Tensylon High Performance Material. has completed an 18,000-square-foot addition to its Piedmont Drive plant in Union County
12-17-07 Tensylon makes high-strength polyethylene fibers used in body and vehicle armor. The added capacity will add up to 42 jobs, more than doubling the plant's work force. The company is expected to employ about 60 people by the end of 2008 when a third production line may be added, says Lisa Owen, Tensylon vice president and general manager. The plant has undergone a $1.4 million expansion to 48,000 square feet from 30,000 square feet. The facility also has research-and-development facilities. The company produces about 100,000 pounds of polyethylene fiber per month. Further growth next year may double that, Owen says.

Monroe EDC Announces Over $300 Million for 2007
12/17/07 -  Monroe Economic Development announced today its year-end figures for capital investment and job creation for the 2007.  Seventeen companies made investments of which four were new.  These companies announced the creation of 622 high paying jobs and the investment of a total of $303.6 million in new buildings, machinery and equipment.  2007 was the best year on record for the City surpassing the previous record of $114 million in 2003.  ATI Allvac and Turbomeca Manufacturing made the bulk of the investment accounting for $260 million. Marked by many changes and new records, Monroe experienced the two single largest investments by industry in its history.  These investments solidified the City as a leader in Aerospace for the Region, the State and the Southeast.

Monroe also was able to begin development of two significant projects:
     1) Phase III of the Monroe Corporate Center (approximately 150 acres).  This 
     tract south of Goldmine Road will complete the 500-acre development that 
     is considered the premier industrial park in Union County.
     2) Phase I of AeroPointe Industrial Centre – Monroe’s second industrial park. 
     This 80-acre tract is being developed for smaller manufacturing facilities in the 
     range of 10,000-30,000 square feet.  While housing smaller facilities it will
     maintain the high architectural standards of the Monroe Corporate Center.

Monroe’s EDC applied for and was awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants assisting with the infrastructure for these two developments.

Civic Center Concept Will Resurface in Downtown Monroe Master Plan Study
11/21/07 - Although voters turned down funding for  a civic center on October 9,  the feasibility of a civic center is being studied as part of a downtown master plan being developed by the consulting firm of LandDesign of Charlotte. Over the past six months, the City of Monroe has been involved in developing a master plan for the downtown area.  LandDesign and its team is facilitating the process to help the city determine a vision for Downtown Monroe and develop a master plan that reflects that vision.

Several public forums, as well as group interviews have been held to solicit input from residents, business owners and property owners.  When finished in January, the Master Plan will serve as a guide for the development and redevelopment decisions, detailed planning options and design initiatives. The plan will consider:

Retail, civic, residential and office uses
Recreational uses
Trends, opportunities and limitations
Preservation of historic areas
Development for commercial and residential uses.
Street and street network enhancements.
Pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.
Open space and the environment.

CMC-Union to Triple Size of ER
11/4/07 - Carolinas Mecical Center Union has received approval from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to triple the size of its Emergency Department.  CMC- Union's ER case load has increased from about 38,000 patients in 2000 to over 47,000 in 2007.  Construction on the $21.5 million expansion will begin in January, 2008 and will take 18-24 months to complete.

Site Selection Magazine Ranks NC #1 for 3rd Year in a Row, 6 of Last 7 Years
11/1/07 - Site Selection magazine has named North Carolina the state with the Top Business Climate for 2007. As revealed in the magazine's November, 2007 issue, research based in part on a survey of corporate real estate executives has identified the Tar Heel State's overall climate for capital investment to be tops in the US for the third consecutive year and sixth in the most recent seven years. 

Wingate University to Create College of Health Sciences
9/30/07 - Wingate University has announced plans to establish a College of Health Sciences to be located along I-485.  The new campus would cost in excess of $16 million.  Wingate's new School of Pharmacy, established in 2003 and offering doctorate degrees would anchor the new campus.  Wingate's pharmacy school, one of three in the state received over 1,100 applications for 70 available seats this fall.  Establishment of the health schiences program is the result of a study that found a regional shortage of trained pharmacists and physician assistants.

