Stokes County Today
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In the 1950s and 1960s Stokes County recovered from the Depression era, with road paving, new schools and a boom­ing economy. U.S. Highway 52, a four-lane highway, was constructed through southwestern Stokes.

Today, Stokes County encompasses approximately 458 square miles. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Stokes County is the 36th fastest growing of the 100 North Carolina counties (1990-2000).

The City of King, Stokes County's largest municipality, lies along U.S. Highway 52, soon to become I-74. Danbury, the county seat, is the smallest municipality in Stokes. In contrast to King, its streets are lined with historic homes and government buildings. Walnut Cove, in southeastern Stokes, developed in part because of the railroad and today a thriving municipality that boasts small businesses along Main Street and a friendly, small town atmosphere.

Because of the varied topography, elevations in the County range from 800 to 2,500 feet above sea level. The climate is mild with a yearly rainfall average of 42.31 inches and an average snowfall of 8.6 inches.

Being located adjacent to both Forsyth, Surry and Rockingham Counties, residents have ready access to major shopping centers, industrial opportunities, and cultural and entertainment, while at the same time being afforded the luxury of “country living”.

Stokes County has a way about it that makes living here a pleasurable experience. It is not just the slower paced rural life or the natural beauty the Sauratown Mountains and surrounding landscape offers - there is that. It has more to do with the people whose families have lived here for generations. Stokes County citizens seem to share a spirit of neighborliness and generosity that is in short supply in other parts of the world.

The United States Census Bureau conducts the decennial census. The decennial census occurs every 10 years, in the years ending in "0," to count the population and housing units for the entire United States. Its primary purpose is to provide the population counts that determine how seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are apportioned. Census figures also are required to draw congressional and state legislative district boundaries, to allocate federal and state funds, to formulate public policy, and to assist with planning and decision-making in the private sector.

Additional population and economic information can be retrieved from the United States Census Bureau website and the United States Department of Commerce website.

Stokes County Communities

The State Demographics unit is primarily responsible for producing population estimates and projections. The annual estimates of the population of North Carolina counties and municipalities are used in the distribution of state shared revenues to local governments. County and state population projections, available by age, race (white/other) and sex, are used for long range planning.

Estimates

Projections

The FY 2001 Median Family Income estimates are prepared by The United States Department of Housing and Urban (HUD) based primarily on 1990 Census median family income estimates updated to 2001 using a combination of Bureau of Labor Statistics earnings and employment data and Census Divisional P-60 median family income data. Figures shown below are for a family of four.

HUD median family income estimates are also available at the Department's web site which provides a menu from which you may select the year and type of data of interest

*Stokes County is part of the Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point MSA and HUD no longer calculates MFI lower than the MSA level.

**Figures not yet released.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis prepares Per Capita Personal Income figures at the national state and local level. The latest figures available for this region are as follows:

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services publishes annual county statistics for selected crops, livestock, poultry, dairy, and cash receipts. Census of Agriculture statistics are compiled by the United States Department of Commerce and are published every five years. Counties not harvesting more than 20 acres of tobacco, 50 acres of peanuts, and 200 acres of all other crops were not published and are designated by an asterisk (*). Also not published were counties with fewer than 1,000 hogs or 500 total cattle, 200 beef or milk cows, 500,000 broilers or turkeys, or 50,000 other chickens.

KOBE Wieland Copper Products, Stokes County's largest private employer, announces a multi-million dollar investment program in new machinery and equipment, creating 40-60 new jobs.

Luwa Mechanical Systems, a division of the Zellweger Luwa Group, will open it’s new pipe fabrication facility in June 2004 at the Stokes County Business Park in King. The company is expected to create over 20 new jobs over the next two years.

Granite Development, LLC begins the development of Moser Farm, a 178 acre commercial and residential development that will include a shopping center, 317 homes, pool, clubhouse, day care and 57 acres of green space with over miles of hiking and bicycle trails.

Over the past ten years, the County has been very successful in diversifying its economy through economic development efforts, significant developments include:

The major employers in Stokes County are:

