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February 28 2023

–PARTEND–

By NEWS-TOPIC STAFF

Feb 23, 2023

LENOIR — The next installment of Caldwell is Hiring has been scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, March 23 at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.

Sponsored by Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, in partnership with the Caldwell County Economic Development Commission, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce and NCWorks, the event will feature dozens of local employers with available jobs.

Online registration for employers who want to participate is now open. The deadline to register is March 3. Employers will be asked to include the number of jobs and a list of available positions.

Jobseekers are encouraged to dress their best, bring copies of their resume and prepare for on-the-spot interviews with employers.

In addition to the job fair, the event also will feature an education fair with information on workforce training and degree programs as well as help with tuition assistance and advising for individuals wanting to enroll at CCC&TI.

The J.E. Broyhill Civic Center is located at 1913 Hickory Blvd. SE, Lenoir. For more information, including the Employer Registration form and links to daily updates on available local jobs, please visit: www.cccti.edu/hiring.

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February 28 2023

–PARTEND–

By NEWS-TOPIC STAFF

Feb 24, 2023

LENOIR — UNC Health Caldwell announced plans on Friday for a major addition to its campus, the AP and Bunch Anderson Heart Center. The new center will enhance a critically important and growing service for the community. According to the most recent available data in 2020, heart disease is the leading cause of death in Caldwell County.

“We have observed significant growth in our heart programs with the expansion of interventional cardiology, addition of electrophysiology services, and the initiation of the cardiac rehabilitation program,” said Laura Easton, president and CEO of UNC Health Caldwell. “We are always looking for ways to improve the experience and care our patients receive. This new expansion allows us to continue growing to meet the needs, both current and future, of our region.”

“When a person needs care for their heart disease, they come to UNC Health for the best possible treatment. I am proud to associate myself with this new heart center because I know patients will experience the highest quality of care available,” said AP Anderson, lead donor for the AP and Bunch Anderson Heart Center.

The new state-of-the-art Anderson Heart Center will include cutting edge heart catheterization technology, expanded space for heart and vascular procedures, and comfortable areas for patients to prepare and recover. The space was designed by the cardiac team with the patient’s comfort and care as the top priority.

The new heart center is just one addition that will be made at UNC Health Caldwell in the coming months. Other critical needs are being addressed in a $33 million expansion which includes a new clinical lab, inpatient pharmacy, cafeteria and kitchen.

The Caldwell Memorial Hospital Foundation will be announcing a capital campaign in the spring that will support the growth at UNC Health Caldwell. For more information, contact Foundation Executive Director Virginia Hoyle at 757-5524 or virginia.hoyle@unchealth.unc.edu

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February 23 2023

–PARTEND–

By CADY DAVIS CDAVIS@NEWSTOPICNEWS.COM

Feb 22, 2023

LENOIR — Lenoir City Council has approved a request to subdivide two parcels of land into 22 lots with driveway access off of Hillhaven Place.

City leaders conducted a quasi-judicial public hearing during the council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21 as requested by the applicants and adjoining property owners Barbara Bush and her husband, Richard Ferraguto.

The applicant was proposing to create 22 residential lots off of Hillhaven Place, for a total of 24 lots fronting on the street. According to planning staff, the proposed lots meet all minimum dimensional and setback requirements of the zoning ordinance and range in size from just over 15,000 square feet to over 4.5 acres in lots 17 and 22. The topography of the site has over 100 feet of elevation change from 1,110 feet above sea level at the connection to U.S. 321, to 1,215 feet above sea level at the top of the dead-end. The larger acre lots contain the steepest slopes and would not be suitable for further subdivision.

There are only two homes on Hillhaven Place, on platted lots in separate ownership. The remainder of the acreage is wooded and owned by PB Realty/Broyhill Timber Resources.

City planning staff and Planning Board recommended approval of the proposed major subdivision along with the following seven conditions:

1. The developer shall pay into the sidewalk fund in lieu of sidewalk construction.
2. A stormwater permit for a low-density development is required prior to approval of the final plat.
3. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) must review and approve the existing connection of U.S. 321 and Hillhaven Place, due to the addition of residential density.
4. A cul-de-sac or turnaround must be installed at the end of Hillhaven Place.
5. A 40 ft. wide public right-of-way must be extended to the southern property line where the city-maintained “fork” off Hillhaven Place currently extends to serve the house at 120 Hillhaven Place. A “stub out” must be constructed to the property line within this right-of-way, in order to facilitate future extension and connection to serve future residential subdivision.
6. While current water and sewer infrastructure is sufficient to handle 22 additional homes in the location, the existing fire hydrants are not sufficient to service structures larger than 1,870 sq. ft. Either the water service can be upgraded to increase capacity of hydrants, or deed restrictions must be recorded that limit overall square footage of individual houses to 1,870 square feet and/or require houses larger than 1,870 square feet to have sprinklers or fire suppression systems.
7. A grading plan must be submitted prior to approval of any building permits on lots 18-21. Placement of homes on steep lots may negatively impact the city’s ability to effectively fight house fires on these properties.

