HOMETOWN START UP HERO, SCOT WINGO 

Today, I want to honor one of our Start Up Heroes, Scot Wingo, whom I am lucky to call a good friend.  

Founder of ChannelAdvisor Corp., Auctionrover.com, Inc., Stingray Software, Inc. and Get Spiffy, Inc., M. Scot Wingo currently occupies the position of Chief Executive Officer for Get Spiffy, Inc., Advisor & Investor at Cofounders Capital Management LLC, General Partner at Triangle Tweener Fund and Advisor at Bull City Venture Partners LLC. Mr. Wingo is also on the board of 6 other companies.

In his past career, Mr. Wingo held the position of Independent Director at ChannelAdvisor Corp., Chief Executive Officer at Stingray Software, Inc., Chief Executive Officer for Auctionrover.com, Inc., and General Manager of GoTo Auctions.

Scot is also a very active investor as the Founder of the Early Stage fund, the Twener Fund, and is the NC TECH CEO of the year. 

Channel Advisor is still in Morrisiville! 

Keep creating companies and jobs Scot! 

SAVE THE DATE: 

Remember it is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month!

https://pancan.org/get-involved/pancreatic-cancer-awareness-pledge/#:~:text=November%20is%20Pancreatic%20Cancer%20Awareness%20Month

JOIN ME AT THE NC IDEA ECOSYSTEM SUMMIT!  NOV 13- NOV 15 https://ncidea.org/summit/

Thanks to Tom Rhue for all his work on this event! 

NOV 17th FIRST FLIGHT VENTURE HIGH FLYER AWARDS LUNCHEON to HONOR GOVERNOR JIM HUNT AND GOVERNOR JIM MARTIN! https://www.ffvcnc.org/2023-high-fyer-awards-luncheon

Check out all other Dates and reminders in the This Week in Morrisville edition.  

CELEBRATING GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK 

MY MESSAGE ON ENTREPRENEURS: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/889455892212445

INSIGHTS FROM TOM RUHE: https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/581265337462395

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an annual event that takes place in various countries around the world, typically during the third week of November. The event aims to celebrate and promote entrepreneurship and innovation, bringing together aspiring and established entrepreneurs, business leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders to discuss, share ideas, and inspire action.

During Global Entrepreneurship Week, a wide range of activities and events are organized, including workshops, seminars, networking events, pitch competitions, and other initiatives that highlight the importance of entrepreneurship in driving economic development and job creation.

The week is a platform for fostering collaboration, encouraging creativity, and providing resources and support for individuals interested in starting or growing their own businesses. It also serves as an opportunity to address challenges faced by entrepreneurs, promote policies that support entrepreneurship, and showcase success stories from around the world.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is typically organized by a network of partner organizations, including government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and businesses. The events and activities held during the week vary by location and are designed to cater to the specific needs and interests of the local entrepreneurial community.

Participation in Global Entrepreneurship Week is open to anyone interested in entrepreneurship, from students and startups to experienced business leaders. The goal is to create a global movement that encourages and empowers individuals to take the leap into entrepreneurship and contribute to the growth of their local and global economy. 

RESOURCES FOR START UPS

SBA Office of Entrepreneurship Education

https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/sba-locations/headquarters-offices/office-entrepreneurship-education

The Office of Entrepreneurship Education's mission is to provide entrepreneurial information and education, resources and tools to help small businesses succeed. The office is an integral component of Entrepreneurial Development's network of training and counseling services.

MORRISVILLE MEANS BUSINESS PROGRAM 

Our Town was sucessful in establising a Small Business Recovery Program for Small Businesses Affected by Covid 19.   We are also planning more programs and encourage you to reach out to the Town as we work to establish more programs to help grow small businesses and start ups!   I am working on ideas for an incubator in Morrisvile, more co working space, a position in our next budget to support small businesses, and I look forward to continued efforts to make our Town and our County, the Start Up Region in NC!   

