Stacy Woodhouse, economic development director for Warren County, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the strengths and challenges facing the rural area.
“When people ask me how do you market rural America and rural counties, I tell them it’s a very different story for every county,” Woodhouse said. “We have strengths and weaknesses. A lot of our weaknesses are the same: rural school systems and density by definition; we have a lack of density.”
What is unique about Warren County, according to Woodhouse, are the strengths. “Warren County has access to two beautiful lakes, a thriving downtown, a new brewery coming the first of the year and beautiful, rolling land that’s very comparable to the $30,000 an acre horse farms you see in Northern, VA.”
Woodhouse said people are often pleasantly surprised by the low prices in the area. “When people come down here from the North and see the value of land they get for the price, access and quality of life, they’re just shocked.”
Woodhouse himself was sold on the value when he was looking to relocate his family from bustling Charleston, SC six years ago. With a background in commercial real estate at his advantage, Woodhouse purchased a 90-acre farm in Warren County with the goal of raising his three children in a more rural setting.
As economic development director, Woodhouse’s responsibilities include tourism, recruitment and industry retention. Although he cannot release detailed information at this time, Woodhouse is encouraged by upcoming projects that will grow the area’s economic base and provide job opportunities.
One such project includes a manufacturing operation that will provide 10 jobs initially, with a total of 30 expected within a five-year time period. “For us, getting those jobs is a big deal. Us getting 30 jobs is like Raleigh getting Amazon,” Woodhouse laughed.
Other projects in the works include discussions with a medical firm and the construction of the brewery expected to open in downtown Warrenton early in 2019. According to Woodhouse, demolition for the brewery project began a few weeks ago.
Woodhouse emphasized the importance of retail, especially in a small community. “A lot of economic development directors in larger cities don’t even bother with retail, but retail is a big part of our community and sales tax.”
The group responsible for the future brewery, Table Top Media, is an example of Woodhouse’s next point of discussion, the importance of attracting entrepreneurs to the area. “Table Top Media is an amazing marketing company that does everything from high-end hotels to restaurants,” Woodhouse explained.
The company is a perfect example of the type of business Woodhouse hopes to attract to the area. “They were looking for quality of life and value around the Raleigh area and found Warren County!”
To continue the upward trend of business and industry moving to the area, Woodhouse said it is important to keep an open mind. “When you’re trying to create economic development in a small community you have to be very creative. You cannot take anything off the table.”
To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.
Aycock Rec. Center to Offer Beginning Yoga Classes
/by WIZS Staff-Information and flyer courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Facilities Supervisor, Aycock Recreation Center
Beginning Yoga classes will be held in the Aycock Recreation Center’s Multi-Purpose Room on Thursday evenings from 6:15 to 7 p.m. Classes begin Thursday, January 3 and end Thursday, March 28, 2018.
These sessions are based on basic Yoga techniques that inspire physical, mental and spiritual peace from within through balance, stretching and breathing.
Please bring your own Yoga mat.
The fee is $1 for members and $2 for non-members. Class instructor is Beryle Lewis.
For more information, please contact Lauren Newlin at (252) 438-3160 or lnewlin@ci.henderson.nc.us
(This is not a paid advertisement)
City of Oxford Announces Holiday Closings
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy the City of Oxford website
The City of Oxford offices will be closed for business December 24 – 26, 2018, in observance of the Christmas holiday.
Garbage pick up will be one day later this week due to the holidays – with the exception of Monday, which will run as regularly scheduled. Ex: Tuesday will be on Wednesday.
Water bills can be paid by placing them in the drop box outside of City Hall, 300 Williamsboro Street or online with a credit card.
Emergency numbers are as follows:
Five Aliens Indicted on Illegal Reentry Charges; One Found in Franklin Co.
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, U.S. Dept. of Justice
Robert J. Higdon, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announces that a federal grand jury in Raleigh has returned indictments charging BRAYAN ALEXANDER FUNEZ-ESPINOZA, age 28, of Mexico, ROMERO FLORES-AGUILAR, age 30, of Mexico, JESUS GARCIA HERNANDEZ, age 43, of Mexico, RODOLFO ROA-SAUCEDO, age 35, of Mexico, and JUAN ZARAGOZA-ZARAGOZA, age 36, of Mexico, with Illegal Reentry of a Deported Alien.
If convicted of illegal reentry of a deported alien, FUNEZ-ESPINOZA, previously deported twice and found in Wake County, FLORES-AGUILAR, previously deported twice and found in Johnston County, GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, previously deported three times and found in Franklin County, ROA-SAUCEDO, previously deported twice and found in Pitt County, and ZARAGOZA-ZARAGOZA, previously deported four times and found in Beaufort County, would face maximum penalties of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictments are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The cases are being investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations.
News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce. Follow us on Twitter @USAO_ENDC.
Town Talk 12/21/18
/by LarryNews 12/21/18
/by LarryState Board of Community Colleges Approves Appointment of Dr. Desmarais
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
The State Board of Community Colleges has approved the appointment of Dr. Rachel Desmarais as president of Vance-Granville Community College.
She will begin her tenure as the seventh president in the college’s history on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, according to Danny W. Wright, chair of the VGCC Board of Trustees. The action of the State Board came at its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the North Carolina Community College System offices in Raleigh.
Currently the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, Dr. Desmarais was selected for her new position by the VGCC trustees on Dec. 5. She was among nearly 90 applicants for the post.
The new president succeeds Dr. Stelfanie Williams who left in August to become the vice president for Durham affairs at Duke University. Dr. Gordon Burns, retired president of Wilkes Community College, is serving as interim president for VGCC until Dr. Desmarais takes office.
