Governor RSS News

STATEMENT FROM GOV. MIKE EASLEY CONCERNING THE PASSING OF FORMER SEN. JESSE HELMS

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The following statement was issued today by Gov. Mike Easley on the passing of former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms:

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS FOUR BILLS INTO LAW

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today signed the following bills into law:

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 55 JOBS IN CALDWELL COUNTY

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Galexe Pharma Sciences, a subsidiary of Virginia-based Excela PharmSci Inc., will open a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Caldwell County. The company plans to hire 55 workers and invest $8.6 million during the next three years. The project was made possible in part by a $250,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES N.C. WINS GRANT FOR ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that North Carolina has won a grant from the National Governors Association to develop an innovative program to increase energy building code inspections that could yield utility cost savings of up to $15 million a year. North Carolina is one of 12 states to receive the grants from the association's Center for Best Practices.

GOV. EASLEY RELEASES STATEMENT ON LEGISLATIVE BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley released the following statement today (Sunday) concerning the current status of legislative budget negotiations:

GOV. EASLEY DEPLOYS RAPID RESPONSE TEAM TO HIGH POINT PLANT

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that a Rapid Response Team from the N.C. Department of Commerce is being deployed to assist workers at the Henredon/Drexel Plant #37 in High Point. Furniture Brands International announced June 26 it would close the facility, affecting 300 employees.

GOV. EASLEY SAYS N.C. DROUGHT STATUS WORSE NOW THAN A YEAR AGO

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today warned that current drought conditions in North Carolina are worse now than this same time a year ago. Unless there is significant rainfall the state could face a more serious situation than in 2007. The federal drought map released today shows 14 western counties in exceptional drought, twice the number from last week. Ninety-seven of the state's 100 counties are in some level of drought.

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS SIX BILLS INTO LAW

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today signed the following bills into law:

House Bill 724, "An act to no longer require the use of Social Security numbers on North Carolina child support court orders." The new law will help protect individuals from potential identity theft. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Bob England (D-Cleveland). The law becomes effective Oct. 1.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES BOOZE IT & LOSE IT: "OPERATION FIRECRACKER" CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF FRIDAY

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that state and local law enforcement officers will increase their presence during the Fourth of July holiday as part of the Booze It & Lose It: "Operation Firecracker" campaign. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will be conducted from Friday, June 27, through Sunday, July 6, across the state in an effort to remove impaired drivers from the roads.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 204 JOBS IN LENOIR COUNTY, $215 MILLION INVESTMENT

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Reliance Industries USA Inc. plans to open its first North American manufacturing facility near Kinston. The company will create 204 jobs during the next five years and invest $215 million in a plant to manufacture a resin used in the production of plastic containers and specialty polyester yarns. A N.C. Job Development Investment Grant helped make the project possible.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION OF MERCK PLANT IN DURHAM COUNTY

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Merck & Co. Inc. plans to invest about $300 million to again expand its Durham vaccine manufacturing facility, creating an additional 150 to 180 jobs. The expansion will support the manufacture and global distribution of several of the international pharmaceutical company's key vaccines.

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS BILL GIVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS MORE INFORMATION

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today signed into law House Bill 2189, ''An act to provide domestic violence victims with information and assistance, and to study a statewide automated notification system for persons with domestic violence protective orders, as recommended by the Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence.''

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES FEMA APPROVES GRANT REQUEST

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved his request for a Fire Management Assistance Grant to help North Carolina pay the escalating costs of fighting the Evans Road Fire in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties. The governor sent the request to FEMA this afternoon, which was the second request from the state for federal assistance.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES SECOND REQUEST TO FEMA FOR FIREFIGHTING AID

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced the state is asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency, for a second time, to help pay the escalating costs of fighting the Evans Road Fire in three eastern North Carolina counties. The fire was started by lightning on June 1 and has burned more than 40,000 acres in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties, spreading smoke from the Outer Banks to the Triangle and beyond.

GOV. EASLEY URGES GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO APPROVE DROUGHT LEGISLATION

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today reminded citizens across the state to continue using water wisely as drought conditions in North Carolina worsened this week. He called on the General Assembly to approve his proposed drought legislation to modernize North Carolina's public water systems, mandate water conservation and efficiency, and upgrade the response to water emergencies.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES ARVINMERITOR TO ADD 67 JOBS

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that ArvinMeritor Inc., a global supplier of integrated systems and modular components for the automotive industry, is expanding in Scotland and Henderson counties. The expansion represents a company investment of $33.7 million that will create 67 jobs during the next three years in Laurinburg and Fletcher. It was made possible in part by a $167,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES ELECTRIC FANS AVAILABLE FOR ELIGIBLE SENIORS

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Operation Fan/Heat Relief is underway for the summer of 2008. This program, which is especially timely given recent excessively high temperatures, provides free fans to eligible seniors living in North Carolina.

GOV. EASLEY DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY TO HELP FIGHT WILDFIRE

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today is issuing an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties due to the wildfire that now covers about 30,000 acres (50 square miles), much of it in the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. By issuing the executive order, the governor directs all state and local agencies to deploy necessary resources and personnel to protect the public. In addition, the executive order designates Secretary of Crime Control and Public Safety Bryan Beatty as coordinator of emergency operations to fight the fire and protect the citizens in the area.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 'CLICK IT OR TICKET' YIELDS 15,000 SAFETY RESTRAINT VIOLATIONS DURING 15TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that more than 15,000 drivers and passengers were cited for seat belt and child passenger safety violations during the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which ran from May 19 to June 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of North Carolina's "Click It or Ticket," program which started as a national pilot in 1993.

GOV. EASLEY WARNS NORTH CAROLINIANS TO TAKE PRECAUTION DURING HEAT WAVE

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today warned citizens across the state to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from any heat-related health problems due to the heat wave North Carolina is experiencing. With the early arrival of high temperatures, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory today and forecasts for high temperatures to continue for about a week. Temperatures are predicted to rise into the upper 90s today and the heat index could climb to 105 degrees this afternoon.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES DROUGHT MASCOT IS "CONSERVIN' IRVIN"

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Deep River Elementary School in Sanford is the winner of the statewide contest to name the new mascot for North Carolina's drought education campaign. The winning name, "Conservin' Irvin," came from Jane Patterson's 1st and 2nd Grade Exceptional Education Class at the school.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES MORE RAIL SERVICE BETWEEN RALEIGH AND CHARLOTTE

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that a third intercity passenger train between Raleigh and Charlotte will be added to the current service to help meet growing demand as well as ridership increases. The new train service will run at midday, with departures from Raleigh and Charlotte.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES LEARN AND EARN EDUCATION INITIATIVE NAMED HARVARD INNOVATIONS IN GOVERNMENT AWARD FINALIST

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Governor Mike Easley today announced that North Carolina's Learn and Earn high school reform initiative has been named one of 15 finalists in the 2008 Innovations in American Government Awards competition sponsored by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. The program was selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants to represent the best in government innovation on the local, city, county, tribal, state and federal levels. From the 15 finalists, six programs will be selected to receive $100,000 toward the replication and dissemination of the innovation. The winners will be announced in September.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES NEARLY $21 MILLION FOR SAFE COMMUNITIES

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that the Governor's Crime Commission awarded $20.6 million to state and local agencies to make communities safer and assist crime victims. The money will help programs that detect and deter gang activity, assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, prevent juvenile delinquency and fight drug abuse.

GOV. EASLEY WARNS THAT DROUGHT IS NOT OVER

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today said worsening drought conditions in western North Carolina should be a warning to citizens that the state has not fully recovered from the drought. He also advised citizens to continue using water wisely since a hot, dry summer is likely.

GOV. EASLEY ENCOURAGES NORTH CAROLINA STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUNG SCIENTIST CHALLENGE

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today encouraged all fifth through eighth grade students across North Carolina to compete in the 2008 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." The National Governor's Association partnered with Discovery Education and 3M to sponsor the 10th annual contest, which aims to inspire students to explore scientific concepts and use them to answer questions and solve problems.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES N.C. EARNS 2nd AMERICAN VITICULTURE AREA DESIGNATION

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that the Swan Creek area, about 160 square miles that includes portions of Wilkes, Yadkin and Iredell counties, became North Carolina's second "American Viticulture Area." The designation, which is bestowed by the U.S. Treasury Department's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, allows consumers to better identify the regions where the wines they purchase are produced and vintners to better describe the origin of their wines. The Yadkin Valley was the first region in the state to earn the designation in 2003.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 100 STUDENTS PICKED FOR N.C. AGENCY INTERNSHIPS

Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that 100 North Carolina college, graduate and law students have been selected for 10-week summer internships with state agencies. The N.C. State Government Internship Program, in its 38th year, is coordinated by the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office in the Department of Administration.

