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Junxure Cloud Receives XCelent Award for Best Technology for a Vertical CRM …

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RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Junxure, an industry-leading CRM solutions provider for financial advisors, was recently recognized with the XCelent Award for Best Technology for a Vertical CRM for its cloud-based CRM platform, Junxure Cloud®.



Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150821/260161LOGO


Celent, a research and consulting firm focused on the application of information technology in the global financial services industry, conducted a study beginning in February 2015 on the North American CRM market for wealth management. Focusing on technology vendors that offered stand-alone solutions that serviced the advisor and relationship manager market, their report identifies major trends, CRM technology and functionalities, and client preferences by examining the leading vendors in the market. Detailed profiles of each vendor as well as comparisons and rankings are provided.



Junxure Cloud’s strong workflow, advanced search functionality, and customer support features were noted in the report, as was its “very clean and easy to use interface.” The firm’s strong list of partnerships, particularly in the area of RIA custodial platforms, portfolio management systems, and financial planning partners, factored into Celent’s report as being beneficial to advisors. Lastly, unlike other “vertical vendors,” Junxure is well-suited to implement for midsize firms.  To learn more about Celent’s CRM Technology Vendor report, log on to celent.com.



“In its first year of release, Junxure Cloud has become the premier platform for advisors to streamline workflows and deliver an outstanding client experience,” said Greg Friedman, President and Co-founder of Junxure.  “We are honored to be recognized by Celent for our technology and are committed to continuing to innovate for our customers.”



In Celent’s official announcement, Ashley Globerman, an analyst with Celent’s Wealth Management practice said, “Over the past several years, the CRM vendor landscape has grown significantly in terms of functionality offered to advisors and wealth managers. We are seeing a growing demand for customization, improvements in meeting compliance measures, social media integration, and better system usability.”



Considered the industry standard for CRM technology, Junxure serves 12,000 active users across 1,500 firms on their two CRM platforms – Junxure® CRM and Junxure Cloud®.



About Junxure
Junxure was established in 2001 by Ken Golding and Greg Friedman, MS, CFP®, a financial advisor who developed the initial Junxure software to help him streamline operations at his growing firm. Today, Junxure is an industry leader of advisor technology and practice management solutions with more than 11,000 active users and a client retention rate of 96%. Greg Friedman serves as both President of Junxure as well as President of Private Ocean, one of the West Coast’s most innovative wealth management firms. The inspiration for Junxure consulting, training and software comes from Mr. Friedman’s day-to-day experience running his practice and helping his clients achieve their personal financial goals. For more information, please visit www.junxure.com.



Contact
Greg Friedman
Junxure
415.526.2900





SOURCE Junxure

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A memorable mystery trip for Grace Ridge residents

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Exploring the Grist Mill

Exploring the Grist Mill

Residents of Grace Ridge Retirement Community explore Dellinger’s Grist Mill in Bakersville.

Working grist mill

Working grist mill

Grist Mill in Bakersfield

Grist Mill in Bakersfield



Posted: Monday, August 24, 2015 4:00 pm

A memorable mystery trip for Grace Ridge residents

Submitted by Glenn Lloyd

Special to The News Herald

The News Herald

Mystery trips are always special here at Grace Ridge, and on Aug. 18, it was special and a big hit.

As is custom, while traveling to the mysterious destination, we tried to guess where we were going. So far as I can recall, nobody has ever gotten it right.

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Tourism Spending Increases In Alexander County

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Visit North Carolina announced that domestic visitors to and within Alexander County spent $18.72 million in 2014, an increase of 3.32 percent from 2013.

According to a news release issued by Visit North Carolina, tourism impact highlights for 2014 in Alexander County include:

The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 100 employees in Alexander County.

Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Alexander County was $2.72 million.

State tax revenue generated in Alexander County totaled $1.01 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. Approximately $760,000 in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated and travel-supported businesses.

Governor Pat McCrory announced in May that visitors to North Carolina spent a record $21.3 billion in 2014, an increase of 5.5 percent from 2013.

These statistics are from the “2014 Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties.” The study was prepared for Visit North Carolina by the U.S. Travel Association.

To learn more about Alexander County attractions, restaurants, and more, log on to www.VisitAlexanderNC.com.

