This newsletter is about the Hickory City Council meeting that I attended this past week. City council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each Month in the Council Chambers of the Julian Whitener building.
At the bottom right of this page under main information links is a Hickory's Local Government link. If you click on that link, it takes you to our city’s website, at the bottom of the page you will see the future dates for meetings scheduled for this year.
At the top of the page, if you click on the “Documents” link, you will find historic Agenda and Minutes links. Agendas show what is on the docket for the meeting of that date. The Minutes is an actual summary of the proceedings of the meeting of that date.
Here is a summary of the agenda of the 8/4/2009 meeting. There were a couple of important items that were discussed at this meeting and the details are listed further below.
Invocation by Rev. Thomas Griffis of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Special Presentations:
A. Presentation to City Council of a Gift from the Leaders of Taiwan by Dave and Kathy Ludwig Who Recently Traveled to Taiwan - The Ludwigs gave an excellent and thorough presentation, in which they showed geographical and cultural points of interest, as well as the politics of Taiwan.
The Ludwigs discussed the stresses that Taiwanese families are experiencing, because of western influences upon their society. One of the effects has been upon the divorce rate. Taiwan is currently experiencing a divorce rate of 25%, which is the highest rate in any Asian country. Mr Ludwig leads a center called "The Power of We," which is a based out of Lenoir-Rhyne. Mr. Ludwig tried to convey that the current Financial Tsunami is an opportunity to bring families back together.
The Ludwigs presented a beautiful hand made banner by Don Hakka (of Taiwan's Hakka Village) to the Council. The banner reads in Mandarin, "North Carolina, Hickory." The banner was framed with a picture of Mr. Hakka creating the banner in the lower right hand corner.
Consent Agenda:
A. Request From Hickory Downtown Development Association for Use of Union Square for 2009 Oktoberfest From October 9 – 11, 2009
B. Request From Christ United Methodist Church for Use of Union Square for Reactivate Meeting/Concert on August 20, 2009 From 6:30 p.m. thru 10:30 p.m.
C. Approve Resolution for Grant Application Authorization for Year 3 Traffic Safety Unit Grant Funded Through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program - The City’s Traffic Safety Unit Grant application has been approved by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) for consideration requesting continuation of funding for 4 full-time officers, training and equipment at a cost of $202,260. The City’s responsibility is 50% or $101,131. Approval of the Resolution guarantees that the City of Hickory will commit to the required matching funds if awarded. The Hickory Police Department continues to respond to thousands of traffic crashes and related citations, many resulting in personal and property damages. Through aggressive enforcement in the first half of the traffic funded grant, speeding citations increased by more than 17% and traffic crashes have been reduced by 6% in 2008 as compared to 2007. A budget amendment is not required; funds are budgeted.
D. Approval of Deductive Change Order With HSMM/AECOM Regarding EPA Stage 2 Disinfection By-Product System Analysis in the Amount of $41,870 - On February 22, 2007 City Council approved the consulting contract with HSMM/AECOM for an EPA Stage 2 Disinfection By-Product System Analysis. The City and 11 other public water systems jointly contracted with HSMM/AECOM to complete the studies. The City is the lead agent financially, but is not responsible for individual results of the studies and simply processes pay requests from HSMM/AECOM and bills proportionately to the other entities. The public water systems of Triple Community Water Corporation and Rutherford College Water Corporation, both from Burke County, have chose to perform the studies by other means and therefore, HSMM/AECOM is offering a Deductive Change Order in the amount of $41,870 to account for the nonparticipation of those 2 entities. This amount equals those systems’ previous commitment in the Letters of Agreement. The original contract was for $282,750 and with the Change Order the new contract amount will be $240,880.
E. Accept 2009 Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant from NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Amount of $80,000 - The NC DENR has awarded the City a 2009 Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant in the amount of $80,000. This grant will allow the City to replace a dual diesel engine street sweeper with a compressed natural gas street sweeper, which will reduce emissions and improve air quality. The total cost of the new equipment is $246,972 and will be funded in the Street Department capital outlay for vehicles with the revenue sources coming from the grant ($80,000) and the remaining balance ($166,972) coming from the Fund 010 fund balance. The bid was awarded to Public Works Equipment and Supply, Inc.
F. Budget Ordinances
1. Re-appropriate $32,000 from the General Fund to the Fire Department's Maintenance and Repair of Buildings - This amendment is necessary to complete renovations to Station 2 in order to sustain the activation of a second ladder company. In FY08-09 $32,000 was budgeted for these renovations however due to time constraints the Fire Department staff was unable to complete the process for securing quotes prior to the end of FY08-09. Therefore, the $32,000 rolled into General Fund Balance and a re-appropriation of funds is necessary.
2. Re-appropriate $4,000 from the General Fund to the Fire Department for the purchase of furniture for Station 1. Due to time constraints staff was unable to complete the process for securing quotes for these items prior to the end of FY08-09; therefore, the $4,000 rolled into General Fund Balance and a re-appropriation of funds is necessary.
3. Re-Appropriate $20,805 from the General Fund and budget in the Planning Department Vacant Building Revitalization Grant . This re-appropriation provides matching funds to assist Maddadle, LLC in the renovation of a building located at 326 2nd Ave. NW. Plans are to renovate this facility into a professional medical practice. Funds were budgeted in FY08-09 however were not expended prior to the end of the fiscal year. Therefore a re-appropriation of funds is necessary.
4. Re-appropriate a total of $3,694 from the General Fund and budget towards the Library Department - Training, Meals and Lodging ($2,187), Seminar Registration Fees ($754), and Travel ($753). The Library budgeted funds in FY08-09 for the ALA Conference which is normally held in June, however the conference was scheduled in July. Therefore the budgeted funds rolled into General Fund Balance at year end and a re-appropriation of funds is necessary.
5. Appropriate a total of $84,000 of Water and Sewer Fund Balance and budget $42,000 in the Northeast WWTP Vehicles and $42,000 in the Henry Fork WWTP Vehicles - This appropriation is necessary for the purchase of two sludge trailers for the wastewater treatment plants. These trailers were scheduled to be replaced next year however, they have now been deemed to be unworthy of road travel so they must be replaced.
6. Appropriate $301,636 of Water and Sewer Fund Balance and transfer to the Northeast WWTP Capital Project to pay AECOM USA, Inc. for modifying the design of the Northeast WWTP facility upgrade. This upgrade is vital to the continued mission and goal of Hickory Public Utilities to protect the areas natural resources. The upgraded treatment facility will allow for this facility to meet future nutrient discharge limits and improve the current discharge quality into Lake Hickory.
7. Appropriate $24,000 of miscellaneous reimbursement revenue from the Department of Justice and budget in the Police Department’s part time salaries and FICA taxes. Funds are for the creation of two part-time telecommunicator positions created from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds - Justice Assistance Grant.
8. Re-appropriate $166,972 from the General Fund and budget $80,000 of Federal Revenue in the Transportation Capital Vehicle for the purchase of a Compressed Natural Gas Sweeper. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources awarded the City of Hickory $80,000 in Federal EPA State Clean Diesel grant funds. The City of Hickory’s portion is $166,972 and was budgeted in FY08-09, however the purchase was not made prior to the end of FY08-09 and funds rolled in to General Fund, therefore a reappropriation is necessary.
Capital Project Ordinance Amendment No. 1
1. Appropriate $301,636 of Water and Sewer Fund Balance and transfer to the Northeast WWTP Capital Project to pay AECOM USA, Inc. for modifying the design of the Northeast WWTP facility upgrade - This upgrade is vital to the continued mission and goal of Hickory Public Utilities to protect the areas natural resources. The upgraded treatment facility will allow for this facility to meet future nutrient discharge limits and improve the current discharge quality into Lake Hickory.
Grant Project Ordinance No. 1
1. To budget $266,031 of Department of Justice 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds in the Police Departments Part Time Salaries ($22,295), Taxes-FICA ($1,705), Specialized Equipment ($174,536) and Contracted Services ($67,495) - The City of Hickory portion of this grant will fund two part-time telecommunicator salaries and FICA. The grant provides funds for the purchase of a SkyWatch Tower, two Rofin Polilight flares, a video analysis enhancement system, and a new target system for the current police firing range. Catawba County will be funded for one full time officer position and equipment revenue. (Originally discussed at the City Council Meeting of May 5, 2009 under New Business - Public Hearings: 1. Approval to Apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the Amount of $198,536.00).
Informational Items:
1. Update on Provision of Water to Apple Data Center - City Manager Berry explained that this project was made possible by the City of Hickory's participation in the partnership which built the multi-jurisdictional business park where this facility will be located. Hickory's role in this project will be that of a water provider. The leadership of the city, years ago, made a commitment that would allow the city to grow. Had those committments not been made, then this project could not have been brought to fruition. Hickory entered into an agreement with Apple and Hickory will charge the same amount that they charge any entity outside of the city, which is double-rates.
Mayor Wright stated that Maiden was very complementary of Hickory in helping make this deal happen. The Mayor basically addressed what Harry and I have talked about when it comes to Hickory's economic development, "Lenoir gets Google. Maiden gets Apple. What about Hickory?" The Mayor says that we are very much taking the position as team players. We know that if something good happens within 50 miles of Hickory, it's good for Hickory. We are not going to upset the Apple cart. We are going to help make this happen. There were some positions that Hickory could have taken to make Hickory competitive with Maiden, but this is the way that it needed to sort out to make it happen. It is a win-win for everybody including the average taxpayer.
The Hound truly believes the Mayor and other city officials misunderstand where the people I represent are coming from. We are observing what is going on, not trying to rap knuckles. This issue isn't about Apple and Maiden, Apple and Hickory, Google and Lenoir, Google and Hickory, Rudy, Mick, or any combination of the above.
We are happy that Lenoir and Maiden have landed these major companies and we are not coveting what they have achieved. What we are saying is that Hickory needs its own new businesses, inside the city limits, to be able to grow and prosper. The relevant issue is tax revenue and its relationship to the city's future budget. If we don't obtain new businesses and develop economic growth in Hickory, then we are going to have stagnant or declining tax revenue. Therefore as inflation takes its natural course, we are going to have to deal with the issues of cutting into the bone on the city's budget (cutting services) and/or raising taxes on residents and commercial enterprises in the near future.
We must have job growth in Hickory. Are Apple and Google going to hand us money to spend towards our city's needs? My guess is no. Are shoppers from Lenoir or Maiden going to flock to Hickory when Conover and Granite Falls are building up their marketplaces?
No one has shown any tangible numbers about the revenue streams coming from selling the Apple facility water. Will such revenues be comparable to property tax revenues provided from a facility with hundreds of millions of dollars of plant, property, and equipment? I highly doubt it.
This water issue is a moot point anyway. It isn't a card that we could ever afford to play. We can't turn area communities down when it comes to their water needs. That would have very negative consequences attached to it. We are the regional provider and that carries a lot of responsibility. We can never use water as a tool of extortion against the communities we provide this service to, just to get what we want. That would be cutting our noses off in spite of our face. Everyone realistically understands this.
Apple and Google present unique opportunities, if the right people are allowed to cultivate and implement what many might consider "Outside of the Box" solutions. We can be a High-Tech corridor, but we must see public officials encourage the developmental processes or they will not succeed. We have to set egos aside in order to achieve the goal of turning our circumstances around. It can't be totally about, "what's in it for me?" It has to be about, "what's in it for Hickory?"
So in the end, we don't need to spin every economic issue that comes down the pike. Why does everyone feel the need to play the role of Baghdad Bob. I know that the Mayor and the City Manager want things to turn around in Hickory, but sometimes they appear to be grasping at straws and overly optomistic in their prognostications, especially when it comes to what we can all see are the same ole processes. The Big Question is, are City Leaders willing to take the risks necessary to create some positive momentum? Words do not instill confidence in business people and entrepreneurs. Action and results instill confidence.
X. New Business - Public Hearings:
1. Consideration to Adopt a Joint Resolution between the Cities of Hickory and Conover to Levy an Additional 1% Room Occupancy and Tourism Development Tax as Authorized by House Bill 533 Ratified as 2009 Session Law Chapter 169 - Hickory and Conover were authorized by this bill to levy an occupancy tax of not less than 3% nor more than 5% of the gross receipts derived from room rental from any hotel, motel, inn, tourist camp or similar place within the City and to establish the Board of the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority (TDA). The cities currently are authorized to levy a 5% occupancy tax. This law authorizes the cities by joint resolution to levy an additional 1% occupancy tax. The total tax once adopted by both cities, will be 6%. The joint resolution also ratifies the existing board appointments and terms of the Hickory-Conover Tourism Development Authority. The cities are to distribute the net proceeds of the tax to the TDA on a quarterly basis to be utilized by the TDA as outlined accordingly. City Manager Berry said the Lobbyist paid off well in this process. He also thanked Ray Warren for introducing the bill. The Convention Center and visitor's bureau is fully self-supported by this tax. City Manager Berry went into some of the breakdown of specifics of this tax.
During the Public Discussion of this issue, a Mr. Stuart Allen came forth about his concerns regarding the hole (at the former Buffalo's restaurant) on U.S. 70. He wants the city to demand proceedings against Steve Mason. The Mayor stated that he had conversations with the City Manager today about the issue and it is not as simple as it looks. Mr. Allen stated that it is an ugly situation and a health hazard. Unanimous Consent (5-0)
The Hound doesn't buy into the philosophy that the Lobbyist had anything to do with us getting this additional 1-cent. The Lobbyist is costing $50,000 a year. Give me something besides some Cliff Clavin numbers that show that the lobbyist creates value. Show me some tangible results where the lobbyist has really benefitted us.
Besides the money, this Lobbyist creates more issues than he solves. The city cannot do certain things, because of state laws about gifts and conflicts of interest involving a city's association with lobbyist representation. I will also argue that the issues that this lobbying group is claiming credit for solving are issues that we benefit from because of a piggy-back factor and not because this lobbyist is specifically representing Hickory.
B. New Business - Departmental Reports:
1. Approval of Design Proposal With HSMM/AECOM to Modify the Design of the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade in the Amount of $301,636 - This proposal modifies the design of the Northeast Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade in order to alter the scope of the proposed upgrade to reduce project construction costs. The upgrade is vital to the continued mission and goal of Hickory Public Utilities to protect the areas natural resources. Originally the project bid resulted in a construction cost of $37,499,000, which was over the City’s construction budget of $30,000,000, therefore resulting in the rejection of all bids by Council on June 16, 2009. The engineer estimates that the completion of this design modification will result in a construction cost of approximately $27,000,000, which will result in a total project cost of around $30,000,000. The savings will be realized due to removing some of the unknown risk of constructing new facilities on top of existing structures, adjustment to phases of work to allow contractor flexibility in work tasks, reusing some existing structures with upfitted new equipment and removal or reduction of some structures to be built. The HSMM/AECOM Engineers and City Staff feel that with the proposed design modifications there will be a real savings in the project construction cost without compromising the integrity of the proposed facility. The Mayor had the first reading pulled from the consent agenda and explained that his son is employed by HSMM, but has no significant financial interest in the company.
Kevin Greer stated that they have met with the engineers. Their desire is to get the budget down to $27 Million as a max. With contingencies that should put them right at the $30 million number. They are looking to identify cuts and modifications "to get it to a buildong project for us." They are still keeping the design concept -- replacing the facility. They are exploring options, such as, they are looking to redo some of the basins, instead of replacing them. They are going to give the contractor more leniency and decision making.
