Today, North Carolina expands vaccine eligibility to Group 4, beginning with people with high-risk medical conditions and those living in close group settings. North Carolina plans to move to other essential workers, including real estate professionals, on April 7. This multi-phase process is spelled out in more detail on our website here: ncrealtors.org/COVID19vaccine. This is great news for all NC REALTORS®. We thank you all for working professionally with best practices during the pandemic. You’ve demonstrated how much REALTORS® care about your clients, your communities and the North Carolina economy. We are very happy that you will now have the protection of these vaccines. Need help finding vaccines in your area? Find the vaccine locations nearest you Find out more about when you are eligible Remember, vaccines will be available to all who want it, but supplies are currently limited. You may have to wait. Also, you will likely need an appointment to get vaccinated. Please contact the provider to find out which groups they are currently vaccinating and what all you need to bring with you to your appointment.  Already received the vaccine? Show your social media followers that you got the shot because REALTORS® care. Here’s how to add our Facebook profile frame: Go to facebook.com/profilepicframes. Search for “NC REALTORS® COVID-19 Vaccine” and choose the frame by NC REALTORS®. You may adjust your frame duration at the bottom. Then, click Use as Profile Picture to save. Please stay tuned for updates from NC REALTORS® as we continue to navigate this pandemic. You can also visit ncrealtors.org/coronavirus for additional resources. |
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Good News from Sanford Growth Alliance
SANFORD RECOGNIZED AS TOP-5 MICROPOLITAN AREA BY SITE SELECTION MAGAZINE
Sanford, NC (March 10, 2021) – Sanford, North Carolina was recently recognized as a 2020 top Micropolitan Area, placing fifth in the United States, according to Site Selection Magazine. The complete ranking was released in the publication’s March issue, the Sanford Area Growth Alliance (SAGA) has learned.
In the release, author Adam Bruns highlights Sanford, saying, “Sanford, North Carolina, has seen a steady hum of projects in Lee County from companies such as Audentes Therapeutics and Kalyani Group’s Bharat Forge, which is creating 460 jobs and investing nearly $171 million in a project first announced in 2019 that came to fruition in 2020. Kalyani Group is a $3 billion conglomerate, and this is its first U.S. facility, which will serve automotive clients.”
Each year, Site Selection Magazine releases a top 100 ranking of Micropolitan Areas based on “corporate projects landed.” A micropolitan community is defined as having a population between 10,000 and 49,999. Sanford ranked fifth in the United States, the highest ranked community in North Carolina. Collectively, the state of North Carolina placed fifth in “Most Top Micropolitan Areas” with nine communities in the top 100, including Sanford.
“Beginning in 2008 with the Lee County Second Century effort, continuing with the Mayor’s Open for Business Agenda adopted in 2014 and the creation of SAGA in 2015, our community stakeholders worked intentionally and cooperatively to reach this level of national prominence,” commented SAGA CEO Jimmy Randolph. “Local leaders in both business and government and the staff at SAGA deserve to take a bow. This recognition is what we’ve worked toward for the past thirteen years. However, we’re not done. This is just the beginning of an exciting decade ahead.”
“Being recognized as a Top 5 community – out of over 500 communities in the entire United States – is a marketing coup for the Growth Alliance,” remarked Bob Joyce, Senior Director, Business Retention and Expansion at SAGA. “Site Selection Magazine’s 138-year-old history and its reputation among corporate decision-makers means this award provides a significant boost for our national marketing efforts.”
“Communities that invest in themselves attract investment,” stated SAGA Board of Directors Chair April Montgomery. “Our community’s recognition by Site Selection Magazine, the result of a wildly successful 18 months resulting in 675 new jobs and $282M in new investment, is proof positive that our public-private partnership approach in economic development works.”
