County celebration brings businesses together
By Barbara Arntsen
Published in News on May 10, 2005 1:47 PM
Employees from businesses across Wayne County gathered Monday for a day of golf, food and fun.
The 17th annual Wayne County Industry Celebration Golf Tournament, held at the Goldsboro Country Club, was organized by the county Economic Development Commission.
Ambassadors from the Chamber of Commerce also helped with the event.
"I played golf with Tony Worrell, of Wayco Hams, today and I had never met him before," said David Mozingo. Mozingo, the human resources director for Goerlich's, said he was born and raised in Wayne County but hadn't had the chance to meet Worrell.
"This event gives us a chance to meet other people in businesses around here," Mozingo said. "While we were waiting to play, we talked with a team from Georgia Pacific."
Mozingo said he was impressed with how well- organized the event was, and that everything ran on time.
"I've organized job fairs and health fairs, so I know how difficult it is to get everything timed just right," he said.
That interaction between local industries, elected officials and community leaders is the reason the EDC sponsors the event.
"It's a way to honor our industries because they employ over 9,000 citizens in Wayne County," said Joanna Thompson, EDC president.
She said the event also provides fellowship and networking opportunities for the industry leaders.
Thirty teams consisting of four players each played a super-ball format for 18 holes. A reception followed to honor the winning team, which was Harold Brashear of Nunn Brashear, Charles Price of Price and Company, and Alan Heath and Vance Washburn, both from Wankesha. Their team shot a 56 and won various prizes.
In addition to the representatives from local businesses and industries, other guests included officials from the N.C. Department of Commerce, utility companies, local politicians and community leaders. About 220 people participated.
"These events are important for local industries," said Doug Byrd, community relations manager for the state commerce department.
Byrd said while getting new industry is important to the state, keeping existing industry is most important.
"We want to make sure they're kept happy and want to show our appreciation," Byrd said.
He said he Wayne County EDC was working hard and had a "lot of good things happening down here."
"We want to be a part of that," he said.
County Commissioner Chairman J.D. Evans said the event was an excellent way for industry leaders and others to build relationships.
The EDC is the host of two industry celebrations each year to thank the more than 50 major manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers in the county. The fall event includes a reception, dinner and awards presentation for the year's top industry and industrialist. The events are sponsored by the Goldsboro and Mount Olive "committees of 100" and area businesses.