MUMPO Designates all of Bypass/Connector for Toll Road
9/19/07 - The Mecklenburg Union Metropolitan Planning Organization (MUMPO) voted tonight to designate the entire route of the long awaited Monroe Bypass-Connector as a toll road.  MUMPO is a federally mandated two county planning organization that determines road priorities for Mecklenburg and most of Union County.  The North Carolina Turnpike Authority is completing an environmental impact statement for the project. Upon completion, federal permits will be obtained and construction can begin.  Target date for completion of the $553 million road is 2013. Without tolling the project would face a funding shortfall resulting in delay of construction for an undetermined period.

Chamber President Carpenter Elected as President of Carolinas Assocciation of Chamber of Commerce Execs
9/7/07 - Jim Carpenter, president of the Union County Chamber of Commerce has been elected president of the Carolinas Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE) for fiscal year 2007-08.  As president, he is responsible for leading the organization, including insuring its financial strength and membership growth. CACCE is a professional development organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities for chamber of commerce executives and staff members in North and South Carolina. CACCE focuses on leadership development, technical assistance to chambers, scholarships to the US Chamber management institute and professional peer dialogue.

CMC-Union wins national recognition
9/4/07 - Carolinas Medical Center-Union has been named an American Alliance of Health Care Providers Hospital of Choice for the third consecutive year.  In 2007, 0ne hundred hospitals were choses nationwide and eight were in North Carolina.  The award is given based on public information such as Web sites, news releases, announcements and surveys of hospital staff and applications submitted.

BAE Systems Tensylon High to Invest in $8 Million Expansion
8/31/07 - BAE Systems Ensylon High Performance Materials, Inc. is investing $8 million in an expansion that will create 42 new jobs over the next three years in Union County.  The company manufactures high-strength polethylene products such as vehicle armor and personal body armor.   The expansion will double the size of the company's current 18,000 facility  on Piedmont Avenue and employee base of eighteen.   The company received incentive grants of up to $86,820 from the Union County Board of Commissioners and $40,000 from One North Carolina.  Union County Partnership for Progress director Maurice Ewing said that a tremendous domestic and international demand exists for BAE's product.  "We think there's a great future for this company" he said.

Hospice of Union County Completes Accreditation with ACHC
8/28/07 - Hospice of Union County has announced its award of accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, Inc. (ACHC).  ACHC is a private not-for-profit corporation that is certified to ISO 9001:2000 standards.  It was developed by home care and community-based providers to help companies improve business operations and quality of patient care.  Accreditation is a voluntary activity where healthcare organizations submit to peer review of their internal policies, processes and patient care delivery against national standards.

Con Metco Adds 50,000 Square Feet to its Monroe Facility
8/25/07 - Consolidated Metco, an Oregon based company is undergoing a large expansion at its Patton Avenue plant in Monroe.  The company will add more than 50,000 square feet to the facility.  Con Metco specializes in aluminum brake and wheel castings for freight trucks.  It employs 275 employees in Monroe.

SPCC Named one of Nation's Best Community Colleges
8/24/07 - South Piedmont Community College ( SPCC) in Monroe is one of the best community colleges in the United States, according to "Washington Monthly".  The  publication ranked SPCC 14th based on results of the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE).  We know that we are doing a very good job in our classrooms but it was a huge surprise to learn we had received national recognition for our work," said SPCC president John McKay.

Two Chamber Programs Win ACCE Awards
8/6/07 - Two Union County initiatives, its Business Link newsletter and Progressive Growth, Aggressive Leadership branding/marketing campaign received awards from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) 23rd Annual Awards for Communications Excellence (ACE).  Awards were presented at organization's annual meeting August 1-4 in Sacramento.

The Chamber's Progressive Growth, Aggressive Leadership campaign inlcude this tagline, design of a crisp, new contemporary logo, new eye-catching and easily navigable website and redesign of publications to offer a more coordinated look.  The Business Link newsletter was redesigned with a new banner, top quality paper, streamlined layout, more color, broader coverage and addition of guest columns.  Business Link in now e-mailed ot 80 percent of our members and is available on the Chamber's website, current and archived editions. 

This year's ACE competition drew 192 entries from chambers throughout the US and Canada.  The Awards for Communication Excellence is an annual competition that recognizes excellence in all areas of chamber of commerce communications.

Labor Union Card Check Bill Dead for Now
7/16/07 - HR 800, the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act', which would do away with secret-ballot union elections in favor of a card check method is dead in Washington for now.  The bill passed the US House 241-185 in March, despite fierce opposition from business groups.  HR 800 did not make it out of the US Senate. It did not receive the 60 votes needed for cloture, which must occur before the Senate can proceed to debate a bill.

