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. 

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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 by Bob Fennel. Photos by Tom Mousseau.

Cary-lina, NC – The New York Islanders beat the Carolina Hurricanes in a battle of cellar dwellers at the RBC Center January 31, 2012.  The Canes are at the bottom of the Southeast Division and the Islanders are at the bottom of the Atlantic Division. 

Both teams came into the game with 45 points with the Islanders having 2 games at hand.  This was the first game for both teams coming off the All Star break and early on it looked like a preseason game with sloppy passing and lethargic play by both teams.

Islanders Strike First

The Islanders were controlling the puck from the opening faceoff but it appeared more because the Canes just weren’t aggressive enough on the puck or on the man.  After the Isles came into the Canes zone on the right wing, Jay Harrison took on two Islanders and pulled out a 9-iron rather than a 2-iron and chipped one over the glass for a 2 minute delay of game minor.  The Islanders have one very strong line and had them out for the power play.  All Star John Tavares came down the left wing with speed, went around  Brandon Sutter into the corner and found PA Parenteau  all alone in the sweet spot of the slot, shooting high glove side for the power play goal.   Late in the first,  Pat Dwyer was along the boards in front of the Canes bench, made a nice pass to Sutter who split the defense and made a bee line to the goal.  The puck was bouncing just a bit and Sutter wasn’t able to get it under control as Islander goalie Kevin Poulin made a nice save.  If that went in, I really believe the outcome of the game would have been different.  The line of Jeff Skinner, Jussi Jokinen and Riley Nash, called up from the Charlotte Checkers, was getting slashed, hooked and tripped on every shift.  Somehow, someone has to step up and maybe not so politely inform opposing players what they shouldn’t be doing if the refs won’t.   Shots after 1:  Canes 8, Islanders 8

Canes Need to Step Up

Admittedly I’m an Eric Staal fan, but more so since covering the team for CaryCitizen.

One benefit of press row is being up high to have the ability to watch plays form while concentrating on one player at the same time. What Staal does off the puck is very impressive.  He must have had 3 or 4 feeds into the slot that were unbelievable but nobody was home.  Coach Kirk Muller’s coined phrase is “no passengers”.

My take on that is he wants players to give it their all on every shift, on and off the puck.  Staal is not a passenger.  He’s big, strong, has a shooter’s mind and a sense for where players are on the ice. His reach and strength led to a semi breakaway on a man down situation.  His stick handling is probably the weakest part of his game but almost pulled off what would have been the Canes ninth shorthanded goal, and maybe the prettiest, if he connected.  The Canes were down because of a retaliation slash by a really frustrated Jeff Skinner. As almost always, it was the retaliating infraction that got called.  Skinner is in a talent pool above most players.  Tonight it seemed every Islander had to have their ticket punched after they gave Skinner a slash, a stick between the legs, a crack on the ankles, a grab of his sweater, a push in the back, anything to frustrate the heck out of him.  After one slash too many, he let his frustration out with a love tap in return.

Hardly worth 2 minutes - so my advice would be to score or give it a Tim Gleason or Bryan Allen style love tap.  With Riley Nash off for a very controversial hooking penalty, the Islanders scored on another power play.  Mark Streit had the puck on the left point and sent a shot into traffic.  Staal had his stick in perfect position with the shot hitting Staal’s stick.  The puck trickled into the middle of the slot with Matt Moulson picking up the puck, turning around, wristing a shot that was a back breaker.  Shots after 2: Canes 13, Islanders 18

No Passengers

The Canes came out in the third a completely different team.  Makes you wonder what words of wisdom were said in the locker room.  They were first on the puck in both ends and, for the most part, controlled the neutral zone.   With the Canes showing some grit, Gleason took a shot from the right point.  Sutter picked up the shot that was blocked by Tavares, skated to his left then sent a back hander off the crossbar into the net for a pretty goal.  Sutter is another player to watch off the puck.

He’s very young, 23 in 2 weeks (ladies: his birthday is Valentine’s Day) but plays like he has 10 years in the NHL.  A very smart, and obviously, a well-coached player.  Parenteau was off for slashing giving the Canes their first power play.  The crowd was getting into the game after Sutter’s goal and was wanting more.  The Canes first power play unit was very aggressive and all over the puck.  After a save by Poulin, the puck was being hacked and whacked by both Staal and Skinner. Tim Brent picked up the loose change behind the net and dished it out for what was meant to be a feed but found the skate of an Islander defender and went into the net to the delight of the college night crowd.

