Sprouse personally helps get members to training sessions, 

 delivers supplies, picks up finished products — and delivers 

 members' well-earned paychecks. 



Their earnings are based on just how much time they put 

 into the endeavor. For those who consider Watermark a full- 

 time job, the sky is the limit. Others supplement their "day 

 jobs" by producing crafts at home on a part-time basis. 



HUMAN CAPITAL 



Jack Thigpen, North Carolina Sea Grant's extension 

 director and coastal community extension specialist, believes 

 that Watermark will continue to make a positive impact on the 

 northeast region of the state. 



While many North Carolina coastal communities are 

 experiencing phenomenal growth, Camden is one of more 

 than a dozen counties in this sector of the coastal plain 

 considered "economically distressed" by the N.C. Department 

 of Commerce. 



"According to the Department of Commerce, the per 

 capita income and average wage in these rural counties are 

 about 20 percent below the statewide levels, and unemploy- 

 ment is above state averages," Thigpen points out. 



In addition, this region, which has 5 percent of the North 

 Carolina population, is not expected to keep up with projected 

 population growth for the rest of the state in the next decade. 



"By creating opportunities for local residents to earn 

 money and develop their skills, Watermark is increasing the 

 human and community capital that will make a difference in 

 the long run," Thigpen says. 



Sprouse will continue to work with the NCDC to secure 

 grants to help train new members and "cross train" others. 

 Watermark is one of the essential employers in Camden and 

 neighboring counties, with about 500 members and another 

 40-plus on the membership waiting list. 



"We want to be the top community co-op," Sprouse says. 

 "Working together, we can accomplish anything. Watermark 

 has always been known as the co-op that cares. Watermark 

 helps members develop self-esteem and self-awareness. And 

 members help members grow." 



She adds, "I know the future is bright for Watermark. A 

 lot of talent and a lot of heart goes into all of our products. 

 That hasn't changed and won't change." 



So there it is. The colorful Watermark memory quilt truly 

 is a symbol of the collective talent that has shaped its history 

 — so far. n 



The Watermark Association of Artisans is located at 150 

 U.S.I 58 East in Camden. For information, call 252/338-0853. 

 Or go online to www.watermarkusa.com. 



TOP: Diane Poole's love for the coast is reflected in much other work. 



BOTTOM: Dee Sprouse, now at the helm of Watermark, says a lot of heart goes into the 



every Watermark product, such as these traditional decoys. 



COASTWATCH 11 



