By Dave Yochum

New statistics from the N.C. Secretary of State indicate North Carolinians gave less to charity in 2011 than 2010. However, the same report also indicates people supported the non-profits that got better returns.
The Charitable Solicitation Licensing Division Annual Report says that charities licensed by the state collected $26.7 million from North Carolinians during the 12-month period.

The 2010-2011 report shows that of the money collected, $13.2 million went directly to the charities for which the fund-raising campaigns were being conducted. That’s a 49.46 percent return to the charities for each dollar donated.

“It’s unfortunate there are fundraising organizations out there that keep an unfair amount of your donations. At a time when those in need are suffering, I encourage all to give directly to your favorite, well-run, non-profit and closely exam how efficient their fundraising organization is managed. Well-run organizations are quick to provide their overhead/fee info,” said Denis Bilodeau, president of Aquesta Insurance Services.

Bilodeau served on United Way’s Community Investment Committee for three years, chairing it during the last year. In addition to United Way, he also chairs fundraising efforts for Big Day at the Lake, which supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte.

Detailed information on charities in North Carolina are available online at http://www.sosnc.com. Click on “charitable solicitations.”

Economic Development

Job creation was up in Cabarrus County during 2011. New employers and expansions include Connextions, with a 400 job expansion;PreGel, 45 additional jobs; Celgard, 250 jobs; and SP Richards’ new distribution facility, 66 new jobs.

The investment from these companies is on the order of $100 million, according to John Cox, CEO of Cabarrus Economic Development.

He outlined the potential annual economic impact that 300 new jobs brings:

• 426 new residents

• Income: $16,597,812 ($39,000)

• 171 new homes

• $27,634,797 new home sales based on average sales price of $161,607

• $174,099 new housing taxes

• Groceries: $931,626

• Apparel: $66,945

• Health & Beauty: $69,533

• Furniture: $17,707

• State/local taxes $1,560,438

Small Art Revolution?

“As more and more communities join in the Small-Mart Revolution, trade will of course continue, but it will be in goods and services less vital to day-to-day survival. If we’re trading primarily art, music and wine instead of oil, wheat and water, our local economies will be healthier through self-reliance in the basics, less vulnerable to unpredictable global calamities, and we will all be less inclined to go to war over real or perceived needs.”

— From “The Small Mart Revolution,” by Michael H. Shuman. Shuman has been hired by the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners to help guide their efforts in rebuilding the local economy.

Newsmakers Jan. 12

Cornelius Mayor Jeff Tarte and commercial real estate broker Tom McMahon will be fielding questions at our Jan. 12 Newsmakers Breakfast at The Peninsula Yacht Club.

The breakfast discussions offer a chance to quiz business and political leaders on the issues of the day. The topic Jan. 12 is the proposed Red Line rail from Charlotte to Mooresville. This is a no-holds barred Q&A — not a presentation. Call 704-895-1335 to reserve a spot with a credit card. $10 includes a full breakfast.