Camel City Poster 428 Newsome Rd King , NC 27021-8509 336.9834986 Mike Anderson, Sales Exec 275202 Printers		Carolina Medical Inc PO Box 307 King , NC 27021-0307 336.9835132 Carroll Turner, President 384104 Physicians & Surgeons Equip & Mfrs
Dudco Construction PO Box 464 Germanton , NC 27019-0464 336.591.5656 Tammy Dudney, Owner 152103 General Contractors		Duke Energy 3195 Pine Hall Rd Belews Creek , NC 27009-9157 336.427.0274 Tom Guthrie, Plant Mgr 491101 Electric Companies
Factory Screen Works PO Box 2424 King , NC 27021-2424 336.985.3862 Tommy Gupton, Manager 275902 Screen Printing		Hanks Lumber Co PO Box 99 Danbury , NC 27016-0099 336.593.2022 Bill Hanks, Owner 242101 Lumber-Manufacturers
Imperial Vault Co PO Box 950 King , NC 27021-0950 336.983.6343 Nancy Carter, Owner 327209 Concrete Prods (Mfrs)		King International Corp PO Box 1009 King , NC 27021-1009 336.9835171 Vicki Brown, Finance Exec 275902 Screen Printing
King Milling Co PO Box 414 King , NC 27021-0414 336.9835081 Ralph Naylor, Owner 204101 Flour Mills		KOBE Wieland Copper Prod LLC PO Box 160 Pine Hall , NC 27042-0160 336.427.6611 Steffen Sigloch 505121 Copper Products (Wholesale)
Luwa Industrial Piping 502 Newsome Road King , NC 27021 336.983.0385 Frank Ring, Plant Mgr		Marshall Brothers Construction 661 Moser Rd King , NC 27021-8053 336.983.8106 Darrell Marshal, Owner 152103 General Contractors
Merfin Systems, Inc. 105 Industrial Drive King , NC 27021 336.983.4545 John Knox		Mitchells Meat Processing Co PO Box 62 Walnut Cove, NC 27052-0062 336.591.7420 Jerry Mitchell, Manager 201101 Meat Packers
Pro-Tech 127 Plant St Walnut Cove, NC 27052-9223 336.591.5287 Terry L Beck, Owner 737403 Computer Bulletin Boards		R J Reynolds Tobacco Co Brook Cove Rd Walnut Cove, NC 27052 336.591.4630 Marshall Crews, Manager 599301 Cigar Cigarette & Tobacco Dealers-Retail
S & H Lumber Co PO Box 933 Walnut Cove, NC 27052-0933 336.591.7990 Bobby Hester, Owner 242102 Sawmills		S & K Poultry PO Box 283 King , NC 27021-0283 336.983.3697 Anna Keiger, Owner 514404 Poultry-Wholesale
Steel Fabrication & Machine Co 7770 Dennis Rd Walnut Cove, NC 27052-9534 336.593.5353 Steve Clark, President 331298 Steel Works/Blast Furnaces/Rolling Mls		Stevens Roofing Systems 1535 Elastic Plant Rd Westfield , NC 27053-8242 336.351.3131 Linda Agee, Purchasing Agent 521114 Roofing Materials
Stokes Family Health Center PO Box 187 Danbury , NC 27016-0187 336.593.2400 Nancy Graspon, Manager 806202 Hospitals		Wayne Poultry-North Carolina 3083 NC Highway 268 Pinnacle , NC 27043 336.366.2283 Steve Flippin, Finance Exec 514402 Poultry Services (Wholesale)
Wexler Textiles LTD 144 Charles Rd King , NC 27021-8247 336.985.2616 Cara Irvine, Manager 513106 Textiles-Wholesale

State Programs || Local Programs || International Trade Services
Customized Training || JobReady Program
Forsyth Technical Community College || Workforce Development Board
Tax Credit Eligibility Requirements

STATE-WIDE PROGRAMS
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The state's COMMERCE FINANCE CENTER (CFC) serves as a "one‑stop" financial center for relocating companies and existing employers needing information and advice on financing alternatives in North Carolina.  The WILLIAM S. LEE ACT, enacted in 1996 and amended in 1998, pro­vides tax credits that may be taken against state income; franchise or gross premiums tax burdens. These credits are for job creation, invest­ment, worker training, and research and development in any of the state's 100 counties, though benefit levels are calculated based upon a county's level of economic distress. Counties are assigned a "Tier" ranking that ranges (poorest to wealthiest) from 1‑5. Stokes County is ranked as Tier 3. 

Job Creation Tax Credit:

• $3,000.00 for each new job (minimum of 5) created paying wages 110 percent of the applicable weekly wage standard for Stokes County.  ($515.00)
• Credits are to be taken in equal installments over 4 years.

Investment Tax Credit: 

• 6 percent of the purchase, or lease cost of new machinery and equipment, above an investment threshold of $200,000.00.

Worker Training Tax Credit: 

• A taxpayer providing training for 5 or more eligible employees is allowed a credit equal to wages paid that employee during the training.  Credit per employee trained cannot exceed $500 during the tax year.

R&D Tax Credit: 

• 5 percent of state’s apportioned share of expenditures.

