February 2018
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
VisionQuest chief denies federal fraud charges
VisionQuest Capital faces federal charges of allegedly defrauding investors of about $15 million
Clayton rodmaker Cashion lures avid anglers
It’s the science that turns this rod into a different kettle of fish.
Delmestri family earns healthy returns from hospital furniture
IoA designs and sells customized furniture to U.S. hospitals.
The little-known tale of the N.C. Railroad Co.’s birth
Calvin Graves is the forgotten leader who set North Carolina on track for progress.
Asheville event makes a business play on climate change
Asheville has now been dubbed “Climate City,” as it plays host to the inaugural ClimateCon 2018.
Drapac bets on Brunswick County growth
Australian investor Drapac Capital Partners scooped up distressed properties including several in fast-growing Brunswick County.
The big fall for top cat Jerry Richardson
Decades of admiration and respect quickly disintegrate for Jerry Richardson.
Historic Smithfield’s star is rising
Smithfield lures visitors as the birthplace of a famous Hollywood starlet — But the former tobacco town on the edge of the Triangle looks to develop a luster all its own.
Alevo’s dreams dashed as promises proved unattainable
Alevo promised to reignite a storied N.C. manufacturing plant by making revolutionary storage batteries, creating an economic powerhouse. Three
years later, after a bankruptcy and mass layoff, the dream faded.
Bain Capital Ventures parks $43M in Passport
Bain Capital Ventures parks money in Passport.
Catawba county delivers on its promises
Catawba County has reinvented itself as a high-tech hub, drawing on its roots in furniture and textiles.
Folwell, Custer, others share 2018 N.C. econ outlook
A long list of job announcements closed out 2017. As the state looks to repeat its success this year, it can’t afford to leave rural areas behind.
First in Flight: The future of flying
The birthplace of aviation reaches new heights as international airports and aerospace manufacturing extend North Carolina’s global reach.
First in Flight: Ready for takeoff
From Kinston to Asheville, more than 1,000 companies make up a thriving aerospace supply chain.