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Smith, housing, food security proponent, runs for commissioner – Asheville Citizen

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ASHEVILLE – A child and family therapist who dove deeply into politics first as an anonymous progressive blogger is now looking to step into county government.

Two-term City Councilman Gordon Smith announced Friday that he’s running to fill the Board of Commissioners seat to be left vacant in 2016 by Holly Jones. Jones is running for lieutenant governor. Smith will have at least two other Democratic primary opponents – fellow councilman Cecil Bothwell and life-long civil rights activist Isaac Coleman. They also announced candidacies for the District One seat that is made up mostly of Asheville.

In his announcement, Smith pointed to his work on “job creation, affordable housing, food security, transportation and equality.”

But with positions including chairman of the city’s Housing and Community Development Committee and the four-county Asheville Regional Housing Consortium, he has stood out most recently as an advocate for lower-cost housing. That has meant pushing other council members to deny apartment projects with high rents and to argue for tourists to pay into a housing fund.

A central Florida native, Smith came to mountains in 1991 to study English at Warren Wilson College. After graduation he went to Northern Ireland to work on a Roman Catholic-Protestant reconciliation project for teenagers. He got a master’s degree in counseling from Western Carolina University.

In 2004, Smith started Scrutiny Hoolingans, a humorous progressive blog that drew chuckles and nods of approval from the left and howls of derision from the right.

Early topics were broad and included President George W. Bush and North Carolina’s dismantling of its mental health system.

Later, the West Asheville resident zeroed in on Asheville, poking fun at conservative City Councilman Carl Mumpower’s call for a crackdown on concert drug use. Smith called it a “war on hippies.” Also targeted was a developer’s plan to build condominiums on public land joining what became Pack Square Park.

In 2007, Smith dropped the blog’s anonymity and began to write under his own name. A year later, he helped coordinate Jones’ successful 2008 campaign for county government.

In his announcement he spent time praising the commissioner.

“Holly Jones is a true champion for everyday people and those in need. She’s going to make a great lieutenant governor,” Smith said. ”We share the values of fairness and opportunity for all, and we’re both committed to public service. It’s exciting to see Holly step up to take those values statewide.”

About himself, Smith said, “We need a county commissioner for District One who has a track record of effective, progressive leadership. I have been that leader, and I hope to serve all the people of Buncombe County to address the big challenges we face,” he said. “I will be ready to hit the ground running to do the important work ahead of us.”

As a councilman, Smith has been a frequent voice for same-sex partner and marriage rights. He has supported an improved bus system and more sidewalks and bicycle paths.

Food security has been a top issue, leading Smith to back ideas such as mobile produce stores for low-income neighborhoods and to criticize additional state regulations of farmers markets.

Lately, as the city faces a 1 percent apartment vacancy rate that most call a “crisis,” affordable housing has been his focus. Smith pushed back against developments such as a 97-unit apartment complex on the lower slope of Beaucatcher Mountain with one-bedroom apartments expected at $1,050. He also has said the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority should give some hotel tax money that it collects for affordable housing. Currently the money goes to increasing hotel business.

Tourism contributes to the local economy, but should not take too high a priority because of its lower pay scale, he said.

“We have to build Asheville first for people who live here,” he said.

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Ateb, Inc. Initiates "Driving Healthy Outcomes" Campaign

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RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Ateb, Inc., the industry’s leading provider of pharmacy-based patient care solutions, announced today the launch of its first branding campaign, “Driving Healthy Outcomes for Patients, Pharmacies, and Payers.”  

Committed to its mission to develop innovative patient engagement solutions, Ateb’s “Driving Healthy Outcomes,” campaign reflects the measurable health and wellness benefits its pharmacy partners can achieve for their patients, but also the beneficial outcomes for pharmacies, health plans, hospitals and health systems.

Ateb empowers pharmacies to provide a higher standard of affordable patient care and counsel patients to ensure they take their prescribed medications and understand the importance of better health.  This improved communication helps reduce preventable hospital readmissions, reinforces positive patient behaviors and drives sustained patient medication adherence.

The campaign signals a new direction in the company’s marketing efforts to create a brand identity and build awareness by connecting with its constituents.  As part of the overall branding campaign, Ateb’s new company logo, web site and social media platforms are more closely aligned with the company’s strategic vision.