Industrial Revenue Bonds: Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) or Industrial Development Bonds may be used by companies engaged in some type of manufacturing for the acquisition of real estate, facility construction, and/or equipment purchase. IRBs fall under three issuance types: Tax Exempt, Taxable, and Pollution Control/Solid Waste Disposal Bonds. Regulations governing bond issuance are a combination of federal regulations and North Carolina statutes. The amount each state may issue annually is designated by population.

North Carolina Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program: These grants may be obtained by local governments (municipal and county) to be used for projects involving a specific business that will create new jobs. With a participating bank, loans may be made to private businesses to fund items such as machinery and equipment, property acquisition, or construction. Assisted project activities must benefit persons (60% or more) who were previously (most recent 12 months) in a low or moderate family income status.

Industrial Development Fund: The Industrial Development Fund (IDF) assists municipal or county governments with financing for industries eligible through the William S. Lee Act in areas of the State designated as Tier I, II, and III areas. The amount funded depends on the number of new; full-time jobs created and may be used by local units of government for infrastructure improvement (in the form of grants) or for building renovation and equipment (in the form of loans). The fund may not be used for acquiring land or buildings or for constructing new facilities.

One North Carolina Fund: The One North Carolina Fund may provide financial assistance to those businesses or industries deemed by the Governor to be vital to a healthy and growing State economy and are making significant efforts to expand in North Carolina. The fund is a competitive fund and the location or expansion must be in competition with another location outside of North Carolina. Criteria for the program are available through the NC Department of Commerce Finance Center.

Job Development Investment Grant: This discretionary incentive may provide sustained annual grants to new and expanding business measured against a percentage of withholding taxes paid by new employees. The program is competitive and the Economic Investment Committee, which oversees it can award up to 15 grants in a calendar year. Contact the NC Department of Commerce Finance Center for the detailed criteria.

Industrial Access/Road Access Fund: administered by the Department of Transportation, this program provides funds for the construction of roads to provide access to new or expanded industrial facilities.

Rail Industrial Access Program: Provides grant funding to aid in financing the cost of constructing or rehabilitating railroad access tracks required by a new or expanded industry which will result in a significant number of new jobs or capital investment.

North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center

Capital Access Program

The Capital Access Program recognizes that local banks are the most proficient source of business lending. However, because banks must rely on deposits from individuals and corporations as their primary source of funds, they generally must limit their loans to those containing the very lowest risk. This means that some solid business ideas fail to get financing.

The Capital Access Program gives banks another choice. The program works by creating a special loan loss reserve to enable participating banks to make loans that carry a higher level of risk than allowed by conventional bank guidelines. The reserves are financed by a borrower's fee, of 3 to 5 percent of the loan amount, and matching funds from the program.

Funds for the Capital Access Program reserve, in the amount of $4 million, have been provided by the Golden LEAF Foundation and the Appalachian Regional Commission. These funds are expected to generate over $120 million in small business loans.

Participating Lenders:

• Branch Banking & Trust Company
• East Carolina Bank
• First Bank of Troy
• First Citizens Bank
• First National Bank of Shelby
• High Country Bank
• Lumbee Guaranty Bank
• Macon Bank
• Neuse River Development Authority
• Piedmont Bank
• Randolph Bank & Trust Company
• Yadkin Valley Bank

Loan Size
The program can be used to cover loans and/or credit lines of any amount. The average loan size is just over $50,000. Most loans have been made to businesses with fewer ten employees.

Eligibility
Any legal business entity in the state North Carolina is eligible to apply.

How To Apply
Businesses should contact a commercial loan officer of a participating lender.

Rural Center contact:
Director, Capital Access Program
N.C. Rural Economic Development Center
4021 Carya Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610
Telephone: 919-250-4314
Fax: 919-250-4325

N.C. Microenterprise Loan Program

In operation since 1989, the Rural Center's nationally award-winning Microenterprise Loan Program provides rural people with small business loans to help them become self-sufficient through business ownership.

The Microenterprise Loan Program works with individuals who have sound ideas for starting or expanding a small business but do not qualify for bank loans. These individuals may include women, members of minority groups, people with low incomes and limited assets, and people who live in rural areas.

The Microenterprise Loan Program provides loans up to $25,000 in combination with business planning and technical assistance. The technical assistance is offered in partnership with small business centers located at area community colleges and small business technology development centers.

The center runs two types of loan programs: 1) Group lending available in selected counties and 2) Individual lending, available in all 85 counties.

Group lending. Three local lending sites operate group-based lending programs. Individuals participate in these programs by self-selecting into groups of four to 10 people. Each group participates in an intensive training and certification process. Once certified, the group can make credit decisions for its members. All loans must be current in order for the group to consider making additional loans. Group members also work together to support the growth and development of one another's businesses.

