Pender county given recovery zone designation

There is good news for growing business in Pender County. The county has been given a recovery zone designation, based on its high rates of unemployment, poverty and foreclosure.

The designation means businesses looking to develop, expand, or renovate could tap into 2 million dollars of tax exempt stimulus funding.

“The smaller guys are always overlooked, and we give to the economy just as much as we gain. So I think it affects everybody," said Burgaw business owner Tina Merritt.

County officials have to apply for the government funding on behalf of the businesses. Individual businesses, shopping centers, hotels, and office facilities are eligible.