“Driving healthy outcomes reflects our mission and benefits everyone,” stated Frank Sheppard, President and CEO of Ateb.  “We strongly believe pharmacy is the cornerstone to realize true savings in the new healthcare ecosystem.  By increasing patient engagement, pharmacies are able to offer differentiated levels of care based on the needs of their patients.”

The redesigned web site, www.ateb.com, features a blend of technology and lifestyle design with intuitive navigation for ease of use allowing visitors to explore a host of Ateb’s solutions and benefits.  The site clearly speaks to its constituents; pharmacies, health plans, hospitals and health systems, to demonstrate an understanding of the healthcare environment and validate Ateb’s viable solutions to overcome the challenges facing these healthcare groups today. 

Testimonials from Ateb’s pharmacy partners are also highlighted on the web site.  Utilizing Ateb’s solutions, these pharmacies achieved a higher level of success through business optimization by increasing patient satisfaction, generating new revenue streams, increasing prescription counts, raising adherence scores and enhancing the efficiency of pharmacy workflow and operations.

In an effort to engage customers, Ateb is enhancing its social media efforts to become more transparent and to educate followers on relevant issues and trends.  Ateb is more than a technology software company that develops intuitive solutions.  Many Ateb executives speak on industry panels and serve on prominent advisory boards.  The company’s talented team, composed of experts in the fields in which they served, includes seasoned pharmacists with first-hand knowledge of pharmacy operations and an understanding of the challenges their customers face.

“We are very excited about the new campaign and web site as these communication vehicles better represent our brand, our mission and our capabilities, as well as, the benefits we provide to our partners,” noted Debbie Sheppard, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Ateb.  “By increasing customer engagement through social media platforms, Ateb is well positioned to identify the needs of our customers so we may continue to offer ‘best in class’ service and solutions.”

Ateb is an industry leading provider of pharmacy-based programs focused on medication adherence and transitional care.  Pharmacies using Ateb’s comprehensive medication synchronization solution, Time My Meds®, consistently achieve increased Proportion of Days (PDC) scores and see increases in prescription counts.  Patients enrolled in Time My Meds reach above Medicare 5-star PDC score thresholds for diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol.    

About Ateb, Inc.

Ateb’s industry leading pharmacy-based patient management portal, Patient Management Access Portal (PMAP), is the nexus of Ateb’s entire portfolio of patient care solutions and the leading driver of pharmacy’s appointment-based model in the market today.  By combining Ateb’s proprietary blend of pharmacy operational expertise, technology, analytics, and data integration, Ateb is driving healthy outcomes for patients, pharmacies, and payers.  For more information, please visit; www.ateb.com.

Time My Meds is a registered trademark of Ateb, Inc.

SOURCE Ateb, Inc.

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School leaders in Cabarrus and Rowan-Salisbury kick off new year

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SALISBURY, NC (WBTV) –

Today is the first day of classes for many school systems in our area, including Cabarrus County, and the Rowan-Salisbury School System.  Last week WBTV asked officials with these two systems to talk about what the new school year would hold, what significant changes were in place for the year, and any other interesting information that they wanted to provide.

Ronnye Boone, Public Information Officer with Cabarrus Schools, provided some interesting insight on the upcoming year, as well as a look at the interim superintendent, and some pretty interesting and surprising statistics.

Dr. Chris Lowder named CCS Superintendent in March. 1st day on the job was April 1st. Dr. Lowder is a Cabarrus County native, former CCS teacher, principal, and Central Office administrator.

Dr. Chris Lowder was named interim superintendent of Cabarrus County Schools on March 19, 2015. His first day on the job was April 1st. 

Dr. Lowder is no stranger to Cabarrus County Schools. He has been a part of the CCS Family for more than 20 years, beginning his career with the district as an English teacher at Central Cabarrus High School in 1992. 

Throughout his tenure, he has served as an assistant principal, principal and director of high school curriculum. Under his leadership, the district’s graduation rate climbed to new heights and consistently outpaces the state and national averages. 

In his more recent roles, including executive director, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent, Dr. Lowder effectively led the district’s administrative services department where he was responsible for supervising and supporting principals, as well as managing the transportation department and serving as the district’s liaison with local law enforcement.

