Crisco touts growth, leadership to EDC

N.C. Secretary of Commerce Keith Crisco stressed the importance of embracing new initiatives to grow the economy and the benefits of strong leadership in tough times.

He was in town Tuesday to headline the 24th annual meeting of the Randolph County Economic Development Corp. (EDC).

The meeting was held at AVS Banquet Centre on North Fayetteville Street. It included the induction of new officers and recognition of the Randolph County JobLink Center as EDC’s 2009 Partner in Progress.

Crisco defended state government’s decision to lure Apple Computer to North Carolina with almost $50 million in economic incentives, saying the company’s investment in jobs and the state will be worth the price.

Crisco said North Carolina can only succeed by aggressively going after companies. He said the audience probably would not believe the number of West Coast and Northeast companies that are currently looking at the state as a possible site for location or expansion.

Crisco urged those in attendance to be aggressive as well. He said they should take advantage of the fact that Asheboro and Randolph County are located in the center of state. He said more should be done to take advantage of the N.C. Zoo as a driver for tourism development.

Crisco said the economy has changed and requires a different outlook. He said that’s why successful leaders will broaden their scope to consider all possibilities that could create jobs, including non-traditional sources like recreation.

“Remember, economic development is defined as anything that increases jobs or wealth.”

In other action, The Partners in Progress award was accepted by Nancy Landis, JobLink director. The award was created to recognize those individuals, organizations and groups that make a significant contribution to economic development in Randolph County.

“An educated and skilled workforce is what will keep our community successful in the future. In fact, it’s the most important asset we have,” EDC President Bonnie Renfro said.

Dale Lambert of Randolph Electric Membership Corp. (REMC) moved up to the position of EDC chair, replacing outgoing chair Greg Spainhour, regional president of CommunityOne Bank.

Laura Wilson of Pyramid Services is the new vice chair. Lynwood White with Randolph Hospital will continue in his three-year term as secretary/treasurer. Spainhour will continue to serve on the board for one year as past chair.

Directors elected for three-year terms include H.R. Gallimore, broker/owner of RE/MAX Central Realty in Asheboro; Don Harter, vice president and general manager for Rheem Parts Operation in Randleman; Aaryn Slafky, marketing and communications director for Randolph Telephone; and Michael Somero, vice president of Ace Avant Concrete Construction Co. in Archdale.