''This outstanding group of students will gain hands-on experience in dozens of diverse jobs across state government this summer,'' Easley said. ''These opportunities help to prepare our students for the challenges of the global marketplace and encourages public service.''

Ninety-eight North Carolina students were awarded internships in 2007. This year, 586 students from 70 counties and 109 post-secondary institutions applied for internships. Through a competitive selection process overseen by the N.C. Internship Council, 100 students were selected to work in projects in 22 departments and 50 divisions o fstate government.

GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS MEMORIAL DAY 2008, ORDERS STATE FLAGS TO HALF STAFF

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today declared Monday, May 26 as Memorial Day 2008 in North Carolina. Easley directed that state flags be flown at half staff on Memorial Day at all state facilities. He urged citizens to honor the men and women of the armed services who died in service to the nation.

GOV. EASLEY DECLARES DISASTER IN BERTIE AND ONSLOW COUNTIES

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today declared Bertie and Onslow counties state disaster areas, making residents and businesses in those counties eligible for state disaster assistance to help with repairs from the storms and tornadoes that hit the state on May 11. Easley also announced that the federal Small Business Administration has approved his request for a disaster declaration, making residents and businesses eligible for low-interest federal loans.

GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS MAY 25-31 HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed May 25-31 as "Hurricane Preparedness Week" and urged all citizens to prepare for this year's predicted increase in storm activity by assembling disaster preparedness kits and updating and rehearsing emergency plans. Hurricane season officially begins June 1.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES TITAN AMERICA TO ADD 161 JOBS IN NEW HANOVER

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Titan America LLC, a major producer of heavy building materials, is planning a new facility in Castle Hayne in New Hanover County. The cement plant, which will create 161 new jobs during the next three years and a company investment of $469 million, was made possible in part by a $300,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY REQUESTS DISASTER DECLARATION FOR ONSLOW COUNTY

Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today sent a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting a disaster declaration for residents in Onslow County who suffered damage from the tornado that hit on Sunday. The declaration makes residents and business owners in Onslow County eligible for low-interest loans to assist with repairs. On Wednesday, Easley toured tornado damage and met with local officials and emergency responders at the Mobile Command Center in Belgrade.

GOV. EASLEY REQUESTS DISASTER DECLARATION FOR BERTIE COUNTY

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today sent a letter to the Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting a disaster declaration for residents in Bertie County who suffered damage from the tornado that hit on Sunday. The declaration makes residents and business owners in Bertie County eligible for low-interest loans to assist with repairs. Easley also met today with local emergency response officials and conducted an aerial tour of tornado damage in Onslow County.

GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS MAY 13 AS 'TOURISM DAY'

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley proclaimed Tuesday, May 13, as Tourism Day in recognition of the vital economic, social and cultural contribution travel and tourism make to the growth of North Carolina.

GOV. EASLEY MEETS WITH LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE OFFICIALS AND TOURS TORNADO DAMAGE IN BERTIE COUNTY

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today met with local emergency response officials and conducted an aerial tour of tornado damage in Bertie County that occurred Sunday evening. Today he also sent teams of Small Business Administration officials to Bertie County to determine if the county is eligible for an SBA disaster declaration. If the county is eligible, uninsured residents whose homes were destroyed or received major damage would be eligible for low interest loans to use for home repair.

GOV. EASLEY PROPOSES FUNDING TO HELP VULNERABLE NORTH CAROLINIANS

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley said today his 2008-09 budget proposal will recommend spending an additional $31 million to help those who often are overlooked by society but are the most in need. The budget the governor will present to the General Assembly next week will provide additional funds for: health insurance for children in need through the Health Choice program; assistance to those at the greatest threat of foreclosure on their homes; increased aid to those in need of child care; and job-site inspections and assistance to workers in the state's poultry industry.

SITE SELECTION RANKS TWO N.C. PROJECTS AMONG NORTH AMERICA'S 2007 TOP DEALS

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that two of North Carolina's economic development wins are ranked among the 20 Top Deals in North America by Site Selection magazine. The two deals are the agreements that brought Google to Caldwell County and the decision by Honda Aircraft to expand its Guilford County operations and build its new HondaJet at Piedmont Triad International Airport. In a related article, Site Selection ranked the state Department of Commerce as the nation's third most competitive state economic development agency.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 600 JOBS IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that IBM Lender Business Process Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Business Machines Corp., will hire 600 workers during the next four years and invest $2.4 million to open a mortgage processing center in Charlotte. A state Job Development Investment Grant helped make the project possible.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 100% OF N.C. PUBLIC SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE INTEACHER WORKING CONDITIONS SURVEY

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced he has received responses from 100 percent of North Carolina's 2,213 public schools to the 2008 North Carolina Teacher Working Conditions Survey. More than 87 percent of the 120,000 teachers and administrators from across the state participated, exceeding the 75,600 responses in 2006 and the 34,000 responses in 2004. The survey gathers the views of the state's teaching professionals to help shape state education policy, strengthen classroom working conditions and improve the learning environment for students.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES N.C. AMERICORPS MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that AmeriCorps members across North Carolina will participate in a variety of service projects as part of National Volunteer Week, April 27 through May 3. Members will provide services for children and the elderly, assist in land beautification and gardening projects and participate in a variety of community events.

GOV. EASLEY PROMOTES N.C. TO ITALIAN BUSINESS LEADERS IN PADOVA

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today met with leaders of the Italian business organization Confindustria-Padova and officials from Arneg SPA, a Italy-based company currently building a manufacturing facility in Davidson County. Members of a state Department of Commerce economic development mission delegation also toured the Arneg plant in Padova and made presentations about opportunities in North Carolina to representatives of the Italian business community.

GOV. EASLEY PROMOTES EXPANDING IN N.C. WITH ITALIAN BUSINESS LEADERS

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today met with leaders of two Italian business organizations, the Regional Agency of Economic Promotion of Tuscany and Confindustria-Tuscany to discuss opportunities available to them in North Carolina's furniture, textile, manufacturing and viticulture industries.

GOV. EASLEY ASKS STUDENTS TO NAME N.C. WATER CONSERVATION MASCOT

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today asked North Carolina's elementary school students for help naming the new mascot for the state's drought education campaign. The governor sent a letter on Monday to elementary schools across the state asking teachers and students to put on their thinking caps and come up with a name for the new mascot, which will be featured in drought education materials and on the state's official water conservation web site, www.SaveWaterNC.org.

GOV. EASLEY NOMINATES DAVID McCOY TO BE NEXT STATE CONTROLLER

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today nominated current State Budget Director David McCoy to become the next State Controller to replace Robert Powell who is planning to retire before the end of this year. McCoy's appointment, which was submitted to legislative leaders, must be confirmed by the General Assembly.

GOV. EASLEY TELLS ITALIAN TRAVEL LEADERS NOW IS TIME TO VISIT N.C.

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today told Italian travel and tourism officials that current exchange rates, combined with North Carolina's diverse vacation destinations, make this the best time for international travelers to vacation in the state. The governor and First Lady Mary Easley hosted a travel and tourism luncheon earlier today at the Rose Garden Palace Hotel in Rome, Italy. The luncheon provided Italian leaders with the opportunity to meet the state's top economic leaders as well as view a new DVD showcasing North Carolina's exceptional attractions.

GOV. EASLEY LEADS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TRIP TO ITALY

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today departed on a business development trip to major cities in Italy. He will meet with U.S. embassy officials in Rome and host an event for Italian tourism operators, travel writers and other tourism officials to promote North Carolina as a vacation destination. In Florence and Padova (also known as Padua) he will meet with major business organizations representing Italian manufacturing, construction, energy, transportation and service industries. In Montalcino, Easley will discuss North Carolina's growing viticulture industry with Italian winemakers. During these visits, he will get the latest information about innovations in the Italian wine industry, agritourism initiatives sponsored by the Italian government, pricing and workforce development strategies in the competitive worldwide wine market and other business practices that will help build the wine industry in this state.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 820 JOBS IN CATAWBA COUNTY

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Sutter Street Manufacturing, a subsidiary of the national home furnishings retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc., will open a product development, regional distribution and upholstered manufacturing facility in Hickory. The company will create 820 jobs during the next five years and invest $2.7 million. A North Carolina Job Development Investment Grant helped make the project possible.

