Ogden Stepping Aside
Ray Ogden stands outside MoldStoppers in the Southern Pines Corporate Park. Photo by Glenn M. Sides
- Print print this page
- Discuss 14 comments, Blog about
Advertisement
The success that Ray Ogden has enjoyed as executive director of Moore County Partners in Progress is rooted in the worst day of his career.
Nearly nine years ago, Ogden stood in front of 150 employees at Intech, a textile plant in Aberdeen, and told them they no longer had jobs.
“That was tough,” says Ogden, who was a manager at the plant. “When the opportunity at Partners came up, I was determined to get all of those people new jobs. I honestly thought I’d do it for about a year.
“Here it is eight years later, and it’s the most fulfilling, fun work I’ve ever done.”
Ogden begins the exit process on July 1, when he switches to part-time status. He will fully step aside by the end of the year. Pat Corso, the former president and CEO of Pinehurst Resort, will assume Ogden’s role full time on Sept. 1.
The transition will be announced tonight at the Partners in Progress annual dinner at the resort’s Carolina Hotel.
“I’m thrilled that Pat has decided to come into this position,” Ogden says. “I think he will be a wonderful leader and will be able to take this organization to the next level.”
Partners is the nonprofit economic development organization for Moore County. The executive director works to create jobs and economic opportunities by bringing new businesses to the county, as well as retaining and expanding current businesses.
Partners Chairman Fred Hobbs believes that Ogden has done exceedingly well at the latter through the recession, noting that there have been 12 expansions since the October 2008 stock market crash.
“I think Ray has done a superb job,” Hobbs says. “It’s not just the new companies that he’s recruited, it’s the expansion of existing companies.
“Ray has focused on the whole county. He has tried to make sure that what Partners found fits all over so everybody had a taste of the success brought by the growth. Ray understands the importance of the tide raising all of the boats.”
Ogden says he believes that any smooth sailing over the past eight years is tied to working with Melanie Thompson, who was hired as office manager three months before his arrival in November 2003.
“I learned long ago that the best thing you can do to get anywhere is hire people smarter than you,” Ogden says. “While I didn’t hire Melanie, this organization wouldn’t be anywhere near where it is today without her intellect and hard work. Having her in place when I got here was a real blessing.”
Patrick Coughlin, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, says Ogden’s industrial background and humility were the perfect combination for the job.
“He had an instant connection with prospects,” Coughlin says. “He was a colleague who could speak with them in a way that they understood. That’s one of the things that made him so successful.
“But Ray is not just a successful economic developer, he’s a great guy. He’s open, honest and never pulls punches. I just can’t say enough about his character. I’m going to miss him.”
Since 2003, Partners has assisted in bringing almost $45 million in investment and about 1,500 new jobs to Moore County.
Ogden adds that projects such as the Southern Pines Corporate Park and the multi-county mega park bode well for the county’s economic future.
“We didn’t have product like that eight years ago,” he says. “I think that sets the stage well going forward.”
Thompson credits Ogden with laying the foundation for success by getting out and pressing the flesh.
“Ray has projected a positive image for Partners,” she says. “He is well-liked and well-respected in the community. One of Ray’s initial goals was to bring awareness among local and state officials to Partners, and that continues to this day.”
Thompson also credits Ogden for giving her the autonomy and flexibility to try new things, such as writing news releases, designing the Partners website and establishing its Facebook page.
“He’s definitely not a micromanager,” she says. “I hate to see him go. I hope that I’ve made his job easier.”
Thompson describes Ogden as the Partners’ “front man” and herself as the “behind-the-scenes person.”
“We’ve had a professional relationship that has been very successful for Moore County,” she says. “I look forward to continuing that success with Pat.”
Hobbs notes that Corso held the top spot at the resort when Partners took its current form about a decade ago.
“Pat was around at the birth, if you will,” Hobbs says. “He had a passion for it to begin with. Our board couldn’t be any happier. The vote to hire Pat was unanimous. We’re all thrilled that he’s chosen to take the job.”
Meanwhile, Ogden plans to stay active in the community.
“I’ve got several projects, both personal and professional, that I want to spend more time on,” he says. “I might play a few more rounds of golf as well.”