Following approval, the developer must construct all public improvements in accordance with the approved preliminary plat and the acceptance of infrastructure by the city.

“One reason why we generally scrutinize these major subdivisions is that the infrastructure that gets installed eventually becomes the city’s responsibility to maintain,” said Hannah Williams, planning director.

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February 21 2023

–PARTEND–

By NEWS-TOPIC STAFF

LENOIR — James “Jim” Thomas Broyhill, a scion of the Broyhill Furniture business in Lenoir and longtime North Carolina Republican congressman who served in the U.S. Senate, died in the early hours of Saturday, Feb. 18 at Arbor Acres retirement home in Winston-Salem. According to his son, Ed, he had suffered from congestive heart failure for years that worsened in recent months.

Broyhill was born August 19, 1927 in Lenoir. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1950, according to his official congressional biography. His father, J.E. Broyhill, began the family’s furniture dynasty in 1926 as the Lenoir Chair Company and was a well-known Republican in his own right.

“The whole family is extraordinary, and Jim was extraordinary in his own right,” said Dr. John Thuss, a local veterinarian who has served the community for many years and former member of the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners. “He was always trying to be a good representative for the people in this county and this area of the state. He was a true public servant in the truest sense of the word. That was his entire life. He was a genuinely nice person. His family was involved in a lot of things in Caldwell County … I really am just in awe of all of them.”

Broyhill served as the president of the Lenoir Chamber of Commerce in 1956 and 1957, chaired the Caldwell County Blood Drive in 1957, and was named “Young Man of the Year for Lenoir and Caldwell County” in 1957 by the Lenoir Jaycees. He was vice-chairman of the Furniture and Plywood Council of the NC Forestry Association from 1955 to 1962 and was a member of the Lenoir Aviation Club. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Lenoir where he taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir.

Broyhill’s Capitol Hill career began with a U.S. House of Representatives victory in 1962, when he was the first Republican to be elected in his district in the 20th century. During his 23 years’ tenure in the House, he represented one-third of the state’s counties. He was respected by members of both parties both in his district and among his colleagues. Because of this, he was effective in legislative accomplishments and advocating for his constituents.

He received the I. E. Ready Award by the NC Community College System for Outstanding work for the Community College system. He was inducted into the North Carolina Republican Party Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame. The Lenoir, North Carolina Post Office and a section of US 321 between Hickory and Blowing Rock, NC are named in his honor.

He has received an Honorary Doctor of Law from Catawba College, Honorary Degree of Associate in Arts from Richmond Community College, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, and the North Carolina Award in the field of public service, the highest civilian award given by the state.

“Being here in Lenoir growing up, I knew all the family and Senator Broyhill very well,” said Lenoir Mayor Joe Gibbons. His father, Robert A. Gibbons, was mayor of Lenoir while Broyhill was in office. The two were good friends, said Gibbons.

“I appreciate Senator Broyhill during my own time as mayor,” Gibbons added. “He was great to offer advice and mentorship to me. We’re happy and proud of all the things he did here while he was in office.”

Broyhill was particularly proud of his part in establishing and preserving the over 330 mile long Overmountain Victory Trail as part of the U.S. Historic Trails System, in memory of the patriots who marched along the trail to defeat the British in the decisive Battle of King’s Mountain on October 7, 1780.

According to his obituary, Broyhill enjoyed golfing, singing, and reading, especially of American History. His mind remained sharp, and he rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy! He is survived by his wife, Louise, of 71 years, as well as his two children, six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

“There have been so many things that Mr. Broyhill and the Broyhill family have done for this community,” Gibbons said. “He’ll be sorely missed.”

PARTEND–

February 9 2023

–PARTEND–

By NEWS-TOPIC STAFF

Feb 9, 2023

RALEIGH — Caldwell County’s FAIRFIELD® Chair was one of seven North Carolina companies recognized Thursday for growing their sales success in international markets at the 2022 Governor’s Export Awards. FAIRFIELD® Chair claims honors in the large business category.