GOV. EASLEY ASKS OFFICIALS TO KEEP UP AGGRESSIVE WATER CONSERVATION

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today is asking local officials to continue their aggressive water conservation efforts since the drought is not over and a hot, dry summer is still possible. He made the request in a letter sent to mayors and city and county managers today. The text of the letter follows:

GOV. EASLEY RELEASES ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANT RECIPIENTS

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today released the recipients of the state's first Energy Efficiency Reserve Fund grants to implement 58 power-saving projects at 10 state agencies, 15 University of North Carolina campuses and six community colleges. The $5 million being spent on the projects will save about $3.2 million a year in utility costs. The energy saved is equal to the amount needed to power 4,028 homes for a year.

''These are effective and creative energy-saving initiatives that can quickly be put into place and just as quickly reap rewards,'' Easley said. ''These projects provide substantial savings that will help control the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on energy and help make sure we are not squandering natural resources.''

The governor made the announcement at the 5th Annual North Carolina Sustainable Energy Conference. The grants are administered by the State Energy Office.

More than 200 proposals were reviewed by the Energy Office and the State Construction Office to come up with the best. Three of the 58 projects awarded grant funds call for improvements to boiler efficiency in the state departments of Correction, Health and Human Services, and Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention facilities. By spending $445,000 on the improvements, savings of $532,000 are expected in the same year. Not only will these facilities be improved, but in less than a year these projects will more than pay for themselves, to the tune of $87,000. While not every project boasts that kind of return, they all provide substantial savings to help make sure every taxpayer dollar is wisely spent.

North Carolina State House of Representatives Speaker Joe Hackney helped establish the grants.

> A complete list of the projects follows. For more information, go to the web site of the State Energy Office at: www.energync.net

GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS APRIL THE MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed April the "Month of the Military Child" in recognition of the thousands of children of military parents in North Carolina who also sacrifice during times of extended deployments. Overseas deployments since 2001 have put additional stress on military families, including the more than one million children in America who have at least one parent currently serving on active duty.

GOV. EASLEY PRAISES N.C. FILM OFFICIALS' ROLE IN 'LEATHERHEADS' PRODUCTION

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today praised the work of state and regional film officials for their role in the production of the feature movie, Leatherheads, opening nationwide today, which was largely filmed on location in North Carolina. The film, staring Academy Award winners George Clooney and Ren�e Zellweger, is a romantic comedy inspired by the stranger-than-fiction beginnings of professional football in the 1920s. Scenes were shot in the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Statesville, Salisbury and Charlotte areas.

GOV. EASLEY AND KANSAS GOVERNOR WAGER ON NCAA FINAL FOUR GAME

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley and Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today agreed to a "friendly wager" on the outcome of Saturday's NCAA Men's Basketball tournament semifinal contest between the UNC Tar Heels and the Jayhawks of the University of Kansas. At stake is a pound of eastern North Carolina barbecue from Wilbur's in Goldsboro and a pound of western barbecue from the Barbecue Center in Lexington, along with the fixings and a case of Cheerwine. Sebelius has countered with a barbecue dinner for four, including ribs and brisket and other Kansas products.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES E-MAIL RECORDS REVIEW PANEL ADDS NEW MEMBER AND SETS MEETING DATES

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Charles "Chuck" B. Neely, Jr. will serve on the E-mail Records Review Panel, which is conducting a comprehensive review of policies concerning the retention of e-mail messages under North Carolina's public records law. Neely is a partner in Williams Mullen's litigation and tax law sections.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF E-MAIL RECORDS REVIEW PANEL

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced the membership of a special panel that will conduct a comprehensive review of policies concerning the retention of e-mail messages under the North Carolina's public records law. The panel's first meeting will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27 in the Council of State meeting room on the 5th floor of the Administration Building, 116 W. Jones St., Raleigh.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES SUPERIOR MACHINE TO ADD 38 JOBS IN McDOWELL COUNTY

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Superior Machine Company of S.C. Inc., a firm specializing in the steel and rock-crushing industries, will expand in McDowell County. The expansion, which will create 38 jobs during the next three years and an investment of $350,000, was made possible in part by a $70,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES FERREL GUILLORY TO SERVE ON E-MAIL RECORDS REVIEW PANEL

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Ferrel Guillory will serve on a special panel that will conduct a comprehensive review of policies concerning the retention of e-mail messages under the North Carolina's public records law. Guillory founded the Program on Public Life in 1997. He is on the faculty of the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communication and is also an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Public Policy.

GOV. EASLEY ASKS FOR REVIEW AND UPDATE OF E-MAIL RECORDS POLICIES

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today asked Franklin Freeman, his senior assistant for government affairs, to lead a government agency panel that will conduct a comprehensive review of policies concerning the retention of e-mail messages under the state's public records law. The review will encompass the governor's office and all cabinet and other administrative offices directly under the governor's control.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF 2008 TEACHER WORKING CONDITIONS SURVEY

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that the 2008 Teacher Working Conditions Survey is available for educators to complete at www.ncteachingconditions.org. The survey, which is available online today through April 21, 2008, gathers feedback from the state's teaching professionals to help shape state education policy, strengthen classroom working conditions and enhance the learning environment for students.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 2007 TOURISM SPENDING SETS RECORD

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that visitors to North Carolina spent more than $16.5 billion in 2007, an increase of 7.2 percent from 2006. The amount was more than the previous record of $15.4 billion set in 2006. Employment in the travel and tourism industry for 2007 also saw an increase of 2 percent compared with the previous year.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES $1.6 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR DROUGHT RELIEF

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that six western North Carolina communities are eligible for total of $1.58 million in grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission to help expand their public water supplies. The six towns; Lenoir, Valdese, Tryon, Marshall, Mars Hill and Blowing Rock, were chosen because they are among those in the state that are facing the most severe water shortages.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES BD WILL CREATE 274 JOBS, INVEST $135 MILLION

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that global medical technology company BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) will build a new plant in Wilson County and expand three facilities in Durham County. BD will add 274 new jobs during the next five years (182 in Durham and 92 in Wilson) and invest $134.7 million. The projects were made possible in part by a Job Development Investment Grant.

GOV. EASLEY REMINDS CITIZENS THAT DROUGHT IS NOT OVER

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today asked citizens throughout North Carolina to continue their water conservation efforts since the latest federal drought map shows that 97 of the state's 100 counties are still in some form of drought.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES SPEED CHANNEL EXPANSION IN CHARLOTTE

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Speed Channel Inc., an international motorsports and automotive multimedia company, will expand its Charlotte headquarters, creating 34 jobs and investing $37.8 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $34,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY SAYS RAIN WELCOME BUT SAVE WATER AS DROUGHT LINGERS

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley said the latest rainfall was welcome and while it raised water levels in lakes and reservoirs, the state is still in a serious drought. He encouraged all citizens to continue saving water and announced efficiency upgrades throughout state government. Water efficiency upgrades have been completed in 49 buildings in the state government complex in Raleigh, which are expected to cut water consumption in state facilities by one million gallons each year.

GOV. EASLEY CALLS FOR CHANGES TO THE STATE'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced a three-part plan to return accountability to the state's mental health system and make it more responsive to the needs of patients and their families. He will ask the legislature to give the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services clear authority over the local management entities (LMEs) created by the 2001 reform legislation, change the law to require all deaths in hospitals be reported to the state, and expand the state's mobile crisis teams that provide hospital services across the state.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES N.C. RANKS FIRST IN SMALL METRO BUSINESS GROWTH

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that North Carolina placed first in the nation in Site Selection magazine's annual ranking of states with small metropolitan areas having the most new and expanded corporate facilities. The Greensboro-High Point area in Guilford County was named the No. 1 small metro region. Lexington-Thomasville in Davidson County and Statesville-Mooresville in Iredell County swept first- and second-place for rural areas.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES N.C.-NAGOYA UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced the opening of the Nagoya University Technology Transfer Office, a first-of-its-kind state project designed to facilitate innovation and business ties between North Carolina and Japan. Nagoya University is internationally known as one of Japan's leading research centers.