The original contract was signed in 2004. The estimate was $18 million with a 6% construction cost. This contract change has construction costs of 5.89% on $27 million. This is a modification of the original design. Mr. Greer stated finding a new engineer would start us back down a 2 1/2 to 3 year path. This saves us time. Alder Patton asked about Refurbishing some areas and what is the life expectancy of these? Mr. Greer said the sections will be resurfaced (they are 30 to 35 years old) and will be good as new and all equipment will be replaced with new. What is being saved is time in these basins. There are just a couple of places that they can use existing tanks. Unanimous Consent 5-0
The Hound isn't looking to play Monday Morning Quarterback here, because I have more questions about this issue than comments. Why has this project been in the works for 5 years. I believe that Mr. Greer stated that this process was begun in 2004. It seems to me that it makes a lot of sense that the company's cost objectives were way underestimated because of the length of time it has taken to get this project up and running.
The project, that was scrapped, is nearly 25% over the $30m million target I have seen addressed recently and more than 100% over that $18 million estimate from 2004. How did cost objectives get so far out of line? Are we going to sacrifice the quality of the project by demanding a $30 million budget when the company was asking for $37 million for the original work to be done?
What is even more confusing, is that Mr. Greer is stating that some of these basins can be refurbished without a loss of quality and other issues have been tightened up to achieve cost objectives. I am just curious as to why we weren't collaborating with this company and engineer over the last five years to ensure that cost and quality control objectives were going to be met. Why did it come to the point of Surprise, Surprise?
General comments
Pastor Jack McConnell addressed issues involving the Homeless Day Shelter Facility for men he runs called Grace House. 35 to 40 people attend daily. They are teaching basic computer classes (skills) to help participants access unemployment benefits, apply for disability claims, and do job searches. They also do referrals for mental health, substance abuse, and HIV testing.
They were seeded in the beginning by Abundant Grace Church and they have survived since January on donations from other churches and individuals. They are running short of funds and he looks at this as an opportunity for everyone to work together. There is a great gap after 8am in the morning. He sees a need for a place for people to go in the daytime. What he is asking for is some funding that might be available. The Mayor said that he would like to direct Mr. McConnell to have some further dialogue with the City Manager's office.
The Hound is appreciative of these types of operations. Pastor McConnell stated that there was no place for these people to go, once the shelters send them out at 8:30am in the morning. Pastor McConnell also stated that many of these people end up Downtown and there have been lots of complaints and disturbances. This facility will keep them from ending up down there.
Pastor McConnell stated that he had law officers come and speak to the people attending the program, so that they could build a relationship with them. I agree with what he stated about partnership, cooperation, and breaking down the wall between Public Service and the Homeless. This seems like it would be an excellent investment to facilitate better security and therefore a better commercial environment Downtown. We should look to encourage the dispersal of these types of facilities away from valuable commercial marketplaces. I believe that we must do everything we can to ensure the viability of our money centers and having vagrants panhandling patrons of these establishments does not help establish a vibrant and thriving marketplace.
Turning a blind eye towards these people and locking public bathrooms, that legitimate customers need, does not address a real issue that hurts Union Square. We need positive facilities, such as this, to help turn these peoples' lives around. In my opinion, this is an investment worth making.
Sally Fox spoke about the Hickory Farmer's Market participation in the national "Love Your Farmers Market" contest. The Grand prize is $5,000 and the Market could really use that money. She said that all of the original 5,000 people who wanted a farmers market need to get out there and vote. Here is the Link - Hickory Farmer's Market.
The Hound thinks that our Farmer's market is something that city officials should truly be proud of. I really think that we should do everything we can to promote what I consider Americana at it's best. These small marketeers setting up shop is what our country was built upon. I hope that as our city grows that our Farmer's Market will grow along with it. I would love, in the future, to see other markets held in a location for people who can't get Downtown. I think a Monday or Friday market in the St. Stephen's area would be a success going forward and it would not hurt the viability of the Downtown times or location.
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Hickory Metro's Economy and the 10 Worst MSAs in the U.S.
This article is a continuation of the last article, Hickory Metro's Economy versus similar U.S. MSAs and Hickory Metro's Economy versus North Carolina MSAs. Here, I compare all of the Metropolitan Statistical Areas that are the 10 worst in the Milken Institute rankings. The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA is the eighth largest MSA in this analysis.
The MSA populations in this analysis range from a high end of the nation's 11th largest market (Detroit, Michigan) 4,425,110 to a low end of (Holland-Grand Haven, Michigan) 259,210. Population growth, since 2000 shows that Holland, MI gained 8.77%, while Cleveland, OH lost 2.79% of its population. For the most part, the only MSAs that grew were the smaller MSAs. In these analyzes so far, we can see that population growth seems to greatly correlate with Economic growth. Hickory is not growing at the brisk pace we have seen in the past because of the lack of Economic Opportunity.
"The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best Performing Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The components include job, wage and salary, and technology growth. The full report can be downloaded here."
11 Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI MSA Milken rank -200 Unemp = 14.9% Pop. 1,985,101 (Greater Detroit 4,425,110 - 2008 estimate)
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 86.71 Rank: 199
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 84.00 Rank: 199
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 79.11 Rank: 185
Population Growth since 2000 - -0.62%
Largest City – Detroit - In 2008 Detroit ranked as the United States' eleventh most populous city, with 912,062 residents
Higher Education
Ave Maria College (Ypsilanti), Cleary University (Ann Arbor and Howell), College for Creative Studies (Detroit), Concordia University (Ann Arbor), Cranbrook Academy of Art (Bloomfield Hills), Davenport University. Dorsey Business School, Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti), Everest Academy (Clarkston, Michigan), Henry Ford Community College (Dearborn), Kettering University (Flint), Lawrence Technological University (Southfield), Macomb Community College (Warren and Clinton Township), Madonna University (Livonia), Marygrove College (Detroit), Michigan State University (Troy), Monroe County Community College (Monroe), Mott Community College (Flint), Northwood University, Oakland Community College, Oakland University (Rochester), Rochester College (Rochester Hills), Schoolcraft College (Livonia), Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts (Southfield), Sacred Heart Major Seminary (Detroit), SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary (Orchard Lake), University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit), University of Michigan, (Ann Arbor), University of Michigan–Dearborn, University of Michigan-Flint, Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Auburn Hills), Walsh College of Accountancy and Business (Troy), Washtenaw Community College (Ann Arbor), Wayne County Community College, Wayne State University (Detroit)
Economy and Employers -
When the nearby Toledo Metropolitan Area and its commuters are taken into account, the region constitutes a much larger population center with an estimated 46 million people living within a 300-mile (480 km) radius of Detroit proper.
Metro Detroit has made Michigan's economy a leader in information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing; Michigan ranks fourth nationally in high tech employment with 568,000 high tech workers, including 70,000 in the automotive industry. In April 2008, metropolitan Detroit's unemployment rate was 6.9 percent; by April 2009, it rose to 13.6 percent during the recession.
In 2004, led by Metro Detroit, Michigan ranked second nationally in new corporate facilities and expansions. From 1997 to 2004, Michigan was the only state to top the 10,000 mark for the number of major new developments. [24] Metro Detroit is a leading corporate location with major office complexes such as the Renaissance Center, the Southfield Town Center, and Cadillac Place with the Fisher Building in the historic New Center area. Both BorgWarner and TRW Automotive Holdings chose Metro Detroit for their new headquarters. Quicken Loans, National City Bank, Ernst & Young, GMAC, Visteon, and OnStar are sources of growth. Compuware, IBM, Google, and Covansys are examples information technology and software companies with a headquarters or major presence in Metro Detroit. Electronic Data Systems (EDS) makes Metro Detroit its regional headquarters, and one of its largest global employment locations. The area is home to Rofin-Sinar, a leading maker of lasers. The metropolitan Detroit area has one of the nation's largest office markets with 147,082,003 square feet.[25] Virtually every major U.S company and many from around the globe have a presence in Metro Detroit. Chrysler's largest corporate facility is its U.S. headquarters and technology center in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills. Downtown Detroit reported $1.3 billion in restorations and new developments for 2006.
Public Transportation
Detroit People Mover, Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART).
*** Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI (Part of Detroit's metro) Milken rank -198 Unemp = 14..9% Pop. 2,482,290
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 90.61 Rank: 195
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 86.75 Rank: 196
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 76.96 Rank: 189
Population Growth since 2000 - n/a
Largest City – Warren (As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 138,247, making Warren the largest city in Macomb County, the third most populous city in Michigan, and Metro Detroit's largest suburb)
Higher Education
The south campus of Macomb Community College, Davenport University, The Warren Center for Central Michigan University.
Economy and Employers -
MSX International, Inc. is an international company with headquarters in Warren, MI. Their staff works in productive environments, improving their skills through training and development programs, and achieve personal growth through career advancement.
26 Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH MSA Milken rank -193 Unemp = 10.0% Pop. 2,133,680
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 93.72 Rank: 188
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 81.32 Rank: 184
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 93.47 Rank: 133
Population Growth since 2000 - -2.79%
Largest City – Cleveland - As of the 2000 Census, the city proper had a total population of 478,403, and was then the 33rd largest city in the United States, (now estimated as the 40th largest due to declines in population) and the second largest city in Ohio
Higher Education
Baldwin-Wallace College (Berea), Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland), Cleveland College of Jewish Studies (Beachwood), Cleveland Institute of Art (Cleveland), Cleveland Institute of Music (Cleveland), Cleveland State University (Cleveland), Cuyahoga Community College (Cleveland, Highland Hills, and Parma), Hiram College (Hiram), John Carroll University (University Heights), Kent State University (Kent), Lake Erie College (Painesville), Lakeland Community College (Kirtland), Lorain County Community College (Elyria), Myers University (formerly Dyke College) (Cleveland), Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (Rootstown), Notre Dame College (South Euclid), Oberlin College (Oberlin), Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (Cleveland), University of Akron (Akron), Ursuline College (Pepper Pike), Youngstown State University (Youngstown, Ohio)
Economy and Employers -
More than 37% of Fortune 500 companies are present in Northeast Ohio, through corporate headquarters, major divisions, subsidiaries, and sales offices. In addition, more than 150 international companies have a presence there. As of 2006[update], Northeast Ohio serves as the corporate headquarters of 25 Fortune 1000 firms.
(#112) Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (Akron, rubber), (#153) Progressive Insurance (Mayfield Village, insurance), (#184) FirstEnergy (Akron, utilities), (#210) Eaton Corporation (Cleveland, motor vehicle parts), (#213) National City Corporation (Cleveland, banking), (#279) Parker-Hannifin (Mayfield Heights, aerospace), (#311) Sherwin-Williams (Cleveland, paint), (#325) KeyCorp (Cleveland, banking), (#417) The Timken Company (Canton, specialty steel), (#486) Lubrizol Corporation (Wickliffe, lubricants and chemicals), (#589) Nacco Industries (Cleveland, industrial equipment), (#671) Diebold (Green, electronics). (#674) PolyOne Corporation (Avon Lake, chemicals), (#678) RPM International (Medina, chemicals), (#704) Aleris International, Inc. (Beachwood, metals), (#765) The J.M. Smucker Co. (Orrville, food consumer products), (#825) American Greetings (Cleveland, greeting cards), (#839) Jo Ann Stores (Hudson, specialty retailer), (#846) Medical Mutual of Ohio (Cleveland, health insurance), (#878) Cleveland-Cliffs (Cleveland, mining and crude oil), (#888) Applied Industrial Technologies (Cleveland, bearings), (#922) Agilysis (Mayfield Heights, electronics), (#928) Lincoln Electric (Cleveland, arc welding equipment), (#955) Invacare (Elyria, medical products and equipment), (#995) A. Shulman (Akron, chemicals)
Other large employers include: Babcock & Wilcox (Barberton, engineering), Cafaro Corp (Youngstown, mall management and properties), Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, health care), Developers Diversified Realty Corporation (Beachwood, real estate development), DeBartolo-York Corp (Boardman Township, Youngstown, mall management and properties), Exal Corp Aluminum Production (Youngstown, metals), FirstMerit (Akron, banking), Forest City Enterprises (Cleveland, real estate development), Gojo (Akron, chemicals), Home Savings and Loan (Youngstown, banking), IMG (Cleveland, sports marketing and management), Jones Day (Cleveland, legal services), Roadway Express (Akron, logistics), University Hospitals of Cleveland (Cleveland, health care), InkStop, Inc. (Warrensville Hts., office products retailer)
Public Transportation
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates a bus system and heavy and light rail in Cuyahoga County. Other transit agencies serve the surrounding counties and provide connections with RTA, including Laketran in Lake County, Metro in Summit County, SARTA in Stark County, and Lorain County Transit in Lorain County.
66 Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI MSA Milken rank -190 Unemp = 11.7% Pop. 776,740
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 94.66 Rank: 177
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 90.47 Rank: 188
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 80.54 Rank: 177
Population Growth since 2000 - +4.90%
Largest City – Grand Rapids (Pop. 193,396 as of 2008)
Higher Education
The city is also served for college by Grand Rapids Community College in downtown Grand Rapids. In Allendale, northwest of the city, is Grand Valley State University. Further universities can be found in Lansing, Big Rapids, and Kalamazoo. Also located in the immediate area is Hope College in Holland, Davenport University in Caledonia Township, Calvin College on the east side of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College also on the east side of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, along with Grace Bible College in the city as well.
As of 2006, there is an active movement among community leaders to have Michigan State University open a new medical school in Grand Rapids.[5]. Michigan State University College of Human Medicine will expand into downtown Grand Rapids. The College of Human Medicine is one of three fully accredited four-year medical schools at MSU, along with the College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine. On April 21, 2008, the Secchia Center medical education building, a $90 million, seven-story, 180,000-square-foot (17,000 m2) facility, began construction at Michigan Street hill and Division Avenue.
Economy and Employers -
Grand Rapids has long been a center for furniture and automobile manufacturing; however, the presence of both industries has declined in the region along with manufacturing in general. American Seating, Steelcase, Haworth and Herman Miller, major manufacturers of office furniture, are based in the Grand Rapids area. The surrounding area is noted for its fruit production. Due to its close proximity to Lake Michigan the climate is considered prime for apple, peach, and blueberry farming.
More recently the city has had some success in developing and attracting businesses focusing on the health sciences, with facilities such as the Van Andel Research Institute (primarily focused on cancer research), Grand Valley State University's Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences (undergraduate and graduate health-related programs, doctorate program in Physical Therapy, upcoming Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)), and Michigan State University's new Grand Rapids based Medical School.
Public Transportation
Public bus transportation is provided by the Interurban Transit Partnership, which brands itself as The Rapid. Transportation is also provided by the DASH buses: the "Downtown Area Shuttle". These provide transportation to and from the parking lots in the city of Grand Rapids to various designated loading and unloading spots around the city.
79 Toledo, OH MSA Milken rank -194 Unemp = 13.1% Pop. 650,960
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 92.95 Rank: 189
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 91.71 Rank: 185
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 88.83 Rank: 153
Population Growth since 2000 - +0.05%
Largest City – Toledo (Pop. 316,851 as of 2007)
Higher Education
University of Toledo, Davis College, Lourdes College, University of Toledo Medical Center, Mercy College of Northwest Ohio, Stautzenberger College, Toledo Academy of Beauty, Toledo Professional Skills Institute, Owens Community College, University of Findlay, Bowling Green State University, Terra Community College, Adrian College, The University of Michigan in nearby Ann Arbor and also several other smaller institutes.