The State Board of Community Colleges has approved the appointment of Dr. Rachel Desmarais as president of Vance-Granville Community College. She will begin her tenure as the seventh president in the college’s history on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019.
Burton Arrested for Break-In at Clark’s Grocery on Vicksboro Rd.
/by WIZS Staff-Information and photo courtesy the Vance County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page
Robert Burton was arrested and charged with the break-in that occurred at Clark’s Grocery on Vicksboro Road Monday night/Tuesday morning.
The Vance County Sheriff’s Office thanks everyone who shared our post and who provided information.
Robert Burton was arrested and charged with the break-in that occurred at Clark’s Grocery on Vicksboro Road the evening of Dec. 17/morning of Dec. 18.
Woodhouse, Economic Development Director, Talks Growth in Warren Co.
/by Kelly BondurantStacy Woodhouse, economic development director for Warren County, was on Wednesday’s edition of WIZS’ Town Talk program to discuss the strengths and challenges facing the rural area.
“When people ask me how do you market rural America and rural counties, I tell them it’s a very different story for every county,” Woodhouse said. “We have strengths and weaknesses. A lot of our weaknesses are the same: rural school systems and density by definition; we have a lack of density.”
What is unique about Warren County, according to Woodhouse, are the strengths. “Warren County has access to two beautiful lakes, a thriving downtown, a new brewery coming the first of the year and beautiful, rolling land that’s very comparable to the $30,000 an acre horse farms you see in Northern, VA.”
Woodhouse said people are often pleasantly surprised by the low prices in the area. “When people come down here from the North and see the value of land they get for the price, access and quality of life, they’re just shocked.”
Woodhouse himself was sold on the value when he was looking to relocate his family from bustling Charleston, SC six years ago. With a background in commercial real estate at his advantage, Woodhouse purchased a 90-acre farm in Warren County with the goal of raising his three children in a more rural setting.
As economic development director, Woodhouse’s responsibilities include tourism, recruitment and industry retention. Although he cannot release detailed information at this time, Woodhouse is encouraged by upcoming projects that will grow the area’s economic base and provide job opportunities.
One such project includes a manufacturing operation that will provide 10 jobs initially, with a total of 30 expected within a five-year time period. “For us, getting those jobs is a big deal. Us getting 30 jobs is like Raleigh getting Amazon,” Woodhouse laughed.
Other projects in the works include discussions with a medical firm and the construction of the brewery expected to open in downtown Warrenton early in 2019. According to Woodhouse, demolition for the brewery project began a few weeks ago.
Woodhouse emphasized the importance of retail, especially in a small community. “A lot of economic development directors in larger cities don’t even bother with retail, but retail is a big part of our community and sales tax.”
The group responsible for the future brewery, Table Top Media, is an example of Woodhouse’s next point of discussion, the importance of attracting entrepreneurs to the area. “Table Top Media is an amazing marketing company that does everything from high-end hotels to restaurants,” Woodhouse explained.
The company is a perfect example of the type of business Woodhouse hopes to attract to the area. “They were looking for quality of life and value around the Raleigh area and found Warren County!”
To continue the upward trend of business and industry moving to the area, Woodhouse said it is important to keep an open mind. “When you’re trying to create economic development in a small community you have to be very creative. You cannot take anything off the table.”
To listen to the interview in its entirety, please click here.
AdVance Academy Graduates 24 During Mid-Year Commencement
/by WIZS Staff-Press Release, Vance County Schools
AdVance Academy, the alternative high school for Vance County Schools, presented high school diplomas to 24 graduating seniors during mid-year commencement exercises held during the evening of December 18.
Principal Stephanie Ayscue led the proceedings.
An audience of about 500 parents, other family members, school system educators, special guests and community members were on hand to honor the graduating seniors.
The Vance County High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the flags at the beginning of the ceremony and during the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Those students receiving their diplomas included: Dylan Allgood, Christopher Almanza, Andrew Brown, Takara Cozart, Christian Cruz-Ochoa, Jevon Durham, Hayley Eatmon, Tyrae Fuller, Hector Garcia-Gregorio, Dustin Gouldman, Diamonique Hargrove, Marquise Hargrove, Malik Hill, Justin Joyner, Anthony Meadows, Chase Parrish, Miguel Ponce, Sekedric Rainey, Austin Ray, Zhakeitha Scott, Da’Kayleen Seigle, Sincere Williams-Taylor, Jacob Wilson and Charles Wurster IV.
Graduates of AdVance Academy at the school’s mid-year commencement exercises stand after entering the auditorium for the ceremony. (Photo Credit: VCS)
AdVance Academy seniors walk across the stage as they receive their diplomas and congratulations from Vance County Schools officials. (Photo Credit: VCS)
2019 ‘Lunch Break to Educate’ Series to Begin With Social Media Marketing
/by WIZS Staff-Information courtesy Sandra Wilkerson, Director of Admin and Events, Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
It’s time for the 2019 Lunch Break to Educate Series. First in the series is “Social Media Simplified: A Complete Introduction to Social Media Marketing” to be held Wed., January 9, 2019, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center.
This program teaches how to set up and optimize social media sites so they improve your website’s target audience reach. The top social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube will be covered. The ability to converse with your audience and offer valuable content is essential in this emerging marketing approach.
Additional topics covered include your websites as “hub”; engagement over shouting; know what you hope to achieve before you begin; and how to deal with negative nellies.
Speaker(s): P. Kaufman
Co-Sponsor(s): Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce
Click here to sign up for this free session. Lunch will be provided. Limited to 18 participants, so register today!