Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Industrial Appreciation Banquet on Thursday, October 27th. The event will be held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. A pre-dinner networking reception will be held at the Davis Event Center at 5:30 with dinner and the program following in the Virginia Boone Building at 6:30. Representative David Guice (District 113), Representative Chuck McGrady (District 117), and Senator Tom Apodaca (District 48) will address questions about North Carolina policies and regulations that impact the local business climate. Ben Kinney, Publisher of Business NC Magazine, will moderate the panel and questions.  Attendees can submit questions to brittany@hcped.org.

The Industrial Appreciation Banquet began in 2003 as a way to recognize the contributions of the manufacturing sector in Henderson County as well as thank those that support the efforts of the Partnership. Through the years, the event has developed as a time to not only show appreciation, but also reflect on the activities and successes of the year. Generous sponsorships allow manufacturers, members and elected officials to attend at no cost. 2011 Presenting Sponsors are Duke Energy, Forest Commercial Bank and PSNC Energy. Supporting Sponsors are First Citizens Bank, Friday Staffing Services, GE Lighting Solutions, IMOCO, Van Winkle Law Firm and Pepsi.

Invitations will be mailed this week. Each manufacturer receives one ticket to the event. Presidential members receive four tickets, executive members receive two tickets, and general members receive one ticket. If you have questions regarding the event or tickets for your organization, contact brittany@hcped.org or call 828-692-6373.

Located in Fletcher, North Carolina, BeTech Inc., is one of the nation’s premier spiral duct machine manufacturers. The company was founded by Ron Brevard in 1991. As a professional engineer Mr. Brevard has spent his career in the pursuit of technologies which have tangible and practical application in the construction and building sciences industry.

In an attempt to reduce heating and cooling costs and maximize efficiency, Mr. Brevard and his staff have designed and engineered a line of machines that manufacture spiral ducts. Once installed these duct systems have the ability to fully leverage a facility’s heating and cooling system. When compared to traditional rectangular HVAC duct work, spiral ducts improve air flow, minimize air leakage, are less expensive to install, and can achieve a cleaner more visually pleasing architectural effect.

The operation’s most popular machine is the spiral pipe machine. The machine utilizes an automated system for producing rigid spiral metal pipe from 4 inches (100 mm) in diameter up to 100 inches (2,500 mm) in diameter. This versatile machine enables customers to manufacture pipe from a variety of materials including aluminum and galvanized steel up to 14 gauge (2.0 mm) and stainless steel up to 18 gauge (1.2 mm). Computerized pipe dimensions and adjustment data ensure uniform pipe size every time.

The company markets to contractors who specialize in large construction projects such as hospitals, sports arenas, pharmaceutical operations, and manufacturing facilities. Over the years the project has been engaged in a number of high profile jobs. BeTech, Inc. machines were used to manufacture the spiral ducts utilized in the recently completed Dallas Cowboys Stadium located in Arlington, Texas.

The business has been successful over the years due to the company’s responsiveness to customer demands. According to Mr. Brevard, “In 2009 when the construction industry began to show signs of slowing BeTech moved quickly to re-examine our product line in order to ensure our machines could compete with our closest competition. As a result of this reevaluation our design staff created an entirely new line of machines which retained BeTech’s commitment to quality while being more affordable for smaller, niche construction firms.” The new machines, while smaller, have afforded the operation a great deal of flexibility from a pricing standpoint and have proven successful with new and existing customers over the past 24 months.

In addition to BeTech’s existing product line, Brevard and his staff have also been engaged in projects which require custom design work for automated machines utilized in the manufacturing sector. BeTech has built machines to handle virtually any task that requires automation.  Read more about BeTech here.

Van Wingerden International Inc. has been in the plant nursery business for over 35 years. As a result of the company’s long term vision the facility has grown to include over 37 acres of greenhouses which are utilized for the production of bedding plants, poinsettias, young plants and flowering promotional crops which are ultimately sold through home improvement stores, grocery and mass-market outlets in the southeast. Like many commercial/manufacturing businesses, energy is a substantial part of the production cost. As a result the company strives to invest in different areas of the business with the ultimate goal of reducing the facility’s total energy use. Over the years these investments have come in the way of energy curtains, smart climate control computers and electric boilers which have all helped the company achieve strategic reductions in total energy use while simultaneously improving the quality and variety of the plants produced by the company.