Economy and Employers -
Historically, before the industrial revolution, Toledo was a port city on the Great Lakes. But with the advent of the automobile, the city became best known for industrial manufacturing, although these industries have declined considerably in past decades. Both General Motors and Chrysler have factories in metropolitan Toledo, and automobile manufacturing has been important at least since Kirk[21] began operations early in the 20th Century. The city is home to two Fortune 500 companies: Dana Corporation and Owens Corning. Another Fortune 500 company, formerly located at One SeaGate, is Owens-Illinois. O-I has recently relocated to suburban Perrysburg. One SeaGate is currently the location of Fifth-Third Bank's Northwest Ohio headquarters. HCR Manor Care is an up and coming Fortune 1000 company headquartered in Toledo. Though the largest employer in Toledo was Jeep for much of the 20th century, this honor has recently gone to the University of Toledo. Manufacturing as a whole now employs fewer Toledoans than does the healthcare industry, now the city's biggest employer
106 Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA Milken rank -196 Unemp = 11.3% Pop. 456,440
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 90.06 Rank: 196
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 91.61 Rank: 183
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 76.53 Rank: 190
Population Growth since 2000 - +1.92%
Largest City – Lansing - As of the July 1, 2008 Census Bureau estimate, it has a population of 113,968
Higher Education
Michigan State University, The Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing Community College, Western Michigan University (branch campus in Delta Township), Davenport University, Central Michigan University (branch campus), and Great Lakes Christian College
Economy and Employers -
The Lansing metropolitan area's major industries are government, education, insurance, healthcare, and automobile manufacturing. Being the state capital, many state government workers reside in the area.
The recent decline of the auto industry in the region has increased the region's awareness of the importance of a strategy to foster the high-technology sector.
* An initiative called Prima Civitas, created by Michigan State University, in cooperation with the cities of Lansing and East Lansing, under the direction of former Lansing mayor David Hollister, is spearheading focused economic development in the technology sector in the region.
* Early availability of high-speed Internet in 1996, as well as the MSU, Cooley Law School, and LCC student population, fostered an intellectual environment for information technology companies to incubate.
Lansing has a number of technology companies in the fields of information technology and biotechnology.
* Neogen Corporation is an international food and animal safety company headquartered in Lansing. Neogen develops and manufactures among other things, diagnostic kits, equine vaccines and culture media.[24]
* Emergent BioSolutions is an international biopharmaceutical company that maintains significant operations in Lansing. Emergent BioSolutions is developing an array of biodefense and commercial products and currently manufactures the only FDA approved anthrax vaccine at its Lansing operations.[25] In March 2009 Emergent announced another $10.9 million investment in its Lansing facility and is adding 93 new employees.[26]
* TechSmith Corporation is located just outside Lansing and is the world's leading provider of screen capture and recording software for individual and professional use.[27]
* Liquid Web, Inc. is a web hosting company located in neighboring Delta Township, and operates two datacenters there.[28]
* Niowave is a high-tech company in Lansing that makes parts for superconducting particle accelerators.
* ACD.net is an independent company in Lansing that provides high-speed Internet service, Web hosting, telephone service and data storage to more than 20,000 customers across Michigan.
* IBM announced in January 2009 that it was opening its first U.S. programming center in the former MSU Federal Credit Union headquarters in East Lansing for application software for governments, universities, etc.
Public Transportation
Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides public transit bus service to the Lansing-East Lansing Metropolitan area on 33 routes. CATA boasts the second highest ridership in the state of Michigan after Detroit with 53,000 daily rides in September 2008 and 11,306,339 rides in fiscal year 2008.
111 Flint, MI MSA Milken rank -195 Unemp = 16.5% Pop. 434,720
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 87.61 Rank: 198
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 82.55 Rank: 200
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 78.20 Rank: 186
Population Growth since 2000 - -0.33%
Largest City – Flint - As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 124,943
Higher Education
University of Michigan–Flint, Kettering University (formerly known as GMI for General Motors Institute), Baker College, Mott Community College, Davenport University
Economy and Employers -
Flint is most known for being the birthplace of the General Motors Corporation. It has also become a symbol of the decline in the auto industry. The headquarters of Citizens Republic Bancorp. The last decade has opened on the final stages of large-scale General Motors deindustrialization. By 2002 Flint had accrued a $35 million debt. Unable to pay this and balance its budget, the state of Michigan placed the city into receivership late that year, with a financial manager effectively replacing acting mayor, City Administrator Darnell Earley. In 2004, local control was resumed and has maintained a balanced budget since.
In 2004, General Motors made multi-million dollar upgrades to three Flint factories: Flint Truck and Bus Assembly, Flint Metal Center, and Flint Engine South. Recent developments have also assured the operation of Delphi Flint East beyond 2007. Included in the proposed 2007 UAW-GM contract, a new engine plant will be built near Powertrain Flint North to begin production in 2011, replacing the current factory, which is scheduled to end production of the 3800 engine in 2008.
Delphi Automotive, Genesys Health System, McClaren Medical Center, Hurley Medical Center, Meijers (3 Retail Stores)
Public Transportation
For travel within and around the city, the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) provides local bus services.
120 Canton-Massillon, OH MSA Milken rank -197 Unemp = 11.3% Pop. 407,180
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 989.90 Rank: 197
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 87.07 Rank: 194
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 74.08 Rank: 193
Population Growth since 2000 - +5.46%
Largest City – Hickory (according to a 2008 census estimate, the population has declined to 78,362)
Higher Education
Malone University, a private, four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church, is located on 25th St. N.W. Catholic-run Walsh University is located nearby in North Canton. Stark State College and a branch of Kent State University are also nearby, in Jackson Township. Also, in downtown Canton, there is a small annex for Stark State College to be used by the Early College High School students who attend Timken High School. The current principal is Valarie Pack.
Economy and Employers -
The Canton area's economy is primarily industrial, with a significant agricultural segment. The city is home to the Timken Company, a major manufacturer of tapered roller bearings and specialty steel. Several other large companies operate in the greater-Canton area, including are Belden Brick Company (brick and masonry producer) and Diebold (ATMs, electronic voting devices, and bank vaults). The area is also home to several regional food producers, including Nickles Bakery (baked goods), Park Farms (poultry) and Shearers (snack foods). Poultry production and dairy farming are also important segments of the Canton-area economy.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is provided by the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA).
138 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Milken rank -191 Unemp = 15.4% Pop. 360,471
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 91.09 Rank: 193
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 86.91 Rank: 195
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 93.90 Rank: 130
Population Growth since 2000 - +5.46%
Largest City – Hickory (Pop. 42,000)
Higher Education – Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State – Hickory, Catawba Valley Community College, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Western Piedmont Community College
Economy and Employers -
The Hickory area is home to many leading manufacturers of furniture (before most jobs in that industry were shipped over to China) and fiber optic cable. It is estimated that 60% of the nation's furniture used to be produced within a 200-mile (320 km) radius of Hickory. Forty percent of the world's fiber optic cable is made in the Hickory area. Lenoir is the headquarters of Broyhill Furniture company, one of the largest furniture companies in the United States and part of Furniture Brands International. It has historically been one of the town's largest employers. The Bernhardt and Fairfield furniture companies are also located in Lenoir. However, in the 1990s, these companies began outsourcing their work overseas, and they have closed many of Lenoir's furniture factories and laid off workers, causing many local businesses either to close or move to other cities. This has harmed the economy in Lenoir, leaving many households living below the poverty line.Google, Inc. has commenced construction of and opened a server farm in Lenoir. The move, it is hoped, will boost the local economy and provide much-needed jobs for the area, which has been harmed by outsourcing of furniture manufacturing jobs overseas.
141 Ann Arbor, MI MSA Milken rank -192 Unemp = 9.1% Pop. 350,003
5-yr Job Growth(02-06) 91.45 Rank: 192
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 93.05 Rank: 176
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 75.52 Rank: 191
Population Growth since 2000 - +8.44%
Largest City - Ann Arbor (7th largest city in Michigan, Pop. 114,024 as of the 2000 Census)
Higher Education
University of Michigan, Concordia University - Ann Arbor, a campus of the University of Phoenix, and Cleary University, Washtenaw Community College , Eastern Michigan University. Ave Maria School of Law
Economy and Employers –
The University of Michigan shapes Ann Arbor's economy significantly. It employs about 30,000 workers, including about 7,500 in the medical center. Other employers are drawn to the area by the university's research and development money, and by its graduates. High tech, health services and biotechnology are other major components of the city's economy; numerous medical offices, laboratories, and associated companies are located in the city.
Public Transportation - The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), which brands itself as "The Ride", operates public bus services throughout Ann Arbor and nearby Ypsilanti.
171 Holland-Grand Haven, MI MSA Milken rank -199 Unemp = 12.9% Pop. 259,210
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 94.66 Rank: 177
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 90.47 Rank: 195
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 80.54 Rank: 188
Population Growth since 2000 - +8.77%
Largest City – Holland (the 2008 census estimate placing the population at 34,076)
Higher Education
Hope College, a private four-year liberal arts college, Western Theological Seminary a graduate and professional school, Western Michigan University has a branch campus in Holland. Grand Valley State University has a campus in Holland. Davenport University has a Regional campus in Holland
Economy and Employers -
Grand Haven has been a technology leader in West Michigan and throughout the country having been featured in the national media. The city holds the title as first municipality in the country to feature a city-wide wireless internet service. The wireless service is designed to work throughout the city and up to 15 miles (24 km) offshore for boaters. In 2004, the city started offering wireless internet service every day to residents, businesses and visitors.
The Hound sees more evidence that Hickory's problems are not everyone else's fault.
Look at where 10 out of the 11 worst performing cities are located. They are all centered around Detroit, Michigan and the automobile industry (shown in the map above). You can't say that these Michigan and Northern Ohio numbers are a recent phenomena in the the Auto Industry, because the rating scores are developed over five years. Maybe if we look at what has caused the collapse of the United States Automobile Industry and the lack of action by these local governments in Michigan and Ohio, then we will see a correlation between what has happened there and what is happening in the Hickory Metro.
What is more than clear is that our city's statistics show very little relation to what is happening to the vast majority of cities in the Southeast. The only city close to us, in the bottom 25, is Spartanburg, South Carolina (#183). The only other city in our region, in the bottom 50 is Columbus, Georgia. The previous article Hickory Metro's Economy versus North Carolina MSAs showed that our city is by far the worst in our own state and I explained my thoughts on what is causing our current circumstances in relation to our State.
For a city and MSA of our size, we have a lot to offer. I really don't think education, or lack there of, is the problem in our city. Five of the MSAs above (Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, Lansing, and Ann Arbor) have major universities and other higher education institutions in their area. All but one of those MSAs (Ann Arbor) is suffering from double-digit unemployment.
I think that all of the areas above have problems when it comes to economic resiliency. In my opinion, we are fortunate that we don't have the problems with Unions and the lack of adaptability built into a Corporate Bureaucracy that is brought about by Unions. That should help us bounce back if the manufacturing sector of our economy were to ever evolve towards high-tech industry. The issue that we face is that many of our local Unifour employees have not been task flexible. They were basically taught "on-the-job" about specific tasks and not challenged to invest in their personal Human Capital. We have to instill an attitude amongst businesses and employees that they must constantly educate and train themselves in an ever-changing technical environment. The workforce is going to have to be flexible and willing and able to multi-task. This will increase employee value to employers in the area.
Small business will be where the majority of our area's jobs are going to come from in the future. Like these Industrial Automobile Economies in the Midwest, our local mindset has been too oriented towards the status quo, too conservative towards policy, and risk averse towards change. The auto crisis is the result of years of corporate-controlled government manipulation. Some people believe that the same mindset occurred in Hickory from the late 1990s until 2008. By the the time our local officials reluctantly admitted to the realization that we were going down the wrong path, it was too late to stop the train wreck of consequences we are now facing. In my opinion, they still haven't fully confessed and that confession is the first step towards solving our economic problems.
We must have local officials who will apply common sense principals toward policies of economic growth. Without good jobs, we cannot have a prosperous and vibrant community. We cannot have the cultural amenities that our privileged class covets. I do agree that businesses should be personally responsible towards setting a positive image for our community. If our local officials are fair and consistent when administrating policy, then businesses should adhere to the guidelines. Together everyone has a role to play in the collaborative process.
I believe that there has to be cooperation between businesses and local government. I also believe that in the past Hickory has seen a commercial environment that pitted government and business in roles as adversaries. This held our area back even in good times. In the end, both entities must work together for the good of our community and its inhabitants. Lately, I have heard communication that has me hopeful that we are taking the first steps towards a new era of cooperation. But in the end, it is actions that will count, isn't it?
The MSA populations in this analysis range from a high end of the nation's 11th largest market (Detroit, Michigan) 4,425,110 to a low end of (Holland-Grand Haven, Michigan) 259,210. Population growth, since 2000 shows that Holland, MI gained 8.77%, while Cleveland, OH lost 2.79% of its population. For the most part, the only MSAs that grew were the smaller MSAs. In these analyzes so far, we can see that population growth seems to greatly correlate with Economic growth. Hickory is not growing at the brisk pace we have seen in the past because of the lack of Economic Opportunity.
"The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best Performing Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The components include job, wage and salary, and technology growth. The full report can be downloaded here."
11 Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI MSA Milken rank -200 Unemp = 14.9% Pop. 1,985,101 (Greater Detroit 4,425,110 - 2008 estimate)
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 86.71 Rank: 199
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 84.00 Rank: 199
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 79.11 Rank: 185
Population Growth since 2000 - -0.62%
Largest City – Detroit - In 2008 Detroit ranked as the United States' eleventh most populous city, with 912,062 residents
Higher Education
Ave Maria College (Ypsilanti), Cleary University (Ann Arbor and Howell), College for Creative Studies (Detroit), Concordia University (Ann Arbor), Cranbrook Academy of Art (Bloomfield Hills), Davenport University. Dorsey Business School, Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti), Everest Academy (Clarkston, Michigan), Henry Ford Community College (Dearborn), Kettering University (Flint), Lawrence Technological University (Southfield), Macomb Community College (Warren and Clinton Township), Madonna University (Livonia), Marygrove College (Detroit), Michigan State University (Troy), Monroe County Community College (Monroe), Mott Community College (Flint), Northwood University, Oakland Community College, Oakland University (Rochester), Rochester College (Rochester Hills), Schoolcraft College (Livonia), Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts (Southfield), Sacred Heart Major Seminary (Detroit), SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary (Orchard Lake), University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit), University of Michigan, (Ann Arbor), University of Michigan–Dearborn, University of Michigan-Flint, Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Auburn Hills), Walsh College of Accountancy and Business (Troy), Washtenaw Community College (Ann Arbor), Wayne County Community College, Wayne State University (Detroit)
Economy and Employers -
When the nearby Toledo Metropolitan Area and its commuters are taken into account, the region constitutes a much larger population center with an estimated 46 million people living within a 300-mile (480 km) radius of Detroit proper.
Metro Detroit has made Michigan's economy a leader in information technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing; Michigan ranks fourth nationally in high tech employment with 568,000 high tech workers, including 70,000 in the automotive industry. In April 2008, metropolitan Detroit's unemployment rate was 6.9 percent; by April 2009, it rose to 13.6 percent during the recession.
