North Carolina 2014 Economic Development Guide

2014

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"STEM and the community-college system play a critical role in driving future economic growth," Looney says. "They are critical for training our workforce of tomorrow. It's a matter of putting your time and money where your mouth is." Lenovo donates equipment, provides money, including supporting the North Carolina Science Olympiad, and lends its expertise to classrooms and organizations. Gerry P. Smith, Lenovo Americas Group president, was named one of STEMconnector's 100 CEO Leaders in STEM in June 2013. Part of the Washington, D.C.-based The Alliance for Science and Technology Research in America, STEMconnector tracks STEM activity of businesses, governments, educational institutions and others to strengthen efforts through partnerships. Looney is a Providing Workforce Training in Eastern North Carolina for over 50 Years Pitt Community College has been serving the educational needs of eastern North Carolina for over 50 years. From specialized Business & Industry training to 2-year Associate Degrees and University Transfer Degrees, PCC helps all individuals reach their educational goals. With nearly 60 curriculum programs as well as a great variety of continuing education courses available, individuals can select a new career path or simply enhance current job skills. Let us help you make changes that will result in a successful future! www.pittcc.edu 32 NO RT H C AROL I NA E CO NOMI C DE V ELOP M E N T GU IDE trustee of the N.C. School of Science and Math in Durham and Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh. Both schools have mentoring and internship programs with the company. Wake Tech plans to build a new campus near Lenovo's Morrisville headquarters. Former N.C. Gov. Beverly Perdue and former N.C. Secretary of Commerce Keith Crisco worked closely with Lenovo, joining company executives on trade missions to China. Gov. Pat McCrory and his economic advisers also seek help from Lenovo executives with securing more Chinese investment for the state. In July 2013, McCrory appointed Looney to the N.C. Economic Development Board. Its 37 members oversee economicdevelopment research and planning and suggest policies to the commerce secretary, governor and General Assembly. "I'm convinced, as we help get ourselves out of this recession, it's going to be because of the companies that make things, that innovate things, that build things," McCrory said when Lenovo opened the production line. "I want to see 'Made in North Carolina' everywhere, and that great North Carolina pride starts right here." Parker says companies are shifting production back to or are establishing plants in the U.S. in step with rising labor, energy and shipping costs overseas, particularly in Asia. A Boston Consulting Group survey in September 2013 found that 54% of executives at U.S.-based manufacturers with sales topping $1 billion are planning or considering returning production to the U.S. from China, compared with 37% in February 2012. BCG says that by 2015 seven industries — computers and electronics; transportation goods; electrical equipment and appliances; furniture; plastics and rubber products; machinery; and fabricated metal products — will favor domestic production because of lower costs. It also says the U.S. could gain 2 million to 3 million jobs and an estimated $100 billion of output over the next five years for the same reason. N C ECO N OMI C D E V E LO P ME N T G UI D E

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