In 2010, the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development worked with President and General Manager, Bert Lemkes to identify and obtain a $310,000 grant offered through the State Energy Office, a division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. This competitive grant opportunity was developed to assist private commercial and industrial business to pursue technologies which could help each businesses become more competitive while also reducing individual energy consumption. The awarded grant has allowed the company to purchase and install a hot water storage tank which has enabled Van Wingerden International the ability to achieve a 15-20% reduction in energy use. According to Lemkes “the project will ultimately reduce the running of boilers at high fire, thereby improving efficiency in fuel use, in addition to reducing boiler cycling and purging cycles.”

To fully leverage this investment the operation of this storage tank and system is being fully integrated with existing computer systems designed to maximize energy usage as well as an internal education process  for existing employees with the goal of uncovering further energy reduction strategies.  Once operational the company expects  to achieve a savings of 6.7 billion BTUs with the new system.

Elkamet announced plans for expanding their US manufacturing facility in Henderson County on Monday, August 15, 2011.  The company will double the size of their manufacturing facility, and add 10 new jobs to the 44 they currently employ.  The $2 million investment in real property will add another 37,500 square feet to their facility in East Flat Rock. The expansion is a reflection of the growth and diversity in Elkamet’s customer base and increased demands on production.

“Henderson County is fortunate to have Elkamet doing business here and their plans for expansion will have a positive impact on our community,” stated Mike Edney, Chair of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners. Edney said, “These jobs pay strong wages, in excess of the County’s average, and offer health benefits – thanks to Elkamet for continuing to make a constructive impression on our local economy.”

The company located its first North American facility in East Flat Rock in 2006. The German-based company specializes in custom molded plastic containers for the automotive sector. Customers include General Motors, Caterpillar, Ford, Daimler and BMW. A growing customer base and technology advances have led to expansion of the company. Plant Manager, Carsten Erkel has been working closely with Henderson County to make the project come to fruition. “The location, business climate and quality workforce of Henderson County made our decision to locate here in 2006 easy. The continued support we have received since our initial location has made our decision to grow here even easier.”

Kelly Leonard, Board Chair of the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development remarked, “This expansion is yet another testament to the Partnership’s organizational priority to promote, protect and encourage existing industries.  Elkamet is a friend to Henderson County, and we couldn’t be more happy to see their growth and success in our community.”

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Inc. is a 501(c)6 organization that works to: retain and attract quality jobs; solicit new business compatible with the assets and values of Henderson County; promote Henderson County’s business image; assist expansion of existing companies; and enhance Henderson County’s overall quality of life.  For more information on the Partnership visit www.strategiclocation.com.  For more information about Elkamet, visit www.elkamet.com

Save the Date! The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development will be hosting its annual Industrial Appreciation Banquet on Thursday, October 27^th.  In addition to a great networking reception, we’ll highlight accomplishments from the previous year, recognize key partners, and have questions answered from a panel of Henderson County’s legislative delegation. Representative David Guice (District 113), Representative Chuck McGrady (District 117), and Senator Tom Apaodaca (District 48, Chairman of Rules and Operations of the Senate) will address questions about North Carolina policy and regulation that impacts the business climate of Henderson County. Attendees will be asked prior to the event to submit questions for consideration.

The Industrial Appreciation Banquet began in 2003 as a way to recognize the contributions of the manufacturing sector in Henderson County as well as thank those that support the efforts of the Partnership. Through the years, the event has developed as a time to not only show appreciation, but also reflect on the activities and successes of the year. Generous sponsorships allow manufacturers, members and elected officials to attend at no cost.  2011 Presenting Sponsors are Duke Energy & PSNC Energy.  Supporting Sponsors are First Citizens Bank, Friday Staffing Services, GE Lighting Solutions and IMOCO.  Limited sponsor opportunities are still available, email brittany@hcped.org if you are interested.

The 2011 dinner will again be held at the Virginia Boone Center located at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center. A pre-dinner reception will be held at the Ag Center’s newly constructed Davis Event Center. Mark your calendars and be on the lookout for a formal invitation in the coming weeks.

The pathway to Marcus and Carolyn Suess’s founding of All-States Medical Supply is a remarkable journey. As young professionals in Tampa, Florida finding quality employment was challenging. In the wake of September 11^th many businesses in the area were not hiring. Marcus’ background in International Business and Information Technology was simply not a fit for the business environment. Carolyn was still at the University of South Florida studying to be a nurse. According to national economic indicators, healthcare was – and continues to be – one of the fastest growing sectors in Florida. Under suggestion by Marcus’ father, the Suess family began exploring the possibility of becoming entrepreneurs and starting their own business in the healthcare industry. As a result of the Suess’ perseverance, All-States Medical Supply opened in 2002. The Suess’ took a different view from the start of the company that even though there are many competitors in this industry they were committed to differentiating themselves by providing quality, respectful care that patients would forever remember. The business had its humble beginnings in a small one-bedroom apartment in Tampa, Florida with a staff that consisted solely of Carolyn, Marcus and three lazy cats. Marcus was on the road making deliveries while Carolyn handled paperwork and phone calls in between classes.

After several years of steady growth Marcus, his wife Carolyn and new business partner, Jason De Los Santos moved the business to North Carolina. The ownership team chose Western North Carolina because of a general familiarity with the region and logistics advantages. All-States Medical also valued the intangibles of the region. Quality schools, a reliable workforce and an exceptional mix of culture all played an integral role in the decision-making process.  During the business transition to North Carolina, All-States leased a 9,000 square foot warehouse in Arden. By 2009, the operation had outgrown the Arden facility and the company began to identify potential purchase options in the Asheville Metro area. All-States’ management identified two viable buildings in the region. The first option was located in Arden and the other in Fletcher. Ultimately, the team selected the 22,000 square foot facility located near Brickton Village. According to Marcus, “the 221 Old Hendersonville Road building was an ideal fit. The facility was in great condition and would allow the company the opportunity to grow over time.”  The facility was also in a perfect location between Hendersonville and Asheville with easy access for most of its workforce.

Over the past decade All-States Medical Supply has grown substantially. Each year All-States Medical adds new patients. A year after opening the business, All-States had gained nearly 300 patients. Today the business serves over 10,000 patients and ships between 300-400 packages per day.  Marcus credits much of the success to the business’ patient-centered approach. The business has always favored personal contacts over automation. For example, instead of utilizing an automated telephone system, the company has consistently chosen to have a live representative handle each call. “When a patient calls All-States Medical they are greeted by one of the patient-care staff members, not a pre-recorded message,” said Suess. This one-on-one contact has allowed the company to develop strong relationships with their patients. In fact, many of the business’ patients call the office on a weekly basis just to talk with a familiar voice.

What originally started as a two person operation has now grown to employ 40 full-time employees. All-States Medical continues to hire new personnel and continues to build relationships with institutions like Blue Ridge Community College and the NC Employment Security Commission in an effort to identify and screen potential applicants. Suess stated, “We are very fortunate that we can still have steady growth through all the changes that occur in Medicare, insurance and government regulations. We attribute that to hiring people that have a great attitude and whose main concern is to take exceptional care of the patient.” All-States has adopted Ben Franklin’s saying ‘Doing well by doing good’ as a core value for their company and their employees’ patient-centric approach.

Product development is one key area where the Partnership dedicates energy and focus. In doing so, efforts are concentrated on preserving, preparing and advancing ideal sites and buildings. The end result is often site certifications, monitoring land use designations, and encouraging infrastructure extensions and improvements. In December of 2009, Ferncliff Industrial Park became a NC Certified Site. Over the past two years, the Partnership has been working to continue to develop Ferncliff as a world-class park. Not only does the Partnership reach out to prospective clients, but staff also presents sites and buildings t key developers located throughout the country.

