North Carolina Economic Development Guide

2016

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27 North Carolina Economic Development Guide www.econdev.org The perfect starting point. With prime transportation corridors, an international airport, three bustling seaports, and a motivated, well-educated workforce, it's easy to see why the Nash/Edgecombe County area is a hot new hub for growing businesses. Not to mention, it's a great place to live! The Crossroads of the East Coast. FUTURE I-495 Wilmington RDU Research Triangle Morehead City Norfolk Nash County Edgecombe County Mount Gilead-based Jordan Lumber & Supply Inc., which has optioned much of the timberland that covers the land marked for Heart of North Carolina. Montgomery County's population and tax-base are not growing as fast as some neighboring counties, prompting county leaders to explore bold options for business recruitment. "Our company's HR of ce has a waiting list of people who want jobs," Jordan says, despite a recent expansion. The partnership with Moore County is larger than just a joint industrial property. The two counties share similar terrain, as well as a high quality of life. Moore County is best known for the Pinehurst region, nicknamed the "Home of American Golf." It has more than 20 courses, including Pinehurst Resort's No. 2, which in 2014 became the fi rst to host the men's and women's U.S. Opens in consecutive weeks. As a leading golf destination, Moore County attracts quality corporate contacts who can spread word of the park. Montgomery County residents like to spend time outside, too, boating or fi shing on Lake Tillery or exploring 51,000-acre Uwharrie National Forest. "We're joined at the shoulders with Moore County through the land itself, but adding names like Pinehurst into the mix helps us shape a positive image internationally." Jordan sees the project's benefi ts from angles beyond that of a local business owner. He was a state senator and North Carolina lieutenant governor during the 1970s and 1980s, when the economic-development climate was dif erent. "Historically, counties worked alone." At times, they competed for resources and businesses. But that has changed as global economics have made it dif cult and expensive for individual rural communities to market themselves to decision-makers. Partnering communities must fi rst agree on common goals that will benefi t their residents and the companies they want to recruit. "You have to be a natural match to start with and have similar stars you're reaching for."

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