For Immediate Release

October 24th, 2003

Local Entrepreneur Speaks at Rural Partners Forum

Shirley Williams Shares Experience, Expresses Appreciation

Raleigh, NC- The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center (The Rural Center) asked Ms. Shirley Williams to be a guest speaker at the 2003 Rural Partners Forum last week. The event focused on gaining a better understanding of the challenges facing entrepreneurs in rural areas and discussing strategies to help improve their businesses. Speakers at the forum included, Governor Michael Easley, Lieutenant Governor Beverly Perdue, Senator Marc Basnight, Phil Kirk of the North Carolina Citizens for Business and Industry, and University of North Carolina President Molly Broad.

After Governor Easley announced the creation of a new Rural Entrepreneurial Institute, Williams gave an uplifting address and told her story to the crowd of 600.  Williams owns and operates Vanceboro Apparel, which she started three years ago with the help of Metropolitan and The Rural Center.  Ms. Williams thanked God, Metropolitan, The Rural Center, her hard working employees and her family for helping her success . She received the second of only two standing ovations; the other was given to the governor when he addressed the audience. 

Vanceboro Apparel is located at 7906 Main Street in Vanceboro, North Carolina. Ms. Williams and her 30 employees make tents for animals, specialty vests, cushions and hospital gowns.

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above: Ms. Shirley Williams and Governor Michael Easley

at the 2003 Rural Partners Forum