Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2006-09-06, Gov. Easley Announces 75 Jobs In Vance County; $125,000 One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Vescom America Locate In Henderson

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Seth Effron Date: September 6, 2006 Phone: 919/733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 75 JOBS IN VANCE COUNTY $ 125,000 One North Carolina Fund Grant Helps Vescom America locate in Henderson RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today announced that textile manufacturer Vescom America Inc. will open a facility in Vance County, creating 75 new jobs and investing $9 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $125,000 One North Carolina Fund grant. “Vescom America’s decision to choose North Carolina means new jobs for the hardworking people of Vance County,” Easley said. “We will continue to make the necessary investments in education, workforce development and infrastructure that make our state the best choice for manufacturing companies that are expanding or relocating.” Vescom America Inc. will relocate its vinyl wall coverings and upholstery operations from Orangeburg, N.Y. to Henderson. While wages will vary by job function, the expected average weekly wage of the new jobs is $630 plus benefits, which is higher than the Vance County average weekly wage of $477 not including benefits. Nearly all of the positions will be filled locally. “Our decision to relocate operations to Vance County was based upon North Carolina’s manufacturing friendly environment and the skilled textile workforce available in the Henderson area,” said Joe Berasi, president of Vescom America. “The Vance County Economic Development Commission understood our requirements for facilities, utilities and job training and exceeded our expectations.” The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. One North Carolina Fund grants require and are contingent on a local match. Through the use of this Fund, more than 19,000 jobs and $3 billion in investment have been created since 2001. “The General Assembly has worked hard to provide a business-friendly climate to attract growing businesses and jobs. This show the policies we have put in place are working,” said state Sen. Doug Berger (D-Franklin) who represents Vance County. “North Carolina has a dedicated workforce and the state provides the kinds of job training that make businesses understand they can prosper here,” said state Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Granville), whose district includes Vance County. Other partners w'ho helped make this announcement possible include the N.C. Department of Commerce, Vance County and Vance-Granville Community College. For more information about the company and employment opportunities please visit www.vescom.com. ### Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (919) 733-5166