of $750,000 in private funds to incentivize high-growth economic development opportunities and local expansion projects, resulting in new jobs and investment for the county.

A number of well-known companies have major operations in Wilkes County, including Tyson Foods Inc., Lowe’s, Louisiana-Pacific, Window World, Gardner Glass Products and Key City Furniture.

tyson Foods is LArGest empLoyerWith almost 2,700 employees and

a payroll of $76.9 million, Tyson is the county’s largest employer. It completed a $25 million expansion in 2010 that added 175 employees.

“We have a great relationship with

leaders in Wilkes County and always maintain an open door to discuss how we can benefit the community,” says Worth Sparkman, Tyson manager of public relations, noting that the company recently donated 21 acres of desirable property to Wilkesboro. “We’re very happy with our operations and team members in Wilkesboro, and they are an excellent asset to our community.”

More than 200 Wilkes employees have more than 25 years of service, and 38 of those had more than 40 years of service.

“Longevity contributes to successful operations in any business, and clearly has done so in our business in Wilkesboro,” he says.

retAiL, serviCe seCtors GroWExpanding industry has meant

expanding retail and service sectors, says Linda Cheek, president of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re seeing growth in retail and restaurants, in young employees and retirees who are moving here, and this is a good shift for our community,” she says. “They’re arriving with style, and that’s going to bring additional business.”

Above: louisiana-pacific corp. is one of the major employers in wilkes county, which has attracted a significant cluster of companies in the building products industry.

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Built to Lastcraftsmanship finds a home in Wilkes county

Above: gardner glass products, a nationally known leader in the manufacturing of mirror and glass products for the home industry, operates a facility in wilkes county.

Lowe’s, a Fortune 50 company and the second-largest home improvement chain in the world, has deep roots in Wilkes County. The company was founded in 1946 in North Wilkesboro by Carl Buchan. Today, Lowe’s employs more than 2,200 people in its Wilkes operations, which include a customer support center, three specialty distribution centers and a retail store. The contact center is adding 275 jobs, bringing total employment by the company in Wilkes County to 975.

building A deep trAdition

Story by Betsy Williams • photography by Todd Bennett

B u s i n e s s C L i m A t e . C o m / W i L k e s - n C - e C o n o m i C - d e v e L o p m e n t 11

Just like vinegar in its famed barbecue sauce, craftsmanship is part of the character of

North Carolina, and Wilkes County is a birthplace of companies renowned both for manufacturing and selling the quality products sought by craftsmen.

In 1946, Lowe’s, one of the most respected names in the building materials industry, was founded in Wilkes County by Carl Buchan. Today, Lowe’s employs more than 2,200 people in its Wilkes operations, which include one store, a customer support center and three specialty distribution centers.

“We still believe, just as Carl did, that Wilkes County is a great place to work,” says Lowe’s spokesperson Stacey Lentz.

In fact, Lowe’s continues to invest in the community.

The contact center is adding 275 jobs, bringing total employment to 975 by the end of 2011.

“As a company, we are seeing increasing customer orders on Lowe’s website, www.lowes.com,” Lentz says. “We have in-sourced Lowe’s appliance service customer calls and are offering repair service for outdoor power equipment through the Lowe’s contact center.”

Furniture industry Led to GroWth

Gardner Glass Products is another leader in the building materials industry with roots in Wilkes County. Founded by Edd Gardner in 1962, Gardner Glass Products is today a nationally known industry leader in the manufacturing of mirror and glass products. The company operates two manufacturing

facilities – one in Wilkes County – and three distribution centers across the United States.

The proximity to the original customer base, which at the time was the local furniture industry, is why Gardner located his business in Wilkes County, said Tommy Huskey, CEO.

“The furniture industry and the building materials industry used a lot of the same materials, and a lot of the same sort of craftsman workers who were so good with their hands; so it was a natural evolution for that segment to grow as another diminished,” he said. “The entrepreneurial leadership and vision of the founders of these companies was so strong and unique, that they’ve been able to change and adapt as needed in an ever-changing global economy.”