Dr. Lowder is a native of Cabarrus County. He attended Cabarrus County Schools and Kannapolis City Schools and is a graduate of A.L. Brown High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and two master’s degrees – one in school administration and another in English – as well as a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

A devoted husband and father, Dr. Lowder has been married to his wife Stephanie for 22 years. They have two daughters – Hayley and Maggie – who attend Jay M. Robinson High and Weddington Hills Elementary Schools respectively. Dr. Lowder and his family reside in Cabarrus County.

About his selection as interim superintendent Dr. Lowder said, “I’d like to thank the Board of Education for the opportunity to lead a school system that means so much to me. Cabarrus County Schools is a great school system filled with great students, teachers, staff and parents; I am looking forward to continuing our tradition of excellence.” 

Two Academies of Engineering are in place in Cabarrus Schools, including the  Academy of Advanced Manufacturing and Automation at Jay M. Robinson High School, and the Academy of Energy and Sustainability at Mount Pleasant High School.  The Academy of Biotechnology and Health Science is in place at Northwest Cabarrus High School 

These 3 join existing academies for information technology (Cox Mill High School) and hospitality/tourism (Hickory Ridge High School), as well as a Public Safety program (Concord High School) and a high school STEM program (Central Cabarrus High School).

Additionally, these National Academy Foundation-certified high school academies offer students enrolled unique opportunities to apply what they’re learning in the classroom in the real world through job-shadowing and internship/apprenticeship opportunities with local businesses in their field of study. 

The district continues to grow, and as a result, the system is building new and replacement schools: 
New Odell Elementary (grades 3-5) – under construction 
Replacement Royal Oaks Elementary – funding secured
Replacement Mount Pleasant Middle – funding secured 

CCS is one of only 2 traditional school districts in the country to receive grant funding from the highly competitive Investing in Innovation (i3) federal grant program. Our program, INSPIRE, stands for Infusing Innovative STEM Practices Into Rigorous Education, addresses the national need to develop an integrated K-12 STEM pipeline. The i3 grant is valued at $3 million over a 5-year period.

CCS teachers ranked #1 in effectiveness for the 2nd consecutive year. 91% of our teachers met or exceeded state goals. 

Expanding digital resources (Discovery Ed, ALEX, Dreambox, icurio, iReady) for students – launching CANVAS, our learning management system. 

Other points of pride:  
Graduation rate is 90% — 73% in 2009
2nd largest employer in Cabarrus County – 4,000 employees (2,400 teachers)
More than $300 million budget
24,670 students ride a bus each day in our district
Buses travel 26,649 miles each day
CCS Wi-Fi network named best in the state by the Friday Institute
Class of 2015 received more than $34 million in scholarships
Served 1 million breakfasts and 2.8 million lunches during the 2014-2015 school year
Served 42,000 lunches this summer

Rita Foil, Public Information Officer with Rowan-Salisbury Schools highlighted several aspects of the new year, including the Achieve 3000 program:

This is a continuation of the ‘new’ that was implemented last year.  Rowan-Salisbury implemented a new 3-year strategic plan last year that created many changes. This is a building year to empower and strengthen those changes. “We are excited about moving forward,” Foil said.  “We have and continue to receive great support from our community.”

While touring South Rowan High School and speaking to students on Monday morning, Superintendent Dr. Lynn Moody said that the Achieve 3000 program will encourage reading for students who may be at a lower level and help them increase their reading ability.

“You first need to learn to read at your reading level and to love reading and encourage that reading so then students can start to set their goal because it’s very frustrating,” Dr, Moody said.  “If you look at a text and if you’re a slow reader, quite often the articles will be about things that are more elementary, that’s very boring to them and it’s embarrassing to them, so if you can read the same text at your level it encourages you to read and increases your vocabulary so it continues to push them to the next level.”

Foil also added that RSS is excited to be continuing into the second year of implementing the Strategic Plan with the focus on Literacy and Student Engagement, excited about entering into the second year of providing students with digital devices to enrich and engage their learning environment, and excited to be launching “Achieve 3000.”

RSS is also excited to experience the “energy in the district as teaching and learning is transforming through innovative collaborative spaces for student learning and teacher planning.”