GOV. EASLEY DECLARES SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK MARCH 2-8

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley declared March 2-8 Severe Weather Awareness Week in North Carolina and recommends that families have safety plans for home, work or school so they can respond quickly when tornados or severe storms threaten. Easley said schools and government buildings statewide would hold tornado drills on Wednesday, March 5.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITIES

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that five additional counties in North Carolina have been selected to participate in the 21st Century Communities program. The N.C. Department of Commerce initiative helps foster economic growth in the state's most distressed communities.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES GREEN BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced that small business owners and entrepreneurs can apply today for the new North Carolina Green Business Fund grants. These competitive grants will help small businesses develop promising green and alternative energy technologies to bring cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly products and services to the marketplace.

GOV. EASLEY EXPRESSES CONCERNS OVER SAFETY OF MANUFACTURED HOMES

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today asked the head of the state's manufactured housing industry group for information and help to make sure those in North Carolina living in trailers and manufactured homes are safe from any health threats due to toxic chemicals in the materials used in their construction.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES FIREFIGHTING ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT WITH FEMA

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has signed an agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency that enables North Carolina to seek federal assistance to help pay costs incurred while fighting major fires. He also reinstated the statewide burning ban, effective noon Thursday (Feb. 14) in advance of the spring fire season.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES DENR HELPS 11 MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES FIND ADDITIONAL WATER SUPPLIES

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that the state has identified alternative water supplies for the 11 North Carolina communities facing the most severe water shortages due to the drought. Most of the projects would involve connecting systems that are at the greatest risk to another water system with water to share. Other systems could drill new wells or tap into nearby lakes, rivers or quarries.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF DUPONT FOREST IN WESTERN N.C.

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that DuPont has donated a parcel of land that is key to the state's conservation efforts and will provide easier access to popular areas in the DuPont State Forest. The 35 acres donated are in the center of state forest on the Transylvania-Henderson County line and will enable visitors to travel between Lake Julia and the Little River sections of the forest without having to make a lengthy detour on Reasonover Road.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES LOW COST ONLINE TAX RETURN FILING OPTIONS

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that taxpayers will have more options this year for filing their North Carolina tax returns online for free or at a minimal charge through the state Department of Revenue's expanded electronic services program. He also warned taxpayers to steer clear of high-cost refund anticipation loans, which can substantially reduce the tax refund a person receives.

GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS FEBRUARY AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed February as Black History Month and urges citizens to observe and honor the influence of African Americans on the cultural heritage of North Carolina. Educational opportunities are planned for museums and historic sites across the state during the month of February.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 42 JOBS IN STANLY COUNTY

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Chicago Tube & Iron Co., a national supplier and fabricator of custom-made industrial and commercial tubing, will invest $10.8 million and create 42 jobs during the next three years in Stanly County. The expansion was made possible in part by an $84,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 550,000 TRAFFIC AND CRIMINAL CITATIONS ISSUED DURING 2007 HIGHWAY SAFETY CAMPAIGNS

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today there were 559,588 traffic and criminal citations issued by state and local law enforcement officers across North Carolina during "Click It or Ticket" and "Booze It & Lose It" campaigns last year. That is a 35 percent increase from the 414,351 citations issued in 2006. Officers conducted more than 46,000 checkpoints and patrols during the 2007 campaigns, a boost of more than 64 percent from 2006.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES $13.7 MILLION IN COMMUNITY GRANTS

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that 18 communities will share more than $13.7 million in Community Development Block Grants for community revitalization, infrastructure improvement and the construction of affordable housing.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES NORTH CAROLINA RANKED THIRD-BEST STATE FOR BUSINESS

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that North Carolina has been named the state with the third-best business climate by Chief Executive magazine, a trade publication for top corporate executives. The Chief Executive ranking is the latest in a string of accolades for the state. North Carolina has also been cited by Site Selection magazine as the state with the top business climate six of the last seven years and first in the Southeast in attracting new industrial plants; by the accounting firm Ernst & Young for having the lowest business tax burden in the nation; by Forbes Magazine as the third best state for business; and by Development Counsellors International as having the second-most favorable business climate among the 50 states.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 72 JOBS IN FORSYTH COUNTY

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Ken Garner Manufacturing Inc. will invest $2.88 million and create 72 jobs during the next three years in Forsyth County. The announcement was made possible in part by a $25,000 One North Carolina Fund grant. The facility will be located near Rural Hall.

GOV. EASLEY REMINDS BUSINESSES THAT DISASTER LOANS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR LOSSES DUE TO 2007 EASTER FREEZE

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today reminded small business owners in 93 counties that they have until Thursday, Jan. 24 to apply for low-interest Small Business Administration loans to help with economic losses from the hard freeze that hit the state last April 6-9. The SBA assistance was made available after the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the governor's request for a disaster declaration due to crop losses estimated at close to $100 million.

GOV. EASLEY NAMES TASK FORCE ON PREVENTING AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE EXPOSURE

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today named the Governor's Task Force on Preventing Agricultural Pesticide Exposure and charged the group with making recommendations to him on how to better protect the health of those who work around pesticides. The task force, which includes key government leaders in the areas of health and agriculture, will examine current regulations and practices in protecting the health of farmers, pesticide applicators and agricultural workers.

GOV. EASLEY CAUTIONS CITIZENS IN WESTERN AND CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA OF POSSIBLE HAZARDS DUE TO WINTER WEATHER

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today warned citizens in the western and central portions of the state that a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain could make traveling hazardous on Thursday morning. A low pressure system from the Gulf of Mexico will move into central North Carolina after midnight bringing a brief period of snow and sleet followed by freezing rain that will eventually turn to rain. The event is expected to bring up to an inch of snow to the Triad and as much as 2-4 inches inches in the mountains. The Triangle area is expected to get a mix of precipitation that will make driving difficult during the morning commute.

GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS JANUARY AS MENTORING MONTH

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed January as Mentoring Month to encourage North Carolinians to become mentors and to recognize those already involved in mentoring. The effort is part of National Mentoring Month. The theme for this year's national observance is "Share What You Know. Mentor a Child."

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 'BOOZE IT & LOSE IT' CAMPAIGN NETS 4,367 DWI ARRESTS

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that state and local law enforcement officers issued citations to 4,367 motorists for driving while impaired during the Holiday "Booze It & Lose It" campaign. The campaign, which ran from Nov. 30, 2007 to Jan. 2, yielded 155,194 traffic and criminal citations statewide.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 6 N.C. UNIVERSITIES RANKED IN TOP 100 'BEST VALUES'

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that six North Carolina universities are again ranked in the top 100 by Kiplinger's Personal Finance as the "Best Values" among the nation's public colleges and universities. The magazine's February 2008 edition, available Tuesday on newsstands across the nation, ranks UNC at Chapel Hill No. 1 for the seventh consecutive time. Other North Carolina universities included in the top 100 are: N.C. State University (13), Appalachian State (27), UNC at Wilmington (36), UNC at Asheville (40) and UNC at Greensboro (68).

GOV. EASLEY URGES CITIZENS TO KEEP CONSERVING WATER AND NOT LET UP

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today urged all North Carolinians to continue their water conservation efforts because the latest rains have had little impact on the statewide drought. Every one of the state's 100 counties continue to be listed on the latest federal drought map in one of the three most severe levels of drought.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES $750,000 IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Clay and Hyde counties along with the Town of Biscoe are the first recipients of a new Small Business and Entrepreneurial Assistance Grant program. The recipients will receive a total of $750,000 from the Community Development Block Grant program to help existing small businesses in those communities grow, resulting in the creation of 39 additional jobs.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 2008 NORTH CAROLINA TRAVEL GUIDE

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced that the official, free 2008 North Carolina Travel Guide is available beginning today. The new guide includes a special pull-out map of the state and information on activities that can be shared by the entire family, grand-kids to grandparents.

GOV. EASLEY AND SON MICHAEL BUILD TABLE FOR FIRST LADY

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley and his son Michael today gave First Lady Mary Easley a Cherry Chippendale drop leaf table with a hand dove tailed drawer. They made the table for her Christmas gift. Last year the governor and his son made a six-foot pine trestle table for the first lady at Christmas.