The outlook for Gardner Glass is positive, particularly in the

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Brame Huie Pharmacy“The Prescription People”

www.bramehuiepharmacy.com

1920 W. Park Dr. N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659

(336) 838-8988

Hours:Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Sat. 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

decorative glass segment, and that’s good news for Wilkes County.

“The reason we’ve continued to stay here has a lot to do with our people and our customers,” Huskey said. “It’s a great place to raise a family, to find people that understand honest work, and it’s a beautiful area.”

(Mr. Huskey passed away at the age of 57 in November 2011 after a long battle with cancer.)

FAmiLy Businesses, deep rootsChurch & Church Lumber Co.,

a family-owned business founded more than 70 years ago, produces approximately 31 million board feet of lumber each year, which it sells wholesale to domestic and export markets, including China.

Other companies with a presence in Wilkes County include Louisiana-Pacific, which employs 350 at a hardboard siding plant in Roaring River, and The InterFlex Group Inc., a leader in specialty f lexible packaging serving the fresh food, packaged food, confectionery, pet product and industrial product markets.

Wilkes County is also the corporate headquarters of Window World, the nation’s largest window replacement company, and ECMD, comprising four distinct building product companies serving builders, architects and consumers.

“This is a very family-oriented company,” says Dana Deem, Window World president.

That type of company atmosphere is a good fit for Wilkes County.

“Wilkes County has a great labor pool and work ethic,” Deem says. “The culture here is warm and friendly and that’s what attracts businesses.”

new franchise owners and sales reps are given training at the window world headquarters in north wilkesboro.

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Fits Like A Gloveunique textile operation expands, adds jobs in Wilkesboro

Story by Kevin Litwin

A new name and more employees are among the changes at Worldwide Protective Products, which made news in early 2012 by changing

its long-time name from Manzella Worldwide and announcing plans that will lead to the addition of 93 full-time jobs to its protective glove and arm sleeve manufacturing operation in Wilkes County.

Worldwide Protective began sewing gloves and

arm protection products in Wilkesboro eight years ago, and its owners admit that they never planned for their business to get so big – but it did.

“We surprised ourselves and eventually ran out of space at our three separate facilities,” says Kerry Dyer, one of three partners who own Worldwide Protective Products. “It became important for us to consolidate into a single location for efficiency

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and productivity, but no building had been available. That is, until now.”

knittinG knoW-hoWDyer says the company has acquired a 90,000-

square-foot former glove manufacturing facility that had closed on Golden Needles Street in Wilkesboro, so manufacturing for Worldwide in that building is tentatively scheduled to begin during the second quarter of 2012.

“Wilkesboro has been a hub for glove manufacturing and knitting know-how for an incredibly long time, and this latest facility allows us to continue our sales growth in the industrial marketplace,” Dyer says. “Besides protective gloves and arm sleeves, we are also manufacturing full-body garments for the glass and steel industries. Workers in those fields not only need protection for hands and arms, but for their necks, legs and torsos.”

miLitAry And sportsThe company’s products are cut resistant as well

as heat and cold resistant. Besides glass and steel manufacturing, other industries that use the gloves and arm sleeves include food processing, automotive, the military, law enforcement, construction, metal fabrication, pulp and paper, utilities, appliance

manufacturing, aerospace and sports.The company, which is headquartered in the

Buffalo, N.Y., area currently has 75 employees and will add 93 employees over the next few years.

Wilkes Economic Development Corp. President Jeff Garstka says the building consolidation and employee expansion initiative took about 14 months to iron out with negotiations taking place between Worldwide Protective executives and Wilkes EDC, Wilkes County and Wilkesboro officials.

“Their business has been doing very well, which is kind of unique for a textile manufacturer here in the U.S.,” Garstka says. “They are succeeding in a niche market and came to the Wilkes EDC in mid-2009 to talk about expansion. The company looked at buildings in several counties in North Carolina and Virginia, and ultimately we reached a deal to keep them here in Wilkes County.”

Garstka says Worldwide has purchased many new sewing machines and other equipment for their new location venture.

