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From Don Kirkman, President & CEO, Piedmont Triad Partnership
The Infrastructure of Regional Competitiveness
If the Piedmont Triad were to give an elevator speech—a quick sales pitch that would convey why a business should locate here—the region’s mid-Atlantic location and excellent infrastructure would highlight the speech. There is no region on the U.S. East Coast that has a similar combination of infrastructure assets to support business.
The Piedmont Triad is fortunate to have five Interstate highways bisecting the region—I-40, I-85, I-77, I-73, and I-74. Current and proposed Interstate connectors and urban loops will add to the region’s unparalleled surface transportation network. And while polycentric regions have unique challenges, they also help to disperse populations and employment, thereby minimizing congestion and traffic bottlenecks compared to other top 40 metro areas.
Add to the surface highway network the FedEx Mid-Atlantic Hub and the assets of Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI), including a new 9,000 foot parallel runway, and the Piedmont Triad provides the ideal location for companies that manufacture and/or distribute goods to East Coast markets. That is why the Piedmont Triad Partnership is leading an effort to position the Piedmont Triad as the “ Global Logistics Center of the East Coast.”
The Piedmont Triad also boasts a world-class telecommunications infrastructure, Class 1 and short-line rail service with excellent connectivity to all Mid-Atlantic ports, and high quality, low-cost, electric and gas utility service throughout the region. Excellent water and sewer service is provided to commercial and industrial buildings and sites across the landscape of the 12-county Piedmont Triad.
Validating this claim are the many companies that have chosen to make capital investments in the Piedmont Triad in manufacturing, distribution, transportation, and logistics. The region’s best-in-class infrastructure is positioning the region—and the companies that locate here—to compete successfully in the global economy.
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Aviation and Aerospace in the Piedmont Triad
In the Piedmont Triad, real potential exists for growth in the aviation and aerospace industries, as well as other industries interested in complementary technologies. The Piedmont Triad currently has a solid base of approximately 30 aviation and aerospace industry companies. Leading partners in this cluster include such companies as B/E Aerospace, Inc., Honda Aircraft Company, TIMCO Aviation Services, Comair and Bridgestone Aircraft Tire (USA), Inc.
Educational Assets
According to the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, approximately 52,830 workers were employed in the Aviation and Aerospace cluster in 2008 in the state. Support for workforce development in this critical industry segment is provided by a network of colleges and universities offering unique and targeted aviation programs.
The Region’s community college programs are tailored to the aviation industry’s unique business interests and are designed to get bottom-line results.
Four-year colleges and universities offer coursework and degree programs related to aviation/aerospace including: engineering, leadership, quality assurance, information technology, industrial technology, sales and customer service
Guilford Technical Community College offers three aviation programs at its T.H. Davis Aviation Center. This year, GTCC graduated 76 people from its programs, which include the Aviation Systems Technology program, the Career Pilot program and the Aviation Management program. Another 47 completed training in Structures and the Honda Airframe & Power Plant class, and 168 students are approaching completion of the Honda Associates program, which began in January 2008. GTCC has also conducted special process training in more than 30 HondaJet manufacturing processes for more than 60 current Honda employees.
Andrews Aviation Academy, which is part of the Guilford County School System introduces Guilford County students to the aviation industry and provides a jumpstart to a career in aviation. The Academy prepares students for college and gives them a head start on the technical training needed for certification by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Regional Assets
In addition to its educational assets, the Piedmont Triad offers a multitude of benefits to companies in the Aviation and Aerospace cluster, and in all industry clusters.
“Within the local labor pool, there is a good subset with experience and a strong passion for aviation," says TIMCO Aviation Services President and Co-CEO, Ron Utecht. "Beyond issues related to the work itself, the moderate-to-low cost of living relative to other parts of the country, the desirability of the community as a place to raise a family, very good school options and a reliable local government support structure all make the Region very important for TIMCO.”
In its ongoing efforts to attract new business into our Aviation and Aerospace cluster, the Piedmont Triad Partnership has identified the following regional assets as those of greatest significance to companies in this cluster, as well as to those that depend on transportation and supply-chain support capabilities:
- The Region has a highly-trained manufacturing based workforce.
- There is an existing base of aviation companies and suppliers operating in the Region.
- The Piedmont Triad has an ideal East Coast location at the intersection of five major interstates.
- Transportation infrastructure and supply-chain support capabilities include the Piedmont Triad International Airport and the FedEx Mid-Atlantic Hub.
- Other regional shipping resources include railroads and access to deep-water ports.
- The Region is served by Foreign Trade Zone #230, which can reduce customs duties.
- Operations and testing is supported by the Piedmont Triad International Airport.
- Comparatively, the Region offers low manufacturing, administrative, construction and corporate headquarters costs.
PTP’s Aviation Industry Marketing & Outreach
During fiscal year, 2009-2010 PTP will focus its marketing efforts on reaching the aviation industry. Aviation Industry Marketing activities include:
- Attending and sponsoring Aviation Industry Trade shows and Conferences
- Creative Messaging for print and online advertising
- Regional Media Tour and overview for Aviation industry trade publications
- Direct Marketing Campaigns with Aviation messaging.
