New Caldwell County Manager Stan Kiser participated in his first county commission meeting, and Broyhill Furniture President Jeff Cook provided an update on the company's operations Monday night at the City-County Chambers in Lenoir.

Kiser, a native of Lincoln County where he served as county manager for nine years, officially began his new job last Thursday. Prior to arriving in Caldwell County, Kiser was the manager of Yancey County for a year.

"Stan does come to us with a considerable amount of managing experience," said Caldwell County Human Resources Director David Hill, who had served in an interim county management role in September, following the retirement of Bobby White at the end of August.

Meanwhile, Cook made a presentation regarding the consolidation of Broyhill's upholstery manufacturing operations at the former Pacemaker site in Lenoir. Nearly a year ago, Broyhill and its parent company Furniture Brands International received approval for $4 million in total cash incentives, including $2 million in local government funds and $2 million from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, to renovate the Pacemaker site and combine manufacturing operations in Caldwell and Alexander counties under one roof.

Cook said that since the beginning of the year, the average number of hours worked at the facility - known now by the company as a "Vision Campus" - has totaled 40.2. He said more than 230 new jobs have been created, and the site recently celebrated 1 million hours without a lost-time accident by hosting an ice cream party for its employees.

Reiterating that a majority of the contracting work for the renovations was performed by local companies, Cook said the company has sought to redefine the method by which furniture is manufactured in the county through cell-based production lines in order to eliminate waste.

"The goal was to have the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the entire state," he said.

He added that the company realized $1.2 million in savings by eliminating transportation expenses incurred by trucking materials to and from the Taylorsville plant and other sites within Caldwell County.

Cook said he is upbeat about the future and stated, "You're not going to want to miss the next chapter of this story."

Also along economic development lines, the commissioners approved an economic incentive plan for Bruex, Inc. A manufacturer of wood veneer products, Bruex has seen an increase in business and already has hired six new employees, according to Keith Johnston, the company's president.

In order to purchase new equipment, Bruex is securing financing from a private source. As recommended by the Caldwell County Sales Tax Reinvestment Committee last month, interest payments will be made on a loan of up to $100,000 by using reinvestment funds for a 12-month period. The interest-rate cap is 9 percent.

"Every job that is added in this economy is a blessing," Commissioner Rob Bratcher said.

Added Commissioner Don Barrier, "It's nice to have a small-business partner to participate with the county."

In other business, the board:

* Adopted a project ordinance and approved financing options for additions at Sawmills and Hudson Elementary Schools. The combined projects total $2.97 million and will add four classrooms and a cafeteria at Sawmills and six classrooms at Hudson. The county will pursue zero-interest loans through the federal stimulus program, or will seek financing for up to 15 years at a maximum interest rate of 5 percent. Caldwell County Schools will be responsible for the debt service of the projects.

* Approved using $180,000 in existing fund balance to purchase six new patrol vehicles for the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office at a cost of $140,000 and $40,000 worth of used vehicles for non-emergency county services. Kiser noted the patrol vehicles will need additional upgrades, including computers and other equipment, that will require a future budget amendment.

* Approved a resolution regarding Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute as the school enters into a $3.04 million energy savings contract designed to reduce energy consumption and overall operating costs. Under terms of the resolution, the commissioners will not intend to reduce appropriations to the college based on the lowered energy expenses.

* Approved a budget amendment to use up to $150,000 in fund balance to replace door control and intercommunication systems at the Caldwell County Detention Center. The current door locking system is 10 years old, and repair parts no longer are available. The action also authorized seeking bids for the project.