By Mike Barnhardt
Enterprise Record

Around here, workers know how to make things.
Over the years, it’s been furniture, textiles and tobacco. Those industries have dwindled, but the reputation built by those workers should be used to promote the region for the same purpose – on an advanced level.
“This area was known for manufacturing. In the 50s and 60s, we were the big dogs,” David M. Powell, new president of the Piedmont Triad Partnership, said at the quarterly update sponsored by the Davie County Economic Development Commission.
“I’m advocating that advanced manufacturing is what we are. We’re known for this.”
Avgol of Mocksville is one of those companies, investing millions in high-tech, automated machines.
For the jobs to happen, governments, industry and educational institutions must work together for a common purpose on a regional level. Powell believes in trimming the partnership’s staff and using local talent, such as Terry Bralley, Davie’s economic development …