GOV. EASLEY LIFTS BAN ON 'FLYING' REINDEER FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today has temporarily lifted the importation ban on reindeer coming into North Carolina and has asked the Federal Aviation Administration to keep the skies clear over the state on Christmas Eve. Easley is keeping with holiday tradition to make sure Santa Claus and his flying reindeer will be able to visit North Carolina to deliver gifts for Christmas.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 205 JOBS IN GUILFORD COUNTY

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that TransTech Pharma and spinoff company PharmaCore will expand in High Point investing more than $23 million and creating 205 jobs during the next five years. The expansion was made possible in part by a state Job Development Investment Grant.

GOV. EASLEY DETAILS PROGRAM TO DEAL WITH THE PROLONGED DROUGHT

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced a four-point program, including the adoption of water conservation pricing, to address the state's deepening drought. The governor said it was everyone's patriotic duty to conserve and called on local water systems to enforce a fee system to penalize those who are excessive water users with significantly greater water bills. He called on citizens in most water systems to increase their conservation effort to at least 30 percent, and 40 percent for those in the hardest-hit communities.

GOV. EASLEY PRAISES CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT OF THE NATIONAL GUARD IN THE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today praised Congress for their strong support of the National Guard's dual missions of national defense and emergency response with the passage of the Defense Authorization Bill conference committee report. He urged President Bush to quickly sign the bill. The legislation, which overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House on Wednesday and the Senate today, provides critical improvements that clarify governors' authority over the National Guard so it can respond quickly to domestic emergencies. The legislation also provides a stronger and more effective voice for governors to make sure their National Guard units are well organized, trained, equipped, compensated and supported to accomplish their federal and state missions.

GOV. EASLEY CALLS MEETING OF ADVISORY COUNCIL AS DROUGHT WORSENS

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that the Drought Management Advisory Council will hold a special meeting next week to review the latest status of the drought in North Carolina and discuss emergency response plans for communities in need. The latest federal drought map released Thursday shows more counties in exceptional drought than at any other time this year.

GOV. EASLEY WAGERS WITH DELAWARE GOV. THAT APPALACHIAN STATE WILL WIN NCAA DIVISION 1 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley and Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner today agreed to a "friendly wager" on the outcome of Friday night's NCAA Division I Football Championship (formerly Division I-AA) between the Appalachian State University Mountaineers and the University of Delaware Blue Hens. At stake is a pound of eastern North Carolina barbecue from Wilbur's in Goldsboro and a pound of western barbecue from the Barbecue Center in Lexington, along with the fixings and a case of Cheerwine. Minner has countered with some Delaware favorites: Grotto's pizza, Nic-o-Boli's and Dogfish Head root beer.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES JANESVILLE ACOUSTICS EXPANDS IN McDOWELL COUNTY

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Janesville Acoustics Inc., an international manufacturer of fiber insulation for automobiles, will expand its facility in McDowell County. The expansion, which will create 29 jobs and a company investment of $250,000, was made possible in part by a $35,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 325 JOBS IN WAKE COUNTY

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Optimal Technologies US Inc., a software and technology provider for electrical utilities and consumers, will relocate its headquarters from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Raleigh. The new facility, made possible in part by a $325,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, will create 325 jobs and a company investment of $2.4 million during the next three years.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 101 JOBS IN PASQUOTANK COUNTY

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that TCOM L.P., a supplier of airships and lighter-than-air vehicles, will expand its facility in Pasquotank County, creating 101 jobs and investing $3 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $70,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES NORTH CAROLINA LEADS THE NATION IN NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS FOR 12th YEAR

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that North Carolina leads the nation in the number of teachers who have earned certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. With 12,770 teachers across the state now certified, nearly 15 percent of North Carolina teachers have achieved National Board certification.

GOV. EASLEY WINS APPROVAL OF PLAN TO GET HAY TO DROUGHT-STRICKEN FARMERS

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today presented a plan that was approved by the Council of State to provide up to $3.5 million to get hay for drought-stricken farmers who are running out of feed for their cattle and horses. The plan will provide money to purchase hay from other states, transport it to North Carolina in the most efficient way and sell it to farmers at the lowest cost possible.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY ''BOOZE IT & LOSE IT'' CAMPAIGN

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that state and local law enforcement officers will be out in force during the next month as part of a holiday "Booze It & Lose It" campaign. Officers will be conducting checkpoints and stepped-up patrols across the state from today through Jan. 2, in an effort to remove impaired drivers from North Carolina roads this holiday season.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES WEBSITE SO CITIZENS CAN MONITOR WATER SAVINGS

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that citizens can monitor water conservation efforts in their communities through a new website that allows users to search a statewide database of local water systems and weekly water use reports. This easy-to-use website provides both information on total water use in local systems as well as the percentage change in water consumption.

GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS DEC. 2-8 AS 'WINTER WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK'

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed Dec. 2-8 as ''Winter Weather Awareness Week'' in North Carolina and reminds citizens, businesses and schools to prepare now to stay safe and warm when debilitating cold weather strikes.

GOV. EASLEY SAYS CITIZENS SHOULD CONSERVE DESPITE FORECAST OF RAIN

Fri, 23 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today called on residents across the state to continue conserving water in spite of the forecast for rain this weekend. The federal drought map released Thursday shows exceptional drought has returned to more than half of the state due to the lack of rain since October.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 288 JOBS IN McDOWELL COUNTY

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that PRC Industries Inc., a New York-based company that recycles and remanufactures household appliances, will open a facility in Old Fort in McDowell County. The company will invest $3 million and hire 288 workers during the next five years.

GOV. EASLEY AWARDS TOURISM MARKETING GRANTS

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that nearly $130,000 in matching grants have been awarded for 29 tourism-based marketing initiatives across the state. The grants range from $1,800 to $6,750 based on each county's economic tier ranking and are matched by local funds.

GOV. EASLEY INVITES NORTH CAROLINIANS TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR AMERICA'S HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley is asking North Carolinians to nominate deserving fellow citizens for "Above & Beyond Citizen Honors," a national award to recognize extraordinary actions by regular citizens on behalf of others. The nationwide search and selection process is being coordinated by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, which is made up of the 109 living Medal of Honor recipients.

GOV. EASLEY OFFERS FOOD SAFETY AND WATER CONSERVATION TIPS FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER PREPARATION

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley reminds all North Carolinians to take extra care during the preparation of their Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations to make sure food is kept safe while using as little water as possible during the ongoing drought.

GOV. EASLEY URGES N.C. CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO ASK NAVY TO DEVELOP ALTERNATIVE OLF PROPOSALS

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today urged the Navy to take into account the overwhelming local opposition to an outlying landing field and develop alternative proposals following receipt of a report from Judge Sidney S. Eagles on the activities of the OLF Study Group. Easley sent a letter to North Carolina's congressional delegation and Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, along with copies of the report from Eagles' who chaired the study group. Winter is expected shortly to announce sites, possibly in Virginia and North Carolina, that the Navy wants to explore further for the training facility.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES OPERATION SLOW DOWN/NO NEED 2 SPEED

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that the N.C. State Highway Patrol and the Governor's Highway Safety Program are kicking off Operation Slow Down/No Need 2 Speed to catch speeders on North Carolina's highways. Local law enforcement agencies will join troopers from now through Nov. 25 to encourage drivers to slow down and follow the speed limit.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES STATE GOVERNMENT INTERNSHIPS FOR COLLEGE

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that North Carolina residents attending a college, university, technical institute or community college can now apply for paid state government internships for 2008. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 23, 2008, for 100 summer internships. Last year, summer internships were offered to 98 students. This year 100 students will be granted State Government Internships.

GOV. EASLEY RELEASES LOCAL DATA ON NORTH CAROLINA WATER USE

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that water utilities representing 72 percent of the 6.8 million customers served by public water systems responded to his call to provide information on water use. Early indications, based on an analysis of information from the 25 largest systems in the state, show an average drop in daily water use of nearly 30 percent from the month of August compared to the last week of October.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 29 JOBS IN ROWAN COUNTY

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Wind Tunnel eXtreme, an automotive research and development firm, will open a facility in Salisbury, creating 29 jobs and investing $60 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $30,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES HALLOWEEN 'BOOZE IT & LOSE IT' YIELDS 900 DWI ARRESTS DURING STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that state and local law enforcement officers helped make the state's roads safer this Halloween by removing 900 impaired drivers from highways during a Halloween "Booze It & Lose It" campaign, which ran October 26-31. A total of 24,932 traffic and criminal citations were issued statewide.