Contact Ted M. Natt Jr. at tnatt@thepilot.com.
More like this story
Advertisement
Comments
difflook 1 year, 11 months ago
RAY OGDEN A great man who has helped the entire COUNTY! thanks Ray
None 1 year, 11 months ago
So where are all those jobs after 8 years? Just wondering with a 9.7% unemployment rate. Whose hiring these days? Just a few unanswered questions....
difflook 1 year, 11 months ago
NEGATIVITY NEGATIVITY ! Thanks Ray,! We know what you did, you cant help afterwarsd!
None 1 year, 11 months ago
Negativity - what are you talking about? The Pilot published unemployment percentages. Why then does Lee County surpass Poorer County 20-1 when it comes to manufacturing plants? Why does Poorer County have a reported 9.7% unemployment rate. Have any answers or are you going to defend a failed inititive? JUST SOME UNANSWERED QUESTIONS!
And we get another golf course/Resort figure head to mount an effort to do what? Encourage more people to sign up for Turf Grass Management at Sandhills...? Perhaps Mr. Corso could start interviewing at the unemployment office in Aberdeen. But wait - no jobs! Huh wonder what happened those 8 years....???
difflook 1 year, 11 months ago
Hey PILOT, could you set up a NEGATIVITY only posting site? The guy who has helped land numerous plants and jobs for Moore County cant even retire with dignity without being brow beat. Way to GO! Mr. Ogden!
TinMan 1 year, 11 months ago
Ray Ogden is a great person and business professional. Mr. Ogden has helped many business in Moore County. Mr. Ogden actually did something postive for the community, ...not just camping out on "blogs". Thumbs up to Ray!
None 1 year, 11 months ago
difflook says...
"The guy who has helped land ""numerous"" plants and jobs for Moore County"
Can you name five plants or jobs? Nothing I've said is negative...you just image that the questions I've posed are negative since you can't answer my questions. So just throw something out there and see what sticks. I'm willing and ready to discuss those "numerous" plants and job creation for Poorer County in a civil and logical manner. Obviously you must be thinking in terms of Lee County's industrial growth.
None 1 year, 11 months ago
"not just camping out on "blogs". Is that your observation TinMan. Perhaps voicing ones opinion when it comes to blowhards who are praised for accomplishments that remain a mystery to the populace. He stands in front of Mold Stoppers as if he had something to do with a local grassroots initiative started by a local attorney and a couple others who found the "secret" to retarding mold growth in new construction and remolding. I worked with their sales manager and have significant insider information on how the company was formed, launched and principles. Let’s just stick to facts as opposed to throwing out diversions without any value or substance. Your comments represents a lack of informed dissent.
Bflat 1 year, 11 months ago
Mr Ogden is well respected and professional, especially in his business where he provides a wonderful service. My question to the Pilot journalist is where are the 12 expansions since 2008 that Fred Hobbs is quoted as attributed to Ogden, and where were the 1500 jobs that were created? The article leaves too many questions. Again,these questions are not to be construed as anything negative toward Odgen but to the Pilot article itself.
None 1 year, 11 months ago
Thank you Bflat ~ someone who has a prespective on the age old question: who - what - when - where and how. Seems no one but Fred Hobbs has any answers. Step back and wait for the oncoming attack for asking questions....
difflook 1 year, 11 months ago
AMERICAN GROWLER ROBBINS, NC 100 jobs; SITUS Companies, Robbins, currently 70 jobs, HOLMES BUilding Systems, ROBBINS 70 + JOBS, REstatred a closed facility and obtained state funding to assist in a building deficency to allow them to reopen;
sarahbw22 1 year, 11 months ago
I work for an investment company that works closely with both Melanie and Ray. I have been working here since December. Within the past 6-7 months, I have personally seen 15+ jobs created, and 2 businesses established in the town of Carthage. They work very hard to help establish companies within our community. Whether it would be one job created or 1,000, it is still providing a family with an income. Those two have helped our company in more ways than I can count, and have helped our tenants too. One being a new textile company that is currently being constructed in Carthage. They are starting off with about 10-15 employees and plan to drastically expand within the next 2 years. Another being a sports apparel manufacturer. Also in Carthage. More jobs being created for the community. In regards to the unemployment, I have seen help wanted signs in multiple places around town. I also was able to obtain 2 different jobs within 1 month of moving to Southern Pines. One being Wal-Mart. Maybe if people had a little less pride and a little more work ethic, it wouldn't be as hard to find a job as it's thought to be. I know McDonalds is hiring, any of the unemployed apply there? Or is that place not good enough?