In 2004, led by Metro Detroit, Michigan ranked second nationally in new corporate facilities and expansions. From 1997 to 2004, Michigan was the only state to top the 10,000 mark for the number of major new developments. [24] Metro Detroit is a leading corporate location with major office complexes such as the Renaissance Center, the Southfield Town Center, and Cadillac Place with the Fisher Building in the historic New Center area. Both BorgWarner and TRW Automotive Holdings chose Metro Detroit for their new headquarters. Quicken Loans, National City Bank, Ernst & Young, GMAC, Visteon, and OnStar are sources of growth. Compuware, IBM, Google, and Covansys are examples information technology and software companies with a headquarters or major presence in Metro Detroit. Electronic Data Systems (EDS) makes Metro Detroit its regional headquarters, and one of its largest global employment locations. The area is home to Rofin-Sinar, a leading maker of lasers. The metropolitan Detroit area has one of the nation's largest office markets with 147,082,003 square feet.[25] Virtually every major U.S company and many from around the globe have a presence in Metro Detroit. Chrysler's largest corporate facility is its U.S. headquarters and technology center in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills. Downtown Detroit reported $1.3 billion in restorations and new developments for 2006.
Public Transportation
Detroit People Mover, Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT), and Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART).
*** Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills, MI (Part of Detroit's metro) Milken rank -198 Unemp = 14..9% Pop. 2,482,290
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 90.61 Rank: 195
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 86.75 Rank: 196
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 76.96 Rank: 189
Population Growth since 2000 - n/a
Largest City – Warren (As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 138,247, making Warren the largest city in Macomb County, the third most populous city in Michigan, and Metro Detroit's largest suburb)
Higher Education
The south campus of Macomb Community College, Davenport University, The Warren Center for Central Michigan University.
Economy and Employers -
MSX International, Inc. is an international company with headquarters in Warren, MI. Their staff works in productive environments, improving their skills through training and development programs, and achieve personal growth through career advancement.
26 Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH MSA Milken rank -193 Unemp = 10.0% Pop. 2,133,680
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 93.72 Rank: 188
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 81.32 Rank: 184
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 93.47 Rank: 133
Population Growth since 2000 - -2.79%
Largest City – Cleveland - As of the 2000 Census, the city proper had a total population of 478,403, and was then the 33rd largest city in the United States, (now estimated as the 40th largest due to declines in population) and the second largest city in Ohio
Higher Education
Baldwin-Wallace College (Berea), Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland), Cleveland College of Jewish Studies (Beachwood), Cleveland Institute of Art (Cleveland), Cleveland Institute of Music (Cleveland), Cleveland State University (Cleveland), Cuyahoga Community College (Cleveland, Highland Hills, and Parma), Hiram College (Hiram), John Carroll University (University Heights), Kent State University (Kent), Lake Erie College (Painesville), Lakeland Community College (Kirtland), Lorain County Community College (Elyria), Myers University (formerly Dyke College) (Cleveland), Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine (Rootstown), Notre Dame College (South Euclid), Oberlin College (Oberlin), Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (Cleveland), University of Akron (Akron), Ursuline College (Pepper Pike), Youngstown State University (Youngstown, Ohio)
Economy and Employers -
More than 37% of Fortune 500 companies are present in Northeast Ohio, through corporate headquarters, major divisions, subsidiaries, and sales offices. In addition, more than 150 international companies have a presence there. As of 2006[update], Northeast Ohio serves as the corporate headquarters of 25 Fortune 1000 firms.
(#112) Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (Akron, rubber), (#153) Progressive Insurance (Mayfield Village, insurance), (#184) FirstEnergy (Akron, utilities), (#210) Eaton Corporation (Cleveland, motor vehicle parts), (#213) National City Corporation (Cleveland, banking), (#279) Parker-Hannifin (Mayfield Heights, aerospace), (#311) Sherwin-Williams (Cleveland, paint), (#325) KeyCorp (Cleveland, banking), (#417) The Timken Company (Canton, specialty steel), (#486) Lubrizol Corporation (Wickliffe, lubricants and chemicals), (#589) Nacco Industries (Cleveland, industrial equipment), (#671) Diebold (Green, electronics). (#674) PolyOne Corporation (Avon Lake, chemicals), (#678) RPM International (Medina, chemicals), (#704) Aleris International, Inc. (Beachwood, metals), (#765) The J.M. Smucker Co. (Orrville, food consumer products), (#825) American Greetings (Cleveland, greeting cards), (#839) Jo Ann Stores (Hudson, specialty retailer), (#846) Medical Mutual of Ohio (Cleveland, health insurance), (#878) Cleveland-Cliffs (Cleveland, mining and crude oil), (#888) Applied Industrial Technologies (Cleveland, bearings), (#922) Agilysis (Mayfield Heights, electronics), (#928) Lincoln Electric (Cleveland, arc welding equipment), (#955) Invacare (Elyria, medical products and equipment), (#995) A. Shulman (Akron, chemicals)
Other large employers include: Babcock & Wilcox (Barberton, engineering), Cafaro Corp (Youngstown, mall management and properties), Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, health care), Developers Diversified Realty Corporation (Beachwood, real estate development), DeBartolo-York Corp (Boardman Township, Youngstown, mall management and properties), Exal Corp Aluminum Production (Youngstown, metals), FirstMerit (Akron, banking), Forest City Enterprises (Cleveland, real estate development), Gojo (Akron, chemicals), Home Savings and Loan (Youngstown, banking), IMG (Cleveland, sports marketing and management), Jones Day (Cleveland, legal services), Roadway Express (Akron, logistics), University Hospitals of Cleveland (Cleveland, health care), InkStop, Inc. (Warrensville Hts., office products retailer)
Public Transportation
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates a bus system and heavy and light rail in Cuyahoga County. Other transit agencies serve the surrounding counties and provide connections with RTA, including Laketran in Lake County, Metro in Summit County, SARTA in Stark County, and Lorain County Transit in Lorain County.
66 Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI MSA Milken rank -190 Unemp = 11.7% Pop. 776,740
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 94.66 Rank: 177
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 90.47 Rank: 188
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 80.54 Rank: 177
Population Growth since 2000 - +4.90%
Largest City – Grand Rapids (Pop. 193,396 as of 2008)
Higher Education
The city is also served for college by Grand Rapids Community College in downtown Grand Rapids. In Allendale, northwest of the city, is Grand Valley State University. Further universities can be found in Lansing, Big Rapids, and Kalamazoo. Also located in the immediate area is Hope College in Holland, Davenport University in Caledonia Township, Calvin College on the east side of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College also on the east side of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, along with Grace Bible College in the city as well.
As of 2006, there is an active movement among community leaders to have Michigan State University open a new medical school in Grand Rapids.[5]. Michigan State University College of Human Medicine will expand into downtown Grand Rapids. The College of Human Medicine is one of three fully accredited four-year medical schools at MSU, along with the College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Veterinary Medicine. On April 21, 2008, the Secchia Center medical education building, a $90 million, seven-story, 180,000-square-foot (17,000 m2) facility, began construction at Michigan Street hill and Division Avenue.
Economy and Employers -
Grand Rapids has long been a center for furniture and automobile manufacturing; however, the presence of both industries has declined in the region along with manufacturing in general. American Seating, Steelcase, Haworth and Herman Miller, major manufacturers of office furniture, are based in the Grand Rapids area. The surrounding area is noted for its fruit production. Due to its close proximity to Lake Michigan the climate is considered prime for apple, peach, and blueberry farming.
More recently the city has had some success in developing and attracting businesses focusing on the health sciences, with facilities such as the Van Andel Research Institute (primarily focused on cancer research), Grand Valley State University's Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences (undergraduate and graduate health-related programs, doctorate program in Physical Therapy, upcoming Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)), and Michigan State University's new Grand Rapids based Medical School.
Public Transportation
Public bus transportation is provided by the Interurban Transit Partnership, which brands itself as The Rapid. Transportation is also provided by the DASH buses: the "Downtown Area Shuttle". These provide transportation to and from the parking lots in the city of Grand Rapids to various designated loading and unloading spots around the city.
79 Toledo, OH MSA Milken rank -194 Unemp = 13.1% Pop. 650,960
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 92.95 Rank: 189
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 91.71 Rank: 185
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 88.83 Rank: 153
Population Growth since 2000 - +0.05%
Largest City – Toledo (Pop. 316,851 as of 2007)
Higher Education
University of Toledo, Davis College, Lourdes College, University of Toledo Medical Center, Mercy College of Northwest Ohio, Stautzenberger College, Toledo Academy of Beauty, Toledo Professional Skills Institute, Owens Community College, University of Findlay, Bowling Green State University, Terra Community College, Adrian College, The University of Michigan in nearby Ann Arbor and also several other smaller institutes.
Economy and Employers -
Historically, before the industrial revolution, Toledo was a port city on the Great Lakes. But with the advent of the automobile, the city became best known for industrial manufacturing, although these industries have declined considerably in past decades. Both General Motors and Chrysler have factories in metropolitan Toledo, and automobile manufacturing has been important at least since Kirk[21] began operations early in the 20th Century. The city is home to two Fortune 500 companies: Dana Corporation and Owens Corning. Another Fortune 500 company, formerly located at One SeaGate, is Owens-Illinois. O-I has recently relocated to suburban Perrysburg. One SeaGate is currently the location of Fifth-Third Bank's Northwest Ohio headquarters. HCR Manor Care is an up and coming Fortune 1000 company headquartered in Toledo. Though the largest employer in Toledo was Jeep for much of the 20th century, this honor has recently gone to the University of Toledo. Manufacturing as a whole now employs fewer Toledoans than does the healthcare industry, now the city's biggest employer
106 Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA Milken rank -196 Unemp = 11.3% Pop. 456,440
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 90.06 Rank: 196
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 91.61 Rank: 183
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 76.53 Rank: 190
Population Growth since 2000 - +1.92%
Largest City – Lansing - As of the July 1, 2008 Census Bureau estimate, it has a population of 113,968
Higher Education
Michigan State University, The Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lansing Community College, Western Michigan University (branch campus in Delta Township), Davenport University, Central Michigan University (branch campus), and Great Lakes Christian College
Economy and Employers -
The Lansing metropolitan area's major industries are government, education, insurance, healthcare, and automobile manufacturing. Being the state capital, many state government workers reside in the area.
The recent decline of the auto industry in the region has increased the region's awareness of the importance of a strategy to foster the high-technology sector.
* An initiative called Prima Civitas, created by Michigan State University, in cooperation with the cities of Lansing and East Lansing, under the direction of former Lansing mayor David Hollister, is spearheading focused economic development in the technology sector in the region.
* Early availability of high-speed Internet in 1996, as well as the MSU, Cooley Law School, and LCC student population, fostered an intellectual environment for information technology companies to incubate.
Lansing has a number of technology companies in the fields of information technology and biotechnology.
* Neogen Corporation is an international food and animal safety company headquartered in Lansing. Neogen develops and manufactures among other things, diagnostic kits, equine vaccines and culture media.[24]
* Emergent BioSolutions is an international biopharmaceutical company that maintains significant operations in Lansing. Emergent BioSolutions is developing an array of biodefense and commercial products and currently manufactures the only FDA approved anthrax vaccine at its Lansing operations.[25] In March 2009 Emergent announced another $10.9 million investment in its Lansing facility and is adding 93 new employees.[26]
* TechSmith Corporation is located just outside Lansing and is the world's leading provider of screen capture and recording software for individual and professional use.[27]
* Liquid Web, Inc. is a web hosting company located in neighboring Delta Township, and operates two datacenters there.[28]
* Niowave is a high-tech company in Lansing that makes parts for superconducting particle accelerators.
* ACD.net is an independent company in Lansing that provides high-speed Internet service, Web hosting, telephone service and data storage to more than 20,000 customers across Michigan.
* IBM announced in January 2009 that it was opening its first U.S. programming center in the former MSU Federal Credit Union headquarters in East Lansing for application software for governments, universities, etc.
Public Transportation
Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides public transit bus service to the Lansing-East Lansing Metropolitan area on 33 routes. CATA boasts the second highest ridership in the state of Michigan after Detroit with 53,000 daily rides in September 2008 and 11,306,339 rides in fiscal year 2008.
111 Flint, MI MSA Milken rank -195 Unemp = 16.5% Pop. 434,720
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 87.61 Rank: 198
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 82.55 Rank: 200
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 78.20 Rank: 186
Population Growth since 2000 - -0.33%
Largest City – Flint - As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 124,943
Higher Education
University of Michigan–Flint, Kettering University (formerly known as GMI for General Motors Institute), Baker College, Mott Community College, Davenport University
Economy and Employers -
Flint is most known for being the birthplace of the General Motors Corporation. It has also become a symbol of the decline in the auto industry. The headquarters of Citizens Republic Bancorp. The last decade has opened on the final stages of large-scale General Motors deindustrialization. By 2002 Flint had accrued a $35 million debt. Unable to pay this and balance its budget, the state of Michigan placed the city into receivership late that year, with a financial manager effectively replacing acting mayor, City Administrator Darnell Earley. In 2004, local control was resumed and has maintained a balanced budget since.
In 2004, General Motors made multi-million dollar upgrades to three Flint factories: Flint Truck and Bus Assembly, Flint Metal Center, and Flint Engine South. Recent developments have also assured the operation of Delphi Flint East beyond 2007. Included in the proposed 2007 UAW-GM contract, a new engine plant will be built near Powertrain Flint North to begin production in 2011, replacing the current factory, which is scheduled to end production of the 3800 engine in 2008.
Delphi Automotive, Genesys Health System, McClaren Medical Center, Hurley Medical Center, Meijers (3 Retail Stores)
Public Transportation
For travel within and around the city, the Flint Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) provides local bus services.
120 Canton-Massillon, OH MSA Milken rank -197 Unemp = 11.3% Pop. 407,180
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 989.90 Rank: 197
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 87.07 Rank: 194
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 74.08 Rank: 193
Population Growth since 2000 - +5.46%
Largest City – Hickory (according to a 2008 census estimate, the population has declined to 78,362)
Higher Education
Malone University, a private, four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church, is located on 25th St. N.W. Catholic-run Walsh University is located nearby in North Canton. Stark State College and a branch of Kent State University are also nearby, in Jackson Township. Also, in downtown Canton, there is a small annex for Stark State College to be used by the Early College High School students who attend Timken High School. The current principal is Valarie Pack.
Economy and Employers -
The Canton area's economy is primarily industrial, with a significant agricultural segment. The city is home to the Timken Company, a major manufacturer of tapered roller bearings and specialty steel. Several other large companies operate in the greater-Canton area, including are Belden Brick Company (brick and masonry producer) and Diebold (ATMs, electronic voting devices, and bank vaults). The area is also home to several regional food producers, including Nickles Bakery (baked goods), Park Farms (poultry) and Shearers (snack foods). Poultry production and dairy farming are also important segments of the Canton-area economy.
Public Transportation
Public transportation is provided by the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA).