“Last year, North Carolina was able to export more than $40 billion in goods and services to more than 200 countries, showing the global economy has a demand for North Carolina products,” said Gov. Roy Cooper. “Our state meets that demand with strong companies like the ones we are recognizing today.”

The Governor’s Office partnered with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) to develop this awards program, now in its fourth year. The EDPNC and its International Trade Division work with companies all over the state to navigate trade agreements, language barriers and other obstacles when it comes to exporting goods.

The winners in several categories of the 2022 Governor’s Export Awards are:

Governor’s Award for Excellence — Navis TubeTex in Davidson County

Small Business — Industry Nine Componentry in Buncombe County

Large Business — FAIRFIELD® in Caldwell County

Rural — Raptor Tactical, LLC, in Cumberland County

Global Reach — Flowers Timber Company, Inc., in Wayne County

Export Partner — The North Carolina Ports in New Hanover County

E-Commerce — National Drug Source, Inc., in Cabarrus County

“The International Trade Division assisted more than 500 companies in 2022 and these seven companies rose to the top for their success in exporting and international sales,” said Michael Hubbard, director of International Trade for the EDPNC.

“We are very proud we were able to work with these companies to achieve success for them and for the state of North Carolina.”

The EDPNC International Trade Division includes five North Carolina-based trade managers who specialize in specific industry sectors, and trade representatives from Mexico, Canada, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Germany and Belgium, who work primarily with small and medium-sized businesses free of charge.

More information on the 2022 recipients:

Governor’s Award for Excellence — Navis TubeTex in Davidson County

The Governor’s Award for Excellence is given each year to recognize one North Carolina company that has made significant contributions in the effort to increase North Carolina exports. Navis TubeTex designs, engineers and manufactures the world’s leading machinery for the global knit, woven, nonwoven, technical and geotextile industries. Navis TubeTex has customers in over 65 countries.

“EDPNC has been an invaluable resource for us in our international marketing efforts. From relevant educational topics in webinars and meetings to assistance with international trade shows, they are a key part of our success in growing our exports,” said Jeff Dixon, senior director of International Sales for Navis TubeTex.

Small Business — Industry Nine in Buncombe County

Industry Nine Componentry designs and manufactures bicycle wheelsets and hubs for riders looking for the ultimate expression, quality and performance. The company took advantage of the NC STEP Reimbursement Program to help offset costs associated with exhibiting at international trade shows and has been able to continuously grow its international sales in the European market.

“The EDPNC has proved to be an invaluable resource as we set our sites for expanding our brand globally. The STEP program in particular helped us to network, analyze the market and launch a supporting European based business that serves as the hub for our EU-focused exports,” said David Thomas, sales and marketing director for Industry Nine.

Large Business — FAIRFIELD® in Caldwell County

FAIRFIELD® Chair was founded in Lenoir in 1921 and has been manufacturing and selling high-quality and high-end furniture to customers throughout North Carolina and around the United States ever since. Today they have customers around the world who value American style and craftsmanship.

“The EDPNC is a valuable resource for us, and we are proud to partner with them. With the support of the EDPNC, FAIRFIELD® is able to continue focusing on our goals of increasing the export of handcrafting quality furniture and providing careers for the talented artisans of Lenoir, North Carolina,” said Rashelle Jones, director of marketing for FAIRFIELD®.

Rural — Raptor Tactical, LLC, in Cumberland County

Raptor Tactical is a veteran-founded and owned manufacturer of tactical equipment for the military, police and law enforcement, and provides equipment that meets the most stringent requirements of their customers for the real conditions of the battlefield.

“Our target is to expand beyond our own borders and accelerate growth through successful international partnerships and we are honored and grateful for the opportunity to work with EDPNC on exports for further contribution to the economy of the United States,” said Will Stricklin, marketing media manager for Raptor Tactical, LLC.

Global Reach — Flowers Timber Company, Inc., in Wayne County

Flowers Timber was established in 1976 and remains a family-owned business that operates as both a forestry supplier and a sawmill. A small sampling of their customer base would include China, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Cambodia and Spain.

“Working with the EDPNC has been an incredible experience. It is a great agency with excellent staff, and we are extremely happy to work with them,” said Jeremy Flowers, president of Flowers Timber Company, Inc.

Sharyn Koenig Export Partner Award — North Carolina Ports, in New Hanover County

North Carolina Ports have gone above and beyond in partnering with the EDPNC to make it possible for North Carolina companies to get their products into international markets. North Carolina Ports worked with companies in the state during the container shortage of the last couple of years to help them find companies with empty containers. They also hosted all of North Carolina’s overseas offices during the EDPNC’s annual Road Show in the summer of 2022.

