Community members in business, education and government heard from Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman James Pierce, Weldon City Schools Board of Education Chair Pattie Cotton, Percilla West of Hampton Inn, who is also chair of the chamber board, and Roanoke Rapids Mayor Emery Doughtie.

Besides announcing that the board of commissioners and the three county school systems had set a meeting, date, Pierce told the audience the county had a good year. “We have spent a lot of time and energy on such issues as solid waste collection, economic development, recreation, education; we developed and adopted a new fiscal year budget and we even appointed an interim sheriff.”

This year's budget represents the tenth straight year the county has gone without a property tax increase while still maintaining services at an adequate level.

“We completed a comprehensive bid process for our county garbage collection and a new contract has been signed with Unity of the Carolinas that saves Halifax County and its residents over $100,000 per year.”

He also noted the county's new transfer station was opened, which he said will be a another cost-savings to the county.

Klausner Lumber will bring 350 new jobs and $110 million in new capital investment to the county, he said. “Klausner will also be the anchor for a cluster of related industries that will bring additional jobs and investment.”

Cotton

Cotton told the audience Weldon schools' mission is about instilling and molding students to develop their mind, bodies and character.

The system, she said, was the first to achieve master board training. The system's superintendent, Elie Bracy III was named 2013 Northeast Regional superintendent of the year while Thomas McGeachy was named 2013 North Central teacher of the year.

The school system was recognized for excellence in financial management.

Cotton noted the school system had a 100 percent college acceptance rate. “We at Weldon City Schools are bringing a concentration to education and Charger pride.”

West

West told the audience of the turnaround at the Hampton Inn and how it is now a top-rated hotel. “Changes had to be made,” she said. “A lot of people in the community made it what it is.”

Doughtie

Doughtie told the audience the city is looking ahead. “We can't do anything about about what has been done or how it was handled in the past,” he said.

But the city has made improvements to its recreational facilities and it wants to emphasize the attractions it has such as the Canal Museum and trail as well develop the entertainment district.

“Council wants to be part of the larger community,” the mayor said.