On June 14, the Partnership was able to showcase Ferncliff to a group of NC Commerce Business and Industry developers. Half a dozen developers made a visit to Ferncliff while in the area for the North Carolina Economic Developers Association Spring Conference. Equipped with site plans, Partnership staff was able to show the developers the 262 acre property, surrounding areas and industry, discuss utilities, and answer any questions regarding the site. One key asset that was discussed is the potential for aviation and aerospace projects given adjacent proximity to the Asheville Regional Airport. Additionally, the Partnership discussed the advantages of the ad valorem tax rate in the Town of Mills River.

Landowner, Vaughan Fitzpatrick was also present during the morning visit. It was beneficial for the developers to get to talk to Vaughan and hear his vision for the park. He relayed the history of the property and presented plans for common-area green space, an on-site native landscaping nursery, and other benefits the property offers. Not only was the visit beneficial for the developers to see the site and be reminded of the assets in Henderson County, but it was advantageous for them to be able to talk with staff and Mr. Fitzpatrick about the benefits of Ferncliff for clients they are and will be working with.

On June 14, 2011 House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) introduced H.R. 2164, entitled the “Legal Workforce Act.”  The proposed bill amends the existing Immigration and Nationality Act to require employers to participate in the national E-Verify system, an internet-based program used to determine worker eligibility in the United States by matching potential employees against databases maintained by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. According to the General Accountability Office (GAO) the E-Verify program was initiated by Congress in the late 1990s. It was voluntary and available to just a few states. In 2004, it became available to all 50 states. North Carolina now joins just 16 states that have some form of E-Verify requirements.

Even within those states that utilize E-Verify there exists a great deal of discretion surrounding employment eligibility requirements. Based on feedback from many employers, laws governing worker eligibility is subjective and varies dramatically depending on the state your business operates. In many cases employers have run into duplicative and sometimes contradictory legal requirements. The introduction of H.R. 2164 represents a distinct shift in hiring practices that attempts to provide a level of consistency to workforce eligibility verification.  To date, the bill has garnered a significant amount of bi-partisan support as well as an endorsement by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

If adopted H.R. 2164 is expected to significantly change the manner in which public and private employers verify worker eligibility. Under H.R. 2164 the existing paper-based I-9 system is replaced with an electronic work eligibility check. According to proponents of the legislation the current paper system is easily beaten by those attempting to obtain employment under false pretense and is therefore plagued by widespread document fraud. In addition to an electronic I-9 system employers will also be required to utilize E-Verify to perform a background check which will be run electronically to match pertinent information against Social Security information and, potentially, IRS data.

If enacted the bill will pre-empt state laws and allow for a more comprehensive policy regarding enforcement. Proponents of the bill expect the legislation to reduce employment verification disparities and close loopholes for those attempting to secure wrongful employment. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, H.R. 2164 goes far to protect private companies during the hiring process by ensuring employers have the tools necessary to make appropriate and legally defensible employment decision.

H.R. 2164 is scheduled to come to vote in July under an open rule that allows amendments. If the bill is adopted implementation will be phased in gradually. The bill calls for large companies to begin using the new system as early as October, 2012 then gradually incorporating smaller companies beginning in October, 2013. The law exempts companies with less than 25 employees and seasonal workers who are employed in the agriculture sector full-time for 90 days or less during the year. If adopted into law companies failing to comply with the new system will face an initial warning followed by a series of fines if they continue to refuse the system checks.

As legislation develops please look for continued updates from the Partnership.  We would like to request feedback from our members and manufacturers in Henderson County as to their thoughts on this bill and the prospective impact to doing business here.  Please email andrew@hcped.org to provide feedback on the proposed legislation.

Kiln Drying Systems & Components, Inc. (KDS) announced their expansion plans today for their facility in Henderson County. KDS is a North Carolina-based company specializing in lumber drying systems.  With new technology advances, a facility and workforce expansion is required to help KDS keep up with the demand and stay ahead of their competition.  The company will add 19 new employees, effectively doubling their workforce in North Carolina.

