BPED hires new economic developer

Mar 5, 2010 — The News Herald (Morganton, N.C.)

Sharon McBrayer

Mar. 5, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- MORGANTON, N.C. -- Economic development in Burke County has a new leader.

The board of directors of Burke Partnership for Economic Development, also known as Burke Economic Development Council, hired Scott Darnell as president and chief operating officer.

Darnell most recently was part of the Charlotte-based Norcom Properties team, overseeing several development projects in the North and South Carolina markets.

Darnell's first day on the job was Monday.

BPED Chairman Rich DeAugustinis said Darnell brings experience and energy to the job.

Darnell has a strong track record of new business recruitment in manufacturing, technology, energy, distribution and back-office sectors, according to a BPED news release. It also says Darnell places high importance on developing existing industry and promoting the advancement of small business in local communities.

"We are in an extremely competitive global environment for attracting new business and industry and obviously in the throes of one of the most challenging economic declines," DeAugustinis said. "These times call for creative, broad-based economic development strategies and recruitment efforts plus the leadership and resources best able to meet these challenges. We must be successful in generating opportunities and turning them into successes."

Ruth Ann Suttle, a BPED member and Burke County commissioner, said, "We are very fortunate to have someone with Scott's experience to lead our partnership during these challenging times. The county, municipalities and private sector are all committed to working together to bring jobs to Burke County. We look forward to working with Scott in all of his endeavors to bring businesses and jobs to the county."

Morganton Mayor Mel Cohen said, "We look forward to working with Scott. He brings new ideas and enthusiasm as we all work toward a brighter economic future for Burke County."

Mike Watts, secretary/treasurer of BPED, said Darnell's salary will be $100,000 plus benefits. He said there will be some incentives for economic successes, but the details haven't been worked out yet.

Darnell has an MBA from Gardner Webb University and is a certified economic developer and accredited Project Management Professional. He has worked for the Georgia Department of Economic Development and Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce.

According to the Shelby Star, Darnell was fired in March 2006 as senior vice president of economic development for the Cleveland County chamber due to what were described as "personality differences" with its president, Stuart Gilbert. The Shelby Star said the firing shocked chamber members who came to Darnell's defense. It led to "major discussion between Cleveland County leaders and the chamber about how public money was spent," according to an April 15, 2006 article.

At the time, Cleveland County Commissioner Willie McIntosh called Darnell the best economic development person in the state.

According to the BPED release, the Cleveland County economic development team during Darnell's tenure was successful in attracting more than 550,000 square feet of speculative space built by private sector partners. In 2005, Cleveland County absorbed more than 1.6 million square feet of industrial space, leading the Charlotte Region.

Darnell replaces Wayne Harris who will leave after a transition period, DeAugustinis said. Local leaders at one time said Harris would stay on to work with existing industry. DeAugustinis said the BPED Board of Directors decided to leave it up to Darnell to put in place his own staff who will work with the existing industries.

BPED offices will move from the county general services building on Green Street to the Foothills Higher Education Center on Sterling Street. DeAugustinis said the new location, which BPED will lease from the county, provides more space.

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