School of Pharmacy's Doctoral Degree Receives Full Accreditation
6/25/07 - The Wingate University School of Pharmcy doctoral degree has received full accreditation from the Chicago-based Accrediation Council for Pharmacy Education.  On June 22, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education reviewed the final post-graduation report of the school presented by Dean Robert Supernaw and Wingate University Executive Vice President Charles Taylor.  The council awarded full accreditation to the school effective immediately.

"This is exciting news for everyone associated with the Wingate University School of Pharmacy," said Jerry McGee, president of Wingate University.  "Dean Supernaw, the faculty and staff, our students and supporters have contributed to this milestone and deserve our commendation." 

According to Supernaw and Taylor, it was clear from the questions and comments of the 20 council members at last week's meeting in Chicago, that the Wingate program is highly regarded and represents cutting-edge instruction and practice experience.  "This is a significant accomplishment for a supportive university team and a dedicated pharmacy faculty, stated Supernaw.  "The university considers the new pharmacy program to be one of the premier programs in the country, and we are proud to have received full accreditation in the minimum timeframe allowed by the accrediting agency, "Taylor added. 
The Wingate program's accreditation process was initiated in 2002.  Pre-candidate status was awarded in June 2003 and candidate status was awarded in June 2004 then reaffirmed in 2005 and 2006.  Full accreditation cannot be awarded until an institution graduates its charter class.  Just six weeks from its charter class graduation, the Wingate pharmacy program received its final, full accreditation.

Union County Chamber Joins NC Chamber Federation
4/30/07 - The Union County Chamber of Commerce has joined the North Carolina Chamber Federation,  a grassroots advocacy partnership  of the North Carolina Chamber of  Commerce.  The Federation is established to empower local chambers and small businesses by engaging them in legislative advocacy to increase their public policy influence.  Your Chamber's participation brings a very important perk to all its members with ten or fewer employees - free membership in the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce.   We have forwarded names and mailing information for these members to the NC Chamber. You should be receiving NC Chamber membership information and privileges.   For more information concerning the North Carolina Chamber Federation, go to www.ncchamber.net/federation .

French Company Turbomeca to build $50 Million Plant in Monroe
4/18/07 - Turbomeca, USA, Inc. a subsidiary of Safran Group of Paris will begin construction soon on a $50 million aircraft engine parts plant in Monroe, bringing 180 jobs to Union County.  Emeric d'Arcimoles, Turbomeca chairman and chief executive says parts made in the Monroe plant will help the company deliver on an eight-year contract won last year to supply over 700 helicopter engines to the US Army.  The company will receive in excess of $2 million in incentives from city and county governments, including 41 acres of land near the Monroe Regional Airport.  The state will also contribute $3 million from the NC Economic Investment Committee and Governor's One North Carolina Fund.  Another potential $1.7 million is available in training and tax credits.

Allvac's $210 Million Expansion is Monroe's Largest Ever
4/18/07 - ATI Allvac, manufacturer of speciality metals and alloys used in aerospace, defense and other industries will invest $210 million and create 25 jobs in Union County with an average weekly wage of $799 plus benefits during the next three years.  Allvac currently employs 1,107 in Monroe and traces its roots to its inception in Monroe in 1957.  The project received a $300,000 One North Carolina Fund incentive grant.  The expansion will result in over $4 million in new tax revenue for the City of Monroe over the next decade.

Monroe City Council Sets Civic Center Referendum for October 9th
4/14/07 -  Monroe City Council scheduled a referendum for October 9th to coincide with City elections on a prepared meal and beverage tax that would partially fund a new civic center. Proceeds from the tax and those from an existing lodging tax will be used to construct a 40,000 square foot civic center on Charlotte Avenue at a cost of $8 - 10 million dollars.  This facilility would provide badly needed meeting space for community events and cultural activities and significantly impact  downtown revitalization efforts.