138 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Milken rank -191 Unemp = 15.4% Pop. 360,471
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 91.09 Rank: 193
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 86.91 Rank: 195
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 93.90 Rank: 130
Population Growth since 2000 - +5.46%
Largest City – Hickory (Pop. 42,000)
Higher Education – Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State – Hickory, Catawba Valley Community College, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Western Piedmont Community College
Economy and Employers -
The Hickory area is home to many leading manufacturers of furniture (before most jobs in that industry were shipped over to China) and fiber optic cable. It is estimated that 60% of the nation's furniture used to be produced within a 200-mile (320 km) radius of Hickory. Forty percent of the world's fiber optic cable is made in the Hickory area. Lenoir is the headquarters of Broyhill Furniture company, one of the largest furniture companies in the United States and part of Furniture Brands International. It has historically been one of the town's largest employers. The Bernhardt and Fairfield furniture companies are also located in Lenoir. However, in the 1990s, these companies began outsourcing their work overseas, and they have closed many of Lenoir's furniture factories and laid off workers, causing many local businesses either to close or move to other cities. This has harmed the economy in Lenoir, leaving many households living below the poverty line.Google, Inc. has commenced construction of and opened a server farm in Lenoir. The move, it is hoped, will boost the local economy and provide much-needed jobs for the area, which has been harmed by outsourcing of furniture manufacturing jobs overseas.
141 Ann Arbor, MI MSA Milken rank -192 Unemp = 9.1% Pop. 350,003
5-yr Job Growth(02-06) 91.45 Rank: 192
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 93.05 Rank: 176
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 75.52 Rank: 191
Population Growth since 2000 - +8.44%
Largest City - Ann Arbor (7th largest city in Michigan, Pop. 114,024 as of the 2000 Census)
Higher Education
University of Michigan, Concordia University - Ann Arbor, a campus of the University of Phoenix, and Cleary University, Washtenaw Community College , Eastern Michigan University. Ave Maria School of Law
Economy and Employers –
The University of Michigan shapes Ann Arbor's economy significantly. It employs about 30,000 workers, including about 7,500 in the medical center. Other employers are drawn to the area by the university's research and development money, and by its graduates. High tech, health services and biotechnology are other major components of the city's economy; numerous medical offices, laboratories, and associated companies are located in the city.
Public Transportation - The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA), which brands itself as "The Ride", operates public bus services throughout Ann Arbor and nearby Ypsilanti.
171 Holland-Grand Haven, MI MSA Milken rank -199 Unemp = 12.9% Pop. 259,210
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 94.66 Rank: 177
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 90.47 Rank: 195
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 80.54 Rank: 188
Population Growth since 2000 - +8.77%
Largest City – Holland (the 2008 census estimate placing the population at 34,076)
Higher Education
Hope College, a private four-year liberal arts college, Western Theological Seminary a graduate and professional school, Western Michigan University has a branch campus in Holland. Grand Valley State University has a campus in Holland. Davenport University has a Regional campus in Holland
Economy and Employers -
Grand Haven has been a technology leader in West Michigan and throughout the country having been featured in the national media. The city holds the title as first municipality in the country to feature a city-wide wireless internet service. The wireless service is designed to work throughout the city and up to 15 miles (24 km) offshore for boaters. In 2004, the city started offering wireless internet service every day to residents, businesses and visitors.
The Hound sees more evidence that Hickory's problems are not everyone else's fault.
Look at where 10 out of the 11 worst performing cities are located. They are all centered around Detroit, Michigan and the automobile industry (shown in the map above). You can't say that these Michigan and Northern Ohio numbers are a recent phenomena in the the Auto Industry, because the rating scores are developed over five years. Maybe if we look at what has caused the collapse of the United States Automobile Industry and the lack of action by these local governments in Michigan and Ohio, then we will see a correlation between what has happened there and what is happening in the Hickory Metro.
What is more than clear is that our city's statistics show very little relation to what is happening to the vast majority of cities in the Southeast. The only city close to us, in the bottom 25, is Spartanburg, South Carolina (#183). The only other city in our region, in the bottom 50 is Columbus, Georgia. The previous article Hickory Metro's Economy versus North Carolina MSAs showed that our city is by far the worst in our own state and I explained my thoughts on what is causing our current circumstances in relation to our State.
For a city and MSA of our size, we have a lot to offer. I really don't think education, or lack there of, is the problem in our city. Five of the MSAs above (Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, Lansing, and Ann Arbor) have major universities and other higher education institutions in their area. All but one of those MSAs (Ann Arbor) is suffering from double-digit unemployment.
I think that all of the areas above have problems when it comes to economic resiliency. In my opinion, we are fortunate that we don't have the problems with Unions and the lack of adaptability built into a Corporate Bureaucracy that is brought about by Unions. That should help us bounce back if the manufacturing sector of our economy were to ever evolve towards high-tech industry. The issue that we face is that many of our local Unifour employees have not been task flexible. They were basically taught "on-the-job" about specific tasks and not challenged to invest in their personal Human Capital. We have to instill an attitude amongst businesses and employees that they must constantly educate and train themselves in an ever-changing technical environment. The workforce is going to have to be flexible and willing and able to multi-task. This will increase employee value to employers in the area.
Small business will be where the majority of our area's jobs are going to come from in the future. Like these Industrial Automobile Economies in the Midwest, our local mindset has been too oriented towards the status quo, too conservative towards policy, and risk averse towards change. The auto crisis is the result of years of corporate-controlled government manipulation. Some people believe that the same mindset occurred in Hickory from the late 1990s until 2008. By the the time our local officials reluctantly admitted to the realization that we were going down the wrong path, it was too late to stop the train wreck of consequences we are now facing. In my opinion, they still haven't fully confessed and that confession is the first step towards solving our economic problems.
We must have local officials who will apply common sense principals toward policies of economic growth. Without good jobs, we cannot have a prosperous and vibrant community. We cannot have the cultural amenities that our privileged class covets. I do agree that businesses should be personally responsible towards setting a positive image for our community. If our local officials are fair and consistent when administrating policy, then businesses should adhere to the guidelines. Together everyone has a role to play in the collaborative process.
I believe that there has to be cooperation between businesses and local government. I also believe that in the past Hickory has seen a commercial environment that pitted government and business in roles as adversaries. This held our area back even in good times. In the end, both entities must work together for the good of our community and its inhabitants. Lately, I have heard communication that has me hopeful that we are taking the first steps towards a new era of cooperation. But in the end, it is actions that will count, isn't it?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
We need to be laying a foundation now for the future.
There are many people who believe that the problem with the economy locally is that the national economy is bad and as soon as the national situation improves our problems will be over. While I agree that the national situation is the main culprit currently, we have structural problems here in Hickory that go beyond the national picture. And for the mayor, with the tacit approval of the City Council, to encourage our citizens to just wait apathetically until Obama delivers a healthy economy to us is irresponsible and just plain wrong.
Since the furniture and textile industries shed massive amounts of jobs at the turn of the millennium, our City has failed to recognize that we have to fundamentally restructure the economy of this area. Our leaders have been passive, just hoping that this may be the year things turn around for us. But the facts are that in the good years, Hickory ’s economy didn’t grow as fast as the U.S. as a whole. And when we had down years Hickory’s economy fell further than the U.S. as a whole. This is telling us all the story is not to be found in Washington D.C. And when the nation does rebound there is no reason to believe it will be any different.
I would like to point out some economic challenges we are going to face. First, our tax base has shrunk. Real estate values have dropped and a lot of machinery is no longer here. Our City budget has been cut and we have not filled some positions. Since there are fixed costs that can’t be cut, we don’t have a lot more room to cut, so there is an increasing threat that tax rates will have to go up to pay the bills we have to pay.
While our leaders crow about Target coming to Newton, Google coming to Lenoir, and Apple coming to Maiden, Hickory got a couple of call centers and it looks like one of them, a start up, is in trouble and it may not make it. It’s good for the area as a whole to attract businesses, but if they are not in Hickory , WE DON’T GET ANY TAX REVENUES. We have to rebuild our tax base and with the inconsistent attitude toward businesses, like my opponent, Mrs. Patton, who was against Lowes and initially against the Zagaroli project beside Clark Tire, we have sent mixed signals to the business community. WE NEED TO BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN HICKORY .
Secondly, our sales tax base in under threat. More products are being purchased on the internet. We don’t get sales taxes for that. Conover and Granite Falls now have Wal-Marts and are developing their retail business areas. Other communities near us can be expected to do the same. Unless we act we can expect a steady decline in the number and frequency of shoppers coming to Hickory and sales taxes will decline as well.
Thirdly, and maybe most sadly, our kids are leaving. As Thom Shell pointed out in a study posted on the Hickory Hound blog, the number of young folks in Hickory has only increased by approximately 100 in the last decade while the population of older residents has gone up by over 10%. Young people are the ones who bring energy, buy more goods and services and have children, so our future vibrancy is leaving Hickory for greener pastures.
Looking at these trends facing us, I think it is irresponsible, morally disgusting, and dangerous for City leaders to be encouraging apathy and passivity in the face of the known challenges we face, to say nothing of the unknown situations that will inevitably arise. We have to shout the alarm and wake this area up before we deteriorate any further.
We need to be laying a foundation now for the future. I don’t have the room to flesh out every idea but some of my ideas include:
* Develop an entertainment industry to attract people to visit Hickory. This would enhance our restaurant and retail as well as appeal to young people. Facilitate a water park, like Concord and Greensboro have, encourage a go-cart track, and maybe a mid-sized concert venue are possibilities.
* Encourage the development of broadband and tech based services.
* Try to develop relationships with the emerging new energy businesses in Charlotte. We should also partner with the County since they are already moving into biodiesel.
* Encourage local entrepreneurs. Help our local citizens who have ideas, but need mentoring in areas they don’t have skills in, like raising capital or market research.
We can’t be lulled into a false sense that all will be well when the recession is over. Our current leaders blame Obama and Perdue for our problems because they don’t want to be blamed for our malaise. But the U.S. didn’t build Hickory and the U.S. won’t revitalize and rebuild Hickory . We need new leadership and hard work.
Harry Hipps for Council
Since the furniture and textile industries shed massive amounts of jobs at the turn of the millennium, our City has failed to recognize that we have to fundamentally restructure the economy of this area. Our leaders have been passive, just hoping that this may be the year things turn around for us. But the facts are that in the good years, Hickory ’s economy didn’t grow as fast as the U.S. as a whole. And when we had down years Hickory’s economy fell further than the U.S. as a whole. This is telling us all the story is not to be found in Washington D.C. And when the nation does rebound there is no reason to believe it will be any different.
I would like to point out some economic challenges we are going to face. First, our tax base has shrunk. Real estate values have dropped and a lot of machinery is no longer here. Our City budget has been cut and we have not filled some positions. Since there are fixed costs that can’t be cut, we don’t have a lot more room to cut, so there is an increasing threat that tax rates will have to go up to pay the bills we have to pay.
While our leaders crow about Target coming to Newton, Google coming to Lenoir, and Apple coming to Maiden, Hickory got a couple of call centers and it looks like one of them, a start up, is in trouble and it may not make it. It’s good for the area as a whole to attract businesses, but if they are not in Hickory , WE DON’T GET ANY TAX REVENUES. We have to rebuild our tax base and with the inconsistent attitude toward businesses, like my opponent, Mrs. Patton, who was against Lowes and initially against the Zagaroli project beside Clark Tire, we have sent mixed signals to the business community. WE NEED TO BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS IN HICKORY .
Secondly, our sales tax base in under threat. More products are being purchased on the internet. We don’t get sales taxes for that. Conover and Granite Falls now have Wal-Marts and are developing their retail business areas. Other communities near us can be expected to do the same. Unless we act we can expect a steady decline in the number and frequency of shoppers coming to Hickory and sales taxes will decline as well.
Thirdly, and maybe most sadly, our kids are leaving. As Thom Shell pointed out in a study posted on the Hickory Hound blog, the number of young folks in Hickory has only increased by approximately 100 in the last decade while the population of older residents has gone up by over 10%. Young people are the ones who bring energy, buy more goods and services and have children, so our future vibrancy is leaving Hickory for greener pastures.
Looking at these trends facing us, I think it is irresponsible, morally disgusting, and dangerous for City leaders to be encouraging apathy and passivity in the face of the known challenges we face, to say nothing of the unknown situations that will inevitably arise. We have to shout the alarm and wake this area up before we deteriorate any further.
We need to be laying a foundation now for the future. I don’t have the room to flesh out every idea but some of my ideas include:
* Develop an entertainment industry to attract people to visit Hickory. This would enhance our restaurant and retail as well as appeal to young people. Facilitate a water park, like Concord and Greensboro have, encourage a go-cart track, and maybe a mid-sized concert venue are possibilities.
* Encourage the development of broadband and tech based services.
* Try to develop relationships with the emerging new energy businesses in Charlotte. We should also partner with the County since they are already moving into biodiesel.
* Encourage local entrepreneurs. Help our local citizens who have ideas, but need mentoring in areas they don’t have skills in, like raising capital or market research.
We can’t be lulled into a false sense that all will be well when the recession is over. Our current leaders blame Obama and Perdue for our problems because they don’t want to be blamed for our malaise. But the U.S. didn’t build Hickory and the U.S. won’t revitalize and rebuild Hickory . We need new leadership and hard work.
Harry Hipps for Council
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Hickory Metro's Economy versus North Carolina MSAs
This article is a continuation of the last article, Hickory Metro's Economy versus similar U.S. MSAs. Here, I compare all of the Metropolitan Statistical Areas within the State of North Carolina. The Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA is the seventh largest MSA and the fifth largest if Raleigh and Durham are combined and if Greensboro and Winston-Salem are combined. There are 13 areas included in this analysis.
The Milken Institute splits its analysis into two segments, the top 200 markets and 124 small markets. There are 9 NC metro areas that fall within the Large Market analysis. The smallest of those cities is Wilmington with an MSA population of 339,511. It is the 145th largest market in the United States. The small market category includes markets smaller than the top 200 markets. Three markets in our state are included in Milken's small market analysis. Those cities are Greenville, Rocky Mount, and Burlington.
Our state's MSA populations range from a high end of the nation's 34th largest market (Charlotte) 1,701,799 to a low end of (Goldsboro, North Carolina) 113,590. We have many diverse populations within our state. The large market population growth, since 2000, saw these cities range from a high of (Raleigh) 36.6% to a low of (Fayetteville) 3.66%. Out of these 9 cities, 7 had higher population growth rates than Hickory. 4 of these cities (Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, and Durham) had growth rates above 10% and 3 (Winston-Salem, Asheville, and Greensboro) had a growth rates 0ver 8.5%. Hickory's growth rate was the second worst amongst major metros in North Carolina.
"The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best Performing Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The components include job, wage and salary, and technology growth. The full report can be downloaded here."
Stats below:
5-Year Job Growth - Metropolitan area job growth relative to the United States average between 2002 and 2007. U.S. average = 100.0
5-Year Wages & Salaries Growth - Salary and Wage disbursements growth relative to the United States average between 2001 and 2006. U.S. average = 100.0
5-Year Relative High Tech GDP Growth - High tech sector output growth relative to the United States average between 2002 and 2007. U.S. average = 100.0
34 Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC Milken rank - 26 Unemp = 12.4% Pop. 1,701,799
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 105.62 Rank: 35
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 106.86 Rank: 49
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 94.13 Rank: 125
Population Growth since 2000 - +27.91%
Largest City – Charlotte (estimated to be 716,874 in 2009)
Higher Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Johnson C Smith University, Queens University of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College (Central Campus), King's College, Johnson & Wales University, Carolinas College-Health Science, Carolinas Medical Center, The Art Institute of Charlotte, New Life Theological Seminary, Pfeiffer University-Charlotte, devry University, Keller Graduate School of Management, Keller Graduate School of Management, ITT Technical Institute, Brookstone College of Business, University Park Creative Arts, University of Phoenix - Charlotte Campus, ECPI College of Technology, Strayer University, Tech Skills Charlotte, Wake Forest Babcock Graduate School of Management, Charlotte school of Law, davidson College (20 miles north of center city).
