Blog

Teal Share Icon

Blogs for Newsletter (27)

The Importance of Existing Industries 

As the new year begins and anticipation continues to build, many may wonder what will happen with all the megasites and big companies locating nearby. But a business community cannot just seek out the new announcements – some of its most dedicated, important, and influential members are businesses that have been here all along. Read more about how local existing businesses bring stability to a community's economy and social identity, fueling job creation and industry permanence.

Blogs for Newsletter (22)

International Economic Development

As the world gets smaller through the rise of global firms, supply chains, and interconnected markets, competitive companies and places that only focus locally could be missing big opportunities. Read more about international economic development and how globalization has made it remarkably easier – and effective – to engage with customers worldwide.  

Blogs for Newsletter (20)

Economic Development Partner Spotlight: Loren Hill 

The NC Carolina Core – a 120+ mile stretch through the middle of the state encompassing major cities and metropolitan areas along the future Interstate 685 – is a focal point of the Piedmont Triad Partnership’s mission. Loren Hill, the Carolina Core Regional Economic Development Director for the Piedmont Triad Partnership, sheds light on the Core with passion and excitement as he describes his commitment to his work.

Blogs for Newsletter (32)

Entrepreneur Highlight: Shannon Huffman

As a business, one of the most important parts of the job isn’t the job at all – it is the attention to the people. Whether that is the customers you serve or the employees you hire, the individuals that are involved in the process from start to finish give meaning to the work itself. When talking to Shannon Huffman, Co-Owner of Huffman Sales and Service, her conviction for this was crystal clear. 

Blogs for Newsletter (33)

The Big Impact of Small Business

You may sometimes hear that small businesses are the backbone of the United States Economy, but what does that really mean? Take a look at the true impact of small businesses in the U.S., their impact on the economy, and what resources have become available in a post-COVID-19 world.

88

Entrepreneur Highlight: Chris Pence

In a world where automation is exciting, industries are booming, and business runs on efficiency, one big question shaped this business – “What is the relevancy of handmade pottery in a mechanized world?” Chris Pence, co-owner of Burlington-based porcelain pottery company Haand, opens up about the inspiration and history of the business, which is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year.   

87

What are Industry Clusters? 

Industry clusters have become a popular mode of competitive advantage, especially in a world that operates on a global market. By grouping around each other, companies are able to work together to produce similar and interrelated products. Learn more about what it looks like in practice. 

Blogs for Newsletter (10)

Highlighting Hispanic and Latino Entrepreneurship

In recognition of the achievements, contributions, and history of Hispanic-Americans and Latinos in the United States, September 15th through October 15th signifies National Hispanic Heritage Month. Burlington Economic Development wants to recognize Latino and Hispanic entrepreneurship throughout North Carolina, and how both foreign-born and US-born Hispanic populations hold an essential role within the business community today.

Blogs for Newsletter (7)

Entrepreneur Highlight: Scott Gollnick

What do Burlington, Czechoslovakia, Nickelodeon, and professional sports all have in common? Well of course it’s Scott Gollnick, Co-Founder of OT Sports! For almost 30 years, OT Sports has been creating custom uniforms for over 400 professional, youth, and travel teams across the United States and Canada – including the Burlington Sock Puppets, Greensboro Grasshoppers, and Durham Bulls.

Blogs for Newsletter (6)

Economic Development Partner Spotlight: Tracy Dellinger

Tracy Dellinger is the Manager of Existing Industry Expansions within the Piedmont Triad Region. As one of the managers, Tracy is focused on helping existing businesses within this region prosper and expand by providing essential resources to overcome barriers of growth. Get a closer look at her work and the close partnership that the City of Burlington has with EDPNC.

Blogs for Newsletter (5)

The Benefits of Variety: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are concepts that arise in many areas of interest - in business, in education, in media - due to their intertwined nature and social relevance. As a society, difference is a given; how can diversity, equity, and inclusion be put to our advantage within business?

Blogs for Newsletter (7)

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Alana Bennett

Inspiration can come in many forms – the way that a person shapes their dreams and goals is a special and unique process, and one that is hard to put a finger on. But one thing is for sure – for Alana Bennett, founder and CEO of TECpark, her inspiration came from a place of love and compassion, which she fosters in her business day in and day out. 