“North Carolina Ports is proud to be the international gateway to North Carolina’s business and industries. North Carolina Ports supports more than 88,000 jobs statewide, and our work generates more than $660 million in local and state tax revenues. Partnering closely with EDPNC enables us to meet our mission to enhance the economy of the entire State of North Carolina. Our partnership with EDPNC directly benefits North Carolina’s businesses as they seek to grow their export profile and we are grateful for the strong working relationship,” said Brian E. Clark, executive director of North Carolina Ports.

E-Commerce — National Drug Source in Cabarrus County

National Drug Source was an example of a company that shifted its focus to build a more robust online presence, successfully enhancing outreach to the Chile and Middle East markets. Working with the EDPNC, the company created localized websites hosted in these markets to better attract and connect with distributors, hospitals, pharmacies, researchers, and doctors in search of quality United States healthcare products. National Drug Source reported increased export sales due to the new websites and was able to create jobs to help support North Carolina’s economy.

“We were introduced to the EDPNC by our local U.S. Commercial office in a networking event we were attending. It was truly a transformative connection. Even though we were not new to exporting, the EDPNC programs brought tremendous value to our company. Their support gave us the boost we needed to launch projects and make connections that have positively impacted our bottom line. Our exports have grown by 30% over the last 18 months and so has our staff,” said Ethel Torres, president of National Drug Source.

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February 8 2023

–PARTEND–

By CADY DAVIS CDAVIS@NEWSTOPICNEWS.COM

Feb 8, 2023

LENOIR — Lenoir City Council has approved a street name change from Advantage Court to Exela Way.

During the Lenoir City Council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 7, a public hearing was held to receive public comments regarding city staff’s recommendation to rename Advantage Court to Exela Way as requested by Exela Pharma Sciences, LLC (1245 Blowing Rock Blvd., Lenoir).

The street name has been verified by the Planning Department as meeting all requirements for street naming in the city.

In 1996, as part of the plat approval for Broyhill Industrial Park, City Council designated the road running from Blowing Rock Boulevard to Nuway Circle as Advantage Court. In 2014, city council renamed a 2,011-foot portion of Advantage Court to Cooperative Way per the request of Blue Ridge Energy.

Over the past several years, Exela has acquired all properties along the entire 565-foot length of Advantage Court.

Mayor Joe Gibbons opened the public hearing to allow individuals to address the city council. No one signed up to speak, so after a motion was presented, the council voted unanimously to approve the street name change.

Gibbons presented a brand new street sign bearing the name “Exela Way” to Don Overton, vice president of finance at Exela.

“Exela Pharma Sciences is a great business and industry here, and we thank you for all that you mean to this community,” Gibbons said.

“We’re proud that you’re here and part of our community in so many ways.”

“Thank you very much, this is a great honor,” said Overton. “We appreciate it.”

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February 8 2023

–PARTEND–

RALEIGH, N.C.

Seven North Carolina companies were recognized today for growing their sales success in international markets at the 2022 Governor’s Export Awards. The companies service a range of sectors, from tactical components to bicycle wheel manufacturing and textile machinery.

“Last year, North Carolina was able to export more than $40 billion in goods and services to more than 200 countries, showing the global economy has a demand for North Carolina products,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Our state meets that demand with strong companies like the ones we are recognizing today.”

The Governor’s Office partnered with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) to develop this awards program, now in its fourth year. The EDPNC and its International Trade Division work with companies all over the state to navigate trade agreements, language barriers and other obstacles when it comes to exporting goods.

The winners in several categories of the 2022 Governor’s Export Awards are:

• Governor’s Award for Excellence – Navis TubeTex in Davidson County
• Small Business – Industry Nine Componentry in Buncombe County
• Large Business – FAIRFIELD® in Caldwell County
• Rural – Raptor Tactical, LLC, in Cumberland County
• Global Reach – Flowers Timber Company, Inc., in Wayne County
• Export Partner – The North Carolina Ports in New Hanover County
• E-Commerce – National Drug Source, Inc., in Cabarrus County

“The International Trade Division assisted more than 500 companies in 2022 and these seven companies rose to the top for their success in exporting and international sales,” said Michael Hubbard, director of International Trade for the EDPNC. “We are very proud we were able to work with these companies to achieve success for them and for the state of North Carolina.”

The EDPNC International Trade Division includes five North Carolina-based trade managers who specialize in specific industry sectors, and trade representatives from Mexico, Canada, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Germany and Belgium, who work primarily with small and medium-sized businesses free of charge.