Public Transportation – (Charlotte) - CATS operates light rail transit, historical trolleys, express shuttles, and bus service serving Charlotte and its immediate suburbs. The LYNX light rail system comprises a 9.6-mile line north-south line known as the Blue Line. Bus ridership continues to grow (66% since 1998), but more slowly than operations increases which have risen 170% in that same time when adjusted for inflation.[47] The 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan looks to supplement established bus service with light rail & commuter rail lines as a part of a system dubbed LYNX.
Economy and Employers -
Charlotte has become a major U.S. financial center, and the nation's largest financial institution by assets, Bank of America, calls the city home. The city was also the former corporate home of Wachovia until its purchase by Wells Fargo in 2008; Wells Fargo continues to operate Wachovia as a wholly-owned subsidiary, with its east coast headquarters in Charlotte. Bank of America's headquarters, along with other regional banking and financial services companies, are located primarily in the uptown financial district. Thanks in large part to the expansion of the city's banking industry, the Charlotte skyline has mushroomed in the past two decades and boasts the Bank of America Corporate Center, the tallest skyscraper between Philadelphia and Atlanta. The 60-story postmodern gothic tower, designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, stands 871 feet tall and was completed in 1992.
The following Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the Charlotte metropolitan area, in order of their rank: Bank of America, Lowe's in suburban Mooresville, Nucor (steel producer), Duke Energy, Sonic Automotive, Family Dollar, Goodrich Corporation, and SPX Corporation (industrial technology). Other major companies headquartered in the Metro Charlotte include Time Warner Cable (formerly a business unit of Fortune 500 company Time Warner), Continental Tire North America (formerly Continental/General Tire), Muzak, Belk, Harris Teeter, Meineke Car Care Centers, Lance, Inc, Bojangles', Carlisle Companies, LendingTree, Compass Group USA, Food Lion, and the Carolina Beverage Corporation (makers of Cheerwine, Sun Drop, and others) in suburban Salisbury, North Carolina. Charlotte is home to several large shopping malls, with Carolina Place Mall and SouthPark Mall being the largest. Also, neighboring Gastonia is home to the Parkdale Mills world headquarters. Concord Mills Mall is also the largest shopping outlet in the state and one of the largest in the nation and single biggest draw in NC and its exterior is lined with many trendy colorful restaurants that parallel Myrtle Beach.
Charlotte is also a major center in the US motorsports industry, with NASCAR having multiple offices in and around Charlotte. Approximately 75% of the NASCAR industry's employees and drivers are based within two hours of downtown Charlotte. Charlotte is also the future home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, expected to be open May 10, 2010, a week prior to the Sprint All-Star Race. The already large presence of the racing technology industry along with the newly built NHRA premier dragstrip, zMAX Dragway at Concord, located just north of Charlotte, is influencing some of the top professional drag racers to move their shops from more expensive areas like California to the Charlotte area as well. The recently announced small racetrack at the former Metrolina Fairgrounds location which is at Sunset and Statesville Roads is expected to bring more local racing to the area along with a skate park, shoppes, restaurants and an upscale hotel will offer recreation of many types. Located in the western part of Mecklenburg County is the National Whitewater Rafting Center, consisting of man-made rapids of various degrees and is open to the public year round.
The center city/uptown area of Charlotte has seen remarkable growth over the last decade. Numerous residential units continue to be built uptown, including over 20 skyscapers either under construction, recently completed, or in the planning stage. Many new restaurants, bars and clubs now operate in the Uptown area. Several projects are transforming the Midtown Charlotte/Elizabeth area.
50 Raleigh-Cary, NC Milken rank - 2 Unemp = 9.1% Pop. 1,088,765
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 113.07 Rank: 11
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 105.86 Rank: 11
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 101.98 Rank: 83
Population Growth since 2000 - +36.60%
Largest city – Raleigh - - (Capital of North Carolina) population on July 1, 2008 was 392,552 (a 42% increase from the 2000 Census), making Raleigh the 8th fastest growing city in the United States
Higher Education – (Public) - North Carolina State University, Wake Technical Community College, (Private)- Meredith College, Peace College, Shaw University, St. Augustine's College, In addition, the Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law has announced that it will move to downtown Raleigh from the nearby town of Buies Creek by 2009. (Private, for profit) - ECPI College of Technology, School of Communication Arts, Strayer University, Mitchell's Hair Styling Academy, The Emerald Academy - A Paul Mitchell Partner School
Economy and Employers
The State of North Carolina. Raleigh's industrial base includes electrical, medical, electronic and telecommunications equipment; clothing and apparel; food processing; paper products; and pharmaceuticals. Raleigh is part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, one of the country's largest and most successful research parks and a major center in the United States for high-tech and biotech research, as well as advanced textile development. The city is a major retail shipping point for eastern North Carolina and a wholesale distributing point for the grocery industry.
Public Transportation -
Public transportation in and around Raleigh is provided by Capital Area Transit (CAT), which operates 38 bus fixed routes and a historic trolley line within the city, and also by Triangle Transit. From 1995 the cornerstone of Triangle Transit's long-term plan was a 28-mile rail corridor from northeast Raleigh, through downtown Raleigh, Cary, and Research Triangle Park, to Durham using DMU technology. There were proposals to extend this corridor 7 miles to Chapel Hill with light rail technology. However, in 2006 Triangle Transit deferred implementation indefinitely when the Federal Transit Administration declined to fund the program due to low ridership projections.
72 Greensboro-High Point, NC Milken rank -141 Unemp = 12.1% Pop. 698,497
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 98.45 Rank: 132
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 94.73 Rank: 167
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 88.07 Rank: 158
Population Growth since 2000 - +8.56%
Largest City – Greensboro (estimated 2007 population was 248,111)
Higher Education – Institutes of higher education - University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Bennett College for Women, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College, Elon University School of Law, (For-profit universities) Brookstone College, ECPI College of Technology, DeVry University, Strayer University
Economy and Employers
Notable companies headquartered in Greensboro include the Honda Aircraft Company, Lorillard Tobacco Company, VF Corporation, Volvo Trucks of North America, RF Micro Devices, the International Textile Group, NewBridge Bank, Cook Out, Biscuitville, and Gilbarco Veeder-Root. Greensboro is also a "center of operations" for the insurance company Lincoln Financial Group. Although traditionally associated with the textile and tobacco industries, Greensboro leaders are working to attract new businesses in the nanotech, high-tech and transportation/logistics sectors. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University opened a joint research park, Gateway University Research Park. Downtown Greensboro has experienced construction investment in recent years with developments such as NewBridge Bank Park, and residential developments and office construction. In 1998, FedEx chose to build and operate a $300 million mid-Atlantic air-cargo and sorting hub at Piedmont Triad International Airport.
103 Durham, NC Milken rank - 21 Unemp = 8.4% Pop. 479,624
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 102.34 Rank: 70
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 99.78 Rank: 111
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007)6 Score: 94.76 Rank: 121
Population Growth since 2000 - +13.17%
Largest City – Durham Pop. 217,847 residents as of July 1, 2007 is the fifth largest city in the state.
Higher Education - Duke University, North Carolina Central University, Durham Technical Community College, The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham.
Economy and Employers
10 largest employers - Duke University & Medical Center, International Business Machines, Durham Public Schools, GlaxoSmithKline, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, NORTEL Networks, Durham City Government, Lenovo Group, Ltd., Veterans Administration Medical Center, RTI International, Inc.
Public Transportation - the Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) bus system. Triangle Transit bus - Triangle Transit (known formerly as the Triangle Transit Authority, or TTA). Triangle Transit offers scheduled, fixed-route regional and commuter bus service between Raleigh and the region's other principal cities of Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill, as well as to and from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Research Triangle Park and several of the region's larger suburban communities.
Public transportation within the city and to/from its nearby suburbs is provided in the form of local bus routes run by New Jersey Transit. SEPTA also provides bus service to adjacent Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Duke University also maintains its own transit system, Duke Transit operates more than 30 buses with routes throughout the campus and health system. Duke campus buses and vans have alternate schedules or do not operate during breaks and holidays. From 1995 the cornerstone of Triangle Transit's long-term plan was a 28-mile rail corridor from northeast Raleigh, through downtown Raleigh, Cary, and Research Triangle Park, to Durham using DMU technology. There were proposals to extend this corridor 7 miles to Chapel Hill with light rail technology. However, in 2006 Triangle Transit deferred implementation indefinitely when the Federal Transit Administration declined to fund the program.
105 Winston-Salem, NC Milken rank - 99 Unemp = 10.4% Pop. 463,159
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 99.91 Rank: 104
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 95.36 Rank: 158
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 119.92 Rank: 18
Population Growth since 2000 - +9.76%
Largest City – Winston-Salem Pop. 224,889 fourth-largest city in the state. Winston-Salem is the second largest municipality in the Piedmont Triad region
Higher Education –
Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Salem College, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem Bible College, Forsyth Technical Community College
Economy and Employers –
It is the location of the corporate headquarters of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), TW Garner Food Company (makers of Texas Pete), Reynolda Manufacturing Solutions,HanesBrands, Inc., Lowes Foods Stores, Southern Community Bank and ISP Sports. Wachovia Corporation was based in Winston-Salem until it merged with First Union Corporation in September 2001; the corporate headquarters of the combined company was located in Charlotte, until it was purchased by Wells Fargo in December 2008.
Although traditionally associated with the textile, furniture, and tobacco industries, Winston-Salem is attempting to attract new businesses in the nanotech, high-tech and bio-tech fields. Medical research is a fast-growing local industry, and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is the largest employer in Winston-Salem. Blue Rhino, the nation's largest propane exchange company and a division of Ferrellgas, is also headquartered in Winston-Salem. In December 2004, the city landed a deal with Dell, Inc. providing millions of dollars in incentives to build a computer assembly plant nearby in southeastern Forsyth County. However to date there is speculation of closing the plant due to mass layoffs. A portion of downtown Winston-Salem has been designated as the Piedmont Triad Research Park for biomedical and information technology research and development. Currently, the research park is undergoing an expansion, with hopes of jumpstarting the city's economy.
Public Transportation
Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) has the responsibility of providing public transportation since 1972 after taking over the Safe Bus Company, Inc.. WSTA has 27 weekly routes, operating between 5:30am and 12:00 midnight Monday through Friday and from 6:30am through 6:30pm on Saturday , WSTA makes over 2 million passenger trips.
The metropolitan area is connected by Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART).
122 Asheville, NC Milken rank - 46 Unemp = 9.2% Pop. 404,320
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 103.90 Rank: 52
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 100.48 Rank: 100
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 98.27 Rank: 94
Population Growth since 2000 - +9.52%
Largest City - Asheville's population as of 2007 was 73,875
Higher Education –
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Brevard College (Brevard), Mars Hill College (Mars Hill), Montreat College (Montreat), South College (Asheville), Uversity of North Carolina at Asheville, Warren Wilson College (Swannanoa), Western Carolina University (Cullowhee)
Economy and Employers
Asheville has a tourism based economy. Asheville's largest employers - Ingles Markets, Mission Health System, City of Asheville, The Biltmore Company, Buncombe County Government, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, VA Medical Center, BorgWarner, CarePartners, Eaton Corporation
Public Transportation –
The city operates the Asheville Transit System, which consists of several bus lines connecting parts of the city and surrounding areas.
138 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Milken rank -191 Unemp = 15.4% Pop. 360,471
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 91.09 Rank: 193
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 86.91 Rank: 195
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 93.90 Rank: 130
Population Growth since 2000 - +5.46%
Largest City – Hickory (Pop. 42,000)
Higher Education – Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State – Hickory, Catawba Valley Community College, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Western Piedmont Community College
Economy and Employers -
The Hickory area is home to many leading manufacturers of furniture (before most jobs in that industry were shipped over to China) and fiber optic cable. It is estimated that 60% of the nation's furniture used to be produced within a 200-mile (320 km) radius of Hickory. Forty percent of the world's fiber optic cable is made in the Hickory area. Lenoir is the headquarters of Broyhill Furniture company, one of the largest furniture companies in the United States and part of Furniture Brands International. It has historically been one of the town's largest employers. The Bernhardt and Fairfield furniture companies are also located in Lenoir. However, in the 1990s, these companies began outsourcing their work overseas, and they have closed many of Lenoir's furniture factories and laid off workers, causing many local businesses either to close or move to other cities. This has harmed the economy in Lenoir, leaving many households living below the poverty line.Google, Inc. has commenced construction of and opened a server farm in Lenoir. The move, it is hoped, will boost the local economy and provide much-needed jobs for the area, which has been harmed by outsourcing of furniture manufacturing jobs overseas.
143 Fayetteville, NC Milken rank - 52 Unemp = 9.4% Pop. 348,940
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 104.79 Rank: 41
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 117.71 Rank: 11
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 98.86 Rank: 88
Population Growth since 2000 - +3.66%
Largest City - Fayetteville (Pop. 121,015 as of the 2000 Census)
Higher Education
Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Fayetteville Technical Community College
Economy and Employers –
Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. The Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., Black & Decker,
Purolator
145 Wilmington, NC Milken rank - 6 Unemp = 10.3% Pop. 339,511
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 115.90 Rank: 8
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 111.26 Rank: 23
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 148.44 Rank: 4
Population Growth since 2000 - +23.67%
A July 1, 2008 United States Census Bureau estimate places the population at 100,192
Higher Education –
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College, Shaw University satellite campus
Economy and Employers
Wilmington's industrial base includes electrical,medical,electronic and telecommunications equipment; clothing and apparel; food processing; paper products; and pharmaceuticals. Wilmington is part of North Carolina's Research coast,one of the Country's largest and most successful research parts and major center in the United States. Also important to Wilmington's economy is tourism and film production. Economists have forecast growth in the Greater Wilmington area to be the fastest in the state between 2004–2010, averaging 7%.
Located on the Cape Fear River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington is a sizable seaport, including private marine terminals and the North Carolina State Ports Authority's Port of Wilmington. A major international seaport, the North Carolina International Port, is being planned down the river in Southport.
Public Transportation –
Public transit in the area is provided by the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority.[14] , which operates fixed bus routes, shuttles, and a free downtown trolley under the brand name Wave Transit.
124 Smallest Metros
231 Greenville, NC Milken rank - 22 Unemp = 11.3% Pop. 172,473
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 109.80 Rank: 16
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 102.51 Rank: 60
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 84.48 Rank: 104
Population Growth since 2000 - +12.90%
Largest City – Greenville 75,482 as of July 1, 2007
Higher Education
East Carolina University, Shaw University (satellite campus), Pitt Community College
Economy and Employers –
The health care community in Greenville is one of the largest in the state of North Carolina. DSM - creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences. NACCO Materials Handling Group, Alliance One International, TRC, Inc., ASMO Greenville of North Carolina. Other Pitt County Businesses
Public Transportation The City of Greenville operates a mass transit bus system called Greenville Area Transit or GREAT.