Individual-based lending. The program also offers individual lending, which is a good choice for those with more business experience and greater financial needs. Program staff work one-one-one with potential borrowers to prepare loan applications based on the borrower's business plan, character, and the local economy. Individuals can apply directly to the Rural Center or be referred by a network of organizations already providing business assistance in the community.

The program has grown steadily since it began in 1989 as a Rural Center demonstration project. Funding comes from a variety of sources. The N.C. General Assembly provides funds for local site operation. Additional funds come from private foundations and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Loan capital is provided primarily through a program related investment from The Ford Foundation. The program was awarded the 1996 Presidential Award and the 1998 U.S. Small Business Administration's Award for excellence in microenterprise lending.

Eligibility
Anyone who wishes to start or expand a small business in one of the 85 rural counties of North Carolina and meets the following minimum criteria may apply: is at least 18 years old; has a business with fewer than 10 full-time employees; is a U.S. citizen/permanent resident and resident of North Carolina. Special emphasis is placed on serving rural, low-income, female and minority borrowers.

Prospective borrowers should contact the Microenterprise Loan Program's local lending office in their area for more information on the loan application process or contact the Rural Center.

Rural Center contact:
Carolyn Perry, Director, Microenterprise Loan Program
4021 Carya Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610
Telephone: 919-250-4314
Fax: 919-250-4325
E-Mail: cperry@ncruralcenter.org

Center for Community Self-Help
The nonprofit Center for Community Self-Help and its financing affiliates, Self-Help Credit Union and Self-Help Ventures Fund, comprise one of the nation's leading community development financial institutions (CDFIs).  Our mission is to create ownership and economic opportunities for minorities, women, rural residents, and low-wealth families.

Since 1980, Self-Help has provided $4.5 billion in financing to over 50,000 small businesses, nonprofits, and homebuyers.  In many cases, our lending and advocacy efforts have benefited people and communities both in North Carolina and nationwide.

Self-Help operates from regional offices in Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, Greenville, and Wilmington, as well as in Washington, D.C.

In 2002, Self-Help created the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), a national nonprofit, nonpartisan research and policy affiliate.  CRL is dedicated to protecting home ownership and family wealth by working to eliminate abusive financial practices.

With the addition of three full-service credit unions in eastern North Carolina, Self-Help Credit Union continues to grow the Self-Help mission of creating ownership and economic opportunity.  The merged credit unions are Firestone Credit Union, Scotland Community Credit Union, and Cape Fear Credit Union.  Together with Self-Help Credit Union, these three full service credit unions serve minorities, women, rural residents, and low-wealth families across eastern North Carolina.  As local full-service financial institutions, these merged credit unions provide an array of consumer products and services not available through Self-Help's traditional branches.

We make loans that range in size from a few thousand dollars to several million, depending on the project being financed. Our loans are available to meet a variety of needs:

• Starting, buying or expanding a business or nonprofit
• Purchasing or constructing real estate
• Buying equipment and machinery          
• Providing working capital
• Buying inventory

Basic Business Loan
Our basic business loan can be used for any legitimate business-related need, as well as to buy commercial real estate or residential investment property.

Eligible Borrowers
Any small business or nonprofit organization within Self-Help’s lending area.

Size of Loan
$1,000 up to several million.

Interest Rate
Variable rate starting at the prime rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal) + 1%.  May be higher based on project details.

Term

• 1-5 years for working capital and inventory
• 1-7 years for machinery and equipment
• 12-20 years for real estate loans

Keep in mind that longer terms can lower your monthly loan payments.

Required Collateral
Business and organizational assets will be secured. Personal assets may be required for security if necessary. Personal guarantees of principal owners are required. Basic business loans that are not well-secured may qualify for an SBA guarantee. (What’s an SBA guarantee?)

Fees
Origination fee equal to 1-2% of the loan amount. Commitment fee of typically 1%. SBA guaranteed loans require a guarantee fee of 2-3% of the guarantee amount.

Microloan 
The SBA Microloan Program provides small loans to start-up, newly established or growing small businesses. A microloan can be used for any legitimate business-related need. This loan product is ideal for very small companies, home-based businesses or self-employed workers who are looking for loans less than $35,000.

Individuals and small businesses applying for a microloan may be required to fulfill certain business training and/or planning requirements before we can consider a loan application.

Eligible Borrowers
Any for-profit small business within Self-Help’s lending area. Child cares are also eligible.

Size of Loan
Up to $35,000

Interest Rate
8.5% fixed for the life of the loan

Term
1-5 years, depending on how the loan will be used

Required Collateral
Business and organizational assets will be secured. Some loans that meet more stringent credit requirements may be partially unsecured. Personal guarantees of principal owners are required.

