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resolved will the problem be fully met, and the likelihood of dependency most <br />completely removed. <br /> <br />B. A description of the economic conditions in Cabarrus County: <br /> <br />Cabarms County is primarily an urban county situated twenty miles northeast of <br />Charlotte. It is considered a part of the metrolina area, and is fast becoming a hub for <br />new plants and businesses moving into the region. According to state ESC figures, <br />the July unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is equal to or lower than most <br />surrounding counties in the metrolina area. Population figures support the movement <br />of business into the area. Cabarms County has increased 26.2% in population <br />between 1990 and 1999, with an estimated current population of 124,844. North <br />Carolina, overall, has experienced a 15.4% increase during the same period. NC <br />Department of Commerce figures show that Cabarrus County's workforce is 31.8% <br />manufacturing, 18.3% retail trade, 16.8% government, and 15.9% service oriented, <br />5.4% construction, 5.1% wholesale trade, and 4.7% transportation/commerce/public <br />utilities. These figures constitute 98% of the employm6nt in the county. Department <br />of Commerce figures also show that Cabarms County has a higher migration into the <br />county, lower unemployment rate, lower percentage of the population under the <br />federal poverty level, higher per capita income, and higher real wages increase than <br />North Carolina as a whole. All of these figures lend support to the fact that Cabarrus <br />County is in the forefront of growth, income, and employment in the State. Anyone <br />needing a job, and wanting a job, with available assistance to obtain it, should be able <br />to maintain employment here and provide above average support for themselves and <br />their families. <br /> <br />IV. Planning Process: <br /> <br />The Cabarrus County Work First Block Grant Planning Committee is comprised ora <br />wide range of professionals throughout the County's public and private sector. These <br />individuals were selected because of their expertise in their respective areas, and they are <br />being used to lend valuable input into the development of the Work First Plan for their <br />community. Its membership includes the following: <br /> Representing the Cabarrus County Board of Social Services: Mr. Robert Mathis, a <br /> current board member since 2000. <br /> Representing the Board of Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare, the local mental health <br /> agency: Ms. Sue Casper, who is also a County Commissioner. <br />· Representing the Board of the Cabarrus Health Alliance, the local public health <br /> authority: Mr. Charles Phillips, an employee of NorthEast Medical Center. <br />· Representing the two local school systems are: Mr. Jim Amendum of the Cabarrus <br /> County Schools, and Mr. Bob Shinn of the Kannapolis City Schools. <br />· Representing the business community: Mr. Mark Whitley, president of Carolina <br /> Carpet Care and Restoration, who is also Chairman of the Centralina Workforce <br /> Development Board. <br />· Representing the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners: Mr. Jeff Barnhart. <br /> <br /> <br />