The Jetstream Aviation groundbreaking ceremony took place Thursday at the Global TransPark. Those picking up the ceremonial clods of dirt are, from left, Lenoir County Manager Michael James, Mike Gahne, Lenoir County Chairman Linda Rouse Sutton, N.C. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development Kenny Flowers, N.C. DOT Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation Julie White, LGM Enterprises Owner Jim Segrave, 2-year-old James Seagrave, GTP Interim Executive Director John Rouse, Bill Bryan, Kinston Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon, Pete West, Daryl Shearer and LCC President Rusty Hunt. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

LGM Enterprises is providing another investment toward Kinston and Lenoir County.

The Jetstream Aviation groundbreaking ceremony took place Thursday at the Global TransPark, adding on to the benefits already established. According to N.C. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Transportation Julie White, there is a $472 million economic impact in Lenoir County provided by the GTP, and it should only increase with the new investment from LGM Enterprises.

“LGM Enterprises is making a $10.5 million investment (that) will create 145 new jobs and an average wage of $60,000, which is nearly twice the average in Lenoir County,” GTP Interim Executive Director John Rouse said. “One of this project’s best attributes is how it will help attract other airspace investment to the Global TransPark. The Global TransPark is an economic engine in this region and North Carolina (and) the TransPark’s unique combination of transportation assets makes it a very attractive location for development.

“Today’s groundbreaking illustrates the positive impact we have on our state through cooperative investment, aviation and infrastructure.”

White said local residents should be excited about the groundbreaking.

“It’s really an exciting day for Kinston, Lenoir County and Eastern North Carolina,” White said. “It also shows another example of a business being able to grow here in this area, as well as someone from Lenoir County coming home. There will also be investments in the supply chain and workforce, and it’s a great fit to show the uniqueness of the Global TransPark.

Jim Segrave, owner and founder of LGM Enterprises, said he’s more than happy to reinvest in a city that helped his upbringing. Currently, the Global TransPark houses the eighth largest charter company in the U.S., an increase from 12th place last year.

“It’s super humbling to be here with people and families who depend on us and make this place special,” Segrave said. “To do it in Kinston and keeping it all at home is hard to beat.”

Lenoir Community College will also benefit greatly in terms of assisting those in the job force.

“This is an example of the great partnerships we have when it comes to commerce, the private industry, LCC, the city and county leaders,” LCC Director Dr. Rusty Hunt said. “At the college, we’ll be able to do customized training for the employers as far as (Segrave’s) needs and assist where we can.”

Kinston Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon said she hopes it’s a start toward even more economic progress in the area.

“Without question, this will impact our economic development and hopefully this is just the beginning, as many more organizations, businesses and industries see the opportunities the Global TransPark brings,” Solomon said. “This is definitely a win for Eastern North Carolina, but locally for Kinston and Lenoir County. This also encourages LCC for the work they do to help produce skilled laborers, so when the opportunity comes we can choose people in our own backyard to take advantage. Finally, it encourages Lenoir County Public schools and letting them know they’re going in the right direction, being resilient and putting 110 percent in their career-ready training to help students pick up the skills these jobs are looking for.”