NORTH CAROLINA CLAIMS NATION'S TOP BUSINESS CLIMATE FOR 3RD YEAR IN A ROW

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that North Carolina, for the third consecutive year and the sixth in the last seven, is the state with the ''Top Business Climate'' according to Site Selection magazine. Site Selection is one of the nation's premier magazines for economic development, providing expansion planning information to more than 44,000 corporate executives.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 100 JOBS IN WAKE COUNTY

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Ply Gem Industries Inc. will relocate to Wake County, creating 100 jobs and investing $2.5 million during the next four years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $100,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ENCOURAGES FAMILIES TO HAVE A SAFE HALLOWEEN

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley reminds parents to take extra precautions this Halloween to keep their children safe during trick-or-treating and to check candy carefully before it is eaten. Easley and First Lady Mary Easley also invite children of all ages to trick-or-treat at the Executive Mansion (200 North Blount Street, Raleigh) on Halloween, Wednesday (Oct. 31) from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

GOV. EASLEY REMINDS MOTORISTS NOT TO DRINK AND DRIVE THIS HALLOWEEN

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley is reminding motorists not to drink and drive as they celebrate Halloween. State and local law enforcement officers will be cracking down over the next several days as part of a Halloween "Booze It & Lose It" campaign

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 154 JOBS IN LENOIR COUNTY

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. will expand in Lenoir County, creating 154 jobs and investing $18.7 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $300,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY TESTIFIES BEFORE U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Full Committee on Agriculture about how the drought has affected farmers and agriculture in North Carolina. The purpose of the hearing was to review agriculture disaster conditions from across the nation. Easley was the only governor to testify before Committee members.

GOV. EASLEY ENLISTS HELP FROM METEOROLOGISTS TO SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley sent a letter today to meteorologists across North Carolina asking them to promote "Drought Busting Tips" among their viewers and listeners. The tips are aimed at helping citizens cut water consumption in the midst of the state's worst drought in recorded history. The text of the letter is below.

GOV. EASLEY URGES CITIZENS NOT TO SPEND RAIN, SAVE IT FOR A SUNNY DAY

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today urged North Carolinians to save the rain that fell in several parts of North Carolina for a sunny day since the precipitation was welcome but will not make much of a dent in the statewide drought.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 45 JOBS IN MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Microban International Ltd. will expand its manufacturing facility in Huntersville, creating 45 jobs and investing $8 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $45,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY APPOINTS STATE REP. WAINWRIGHT TO OLF STUDY GROUP

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today he has appointed state Rep. William Wainwright (D, Craven, Lenoir) to his Outlying Landing Field Study Group to examine the strategic, economic and environmental aspects of finding sites that meet the U.S. Navy's training needs, protect the environment, not threaten wildlife and respect the concerns of local communities and property owners. The study group was reactivated last month.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 31 JOBS IN WILSON COUNTY

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that TYM-USA will open an assembly facility in Wilson County, creating 31 jobs and investing $1.1 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $30,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY DEPLOYS RAPID RESPONSE TEAM TO FLEXTRONICS IN YOUNGSVILLE

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that a Rapid Response Team from the N.C. Department of Commerce will be deployed to the Flextronics plant in Youngsville after the company announced it will close its facility there over the next six months.

GOV. EASLEY GIVES KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT NATIONAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today said American education must be reformed to become more innovative and break down the barriers between high school and college so citizens can succeed in the global economy. Easley's remarks were part of the keynote address he delivered in Washington, D.C. at the Jobs for the Future conference, ''Double the Numbers 2007.''

GOV. EASLEY URGES CITIZENS TO PARTICIPATE IN 'CHANGE A LIGHT, CHANGE THE WORLD' CAMPAIGN

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today challenged every person in North Carolina to change at least one light bulb in their home from an incandescent to a "CFL," or Compact Fluorescent Lamp. Just taking that simple step would save North Carolinians more than $15 million in annual energy costs.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 350 NEW JOBS IN GUILFORD AND IREDELL COUNTIES

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that RF Micro Devices, a Greensboro-based global leader in wireless technology, will add 350 jobs during the next four years and invest $118 million to expand its Guilford County campus and open a smaller facility in Iredell County. The company considered several sites, including expanding a plant it owns in China, before deciding to grow in North Carolina.

GOV. EASLEY APPOINTS YOUNG CHAIR OF N.C. INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today named Pamela Thorpe Young of Cary chairwoman of the North Carolina Industrial Commission to succeed current Chairman Buck Lattimore who asked to be relieved of his chairman duties. Young was appointed as commissioner in May 2003 and has served as its vice chair since April 2004. Young will assume leadership of the commission on October 1.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES $275,000 IN CITIZEN CORPS GRANTS FOR 2007-2008

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded the North Carolina Citizen Corps initiative more than $275,000 in grants for 31 counties statewide for the 2007-2008 year. Citizen Corps, a volunteer program managed by the Governor's Office, helps local communities prepare for disasters. Earlier this month, Easley proclaimed September as "Ready North Carolina" month to encourage citizens, businesses and schools to take steps to prepare themselves for natural disasters and other emergencies.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 494 NEW JOBS IN WAKE COUNTY

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that PRA International, one of the world's leading clinical development organizations, will move its headquarters from northern Virginia to Raleigh. The company plans to invest $2.89 million and create 494 jobs during the next four years. The announcement was made possible in part by a Job Development Investment Grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY CARE SAVES TAXPAYERS $231 MILLION

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Community Care of North Carolina saved North Carolina taxpayers more than $231 million dollars in state fiscal years 2005 and 2006. That news comes as Harvard University announced the program is one of seven winners of this year's Innovations in American Government Awards. Community Care is the state's integrated health care network serving more than 725,000 Medicaid patients.

GOV. EASLEY ORDERS REVIEW OF HIRING AND SUPERVISION OF HIGHWAY PATROL TROOPERS

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has directed Sec. Bryan Beatty and Col. Fletcher Clay to conduct a review of the hiring and screening process and supervisory procedures of the Highway Patrol. The action follows a series of recent incidents in which troopers were fired for violations of Patrol policy.

GOV. EASLEY SAYS CONSERVATION MUST CONTINUE EVEN WITH RECENT RAIN

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today praised local government officials for heeding his call to impose water conservation measures as North Carolina's worst drought in recent years deepens. At least 4.6 million residents, more than half the state's population, are subject to water use restrictions. Easley urged all North Carolinians to continue to conserve water because rain from the remnants of Hurricane Humberto did little to alleviate the drought.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 120 JOBS IN BLADEN COUNTY

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Palmer Marine Inc. will open a manufacturing facility in Bladen County, creating 120 jobs and investing $3 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $200,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES USDA DECLARES 85 NORTH CAROLINA COUNTIES DISASTER AREAS BECAUSE OF CROP DAMAGE DUE TO DROUGHT

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted his request to have 85 counties designated as disaster areas due to the ongoing drought in North Carolina. Under USDA rules, 11 contiguous counties were also included in the disaster declaration. The declaration makes low interest Emergency Disaster Loans available to farmers who cannot get credit elsewhere. Easley announced he would ask for the disaster declaration on August 22 due to major losses in crops including corn, cotton, hay, pasture, peanuts, soybeans and tobacco.

GOV. EASLEY ENCOURAGES VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION TO AVOID MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS IN THE FUTURE

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley called on residents throughout North Carolina to continue water conservation since rain from Tropical Storm Gabrielle did little to lessen the drought's impact even in the coastal counties. The dry conditions are causing higher than average fire activity, record low stream flows and depleted reservoirs.

GOV. EASLEY ACTIVATES OLF STUDY GROUP TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE SITES

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today he is reactivating his Outlying Landing Field Study Group to examine the strategic, economic and environmental aspects of finding sites that will meet the U.S. Navy's training needs, protect the environment, not threaten wildlife and respect the concerns of local communities and property owners. Activation of the study group followed a recent meeting between the governor and Navy officials. Sid Eagles, the retired former chief judge of the N.C. Court of Appeals, will continue as chairman of the group.

