The Economic Development Digest - January 10, 2014

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:

California

California continues to shape privacy standards: Song-Beverly Act extended to e-mail addresses, wcsr.com (January 2014) California retailer restricted from requiring a customer email address as part of a credit card transaction. We knew that asking for zip codes is intrusive personal questioning, and now asking for email has been added to the list. Skepticism over Brown's redevelopment replacement, Sacramento Business Journal (January 10, 2014) The Governor of California's 2013-2014 budget plan includes a proposal to make it easier for voters to implement infrastructure financing districts, allowing local governments to fund public infrastructure through tax increment financing.

Maryland

Maryland General Assembly 2014: Five issues that could hit businesses in the wallet, Baltimore Business Journal (January 10, 2014) The business community should keep an eye on five key issues in the Maryland General Assembly.

North Carolina

Morning memo: Commerce pick raises questions; Democrats push unemployment benefits, The News & Observer (January 8, 2014) Questions arise about Governor McCrory’s privatization of the North Carolina Commerce Department. North Carolina chooses interim chief for Economic Development Partnership, Winston-Salem Journal (January 7, 2014) Richard Lindenmuth is selected to be the Interim Chief of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. New NC jobs recruiting head downplays incentives, Associated Press State & Local (January 7, 2014) The new head of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina says tax breaks and other corporate incentives have only a marginal impact in attracting businesses.

South Carolina

Roads, taxes dominate concerns of Oconee County delegation, Anderson Independent-Mail (January 6, 2014)** Upstate South Carolina emphasizes the need for infrastructure funding and says money for the State of South Carolina’s roads and bridges is one of the “keenest challenges” the General Assembly faces. Lawmakers call for changes at DOT, The Greenville News (January 10, 2014) Some lawmakers in the South Carolina General Assembly want to see changes at the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

Virginia

Prepared text of Gov. McDonnell's address, The Associated Press (January 8, 2014) Governor McDonnell addresses the State of Virginia and discusses economic development efforts in the State of Virginia. Variety of legislation affects VA businesses, Richmond Times-Dispatch (January 6, 2014) Numerous issues will be taken up during the upcoming General Assembly session in Virginia that could affect businesses in Virginia.

West Virginia

Text of Gov. Earl Tomblin's State of the State address, wcgazette.com (January 8, 2014) Governor Tomblin addresses the State of West Virginia and discuss economic development initiatives of the State.

**Note: a paid subscription is required to access this article. A brief description has been provided. Please contact Womble Carlyle’s Economic Development Team for more information on these developments.

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.

If you have any questions about this Economic Development Digest, please e-mail EconDigest@wcsr.com or contact any member of Womble Carlyle's Economic Development Team.