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Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow - PTP's K-12 Initiatives
The Piedmont Triad Partnership – in collaboration with the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium -- is committed to partnering with the Region’s K-12 school districts, community organizations and business to address the Region’s future workforce needs. This initiative involves the development of school-to-work programs that introduce students to concepts and skills needed to succeed in the 21 st century workplace.
The initiatives listed below describe just a few of the activities aimed at addressing the Region’s workforce issues through K-12 programs:
Connecting Students to Jobs of the Future
All of the Region’s 17 school districts participated in a two-day event that connected more than 70 high school counselors with industry leaders. Counselors learned about jobs of the future and analyzed current school-to-work programs to determine if they meet 21 st century standards.
Drop-outs: A Silent Epidemic
Two nationally recognized speakers and a panel of local K-12 school superintendents highlighted an event aimed at addressing the drop-out crisis. The discussion included more than 220 educators and community-based organizations, who shared ideas on how to curb the drop-out rate and address the risk factors of dropping out.
Retaining the Best Young Teachers
Teachers from all 17 Piedmont Triad school districts collaborated on this project, which focused on creating a support network among young and more-experienced teachers. The project looked at ways to retain new teachers, creating networks that allow them to connect to their school district, their community and the greater Piedmont Triad Region.
Technology Career Days
On October 27-28, approximately 600 high school juniors and seniors attended Technology Careers Days, a two-day event at Randolph Community College designed to teach students about careers in high-tech industries. Representing collaboration among Creative Enterprises, Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics, this event features professionals and representatives from higher education who will discuss training and educational and employment opportunities.
Career Videos
A series of videos has been created that addresses the job skills needed and opportunities available in each industry cluster. The videos feature local industry professionals speaking about their own area of expertise. The videos will be distributed to school superintendents throughout the Region. The superintendents will in turn distribute to schools within their respective districts.
Teach the Teachers Logistics
NC A&T University held a 3 ½-day logistics event in June for the Region’s high school teachers. Teachers were instructed in Logistics & Supply Chain through a Logistics curriculum created by the Council on Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). They toured various logistics and distribution facilities throughout North Carolina, including: the CSX Intermodal Rail Ramp in Charlotte, the Container Terminal at the North Carolina Port in Wilmington, the Sears/K-Mart distribution facility in Greensboro and the UPS sorting facility in Greensboro.
Yadkin Valley Career Technical High School Logistics Curriculum
Davidson, Davie, Yadkin and Surry Counties are developing a career technical high school that will focus on Health Care, Advanced Manufacturing, Creative Enterprises & the Arts and Logistics & Distribution. Representatives from Lexington County Schools.
The Partnership is committed to providing an exciting view of what 21st century teaching and learning can achieve. Based on a framework supported by all industry clusters, progressive K-12 initiatives such as those described above will provide the programs necessary to develop and maintain a workforce that will enable businesses to complete successfully in the global arena.
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Welcome Kelly Stuart, Vice President, Client Development
Kelly Stuart has joined the PTP staff as Vice President Client Development. In this role, Kelly will be responsible for the planning, execution and evaluation of programs to identify and develop leads, prospects and clients for the Piedmont Triad Region. She will serve as the primary point of contact for prospects interested in the Region and with local economic development offices and allies that support business recruitment.
Kelly is a native of North Carolina and has worked in economic development at the NC Global TransPark in Kinston, in Martinsville/Henry County, VA and at Northern Kentucky Tri- County Economic Development Corporation in the Cincinnati metro area.
“I am pleased to be back in my home of North Carolina and privileged to be working with such a talented and respected team of professionals at the Piedmont Triad Partnership” says Kelly. “I recognize that a thoughtful and systematic approach to client development drives recognition to the region. It is my hope that the Partnership’s efforts will continue to affect positive change for the people and companies that call the Piedmont Triad home.”
Kelly can be reached at kstuart@piedmonttriadnc.com.
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Virtual Job Fair Receives Award
The National Association of Development Organizations recognized the Virtual Job Fair with its prestigious Innovation Award when the organization recently held its annual meeting in Chicago. The Virtual Job Fair – created by TriadWorks, a regional consortium of six workforce development board-- is a week-long online recruiting event in which employers set up virtual booths to attract potential employees and collect resumes. Two job fairs have been held so far, using grant money of $100,000 provided by the Partnership through the WIRED Grant.
“We're thrilled that the Virtual Job Fair has received this recognition,” said Althea Hairston, Director, Northwest Piedmont Council of Governments. “Not only has it helped employers and job seekers in our Region, but it's also a great example of what collaboration among the region's workforce development boards can accomplish.”
The six workforce development boards involved in TriadWorks include: DavidsonWorks, Greensboro/High Point/Guilford County Workforce Development Board, Kerr-Tar Regional Workforce Development, Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board, Pee Dee Region Workforce Development Board and Northwest Piedmont Workforce Development Board.
