Story by Lori Bush, photo by Seth Meranda. Story republished from LoriBush.org.

Cary, NC – It’s happened at the Town already.  It was just a matter of time.  I’m the “techy” one, so I’m used to it.  Yes, I’m now “technical support.”

I’ve now taught 3 folks (who shall remain nameless) how to use their smart phones. How to turn them on and off, silence them, and how to load apps. (C’mon Verizon and AT&T – show people the basics before you let them leave the store!)  But I digress.

I should first say that I love doing that.  It’s always been my passion to help people use technology to improve their lives – whether as a Product Manager or Homeland Security Advisor at Cisco, teaching internet safety classes or training teachers to use technology in the classroom as a way to excite and engage students.

Confessions and Solutions

And, I have a confession. I have an addiction to the toys.  It’s true. I have 2 smart phones, 2 Macs, a desktop PC, an iPad, and other gadgets.  I just love the stuff.

And, I don’t think I’m alone.  Wherever you go in Cary, you can find people on their devices.  Folks texting,tweeting, or updating their Facebook status.  They’re “checking in” or using Foursquare, sharing tips and restaurant reviews, shopping and navigating.

They’re Pinterest-ing (an online bulletin board), posting photos on Flickr, and stumble-upon  new information.  (If you didn’t get any of those references, click on the links to learn more.)

So, we use these tools in our day-to-day lives – so why can’t we use them to improve our engagement with at the Town, and with our citizens?  I think we can.  

Scratch that, I know we can.

The Birth of Tech Town

Town of Cary Webpage circa 2004

Many years ago, a citizen (now Mayor Weinbrecht) joined and led the Information Services Advisory Board.  It’s an advisory board to council on technology and communications used by the Town.  That board, under his leadership, did some incredibly innovative (at that time) things.

They worked closely with staff and council to recommend website updates & communication ideas, with a goal of opening up more of our processes to the web (such as online permitting, and posting meetings over video.)  Much of this work garnered awards for the town back in 2003.

But, in my opinion, we haven’t continued that progress. We once called ourselves the “Technology Town of NC” – but that isn’t where we are today.

But it COULD be again.

My Vision

My vision is of a town that leverages our fantastic infrastructure to deliver “just in time” information to it’s citizens. Using social media (like the Town’s Twitter feeds and Facebook pages) to reach out to citizens – for example, posting park and field closings (no more calling the phone and waiting for the answering machine.)

Her are some other specific ideas:

• Enabling SeeClickFix – (here’s Raleigh’sversion) a mobile app that empowers citizens to assist the town in identifying non-emergency issues such as potholes, broken traffic lights or clogged sewers. Citizens will be able to help us locate and identify issues, and be part of the solution to help improve our community.

• Streaming Town Council and other meetings for those of us without access to CaryTV 11. A growing number of us have DirectTV, without access to our cable access channel. Let’s create channels of information, in small nuggets making it easy and quick to digest the content.

• Mashups of GoogleMaps with greenways, bike paths and other “citizen created” layers. (Take a look at one from New York City.)

• Teach Cyber Security and Cyber Safety to our citizens. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S. and we should find ways to teach our citizens how to stay protected while they’re connected.  (Full disclosure:  I have a board seat on the National Cyber Security Alliance –www.staysafeonline.org. )

• Citizen outreach and reducing paper – using online surveys and portals/blogs to more quickly engage with citizens, use more online communications to reduce mail and postcard printing costs, and collaborate with citizens.

What’s Next?

So many of these capabilities and applications are not only low or no cost – but some may save us money down the road, while also increasing citizen engagement and satisfaction.  Plus, there’s always the cool factor. 

——————————————————————————————————
Lori Bush, a technology executive, is an At-Large member of Cary Town Council. She is the new Council liaison to the Town’s Information Services Advisory Board.

Story and photo by Lindsey Chester.

Cary, NC – With the discussion swirling around the marquee for the new theater, the Town held their second public information meeting about Downtown development to another packed house on January 31 in Council Chambers at Town Hall. It’s a grand plan, and here’s how it stands right now.