“Already having 75 employees is great for Wilkes County, and eventually adding another 90-plus workers will be a pretty big boost to our local economy,” he says. “It’s good to see Worldwide continuing this region’s strong textile heritage.”

worldwide protective products is expanding its specialty textile operation in wilkes county.

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strong properties, Big potentialAdvanced materials consortium draws new players

Story by Pamela Coyle • photography by Todd Bennett

Companies that make everything from aerospace components to bathtubs and decking boards for the construction industry to trailers for

18-wheelers and even bridge decks and power poles for civil infrastructure have a partner in the Northwest North Carolina Advanced Materials Cluster Initiative.

The initiative helps manufacturers of advanced materials identify and find industrial properties in its three-county area: Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties. But efforts go far beyond help with site selection. Wilkes Community College, home to

Students work on computers in the Architecture technology program (left) and work with robots on a small-scale production line (right) at wilkes community college in wilkesboro.

many of the cluster’s efforts, can make prototype parts, develop custom workforce training programs and provide technical assistance.

“The market is growing and the applications for composite materials is growing,” says Mike Pierce, WCC’s director of advanced materials technology and chairman of the school’s Industrial Workforce and Development Division.

Much of the focus is on fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) and recruiting advanced materials companies that manufacture such materials. ABS plastic is another advanced material gaining wide use in the medical field, including the development of joint replacements.

Custom trAininG And rApid prototypinGThe Applied Technology Center at Wilkes

Community College has state-of-the-art equipment that can, for example, produce a rapid three-dimensional prototype from a drawing that originates with a CAT scan. Advanced polymer fabric cloth is making hernia repair easier and less invasive.

“If companies have projects they want us to work on for them or with them, our shops are available,” Pierce says. “Our students have worked on design as well as production. We have produced some prototype parts composites and also have been involved in

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product development of electronic components.”The Advanced Materials Cluster, with multiple

public, philanthropic and industry partners, is working not only to recruit new companies to the region but also provide them with technical assistance and worker training.

To Scott Hamilton, president and CEO of AdvantageWest Economic Development Group, which has a complementary advanced materials initiative that spans Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany and 20 other counties in western North Carolina, the Northwest Cluster has a significant advantage.

“To have a community college with a focus on advanced materials and composite materials is a big asset to the company and a big advantage to the community,” Hamilton says. “Companies relocating or expanding can utilize a very state-of-the-art modern facility that will train a company’s workforce in a customized way.”

neW mAteriALs, stronGer propertiesIn early October 2011, CertainTeed Corp., a

manufacturer of building materials, announced an expansion of its operation near Roaring River in Wilkes County, investing $2.9 million and creating 29 new jobs. The company is eligible for support

through WCC, which has a range of traditional and new manufacturing disciplines, including the new composites lab, mechatronics (a combination of robotics and electronics), reverse engineering and rapid prototyping, as well as classic areas of heavy equipment, construction, welding, architectural engineering and auto body.

New advanced materials have properties the region’s early industrial leaders could only dream about.

Composite materials typically are stronger than steel on a weight comparison, and additives can make them more resistant to corrosion and fire, Pierce says. They are moldable, can be cast in any shape, and are finding wide use in the aerospace, construction, alternative energy and medical fields, among others.

Hamilton says automotive and aerospace companies are showing more interest in the region, which is well situated to supply Tier 1 automakers in the burgeoning Southeast automotive manufacturing corridor.

“We are always going to have manufacturing,” he says. “The jobs may be fewer but will require higher skills and have higher pay. That’s what makes specialized training through WCC and the Northwest Cluster so valuable.”

From left: A composites class at wilkes community college; certainteed corp. is expanding its wilkes county operations.

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transportation access boosts Wilkes county business

W ilkes County, N.C., has the right connections for business.

While nestled in a beautiful mountain setting, Wilkes County offers great access to major highways and metro areas all along the eastern seaboard. The county is within 10 minutes of Interstate 77, a major north-south highway. Within an hour’s drive is Interstate 40, a major east-west corridor, which connects to major routes all along the East Coast. One of the major thoroughfares in Wilkes County is U.S. Route 421, a four-lane, divided highway that bisects the county and offers convenient access to I-77.

