Chamber to Conduct Sixth Annual State of the Community Update
The event, "Quality of Life/Economic Vitality," will feature four community issues clearly affecting the future and well being of the citizens of Nash/Edgecombe Counties. The initiatives and presenters include: Local Government Endeavors (Lorenzo Carmon, Edgecombe County Manager; Bob Murphy, Nash County Manager; Steve Raper, Rocky Mount City Manager); Economic Vitality (Tem Myers, Wachovia Bank); Ford's Colony (Drew Mulhare, Operations/Project Engineer of Ford's Colony); and Future Community Endeavors (David Farris, Farris Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep).
According to Bryant, "Those in attendance will have an opportunity to hear from the leadership in our community and to become informed about the current status of special projects as well as the future plans for progressive growth in the Twin County area. This is also an opportunity to learn first-hand about ways in which our local individuals and entities partner on community and public projects. Various public projects underway include: YMCA, Imperial Center, Douglas Block, Farmer's Market, and downtown revitalization. Successes regarding economic vitality include Ford's Colony, Cepro, Science and Technology Center at Nash Community College, Engine Systems, and Gateway Technology Center at North Carolina Wesleyan. Future community endeavors include updates on Tarrytown Mall, Rocky Mount Mills, the old Peoples Bank building in downtown Rocky Mount, and ways in which our community can leverage the impact of Highway 540."
The agenda for the event includes the community update from 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. followed by lunch and keynote speaker Alan Skrainka of Edward Jones, Chartered Financial Analyst and Chief Market Strategist of the Investment Policy Committee.
Skrainka has been widely quoted in such major publications as The Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Investor's Business Daily, USA Today, Barron's and Business Week. In addition, he was one of 13 economists who were invited to the White House in April 2003 to meet with President Bush and others to discuss the administration's Jobs and Growth Plan. Skrainka is responsible for the Edward Jones Model Stock Portfolio, which has consistently ranked among the top firms in long-term performance.
Bryant adds, "This is an important day in the life of our community for our citizens to get a glimpse of recent activities in economic development, downtown development, business recruitment, and job creation/retention. Join us as we continue to focus on strategies regarding the future of our community."
Presenting Sponsors of the Community Update and Luncheon are Edward Jones, Nash Community College and The Chamber. Co-sponsors include Boice-Willis Clinic; Bryant Street Investments; Chambliss & Rabil; Chick-fil-A of Cobb Corners; Consolidated Diesel Company; Cox Communications; DKWA Architects; Daughtridge Gas & Oil; Ford's Colony; Garry Hodges Photography; Nash Health Care Systems; Oakley Associates, Architects; RSM McGladrey; Rocky Mount OIC; Southern Bank; Universal Leaf North America, and RBC Centura (Centennial Circle Sponsor). Individual tickets are $15 per person; reserved tables of eight are available upon request. For additional information, contact Shearin Johnson at 973-1212.