After a dump in by the Islanders, Cam Ward mishandled the puck off the boards.  Matt Moulson raced to the puck then found Tavares all alone off the left circle and the sharpshooter doesn’t miss from that range.   Needless to say, Ward showed his frustration by nearly breaking his stick across the goal post.   Late in the game with Ward pulled, the Islanders scored 2 empty-netters.  The stats will show several top Canes with minus figures on the +/- column but those came when the net was empty.  One other reason why that statistic is a guide at best.

There were no Canes as passengers in the third, problem is there were some in the first 40 minutes.  Shot totals: Canes 23, Islanders 26

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photos by Brooke Meyer.

Cary, NC – Nnenna Freelon, originally scheduled to appear in Cary back in November, put on a show this past Saturday night at Cary Arts Center. Brooke Meyer snuck backstage during the warm-up and took some pictures for CaryCitizen.

For a small town, we attract some pretty big acts. Nnenna Freelon is a world-reknowned jazz singer and composer, Six-time GRAMMY® Award-nominee and is hailed as the “international voice of Jazz.” Her version of Duke Ellington’s Prelude to a Kiss was showcased on that glossy TV hit Mad Men.

Brooke Meyer visited backstage stage during the sound check and sent us a few photographs. Many thanks to Ms. Freelon for the access.

Video: Nature Boy

We found this video on YouTube of Nnenna Freelon singing “Nature Boy.”

She’s today’s Ella Fitzgerald, people. Must get her back to CAC.

From the blog of Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, covering the week through January 29, 2012. Photo of Jordan Lake by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – This week was a tough week for me with a council meeting and two speaking engagements.

Good Bye Julie

Monday started with calls to council members about concerns or issues they had with the agenda. I contacted every council member and there were very few issues. In my phone call to Julie Robison she let me know of her intention to resign her council seat.

Julie’s husband Dan has taken a position at West Virginia as a Dean. Congratulations Dan! Julie and her two girls will move sometime this summer when they are out of school. Somewhere in that timeframe Julie will give up her seat. While I am very excited for the new opportunities to Julie and her family, I will sorely miss her. She has dedicated and committed over 10 years of her life in service to the citizens of Cary and has done an outstanding job which included serving with three vastly different mayors. God bless Julie Robison!

Later Monday I met with town management, department directors, and administration to go over the agenda. Mayor Pro-Tem Adcock joined via telephone. Most of our discussion focused on the federal legislative agenda. I communicated that I believe some council members were interested in sending the Fryar property back to the Planning and Zoning board for another review since it had changed significantly since their last review. We also discussed the possibility of a long public hearing for the joint land use plan with Chatham County. At their public hearing speakers voiced opinions for over two hours. Based on all the information presented at this meeting my estimation for the meeting’s conclusion was 9 PM.

Land in Chatham County

Tuesday began the weekly meeting with our town manager. We mostly discussed issues in confidence of a sensitive nature so I will not repeat them.

Tuesday was also a regularly scheduled town council meeting. Usually town council meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. So this date was an exception.

The main interest in the meeting seemed to be the Public Hearing on the joint land use plan with Cary and Chatham County. Unfortunately, many Chatham County residents see this as Cary aggression. It is important to understand that the Town of Cary isn’t acquiring land in Chatham County.

Instead some property owners want to develop their land. For this to happen they need Cary water and sewer. For a property owner to get Cary water and sewer, you have to be annexed into Cary. It is our hope that density and intensity will decrease towards Jordan Lake which is our drinking source. So we believe it is important to have a plan. Development in this area is up to the property owners and not the Town of Cary. It may or may not develop in my lifetime which is again up to the property owners.

Another item that brought a great deal of discussion was the Fryar property at Highcroft Drive and Green Level Church Road. Since the proposal had changed significantly since it was denied by the Planning and Zoning board, Council decided it would be best to send this back to them for another review before taking action. The council meeting also included a closed session. We adjourned around 10 PM.

Eye Opener

Wednesday morning I gave the State of the Town address at the Chamber of Commerce’s Eye Opening Breakfast. This is probably my biggest presentation of the year. I started writing the State of the Town around Thanksgiving and it was taped for Cary TV in December. I presented it with slides at Glenaire in early January.