Full article from Site Selection Magazine: https://siteselection.com/issues/2021/mar/2020-top-micropolitans-the-nations-top-performing-micropolitan-areas-unmask-opportunities-in-tough-times.cfm
https://growsanfordnc.com/report/buttons/1622
RECENT NEWS
Mar 11 – Sanford recognized as Top-5 Micropolitan Area by Site Selection Magazine
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Mar 03 – Explosive Expansion: Public hearing set for third shell building in CCEP
Lee County Commissioners agreed Monday to hold a public hearing at the March 15 meeting about construction of another shell…
“Our kids deserve to
Good Information from the City of Fayetteville
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 March 8, 2021 | ISSUE 83 | FayettevilleNC.gov  Tree plantings underway at Murchison Road Corridor Tree plantings are underway at a section of the Murchison Road Corridor. Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation crews are planting Cherry and Oak trees along Murchison Road between the MLK Freeway Bridge and the Rowan Street/Bragg Boulevard Bridge. The plantings are part of the Murchison Road/Bragg Boulevard Study adopted by the Fayetteville City Council. Drivers can now see significant progress. The work area is marked with orange construction cones. Plantings began in January and will likely end in April. The planting schedule is dependent upon daily weather conditions. A total of 100 trees will be planted. When plantings are complete, lights will be added to trees, creating a lit gateway to the Rowan Street/Bragg Boulevard Bridge. In the future, art can be displayed in the plaza between the trees. The total cost of the tree plantings, so far, is $15,000. Costs will be covered with money from the City of Fayetteville Tree Preservation Fund. “As we move forward with Murchison Road Corridor improvements, we want to preserve and enhance the natural environment,” Mayor Mitch Colvin said. “I feel investments in landscaping and beautification help strengthen and define our community values and increase our civic pride. I am excited to see the beginning of a great transformation for this area.” The Arbor Day Foundation named Fayetteville a 2019 Tree City USA. City leaders are awaiting a decision on the 2020 application.  Plan for overpass mural moves forward The plan for an overpass mural at I-295/Ramsey Street is moving forward. The Fayetteville City Council accepted the Public Arts Commission recommendation to approve a design created by Raleigh Artist JP Jermaine Powell. N.C. Department of Transportation Engineers will review the design for roadside safety and environmental requirements. If approved, mural painting could begin this spring. Work may conclude by July. The overpass mural is part of the City’s Corridor Revitalization Project. Project leaders chose I-295/Ramsey Street as the first mural location because of its proximity to I-95. Traffic volume and available funding were also contributing factors. A committee, including local art professionals, used a blind competition to select the mural artist. The committee reviewed work of 14 artists without seeing artist names. The Committee chose Powell, after seeing his design strengths. Powell later attended a meeting with residents of North Fayetteville. Together, they decided on mural themes and symbolism: a windmill (symbol of agriculture, history and energy), yellow and green colors (inspired by Pine Forest High School) and silhouettes to represent neighbors and recreation activities. “I wanted the mural to tell a story of how the rich and historical past of this community will lead to a vibrant, community-led future,” Powell said. Upon completion, an anti-graffiti coat will be applied to the mural. Project leaders say the mural could last 8 to 10 years before significant repairs are necessary. The total budget for the project is $130,000. The project is supported in part by Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County has a $35,000 cooperative agreement with the National Endowment for the Arts to support the project. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.  Lindsay hired as Assistant City Manager Adam Lindsay will be the newest Fayetteville Assistant City Manager. Lindsay begins the role on March 1. “My entire municipal career has been spent in North Carolina and I am excited to be able to now call Fayetteville home for my family and I and to be a part of such a great team,” Lindsay said. Lindsay brings a wealth of experience to his new role and most recently was the Town Manager of Clayton from September 2016 – August 2020. Lindsay also served as Assistant City Manager for the Town of Southern Pines. Prior to that, he was Director of Budget, Performance, and Strategic Management for Rockingham County. Lindsay earned his Master of Public Administration degree at UNC-Chapel Hill. He received a Bachelor of Arts Communication degree from N.C. State University. “Adam brings a breadth of experience on dealing with municipal issues currently facing our community,” said City Manager Doug Hewett. “Equally impressive, though, is Adam’s ability to connect and communicate with others to resolve tough issues. He will be a great addition to our team.”  