Blogs for Newsletter (8)

NC Building Reuse Grant Program

On June 16, 2022, the NC Rural Infrastructure Authority announced that 13 Building Reuse grants have been awarded to businesses across the state. This round of the Building Reuse Program amounted to $2,655,000 and commitments to creating 427 total jobs. 

Blogs for Newsletter (6)

Introducing North Carolina's Electric Vehicle Industry

Since December 2021, North Carolina has announced two major projects in the electric vehicle industry. Firstly, Toyota will construct a battery manufacturing facility at the Greensboro-Randolph megasite. Secondly, VinFast will bring their first U.S. manufacturing plant to Moncure in Chatham County. Here we examine the economic impact of both projects in the state, as well as the significance for Burlington and the surrounding areas in the near future. 

Hot Topic Icon 2

The New Faces of Economic Development 

The City of Burlington has some new faces around town! Within the Economic Development office, there are two new hires – Erin McClure Nettles, the Downtown Manager, and Isabella DeLaGarza, who is completing a year-long graduate fellowship through Elon University. Both individuals are excited to be a part of the team and want to share a bit about themselves.

Zack Highlight 2

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Zack Touloupas

For anyone who owns a small business, it is no secret that it takes commitment, passion, and work to make it happen. With their recent decision to sell the business, it seemed fitting to celebrate the accomplishments of the Touloupas family. Third-generation owner Zack Touloupas shares some parting thoughts as he passes on the torch and looks forward to retirement.

Improved Blog Covers (27)

Eat Burlington: Restaurant Guide

Elon students enrolled in ENT3550, or Entrepreneurship For The Greater Good, taught by Dr. Elena Kennedy, curated a Burlington restaurant information guide to boost the awareness and accessibility of local restaurants. 

Blogs for Newsletter (18)

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Tristaun LeClaire

What do you do if there isn’t a product that best suits your needs? One of two things: go without the product or invent it yourself. This month’s entrepreneur spotlight, Tristaun LeClaire, did both. 

Improved Blog Covers (26)

Information Security Essentials for Work and Home

It is important to understand the potential cyber dangers that could negatively impact your personal and business information, resulting in a decrease in profit and overall security.

Improved Blog Covers (25)

Running & Running  A Business 

Running a business isn’t easy, but small businesses are the lifeline of the U.S. economy. You and your business are essential, which means you must do everything in your power to ensure stability and prosperity.

Improved Blog Covers (24)

Improving Employee Benefits

Amid the Great Resignation, it is critical for companies to consider the best strategies to strengthen employee retention. Employee benefits can help to attract talent and minimize employee offboarding, while boosting employee health. Health benefits are, arguably, the last place you want to cut costs.

Blogs for Newsletter (11)

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Nancy Rosborough 

Mycorrhiza Biotech is an agri-business that specializes in fungi and allied organisms to develop products, tools and services for diverse agricultural applications that help America’s farms and forests thrive. Nancy Rosborough, the Chief Executive Officer, is this month’s Entrepreneur Spotlight!

Improved Blog Covers (23)

Healthcare System Expansion Benefits Economic Vitality 

The Alamance Regional Medical Center is expanding to serve a greater number of patrons across the region. According to Cone Health, “the project will add 14,000 sq. ft. and renovate nearly 49,000 sq. ft. at the medical center. It will move and nearly double the size of the Norville Breast Care Center.” The 34.2-million-dollar project will take about two years to complete, but what does this mean for economic development? 

Blogs for Newsletter (10)

Entrepreneur Highlight- Michelle Spurlock

This month's entrepreneur highlight is Michelle Spurlock, an aerial arts enthusiast and CEO of the first ever aerial arts and fitness studio in Burlington, NC. 

Improved Blog Covers (22)

Everybody Benefits from Digital Literacy Education

In an increasingly digital society, workforce participants must adapt to the needs of their employers. For business owners, this remains true and evident. To lead a team toward developing a scalable and sustainable business, everyone on the team should engage in continued learning pertaining to their prospective roles.  

Improved Blog Covers (21)

Broadband Expansion Efforts in Alamance County

The pandemic made it clear that internet access is not just a want, but a dire need. Since the summer of 2021, the Piedmont Triad Regional Council and Impact Alamance have convened community leaders to develop a plan to utilize federal funds to expand broadband access to the residents of Alamance County.