School officials are anxious to see how new start times will work out across the district.  The move was designed to align all our schools across the district on a consistent schedule, but it was a controversial decision when announced with many parents opposed to the change in schedules.

Foil added that the district is excited to be adding new “hot spots” where students are offered the opportunity to continue learning after school is dismissed where Internet and supervision is provided through churches and community businesses.

Foil also answered a series of “quick hit” questions about the upcoming year:

WBTV: How many students will you serve this year? Foil: Approximately 20,000.

WBTV: Do you have any new programs this year?  Foil: Yes, we are excited to unveil “Achieve 3000” – this is a program that compliments our digital conversion and literacy focus in our strategic plan.  Achieve 3000 allows teachers to provide instruction  assessments to students that meets the level of learning for each individual student. Schools that have implemented Achieve 3000 are seeing amazing results in increased student achievement and increased reading  levels. Professional development was provided to teachers at our annual Back to School Teacher conference on Tuesday  Wednesday last week.

And we are excited to be fully implementing “Schoology” – our learning management system (LMS). Schoology brings together various aspects of education, teaching and learning among stakeholders to one platform.

WBTV:  Are there any budget concerns?  Foil: Needing a decision on the budget to be reached soon that allows our district to provide the best for our students without further eliminations and more flexibility.

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Bryce Lane teaching class at Raleigh arboretum

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Former N.C. State University professor Bryce Lane will teach a six-week course at Raleigh’s JC Raulston Arboretum on plant identification.

In more than 30 years at N.C. State, Lane taught more than 20,000 students. He served as interim director of the arboretum in 2014. Lane also hosted and produced a three-time Emmy-winning UNC-TV show called “In the Garden With Bryce Lane,” which aired for 11 seasons.

The class will meet 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays from Sept. 1-Oct. 6 at the arboretum and culminate with a field trip to Lane’s home for a garden tour and potluck brunch.

The class will teach the basics of plant identification, allowing gardeners to expand and enhance their plant identification skills and abilities.

The cost is $180 for arboretum members and $220 for nonmembers. (Membership costs $50.) Advance registration is required. Registration is limited to 24 people. To register, call 919-515-3132 or visit jcra.ncsu.edu.

The arboretum is at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh.

Birdbath, planting container workshops

Instructors Amelia Lane and Beth Jimenez of Lasting Impressions Concrete Sculptures in Raleigh are offering two upcoming classes:

▪ 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 29, they will teach how to make a hypertufa trough, a versatile planting container that looks like stone yet is lightweight and has excellent drainage. All materials are provided. Cost: $70.

▪ 1-3 p.m. Aug. 29, they will teach out how to make a concrete leaf-shaped birdbath for your garden or patio. All materials are provided. Cost: $60.

The classes are held at a private home in Raleigh, and details are shared upon registration.

To register, email beth6744@bellsouth.net.

For more information: lastingimpressionsleaves.com

Scrap Exchange hosts 2nd Sunday Sewing events

Every second Sunday of the month, The Scrap Exchange in Durham hosts textile artist Christine Ramsey for a sewing event.

The event description says: “Bring a new or old project and Christine can help you work through creative and technical blocks. Take the opportunity to sew with tons of fabric, trim and accessories at your fingertips.”

The event is free, but materials are not included. Registration is requested: sewsunday.eventbrite.com.

The next event will be 2-6 p.m. Sept. 13. Other dates include Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13.

The Scrap Exchange is at 2050 Chapel Hill Road.

Info: 919-688-6960, scrapexchange.org

Lakewood Flea Market in Durham

The Lakewood Flea Market is held outside Durham’s Scrap Exchange from 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays.

The market specializes in handmade art and antiques, vintage, thrift and yard-sale merchandise. The market continues until Oct. 24. (The market will not be open Sept. 26.)

Info: scrapexchange.org/tag/flea-market/

Happy hour for modern architecture fans

N.C. Modernist Houses hosts monthly Thirst for Architecture happy hour events, and the next one is Sept. 9.

These informal happy hours are free and open to the public. The events are for “Modernist homeowners, architects, artists, designers, Realtors, engineers, contractors, property investors, building managers, materials and furniture dealers – or anyone with a huge crush on great architecture.”

