mchen@heraldsun.com; 419-6636
RALEIGH -- Gov. Beverly Perdue signed an executive order on Thursday to give North Carolina businesses an advantage when they bid on state contracts. Perdue also named the state's first Small Business Commissioner on Thursday.
Under Executive Order No. 50, a North Carolina business that submits a bid within 5 percent or $10,000 of the lowest bid would be awarded the state contract over an out-of-state bidder.
According to a statement announcing the order, Perdue believes leveraging the buying power of the state government would provide an immediate economic benefit to workers and companies of North Carolina.
"This order can help save and grow jobs right here in North Carolina," she said. "At a time when North Carolina companies are looking hard for customers, this change will give them a better chance to compete for business, stay in business, and grow their business."
The order will remain in effect for North Carolina-based businesses large and small until rescinded or amended by Perdue or a future governor.
On Thursday, Perdue also named Scott Daugherty, executive director of the university system-based Small Business and Technology Development Center, to serve as the state's first Small Business Commissioner.
Daugherty will establish an organizational structure for existing state resources and agencies supporting small businesses.
One of Daugherty's first tasks will be to evaluate the small business services provided by the state, identify efficiencies, and then lead an outreach campaign to let small businesses in North Carolina know where to go when they need help.
"This was a restructure for efficiency," said Tim Crowley, a spokesman for the governor's office. "The small business assistance programs have been spread out over different agencies and the community colleges and universities ..., to help small businesses find assistance under one umbrella."
The restructuring is being created through a cooperative agreement between the N.C. Department of Commerce, the UNC system, N.C. State University and the N.C. Community College System.
George Millsaps, director of the Community College System's Small Business Center Network, will serve as assistant commissioner for Small Business. Both Daugherty and Millsaps' new roles will be in addition to their current responsibilities, without salary increases.
Daughterty will report to Secretary of Commerce Keith Crisco.