Well Connected

Story by John Fuller • photography by Todd Bennett

Transportation

Links to mAJor mArkets“Route 421 is much like an interstate highway in

terms of access and convenience for business traffic,” says Jeff Garstka, president of the Wilkes Economic Development Corp. “For manufacturing and small- to mid-size distribution companies, our infrastructure is ideal.”

U.S. Route 268, another major artery, connects to the Wilkes County Airport and the Wilkes Industrial Park in North Wilkesboro. With three business park locations, Wilkes County can offer a site to meet any company’s distribution and manufacturing requirements.

The Wilkes Industrial Park is a 550-acre park located in North Wilkesboro. Wilkes Industrial Park has municipal water and sewer, three-phase electricity and natural gas, all with sufficient capacity. The park offers numerous sites in a variety of configurations to suit the needs of virtually any business. It is the home of Minton Sales and Camco Electric and is the future home of PowerSport Grafx research, development and manufacturing facilities. The park is located less than 3 miles from the Wilkes County Airport and is near the Yadkin Valley Railroad short line, which connects to the Norfolk Southern Railway, a Class I railroad.

Airport hAs room to GroWThe Wilkes County Airport, a general aviation

facility, is home to many corporate and personal aircraft. Nearly 23,000 operations are conducted annually on the 6,200-foot runway. The airport is home to MX Aircraft Inc., a maker of composite sport, aerobatic and racing airplanes.

Airside sites offer direct taxiway access to the airport, and landside sites are available as well. Currently, the airport has approximately 50 acres,

u.S. Route 421 is a four-lane, divided highway that bisects wilkes county and offers convenient access to i-77.

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Mountain homes from the $200s

1760 Edgewood Rd. • Wilkesboro, NC 28697336-990-0999 • www.NCMIKE.com

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with capacity to expand to more than 300 acres, all served by municipal water and sewer and three-phase electricity.

Major commercial air travel is available less than 90 minutes away at either Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro or Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte.

Major distributors in the county represent a cross-section of its manufacturing mix. They include Lowe’s, Tyson Foods, LP Building Products, ECMD Inc. and The InterFlex Group. Major improvements to routes 268 and 421 are also planned for the future, Garstka says. Route 421 is undergoing major “super street” enhancements to keep traffic f lowing, and Route 268 will be widened in certain sections and improve access to the Wilkes Industrial Park.

“Our transportation infrastructure should be very appealing to small- to mid-size manufacturers and distributors,” says Garstka. “We’re ready to welcome them.”

Wilkes County Airport

Wilkes regional medical center invests in facilities, treatment

W ilkes Regional Medical Center is bringing big-city care to Wilkes County. The 130-bed, community-owned hospital is adding

physicians, enhancing services and undergoing a $14 million expansion to accommodate the needs of a growing community.

From the spacious suites of WRMC’s New Beginnings Birthing Center to arthroscopic surgery and rehabilitation, the North Wilkesboro hospital offers comprehensive services for all stages in life. At WRMC’s outpatient Diagnostics Center, patients

access advanced technology, including digital mammography, advanced MRI technology and a 64-slice CT scanner with cardiac capabilities. Dialysis, pediatrics, occupational therapy and home health also are among the services available to patients at WRMC.

emerGenCy depArtment expAnsionIn 2011, Wilkes Regional broke ground

on a $14 million construction project that includes expansion of its emergency department.

prognosis positive

Story by Melanie Hill

Health Care

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The 9,500-square-foot expansion will more than double the size of the existing emergency facilities and increase the number of exam rooms from 19 to 29. The addition also will house separate treatment areas for orthopedic injuries, cardiac care and mental health services. Completion is expected by early 2013.

“We currently have one of the busiest emergency departments in the region, with more than 3,000 visits per month,” says Gene Faile, president and chief executive officer of WRMC. “The new emergency department was designed for future growth and to minimize patient wait times.”

heArt Center oF WiLkes reGionALIncluded in WRMC’s expansion is a 2,200-square-

foot heart center located adjacent to the emergency department. The Heart Center of Wilkes Regional opened in a temporary office in July 2011 and will relocate to the new facility in 2012. Created through an affiliation with North Carolina’s Wake Forest Baptist University Medical Center, the Heart Center of Wilkes Regional is staffed by two board-certified cardiologists, William Scarpa, Jr., M.D., and Julian Thomas, M.D. The specialists offer a

full range of noninterventional cardiology services, including echocardiology, nuclear studies, EKG and arrhythmia evaluation, and much more. Inpatient services also are available.

