Dalton talks about technology, jobs at E-3 forum

The economy of North Carolina, including McDowell, will improve as the state continues to look toward new technology and helping entrepreneurs get started, said Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton.
"We are in a tough recession," he said. "There's no doubt about it. But we will rebound strongly."
Dalton was the guest speaker at Friday morning's E-3 forum, which drew 30 to 40 people. To better understand the local economy, the Marion Community Innovator Committee is holding a series of community forums on the current economy and the economy of the future. The forums focus on where Marion and McDowell County will fit into the economic profile of the region, state, nation and the world economy.
The E-3 forums highlight education, economic development and entrepreneurship. They are sponsored by the committee and the city of Marion.
Mayor Steve Little introduced Dalton, who served six terms as a state senator before he was elected lieutenant governor.
"He knows how to demonstrate his knowledge in a way that is effective and engaging," said Little of Dalton.
Dalton, who's from Rutherford County, said he's seen friends he knew from high school who've lost their jobs and their prospects for a bright future. Like McDowell, Rutherford has seen very high jobless rates.
"We've got 17 percent unemployment," he said. "When we got to 14 percent, I thought that was bad. These are tough times. We've been through tough times before."
Dalton said he's traveled the state on a "small business listening tour." He's talked to small business owners and asked what their needs and concerns are. He's met with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and local chambers of commerce. Dalton said he and others have worked to get a program started to help small businesses in these tough times.
Dalton said he's also worked to create the JOBS commission, which stands for Joining Our Businesses and Schools, which helps young people get prepared for the workplace. He's also focusing on inland ports and broadband Internet.
"What we're trying to do is lay a foundation for the future, but the future is always changing," he said. "McDowell will recover."
Dalton added North Carolina is on the cutting edge of boosting entrepreneurship and working with the military. He said the health care industry looks bright because the population is aging and will need more care. North Carolina is also a leader in biotechnology and medical research.
But the future also has its problems. Dalton said more students in Beijing, China took their version of the SAT than those in the entire United States.
"It's not so much what we teach," he said. "We have to look at new ways of teaching."
During the question-and-answer session, Dalton heard from business owner Dean Stevens who said he's had trouble trying to get a loan from the Small Business Administration. The process has been frustrating, he said. Dalton said he would look into that and try to help Stevens.
Real estate agent Don Markum, who also puts together the N.C. Gold Festival, asked if the state could focus on refurbishing old plants like Marion Manufacturing. These large, empty buildings could get new uses, either for business or housing, he added.
Dalton said he would be happy to work on something like that. He talked about an old plant in Fletcher that was renovated and turned into a new industry.
Marion attorney Ed Krause, who's also running for the U.S. House, asked Dalton about improving rail transportation, adding it is a very energy-efficient way to move freight and passengers.
Dalton said he's focusing on inland ports, which connect both railroads and highway transportation. He said each region should have an inland port.
The next E-3 forum will be held this Friday with N.C. Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco as the guest speaker. It will also be held at 8 a.m. at the Marion Depot.