FIRST LADY MARY EASLEY ANNOUNCES UNDERAGE DRINKING PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR NORTH CAROLINA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

First Lady Mary Easley today was joined by Acting U.S. Surgeon General Rear Admiral Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H., to announce that "Media Ready," a new 10-lesson media literacy substance abuse prevention program developed in North Carolina will be taught in middle schools across the state beginning next year. The curriculum was developed by innovation, Research and Training, a research and training firm in Durham, with funds from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS.) Media Ready has already been successfully implemented by teachers in Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Chatham County Schools. As a result of a partnership between DHHS, the State Board of Education, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and the N.C. Teacher Academy, the curriculum will now be shared with educators from across the state in a training scheduled in January 2008.

GOV. EASLEY'S STATEMENT ON SIGNING HOUSE BILL 4

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today signed House Bill 4, passed during the extra session of the General Assembly. He also released the following statement:

GOV. EASLEY HONORS VICTIMS AND HEROES OF 9-11, CALLS FOR RENEWED COMMITMENT TO OUR NATION'S IDEALS

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today released the following statement in commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy:

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 70 NEW JOBS IN MITCHELL COUNTY

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that New Buck Corp., a national supplier of woodstoves and other items, will expand in Mitchell County creating 70 jobs and investing $2.3 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $70,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY CONVENES EXTRA SESSION OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today convened an extra session of the North Carolina General Assembly for Monday, September 10, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. to consider legislation regarding economic development to encourage and promote the maintenance of high quality jobs in existing major business and industry in distressed counties within the state.

GOV. EASLEY ASKS LOCAL OFFICIALS TO IMPOSE WATER CONSERVATION PLANS

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley is asking local officials who have not already implemented water conservation measures in their cities and counties to do so immediately as the drought continues to worsen across North Carolina. He is sending a letter to mayors and county commissioners in counties that operate public water systems. Ninety-three of the state's 100 counties are now experiencing exceptional, extreme or severe drought.

GOV. EASLEY ORDERS FLAGS LOWERED AT STATE FACILITIES ON SEPT. 11

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today ordered flags at all state government facilities lowered to half staff on Tuesday in recognition of Patriot Day. Congress authorized the federal holiday to honor victims and survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

GOV. EASLEY RECONVENES LEGISLATIVE SESSION TO RECONSIDER HB 1761

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today issued a proclamation reconvening the legislative session for Monday, Sept. 10, 2007 at 2 p.m. The session is called for the sole purpose of reconsidering House Bill 1761, which was vetoed by the governor on Aug. 30, 2007.

GOV. EASLEY APPOINTS SAACKS AS ACTING DURHAM DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today appointed David J. Saacks Acting District Attorney for the 14th Judicial District (Durham County). Saacks takes the position created by the return of Acting District Attorney Jim Hardin to the Special Superior Court bench. Saacks will serve until a successor is duly appointed or is elected in accordance with North Carolina law.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 2,905 DWI ARRESTS DURING LABOR DAY "BOOZE IT & LOSE IT" CAMPAIGN

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that state and local law enforcement officers cited 2,905 motorists for driving while impaired during the Labor Day "Booze It & Lose It" campaign, which ran Aug. 17-Sept. 3. A total of 102,622 traffic and criminal citations were issued statewide.

GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS SEPTEMBER "READY NORTH CAROLINA" MONTH

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has proclaimed September as "Ready North Carolina" Month to encourage citizens, businesses and schools to take steps to prepare themselves for natural disasters and other emergencies. He urged every citizen to have an emergency plan and disaster supply kit, stressing that those who have plans and supplies will fare better during any emergency than those who do not.

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS BILL FOR STRICTER REGULATION OF LANDFILLS

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced he has signed into law Senate Bill 1492, ''The Solid Waste Management Act of 2007.'' The new law provides stricter regulation of landfills, funds to help communities clean up old landfills and hazardous waste sites and requires computer makes to recycle computer components they sell in North Carolina.

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS BILL TO BAN NEW HOG WASTE LAGOONS

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today signed into law Senate Bill 1465: ''An act to 1) codify and make permanent the Swine Farm Animal Waste Management System Performance Standards that the General Assembly enacted in 1998, (2) provide for the replacement of a lagoon that is an imminent hazard, (3) assist farmers to voluntarily convert to innovative animal waste management systems, and (4) establish the Swine Farm Methane Capture Pilot Program.'' The law bans new hog waste lagoons and launches programs to convert and modernize current lagoons to meet stricter standards to protect the environment.

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS BILL TO EXEMPT BIODIESEL FOR PERSONAL USE

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today signed into law Senate Bill 1272, "An act to exempt biodiesel that is produced by an individual for personal use in a private passenger vehicle from the motor fuel excise tax.'' The new law exempts biodiesel produced by an individual, for use in their own private vehicle, from the motor fuel excise tax. State law defines biodiesel as ''any fuel or mixture of fuels derived in whole or in part from agricultural products or animal fats or wastes from these products or fats.''

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 42 JOBS IN UNION COUNTY

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that BAE Systems Tensylon High Performance Materials Inc. will expand in Union County, creating 42 jobs and investing $7.9 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $40,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES HINTON SWORN IN AS REVENUE SECRETARY

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Reginald "Reggie" Hinton was sworn in as Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Easley appointed Hinton the department's acting Secretary in June after Norris Tolson stepped down to become president of the N.C Biotechnology Center.

GOV. EASLEY WAIVES ROAD WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS TO AID IN DROUGHT RELIEF

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today issued an executive order waiving certain highway size and weight restrictions for trucks to help with drought relief efforts for farmers. The order allows vehicles transporting hay or water along North Carolina roadways to drought-stricken counties to exceed the normal size and weight restrictions.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES NEW LEARN AND EARN SCHOOLS IN NINE COUNTIES

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that the newest Learn and Earn early college high schools in the state are now open in nine communities. Learn and Earn is Easley's school reform initiative to let students take their education to the next level by allowing them to take college courses and earn two years of college credit or an associate's degree in up to five years of high school.

GOV. EASLEY REQUESTS FEDERAL DISASTER AID FOR 85 COUNTIES

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to declare 85 of North Carolina's 100 counties disaster areas because of drought-related crop losses. USDA Loss Assessment Reports show most of the counties in North Carolina with a 30 percent or greater loss of at least one significant crop. Easley sent a letter to USDA Secretary Michael Johanns today.

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS BILL TO PREVENT CIGARETTE-RELATED FIRES

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today signed into law House Bill 1785: ''An act to require cigarette fire safety by adopting a cigarette fire-safety standard.'' The new law requires that cigarettes sold in North Carolina be self-extinguishing in an effort to reduce the number of smoking-related fires and home-fire deaths.

GOV. EASLEY APPOINTS JOHN ARROWOOD TO STATE COURT OF APPEALS

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today appointed Special Superior Court Judge John S. Arrowood of Charlotte to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Arrowood takes the seat vacated by the resignation of former Court of Appeals Judge Eric Levinson.

GOV. EASLEY ASKS ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS TO CUT WATER CONSUMPTION 20 PERCENT AS DROUGHT SPREADS TO ALL 100 COUNTIES

Thu, 23 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today directed state agencies in all 100 counties throughout North Carolina to stop non-essential water use as the drought has spread statewide. In addition, the governor is asking all citizens to cut back their water consumption 20 percent since the drought is not expected to let up anytime soon.

GOV. EASLEY TO SEEK FEDERAL DISASTER AID FOR DROUGHT-STRICKEN FARMERS

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today he will ask the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for a federal disaster declaration for farmers whose crops and livestock are suffering from the ongoing drought. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the U.S. Farm Service Agency have nearly completed a statewide survey of crop loss data from farmers to determine which counties to include in a federal disaster request.

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS BILL TO PROTECT GIFT CARD BUYERS

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today he signed into law Senate Bill 1517: ''An act to require the conspicuous disclosure of any maintenance fees charged for gift cards and to prohibit issuers of gift cards from charging maintenance fees for one year after the date of purchase.'' The new law makes sure gift cards purchased from retailers in North Carolina keep their full value for at least a year and require stores to clearly disclose any fees at the time of purchase.