On hand to present and answer questions were Eric Simpson, the project manager, Keith Giamportone, lead architect from Quinn Evans Architects, Ed Gawf, Downtown Manager and Lyman Collins, Cultural Arts Manager.

Resident’s Concerns

A quick recap of the earlier meeting (story) revealed concerns expressed by the public. They were:

• Just glad something is happening
• Respect the History
• Folks want a balcony
• Want to know what’s happening Downtown
• Need for restaurants and shopping

The town planners have taken these concerns into consideration as they plan the theater and other Downtown improvements.

Ed noted the plans for the “The Cary” as the theater is being called, are about 35% done and that now is the time to be heard, as changes can still be made. He also emphasized that although the building is historic, this is not a restoration, but rather a modification.

Lyman Collins Cultural Arts manager, added that these additions will …”bring a 20^th century building into the 21^st century”

The Plans Thus Far

There will be 180 seats, some of which will be removable to allow for cabaret seating for some events. The theater will include two balconies, one on each side upstairs that will be accessed from the 2^nd floor of the new adjacent addition building. The floor will have an appropriate modern slope, as the old theater did not conform to modern day standards.

The building addition includes dressing areas and a green room for stage productions on the first floor and a 2 story lobby opens up the space.

The building’s second floor includes a multi-purpose open space at the top of the stairs, and entry to the balcony as well as the main seating.

The third floor has some flex leasable space and the outdoor terrace café, which will be set back from the theater and the road.

The Marquee

The current drawings show the form of the sign rather than what materials will be used. The signage also tries to reflect the building’s 1940’s pedigree. The marquee will have a curve that will be reflected in the café upstairs and other curved lines throughout the building. Lyman noted that an artist team is working with the architects to create what he described as an art object for the signage. His hopes are that the sign will “enliven the street” and “give the building a rhythm” . The vertical element of the sign was added to create more presence and to help bring this section of downtown to life. Actual lighting materials have not been decided- neon, LED or otherwise.

East Chatham Streetscape Improvements

Eric Simpson, Project manager next spoke about the “very ambitious” timetable for completing the streetscape in the East Chatham Street area of downtown. Work is to begin late Spring 2012 and continue through the end of the year. It will require this section of road to go down to one lane at times, but yes, Lazy Daze will go on as usual.

To Be Improved:

1. Sidewalk
2. Parking and circulation
3. Academy Street intersection
4. Streetscape modifications
5. Pedestrian friendly

The theater block will be the first step towards making a visual improvement that creates more typical downtown building fronts. Facade improvements are planned for the Johnson Jewelers/ former India Bazaar building next door to the theater.

Another key idea is to bring the sidewalk to the street and eliminate the slope. Eric pointed out that the current sidewalk is almost a 9-degree slope, and a hazard. The slope will be eliminated to almost 2% and the sidewalk will allow for tables and chairs for diners. This sidewalk will be upgraded to a herringbone brick pattern and the curb will be granite. There will be 2 alleyways and 2 driveways to access the parking behind these buildings and the theater. Water and sewer lines will be improved (hence the road construction and lane reductions), and gutters will be upgraded on the Johnson’s Jewelers building.

Downtown Cary’s 100% Corner

“You shouldn’t have to guess where the Heart of Cary is”, but right now, its just not obvious. Ed refers to the intersection of Chatham and Academy, as Cary’s 100% corner. It is our single most important downtown intersection, and it needs to reflect that.

How will he accomplish that? Ideas are not finalized but the Town continues to work with both Kitchen and Bath Galleries and Fidelity Bank to enhance these opposing corners. First, the parking beside Kitchen & Bath on Academy will be angled (safer), paved with brick and reduced from 8 spots to 5. In the front, the parking will be reconfigured into “Hobby Plaza” in honor of the building’s original owners. The newsboy and clock will remain. Ed is currently exploring the idea of adding a second floor to this building. By adding height, the corners would become more significant.

Fidelity Bank has indicated they are willing to rework their plaza to be more inviting (fountain with seating, anyone?)- Nothing was presented for this corner yet. And the Town will also improve the sidewalks adjacent to the bank as part of the streetscape improvements.