Fees
$150 origination fee

Self-Help Regional Office
122 North Elm Street, Suite 810
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 378-1840
www.self-help.org

LOCAL PROGRAMS
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Stokes County has established incentive guide­lines based on new capital investment (building and equipment) and on the number and value of new jobs created. The county requires a mini­mum new investment of $2 million or $0.75 million for expansions of existing facilities. Incentives must be approved by vote of the Board of Commissioners. Using a formula that calculates the annual tax return from the investment and the number and wage level of net new jobs created, the county will provide financial assistance to eligible companies. 

The money can be used for fixed assets, such as acquisition of land, site preparation costs, utility extension, or building construction, in Stokes County.  Grant funds may not be used for working capital, and jobs must meet identified wage thresholds.

Contact Information:

Ron Morgan, Director
Stokes County Office of Economic Development
P.O. Box 20
1014 Main Street
Danbury, North Carolina 27016
336.593.2496
336.593.2346 fax
rmorgan@stokescounty.org

Bill Shore, Economic Developer
North Carolina Department of Commerce
7614 Business Park Drive
Greensboro, North Carolina 27409
336.668.0474
336.668.2164 fax
bshore@nccommerce.com

Melissa Foust, Economic Developer
North Carolina Department of Commerce
7614 Business Park Drive
Greensboro, North Carolina 27409
336.668.2175
336.668.2164 fax
mfoust@nccommerce.com

Certified Development Company (504) Loan Program
The CDC/504 loan program is a long-term financing tool for economic development within a community. The 504 Program provides growing businesses with long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets, such as land and buildings. A Certified Development Company is a nonprofit corporation set up to contribute to the economic development of its community. CDCs work with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses. There are about 270 CDCs nationwide. Each CDC covers a specific geographic area.The CDC that serves Stokes County is:

Northwest Piedmont Development Corporation, Inc.
400 West Fourth Street, Suite 400
Winston-Salem NC 27101
Charles Malone, Economic Development Administrator
336.761.2111 / 336.761.2112
cmalone@nwpcog.org

Typically, a 504 project includes a loan secured with a senior lien from a private-sector lender covering up to 50 percent of the project cost, a loan secured with a junior lien from the CDC (backed by a 100 percent SBA-guaranteed debenture) covering up to 40 percent of the cost, and a contribution of at least 10 percent equity from the small business being helped.

Maximum Debenture
The maximum SBA debenture is $1,500,000 when meeting the job creation criteria or a community development goal. Generally, a business must create or retain one job for every $50,000 provided by the SBA except for "Small Manufacturers" which have a $100,000 job creation or retention goal (see below).

The maximum SBA debenture is $2.0 million when meeting a public policy goal. The public policy goals are as follows:

• Business district revitalization
• Expansion of exports
• Expansion of minority business development
• Rural development
• Increasing productivity and competitiveness
• Restructuring because of federally mandated standards or policies
• Changes necessitated by federal budget cutbacks
• Expansion of small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans (especially service-disabled veterans)
• Expansion of small business concerns owned and controlled by women

The maximum debenture for "Small Manufacturers" is $4.0 million. A Small Manufacturer is defined as a small business concern that has:

1. Its primary business classified in sector 31, 32, or 33 of the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS); and
2. All of its production facilities located in the United States.

In order to qualify for a $4 million 504 loan, the Small Manufacturer must 1) meet the definition of a Small Manufacturer described above, and 2) either (i) create or retain at least 1 job per $100,000 guaranteed by the SBA [Section 501(d)(1) of the Small Business Investment Act (SBI Act)], or (ii) improve the economy of the locality or achieve one or more public policy goals [sections 501(d)(2) or (3) of the SBI Act].

WHAT FUNDS MAY BE USED FOR:

Proceeds from 504 loans must be used for fixed asset projects such as: purchasing land and improvements, including existing buildings, grading, street improvements, utilities, parking lots and landscaping; construction of new facilities, or modernizing, renovating or converting existing facilities; or purchasing long-term machinery and equipment.

The 504 Program cannot be used for working capital or inventory, consolidating or repaying debt, or refinancing.

TERMS, INTEREST RATES AND FEES:

Interest rates on 504 loans are pegged to an increment above the current market rate for five-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury issues. Maturities of 10 and 20 years are available. Fees total approximately three (3) percent of the debenture and may be financed with the loan.

COLLATERAL

Generally, the project assets being financed are used as collateral. Personal guaranties of the principal owners are also required.

ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES

To be eligible, the business must be operated for profit and fall within the size standards set by the SBA. Under the 504 Program, the business qualifies as small if it does not have a tangible net worth in excess of $7 million and does not have an average net income in excess of $2.5 million after taxes for the preceding two years. Loans cannot be made to businesses engaged in speculation or investment in rental real estate.