New - Improved Blog Covers

How to Digitize Your Accounting Practices - Tracking Money Using Automated Tools

Most small business owners are excellent at providing their services, but there are digital tools available to help you up your accounting game to help you sustain your success.

Blogs for Newsletter (8)

Entrepreneur Spotlight - Itrya Robinson

This month’s Entrepreneur Highlight spotlights Ityra Robinson, a seasoned professional masseuse of Ityra’s Body Therapies.A business of one that has brought healing to many. 

New - Improved Blog Covers (1)

Making Your Business Official 

If you are a solopreneur, a person that owns and operates a business on individually, it can be intimidating to decide how to legally form your business. This blog will highlight the differences between various corporate formations and other tax delegations to help you make a well-informed decision on which route is best for your business. 

Improved Blog Covers (20)

Elon Engineering Program Excites Economic Development

Something is always on the move on Elon's campus, this time around it's the exicitng Innovation Quad that will house the Engineering Program, check out what to look forward to in this blog.

Blogs for Newsletter (4)

Business Spotlight #6 - Feraud Calixte

A serial entrepreneur and a big booster of Burlington's opportunity, Feraud seeks to be a resource and advocate for entrepreneurs in our community. Learn more about him here!

Improved Blog Covers (5)

Burlington Economic Development's 2021 In Review

Looking back on successes and how they will impact our growth going forward. Our city, county, region, and state have a lot of momentum and Burlington Economic Development is excited to play its part in a more prosperous future for the community.

Improved Blog Covers (19)

Investments in Megasite set to pay dividends for Piedmont Triad

In 2021, North Carolina and the Piedmont Triad are poised to secure more trajectory-changing investments in another megasite. Located on the Randolph/Guilford County border in Liberty, the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite is an 1,825-acre industrial property on the cusp of landing a major economic development project. 

Blogs for Newsletter (1)

Business Spotlight #4 - Pamela Day - Cross-Country Truck Driving School

The trucking industry has recorded a historic deficit in drivers since 2018, leaving a huge gap to fill to meet the growing e-commerce demands. Luckily for Burlington, we have a first-rate training school preparing the next generation of safe truckers! 

Improved Blog Covers (18)

Tools for Digital Success

Are you a business owner looking to enhance your customer experience with digital tools? The US Black Chambers, Inc. hosted a virtual event led by Marsha Lynn Hudson, a social media and business strategist, on July 22, 2021. During the event, Hudson dropped valuable wisdom to take your business and brand to the next level. 

Improved Blog Covers (17)

Economic Development and Name, Image and Likeness

With the change in NCAA rules and state policies, virtually every collegiate student athlete can pursue endorsement income. What does this mean for local businesses? This could be a prime opportunity for your business to gain greater exposure and create awareness of your products or services.  

12

Busines Spotlight 3 - The Right Direction Barbershop

For decades, probably even centuries, barbershops have played a major role in the community. They serve as sacred places for people of all walks of life to convene and be free to be themselves. Barbers are natural community builders and talented artists that are essential to society. Besides tax professionals and morticians, barbers are one of the few professions that I believe will never die.

Improved Blog Covers (4)

Workplace Diversity Equity and Inclusion

Diversity refers to the coexistence of people from varying abilities, genders, ages, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, religions, and classes. However, the identities listed above merely scratch the surface of everything included under the scope of diversity. The pandemic has made way to increase the diversity of teams within companies, as employers hire remote workers across the globe. There are numerous benefits to prioritizing diversity in the workplace.  

Improved Blog Covers (16)

Maple Avenue Facade Grant - October 6, 2021

Do you know a business owner on Maple Avenue looking to improve the exterior of their property, but are lacking the funds to start a new project? If so, direct them to the City of Burlington’s Economic Development Department, where they can apply for up to 10,000 dollars to improve the beautification of their property.  More information can be found in the posted blog. 

Improved Blog Covers (15)

Emergency Planning for Business Preparedness - September 30, 2021

Emergency planning is vital to the longevity of your small business. In today’s modern society, entrepreneurs must be prepared to combat any potential threats. Let’s break down the various hazardous events that need to be included in your emergency plan.