The next event will be 6-8 p.m. Sept. 9 at Leland Little Auction and Estate Sales, 620 Cornerstone Court, Hillsborough.

The event will include a sneak preview of their auction house’s upcoming auction along with food, wine and door prizes.

Info: ncmodernist.org/t4a.htm

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NC ranks as 6th most-visited state in the country

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RALEIGH, NC (WNCN) — The numbers are in.  North Carolina is ranked the 6th most visited state in the country according to recently released statistics from 2014 by the U.S. Travel Association.

New residents to the Tar Heel state said there are a lot of things to draw people in.

“The beach, the Outer Banks, the golf seems to be a major pull from that area,” said Andrew Williams.  He moved to NC two months ago from Oregon.  “It’s just a lot of stuff to do outside; the mountains, lots of hiking.”

Tourism experts said they want the numbers to keep growing.

“The state is up 5.5% and set a record of 21.1 billion in spending,” said Executive Director with Visit NC, Wit Tuttell.  “What I think is really important is that almost every county in the state saw an increase and every region in the state saw an increase. So what’s really good for us is that we see that tourism is a benefit to counties throughout the state.”

Wake County is no exception to the growth in visitors.

“It’s becoming a hot destination for families, for millennials, and even for the seniors now,” said President and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, Dennis Edwards.  “We’ve got something for everyone.”

That variety is also good for the local economy.  Edwards said there are more than 24,000 people employed in the tourism sector of Wake County alone.

“We had, last year over 14.4  million visitors that came in to the Wake County area that spent 2.2 billion dollars in direct expenditures that equates to 219 million dollars in state and local sales tax revenue as well,” he said.  “So, it definitely had a significant impact on the area as well.”

With the numbers that are coming in now, Tuttell and Edwards said North Carolina is well on its way to setting records for 2015.

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Upstate Forever looks for support in opposing Duke lines

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Conservation group Upstate Forever is making a big appeal to area residents to join its opposition to a proposed Duke Energy transmission line in the Upstate and western North Carolina.

The group has purchased a full-page ad in The Greenville News’ Sunday, Monday and Tuesday editions urging readers to let Duke Energy, elected officials and state agencies know how they feel about the project, which proposes 44 possible routes touching Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina and Polk, Henderson and Buncombe counties in North Carolina.

Several of the routes go through protected areas that are under conservation easements or are in public ownership, said Brad Wyche, Upstate Forever executive director. But these easements cannot legally prohibit the transmission line construction.

That’s one reason Upstate Forever is mounting a huge grassroots campaign.

“One of the things that makes our region so special is how beautiful it is,” Wyche said Friday. “These massive towers would have a massive impact on the scenic aspect of our area.”

The lines would be strung atop 140-foot high latticed towers and would carry power from a new substation in Campobello to a tie-in at a proposed new natural gas plant in Buncombe County. That site is the home of a coal-fired plant set for demolition.

Duke officials say the power is needed to supplement the ever-rising demands of homes, businesses and industry in the mountains of western North Carolina.

“A once-rural region is becoming more urban, and the infrastructure must be upgraded and expanded to reliably keep power flowing 24/7 in all weather conditions,” Ryan Mosier, a Duke Energy spokesman, said in an email.

Greenville, Henderson and Buncombe counties have experienced high rates of recent growth. Between 2000 and 2010, the city of Greenville’s population increased by 32.5 percent, according to a CNN Money report. In the same time period, Buncombe and Henderson counties saw population growth between 12.7 and 25.5 percent, according to North Carolina’s Office of State Budget and Management.

Yet Wyche said he believes “the project is way oversized. It’s like they’re ordering a double-cheese whopper and all they need is a cheeseburger.”

The group on its website suggests three alternatives to the lines: reducing the size of the new natural gas plant, expanding energy-efficiency programs and expanding the use of solar energy.

Suggesting these are sufficient alternatives is “not accurate,” Mosier said.

The size of the natural gas plant is appropriate, he said, because it gives Duke Energy capacity to handle “peak demand,” making the power grid more reliable.

Solar energy and energy efficiency programs, while important complements, cannot be relied on alone, Mosier said.

The exact number of towers and length of the line won’t be known until the route is selected, Mosier said. The line will be approximately 40 miles long with towers about 140 feet high, although tower height will vary due to the mountainous terrain.

