North Carolina’s Northeast Commission Works to Increase Aviation Business in North Carolina

Edenton, NC, December 22, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Northeastern North Carolina’s aviation potential is primed for expansion. A recent report released by the North Carolina Space Initiative states that the stage is set for the development of a vibrant Aero/Space Economy in North Carolina.

TCOM L.P., a supplier of airships and lighter-than-air vehicles, has announced its plans to expand its facility in Pasquotank County, creating 101 high-paying jobs and investing $3 million over the next three years. Wages will vary by job function. However, the average weekly wage of the new jobs will be $880 plus benefits which is more than the Pasquotank County average weekly wage of $507, not including benefits.

“North Carolina's Northeast Commission is working to bring aviation business to Northeastern North Carolina. We are pleased that TCOM has decided to expand in Pasquotank County and see this as another confirmation that North Carolina's Northeast region is primed for aviation development. The 16 counties in our region are developing their aviation infrastructure by expanding runways, and maximizing the land around their airports to bring the aviation potential to reality,” said Vann Rogerson, Commission President & CEO.

Based in Maryland, TCOM is an international supplier of airships and lighter-than-air vehicles used in the surveillance and communications industries. The company will produce unmanned, tethered balloons, known as ''aerostats,'' at its Elizabeth City plant as part of an Army contract. TCOM also plans to develop and test an ''aerostat'' for an emergency warning communications system for use during natural disasters.

TCOM Board Chairman John Saverino said his company is excited about the expansion. ''TCOM has had a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the state of North Carolina and looks forward to many more years of operations at our Pasquotank facility.''

It’s estimated that companies like TCOM and the military presence in North Carolina, have an $18 billion impact on the state’s economy. “Aviation businesses will find opportunities to fully use our transportation resources. Not only do we have a well-trained workforce with experience from industry and the military, but with aviation degrees now available from ECSU and Embry-Riddle University, our region will continue to produce a trained workforce,” said Gene Rogers, Chairman, North Carolina's Northeast Commission.

Tim Ivey, Regional Representative with the Department of Commerce, pulled together the collective resources of the city, county, region, and state for this project. “Existing companies like TCOM are valuable to North Carolina’s Northeast. We all must work together to help our companies be successful,” said Ivey.

TCOM is also working with North Carolina State University Industrial Extension Service (IES) to bring Lean Manufacturing training and implementation to the workforce. Rex Raiford, Northeast Account Representative for IES said, “Our training is tailored to each company. With Lean Manufacturing we have seen increased employee skills, improved productivity, reduced costs, and quality improvements.”

For more information about the company and employment opportunities, visit www.tcomlp.com.

About North Carolina’s Northeast Commission:
North Carolina’s Northeast Commission is dedicated to increasing the standard of living for citizens in its sixteen-county region through tourism, industrial, and business development. The 16 counties that comprise the regional Commission are: Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington. For more information about the North Carolina’s Northeast Commission, contact them at www.ncnortheast.com and www.visitncne.com.

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