On the street itself, the paving in this intersection needs improvement. Remember the old seal in the center of the street? Maybe this could be brought back? Or something like it to reflect the “Heart of Downtown”?

The Time Table

• Spring 2012 Final Theater Plans to Council, start construction
• December 2012- Chatham Street improvements completed (goal)
• August 2013- Downtown theater dedicated
• Bidding for construction will go out this spring.

Ed Gawf’s mentioned that he is in talks with some developers to have private investment Downtown. He added that if in five years, the only changes Downtown were what the Town itself has built, he would consider his tenure a failure.

With so many ambitious projects already begun, I’d say he’s anything but!

Story from staff reports. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – The Downtown Cary Renaissance continues this week with a couple of noteworthy events.

Tuesday: Public Input on The Cary Theater

Lindsey Chester’s story on Friday about the public input meeting this week for the Cary Theater generated a lot of interest. A picture of a proposed marquee drew 35 comments on our Facebook page. You might be interested to read them. Feel free to add your own (keep it respectful, please).

Event Details

“The Cary” – Downtown Theater
Public Input meeting
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 – 6:00 PM
Council Chambers in Town Hall
316 N. Academy Street • Cary, NC

Thursday: Downtown Cary as Major Transportation Hub

Doc Thorne, President of the Heart of Cary Association, set in this notice:

The February meeting of the Heart of Cary Association will be held next Thursday, February 2nd, at 8AM in the Chamber of Commerce building (307 N. Academy Street, across from Town Hall).

Karen Rindge, Executive Director of Wake UP Wake County will be providing our Downtown Dialogue giving us a look at ‘what we may expect for our Downtown regarding transit interconnectivity during the coming decade’. With all signs pointing to our recently upgraded Downtown Depot becoming the major ground transportation hub for Western Wake County this promises to be not only interesting but highly informative. So, why not invite a friend, neighbor or associate to attend with you?

Breakfast refreshments will be provided beforehand co-sponsored by Cary Innovation Center and Matthew’s House, while afterward Karen has agreed to remain to answer your questions.

Event Details

Heart of Cary Assoc Monthly Meeting
Karen Rindge – Wake Up Wake CountY
Thursday February 1, 2012 - 8:00 AM
Cary Chamber - 307 N. Academy Street - Cary, NC
Free

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photos by Lindsey Chester and Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC- Each year in January, just after the President gives his State of the Union address (#SOTU for you tweeters), our own Cary Mayor delivers the State of the Town address to members of the Cary Chamber of Commerce.

January 25, Mayor Weinbrecht opened the morning at Prestonwood Country Club with some levity, asking the crowd to join him in wishing Mayor Pro Tem, Gale Adcock a happy birthday.

Mayor Weinbrecht’s speech centered around Cary as a destination to live out the “American Dream”. Much of his praise went to town staff, and town manager Ben Shivar. He also spoke about how the Town Council has been able to work well together towards one common goal: “making Cary the greatest place to live in the U.S.” He pointed out Cary’s high rate of volunteerism amongst its citizens and businesses as another factor.

Low Taxes

The town enjoys the lowest tax rate in Wake County, and the highest levels of service. The Town’s debt is low, our reserves are at an excess of the 4 month requirement, and the town employs 8.3 staff for every 1000 residents (an average for most towns is 11). Cary benefits from the highest bond rating in all National agencies, which gives us the most favorable borrowing rates.

Still Growing

As the recession has lingered, Cary has continued to grow, adding over 3000 new residents last year alone. The town also issued the most single family home building permits of any municipality in Wake County. Our population as of January 1, 2012 stands at 141,132.

Weinbrecht lauded our sports venues as great economic generators, bringing in over $31 million of economic benefits and 3 million people. Companies located here have continued to add jobs, pointing out LORD, Biologics, Research in Motion and SAS. Our unemployment rate, at 5.5%, is well below the national average.

He reviewed the activity that is ongoing to create a vibrant Downtown, with the recent purchase of the theater, opening of Cary Arts Center and other historic properties. The makeover of parts of Chatham Street will begin soon. He mentioned that the Land Development Ordinance was revised to give more flexibility to redevelopment in Downtown including a reduction in fees.