Please Contact:  

Sara Ellis, Small Business Program Specialist

919-463-6909, sellis@townofmorrisville.org 

https://www.morrisvillenc.gov/businesses/morrisville-means-business-program

LAUNCH MORRISVILLE 

Launch Morrisville is an initiative started by the Morrisville Chamber of Commerce with the mission of providing resources and training that will help entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed in Morrisville.

The program consists of 10 weeks of intensive business training, during which all members of the Launch cohort will be provided with one-on-one mentoring from another local business owner, opportunities for networking within the Morrisville business community, and experienced entrepreneurial assistance that will help them unlock opportunities for local and statewide funding.

To learn more about Launch Morrisville, or to apply, visit the program's website at https://launchmorrisville.org/

Also, please visit Launch Cary at https://launchcary.org/apply/ along with other events programs across the county. 

WAKE TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND BUSINESS CENTER

Wake Tech's Entrepreneurship & Small Business Center helps people start and build businesses, serving any resident or small business in Wake County.

The center is part of the North Carolina Small Business Center Network. Its services are free – funded by your tax dollars.

https://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/build-business/small-business-center

YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMS 

TYE Carolinas 

https://events.tie.org/TiEYoungEntrepreneursProgram2023-2024?fbclid=IwAR3cZ6vrhjkoKBok68E43IrxeMSdVFZC9f3_GFHMr76mFah3CicpANt9Ulg#/tickets?lang=en

TYE Carolinas is entering its 8th year of a global entrepreneurship program focused exclusively on high school students. Great experiences that accelerate career growth and build the college resume! Please forward to your friends and family (with high school students) so they can participate in this incredible opportunity.!

The program provides six months of coaching, team work, preparation, and inspiration culminating in a business pitch to local entrepreneurs and investors. 

Our local champions (Drug Detectives from Green Level) recently won the global TYE competition in San Diego!  

DECA 

More than 227,000 DECA student members, teacher advisors, alumni and professionals around the globe join DECA each year to develop the next gen workforce.

Are you ready to join DECA? https://www.deca.org/

CONSIDER CROWDFUNDING

Learn More about Crowdfunding at https://incolo.io/about/

Crowdfunding is a method of raising capital or funds for a project, business, or cause by collecting small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the internet. It is a way for individuals, businesses, or organizations to access funding without relying on traditional sources such as banks or venture capitalists. Crowdfunding platforms serve as intermediaries that connect project creators with potential backers.

There are several types of crowdfunding models:

Reward-Based Crowdfunding: Backers contribute money to a project in exchange for non-monetary rewards. These rewards can vary, ranging from early access to the product, exclusive updates, or other incentives.

Equity Crowdfunding: Investors receive equity or ownership in the company in exchange for their financial support. This model is more common for startups and small businesses.

Debt Crowdfunding (Peer-to-Peer Lending): Investors lend money to individuals or businesses with the expectation of receiving repayment with interest over time.

Donation-Based Crowdfunding: People contribute money to support a cause or project without expecting any financial return. This model is often used for charitable or personal endeavors.

Real Estate Crowdfunding: Investors pool their money to invest in real estate projects, such as property development or renovations.

Popular crowdfunding platforms include Kickstarter, Indiegogo, GoFundMe, SeedInvest, and Crowdcube, among others. Each platform may cater to specific types of projects or funding models.

When considering crowdfunding, it's essential to have a well-thought-out campaign, a compelling pitch, and a clear outline of how the funds will be used. Additionally, understanding the terms and conditions of the chosen crowdfunding platform is crucial. Successful crowdfunding campaigns often involve effective marketing, engagement with the community, and transparent communication with backers.

I will be reaching out to Triangle Crowd Funding leader Will McGuire from Incolo to share more insights and will also be bringing him to Morrisville and other Wake County cities. 