For this presentation, I took the State of the Town address and made it into bullet points so I could elaborate on certain issues. This presentation included much more detail especially about trends, legislative concerns, and technology. I received many positive comments afterwards and my impression was that it was well received.

Wednesday evening I taped the February version of Cary Matters with our newest council member Lori Bush. She seemed like an old pro and had no problems being in front of the camera. Even with a few technical difficulties we were done in less than an hour. I believe the chemistry between Lori and I was good and I can’t wait to see how it turned out. The main topic for February was the council/staff retreat that was held a couple of weeks ago.

Meet the Mayors

Thursday morning I participated in a “Meet the Mayors” panel discussion put on by the Triangle Community Coalition. The event was well attended by a few dozen people with developer, real estate, and business interest. I was joined by Mayor McFarlane of Raleigh and Mayor Weatherly of Apex.

We all gave a few opening comments and then opened the floor for questions from the audience. I received several good questions which included: What are we doing to become more business friendly? What are we doing with our sports venues to provide economic benefit? And when considering incentives to attract jobs how do you decide between a local business and out-of-town business? Almost all of this information is covered in my state of the town address. On the subject of deciding between a local and out-of-town business, we always want to help existing local business and incentives are considered on a case by case basis.

Thursday evening I attended a meeting of the Western Wake Policy Advisory Committee. This is the committee that gives direction on the Western Wake Wastewater Management Facility. I was joined by mayors and town managers from Apex and Morrisville. In this meeting we rejected all proposals for the bio-solids portion of the facility because the bids were higher than expected. The staff will redo requirements and rebid it later.

Saturday

Saturday I spent most of the day at a church retreat with my Confirmand. I have been honored to mentor a young man as he goes through the process of becoming a member of our church. One of the goals of a mentor is to hopefully create a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Emails: Billboards, Spying on People and More

Emails from staff this week included one about billboards. Bill 183 passed the legislature in 2011 and now sign companies can clear cut trees (380 ft. on either side of the sign on interstates, 340 on controlled access roads, and 250 ft. on other state roads). It does not apply to all state roads, but to primary and interstate highways.  The roads in Cary that are impacted include: I-40, I-540, Western Wake Freeway (existing and proposed – Southern Cary), US 1, US 64, Cary Town Boulevard, Portions of Jones Franklin, Aviation, and Airport Roads.

In another email from staff the Town of Cary’s population is estimated to be 141,132 as of January 1, 2012.  This is an increase of 2,932 people, or 2.12%, compared to the January 01, 2011 estimate.  The population estimates are based on the reported number of Certificates of Occupancy issued in the Town.

Staff also sent email that introduced its newest K9 Team member Robby and his partner Cary Police Officer Phil Humphries.  Three-year-old Robby is a long hair, black and tan German shepherd from the Czech Republic.  Humphries was a K9 handler in the United States Air Force before coming to Cary. He also has experience as a K9 trainer and Kennel Master. K-9 Robby replaces K-9 Max, a German Shepherd that retired after serving the community for seven years.

Staff also notified citizens through email that they are invited to view conceptual design plans for the downtown theater at a public meeting scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 31 in Council Chambers. This issue has been become controversial by the focus on neon by the local media. The conceptual plans will be presented by staff which includes three schematics illustrating a standard marquee, a marquee with a vertical element and a light enhanced marquee with a vertical element. The Town Council decided to move forward with the last option. Following input from the public meeting, staff will work with consultants and make final design recommendations for materials and color to the Town Council.

I received a lot of complaints through emails this week. They included complaints about the new façade on Hibernian Grill, a development proposal that will impact Highcroft Drive, our automated meters are spying on people, re-evaluation and tax increases, signs on a building at Highway 55 and Green Hope School Road, the length of yellow lights, sewer costs on East Green Forest Drive, a Costco in Cary, the Morrisville Parkway and Carpenter Upchurch intersection, our police are corrupt because Brad Cooper was convicted, sign ordinance too strict for businesses in Waverly Place, and Chapel Hill Road is not wide enough.

I also received many invitations to events during the week. I try as much as possible to attend events but sometimes I am not able. I do hope that people understand.

Next week’s schedule is very light for me which will be refreshing. I have a couple of meetings and one event.