GOV. EASLEY SAYS 74 COUNTIES NOW IN EXTREME OR SEVERE DROUGHT

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today expanded his directive to state agencies to stop non-essential use of water to include 74 counties as the latest federal drought map shows the severe lack of rain has spread east as far as Interstate 95. Today's map shows that almost three-fourths of North Carolina, including the coastal plain and Piedmont, are in either severe or extreme drought. He also continued to call on citizens to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by at least 10 percent.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES LABOR DAY "BOOZE IT & LOSE IT" CAMPAIGN

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that state and local law enforcement officers will be out in force over the next two weeks as part of a Labor Day "Booze It & Lose It" campaign. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will be conducted across North Carolina Aug. 17 through Sept. 3 to save lives by removing impaired drivers from highways.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 72 JOBS IN LENOIR COUNTY

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Commerce Overseas Corporation will relocate to the Global TransPark in Lenoir County from California, creating 72 jobs and investing $4.3 million over the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $75,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES FORMER CHIEF SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE BILL GORE SELECTED DMV COMMISSIONER

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced former Chief Superior Court Judge William ''Bill'' Gore, Jr. of Whiteville has agreed to become Commissioner of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

GOV. EASLEY ASKS RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE WATER AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today asked North Carolina residents to keep conserving water and energy as a persistent heat wave and worsening drought continue across the state. Today's updated federal drought map shows 94 North Carolina counties with moderate, severe or extreme drought for the second straight week. Easley has directed state agencies in 27 western counties suffering the driest conditions to limit non-essential water uses.

GOV. EASLEY ORDERS TWO-DEGREE HIKE IN THERMOSTAT SETTINGS AS UTILITIES FACE RECORD DEMAND

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today ordered state government agencies to set thermostats up to two degrees higher, between 78 and 80 degrees, during the next few days in nearly all state buildings as power companies experience record demand for electricity amid the heat wave. Easley directed Department of Administration Secretary Britt Cobb to take this energy-saving measure and urged all North Carolinians to do the same.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES SIX NEW "SMALL TOWN MAIN STREET" COMMUNITIES

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that six North Carolina towns have been selected to participate in the North Carolina Small Town Main Street Program, an initiative for smaller cities that focuses on creating new jobs and investment by helping revitalize downtown areas. The newest participating towns are Angier, Badin, Burgaw, Tryon, West Jefferson and Windsor.

GOV. EASLEY REMINDS NORTH CAROLINIANS TO BE AWARE OF EXCESSIVE HEAT

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today warned residents and visitors throughout North Carolina to be alert to any heat-related health problems as temperatures are expected to climb into the triple digits this week. The National Weather Service is reporting that temperatures could reach or exceed 100 degrees and the heat index will top 100 particularly Tuesday through Friday.

GOV. EASLEY SIGNS BILLS TO HELP VETS AND NATIONAL GUARD FAMILIES

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced he signed into law three House bills to help North Carolina armed services veterans and National Guard families. The three bills are:

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 27 COUNTIES IN EXTREME AND SEVERE DROUGHT

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced the most serious levels of drought have spread from the western part of the state into the Piedmont, and he has expanded his directive to state agencies in the region to stop various non-essential uses of water. Twenty-seven counties are now in either severe or extreme drought, the third and fourth levels of a five-category national drought monitoring system.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 44 JOBS IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Thieman Metal Technologies, a metal fabrication contract company, will expand its facility in Rutherford County, creating 44 jobs and investing $555,000 during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $45,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 42 JOBS IN LEE COUNTY

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Frontier Spinning Mills will expand one of its Lee County facilities, creating 42 jobs and investing $20 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $40,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES STATE GIVES WEATHER RADIOS TO SENIOR CENTERS

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that 164 senior centers in North Carolina will soon receive a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio to warn seniors and staff members of tornadoes, hurricanes and other weather-related emergencies. The weather radios will be delivered to the centers next month, just in time for the height of hurricane season.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES THE CREATION OF 270 JOBS IN PERSON COUNTY

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Force Protection Inc., a South Carolina company that makes mine- and blast-protected vehicles for the armed forces, will open a manufacturing facility in Person County. The project, made possible in part by One North Carolina Fund and Job Development Investment Grant awards, will create 270 jobs and a private investment of $31 million during the next four years.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES CREATION OF 68 JOBS IN BEAUFORT COUNTY

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Hi-Tide Sales Inc., a company that produces and markets boat lifts, will open a facility in Beaufort County. The company will create 68 jobs and invest $1 million during the next three years in Washington, N.C.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES N.C. RANKS AMONG FORBES' BEST IN NATION FOR BUSINESS

Wed, 11 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that Forbes magazine's web site has designated North Carolina the nation's third best state for business. It is the second year in a row the state earned the prestigious rank.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES ''BOOZE IT & LOSE IT'' NETS 2,129 DWI ARRESTS

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that state and local law enforcement officers cited 2,129 motorists for driving while impaired during the "Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker" campaign that ran June 28-July 8. A total of 71,048 traffic and criminal citations were issued statewide.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES RALEIGH-DURHAM AMONG WORLD'S 30 'FAST CITIES'

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Fast Company magazine has rated the Raleigh-Durham area as one of the world's Top 30 ''Fast Cities'' for research and development activities. The area was recognized as a location where investors, entrepreneurs and employees alike can maximize their potential, establish prosperous businesses and enjoy a good lifestyle.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES 50 JOBS IN NASH COUNTY

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that AmerLink Ltd., maker of handcrafted custom-made and manufactured log homes, will expand in Nash County, creating 50 jobs and investing $1.8 million during the next three years. The announcement was made possible in part by a $50,000 One North Carolina Fund grant.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that North Carolina is continuing a 231-year tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July with special events from the mountains to the coast. The governor has also called on local communities to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by participating in the national bell ringing ceremony at 2:00 p.m. eastern daylight time.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES DROUGHT EXPANDS TO ALL 100 COUNTIES

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that for the first time this year, all 100 counties in North Carolina are experiencing either abnormally dry conditions, moderate, severe or extreme drought. He also urged residents and local government agencies to observe water conservation directives in their communities and to voluntarily conserve water as much as possible.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES ''BOOZE IT & LOSE IT: OPERATION FIRECRACKER'' CAMPAIGN BEGINS TOMORROW

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley announced today that state and local law enforcement officers will be out in force over the Fourth of July holiday as part of the ''Booze It & Lose It: Operation Firecracker'' campaign. Checkpoints and stepped-up patrols will be conducted June 28 to July 8 throughout the state in an effort to remove impaired drivers from the roads.

GOV. EASLEY WAGERS OREGON GOVERNOR THAT UNC WILL WIN NCAA WORLD SERIES

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today bet Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski that the UNC Tar Heels baseball team will beat the Oregon State Beavers to win the 2007 NCAA College World Series. At stake is one pound of barbecue, one bottle of barbecue sauce and one pint of slaw from both Wilber's Barbecue of Goldsboro and the Barbecue Center Inc. of Lexington and a case of Cheerwine. Kulongoski has countered the wager with an offer of a basket of products made in Oregon including a sampling of Pacific seafood, local cheeses, craft beer and hazelnuts.

GOV. EASLEY NAMES JUDGE JIM HARDIN TO DURHAM D.A. POSITION

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Superior Court Judge Jim Hardin, at the request of Gov. Mike Easley, today agreed to fill the vacancy created by the suspension of the Durham County District Attorney. Hardin served as Durham County District Attorney for 11 years, until 2005. Easley asked Hardin to serve as district attorney until such time as Hardin can take stock of the office, the personnel, and its practices while the governor conducts a search for a full-time replacement to serve the remainder of the term ending in 2008. Hardin is expected to be off the bench and in the district attorney's office for about two months.

GOV. EASLEY EXTENDS LIMITS ON WATER USE TO FOUR MORE COUNTIES

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today directed state agencies in four more counties in western North Carolina to take specific water conservation steps after the counties were added to the list of those suffering from severe drought. Easley has also asked water systems in those areas to implement conservation measures. Twenty-one western counties are now categorized with either extreme or severe drought.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES ELECTRIC FANS AVAILABLE TO SENIORS

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Operation Fan/Heat Relief is underway for the summer of 2007. The program provides free fans to eligible seniors living in North Carolina to help them better cope with the summer heat.

GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES OCRACOKE NAMED AMERICA'S BEST BEACH

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that Ocracoke Beach on Ocracoke Island has been named the No. 1 beach on "Dr. Beach's Annual America's Best Beaches" list of 2007. The announcement marks the first time a beach outside Florida or Hawaii has been named to the top position on this celebrated annual top10 list.