MEDIA ALERT

WRAL news on Pfizer shutdown. https://wraltechwire.com/2023/10/27/pfizer-shutting-down-facilities-in-durham-morrisville/

WRAL TECH WIRE BLOG TOE TO TOE WITH JOHN CHAMBERS

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/10/27/john-chambers-ai-innovation-going-one-on-one-with-a-tech-legend/

Sept 29th PBS Black Issues Forum:

https://video.pbsnc.org/show/black-issues-forum/

WRAL Tech Wire Blog: Canada is Eating America's Lunch When it Comes to High Tech Immigration: 

https://wraltechwire.com/2023/09/14/canada-is-eating-americas-lunch-when-it-comes-to-high-tech-worker-immigration/

WRAL Tech Wire Blog: What is the ROI for Refuguees Coming to NC, that is a Billion Dollar Question. https://wraltechwire.com/2023/08/17/whats-the-roi-for-refugees-coming-to-nc-thats-a-billion-dollar-question/

Check out recent Triangle Business Journal Article, the Color of Wealth on Asian Community. https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2023/08/11/asian-culture-wealth-household-income-raleigh-cary.html

TUNE IN ON FRIDAYS at 3 pm to WPTF 98.5 FM and 680 AM with Jeff Hamlin.   

MORRISVILLE VETERAN DAY AND 5K A BLAST! CARY VETERANS WONDERFUL! 

Thanks to everyone who attended our Veteran Day event in Morrisville.  We enjoyed an inspiring address by Congresswoman Deborah Ross, followed by a 5 k walk to support our Veteran Memorial 5 K walk. 

After our event, I enjoyed attending the Cary Veteran Event at the Cary Veteran Memorial!  

INSPIRED BY PRESTON POINTE VETERANS.  

On Saturday, I enjoyed attending the Preston Pointe Ceremony along VFW leaders, Jeff Sherman (retired US Marines and Jerry Elefonte, (retired US Airforce).  

We honored all the Veterans and the highlight was the amazing music of our armed forces played by the Daze Work Band!   

RADIO NYRA AND SV TEMPLE HOST DIWALI MELA AT BRIER CREEK!  SO MUCH FUN.  

DIWALI PROCLAMATION AT MATA TEMPLE IN WINSTON SALEM 

I enjoyed joining the Governor, Senator Chaudhuri and Council Member Satish Garimella in Winston Salem for the signing of the Diwali Proclamation.   

Winston Salem Mayor Allen Joines and many community leaders were there.   

Thanks to the Mata Temple Board and Senator Chaudhuri for organizing this historic occasion. 

BAPS MORRISVILLE HOSTS ANOTHER INSPIRING DIWALI FESTIVAL! 

BAPS Morrisville hosted a festive Annakut and Diwali celebration with an amazing laser show, excellent food and fellowship.  I want to thank the BAPS community for everything they do to help our community. 

BATTERY MANUFACTURER COMES TO MORRISVILLE! 

Forge Battery, part of Colorado-based Forge Nano, will build a production plant it calls a “gigafactory” in Morrisville and hire more than 200 people while investing $142 million under terms of an economic development agreement reached with the North Carolina Department of Commerce on Tuesday.

The parent firm announced the launch of Forge Battery as a new company almost simultaneously with the North Carolina news. It plans a $165 million investment, according to Forge Nano.

The company says the factory will have what it calls “gigawatt hour (GWh) capacity.” According to CEVA Logistics, “1 GWh equates to 1 billion watt-hours (Wh). This is also 1 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) or 1000 megawatt-hours (MWh). Suffice to say it is a very substantial quantity of energy. That is why is it is usually used to indicate the quantity of energy produced in large power stations.”

Over time, Forge Nano said the factory “is expected to create hundreds of high-paying jobs for Wake County residents.”

“The newly formed company intends to produce best-in-class high-energy and high-power lithium-ion battery cells for defense, aerospace and specialty electric vehicle markets at a newly constructed Gigafactory,” the company announced, saying it would be built in Raleigh. Production is expected to begin in 2026.

