E3 Kicks Off in Henderson County

July 17, 2012

Three Manufacturing Operations Awarded Grants to Pursue Program

The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development is proud to announce that Cane Creek Cycling Components, Clement Pappas and Manual Woodworkers & Weavers have been selected to participate in E3: Economy, Energy, and Environment.  E3 is a pilot program facilitated by NC State University’s Industrial Extension Service. The initiative brings together private and public organizations to advance process improvements, carbon footprint analysis, energy use plans, business excellence practices and worker safety measures to support NC manufacturing.

The program started in Henderson County following an introductory meeting sponsored by Duke Energy in May 2012.  Over 20 manufacturing representatives gathered to learn about the E3 process and consider submitting their company for inclusion in the program with a competitive grant.  With strong interest from several local industries, follow-up evaluations and site visits concluded with the selection of three local industries.

“We are extremely excited to participate in this program,” stated Jim Clarke, CFO of Manual Woodworkers & Weavers. “This opportunity will assist our operation in our ongoing efforts to evaluate current production practices and identify areas for improvement.”  During the 4-6 month assessment period, NC State University and partner organizations will work together to customize the evaluation process for each company’s individual needs.  According to Pete Szelwach, Plant Manager for Clement Pappas, “The E3 initiative is a perfect match for our company.  We continually work to improve our manufacturing processes and believe this program will allow us to continue to set new benchmarks in the beverage industry.  This program will demand that our staff be highly engaged in the process and work closely with the E3 leadership team to identify creative solutions to improve our local facility.”

At the conclusion of the assessment, allies from the E3 leadership team will present a final report to each participating employer.  The recommendations identified in the debriefing will allow participating companies to prioritize areas for improvement.  Each company has committed funds in advance of the program to implement identified recommendations.  Following the conclusion of the 2012 program year Cane Creek Cycling, Clement Pappas and Manual Woodworkers & Weavers plan to volunteer time to participate in a Green Business Council that will allow each company to share results and provide feedback to peer manufacturers.

The Henderson County E3 Leadership Team is comprised of representatives from:

Blue Ridge Community College
Duke Energy
Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development
NC Department of Commerce
NC Division of Employment Security
North Carolina State University, Industrial Extension Service
NC Small Business Technology Development Center
Waste Reduction Partners

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.hcped.org.  If you would like more information about E3 please visit www.e3.ies.ncsu.edu or contact E3 Statewide Coordinator, Anna Mangum at (919) 515-1080.