International Trade Services
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North Carolina’s International Trade Division—through two domestic and six foreign office locations—provides expert assistance to North Carolina businesses seeking to take advantage of overseas market opportunities. Trade consultants in Raleigh and High Point are available to assist you in tapping into resources and programs that can help your business grow through international sales. We invite you to contact us to discuss your business needs and to determine the services we offer which are most applicable to your business objectives.

Any NC business is offered the following basic array of export support services:

Counseling and Referral
Before you launch your product or service into the international marketplace, we encourage you to contact the trade consultant in your industry. Your consultant can recommend how you can build the best infrastructure for supporting your international business’ growth. Through discussion and one-on-one contact, your consultant can help you delineate your business needs and can put you in touch with resources to address them. In addition to applying expertise to your unique business circumstances, international trade consultants are able to match you with appropriate sources for international trade support services within other organizations, both public and private. We function as your portal to available trade support services in North Carolina.

Distributor and Agency Searches
NC’s foreign office locations are committed to the completion of your international sales transactions. Foreign office directors, located in the world’s foremost industrialized regions, can assist you to establish strategic distribution channels in your identified best foreign markets. Your ITD trade consultant will work with the foreign office to articulate your needs and strategies for product market entry.

NC’s foreign offices also maintain relationships with buyers and agents and have real-time knowledge of the market opportunities available for NC companies. Foreign office directors review trade policies which affect the market circumstances, assist foreign buyers in procurement of NC products, and promote brand awareness of North Carolina.

Trade consultants are available for the following specific services:

• Review product/company-specific assessment for marketability
• Market entry strategy recommendations
• Perform contact searches
• Analyze pricing information and competitive analysis
• Provide in-country assistance/visits with companies on a selective basis
• Make recommendations for fine-tuning of marketing/promotional documents
• Complete basic information reports on foreign companies

Trade Events and Trade Shows
The International Trade Division monitors trade events worldwide and through this web page will keep you informed of events in your industry which can help you enter new foreign markets. Some events include a North Carolina “pavilion” of companies as well as ITD staff presence, while other listed events are included for your information only. We hope you will find our page a vital source of worldwide, industry-specific trade events information and encourage you to contact us with other events we should include.

Education and Training
Learning about a new area of business requires expertise and management training. The International Trade Division staff can also refer you to educational programs and opportunities throughout the state, especially the Export Ready Program offered through the North Carolina Community College System, which can help you develop new skills to support your business growth. In their consultation with you, trade consultants can determine which available resource can help you acquire the skills you need.

Export Financing
Though the International Trade Division provides no direct subsidies for exports, Trade Consultants can help you to identify public and private sources for funding and insuring your overseas business expansion. Many of these funds are at favorable rates and terms to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Advocacy
As we recognize the often unfair competition in the worldwide marketplace, the International Trade Division helps North Carolina businesses "even the playing field" in foreign markets by tapping into the collective might of the U.S. Government’s Advocacy Center in Washington, D.C. We encourage you to work with us to protect your products and markets through intellectual property protection, effective market research, and aggressive maintenance prior to the onset of a conflict. For more information about how this program works, contact our Division Headquarters in Raleigh today at (919) 733-7193

For more information about how these program work, contact

www.exportnc.com
North Carolina Department of Commerce
International Trade Division
4320 Mail Service Center
301 N. Wilmington St.
Raleigh, NC 27699-4320
Phone: 919.733.7193
            919.733.0110

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is the primary organization through which the state of North Carolina provides counseling and technical assistance to the business community.

The Small Business and Technology Development Center serves as North Carolina's City/State Partner for the Export-Import Bank of the United States. Ex-Im Bank is an independent US government agency which helps finance the overseas sales of US goods and services. The bank's programs include working capital guarantees; export credit insurance, guarantees of commercial loans to foreign buyers, and direct loans to foreign buyers. The SBTDC also partners with the US Department of Commerce's Export Assistance Centers, which offer numerous programs to help US exporters.

For information about other international programs, contact

www.sbtdc.org/services/ibid.asp
Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
Winston Salem State University
PO Box 19483
Winston-Salem, NC 27100
Phone: 336.750.2036
            336.750.2031 fax

Customized Training and Development Programs
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The Stokes County JOBREADY Program is an educational approach that combines advanced classroom courses and high academic standards with real life learning to prepare students for college and the jobs of the 21st century.  School-to-work initiatives involve partnerships among schools, parents, employers, employees, postsecondary institutions, and community organizations.

