A Global Focus
There are many reasons why businesses locate in Davidson County, and the leaders of the local chambers of commerce are making them known throughout the region and world.
The Thomasville Area Chamber of Commerce’s new brand is Thomasville GO: The Seat of Global Opportunity, which showcases the area’s strategic location and history of quality. The goal is to attract innovative industries and creative entrepreneurs.
“Our businesses and citizens have embraced our new brand,” said Thomasville Area Chamber President Keith Tobin. “With the creation of an online landing portal, new websites and continued emphasis on the brand by all stakeholders – including local government, Chamber of Commerce, tourism, parks and recreation department and many more – we are reaching our community and beyond.”
One of the top reasons to establish a business in the Thomasville area is the location. The Thomasville area is on Interstate 85, 30 minutes from Piedmont Triad International Airport as well as one hour from Charlotte International Airport. It also is halfway between Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
Several local companies are globally focused, including:
- Old Dominion, a national freight leader and global transportation company that has its headquarters in Thomasville.
- Mohawk Industries, which has a laminate manufacturing plant in Thomasville.
- Ennis Flint, a worldwide leader in the traffic safety and pavement marking industry, is one of the largest privately owned businesses in the U.S. and has its headquarters in Thomasville.
- Woodbridge Furniture, a high-end furniture manufacturer, is based in High Point.
- Blythe Leonard, LLC, which makes leather handbags in Thomasville.
- ASCO Power Technologies, which has provided power reliability solutions for more than 125 years, has a plant in Welcome.
The Thomasville Chamber is a key part of the Envision 2020 Group, which was established in 2010 to build more opportunity for growth.
“The Envision Group laid out three goals and 32 strategies that we would focus on. The goals are in the areas of appearance and image, marketing and promotion, business development and entrepreneurialism,” Tobin said. “Over half of the strategies have been completed – most recently the re-branding of our community.”
The Thomasville Area Chamber helps its members and the community by acting as an advocate for the business community, offering educational opportunities, networking, economic development opportunities and “buy local” initiatives.
The Lexington Area Chamber, which represents the town that is the county seat of Davidson County, supports its member businesses in many of the same ways, plus annual candidate forums, the “State of the Community” event and Legislative Breakfast.
“Being a Chamber member gives a business status and creditability, said Kent Beck, president and CEO of the Lexington Area Chamber. “It gives them a chance to network with other members and helps with name recognition in the community with event participation.”
Also, with support from the Davidson County Commissioners, the chambers promote “buy local.”
“This is done by print, television, radio and billboard media,” Beck said. “This helps to keep dollars in Davidson County, which supports local businesses, families, employees and profits that are contributed to local taxes and needs of charities.“
The Lexington Chamber also organizes the Alive after Five concert series, which moved to a new location in 2018 – the Breeden Insurance Amphitheater.
“This event is now four or five times larger with the move to the Amphitheater,” Beck said. “The area accommodates a much larger crowd and is more comfortable for the bands and audience. This brings more local and out-of-town visitors to the Lexington Area. They buy local products while attending this event and will probably return again to shop at local businesses.