Congratulations to our Council, Staff, and Economic Development Partners (EDPNC and Wake County) for this win.   

Our Town is the destination for market leading companies around the nation and world! 

Read More at https://wraltechwire.com/2023/11/14/battery-manufacturer-picks-morrisville-for-new-gigafactory-200-jobs/

GET THE MORRISVILLE APP AT THE APP STORE!

Get all the latest information about news and events around Town with the authoritative app, Morrisville Central. Learn about free community events, view an interactive map of Town facilities and parks to learn about court and field status, and get the latest information about the Town straight from the source. You can also report concerns as you see them using the app’s interactive tool.

Download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.

Sen. Joe Manchin from WV will not seek re election.  Republicans can flip seat.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/09/politics/joe-manchin-wont-run-for-reelection/index.html

Republican Presidential hopefuls square off again without Trump

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/210912302035171

Meetings

Nov. 14 - 6 p.m. Town Council Meeting

Nov. 15 - 6 p.m. Performance Measures Advisory Committee

Nov. 16 - 6:30 p.m. Smart City Steering Committee

Talk Morrisville Q&A with Town Manager Zuidema on Nov. 13

On Monday, Nov. 13 at noon, Town Manager Brandon Zuidema will be sitting down for a Talk Morrisville Facebook Live Q&A. Learn more about his background and vision for the future of Morrisville. 

Playground Repairs at Northwest Park Nov. 13-17

The playground at Northwest Park (998 Parkside Valley Drive) will be closed November 13-17 for repairs. The Town has contracted with Reese Construction to install new surfacing at the playground. The rest of the park will be open. Please be cautious and stay clear of the construction area. Parking will be limited due to construction vehicles.

Want to find another playground in Town? Check out these nearby parks:

Church Street Park, 5800 Cricket Pitch Way

Indian Creek, 101 Town Hall Drive

Morrisville Community Park, 1520 Morrisville Parkway

For questions about this project, contact the Morrisville Public Works Department at (919) 463-7070.

Morrisville Joins Wake County for Operation Greenlight

The Town of Morrisville is joining Wake County for Operation Greenlight now through Nov. 12 by lighting several Town buildings green. Operation Greenlight is a national collaborative initiative to support military veterans, as well as raise awareness about the unique challenges they may face. During this time, residents and businesses are encouraged to change one light bulb to a green bulb. 

National Take a Hike Day is Nov. 17

Celebrate National Take a Hike Day on Friday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m., with a trail walk on the Hatcher Creek Greenway at Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Parkway.) The trail walk will be hosted by a member of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department, and community members joining the walk should meet at the picnic shelter.

Morrisville Parkway Access Management Study Survey Now Open

The Town of Morrisville is partnering with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) to complete a Morrisville Parkway Access Management Study (MPAMS) for the two-mile section of Morrisville Parkway between Davis Drive and NC 54/Chapel Hill Road. The corridor will be evaluated for general safety improvements associated with access management for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Click here to learn more about MPAMS and take the survey by Saturday, Nov. 18.

Register Your Child to Receive a Call from Santa

Santa Claus has contacted the Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department and let them know he and Mrs. Claus will be calling Morrisville children ages 3-8 this holiday season! Register now here.

The deadline to register is Monday, Nov. 27, at 5 p.m. All calls will be made on Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m. If your child is unavailable during this time, a message can be left on your voicemail. No make-up calls will be made.

Winter White Goods Collection is Dec. 7

The Winter White Goods collection day will be Thursday, Dec. 7. Click here to register. Items to be collected include washing machines, dryers, freezers, refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters, stoves/ovens, and dehumidifiers. Microwaves should be dropped off at the South Wake Landfill, 6130 Old Smithfield Road, Apex.

Turkey Bowl III is on Nov. 18

Mark your calendars for the big game! The third annual Turkey Bowl is Saturday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m. at Morrisville Community Park (1520 Morrisville Parkway.) The Morrisville Police Department and Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department will compete against each other in a game of kickball.