JobReady
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Stokes County Schools
1400 Priddy Road
King, North Carolina 27021
336.983.3146
336.983.6076 fax

Did you know Forsyth Technical Community College has a Community and Economic Development department that can customize training to meet your organization’s needs? In fact, classes can be delivered seven days a week, 24 hours a day – at a time specified by your organization. Instead of offering canned programs, the Community and Economic Development team tailors non-credit courses to meet individual business needs. And customization means the training is delivered at your site and at a time convenient for your employees. Customized training is client driven. Course content, schedule, methodology and location are based on your needs and preferences.

Examples of training include:

• Leadership
• Customer Service
• Survival Spanish
• Training of Participants for Potential Employment
• Licensing and Certification Training
• Computer Technology
• Employee Health and Safety
• Industrial Technology

Focused Industrial Training
Focused Industrial Training (FIT) is a special training program directed primarily toward veteran or incumbent North Carolina workers in manufacturing industries who desire or need to renew their skills and technical knowledge. This training for employees of manufacturing companies enables them to stay abreast of new technologies and allows for classes with fewer employees when necessary.

New and Expanding Industry
New and Expanding Industry training is conducted free of charge for existing or new industries that plan to add a minimum of 12 new employees in a year. Training is free for the new employees only.

Pre-Employment Training
Forsyth Tech conducts pre-employment training programs for client companies to train a pool of qualified applicants for specific job vacancies. Companies can take applications and conduct interviews near or after the completion of the pre-employment program.

Forsyth Technical Community College
(336) 734-7771
customized@forsythtech.edu

Northwest Piedmont Workforce Development Board
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JobLink Career Centers offer businesses the opportunity to recruit qualified workers at one location. At the same time, centers provide employers with information about the labor market, workforce and hiring incentives.

Northwest Piedmont JobLink Centers offer a comprehensive package of services you can use on your own or with the assistance of a JobLink team member. It's the single place to address your employment and training needs. Choose among the following services:

• Tax Credit and Hiring Incentive Information
• Applicant Pool
• Employee Recruitment
• Employee Retention Assistance
• Rapid Response in the case of business layoffs or plant closings
• Research materials on Labor Trends and Industry Trends

Specialized Services for Employers:

• Assistance with ADA Accommodations - Provides assistance to employers with workplace modifications to accommodate the disabilities of employees.
• Pre-Employment Screening - A system of assessment, job profiling, and instruction that identifies abilities of potential employees or existing employees.
• Consultation and Assessment for Employees with Disabilities - Designed to help individuals with disabilities access education and training, find jobs, and manage their disabilities.
• Dislocated Worker Services - Confidential pre-planning and advisement is available to assist employers with issues associated with dislocations such as transitioning employees while maintaining needed levels of productivity. Employment and training services are available to affected employees.
• English as a Second Language - Provides instruction in conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, basic reading and writing, and English grammar to non-native speakers of English.
• Custom Designed Training - Training is available to meet a company's specific workforce needs and can be customized based on on-site job analysis, to help employers integrate change into business practice and improve production, productivity, and efficiency.
• Work Ethic Training - Workplace productivity and performance is promoted through a better understanding of the work ethic and its impact on the workplace. Instruction may be provided to employees or human resource personnel.
• Workplace Literacy - Allows employer to design a customized training program that addresses job-specific basic skills competencies.

SERVICES PROVIDED for JOB SEEKERS:

• Individual Employment Plan
  Case Managers are available to assist the enrollee in creating a plan to aid in obtaining full-time employment with benefits.
• Basic Skills
  Individualized, small group and classroom instruction to improve reading, writing, math and/or other basic skills.
• Career Planning
  Workshops and/or individual guidance designed to assist customers in making career choices and determining transferable skills for making career adjustments or changes.
• Job Search Assistance
  Help with locating job leads and developing effective job search strategies; help with resume writing, cover letters, marketing letters and other job search skills. Check out the free web based Job Search Tool www.ncjoblink.com
• Employer Linked Training
  As an incentive to hire job seekers in our programs, the Northwest Piedmont Workforce Development Board will reimburse an employer up to 50% of new hire's wages during his/her training period.
• Retraining
  Limited funding will be provided for those needing occupational skills retraining. Funding may be used for tuition, books and fees for approved demand occupational retraining, at a Northwest Piedmont Workforce Development Board approved training provider: www.ncstars.org
• Child Care Assistance
  Limited funding is available for those who qualify to pay for childcare costs while a customer is in training.
• Transportation Assistance
  Need-based funding is available to cover mileage and mass transportation costs.

Incumbent Workforce Development Program

North Carolina's Incumbent Workforce Development Program under the federal Workforce Investment Act broadens the scope of the state's existing incumbent worker initiative. The Program provides funding to established North Carolina businesses to provide educational and skills training for current workers. It is designed to benefit business by enhancing the skills of employees, thereby increasing employee productivity and the potential for company growth. Training in portable skills results in a more highly skilled and versatile workforce that contributes to North Carolina's ability to attract new business and creates an environment conducive to expansion.