276 Rocky Mount, NC Milken rank - 93 Unemp = 14.4% Pop. 145,596
5-yr Job Growth(02-06) 97.54 Rank: 87
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 89.10 Rank: 118
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 80.30 Rank: 109
Population Growth since 2000 - +1.80%
Largest City - Rocky Mount (As of 2007, the city's population was 56,844)
Higher Education
Post-secondary institutions include Nash Community College,Shaw University, North Carolina Wesleyan College and Edgecombe Community College
Economy and Employers –
Abbott Laboratories, McLane (a food distribution subsidiary of Wal-Mart), Tarboro Textiles
278 Burlington, NC Milken rank - 57 Unemp = 12.4% Pop. 145,360
5-yr Job Growth(02-06) 96.75 Rank: 92
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 91.17 Rank: 110
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 108.87 Rank: 48
Population Growth since 2000 - +11.13%
Largest City - Ann Arbor (7th largest city in Michigan, Pop. 114,024 as of the 2000 Census)
Higher Education
Elon University, Alamance Community College
Economy and Employers –
LabCorp, one of the largest clinical laboratory companies in the world, has its headquarters and several testing facilities in Burlington. LabCorp is Alamance County's largest employer, employing over 3,000 people in the county. Honda Aero, a subsidiary of Honda, recently announced that it will move its corporate headquarters to Burlington and build a $27 million plant at the Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport where it will build its HF120 jet engines for use in very light jets. Biscuitville, a regional fast food chain, is based in Burlington. Burlington is also the operations headquarters for Gold Toe Brands, a manufacturer of socks. Alamance General Medical Center, GKN Driveline, GKN Driveline Glen Raven
346 Goldsboro, NC Milken rank - n/a Unemp = 9.3% Pop. 113,590
5-yr Job Growth(02-06) n/a Rank: n/a
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: n/a Rank: n/a
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: n/a Rank: n/a
Population Growth since 2000 - +.23%
Largest City - Goldsboro - Pop. 38,023 in 2006
Higher Education
Wayne Community College, North Carolina Wesleyan College - Goldsboro campus
Economy and Employers –
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro Milling, Case farms, Mount Olive Pickle Company, Georgia Pacific, Cooper Standard Automotive, Franklin Baking, Waukesha Electric Systems, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Cherry Hospital, Berry Hospital, AT&T Technical support Center
The Hound is saddened to look at these numbers. When I look at these numbers and relate them to the nine markets in this analysis, here is what I see. Hickory (#191) is the only city in the bottom quartile of Milken's national analysis. Greensboro is the only other city in the bottom half (#141). The rest are in the top half and 5 MSAs are in the top quartile (Raleigh #2, Wilmington #6. Durham #21, Charlotte #26, and Asheville #46). Why is Hickory so far down this list and what are we going to do to correct this?
What these numbers show is that most of these cities did fairly well when it comes to growing their job base, but only Wilmington (#8) and Raleigh's (#11) numbers are truly impressive. Wage and Salary growth numbers were excellent for Raleigh (#11), Fayetteville (#11), Wilmington (#23), and Charlotte (#49), but they weren't very good for the other markets and Hickory's number is about as bad as it can get. What is even more important to see is that this state is falling way behind when it comes to developing High Tech Industries. Only Wilmington (#4) and Winston-Salem (#18) are doing well. Most everyone else isn't even in the ball park.
It is just sad that our state has no leadership. There are certainly some bright spots, but for the most part we can see that our state is happy with the status quo. Once again we see that tug of war between the old way and the new way. We can certainly see that Wilmington, Raleigh, and Charlotte are fairing well, but I think the rest of the state is putting a drag on their current ability to grow. Look at the Unemployment numbers. Raleigh-Durham, Asheville, Fayetteville, and Goldsboro are the only areas that are fairing as well or better than the nation. Hickory and Rocky Mount (two cities with Corning in common) are in a class by themselves when it comes to unemployment.
I think Raleigh and Wilmington are enjoying the fruits of reaching out to the Creative Class and the Knowledge Economy. Wilmington has moved forward with the Entertainment Industry and Raleigh has the Research Triangle Park. It also looks like Winston-Salem is enjoying growth in the Tech sector of its economy after investing many resources towards that endeavor. The tech numbers for this state truly sadden me. In the 80s and 90s, I certainly had the sense that the State of North Carolina was ahead of the curve in its investments in technology. What happened to the foundation we were building? Why did we stop? It is more than obvious that we have frittered our progress away.
As far as Hickory, it is easy to see how we have gotten into the predicament we are currently in, we haven't invested in the future. Compared to the other large markets, we are 9th in job growth, 9th in wage growth, and 8th in High-Tech GDP. We're just trying to get through the day. We have adapted down and we aren't laying a foundation to foster excellence. In relation to the rest of this state; we aren't growing jobs, we aren't paying people anything, and we aren't moving toward a High-Tech economy. We're sitting around, waiting to see what everyone else does before making decisions. What if every municipality in the country did that? Can you name one program that was ever innovated, initiated and implemented by our local government?
When you always follow, like that, then you will be lucky to get scraps. We have to do some things to kickstart our economy. We're going to have to take some chances and think outside of the box. If we don't soon start growing our economy, then raising taxes, fees, and/or cutting services will be inevitable. People are going to have to realize that you can't keep taxes low, if you have a shrinking tax base. If people aren't working, then they aren't paying taxes. If people leave town to seek work, then they won't be paying taxes here. If businesses shut their doors, then adios to that tax revenue. Those people that are left, and able, will have to share the burden.
When it comes to the Tech and Creative Industries in this state, it is more than obvious that we don't have much to follow. I have a novel concept for our local leaders, why don't we take the bull by the horns, get out in front, and initiate some action?
As I continued in the comments section of the last article, when looking at these similar sized communities across the nation, how their stats relate to Hickory, and the things that we can do to improve our economy; I can see the need to address a couple of items that can help foster development of the creative economy in our community.
We are amassing a lot of medical industry capacities, because of our central location and aging population. Why not somehow foster the ASU-Hickory partnership towards the Healthcare industry and a program to facilitate the development of Doctors and other Medical Professionals. If it isn't feasible to associate with App State in such a way, then why not UNC-Chapel Hill. There needs to be an affordable medical school on this side of the state. Peoria, Rockford, and Evansville are cities, that are close to our metro's size, that have satellite medical branches of their state universities.
I would also like to see L-R develop a law program. I see excellent private University Law Schools at Duke, Wake Forest, and Campbell. We need a Law school in this area and we have many excellent Lawyers available to join in the teaching process. Attorneys with a vested interest in Hickory can help advocate our status in Raleigh.
These are only a couple of suggestions. What do y'all think?
*** The info above was found on Wikipedia and a few other sites.
Hickory is #183 in 5-year job growth. This makes us #9 in the state.
The Milken Institute splits its analysis into two segments, the top 200 markets and 124 small markets. There are 9 NC metro areas that fall within the Large Market analysis. The smallest of those cities is Wilmington with an MSA population of 339,511. It is the 145th largest market in the United States. The small market category includes markets smaller than the top 200 markets. Three markets in our state are included in Milken's small market analysis. Those cities are Greenville, Rocky Mount, and Burlington.
Our state's MSA populations range from a high end of the nation's 34th largest market (Charlotte) 1,701,799 to a low end of (Goldsboro, North Carolina) 113,590. We have many diverse populations within our state. The large market population growth, since 2000, saw these cities range from a high of (Raleigh) 36.6% to a low of (Fayetteville) 3.66%. Out of these 9 cities, 7 had higher population growth rates than Hickory. 4 of these cities (Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, and Durham) had growth rates above 10% and 3 (Winston-Salem, Asheville, and Greensboro) had a growth rates 0ver 8.5%. Hickory's growth rate was the second worst amongst major metros in North Carolina.
"The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best Performing Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The components include job, wage and salary, and technology growth. The full report can be downloaded here."
Stats below:
5-Year Job Growth - Metropolitan area job growth relative to the United States average between 2002 and 2007. U.S. average = 100.0
5-Year Wages & Salaries Growth - Salary and Wage disbursements growth relative to the United States average between 2001 and 2006. U.S. average = 100.0
5-Year Relative High Tech GDP Growth - High tech sector output growth relative to the United States average between 2002 and 2007. U.S. average = 100.0
34 Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC Milken rank - 26 Unemp = 12.4% Pop. 1,701,799
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 105.62 Rank: 35
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 106.86 Rank: 49
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 94.13 Rank: 125
Population Growth since 2000 - +27.91%
Largest City – Charlotte (estimated to be 716,874 in 2009)
Higher Education
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Johnson C Smith University, Queens University of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College (Central Campus), King's College, Johnson & Wales University, Carolinas College-Health Science, Carolinas Medical Center, The Art Institute of Charlotte, New Life Theological Seminary, Pfeiffer University-Charlotte, devry University, Keller Graduate School of Management, Keller Graduate School of Management, ITT Technical Institute, Brookstone College of Business, University Park Creative Arts, University of Phoenix - Charlotte Campus, ECPI College of Technology, Strayer University, Tech Skills Charlotte, Wake Forest Babcock Graduate School of Management, Charlotte school of Law, davidson College (20 miles north of center city).
Public Transportation – (Charlotte) - CATS operates light rail transit, historical trolleys, express shuttles, and bus service serving Charlotte and its immediate suburbs. The LYNX light rail system comprises a 9.6-mile line north-south line known as the Blue Line. Bus ridership continues to grow (66% since 1998), but more slowly than operations increases which have risen 170% in that same time when adjusted for inflation.[47] The 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan looks to supplement established bus service with light rail & commuter rail lines as a part of a system dubbed LYNX.
Economy and Employers -
Charlotte has become a major U.S. financial center, and the nation's largest financial institution by assets, Bank of America, calls the city home. The city was also the former corporate home of Wachovia until its purchase by Wells Fargo in 2008; Wells Fargo continues to operate Wachovia as a wholly-owned subsidiary, with its east coast headquarters in Charlotte. Bank of America's headquarters, along with other regional banking and financial services companies, are located primarily in the uptown financial district. Thanks in large part to the expansion of the city's banking industry, the Charlotte skyline has mushroomed in the past two decades and boasts the Bank of America Corporate Center, the tallest skyscraper between Philadelphia and Atlanta. The 60-story postmodern gothic tower, designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, stands 871 feet tall and was completed in 1992.
The following Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the Charlotte metropolitan area, in order of their rank: Bank of America, Lowe's in suburban Mooresville, Nucor (steel producer), Duke Energy, Sonic Automotive, Family Dollar, Goodrich Corporation, and SPX Corporation (industrial technology). Other major companies headquartered in the Metro Charlotte include Time Warner Cable (formerly a business unit of Fortune 500 company Time Warner), Continental Tire North America (formerly Continental/General Tire), Muzak, Belk, Harris Teeter, Meineke Car Care Centers, Lance, Inc, Bojangles', Carlisle Companies, LendingTree, Compass Group USA, Food Lion, and the Carolina Beverage Corporation (makers of Cheerwine, Sun Drop, and others) in suburban Salisbury, North Carolina. Charlotte is home to several large shopping malls, with Carolina Place Mall and SouthPark Mall being the largest. Also, neighboring Gastonia is home to the Parkdale Mills world headquarters. Concord Mills Mall is also the largest shopping outlet in the state and one of the largest in the nation and single biggest draw in NC and its exterior is lined with many trendy colorful restaurants that parallel Myrtle Beach.
Charlotte is also a major center in the US motorsports industry, with NASCAR having multiple offices in and around Charlotte. Approximately 75% of the NASCAR industry's employees and drivers are based within two hours of downtown Charlotte. Charlotte is also the future home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, expected to be open May 10, 2010, a week prior to the Sprint All-Star Race. The already large presence of the racing technology industry along with the newly built NHRA premier dragstrip, zMAX Dragway at Concord, located just north of Charlotte, is influencing some of the top professional drag racers to move their shops from more expensive areas like California to the Charlotte area as well. The recently announced small racetrack at the former Metrolina Fairgrounds location which is at Sunset and Statesville Roads is expected to bring more local racing to the area along with a skate park, shoppes, restaurants and an upscale hotel will offer recreation of many types. Located in the western part of Mecklenburg County is the National Whitewater Rafting Center, consisting of man-made rapids of various degrees and is open to the public year round.
The center city/uptown area of Charlotte has seen remarkable growth over the last decade. Numerous residential units continue to be built uptown, including over 20 skyscapers either under construction, recently completed, or in the planning stage. Many new restaurants, bars and clubs now operate in the Uptown area. Several projects are transforming the Midtown Charlotte/Elizabeth area.
50 Raleigh-Cary, NC Milken rank - 2 Unemp = 9.1% Pop. 1,088,765
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 113.07 Rank: 11
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 105.86 Rank: 11
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 101.98 Rank: 83
Population Growth since 2000 - +36.60%
Largest city – Raleigh - - (Capital of North Carolina) population on July 1, 2008 was 392,552 (a 42% increase from the 2000 Census), making Raleigh the 8th fastest growing city in the United States
Higher Education – (Public) - North Carolina State University, Wake Technical Community College, (Private)- Meredith College, Peace College, Shaw University, St. Augustine's College, In addition, the Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law has announced that it will move to downtown Raleigh from the nearby town of Buies Creek by 2009. (Private, for profit) - ECPI College of Technology, School of Communication Arts, Strayer University, Mitchell's Hair Styling Academy, The Emerald Academy - A Paul Mitchell Partner School
Economy and Employers
The State of North Carolina. Raleigh's industrial base includes electrical, medical, electronic and telecommunications equipment; clothing and apparel; food processing; paper products; and pharmaceuticals. Raleigh is part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, one of the country's largest and most successful research parks and a major center in the United States for high-tech and biotech research, as well as advanced textile development. The city is a major retail shipping point for eastern North Carolina and a wholesale distributing point for the grocery industry.
Public Transportation -
Public transportation in and around Raleigh is provided by Capital Area Transit (CAT), which operates 38 bus fixed routes and a historic trolley line within the city, and also by Triangle Transit. From 1995 the cornerstone of Triangle Transit's long-term plan was a 28-mile rail corridor from northeast Raleigh, through downtown Raleigh, Cary, and Research Triangle Park, to Durham using DMU technology. There were proposals to extend this corridor 7 miles to Chapel Hill with light rail technology. However, in 2006 Triangle Transit deferred implementation indefinitely when the Federal Transit Administration declined to fund the program due to low ridership projections.
72 Greensboro-High Point, NC Milken rank -141 Unemp = 12.1% Pop. 698,497
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 98.45 Rank: 132
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 94.73 Rank: 167
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 88.07 Rank: 158
Population Growth since 2000 - +8.56%
Largest City – Greensboro (estimated 2007 population was 248,111)
Higher Education – Institutes of higher education - University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Bennett College for Women, Greensboro College, Guilford College, Guilford Technical Community College, Elon University School of Law, (For-profit universities) Brookstone College, ECPI College of Technology, DeVry University, Strayer University
Economy and Employers
Notable companies headquartered in Greensboro include the Honda Aircraft Company, Lorillard Tobacco Company, VF Corporation, Volvo Trucks of North America, RF Micro Devices, the International Textile Group, NewBridge Bank, Cook Out, Biscuitville, and Gilbarco Veeder-Root. Greensboro is also a "center of operations" for the insurance company Lincoln Financial Group. Although traditionally associated with the textile and tobacco industries, Greensboro leaders are working to attract new businesses in the nanotech, high-tech and transportation/logistics sectors. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University opened a joint research park, Gateway University Research Park. Downtown Greensboro has experienced construction investment in recent years with developments such as NewBridge Bank Park, and residential developments and office construction. In 1998, FedEx chose to build and operate a $300 million mid-Atlantic air-cargo and sorting hub at Piedmont Triad International Airport.
