Randolph County EDC's 28th Annual Meeting
June 20, 2013
ASHEBORO — The Randolph County Economic Development Corp. (EDC) honored the N.C. Rural Center with the 2013 Partner in Progress Award.
EDC held its 28th annual meeting at AVS Banquet Centre Thursday to elect new officers and to present its annual Partner in Progress award. Bonnie Renfro, EDC president, presented the award, which was accepted on the center’s behalf by Asheboro businessman and former N.C. Commerce Sec. Keith Crisco.
The Rural Center was recognized as a longtime ally in economic development through its leadership, collaboration, innovation and the flexibility to respond quickly and effectively. The annual award was created in 1997 to recognize those individuals, organizations and groups that make a significant contribution to economic development in Randolph County.
Renfro said the Rural Center has provided direct financial support for public infrastructure for projects across Randolph County, such as Trinity Furniture, PEMMCO, Americhem, and Four Seasons Furniture. Through an innovative building reuse program designed to assist rural communities in repurposing vacant buildings, the center has partnered with Randolph County and its municipalities on eight projects over seven years. The projects impacted 1,055,500 square feet, created 439 new jobs, and saved or supported more than $36 million in new investment. The center was also cited for its Small Town Economic Prosperity Program that currently serves Ramseur and Liberty, as well as the public-private Capital Access Program to assist small businesses in securing private financing.
The key speaker at the meeting was Ted Abernathy, executive director of the Southern Growth Policies Board. His remarks focused on what North Carolina and Randolph County must do to remain competitive in a fast-changing world economy. He challenged the community leadership to stay focused on the future, build a strong leadership team and to develop a place-based strategy.
EDC reported on a very successful year with more than $28 million in new investment, 358 new jobs, 707,000-square-feet of impacted real estate and $1.725 million in grant support.
Five officers and five new directors were elected to lead the EDC for the 2013-2014 fiscal year. Dr. Robert Shackleford, Randolph Community College president, was elected chair; Rick Powell, PEMMCO president, vice chair, and Reynolds Lisk, Insurance Associates president, secretary-treasurer. Renfro was re-elected president and Mike Whitehead, Randolph Bank president, will serve as past chair.
Directors elected for three-year terms include Steve Eblin, CEO of Randolph Hospital in Asheboro; Vickie Gallimore, broker/owner of RE/MAX Central Realty; Tracy Matson, president of Ace/Avant Concrete Construction; Archdale Mayor Bert Lance-Stone; and Carolyn Vickrey, owner of Carolyn’s retail shop in Liberty.
Continuing directors are Dale Ducommun, MOM Brands; Steve Foley, First Bank in Archdale; Steve Greene, Braxton Culler; Kevin Hill, Four Seasons Furniture and Fresh Cuts Grocery; Robbie Jarrell, AVS Vending Service; Eric Luckenbach, Deep River Fabricators; Randy McNeill, Davis-Martin-Powell & Associates; Nelson Straughn, Manhattan American Terrazzo Strip Co; Natasha Trogdon, United Brass Works; and Richard Wells, Randolph County manager.
Retiring directors and officers were recognized for service at the annual meeting including past chair, Wayne Thomas of Wayne Thomas Chevrolet & Cadillac; Scott Darr, Darr Construction Co.; Dr. Diane Frost, superintendent of Asheboro City Schools; Duffy Johnson, CommunityOne Bank; Walker McCrary, McCrary International; and Ruth Ann Scott.
Source: The Courier Tribune