TOYTIME 1 year, 11 months ago
difflock, toda is right its all about creating jobs, I'm sure Mr. Ogden has helped create far fewer jobs than toda has, right toda?
TOYTIME 1 year, 11 months ago
sarahbw22, congrats on your job, sounds like you're a very thoughtful person, welcome to the area.
sarahbw22 1 year, 11 months ago
Thank you, times 3!!! I am so happy we moved here. The community is so wonderful. We look forward to buying a house and hopefully, raising children here.
None 1 year, 11 months ago
"HOLMES BUilding Systems, ROBBINS 70 + JOBS, REstatred a closed facility" difflook June 16, 2011 at 12:04 p.m. Perhaps you didn't know or realize that Jimmie Holmes was the plant manager for Fleetwood Homes in Pembroke before he decided to open the former Champion Homes plant in Robbins that he purchased from Champion. He wanted to build a custom line of homes that were in keeping with site built construction and any credit due for that transition it would be Jimmie Holmes - not anyone else. How are their sales lately? In this housing bust?
AMERICAN GROWLER ROBBINS => Howard Coble has taken credit for that one. Didn't you see him sitting in the cab of a growler?
SITUS Companies => An international company dealing in world wide real estate and they have how many $10.00 employees working in cubicles in Robbins? I have a friend who works there and trust me, it's not an employment mecca by no means.
TOYTIME June 16, 2011 at 2:05 p.m. how many jobs I've created? What a dumb question! I wasn't getting his salary to find jobs for anyone! So where are all those 1500 jobs?
Taking a quote from sarahbw22 June 16, 2011 at 1:58 p.m. "They are starting off with about 10-15 employees and plan to drastically expand within the next 2 years." 1/100's of the jobs quoted in the article.
I'm not saying Mr. Ogden didn't work, I can't see the production listed in the article unless one wants to exacerbate the obvious.
None 1 year, 11 months ago
Jimmy is putting up his houses on Ashleigh Blvd off Batchelor Farm road, one at a time, He got to Plank Rd on his own two feet.
None 1 year, 11 months ago
Walmart ~ McDonald's is hiring. sarahbw22 June 16, 2011 at 1:58 p.m. and you are correct. With a first name of Sarah, you must be female and perhaps have children. Who cares for your children? Do you take them to daycare or school? Are your children teens or emancipated? Do you have family or friends who provide "free" sitting services? Just a few questions to help me understand how one on a minimum hourly rate can afford daycare and still have money left over for other living expenses. I really don't like to argue, however I work with reality and not fantasy. I like Walmart and look forward someday to being a greeter...would love that position. McDonald's - not much for fast food....
None 1 year, 11 months ago
Toytime ~ "...has helped create far "fewer" jobs than toda?" Toy I'm thinking that isn't what you meant to say. But then again, he may have created fewer jobs than I since I'm not receiving his salary.