103 Durham, NC Milken rank - 21 Unemp = 8.4% Pop. 479,624
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 102.34 Rank: 70
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 99.78 Rank: 111
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007)6 Score: 94.76 Rank: 121
Population Growth since 2000 - +13.17%
Largest City – Durham Pop. 217,847 residents as of July 1, 2007 is the fifth largest city in the state.
Higher Education - Duke University, North Carolina Central University, Durham Technical Community College, The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham.
Economy and Employers
10 largest employers - Duke University & Medical Center, International Business Machines, Durham Public Schools, GlaxoSmithKline, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, NORTEL Networks, Durham City Government, Lenovo Group, Ltd., Veterans Administration Medical Center, RTI International, Inc.
Public Transportation - the Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) bus system. Triangle Transit bus - Triangle Transit (known formerly as the Triangle Transit Authority, or TTA). Triangle Transit offers scheduled, fixed-route regional and commuter bus service between Raleigh and the region's other principal cities of Durham, Cary and Chapel Hill, as well as to and from the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Research Triangle Park and several of the region's larger suburban communities.
Public transportation within the city and to/from its nearby suburbs is provided in the form of local bus routes run by New Jersey Transit. SEPTA also provides bus service to adjacent Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Duke University also maintains its own transit system, Duke Transit operates more than 30 buses with routes throughout the campus and health system. Duke campus buses and vans have alternate schedules or do not operate during breaks and holidays. From 1995 the cornerstone of Triangle Transit's long-term plan was a 28-mile rail corridor from northeast Raleigh, through downtown Raleigh, Cary, and Research Triangle Park, to Durham using DMU technology. There were proposals to extend this corridor 7 miles to Chapel Hill with light rail technology. However, in 2006 Triangle Transit deferred implementation indefinitely when the Federal Transit Administration declined to fund the program.
105 Winston-Salem, NC Milken rank - 99 Unemp = 10.4% Pop. 463,159
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 99.91 Rank: 104
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 95.36 Rank: 158
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 119.92 Rank: 18
Population Growth since 2000 - +9.76%
Largest City – Winston-Salem Pop. 224,889 fourth-largest city in the state. Winston-Salem is the second largest municipality in the Piedmont Triad region
Higher Education –
Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Salem College, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem Bible College, Forsyth Technical Community College
Economy and Employers –
It is the location of the corporate headquarters of the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), TW Garner Food Company (makers of Texas Pete), Reynolda Manufacturing Solutions,HanesBrands, Inc., Lowes Foods Stores, Southern Community Bank and ISP Sports. Wachovia Corporation was based in Winston-Salem until it merged with First Union Corporation in September 2001; the corporate headquarters of the combined company was located in Charlotte, until it was purchased by Wells Fargo in December 2008.
Although traditionally associated with the textile, furniture, and tobacco industries, Winston-Salem is attempting to attract new businesses in the nanotech, high-tech and bio-tech fields. Medical research is a fast-growing local industry, and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center is the largest employer in Winston-Salem. Blue Rhino, the nation's largest propane exchange company and a division of Ferrellgas, is also headquartered in Winston-Salem. In December 2004, the city landed a deal with Dell, Inc. providing millions of dollars in incentives to build a computer assembly plant nearby in southeastern Forsyth County. However to date there is speculation of closing the plant due to mass layoffs. A portion of downtown Winston-Salem has been designated as the Piedmont Triad Research Park for biomedical and information technology research and development. Currently, the research park is undergoing an expansion, with hopes of jumpstarting the city's economy.
Public Transportation
Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) has the responsibility of providing public transportation since 1972 after taking over the Safe Bus Company, Inc.. WSTA has 27 weekly routes, operating between 5:30am and 12:00 midnight Monday through Friday and from 6:30am through 6:30pm on Saturday , WSTA makes over 2 million passenger trips.
The metropolitan area is connected by Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART).
122 Asheville, NC Milken rank - 46 Unemp = 9.2% Pop. 404,320
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 103.90 Rank: 52
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 100.48 Rank: 100
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 98.27 Rank: 94
Population Growth since 2000 - +9.52%
Largest City - Asheville's population as of 2007 was 73,875
Higher Education –
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Brevard College (Brevard), Mars Hill College (Mars Hill), Montreat College (Montreat), South College (Asheville), Uversity of North Carolina at Asheville, Warren Wilson College (Swannanoa), Western Carolina University (Cullowhee)
Economy and Employers
Asheville has a tourism based economy. Asheville's largest employers - Ingles Markets, Mission Health System, City of Asheville, The Biltmore Company, Buncombe County Government, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, VA Medical Center, BorgWarner, CarePartners, Eaton Corporation
Public Transportation –
The city operates the Asheville Transit System, which consists of several bus lines connecting parts of the city and surrounding areas.
138 Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Milken rank -191 Unemp = 15.4% Pop. 360,471
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 91.09 Rank: 193
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 86.91 Rank: 195
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 93.90 Rank: 130
Population Growth since 2000 - +5.46%
Largest City – Hickory (Pop. 42,000)
Higher Education – Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State – Hickory, Catawba Valley Community College, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, Western Piedmont Community College
Economy and Employers -
The Hickory area is home to many leading manufacturers of furniture (before most jobs in that industry were shipped over to China) and fiber optic cable. It is estimated that 60% of the nation's furniture used to be produced within a 200-mile (320 km) radius of Hickory. Forty percent of the world's fiber optic cable is made in the Hickory area. Lenoir is the headquarters of Broyhill Furniture company, one of the largest furniture companies in the United States and part of Furniture Brands International. It has historically been one of the town's largest employers. The Bernhardt and Fairfield furniture companies are also located in Lenoir. However, in the 1990s, these companies began outsourcing their work overseas, and they have closed many of Lenoir's furniture factories and laid off workers, causing many local businesses either to close or move to other cities. This has harmed the economy in Lenoir, leaving many households living below the poverty line.Google, Inc. has commenced construction of and opened a server farm in Lenoir. The move, it is hoped, will boost the local economy and provide much-needed jobs for the area, which has been harmed by outsourcing of furniture manufacturing jobs overseas.
143 Fayetteville, NC Milken rank - 52 Unemp = 9.4% Pop. 348,940
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 104.79 Rank: 41
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 117.71 Rank: 11
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 98.86 Rank: 88
Population Growth since 2000 - +3.66%
Largest City - Fayetteville (Pop. 121,015 as of the 2000 Census)
Higher Education
Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Fayetteville Technical Community College
Economy and Employers –
Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. The Kelly-Springfield Tire Co., Black & Decker,
Purolator
145 Wilmington, NC Milken rank - 6 Unemp = 10.3% Pop. 339,511
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 115.90 Rank: 8
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 111.26 Rank: 23
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 148.44 Rank: 4
Population Growth since 2000 - +23.67%
A July 1, 2008 United States Census Bureau estimate places the population at 100,192
Higher Education –
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Cape Fear Community College, Shaw University satellite campus
Economy and Employers
Wilmington's industrial base includes electrical,medical,electronic and telecommunications equipment; clothing and apparel; food processing; paper products; and pharmaceuticals. Wilmington is part of North Carolina's Research coast,one of the Country's largest and most successful research parts and major center in the United States. Also important to Wilmington's economy is tourism and film production. Economists have forecast growth in the Greater Wilmington area to be the fastest in the state between 2004–2010, averaging 7%.
Located on the Cape Fear River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, Wilmington is a sizable seaport, including private marine terminals and the North Carolina State Ports Authority's Port of Wilmington. A major international seaport, the North Carolina International Port, is being planned down the river in Southport.
Public Transportation –
Public transit in the area is provided by the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority.[14] , which operates fixed bus routes, shuttles, and a free downtown trolley under the brand name Wave Transit.
124 Smallest Metros
231 Greenville, NC Milken rank - 22 Unemp = 11.3% Pop. 172,473
5-yr Job Growth (02-06) 109.80 Rank: 16
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 102.51 Rank: 60
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 84.48 Rank: 104
Population Growth since 2000 - +12.90%
Largest City – Greenville 75,482 as of July 1, 2007
Higher Education
East Carolina University, Shaw University (satellite campus), Pitt Community College
Economy and Employers –
The health care community in Greenville is one of the largest in the state of North Carolina. DSM - creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences. NACCO Materials Handling Group, Alliance One International, TRC, Inc., ASMO Greenville of North Carolina. Other Pitt County Businesses
Public Transportation The City of Greenville operates a mass transit bus system called Greenville Area Transit or GREAT.
276 Rocky Mount, NC Milken rank - 93 Unemp = 14.4% Pop. 145,596
5-yr Job Growth(02-06) 97.54 Rank: 87
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 89.10 Rank: 118
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 80.30 Rank: 109
Population Growth since 2000 - +1.80%
Largest City - Rocky Mount (As of 2007, the city's population was 56,844)
Higher Education
Post-secondary institutions include Nash Community College,Shaw University, North Carolina Wesleyan College and Edgecombe Community College
Economy and Employers –
Abbott Laboratories, McLane (a food distribution subsidiary of Wal-Mart), Tarboro Textiles
278 Burlington, NC Milken rank - 57 Unemp = 12.4% Pop. 145,360
5-yr Job Growth(02-06) 96.75 Rank: 92
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: 91.17 Rank: 110
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: 108.87 Rank: 48
Population Growth since 2000 - +11.13%
Largest City - Ann Arbor (7th largest city in Michigan, Pop. 114,024 as of the 2000 Census)
Higher Education
Elon University, Alamance Community College
Economy and Employers –
LabCorp, one of the largest clinical laboratory companies in the world, has its headquarters and several testing facilities in Burlington. LabCorp is Alamance County's largest employer, employing over 3,000 people in the county. Honda Aero, a subsidiary of Honda, recently announced that it will move its corporate headquarters to Burlington and build a $27 million plant at the Burlington-Alamance Regional Airport where it will build its HF120 jet engines for use in very light jets. Biscuitville, a regional fast food chain, is based in Burlington. Burlington is also the operations headquarters for Gold Toe Brands, a manufacturer of socks. Alamance General Medical Center, GKN Driveline, GKN Driveline Glen Raven
346 Goldsboro, NC Milken rank - n/a Unemp = 9.3% Pop. 113,590
5-yr Job Growth(02-06) n/a Rank: n/a
5-yr Wages & Salaries Growth Score: n/a Rank: n/a
5-yr Relative HT GDP Growth (2002-2007) Score: n/a Rank: n/a
Population Growth since 2000 - +.23%
Largest City - Goldsboro - Pop. 38,023 in 2006
Higher Education
Wayne Community College, North Carolina Wesleyan College - Goldsboro campus
Economy and Employers –
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro Milling, Case farms, Mount Olive Pickle Company, Georgia Pacific, Cooper Standard Automotive, Franklin Baking, Waukesha Electric Systems, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Cherry Hospital, Berry Hospital, AT&T Technical support Center
The Hound is saddened to look at these numbers. When I look at these numbers and relate them to the nine markets in this analysis, here is what I see. Hickory (#191) is the only city in the bottom quartile of Milken's national analysis. Greensboro is the only other city in the bottom half (#141). The rest are in the top half and 5 MSAs are in the top quartile (Raleigh #2, Wilmington #6. Durham #21, Charlotte #26, and Asheville #46). Why is Hickory so far down this list and what are we going to do to correct this?
What these numbers show is that most of these cities did fairly well when it comes to growing their job base, but only Wilmington (#8) and Raleigh's (#11) numbers are truly impressive. Wage and Salary growth numbers were excellent for Raleigh (#11), Fayetteville (#11), Wilmington (#23), and Charlotte (#49), but they weren't very good for the other markets and Hickory's number is about as bad as it can get. What is even more important to see is that this state is falling way behind when it comes to developing High Tech Industries. Only Wilmington (#4) and Winston-Salem (#18) are doing well. Most everyone else isn't even in the ball park.
It is just sad that our state has no leadership. There are certainly some bright spots, but for the most part we can see that our state is happy with the status quo. Once again we see that tug of war between the old way and the new way. We can certainly see that Wilmington, Raleigh, and Charlotte are fairing well, but I think the rest of the state is putting a drag on their current ability to grow. Look at the Unemployment numbers. Raleigh-Durham, Asheville, Fayetteville, and Goldsboro are the only areas that are fairing as well or better than the nation. Hickory and Rocky Mount (two cities with Corning in common) are in a class by themselves when it comes to unemployment.
I think Raleigh and Wilmington are enjoying the fruits of reaching out to the Creative Class and the Knowledge Economy. Wilmington has moved forward with the Entertainment Industry and Raleigh has the Research Triangle Park. It also looks like Winston-Salem is enjoying growth in the Tech sector of its economy after investing many resources towards that endeavor. The tech numbers for this state truly sadden me. In the 80s and 90s, I certainly had the sense that the State of North Carolina was ahead of the curve in its investments in technology. What happened to the foundation we were building? Why did we stop? It is more than obvious that we have frittered our progress away.
As far as Hickory, it is easy to see how we have gotten into the predicament we are currently in, we haven't invested in the future. Compared to the other large markets, we are 9th in job growth, 9th in wage growth, and 8th in High-Tech GDP. We're just trying to get through the day. We have adapted down and we aren't laying a foundation to foster excellence. In relation to the rest of this state; we aren't growing jobs, we aren't paying people anything, and we aren't moving toward a High-Tech economy. We're sitting around, waiting to see what everyone else does before making decisions. What if every municipality in the country did that? Can you name one program that was ever innovated, initiated and implemented by our local government?
When you always follow, like that, then you will be lucky to get scraps. We have to do some things to kickstart our economy. We're going to have to take some chances and think outside of the box. If we don't soon start growing our economy, then raising taxes, fees, and/or cutting services will be inevitable. People are going to have to realize that you can't keep taxes low, if you have a shrinking tax base. If people aren't working, then they aren't paying taxes. If people leave town to seek work, then they won't be paying taxes here. If businesses shut their doors, then adios to that tax revenue. Those people that are left, and able, will have to share the burden.
When it comes to the Tech and Creative Industries in this state, it is more than obvious that we don't have much to follow. I have a novel concept for our local leaders, why don't we take the bull by the horns, get out in front, and initiate some action?
As I continued in the comments section of the last article, when looking at these similar sized communities across the nation, how their stats relate to Hickory, and the things that we can do to improve our economy; I can see the need to address a couple of items that can help foster development of the creative economy in our community.
We are amassing a lot of medical industry capacities, because of our central location and aging population. Why not somehow foster the ASU-Hickory partnership towards the Healthcare industry and a program to facilitate the development of Doctors and other Medical Professionals. If it isn't feasible to associate with App State in such a way, then why not UNC-Chapel Hill. There needs to be an affordable medical school on this side of the state. Peoria, Rockford, and Evansville are cities, that are close to our metro's size, that have satellite medical branches of their state universities.
I would also like to see L-R develop a law program. I see excellent private University Law Schools at Duke, Wake Forest, and Campbell. We need a Law school in this area and we have many excellent Lawyers available to join in the teaching process. Attorneys with a vested interest in Hickory can help advocate our status in Raleigh.
These are only a couple of suggestions. What do y'all think?
*** The info above was found on Wikipedia and a few other sites.
Hickory is #183 in 5-year job growth. This makes us #9 in the state.
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