Well that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 5th. Please feel free to email me with a comment. Email all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@townofcary.org. Email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

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.

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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 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 by Bob Fennel and photos by Tom Mousseau.

Cary-lina, NC – The Carolina Hurricanes finally got a win against the Winnipeg Jets this season in a 2-1 squeaker at the RBC Center, January 23, 2012.

The Canes had lost the previous 3 meetings but have an impressive overall all-time record against the Jets (Atlanta Thrasher) teams.  It was teacher appreciation night and the teachers came out in droves and were having a great time.

Text Book Start

The first period started out with both teams playing cautiously with no one wanting to make that first mistake.  Tuomo Ruutu was called for boarding that was weak at best.  The Jets weren’t able to get any decent shots off as the penalty kill unit was very aggressive on the puck and played physical.

Shortly after the penalty ended, Cam Ward made two excellent saves, one was unbelievable as it was on a deflection from inside the crease.  After Ward made a save to the boards, Tim Gleason sent the puck up ice to Jeff Skinner.

Skinner went up the left wing with Zac Dalpe making a quick run up the right wing to allow for options as this turned into an odd man rush for the Canes.  Skinner had the option to shoot or pass, decided to pass but Ron Hainsey made a good initial block.  Fortunately for the Canes, the blocked pass resulted in the puck going back to Skinner, with Jets goalie Chris Mason going to his left to cover the intended shot from Dalpe, Skinner had an open net. The teachers would have liked that as that was text book, 2-on-1 hockey.

The Canes were making quality shots on the few they had in the first and eventually for the entire game.  About 5 minutes later, the Canes had the puck down low in the Jets zone.  Anthony Stewart used his strength to get the puck over to Tim Brent in the corner.  Brent made 2 good moves around Jets’ defensemen from the corner to the net. Chad LaRose had good positioning in front so Brent backhanded a pass with the puck bouncing off a Jets’ skate into the net.

Shots after 1: Canes 7, Jets 6

LaRose Hurt Again

Midway through the second just as Skinner’s shift was ending and he was headed to the bench, the puck wound up on his stick with the lane to the goal wide open. His instincts went into gear and went to the net.  Just as the defense closed in, he slid a beautiful pass to Dalpe who just missed as Mason had a nice stick check.

LaRose was the recipient of what appeared to be a soft check along the boards in front of the penalty box area. At first it appeared he aggravated the injury that kept him out several games recently but it turned out he got a deep cut and was gone for the rest of the game.  Both Skinner  and Staal did a few double shifts to help out the rest of the game.

The Jets got on the board when Tobias Enstrom found Kyle Wellwood all alone in front of  Ward for what seemed to be the only defensive lapse all game. One error, one goal and that was all it took.   The Canes had another power play in the second but didn’t have any good scoring chances. Actually, the Jets had more opportunities while man down than the Canes had on the power play.

Shots after 2:  Canes 14,  Jets 16

Posts all around

It’s a long time traveling from Winnipeg to Raleigh but the Jets looked like they had fresher legs in the third as it was all Jets.  Actually it turned out to be a goalie clinic as Ward made some superhuman saves.

I appreciated the third as well as any fan. In this game the Canes treated me to a seat in section 216.  Little did I know that section would be full of teachers.

That section was livelier than usual with appreciative and even raucaus local educators.  Thank you Canes for supporting our teachers!

The Jets poured it on in the third with 14 shots on goal and more not on target.  Most were high shots or deflections.  Considering the amount of offensive time the Jets were in the Canes zone, both Ward and the defense has to be commended about their play.

Staal carried the puck from center ice into the Jets zone along the left wing.  With Pat Dwyer and Jussi Jokinen on the right drawing a crowd, Staal decided to shoot and hit the post.  It would have been a Jet back breaker if that went in.

A few moments later in the Canes end, Ron Hainsey took the puck from the right point, skated to the center of the blue line then sent one into traffic in front of Ward. Somehow the puck found the post but Ward covered up the puck in the crease.  With the Canes on a power play, Alexander Burmistrov made a good outside-in stick move between 2 Carolina defenders for a point blank shot on Ward but Ward again, made the stop.  With time quickly ending, Jiri Tlusty got called for tripping but because the Canes never touched the puck when time ran out, the penalty is only for the books.

Shot totals: Canes 16, Jets 30