City Council defines and sets strategic goals The Fayetteville City Council conducted their annual strategic retreat on Feb. 19 and 20, defining and setting their strategic goals for the next fiscal year at the conclusion of the retreat. The retreat was conducted this year on Zoom due to COVID, with several residents on the call, in addition to city staff. This year’s strategic goals are defined by council as follows: Safe and Secure Community Responsive city government supporting a diverse and viable economy City investment in today and tomorrow Desirable place to live, work and recreate Financially sound city providing exemplary city services Collaborative citizen and business engagement The 2-day retreat was facilitated by Dr. Deb Manzo, who directs the North Carolina Performance Excellence Coaching Program. Anti-Litter Campaign for Cleaner Communities Cumberland County Solid Waste is teaming up with the City of Fayetteville and the nonprofit Sustainable Sandhills to launch an anti-litter campaign called 5 for Friday. The program formally launched on Feb. 26.The campaign’s goal is to encourage businesses, schools, community groups and individuals to reverse litter by having people pick up five pieces of trash and recyclable materials every Friday. “If 5,000 people picked up five pieces of litter every week, Cumberland County would reduce its litter footprint by 1.3 million pieces of litter,” said Cumberland County Solid Waste Management Director Amanda Bader. County and City residents are invited to sign the 5 for Friday pledge online at 5forfriday.org. As the campaign grows, you may see 5 for Friday decals and posters on windows or in spaces throughout Fayetteville and Cumberland County. The mascot, Stan the Can, will appear in social media videos and at events to promote this campaign. “We encourage residents to post their litter pickups on social media and use the hashtags #5forFriday and #StantheCan to help spread awareness of the campaign,” said Sustainable Sandhills Sustainability Program Manager for Waste Management Katrin Franz. “Please bag trash in your vehicle and put it inside a trash can. The more residents and businesses help, the cleaner our community will be, we are all in this together,” said Fayetteville Assistant Public Services Director Daniel Edwards.  COVID-19 Information Updated COVID-19 information is on our website, which can be reached either by going to the homepage (FayettevilleNC.gov) and clicking on the alert banner, or by going to FayettevilleNC.gov/COVID19. The information on that page is updated each weekday.MORE CITY NEWS  Watch FayTV (the City’s Government Access Channel) programming at your convenience on the City’s YouTube channel! Subscribe to the channel and get notified of new content. Click here to subscribe.  In this City Update, learn more about the Lafayette Trail and its connection to Fayetteville.  In this City Update, learn more about the new mural that will be painted at one of the gateways to Fayetteville.  In this episode of the Fayetteville 411, the coach of the Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey and the Executive Vice President joins the show to talk about their upcoming season in October.  Things To Do Calendar Fayetteville Woodpeckers Downtown Parking Community Watch Meetings Schedule Housing Snapshot Permits Council District Map Council District Finder Council Meeting Agendas Council Meeting Minutes Archive Crime Mapping City of Fayetteville App (Apple App Store | Google Play) FayFixIT App (Apple App Store | Google Play) Police App (Apple App Store | Google Play) Open Data Portal Transparency & Accountability Webpage City Happenings E-Newsletter Archive |
Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Approve Economic Development Incentives
The Board of Commissioners approved two economic development incentives named Project Wolfpack and project Nuar.
Project Wolfpack – the expansion of Cargill (agricultural industry). Currently, the company is evaluating competing locations for an expansion of production capacity. The company approves to the following.
*Maintain a minimum of 70 jobs through 2028
*Pay an average wage of at least $70,000
*Invest more than $5 million in real estate improvements
*Add approximately $20 million in new personal property
Project NUAR – Project NUAR is a U.S. company that is considering an existing building located at 595 S. King Street for a new production facility. If the company accepts Cumberland County, the company proposes to:
*Create 75 jobs
*Salary an average of $45,000
*Invest more than $4 million in real estate improvements and equipment
The company will have a decision within the next 45-60 days.