Improved Blog Covers (14)

Business Incubators are Here to Stay - September 29, 2021

Business incubators are companies that specialize in assisting entrepreneurs in their start up ventures by providing various services and resources. Check out this blog to learn more about them!

13

Business Spotlight 2 : Crowson Insurance Agency - September 29, 2021

Have you ever met anyone with a family lineage of entrepreneurs dating back to the late 1800s? e. Holt Skinner, the owner of Crowson Insurance Agency, is this month’s Burlington Business owner spotlight. As a Burlington native, Elon University graduate, and downtown Burlington business veteran, Holt Skinner is a force to be reckoned with in the insurance industry. 

Improved Blog Covers (2)

The Post-COVID Workplace: What are the Experts Saying - September 3, 2021

After the release of Gov. Cooper’ executive order calling for an ease on masks and gathering limits, businesses have gradually invited their employees to return to work in-person. However, some organizations are still hesitant about fully re-opening office spaces.Is one option better than the other?

Blogs for Newsletter

Business Spotlight 1 : All Pro Media - August 30, 2021

It is not every day that you find established business owners with over 30 years of experience willing to make time to speak with young professionals. Luckily for me, Alan Kirby of All Pro Media, Inc. enthusiastically volunteered to be my first interview in our new Burlington Business Spotlight series. With great excitement, I bring to you an exclusive look into a local business owners’ journey down the path of entrepreneurship, secrets to success, and a closer look at the splendor of All Pro Media! 

Improved Blog Covers (13)

HEROES ACT : Second Stimulus Bill - December 29, 2020

Please read the quick summary of some highlights of the HEROES Act, signed by President Trump December 27, 2020. 

Improved Blog Covers (12)

Burlington Microenterprise Loan - November 24, 2020

In response to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has notified the City of Burlington that it will receive an additional allocation of $344,077 to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 (CDBG-CV funds). The Microenterprise Loan Program was allocated a further $86,000 by the Burlington City Council to assist businesses in need through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Improved Blog Covers (11)

Current Funding Opportunities - Septmber 25, 2020

The landscape for COVID-19 business assistance is ever-changing. While some resources have exhausted funds or expired, new programs continue to emerge and help businesses survive through the pandemic. The below list summarizes all known available financial and services resources for Burlington-based companies. 

Improved Blog Covers (1)

Support in the Face of the Unknown - March 15, 2020

Through this uncertainty, please be certain of one thing: Burlington Economic Development is ready to respond. We are experienced economic developers who exist to support our business community and identify resources to address lost income, recovery planning, emergency financing and other issues. 

This will not be easy, but we will get through it together.

Improved Blog Covers (10)

Burlington Trade Mission to South Korea - February 22, 2020

The City of Burlington Economic Development Department wrapped up a lively year of industry activity in 2019 with a 4-day trade mission to South Korea, where we visited with multiple companies, trade organizations, local governments and universities. It was a productive trip that is already yielding results and commerce heading into 2020.

Improved Blog Covers (9)

What is Economic Development? - January 6, 2020

Economic Development is a profession working to grow businesses and jobs in the community in number, quality, and diversity. Professionals in this line of work to encourage the growth of existing and small businesses, assist in workforce development, and market the community to potential investors. These efforts in Burlington are in the pursuit of creating a more diverse and sustainable business climate in Burlington. 

Improved Blog Covers (8)

2020 NC County Tier Rankings - Decmber 16, 2019

The North Carolina Department of Commerce annually ranks the economic well-being of the State’s 100 counties, grouping like economies in tiers. This Tier system is incorporated into various state development and financing programs to encourage economic activity and leverage more dollars in less prosperous areas of the State. The 40 most distressed counties are designated as Tier 1, the next 40 as Tier 2 and the 20 least distressed as Tier 3. 

Alamance County has improved it's standing heading into 2020.

Improved Blog Covers

Burlington Blog Series - December 16, 2019

Greetings from the City of Burlington Economic Development Department!   We’ve started this blog series to better engage our residents, businesses and partners in how we are working collaboratively to support a bigger, better Burlington.

Our department is the City’s dedicated team committed to supporting businesses, entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders in their efforts to invest, innovate and create new jobs and wealth in the City. >