Admission is one non-perishable food item per person. All donations will go to families in need this holiday season.

Morrisville Fire Department Collecting Toys for Tots Through Nov. 26

Help spread holiday cheer by donating a toy to children in need. This year, the Morrisville Fire/Rescue Department is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots for a holiday toy drive, now through Sunday, Nov. 26.

Donation boxes are in the lobbies of:

• Fire Station No. 1, 200 Town Hall Drive

• Fire Station No. 2, 10632 Chapel Hill Road

• Fire Station No. 3, 1021 Harris Mill Road

Donations should be new, unwrapped toys. Toys that look like realistic weapons or gifts with food are not accepted. Lobbies are open 24 hours a day. Click here to learn more.

Applications Open for Community Police Academy

Residents are invited to apply for the Community Police Academy, a free eight-week program designed to give participants a working knowledge of the Morrisville Police Department. It is intended to increase transparency and enhance understanding between the community and the police. The academy will be held Monday nights, from Jan. 8 – Feb. 26, 6-8 p.m.  

Please note: Participants must be age 21 or older and must live or work in Morrisville. Background checks will be done on all applicants.

Great to Catch Up with Governor Cooper in Winston Salem! 

Coffee with Rep. Maria Cervania who represents Morrisville now! 

Ran into an old Morrisville friend at Connected Communities Conference, Ben Hitchings! 

Visited and Toured Jason Wyden's new venture, Blue Co

SMALL BUSINESS VISIT OF THE WEEK

SMALL BUSINESS FORUM INSIGHTS FROM CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT FUND: 

https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao/videos/838053647911356

AUDITOR BETH WOOD WILL STEP DOWN 

Beth Wood, the embattled state auditor who was charged this week with using publicly owned vehicles for personal errands, will resign before the end of her term, she told WRAL News Thursday.

The decision caps a stunning yearlong fall for the Democrat who has earned bipartisan support for her work as a government watchdog, ensuring public resources are used appropriately over four terms.

Wood was charged Tuesday with a misdemeanor after an eight-month probe by the State Bureau of Investigation found that she used at least one state-owned vehicle for private purposes in 2021 and 2022, including traveling back and forth to regularly scheduled hair appointments and dental appointments.

She also traveled to shopping centers and spas “where she was not engaged in business in her official capacity,” according to an indictment handed down Tuesday by a Wake County grand jury. An investigation is ongoing.

The Governor will appoint a replacement very soon, who will serve out the remainder of the term. 

Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/nc-auditor-beth-wood-to-resign-following-new-charge-over-use-of-state-owned-vehicles/21141330/

FIRST BATCH OF WAKE SCHOOL PARENT POLICIES PASS 

Five Wake County school policies are changing to adjust to Senate Bill 49, known by Republican proponents as the "Parents' Bill of Rights."

The new law is controversial in part because of concerns that it could "out" transgender students to their families.

The school board approved the policies Tuesday 6-2, with two members voting against approval because they remained unhappy with previous changes made to a book review policy earlier this year that were unrelated to the new state law.

The policy changes approved Tuesday are taken from the new state law and don’t add new requirements beyond that. The school board is compelled to comply with state law, without or without adopting it into their policies. However, approving the policy changes Tuesday places the language of the new state law into local documents that can be viewed by families alongside other school system rules.

The policies approved Tuesday include a requirement that parents to be notified of survey questions being asked of students, permitting parents to request a list of materials their children have checked out from the library, and stating that staff should never encourage or coerce a child into keeping a secret from their parents.

Currently, the school system already asks parents for their consent for surveys related to sensitive information. But the new law requires the school system to send them copies of the survey questions, as well, at least 10 days in advance. The school system would include information on how to find the survey questions with the opt-in form sent to parents for each survey. The anonymous survey on tobacco use and risk behaviors that came from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are exempt from the law and the Wake policy changes.