NC REALTORS® Now In Group 4 for Covid Vaccine Beginning March 24
From the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services
Group 4 – Adults at Higher Risk for Exposure and
Increased Risk of Severe Illness (Essential Workers Not
Yet Vaccinated and Other Group Living Settings)
COVID-19 Vaccinations: Your best shot at stopping COVID-19
A tested, safe and effective vaccine will be available to all who want it, but supplies will be limited at first. To save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19, independent state and federal public health advisory committees recommend first protecting health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19, people who are at the highest
risk of being hospitalized or dying and those at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. Our goal is to vaccinate as many people as possible given the limited supply of vaccines.
Keep practicing the 3 Ws— wear a mask, wait six feet apart, wash your hands—until everyone has a chance to
get vaccinated.
Group 4: Group 4: Adults at Higher Risk for Exposure and Increased Risk of Severe Illness (Essential Workers Not Yet Vaccinated)
ESSENTIAL WORKERS NOT YET VACCINATED
Essential workers include:
• Those working in the essential sectors identified in Group 3 who did not meet the criteria for frontline. Essential sectors identified in Group 3 include critical manufacturing, education, essential goods, food and agriculture, government and community services, health care and public health, public safety and
transportation. See Deeper Dive Group 3.
• Those working in additional essential sectors as defined below.
o Chemical (including workers in petrochemical plants, agricultural chemicals,
pharmaceutical facilities, consumer products)
o Commercial facilities (including retail workers, hotel workers)
o Communications and information technology (including news reporters and staff, service
repair dispatchers, data center operators)
o Defense industrial base (including workers supporting essential services to meet national
security commitments)
o Energy (including electric, petroleum, natural and propane gas workers)
o Financial services (including workers who maintain systems for processing financial
transactions, workers needed to provide consumer access to banking and lending services)
o Hazardous materials (including nuclear facilities workers, workers managing medical waste)
o Hygiene products and services (including laundromats, sanitation workers)
o Public works and infrastructure support services (including plumbers, electricians,
exterminators, workers supporting parks)
NC Department of Health and Human Services | Group 4 | March 1, 2021 Page 2
o Residential facilities, housing and real estate
o Water and wastewater (including staff at water authorities, wastewater treatment
facilities, water sampling and monitoring)
The essential sectors and workers, as categorized by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), align with federal prioritization guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations.
OTHER PEOPLE LIVING IN GROUP LIVING SETTINGS
This population includes students living in dormitories or other group living settings (e.g., fraternity or sorority houses), who are not already vaccinated due to age, medical condition or job function.
Cumberland County is Taking Applications for Various Boards
Board Vacancies
- Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
- General Public
- Board of Adjustment
- Alternate Member
- Cumberland County Community Child Protection/Fatality Prevention Team
- Parent of a Child Who Died Prior to 18th Birthday
- General Public
- Cumberland County Finance Corporation
- General Public
- Cumberland County Home and Community Care Block Grant Committee
- Civic Representative
- Older Consumer
- Elected Official
- Aging Service Provider
- Cumberland County Industrial Facilities and Pollution Control Financing Authority
- General Public
- Cumberland County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council
- Person Under 18
- Member of Business Community
- United Way or Nonprofit Representative
- Member of Faith Community
- Cumberland County Local Emergency Planning Committee
- Local Environmental Representative
- Transportation Representative
- Law Enforcement Representative
- Operators of Facilities Representative
- Firefighter Representative
- Print and Broadcast Media Representative
- Utilities Representative
- Farm Advisory Board
- Natural Resource Conservation Service Representative
- Cooperative Extension Representative
- Farmer
- Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation
- At-Large
- Human Relations Commission
- General Public
- Joint Appearance Commission
- General Public
- Mid-Carolina Aging Advisory Council
- Volunteers
- Elected Official
- Nursing Home Advisory Board
- General Public
- Senior Citizens Advisory Commission
- General Public
- Tourism Development Authority
- Hotel/Motels Over 100 Rooms Representative
- Transportation Advisory Board
- Vocational Rehabilitation Representative
- Emergency Medical Services Representative
- Urban Transit Provider Representative
- City of Fayetteville Representative
- Workforce Development Center Director or Designee
- At-Large Representative
Link to Application:
https://www.co.cumberland.nc.us/customusercontrols/commissioners/boardapplication.aspx