“Patients no longer need to travel outside of Wilkes County to see a cardiologist,” Faile says. “Our goal wasn’t just to bring cardiologists to Wilkes County, but to have them on our campus next door to our hospital’s cardiology services. We’re looking at a comprehensive approach to the delivery of heart services for our patients.”

Faile anticipates the addition of a third cardiologist in 2012.

A commitment to quality is nothing new to WRMC. The hospital recently received the gold seal of approval from The Joint Commission, and was ranked among the best for quality among Carolinas HealthCare System’s 33 health-care facilities. In 2011, the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence recognized WRMC for commitment to quality improvement and exceptional performance in surgical care. The hospital also was ranked among the best for shortest lengths of stay, lowest mortality rates, quality measures and a reduction in readmission rate.

• owned by the town of north wilkesboro, n.c., and governed by the hospital operating corp.

• 130 beds

• 10 skilled nursing facility beds

• 824 employees

• 93 active medical staff members• 8 counties served• 500 births each year• 17,932 inpatient days annually• 32,650 emergency department visits annually

Wilkes regionAl MediCAl Center

wilkes Regional medical center has unveiled plans for a $14 million emergency department expansion.

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m ike Pierce says 75 percent of students at Wilkes Community College are enrolled in career and technical programs specifically

designed to help prepare them to immediately enter the workforce.

Pierce, a workforce development expert at WCC and director of the college’s advanced materials technology program, says some of the most popular current career choices of study include health technologies, law enforcement, gaming and simulation, alternative energy and industrial maintenance. Other hot career paths are in heavy equipment and transportation technology, electronics engineering and welding technology.

The college, which serves Wilkes, Ashe and Alleghany counties, has one of the highest-rated workforce development staffs in North Carolina. Pierce says, “Not only do we provide strong

training, but we also have strong ties to the business community.”

The college works with dozens of businesses on workforce development projects, including such top employers in the region as LP Building Products, Tyson, ECMD, Gardner Glass and Interf lex Group.

“We serve many local industries by providing customized technical classes,” Pierce says. “For example, if a company needs us to put together a basic brush-up electricity class for its incoming maintenance personnel, we do that. WCC is also the area contractor for Workforce Investment Act services, which includes applying for and accessing federal grants.”

teChniCALLy speAkinGAlso part of the workforce development

effort at WCC is an Applied Technology Center

Story by Kevin Litwin • photography by Todd Bennett

Work in progresscollege programs sharpen skills of labor force

Education

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formally dedicated in 2009. It houses advanced technology equipment to train students to work in fields such as the aerospace, transportation and construction industries.

“We are supplying training for some very advanced areas of study these days, including curriculum programs in composites engineering, advanced machining, computer engineering and horticulture technology,” Pierce says. “The college also helps prepare people for state tests depending on what career they may be in – from a notary class to a plumbing contractor.”

To further add to its industrial and workforce development initiative,

Wilkes Community College has a capital campaign underway to fund an Automotive Technology Complex.

“A lot of our students are enrolled in curriculums such as automotive systems technology as well as collision repair and refinishing technology, and we’re looking to make the college one of the leaders in automotive technology in all of North Carolina and beyond,” Pierce says. “Our faculty has widely varied technical interests but shares the common goal of educating the best engineering technologists possible. In fact, the entire college pledges itself to quality education, training and retraining for the workforce.”

wilkes community college offers a number of training programs that provide the region with a highly skilled workforce.

