Five More NC Counties Designated 21st Century Communities

Criteria for participation include relative economic distress, such as rising unemployment, as well as a commitment from community leadership.

February 22, 2008

COUNTY NC NEWS -- Alexander, Camden, Clay, Nash and Scotland counties have joined 26 other counties that have received the designation of a 21st Century Community. The 21st Century Communities program, started in September 2001, examines the strengths and challenges faced by local economies hardest hit by global economic changes, particularly the loss of traditional manufacturing jobs. A task force within the state Commerce Department partners with local officials to develop strategies for economic vitality in each county and then works with counties to implement recommended changes.

Each fall, the NC Commerce Department encourages distressed counties to apply to the program. Communities are selected on a competitive basis. Criteria for participation include relative economic distress, such as rising unemployment, as well as a commitment from community leadership.

Interestingly, Camden County with a 2006 estimated population of 9,271, has historically fought against economic development, yet the county has had 34% population growth between April 1, 2000 and July 1, 2006. Furthermore, according to the U.S. 2000 census, Camden County's labor force of 5,419 persons had less than 10% employed in traditional manufacturing jobs. In fact, only 317 persons were actually employed in manufacturing within the county. The majority of Camden County's labor force commutes to Hampton Roads, Virginia, or Elizabeth City, North Carolina, enjoying a median household income of $48,365 compared to the State's average of $40,863. Camden County utilizes 53,051,000 in Federal spending equaling $5722 per person. Notably, Camden County does host the headquarters of Blackwater USA, the largest private firearms and tactical training center in the U. S., which provides a variety of turnkey security solutions for our nation's government.

Business Quick Facts 2005

• Private non farm establishments 133
• Private non farm employment, percent change 2000-2005 13.2%
• Private non farm employment 651
• non employer establishments 600
• Total number of firms in 2002 equaled 566

Clay County on the other hand, with a 2006 estimated population of 10,008, has a median household income of $32,781, and approximately double the total number of business firms of Camden County. Clay County also has the lowest median household income of all five counties. In addition, the County utilizes $63,419,000 in Federal spending equaling $6336 per person, making Clay County the highest user of Federal funds of all five counties.

Business Quick Facts 2005

• Private non farm establishments 274
• Private non farm employment, percent change 2000-2005 25.3%
• Private non farm employment 1,850
• non employer establishments 1,122
• Total number of firms in 2002 equaled 1,108

Nash County, is the largest of the new five 21 Century Communities, has a 2006 estimated population of 92,312, a median household income of $38,394, and total number of 6,103 business firms. Nash County's manufacturing shipments in 2002 equaled $483,326,000. Federal spending in Nash County is 485,750,000 equaling $5262 per person. Unfortunately, Nash County has suffered a loss of private non farm employment of -13.7%, between 2000 and 2005.

Business Quick Facts 2005

• Private non farm establishments 2,247
• Private non farm employment 35,196
• Private non farm employment, percent change 2000-2005 -13.7%
• non employer establishments 4,967
• Total number of firms in 2002 equaled 6,103

Alexander County, is a medium size county, with a 2006 estimated population of 36,177, a 2004 estimated median household income of $38,970, and a total number of 2,415 business firms. Alexander County's manufacturing shipments, in 2002 equaled $580,115,000, which is above Nash County, and depends on manufacturing as income source. Furthermore, Alexander County carries its own weight, only utilizing $127,250,000 Federal spending equaling a low $3517 per person. This county is well deserving to be selected as a 21 Century Community.

Business Quick Facts 2005

• Private non farm establishments, 587
• Private non farm employment, 7,713
• Private non farm employment, percent change 2000-2005 -11.8%
• non employer establishments, 2,274
• Total number of firms in 2002 equaled 2,415

Scotland County, is another medium size county, with a 2006 estimated population of 37,094, a 2004 estimated median household income of $30,100, and a total number of 1,891 business firms. Scotland County's manufacturing shipments, in 2002 equaled a whopping $1,192,915,000, which is well above Nash County and Alexander County. Moreover, Scotland County truly depends on manufacturing to generate revenue. Scotland County utilizes $224,287,000 Federal spending equaling $6046 per person. In addition, Scotland County has been the hardest hit by Private non farm employment, with a -21.6% change between 2000 and 2005. This county is also well deserving to be selected as a 21 Century Community.

Business Quick Facts 2005

• Private non farm establishments 684
• Private non farm employment 13,324 3
• Private non farm employment, percent change 2000-2005 -21.6%
• Non employer establishments 583,495
• Total number of firms in 2002 equaled 1,891

Other 21st Century Communities include: Anson, Beaufort, Burke, Caldwell, Caswell, Cherokee, Columbus, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gaston, Graham, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Mitchell, Montgomery, Northampton, Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Sampson, Warren, Washington and Yancey counties.

Governor Easley announcing the new 21st Century Communities said, ''By participating in the 21st Century Communities program, local leaders gain the resources needed to help their communities move forward in today's global economy. Helping our struggling counties develop long term, sustainable business plans also makes sure North Carolina's business climate remains number one in the nation for many years into the future.''

Finally, we would also like to congratulate all five counties, Alexander, Camden, Clay, Nash and Scotland on their selection as 21st Century Communities as well as their motivation and commitment to enhancing prosperity within North Carolina.