The North Carolina Commission on Workforce Development, the Division of Employment and Training, and the state's 24 Local Areas, established under the Workforce Investment Act, cooperatively administer the Incumbent Workforce Development Program. A total of $4,000,000 in Workforce Investment Act statewide activities funds has been designated to fund the Incumbent Workforce Development Program for Program Year 2004.

Maximum funding for any project is $37,500 plus a 10% grant service fee for the appropriate Local Area. A company may apply for more than one grant as long as the total for all grants in a program year does not exceed $37,500. This amount includes grants a company may receive in all 24 Local Areas. There is a life time maximum of $50,000 per company.

Funds for each approved project will be made available to the business entity through a contract between that business and the administrative/fiscal agent of the Local Area.

www.northwestpiedmontworks.org/
Stokes County JobLink Career Center,
Stokes Workforce Development Program
3172 NC Highway 8 South
Walnut Cove, North Carolina 27052
Telephone: 336.593.5401
Fax: 336-593-2336

Eligibility Requirements for All Tax Credits
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Eligible Companies:

A company’s SIC/NAICS code must be in one of the categories listed above.  The Employment Security Commission designates SIC/NAICS codes. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Qualifying NAICS code
• Wage Standard: Company must pay 110% of the wage in tiers three, four and five.  There is no wage standard in tiers 1 & 2 or in a State Development Zone.  This is effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2003.  For the Job Creation Credit and the Credit for Worker Training, the average of all jobs created or workers trained must meet the wage standard.  The company’s average wage includes all employees of the facility and all cash compensation from which FICA is deducted.  Compute from an annual report.
• Must provide health insurance for full-time positions, minimum 50% of premiums paid by the employer. 
• Has not had a significant environmental violation in the last 5 years.
• Has no outstanding citation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and has had no serious violation within the last three years

Application Fee:

• $500 per type of credit (Jobs, M&E, etc.) applied for up to $1,500 per taxpayer per tax year
• This fee is effective for all applications filed after 8/18/99 regardless of the year of application.
• There is no application fee for companies located in Tiers 1 & 2 or in a State Development Zone (for applications filed after December 31, 2000).

Development Zones:

Tax credit enhancements are available for companies located in designated Development Zones.  For more information about designation, including maps, please contact the Division of Community Assistance at 919-733-2850. 

For more information visit our web site at http://www.nccommerce.com/finance.

Direct tax-related questions to the Department of Revenue, 919-733-8510.  The total value of tax credits cannot exceed 50% of the annual tax liability.  All credits can be taken either on the income, franchise or gross premiums tax returns.

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The North Carolina Department of Revenue website can help quickly and easily locate information regarding state taxes - from individual or business tax forms to state tax laws and policies.

Total Gross Retail Sales for Stokes County, for the fiscal years ending June 30, are shown in the following table:

*Note: As of July 2005, the North Carolina Dept. of Revenue changed the way it reports Retail Sales. Please follow this link for more information.

The North Carolina Employment Security Commission (ESC) collects, organizes and disseminates information about the operation of the labor market, such as worker availability, long range trends in employment, occupational wage rates and industry projections. The data, available at www.esc.state.nc.us can help customers focus in on opportunities, imbalances, fluctuations and trends in the state and its regions.

ESC has estimated the percentage of unemployment in Stokes County to be as follows:

The North Carolina School Report Cards provide information about K-12 public schools (including charters and alternative), for local school systems and for the state. Each report card includes a school or district profile and information about student performance, safe schools, access to technology, and teacher quality.

Stokes County contains U.S. Highway 52, which is a major thoroughfare into and out of the Piedmont Triad Region. Also, federal designation has designated U.S. Highway 52 as the future Interstate 74,which will connect Detroit, Michigan and Charleston, South Carolina. The County is also served by U.S. Highway 311, and North Carolina Highways 8, 89 704 and 772.

Eight corporate and commuter aviation facilities within the County region provide air transportation services. Stokes County is twenty minutes away from the Piedmont Triad International Airport which schedules 102 domestic and international flights daily.

The Piedmont Triad is uniquely situated midway on the east coast to provide excellent trucking access to all of the United States. With the intersections of major north/south and east/west interstates, the Triad is a natural location for distribution or logistics operations.

There are more than 100 trucking companies serving the Triad, with more than 60 local terminals. They are located in nearly every county of the region

Norfolk Southern and CSX Railway provide freight service in nearly every county of the Piedmont Triad. Norfolk Southern maintains a Piggy Back yard in Greensboro. Amtrak provides passenger rail service with stations in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Burlington, and High Point.