More information on the 2022 recipients:

Governor’s Award for Excellence­ – Navis TubeTex in Davidson County

The Governor’s Award for Excellence is given each year to recognize one North Carolina company that has made significant contributions in the effort to increase North Carolina exports. Navis TubeTex designs, engineers and manufactures the world’s leading machinery for the global knit, woven, nonwoven, technical and geotextile industries. Navis TubeTex has customers in over 65 countries.

“EDPNC has been an invaluable resource for us in our international marketing efforts. From relevant educational topics in webinars and meetings to assistance with international trade shows, they are a key part of our success in growing our exports,” said Jeff Dixon, senior director of International Sales for Navis TubeTex.

Small Business – Industry Nine in Buncombe County

Industry Nine Componentry designs and manufactures bicycle wheelsets and hubs for riders looking for the ultimate expression, quality and performance. The company took advantage of the NC STEP Reimbursement Program to help offset costs associated with exhibiting at international trade shows and has been able to continuously grow its international sales in the European market.

“The EDPNC has proved to be an invaluable resource as we set our sites for expanding our brand globally. The STEP program in particular helped us to network, analyze the market and launch a supporting European based business that serves as the hub for our EU-focused exports,” said David Thomas, sales and marketing director for Industry Nine.

Large Business – FAIRFIELD® in Caldwell County

FAIRFIELD® Chair was founded in Lenoir in 1921 and has been manufacturing and selling high-quality and high-end furniture to customers throughout North Carolina and around the United States ever since. Today they have customers around the world who value American style and craftsmanship.

“The EDPNC is a valuable resource for us, and we are proud to partner with them. With the support of the EDPNC, FAIRFIELD® is able to continue focusing on our goals of increasing the export of handcrafting quality furniture and providing careers for the talented artisans of Lenoir, North Carolina,” said Rashelle Jones, director of marketing for FAIRFIELD®.

Rural – Raptor Tactical, LLC, in Cumberland County

Raptor Tactical is a veteran-founded and owned manufacturer of tactical equipment for the military, police and law enforcement, and provides equipment that meets the most stringent requirements of their customers for the real conditions of the battlefield.

“Our target is to expand beyond our own borders and accelerate growth through successful international partnerships and we are honored and grateful for the opportunity to work with EDPNC on exports for further contribution to the economy of the United States,” said Will Stricklin, marketing media manager for Raptor Tactical, LLC.

Global Reach – Flowers Timber Company, Inc., in Wayne County

Flowers Timber was established in 1976 and remains a family-owned business that operates as both a forestry supplier and a sawmill. A small sampling of their customer base would include China, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Cambodia and Spain.

“Working with the EDPNC has been an incredible experience. It is a great agency with excellent staff, and we are extremely happy to work with them,” said Jeremy Flowers, president of Flowers Timber Company, Inc.

Sharyn Koenig Export Partner Award – North Carolina Ports, in New Hanover County

North Carolina Ports have gone above and beyond in partnering with the EDPNC to make it possible for North Carolina companies to get their products into international markets. North Carolina Ports worked with companies in the state during the container shortage of the last couple of years to help them find companies with empty containers. They also hosted all of North Carolina’s overseas offices during the EDPNC’s annual Road Show in the summer of 2022.

“North Carolina Ports is proud to be the international gateway to North Carolina’s business and industries. North Carolina Ports supports more than 88,000 jobs statewide, and our work generates more than $660 million in local and state tax revenues. Partnering closely with EDPNC enables us to meet our mission to enhance the economy of the entire State of North Carolina. Our partnership with EDPNC directly benefits North Carolina’s businesses as they seek to grow their export profile and we are grateful for the strong working relationship,” said Brian E. Clark, executive director of North Carolina Ports.

E-Commerce – National Drug Source in Cabarrus County

National Drug Source was an example of a company that shifted its focus to build a more robust online presence, successfully enhancing outreach to the Chile and Middle East markets. Working with the EDPNC, the company created localized websites hosted in these markets to better attract and connect with distributors, hospitals, pharmacies, researchers, and doctors in search of quality United States healthcare products. National Drug Source reported increased export sales due to the new websites and was able to create jobs to help support North Carolina’s economy.

“We were introduced to the EDPNC by our local U.S. Commercial office in a networking event we were attending. It was truly a transformative connection. Even though we were not new to exporting, the EDPNC programs brought tremendous value to our company. Their support gave us the boost we needed to launch projects and make connections that have positively impacted our bottom line. Our exports have grown by 30% over the last 18 months and so has our staff,” said Ethel Torres, president of National Drug Source.