Town Tops Many Lists

As the safest city in the Southeast, Cary is also the third safest in the nation (for cities over 100,000 population). The town will open fire station #8 on Mills Park Drive in 2013 and it will include a much needed police substation. Firestation #9 is in the planning stages.

Of course Safest City wasn’t the only accolade mentioned. Weinbrecht went on to mention that Cary has one of healthiest housing markets in the country and has been listed in the following categories:

• Top 5 most inventive
• Top 4 best quality of Life
• Top 5 economic potential
• 2nd biggest Brain Magnet in US

Who Are We?

He ended his talk with a reflection on the character of our population. Our population is due to increase to approximately 180,000 by 2025.

Our demographics show that the median age has increased to 40, and that every year 4000 residents will turn 65. The largest demographic group is aged 40-49, and the smallest group are aged 20-29. Our average household size is decreasing.

We are becoming more diverse, with 1 in 5 residents being born outside the US. Our median income (recession anyone?) has decreased to $88,000 from $90,000+. And we are educated, with 60% of adults possessing at least a bachelor’s degree and 1/4 have a masters.

Aging Population Questions

All of that leaves a resident feeling pretty great about living here, but one fact troubled me. How are we addressing this aging population? And how can we attract younger adults to settle here? Will we stagnate as our population heads to retirement without the input of younger minds? Have we become too expensive and boring for young folks to wish to live here?

Cary does so many things well, with thought we should attack those questions for the long term  health of our community.

———————————————————————————

CaryCitizen is proud to be a 2012 Member of the Cary Chamber. Join now.

Story by Hal Goodtree. Photo by Susan Sermoneta.

Cary, NC – Here’s an epiphany: I can be bent to your will with just a little kindness.

Facebook for Business

Facebook Pages for Business are not for everyone. But if you have the time, bandwidth and interest, they can be a very popular and effective channel for your message.

Facebook Pages are not your profile. They are not a Group. Facebook has a special category of pages just for business.

But how to make your page popular?

The Low Road: Shilling on Someone Else’s Page

Call it comment span, link span or shilling – it’s all the same thing.

You see a page you like and you post some sales-y information on it. Maybe it’s a link to your page or some kind of a special offer.

The CaryCitizen Facebook Page gets this from time-to-time. We always delete it and even ban the user from our page for serial offenders.

But, on one level, it makes perfect sense. The average business page has fewer than 100 friends. CaryCitizen has more than 1,450. Our competitor, The Cary News has 136 friends. Where would you want to post your message?

But my page is not your billboard. It’s an ineffective, even counter-productive strategy.

The High Road: Like

Recently, a new business popped up in Cary. We actively monitor our Facebook page and noticed that this new business had “liked” quite a few of our stories in the past couple of weeks. Not everything, but noticeable activity.

Naturally, I was curious. I clicked on the link and visited the Facebook page of the business in question. It had good info – on topic, nice pictures. I “liked” it (that is, I added it to my personal collection of pages I like). I also added them to CaryCitizen’s Facebook Page under Likes.

(BTW, we now have the most awesome and complete list of Favorites for the whole Cary Metroplex on Facebook – more than 80 local pages. Surf up our page and click on Likes (left column) – you’re sure to find something interesting like Jim Goodnight’s page or the Railhawks or One-Chic-Mama or Crema Coffee and so on.)

So here’s the epiphany – this business has skillfully manipulated me to engage with them.

From here, who knows what can happen?

Like This

If you have a Facebook Page for Business, go ahead and “like” this story on our FB page (we republish all our stories on Facebook).

Good things happen when you know the etiquette and conventions of social discourse on the web.

Story by Lindsey Chester.

Cary, NC- If you are eager to share ideas about Cary’s Downtown Theater, mark your calendar for Tuesday, January 31st. The Town of Cary is hosting another Public Input meeting, this time in Council Chambers at Town Hall, 316 N. Academy Street, at 6pm.

