McGehee has resigned to accept the same position in Lee County, where she assumes her new duties on May 30.
A Campbell College graduate with a degree in business administration, she came to Moore County in August 2003 from a personnel position in private industry. She has 25 years experience in personnel.
"It was a hard decision," she said, adding that she is sad to be leaving Moore County and an exceptional staff in the personnel office.
However, the McGehees live in Lee County, and the decision was a natural one when the position opened up with the retirement of the personnel director there. McGehee said the new position will also enable her to have more time for her first grandchild, expected in December.
McGehee was responsible for development of Wellness Works, the innovative medical services center for employees and dependents covered by the county's insurance program. Her leadership in organizing the successful program was instrumental in earning her the Employee of the Year recognition for 2005.
GROWLER -- Gov. Mike Easley stepped into Moore County's economic development picture this week.
Easley announced that American Growler, manufacturer of specialty military vehicles, is moving to Robbins. The company, which is relocating from Florida, will create 40 new jobs and invest $662,000 in the Robbins venture within the next three years.
"American Growler's decision to move its operations to North Carolina is a testimony to our solid reputation in both the military and automotive sectors," Easley said. "We will continue to make the right investments in workforce development, education and infrastructure to ensure our state remains a global competitor in these industries."
Moore County contributed $25,000 as the local match to secure a $25,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund to help defray the company's relocation costs. Partners in Progress, the county's nonprofit economic development initiative, worked with the N.C. Department of Commerce to attract the new industry.
The company will occupy the facility formerly used by Carolina Lace.
Bill Crisp, American Growler president, said the availability of skilled labor and facilities, continuing education opportunities at Sandhills Community College and grants from the state and the county were among the reasons his company selected the Robbins site for its expansion.
The One North Carolina Fund assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments. Since its creation in 2001, One North Carolina Fund has attracted $2.5 billion in investment and more than 18,000 jobs.
DEMOCRATS -- North Carolina's top Democrat, state Chairman Jerry Meek, is urging fellow Democrats to reach out and touch their Republican friends.
In a mass e-mail, Meek is encouraging Democrats to forward the message to Republicans that they are welcome to "make the switch." Meek says the message is intended for Republican voters who have become disenchanted with the direction the country has taken during the Bush administration.
"Instead of the same tit-for-tat rhetoric that sometimes turns off voters, North Carolina Democrats want to proactively and positively reach out to Republicans who think that America can do better," Meek said. "As we get closer to the crucial fall elections, the North Carolina Democratic Party wants to share what we stand for and invite Republicans to send a message by switching parties."
His message says, in part: "Like you, Democrats are people of faith, people who love our country, and people who want the best for our families, our neighbors, our state, and our nation."
George Wilson, chairman of the Moore County Democratic Party, was patting his foot in agreement this week.
"We don't need to continue to fight, we need to unite to fix what's wrong in Washington, Raleigh and Carthage," Wilson said.
Florence Gilkeson can be reached at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.