On top of the policies approved Tuesday, the law requires parental notification of students’ wishes to go by a different name or gender identity, schools to facilitate parental concern hearings upon request and tighter timelines for supplying information to parents and guardians, among other things. But policies related to those changes were not up for a vote Tuesday.

GOVERNOR COOPER WINS A LEGAL BATTLE 

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper won a court victory on Nov. 1 when a three-judge panel blocked the legislature’s attempt to strip his appointment powers regarding three state boards.

That’s part of the news. Here’s the other part: The win is partial, temporary and likely to be overturned by the Republican-dominated state Supreme Court despite a previous ruling protecting the governor’s appointment powers.

That’s the state of North Carolina’s judiciary, starting and ending with the state Supreme Court. To predict the outcome of a case, don’t look at its legal merits, look at the political parties involved.

Read More at https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/nc-courts-under-political-assault-093000955.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=A

NC Gerrymanders continue and Democrats will fight it: 

North Carolina's new congressional maps just became law last week, and Democrats said they plan on challenging the redistricting in court, saying there's racial bias in the new maps. 

The new maps are designed to give Republican candidates a large advantage in upcoming elections for Congress and the North Carolina legislature. Republicans say the maps are fair and will hold up in court, but Democrats told WRAL they think the maps are unconstitutional. The new maps could give North Carolina Republicans at least three more seats in the U.S. House after 2024, all at the expense of first- and second-term Democrats, according to state election data. That change could be enough to help Republicans keep a House majority in Washington. 

Read More at: https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/politics/north-carolina-politics/north-carolina-redistricting-congressional-maps-political-gerrymandering-democrats-vow-lawsuits/275-bc014e82-872e-4644-9

Wake County Schools Considers New Rules for Public Hearings 

People speaking at Wake school board meetings would need to refrain from personal attacks against other people or be asked to leave the podium, according to a proposed policy revision being considered by the Wake County Board of Education.

The board’s current policy merely encourages speakers to refrain from personal attacks. The change gives the board the authority to tell speakers it’s against the rules and instruct a meeting attendee to stop speaking if they refuse to comply.

Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/want-to-speak-at-a-wake-school-board-meeting-no-personal-attacks/21112693/

Corey Branch to run for Raleigh Mayor 

Longtime councilman Corey Branch is running for Raleigh mayor in the 2024 election.

Branch, 45, made the announcement Thursday on a number of platforms, including Instagram. He has served on Raleigh City Council for almost nine years.

Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/corey-branch-longtime-city-councilman-is-running-for-raleigh-mayor/21116397/

Wake County Schools Roll out Student Reassigment Plan for 2024-2025

The Wake County School District presented its first draft of the 2024-25 enrollment plan to the school board Tuesday.

The district is proposing reassignments at 21 schools – 13 elementary schools, six middle schools and two high schools.

Pleasant Grove Elementary in Morrisville would be the focal point of several changes. A portion of its attendance zone would be reassigned into Brier Creek, Leesville Road or York elementary schools in Raleigh. Then, parts of Alston Ridge and Parkside elementary schools, in Cary and Morrisville, would be reassigned to Pleasant Grove Elementary. 

The changes would reduce some overcrowding at the schools, although they would require some calendar changes for families to or from multi-track or traditional calendars.

Families of children who will be in fourth or fifth grade next year could apply to stay at their school instead of moving to Pleasant Grove, and they could apply for any younger siblings who will be kindergarten or older to stay, as well. They would not have busing.

Read More at https://www.wral.com/story/wake-county-school-district-proposes-to-move-students-from-21-schools/21054801/

Nov 17  First Flight Venture Center High Flyer Awards Lunch. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-high-flyer-awards-luncheon-tickets-694255696477?aff=oddtdtcreator

NOV 18th Triangle Sikh Gurdvara Morrisville Community Park at 10 am! https://givebutter.com/gAEdDG