Business News 2008

Union County 7th in Nation in Growth
3/20/08 - According to US Census figures released today, Union County ranked seventh among fast-growing US counties with populations over 10,000 (2006-07 change). Union's 7.2 percent increase brings its total to 185,000, an increase of almost 50 percent since 2000. Adjacent Mecklenburg County (Charlotte), which added 32,000 people was 10th in the number of new residents.  The Charlotte region ranked 7th  in growth among the nation's metro areas.

Wingate University Physician Assistant Program Awarded Provisional Accreditation
3/10/08 - The new Physician Assistant Program at Wingate University has been awarded provisional accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education.  On January 20, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools approved Wingate's request to award the Master of Physician Assistant studies degree. With approval of these accrediting bodies, Wingate is moving forward in establishing an outstanding program.

Your Chamber Earns Five Star Accreditation from US Chamber; One of Only 38 in Nation
1/23/08 - Union County Chamber of Commerce officials were rewarded today for their efforts in becoming rhe first five-star accredited Chamber in North Carolina history.   US Chamber of Commerce representative Mathew Wasserburger awarded the plaque and praised the Chamber as only one of  38 nationwide to achieve the five star accreditation. Of  7,000 chambers in the US, 298 are accredited.  Chambers are evaluated on their performance in eight benchmark areas - Governance; Facilities; Governement Affairs; Human Resources and Staff; Program Develpment; Finance; Communications and Technology.  The five star rating requres a chamber to earn a score of 90 percent in each of these categories. The Union County Chamber has been accredited since 1973. 


Goodrich to Expand Customer Services Campus in Monroe
1/8/08 - Goodrich Corporation is expanding its customer services headquarters and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) campus in Monroe.  The $5.5 million facility expansion, slated for completion in the third quarter of 2008, will increase the company's capabilities and allow for additional services. These include complex repairs of helicopter acutation products and large aircraft cargo systems.  Part of Goodrich's global MRO campus network, the Monroe facility currently operates in 65,000 square feet and provides MRO and aftermarket support services for a variety of commercial and military aircraft components.