About Wilkes CoMMunity College• Wilkes Community

College is a public, two-year institution

• Serves residents of Wilkes, Ashe and Allegheny counties

• Founded in 1964 with 68 students, today it enrolls more than 3,500 full-time students and 8,500 in continuing education

• WCC hosts the annual MerleFest music festival every April

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Wilkes county residents enjoy rural life, big city entertainment

Best of All WorldsLivability

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todd Benne t t

todd Benne t t

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h ome to charming downtowns, outdoor opportunities and an array

of cultural attractions, Wilkes County is an ideal area for anyone seeking a high quality of life.

Wilkesboro, the county seat, features a historic downtown district, a recently expanded selection of shops and restaurants, and Wilkes Community College’s main campus.

“It’s a small town, so people get to know each other,” says Ken Noland, Wilkesboro town manager. “It’s a very civic-minded community, and there are lots of opportunities for people to get involved.”

FestivALs And eventsIn 2011, the Historic Downtown

Wilkesboro Main Street Program began an Open Air Market and a Special Event Series, both of which took place from May through October on Friday evenings. The market was a place for craft and produce vendors to set up shop and sell their handmade or locally grown items, while the Special Event Series included a wider variety of attractions, such as musical performances and themed activities.

“We’ve found that these events have been very successful,” Noland says. “There are large crowds at every gathering, and I think that will continue.”

Also located in the area is North Wilkesboro, which hosts several fun events each year. The town’s annual Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, put on by the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club, draws crowds of more than 100,000 people, making it one

of the largest single-day arts and crafts festivals in the southern United States.

Another popular event is the Shine to Wine Festival, where local wineries and vineyards display and publicize their wines. Held in historic downtown North Wilkesboro, the event includes live entertainment, art and food.

merLeFestThe largest event in Wilkes

County – and the surrounding area – is MerleFest.

The festival, held on the campus of Wilkes Community College, was founded in 1988 as a fundraiser for the college. Musician Doc Watson became involved in the effort and requested that the event be named in honor of his late son, Merle Watson, who was also a popular musician.

MerleFest features entertainment in nearly every genre of music. Past performers include Willie Nelson, Robert Plant and the Band of Joy, and Elvis Costello.

“We typically draw more than 75,000 participants over the four-day period,” says Ted Hagaman, executive director of events and hospitality for Wilkes Community College. “In 2011, our attendees came from 48 states and 12 foreign countries.”

In 2012, MerleFest will celebrate its 25th anniversary, and organizers expect it to be the biggest yet.

“This year, it looks like we’ll have close to 100 different artists on 14 different stages,” Hagaman says.

Not only does the festival serve as the college’s main fundraiser, it generates an estimated $10.2 million economic impact each year.

the WALker CenterAlso located at Wilkes

Community College is the Walker Center, the area’s main venue for cultural events.

“The Walker Center provides a unique experience for a rural community in North Carolina,” Hagaman says.

The center has hosted a variety of popular musical acts, such as the Beach Boys, Diamond Rio, the Oak Ridge Boys and Art Garfunkel. Broadway shows have also taken place at the Walker Center, including Cats, Hairspray and Footloose.

“One reason that the Walker Center continues to be strong and vibrant is because of the participation and support from the community,” Hagaman says. “There’s a lot of pride here in supporting the college.”

outdoor opportunitiesWhen it comes to recreation,

Wilkes County residents and visitors can enjoy easy access to the W. Kerr Scott Dam and Reservoir, where popular pursuits include boating, fishing, camping, hiking and biking on the trails of Dark Mountain. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Stone Mountain State Park are also nearby.

It’s not just the area’s offerings that attract residents. Wilkes County’s proximity to other opportunities helps draw newcomers, Noland says.

“Wilkes County is located in an area where you can get to the mountains in about 20 or 30 minutes,” he says. “We’re also close to the coast, which is only about four hours away.”

Story by Jessica Walker

todd Benne t t

Clockwise from top: Boating on the w. kerr Scott dam and Reservoir; the w. kerr Scott dam and Reservoir also offers mountain biking trails; the Broadway show Hairspray performed at the walker center at wilkes community college; the waifs perform at merleFest.