Cutting through that mountainous terrain to create corridors for towers will have a major environmental impact, Wyche said. “Putting these towers in on very steep slopes is going to cause damage to the landscape.” Removing trees on steep slopes will have a severe impact on creeks and streams.

The scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge holds the key to tourism in the Upstate and western North Carolina, Wyche said. “That’s why people are moving here, that’s why tourism is an important part of our economy now.”

The proposed project is already hurting the area, he said. “You can already see clear evidence of that. In the study area, the real estate market has been hurt really badly.

“In Spartanburg County, Polk County, really the whole study area, the real estate market has basically been shut down because people don’t want to buy property until they know where these lines are going to run.”

Upstate Forever intends to continue seeking public support in its effort to stop the project, Wyche said. More than 1,000 people have signed the group’s petition asking Duke Energy to stop the project, and Wyche “would like to add more and more people” before delivering it to Duke Energy on Aug. 31, when the comment period for this project closes.

Duke Energy has heard the input from Upstate and western North Carolina residents, Mosier said, and has expanded its team and accelerated the schedule for its route selection process amid concerns of uncertainty. The company will select its route by early October, according to Mosier.

“The need for this project is real, but so too, are the emotions property owners have expressed in response to these plans,” Mosier said. “We are doing our very best to pick the best possible location for the power line with the least impact on the environment and the communities we serve.”

THE GREENVILLE NEWS

EMS controversy back on the agenda at county council meeting

THE GREENVILLE NEWS

QAmy: Old Nippon Center site set for renewal

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Business Buzz: Tourism report positive in region

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Posted: Sunday, August 23, 2015 12:00 am

Business Buzz: Tourism report positive in region

Cumberland County ranks 10th among North Carolina counties in visitor spending.

The newest annual report for Visit NC from the research department of the U.S. Travel Association was released earlier this month. Cumberland was the only Cape Fear region county in the top 10, although Moore, which hosted two weeks of U.S. Opens in June 2014, was 11th and also had some of the best taxpayer news.

The research provides spending estimates for all 100 counties and county level employment. It also has payroll and tax revenues as a result of direct visitor spending.

John Meroski, the president and CEO of the Fayetteville Area Convention Visitors Bureau, said in a release that more than a decade of effort is reflected in the latest findings.

“Fifteen years of branding, marketing and tourism strategies have helped tourism be an economic engine for Cumberland County,” Meroski said. “Tourism means business, as it all begins with a visit.”

Expenditures, according to the research, were more than $490million in Cumberland County, up 3.85 percent from 2013. State and local tax revenues generated $35.7 million, which calculates to a tax savings for each county resident of $108.39.

Tourism is credited with employing 4,290 people in the county, generating annual payroll of $89.15 million.

Spending for the U.S. Opens wasn’t broken down by county, and Cumberland – like others adjacent to Moore – surely benefited from the two-week blitz. The championships generated $140million in spending for the state, according to a report by Gene Brothers of N.C. State University estimating spending in a 26-county region by the USGA. The total economic impact for the region was $238 million.

Moore County, home to some of the best golf and resort amenities in the state, generated a per resident tax savings of $370.63. Spending was at $438.82 million, up 7.1 percent from 2013 – fourth-best percentage increase of any county in the state.

Moore County also increased direct tourism employment 4.8 percent, third-most of any county.

Ninety percent of the state’s counties had tourism employment increases. Visitor spending was up in 97 of the 100 counties.

Mecklenberg, at nearly $5billion, led the visitor spending list. Wake County (more than $2billion) was next, followed by Guilford and Dare, each with more than $1 billion.

Buncombe ($963 million), Forsyth ($785 million), Durham ($700 million), New Hanover ($508million) and Brunswick ($496million) were also in the top 10.

Military impact

In a report released last week by the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, jobs supported by the military number 578,000 and two of every three are in the private sector.

The report said personal income in the state is boosted by $34 billion because of the military, contributing $66 billion to the Gross State Product.

The number of veterans in the state, according to federal data, is 775,000, who combined to receive more than $8.2 billion in pensions, medical care and other support from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2014.

– Alan Wooten


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Sunday, August 23, 2015 12:00 am.

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