To the Editor,

As a native of eastern North Carolina and having lived most of my life in the region, I always have an interest in both public and private projects that will improve the economic wellbeing of the citizens living here. It is for this reason that I enthusiastically support the Connect NC Bond Act, which will be on the ballot during the upcoming primary election.

During my career, and at our company, we continually evaluate the return on investment of various initiatives. It is with this perspective I view the investment the citizens of North Carolina are being asked to make via the Connect NC Bond Act. The bond proceeds will be invested in public higher education throughout our state; but more specifically includes major commitments of over $100 million to three local institutions: Beaufort County Community College, Pitt Community College and East Carolina University. Impact studies conducted for these institutions indicate a return on this investment, which can easily exceed $500 million. This return will come through increased spending in the institutions and their personnel, wages of students educated in the new facilities and increased productivity of local businesses employing these highly trained students.

Here in Beaufort County, bond dollars will be used to create a Public Safety Training Complex, which would meet the increased demand in certification and training in law enforcement, EMS, and fire academies. Estimates are for more than 500 new regional jobs, all of which would be directly impacted from training opportunities at this facility over the next 10 years.

At ECU, a new Life Sciences and Biotechnology building will provide space for the Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing Center of Excellence, Bioprocess and Medical Engineering, and a new home for the Department of Biology. The new graduates trained in this facility will provide eastern North Carolina with more talent to continue the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in the area.

I encourage my friends, neighbors and all citizens of Beaufort County and the east to support and cast their votes in favor of the Connect NC Bond in the March primary election

 

James W. Chesnutt
Chairman of the Board and CEO
National Spinning Co., Inc. and subsidaries