The last meeting about Downtown plans (story) was so well attended, a second session was added to that evening. This time around, planners have decided a change to a larger venue will allow all who are interested to find a seat.

The focus at this meeting will center around future plans for the recently purchased theater, to be called “The Cary”. Lots of discussion is swirling around the planned marquee that may include LED or neon lighting.

Building downtown being repurposed as "The Cary." File photo by Hal Goodtree.

3 Options on the Table

There were three plans reviewed at a January 19 work session by the Cary Town Council:

1. A standard marquee
2. A marquee with a vertical element
3. A light-enhanced marquee with a vertical element

The Town Council decided to move forward with option #3. Following input from the public meeting, staff will work with consultants on the selected forms and then make final design recommendations for materials and color to Town Council, who will consider a measure to adopt the plan at a later meeting.

If you have an opinion, plan to attend Tuesday night.

Artist's rendering of The Cary.

Event Details

“The Cary” – Downtown Theater
Public Input meeting
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 – 6:00 PM
Council Chambers in Town Hall
316 N. Academy Street • Cary, NC

——————————————————————————-

Lindsey Chester, Associate Publisher of CaryCitizen, is a member of the Town’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Board.

Story by Hal Goodtree. Photo by Sean Davis.

Cary, NC – Here’s a story that caught our eye: Sierra Nevada, one of America’s best-loved and fastest-growing brewers, has chosen North Carolina for the location of their first East Coast brewery. 

Something Big is Brewing in NC

Sierra Nevada started in Chico, California in 1979. Over the years, they have come to be considered the premier craft brewer in the country. But they still brew the beer in Chico, CA.

Not for long.

Sierra Nevada CEO Ken Grossman joined North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue today in announcing the new brewery in NC. “After carefully looking at more than 200 sites east of the Mississippi, Sierra Nevada is pleased to locate our second brewery in Henderson County,” said Grossman.

According to the Governor’s office, the company plans to create 95 full-time jobs. In addition, Sierra Nevada expects to hire another 80 part-time employees and expects to create about 60 construction and mechanical jobs during its 24-month building phase.  The jobs will be created in gradual phases starting in mid to late 2012 and continuing through 2013.

The State of Beer

“North Carolina is home to more craft breweries than any Southern state – 21 brewpubs and 28 production breweries – with western North Carolina being particularly strong,” according to the Governor’s office. Who knew?

“We are proud that Sierra Nevada, with its tradition of innovation, stewardship and quality, chose to tap all the great things North Carolina had to offer,” said Gov. Perdue.  “This announcement enhances a burgeoning craft beer industry in our state.   The investment, jobs and brand recognition Sierra Nevada brings will be a boon to this region and help confirm North Carolina as a destination for innovation.”

Everyone Raise a Glass

The announcement today was a good illustration that bipartisanship continues to function in North Carolina.

“Sierra Nevada knows that North Carolina is a place where the business climate will help them grow and thrive,” said Sen. Tom Apodaca, of Hendersonville. “I’m sure my sons are looking forward to buying some of the first bottles brewed here.”

“This terrific news is a perfect example of leaders at the state and local level, and from different political parties, working together to bring jobs to the people of North Carolina,” said Rep. Chuck McGrady of Hendersonville.

Apodaca and McGrady are Republicans; Perdue is a Democrat. I’ll drink to that!

Spending One to Get One Hundred

As readers of this space know, we’re not in favor of government giveaways to lure business relocations. In fact, no one really likes them (except companies that benefit from the largess, of course).

Sierra Nevada is receiving a modest $1 million grant from the One North Carolina Fund. The company plans to invest $107.5 million during the next five years in Henderson County.

The Green Economy

I don’t know if the new brewery in Mills River, NC will have solar panels, recycled water or reclaimed brick. It might. But this is not that kind of a green project.

This facet of the green economy is about saving energy and lowering the carbon footprint. According to Ken Grossman, “We felt the most responsible thing to do was to build a brewery on the other side of the country, to lessen our impact on the environment while continuing to place great craft beer into the hands of our consumers.”