28 W i L k e s C o u n t y

Business snApshotwith more than 69,000 residents and a location amid the splendor of the Blue Ridge mountains, wilkes county has built impressive industry sectors that include manufacturing and food production. the county offers a number of business advantages, including a 500-acre certified industrial site ready for a large user, major industrial parks, available water systems and an airport with a runway that can accommodate large jets.

eConomiC proFiLe

From Wilkesboro, to the world. Tyson® is proud to be the world’s largest protein provider. We’re also a proud member of the Wilkesboro community. Since the 1980s, the Wilkesboro plant has been an integral part of the Tyson® family, providing a level of quality that families all over the world have come to expect.

thiS SECtion iS SPonSorEd by

What’s online for more in-depth demographic, statistical and community information on Wilkes county, go to businessclimate.com/wilkes-nc-economic-development.

popuLAtion

wilkes county (2010): 69,340households: 26,614median Age: 39.7

key industry seCtors

government: 16.5%manufacturing: 14.5%Retail: 12.1%construction, 9.8%health care and education: 9.3%other Services: 7.0%Accommodation and Food Service: 6.1%Administrative and Food Service: 4.7%wholesale trade: 3.0%transportation & warehousing: 3.1%All other: 13.9%

LABor ForCe stAtistiCs

labor force: 33,836unemployment rate: 10.6%

inCome

median household income,$35,542per-capita income, $18,524educational AttainmentBachelors degree or higher: 12.39%high School degree or higher: 73%

trAnsportAtion

Airportwilkes Regional Airport www.wilkescounty.net

hiGhWAys wilkes county is within 10 minutes of interstate 77, a major north-south highway. within an hour’s drive is interstate 40, a major east-west corridor. u.S. Route 421 is a four-lane, divided highway that bisects the county and

offers convenient access to i-77. u.S. Route 268, connects to the wilkes county Airport and wilkes industrial park in north wilkesboro.

mAJor empLoyers

tyson, 2,700lowe’s, 2,200wilkes county Schools, 1,200wilkes Regional medical center, 848county of wilkes, 430louisiana-pacific corp., 360wilkes community college, 252ecmd inc., 179walmart Stores, 156villages of wilkes, 150westwood hills nursing & Rehab, 130the interFlex group, 103

Sources: www.wilikescounty.net, www.quickfacts.census.gov

Gallery

W. kerr scott dam and reservoir staff photo

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Gallery

the race car driven by nAsCAr driver and Wilkes County native Junior Johnson on display at the Wilkes heritage museum

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raffaldini vineyards staff photos

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Ad Index 13 BrameHuiePHarmacy

18 communityoneBank

21 FootHillscenterForWomen

21 GardnerGlassProducts

21 mike’sautoBody

21 nortHcarolinamountaininvestmentsllc

c2 tHeHamPtoninn

28 tysonFoods

18 WilkesBlueridGemedicalGrouP

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a1 WilkeseconomicdeveloPment

c4 WilkesreGionalmedicalcenter

visit ouradvertisersBrame Huie Pharmacywww.bramehuiepharmacy.com

CommunityOne Bankwww.myyesbank.com

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Gardner Glass Productswww.gardnerglass.com

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North Carolina Mountain Investments LLCwww.ncmike.com

The Hampton Innwww.hamptoninnwilkesboro.com

Tyson Foodswww.tyson.com

Wilkes Blue Ridge Medical Groupwww.blueridgemd.com

Wilkes Community Collegewww.wilkescc.edu

Wilkes Economic Developmentwww.wilkesedc.com

Wilkes Regional Medical Centerwww.wilkesregional.com

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Through the Lens

Being a geek, i’m always fascinated when i get to visit a place that utilizes advanced technology. usually it’s high-end manufacturing with automated robots or students at a major university learning cutting-edge technology. Before visiting Wilkes community college, it would not have been on my radar.

But it is now.the school’s Advanced technology center offers training in advanced

composites, 3D design and robotics. they even have the ability to “print” a 3D prototype. not too shabby for a school nestled in a small town in northwestern north carolina …

From our photo BLoG: WiLkes County

posted By todd Bennett

more online see more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.

now that you’ve experienced Wilkes county through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit throughthelensjci.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

Get the story Behind the photo

wilkesregional.org