It takes strategic planning to ensure that a community prospers for years to come. Cabarrus Economic Development serves as the lead economic development agency for Cabarrus County and its five municipalities of Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Midland and Mt. Pleasant.
With a mission to increase the quality of life for Cabarrus County through the creation of high-impact jobs and new tax investment, Cabarrus Economic Development’s two main focuses include the recruiting new industry into Cabarrus and helping to retain and grow businesses that already call the region home.
Cabarrus Economic Development works closely with its stakeholders, such as the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and Charlotte Regional Partnership, as well as brokers and developers, to identify suitable sites or buildings to accommodate an industry for relocating to the county and respond to their project requests.
“A company’s decision factors can vary but what are most important to many are access to a quality workforce, proximity to larger markets and great interstate and highway access and superior infrastructure,” said Samantha Grass, recruitment project manager at Cabarrus Economic Development. “Everything we do at Cabarrus Economic Development is to help ensure the success and advancement of the businesses in Cabarrus. The stronger and more efficient they are, the better place Cabarrus County is to live and work.”
Cabarrus Economic Development also supports business’ efforts and connect them to the tools and resources available to help move a business down a path of growth and economic prosperity. Several focus areas include assisting businesses with expansion plans, infrastructure needs and advocacy, as well as workforce development and training.
With such a strong and vital asset in the Cabarrus Economic Development, businesses find that the county offers a plethora of advantages for doing business here.
“Several advantages of locating and operating a business in Cabarrus include our proximity to Charlotte and great access to major East Coast markets through Interstates 85, 485 and 77. Close proximity to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport is key for many companies as well as Concord Regional Airport,” Grass said. “Also, the access to the regional workforce is very important and the proximity to UNC-Charlotte, which is the fastest-growing college in North Carolina, and the strong North Carolina community college network are all advantages. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, which serves our community, is truly committed to workforce excellence. The low cost of doing business and low property tax rates in Cabarrus County are also another advantage.”
These advantages are attractive to businesses, and the growth is already being felt. More than 1,200 new jobs have been announced and over $540 million have been invested since 2017.
Announced in 2018, Cabarrus County will soon welcome a new multitenant corporate park and Griffin Industrial Realty has plans to expand Carolina Tradeport. Meadows Corporate Park will span 21.5 acres and two industrial buildings right off Interstate 85 near Poplar Tent Road. The speculative industrial development by Griffin is estimated to feature two additional building, as its current site is 100 percent leased.
Whether looking to expand or relocate, Cabarrus County has proven success in sustaining and growing business. n