Sierra Nevada has a history of support for conservation and environmentalism. Even their name, Sierra Nevada, was inspired by Grossman’s love of hiking in the wild mountains of California.

Who Wants to Make Beer?

The note from the Governor’s Office ended with this tidbit:

For more information about Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. including job opportunities, please visit SierraNevada.com.

Pale ale, anyone?

Story from staff reports. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Morrisville, NC – The Morrisville Chamber of Commerce has named its 2012 Board of Directors. It’s a prestigious group.

2012 Morrisville Chamber Board of Directors

Chair
Roy Watson
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC

Treasurer
John McGeary
Capital Bank

Past Chair
Karen Ondrick
Lenovo

Executive Committee member and Business Advisory Council Chair
J. Drake Brinkley
Moore & Van Allen, PLLC

Executive Committee member
Michael Kearns
Jani-King of Raleigh/Durham

Executive Committee Member and Economic Development Committee Chair
Jeff Sheehan
Duke Realty Corporation

Fred Adams, Jr.
Fred Adams Paving Co.

Emily Aldrich Barbour
Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina

Anthony Blackmon
Atlantic Tire Co.

Hill Carrow
Sports & Properties, Inc.

Marty Clayton
Progress Energy

Kimberly Copney
Costco

Theresa deMatas
Rex Healthcare

Dan Dzamba
Morrisville Square

Robert Mouro
Merril Lynch

Terry Poythress
Poythress Homes, Inc.

Houck Reed
Tekelec

Ed White
White Ventures LLC

Ex officio
John Whitson
Town of Morrisville

Ex officio
Carlotta Ungaro
Morrisville Chamber of Commerce

Morrisville Chamber Events

The Morrisville Chamber Calendar lists several regular monthly events including Business Tool Box, K.N.O.W. luncheons (Knowledgeable Network of Women) and Coffee & Connections.

CaryCitizen is proud to be a 2012 member of the Morrisville Chamber.

Story & photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – Someone in the greater Cary metroplex is going to win a brand-new Fiat 500c convertible. It could be you.

2012 Cary Chamber Car Raffle & Auction

The sleek and sexy Fiat 500c, generously donated by Hendrick Cary Auto Mall, will be raffled off to support the Cary Chamber of Commerce.

At the gala event on March 1, 2012 at Prestonwood Country Club, the winning raffle ticket will be drawn. The event will also feature a silent auction with hundreds of items up for bid. In the past, auction items have included sports memorabilia, rounds of golf, vacations and restaurant gift certificates.

Fiat 500 Convertible – A Head-Turner

There is no doubt that the Fiat 500c is fun to drive – peppy, responsive and well-appointed.

Pop open the top and let the blue Carolina sky pour into the car.  Settle into the leather seats and wrap your hands around the leather steering wheel. Crank up some tunes on the  seven audio speakers. Roll down Academy Street and watch the heads turn.

Consumers love this car, giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars on Edmunds.

How much would you love driving a brand new Fiat convertible if you won it in a raffle?

Event Details

Cary Chamber Car Raffle
Win a 2012 Convertible Fiat 500c
Buy a Raffle Ticket

Gala Event
March 1, 2012
Prestonwood Country Club
5:30 – 8:00 PM
Register

Story and photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – The Cary Invasion, Cary’s pro basketball team, has set the schedule for its second season. The first home game is April 1, 2012.

The Invasion: Reloaded

The Cary Invasion, the brainchild of local entrepreneur and sports developer Mark Janas, played its inaugural season in 2011 and won the CBL (Continental Basketball League) championship.

Now, the Invasion is in a new league (Tobacco Road Basketball League) and much else remains up in the air. How many players wil return from last year’s championship team? Coach MarQus Johnson has been spotted tagging along with Janas, so it’s likely he will be returning as coach.

Home games in 2011 were played on Coach Kay Yow Court at Herb Young Community Center downtown. Individual games each brought a couple of hundred visitors to downtown Cary. Games were exciting with players from Div 1 college programs, experience in the European leagues and the NBA-DL system.

2012 Cary Invasion Schedule

For more info, visit CaryInvasion.com