TOYTIME 1 year, 11 months ago
"he may have created fewer jobs than I since I'm not receiving his salary." Huh? So if your paid more you'll create more jobs... Quick someone give Toda a raise! Toda from what I read, you mainly sit at your computer and complain, ALOT. You know, my father once told me "You don't make yourself look good by making others look bad." You do that ALOT. Also, "With a first name of Sarah, you must be female and perhaps have children. Who cares for your children? Do you take them to daycare or school? Are your children teens or emancipated?" are you serious? None of your business! Her point wasn't that that is the only means to support a family, but my family members certainly worked more than one job to support our family when I was growing up. I've worked 2 jobs to make ends meet and so has my wife. Toda I did type what I meant, I was trying to be a little to cute probably, but it seems you were criticizing this man for not creating enough jobs, and I wanted to know if you've ever put your money at risk to create jobs for others. Maybe, just maybe(with the new calculas that's popular now) He's counting the number of "saved" jobs too. Have a nice evening, its "toytime" (what my wife calls it when I clean my firearms or ride my bike)
difflook 1 year, 11 months ago
I guess jobs are not jobs to all, but I am sorry but you are not correct in your FACTS, Champion Homes HAS NEVER owned that plant, and if they did, and it was closed what difference would it make, the fact is the plant was CLOSED, and Ray Ogden and the Robbins Economic employee at the time, George Kecatos worked feveriously for 18 months to land this business! I dont know how their business it, but when i passed by there the past few days the parking lot was full of cars! Sen Coble?? Hey who cares who gets the credit? Mr. Ogden again was the catalyst and Chief negotiater for this unbelieveable company, I dont know what Situs pays, but its a whole lot more than was being paid for no one in an empty building! For those good people in Robbins, 70 jobs at a place may not mean much to you, but to them it does,. Dont understand all this NEGATIVITY and attempted bashing of GOOD companies that Moore County is fortunate to have.
None 1 year, 11 months ago
TOYTIME June 16, 2011 at 2:05 p.m.,"difflock, toda is right its all about creating jobs, I'm sure Mr. Ogden has helped create far fewer jobs than toda has, right toda? I'm sure Mr. Ogden "has helped create far fewer jobs than Toda" and since that isn't my job, nor do I have an office, nor have I received compensation, I'll stay semi-retired. I like so many work for a fee as opposed to Free!
"from what I read, you mainly sit at your computer and complain" your opinion is well noted. However, you call my threads and blogs complaining; I call it bringing attention to the corruption in our political system, bringing to the attention to those who would rather stay home than vote, outing blowhards who want praise and notable recognition for doing nothing but fueling their egos and self fulling goals as elected officials. Not every word written on a page is black and white. Take time to find out all the information before opening up a new can of worms.
"Her point wasn't that" are you ghost writing under two avatars? My point: As a single mother if that is her situation cannot work at a minimum wage job and pay for child care. Child care would take all of her income just to provide for someone to watch her children while she is working second shift at Walmart, or McDonalds'. You just said your wife takes care of your children; if you wasn't in the home who then would provide child care?
(with the new calculas that's popular now) I've taken calculus, is that what you're talking about? Statistics and mathematical models seems more appropriate.
None 1 year, 11 months ago
difflook June 16, 2011 at 11:27 p.m. Didn't Manson Homes purchase that property form Champion before they opened the plant in Pinebluff? Here's a link for Manson Homes via MCRoD's: http://rod.moorecountync.gov/RealEstate/SearchDetail.aspx
"attempted bashing of GOOD companies" your words not mine...FYI: Jimmie Holmes who owns Homes Building Systems was in negotiation with Gloria Stutts' for acquisition of that property. Prior to leaving Fleetwood as General Manager, talks were underway. I wonder why Lee County's industrial development supersedes Moore County? Here's your link to all 10 pages: http://www.lcedc.com/documents/leemanufacturing.pdf
"who cares who gets the credit?" It's akin to a student doing their own work or having someone else do it for them. The Pilot and (sic) Partners Chairman Fred Hobbs believes...Mr. Ogden has done a superior job. I just analyze what is written and weight that against the reality of journalism. The best I can come up with is that 150 jobs were created a far cry form 1500. Great job performance Mr. Ogden. Having said that, in this economy, only the GOP believes there are ample job opportunities for all of Poorer County. And POTUS'O is responsible for the economic woes of America's jobless. And England, Germany, and Greece as well as all of Europe and Asia.
None 1 year, 11 months ago
According to Partners in Progress Mr. Ogden did the job he was hired to do. If they are pleased with his performance, nothing else matters. Wouldn't it have been a windfall for Poorer Counties 17% unemployed if we had Lee County Economic Development's statistics? I think so! Glad Mr. Ogden can retire with pride in a job well done in the eyes of those who paid his salary.
sarahbw22 1 year, 11 months ago
I do not have any children. I do not have children yet because I can not financially provide for them. I would never bring a child into this world if I couldn't afford to have them. I also will not be one of those people who live off the state or have my fellow tax payers provide medical care or food to my children. My fiance and I will have children when the time is right, financially right. Not a second before.