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Ameritox, Ltd. , the nation’s leader in pain prescription monitoring, announced that it will open a new laboratory and material analysis facility in Greensboro. The company plans to hire approximately 228 employees by 2010 and will upfit an existing building for its operations. Ameritox, Ltd., based in Baltimore, uses lab testing and other techniques to help doctors and patients monitor use of medications. >>PRESS RELEASE
TelWorx Communications, LLC celebrated the ribbon cutting of its state-of-the-art headquarters and warehouse in the Welcome Business Center. TelWorx moved to its new location from another business park in Davidson County. The new 40,000 square foot facility employs 27 workers. The company plans to add 35 jobs over the next 3 years that will pay an average salary of more than $60,000. >>MORE INFORMATION
The Assurance Group plans to add about 100 jobs at its operation in Thomasville. The company, based in Archdale, is expanding its call center division, Innovative Marketing Solutions Center Inc. The Assurance Group has served insurance and financial clients for more than 20 years. The call center division, established in 2005, services more than 600,000 clients nationwide.
Townsends, Inc. , a leading international producer and marketer of poultry products, will expand in Davie County. The company plans to create 103 jobs and invest $700,000 over the next three years. Delaware-based Townsends is a 118-year old poultry company that supplies value-added chicken products to the domestic and international food service and retail markets. The Mocksville facility operates as Crestwood Farms and currently employs 267 workers. >>PRESS RELEASE
Central States Manufacturing, Inc. , a regional manufacturer of metal building components, will open a new metalworking plant in Mount Airy. The company will create 45 jobs and invest more than $4.5 million. The Arkansas-based company manufactures and delivers high-quality metal building components to post frame, commercial and residential customers. Operations at the Mount Airy plant will include forming, cutting and assembling coated steel parts and panels. The new jobs will pay an average annual wage of $40,656, not including benefits, which is significantly higher than Surry County’s average annual wage. Central States Manufacturing Inc. is an employee-owned company that currently has manufacturing facilities in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana and Texas. >>PRESS RELEASE
TurboCare, Inc. , a subsidiary of Siemens Energy, will expand its Forsyth County facility, creating 110 jobs and investing $30 million during the next three years. TurboCare provides turbomachinery parts and services to companies in the industrial and power generation markets in more than 100 countries. The company provides a complete range of component repair, equipment refurbishment, system retrofits, engineering and parts replacement services with 2,500 employees worldwide, including 176 workers currently employed at the company’s Rural Hall facility. Salaries for the 110 new workers will vary by job function, but the overall average wage will be $45,855 a year, not including benefits, which is higher than the Forsyth County average annual wage. >>PRESS RELEASE
Machine Specialties, Inc. (MSI) , a leading full-service contract machining and metal finishing specialist that primarily serves the aerospace, defense, and medical industries, will significantly expand its operations in Greensboro. MSI will move its operation from a 50,000 sq ft facility in Greensboro to a 153,000 sq ft facility located at Rock Creek Center in Whitsett. The company expects to add 145 new employees by 2015, more than doubling its current workforce. The expansion represents approximately $5 million in new capital investment for machinery, equipment, and building upfit. >>PRESS RELEASE
Mack Trucks, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of the new Mack World Headquarters in Greensboro. The company, a member of Volvo Group, announced in August 2008 that it would relocate its headquarters from Allentown, PA to Greensboro. The move was part of a restructuring plan by the Volvo Group designed to improve organizational efficiency and competitiveness. Many of the support functions that Mack relies on as a Volvo Group company such as human resources, information technology, financial services and logistics were already based in Greensboro. Mack Trucks, Inc. has provided its customers with innovative transportation solutions for more than a century. The Volvo Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment. >>PRESS RELEASE
Deputy Sectory of Commerce Dale Carroll presents the North Carolina state flag to
Denny Slagle, President & CEO of Mack Trucks.
Harland Clarke Corp., a leading provider of integrated payment solutions, marketing services, business solutions, security and technology solutions, celebrated the grand opening of its new check manufacturing and order fulfillment facility in High Point. The company has doubled its physical size and added 80 jobs. Currently, 280 employees work in High Point. The new facility is capable of manufacturing 100,000 check units per day. The San Antonio-based company serves approximately 15,000 financial institutions. The company had revenues of $1.8 billion in 2008 and has had a presence in the Triad for 54 years. >>PRESS RELEASE
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
Triad BioNight
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS Thursday, November 19, 2009
6:00 PM
Greensboro-High Point Airport Marriott
Piedmont Triad Partnership
Annual Meeting
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS Thursday, December 10, 2009
5:00 PM
Greensboro-High Point Airport Marriott
Triad Design Leadershop
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
6:00 PM
Jason Manley , Keynote Speaker
UNC School of the Arts
Triad Design Leadershop
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS Wednesday, January 6, 2010
6:00 PM
Phil Freelon, Keynote Speaker
NC A&T State University
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This publication was partially funded through the Piedmont Triad Partnership’s U.S. Department of Labor WIRED Grant. The Piedmont Triad Partnership is an equal opportunity employer.
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