Union County is Nation's 15th Fastest Growing County
3/22/07 - Union County is now the 15th fastest growing county in the nation, according to census estimates released today.   This ranking is based on growth over the past six years. The county grew by 7.2 percent or almost 12,000 people between July 2005 and July 2006. The change brought Union to 175,272 people. This was the biggest leap of the previous five years. Union is now the 10th most populated county in North Carolina and the fourth in the Charlotte Region behind Mecklenburg, Gaston and York, SC. Union County's population increased by 51,534 from 2000-2006, a 41.6 percent increase.

Town of Indian Trail Celebrates 100th Anniversary
3/10/07 - Today, the Town of Indian Trail commemorated its 100th anniversary with a celebration at the  First Baptist Church of Indian Trail.  The town originated as a trading post for the Waxhaw Indians in the 1800s and was incorporated in 1907.  The ceremony included music from the Sun Valley High School Concert Band and recognition of the town's oldest living citizen Wilma Kizer, 100, and its first baby born in 2007, Anthony Beardsley.

Chamber Opposes Labor Union Card Check Bill
3/8/07 - The Union County Chamber has mobilized its grassroots network in opposition  House Bill 800, the Employee Free Choice Act.  The bill passed the US House on March 1 and is now in the Senate. Better known as the "Card Check Bill", it would amend the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to allow union certification in a company where a union demonstrates that a majority of its employees have signed union authorization cards (card check). Secret ballots among employees would no longer be required.   Employers observe that workers sometimes sign union authorization cards simply to avoid offending the person asking them to sign. This is often a co-worker or individual they wish to get off their backs.  For more information, contact Jim Carpenter 704-289-4567.

CMC-Union Earns Employer of Choice Designation
3/7/07 - Carolinas Medical Center - Union (CMC-Union) has been awarded the prestigious Employer of Choice designation by Employer of Choice,  Inc., a nationally recognized workforce consulting group.  Joyce Gioia, president of Employer of Choice, Inc., presented the ward to CMC-Union president and CEO John Roberts at a March 7th ceremony at the hospital.  Designation as an Employer of Choice is awarded to public, private or nonprofit employers that demonstrate best practices in several employee-focused areas including care of people, growth and opportunity and growing the next generation.  Only five perecent of hospitals nationwide operate at the level required for this designation.  CMC-Union is the first North Carolina hospital to meet required standards to earn the designaion.

Edwards Cancer Center at CMC-Union Receives Highest Accreditation Score
2/14/07 - The Edwards Cancer Center at Carolinas Medical Center - Union has been recognized as one of the top cancer treatment centers in the US by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (ASC-CoC).  The Commission recently completed an intensive on-site survey and awarded the Edwards Cancer to enter a three-year accreditation with acommendation, the highest ranking possible.  Only one in four hospitals that treat cancer are accredited by the Commisison and less than a third of the accredited facilities receive the Commission's top overall ranking.  The perfect accreditation score places the Edwards Cancer Center among the top twenty five percent of all cancer treatment programs nationwide.

"This accreditation is a testimony to the hard work and dedication of our physicians and healthcare professionals" CMC-Union vice president Dave Anderson said.  

"To receive a three-year accreditation with accomendation is truly an outstanding achievement.  This reflects our commitment to provide the best in comprehensive cancer treatment close to home"

Administrative Judge's Ruling Upheld - Towns Must Enforce Buffers to Protect Endangered Heelsplitter Mussel 
2/8/07 - A committee of the NC Environmental Management Commission has reccommended restricting development within up to 200 feet of the center line of all waterways in Goose Creek Basin in Union and Mecklenburg counties.  The 200 foot restriction applies to perennial streams and a 100 foot restrict affects intermittent streams.

This reccomendation upholds the October 14, 2006 ruling of Administrative Law Judge Fred Morrison, Jr..  The decision was based on the premise that it is necessary to protect the habitat of the endangered Carolina Heelsplitter mussel.  The decision will impact development in the towns of Indian Trail, Stallings and Mint Hill.  It is unclear how the ruling will impact currently permitted development projects.

Union County Economic Recruiter Elected to Charlotte Region Partnership Board of Directors
2/1/07 - Maurice Ewing, president and CEO of the Union County Partnership for Progress has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Charlotte Region Partnership. CRP is a sixteen county public-private economic development organization that promotes the Charlotte region as a business location to site consultants across the world.  Ewing has over 20 years experience as a business development recruiter in the Charlotte Region. Since 2004, Ewing has directed UCPP to attract industry and create jobs and investment in Union County.