Home > So, what do you think? > Archives > 2008 > May > 01 > Entry
Volkswagen leaves us at the altar
Another hopeful rumor for bigtime economic development has fallen apart in Eastern North Carolina. Volkswagen announced last week it will build its new U.S. plant in one of three states, but North Carolina is no longer in the picture.
You probably remember the rumors that began swirling last fall. Volkswagen supposedly had its eye on 1,665 acres of farmland near Interstate 95. The site would have been roughly halfway between VW’s headquarters in Virginia and major plants in South Carolina. More than a few of us were excited, to say the least.
What’s especially discouraging about today’s news is it comes on the heels of an announcement that the state may give millions of dollars in incentives to GE-Hitachi for expanding its already existing plant in New Hanover County.
New Hanover County has benefited very nicely, thank you, from incentives awarded to North Carolina’s film industry, in particular. I guess the money Hollywood pours into that part of the state isn’t enough to keep a beautiful coastal town thriving.
(that was sarcasm, by the way).
North Carolina has an excellent reputation as a good business state. It’s too bad so much of that business is concentrated in a few selected corners.
Comments
By ken
May 1, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Business incentives and rocky mount/nash/edgecombe losing out again? For me this is another very good reason to think hard and long before making choices on election day this year.
For whatever reason, it occurred to me last year that Nash/Rocky Mount apparently had gotten on the bad list with the political superheroes who could help our area. Maybe it’s the mix of too many mixed-up offices with different political alliances (Rep/Dem), or maybe our area leaders not doing enough to seek and find—whatever, this year is a good time to stop the trend—go vote.
Personally, in the General Assembly (House), Governor, and Presidential races, and I plan to vote for the ones I honestly believe will help us communicate with those in power to start getting more return on our tax dollars— which ones will likely help our part of the state… especially Nash/Rocky Mount/Edgecombe.
Our local leaders chosen should also be prepared to ‘go to raleigh and washington’ to talk, lobby, and get what we need. Much the same, House members (NC), Governor, and Presidential choices should also be ready to talk more with eastern NC… and specifically, rocky mount/nash/edgecombe.
Private ownership of business and private profits are fine; however, there is a time for public tax monies to be returned to our area—and for our leaders to work for OUR area.
Won’t say here who i’m voting for, but ask me and I sure will tell. Our area has too much to offer not to be getting more major investments.
By Holt
May 8, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
What happens when too many incentives are given?
http://www.straightupsearch.com/archives/2008/04/googlebuildsd.html
By Jeff
May 8, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Really good link, Holt. The whole Google mess ought to serve as a perfect example of why North Carolina needs to be more open about the incentives process.
The courtship of major industries is a really ugly game that nevertheless has to be played Every other state in the union and just about every other country on the planet will be more than happy to take our place at the table otherwise.
But the more secretive the process of giving tax breaks, land deals and other pieces of candy, the more the rest of us get burned.
What would be so wrong about disclosing the kinds of incentives under consideration for a potential company? Someone might argue that every other state would then know what we have on the table, but I have a hard time believing that isn’t well-known among the players anyway.
Why else would we keep upping the ante?
By Holt
May 8, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
I do not have a problem with a major industry coming to our area at all.
What I do and would have a problem with is: