The Economic Development Digest - September 6, 2013

Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Digest aggregates news, opportunities and legislation impacting business in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S.

In this week's Economic Development Digest:

Georgia

Beretta eyes Georgia for gun plant, Atlanta Business Chronicle (August 30, 2013) Beretta is thought to be considering five sites in Georgia for a gun manufacturing plant that could employ 400 people.

Florida

Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce calls for Congress to compromise and pass immigration reform, Tampa Bay Times (September 4, 2013) The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce's board of directors is urging Congress to look for a compromise and pass comprehensive immigration reform that would spur economic growth.

National

INFLUENCE GAME: Train safety move delayed decades, The Associated Press (September 3, 2013) Technology (known as positive train control or “PTC”) is available for trains to help avoid catastrophic collisions, but the railroad industry and some allies are trying to push the deadline for installing such systems until 2020.

North Carolina

During session and beyond, McCrory has rough start, News & Observer (August 31, 2013) Some in North Carolina argue that nearly every major decision was initiated this year by the legislature, and not the Governor, while others disagree and point to the "bigger picture" which indicates that most of Governor McCrory's legislative agenda has been enacted into law. EDC supports shell building, The Wilson Times (September 5, 2013)** The Wilson Economic Development Council is recommending that the Wilson County commissioners use its $1 million in previously collected license tag fees to lure new industry into the area.

South Carolina

South Carolina ends fiscal year with higher-than-expected $68M surplus, The Post & Courier (September 1, 2013) South Carolina ended the fiscal year with an additional $68 million for the legislators to distribute next year. SC closes year with higher-than-expected surplus, The State (September 1, 2013) South Carolina collected more than enough taxes to fund every item on the legislature’s priority list for surplus revenue. York Co. OKs new buses for agency, council friction over EMS contract, The Herald (September 4, 2013) The York County Council on Tuesday voted to allow York County Access, a low-cost transportation program, to replace its aging fleet of buses using a combination of state money and separate funding.

Virginia

'Amazon tax' takes effect September 1, Daily Press (August 30, 2013) Amazon shoppers in Virginia will begin paying sales tax on Amazon purchases. Some say that the collection of sales tax on Amazon.com purchases in Virginia will level the playing field between traditional retailers in Virginia and large internet retailers with a physical presence in Virginia.

West Virginia

Lost manufacturing jobs led to lower wages, Saturday Gazette Mail (August 31, 2013) As a result of the loss of manufacturing jobs in the state, West Virginia has fewer good paying jobs and the wages fall behind the national average. Walmart is now the state’s largest private employer. 'Future Fund' pushed to diversify economy, The Charleston Gazette (September 3, 2013) State Senate President of West Virginia is leading an effort to create a “future fund” that would set aside tax dollars for improving education, infrastructure and economic development. Forum focuses on W. VA. economy's future, The Associated Press (September 4, 2013) A forum in Charleston will focus on economic visions for West Virginia's future. The all-day event is set for the Clay Center on Wednesday. Among the subjects include economic diversification, a roadmap for sustainable development, and workforce training.

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Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team helps clients explore opportunities for locating or expanding operations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. Our Economic Development Team combines a thorough working knowledge of economic development incentives; land use and siting procedures; and regulatory matters at the state, county and local levels, drawing on strong relationships built over many years with key governmental and civic leaders. For more information visit www.wcsr.com/economicdevelopment.

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