THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 6, 1994 TAG: 9406040159
SECTION: BUSINESS WEEKLY PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, SPECIAL TO BUSINESS WEEKLY
DATELINE: 940606 LENGTH: CURRITUCK
In Hartig's first year as economic development director, new businesses have increased 33 percent. Currituck's beaches now rival neighboring oceanfront resorts.
{REST} But the man providing much of the momentum has also been a magnet for criticism from residents who worry Currituck is growing too quickly.
Speakers at public hearings or county meetings frequently voice concerns with current development and its threat to their generations-old way of life. Growth opponents take issue not with the man, but with his mission to attract industry and more visitors to this relatively untouched territory.
``I want Currituck to retain the rural atmosphere because it's to our advantage,'' Hartig said. ``But at the same time, I don't want people to think we're a bunch of unsophisticated wahoos down here. We aren't.''
Hartig, who may look familiar to longtime residents because of his broadcasting years with radio and television stations in Norfolk, was selected from more than 100 applicants to become Currituck County's first economic development director. He may hail from urban Hampton Roads, but the 47-year-old's relaxed manner and equally casual attire are more in line with Currituck.
His worksuit rarely deviates from blue jeans and dress shirt sans tie. Conversations that begin in smoke-free rooms often continue outside, where Hartig lights up frequently.
``My laid-back approach belies a very aggressive nature,'' he said. ``I'm probably one of the most aggressive people in this region.''
The Norfolk native and father of four seems more at ease when removed from formal meetings.
``Currituck is really in the catbird's seat,'' he said during one of those intermissions. ``We're strategically located to attract light manufacturing, tourism, residential and retirement. In northeastern North Carolina, we're in the best location possible.''
To diversify Currituck County's tax base and expand employment opportunities, Hartig and a nine-member local economic board recently unveiled an ambitious 20-year plan. Among its ongoing projects:
Become more business-friendly by helping new and existing businesses with financing options, permit and zoning requests and energy needs.
Provide more educational opportunities to enhance employment skills for residents who now must travel outside the county for post-high school classes.
Improve road transportation, particularly by building a mid-county bridge to Corolla and by widening state route 168 from Moyock to Barco, where a five-lane highway already exists. Also, improve air traffic at the Maple airport.
Protect the county's ecologically fragile areas.
Expand tourism by creating visitor attractions and cleaning up historic resources. Restoration of the county-owned Whalehead Club in Corolla, which will house a wildlife museum, is an example of both.
Ensure adequate police and fire protection as residential and commercial development continues.
Find a long-term water source to meet the county's growing needs.
Resistance on local fronts to some of these projects is rivaled only by legislators in Raleigh, many of whom still perceive Currituck as a bit backwoods.
``That's bovine residue,'' Hartig said, shaking his head at the ground and inhaling deeply on his cigarette. ``I'm sick and tired of this region getting a bad rap.''
Others appear equally angered and willing to help Hartig with his cause. Among them is Bob Henley, vice chairman of the Currituck County Economic Development Board.
``Charlie is an easy person to approach, and he'd do anything to help you,'' Henley said. ``And that's the kind of person we need as an economic development director.''
Hartig's $28,412 salary is paid by tourists through the county's occupancy tax on hotels, motels and rental cottages. This year's tourist-tax revenue is expected to top $1 million.
``I've never been associated with anything that is not a winner. Never,'' Hartig said. ``I mean, that's not my style. And this place is a winner.''
by CNB