Up & Coming Weekly

WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 14 UCW OCTOBER 28 - NOVEMBER 3, 2009 Chairman The n speaks speaks Your Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce had a busy first quarter, bringing in a total of $60,450,000 in new investments. With a total of three located projects, and the cre- ation of 100 new jobs in the community, the Chamber has worked hard and steady in their efforts to build the community and lift the local economy. As strategies are implemented for the second quar- ter, your Chamber is reaching out to national companies specializing in various sectors of aero-defense, bio/health and pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and distribution, and technology and communications. The goal is to make contact with a minimum of 37 companies each quarter. The first quarter ended with 82 contacts made. A great head start for their annual goal of 150 new initiated recruited contacts. As BRAC 2005 continues to come into fruition, the requests for information and community visits are growing. There have been 57 inquiries since the fiscal year started and the Chamber is expecting that number will close to double before the second quarter is over. Each inquiry is answered with specialized reports fo- cused on how the assets of the community will increase business for the industry. Your Chamber is also now providing these reports in Spanish, to help market our bi-lingual labor force. Dan Dederick Good News Keeps Coming Business The ss Spotlight Spotlight Are You Ready for the BRAC Effect? With all the talk about BRAC coming to Fayette- ville, there hasn't been much talk about how it will affect you individually. We all know that the estimated infl ux of 40,000 people will directly impact the home developers and large businesses, but did you know that this infl ux could bring you new career growth opportunities and more opportunities for your small business? You may be wondering how BRAC could possibly affect someone on an individual level. Well, here's the break down. When FORSCOM relocates to Fort Bragg, people won't be the only thing it brings. FORSCOM will attract large contracting companies to relocate or expand in or around Fayetteville, thus bringing to Fayetteville new job opportunities. With per capita in Fayetteville at $22, 892, these job opportunities will pay substantially higher than the average jobs in Fayetteville pay now. Some examples of these contracting companies include Booz Allen Hamilton, Boeing and Lockheed Martin. However, jobs at any of these companies require very specifi c skill sets. Skill sets that the average undergraduate degree does not include. This presents a problem. If you are not prepared for these opportunities, the companies will fi nd employees with these skill sets elsewhere. Fay- etteville's workforce must prepare for the infl ux of these high tech jobs that BRAC will bring to our area. What can you do to get ready for BRAC? Luckily, Fayetteville has several options for continuing your educa- tion and getting a head start on your career development. Many of these colleges and universities offer programs online such as: • ECPI College of Technology: courses in electronics engineering and information technology management. • Webster University: courses in information tech- nology and government contracting. • Inovatech College of Business and Technology: military programs and courses in information technology and systems engineering. • Troy University: courses in international relations and management. • Carolina Technical Institute: courses in business and electronics. • Miller-Motte Technical College and Fayetteville Technical Community College offer courses in the fi elds of engineering, applied technology, math and applied sciences. • University of Phoenix: courses in security manage- ment and information technology. • University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Meth- odist University, and Fayetteville State University offer programs in math, sciences, and computer sciences. When it comes to your business, whether it has al- ready been established or is just in the beginning stages, it is important to be prepared for the increase of customers and potential clients. Now is the time to seek education and training in accounting, fi nance, business management and business administration, which are offered by all of the local col- leges and universities in Fayetteville. Increased knowledge in these fi elds will help your business prosper as our com- munity grows in the next couple of years. Whether you are trying to further your education and develop your career or build a business, education and training will be very important and essential in the next couple of years. In order to compete for the high tech, high-paying jobs and potential clients and custom- ers, you must be prepared for BRAC. Are you ready? G r ea t P l ace Pri m e Sp a c e G r ea t P l ace Pri m e Sp a c e Seminars and Symposiums Business and Group Meetings Private Parties Reunions and Receptions Hail and Farewells Holiday Galas ~ÛGmj\m]Û;jan]ÛÛÝÛÛ~ÛgjÛ~~ ~ÛGmj\m]Û;jan]ÛÛÝÛÛ~ÛgjÛ~~ ea t P l ace e e e a a t t P Pl l a a c c e e e e P l P Pl l Azales Event Facility 4775 YADKIN ROAD 864-0775 2902 RAEFORD ROAD 485-6145 5061 YADKIN ROAD 867-2130 5540 MURCHISON ROAD 822-3499 2577 HOPE MILLS ROAD 425-0035 2931 OWEN DRIVE 484-6131 6 Locations to Serve You! HOURS MON – FRI 8 am-6 pm SAT 8 am- 3 pm Includes up to 5 qts. of 10W30 oil, filter and lube. Must present coupon. 10W30 SPECIAL Lube, Oil & Filter Plus FREE Tire Rotation! $ 12 95

• Cover