KDS has enjoyed doing business in Henderson County and looks forward to growth and implementation of new technology in their business model.  “In 1999, KDS began designing, fabricating, installing and commissioning large scale Lumber Drying Kilns and Green Sawdust Gasification Burner Systems.  The Green Sawdust Gasification Burners allow sawmills to get off any fossil fuels, while fulfilling their thermal energy needs to dry lumber,” said Rob Girardi, President of KDS.  “We are excited by the possibilities of our current CDK (Continuous Drying Kiln), which goes a step further by saving 30% of the thermal energy requirement to dry the lumber, thus lowering emissions and costs to our customers.”

Mike Edney, Chair of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, remarked, “the growth of KDS is exciting, especially during this economic climate.”  He further summarized the value of the expansion as “seeing a locally-grown small business enact plans to double their workforce and extend quality employment opportunities to the citizens of Henderson County.”

KDS is located in Etowah, in Commissioner Bill O’Connor’s district.  Commissioner O’Connor was personally involved in meeting with KDS leadership and had this to say about the project.  ”Kiln Drying Systems has been a part of the Etowah community and of Henderson County for 19 years.  Their high-tech approach to what most consider low tech business exemplifies the very best kind of business thinking; and their leadership in their industry is widely recognized.  We enthusiastically welcome this expansion, which is a doubling of their contribution in jobs supported to our community.  We on the County Commission are committed to supporting businesses with the technological excellence of KDS, and will do all we can to continue to provide a business friendly environment to KDS; and to finding more like them among the very best and brightest, to provide jobs for our Henderson County people.”

The company plans to create 19 jobs and invest $1.4 million during the next three years at their Etowah facility.  A One NC Fund grant of $19,700 will aid the expansion, in addition to local incentive support through an annual grant.  Customized training support for new employees will be provided by Blue Ridge Community College and the NC Community College System.  Salaries will be dependent on job function, averaging $50,500 for annual wage plus benefits, exceeding the average wage in Henderson County of $32,240.

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Inc. is a 501(c)6 organization that works to: retain and attract quality jobs; solicit new business compatible with the assets and values of Henderson County; promote Henderson County’s business image; assist expansion of existing companies; and enhance Henderson County’s overall quality of life.  For more information on the Partnership visit www.strategiclocation.com.  For more information about KDS, visit www.kdskilns.com.

Since 1932, Manual Woodworkers and Weavers Inc., has specialized in creating, manufacturing and distributing gift and home décor accessories in the United States and abroad.  The family-owned business, which began as a small retail and souvenir store in Bat Cave, North Carolina, today occupies over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing, distribution and retail space in Henderson County.

To keep pace with ever changing market and customer demands, the company has established one of the most creative design and marketing departments in the industry.  These departments have worked to develop five distinct and innovative brands that consistently lead their respective markets in style and product offerings.  The brands, 1) Manual Gift and Home Décor 2) Manual Inspirational 3) Climaweave Outdoor Products 4) Izzy’s Kids and 5) Photo To (featuring photos printed on or woven into fabric), utilize the diverse capabilities the company has to offer.  These brands are featured on a regular basis in many industry publications, including Gift Beat magazine, where Manual is consistently ranked #1 in Home Décor.

A large part of the overall marketing plan is the presentation of goods to clients coast- to-coast.  Manual has company showrooms or participates in showrooms in all major cities throughout the United States.  The company’s creative services department generates four major catalogs annually as well as other specialty sales brochures and target marketing materials.  A focus of these efforts is to spotlight the domestic textile products and printed products manufactured here in North Carolina and promote the “Made in the USA” aspect of the products.

Manual Woodworkers and Weavers continues to make critical investments in both a highly skilled workforce and advanced technology and equipment.   As the company nears its 80^th anniversary, it remains committed and focused on the core mission to be an industry leader and innovator in all facets of their current business, as well as to continually strive to look for new markets and new opportunities to move the company forward into the future.  To learn more about the company, visit their web site at www.manualww.com.