By Jesse Wood
Gov. Pat McCrory visited the High Country over the weekend. He skied at Sugar Mountain Resort in a Carolina Panthers jersey and dressed up a little bit more for a visit to the American Emergency Vehicles factory in West Jefferson.
McCrory is familiar with Sugar Mountain and West Jefferson.
In November, McCory visited Sugar Mountain Resort to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Summit Express and praise the resort’s $5 million investment in the chairlift operation.
Earlier in the summer, McCrory applauded GE Aviation for its West Jefferson expansion.
But on Monday, McCrory joined more than 350 employees, company executives and local leaders for a plant tour and economic development discussion at American Emergency Vehicles’ factory in West Jefferson. The company won a $500,000 Building Reuse Grant in 2015, allowing AEV to expand and increase its workforce.
“American Emergency Vehicles is a shining example of job creation in North Carolina’s small towns,” said Governor McCrory. “I’ve come to Jefferson to learn first-hand from company officials and employees how North Carolina can help existing businesses grow and create jobs in every corner of the state.”
According to a release from McCrory’s office, American Emergency Vehicles, which partners with Wilkes County Community College to train students in the skills needed for its operations, is the largest seller of ambulances and other emergency vehicles in the nation.
“The company has grown from less than 50 employees in 1991 to more than 400 employees today, a number that will continue to grow with the company’s plan to expand into a second facility,” the release noted.
In addition, McCrory recognized Greg Warmuth, vice president of finance for AEV, with the Old North State Award.
“Warmuth has provided financial leadership to AEV for more than 23 years and was instrumental in the company’s growth. He is also actively engaged on numerous Ashe County economic development and community committees and formerly served as President of the Rotary Club of Jefferson,” according to the release.
Gov. McCrory Skiing at Sugar Mountain Resort
Gov. McCory Visiting American Emergency Vehicles in West Jefferson
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