Cabarrus Economic Development

09/04/2026

Thank you to Chris Miller and the The Cabarrus Compass for covering our 2026 EDC Summit.

From a neighborhood Italian deli to a homegrown manufacturer to Eli Lilly, the Cabarrus Economic Development Summit highlights the relationships behind business creation, expansion and recruitment.

09/04/2026

🎉 That’s a wrap on the 2026 Cabarrus EDC Summit!

A sold-out crowd of business and community leaders came together at the Laureate Center in Kannapolis for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and a look at the opportunities shaping Cabarrus County’s economic future.

We were pleased to welcome Jonathan Morgan, Professor of Public Administration and Government with the UNC School of Government, as our keynote speaker.

Joining Jonathan to help illustrate our economic development pillars (small business/entrepreneurship, existing industry, and recruitment) and share real-world perspectives from across our community were:

🔹Tom Cook, Tutti's Italian Market and Deli
🔹Howard Bertram, Complete Design & Packaging
🔹Page Castrodale, Eli Lilly and Company

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore our Made in Cabarrus display, celebrating products manufactured right here in Cabarrus County — and the people behind them. From the production floor to the front office, these products represent the skill, innovation, and dedication of our neighbors, friends, family members, and fellow residents.

👏 A huge THANK YOU to our 2026 Summit sponsors for helping make the event possible!

⭐ Presenting Sponsor: Eli Lilly and Company

Table Sponsors: CESI Civil Geotechnical Surveying | Charlotte Motor Speedway | City of Kannapolis | Duke Energy Corporation | Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau | North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) | The Nichols Company, Inc. | Town of Harrisburg, NC | Vulcan Materials Company

Networking Sponsors: McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture | WithersRavenel

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s Summit a success! Strong partnerships and collaboration are at the heart of economic development, and we’re grateful to work alongside so many people and organizations committed to moving Cabarrus County forward.

09/02/2026

We’re proud to have Momentec Brands as part of our growing business community and look forward to seeing what’s ahead as they continue to grow, innovate, and create opportunities right here in Cabarrus County.

09/01/2026

💧 CABARRUS UNWRAPPED: Building Capacity for Cabarrus County’s Future

There’s a lot happening across Cabarrus County—and some of the most important investments in our community are the ones we may never see.

The Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County (WSACC) is in the midst of a major expansion of the Rocky River Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, an investment designed to keep essential infrastructure ahead of the growth happening throughout our community.

The expansion isn’t just about treating more wastewater. It’s about creating capacity for what comes next—new homes, new businesses, new jobs and continued economic development throughout Cabarrus County.

UNWRAPPING THE NUMBERS:
💧 26.5 million gallons per day — previous treatment capacity
💧 30 million gallons per day — capacity following the first phase of expansion
💧 34 million gallons per day — planned capacity when the current expansion is complete
💧 7.5 million gallons per day — total additional capacity
💧 Approximately 28% — overall increase in treatment capacity
💧 2027 — scheduled completion of the current expansion

🏗️ WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Infrastructure and economic growth go hand in hand. Communities need adequate water and wastewater capacity before new development can happen.

By expanding the Rocky River facility, WSACC is helping ensure Cabarrus County has the infrastructure necessary to support future residential, commercial, and industrial development while continuing to serve the needs of our existing communities.

🌱 PLANNING TODAY FOR TOMORROW

Projects like this don't always make headlines, but they help make the projects that do possible.

More treatment capacity means more opportunity for our communities to grow thoughtfully, attract investment and welcome new employers and residents—all while strengthening an essential piece of the infrastructure we depend on every day.

🔗 Learn more about the Rocky River Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion at wsacc.org/rocky-river-facility-expansion.

Photo Credit: Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County

08/25/2026

CABARRUS UNWRAPPED: There’s Gold in Cabarrus County!

Did you know America’s first documented gold discovery happened right here in Cabarrus County?

In 1799, 12-year-old Conrad Reed discovered a 17-pound gold nugget near his family’s farm in what is now Midland. Not knowing its value, the family reportedly used it as a doorstop for three years!

That discovery helped launch America’s first gold rush, making North Carolina the nation’s leading gold-producing state until 1848.

⛏️ A few golden facts:

🪙 Conrad’s father sold the original nugget for only a fraction of its true value.

🤯 An even larger 28-pound nugget was later discovered at the mine.

🌎 Miners from Cornwall, England, brought advanced tunneling techniques to the operation.

🦇 Today, the historic tunnels are even home to bats!

Planning a visit? There’s plenty to explore at Reed Gold Mine. Visitors can:

⛏️ Tour the historic underground mine tunnels

✨ Pan for gold anytime during the year

🏛️ Explore the visitor center and exhibits to learn how gold was mined

🥾 Walk the grounds and trails of this historic property

📸 See firsthand where America’s first gold rush began

From a 12-year-old’s incredible discovery to a fun day trip today, there’s a lot of history to uncover right here in Cabarrus County.

Now that’s a story worth unwrapping! 💛

Visit their website at: historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/reed-gold-mine.

Photo credit: Explore Cabarrus

08/18/2026

: Infrastructure That Fuels Growth

When people think of airports, they often think about travel. But Concord-Padgett Regional Airport is much more than a place to catch a flight—it's a powerful economic engine fueling growth across Cabarrus County.

As we celebrate National Aviation Day on August 19, we honor the history and progress of flight—and recognize the important role aviation continues to play in shaping the future of communities like Cabarrus County.

As the City of Concord Government welcomes Eric Pratt, A.A.E. as its new Aviation Director, it's also a great opportunity to recognize the incredible impact the airport has on our community.

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport:

✈️ Generates more than $1.1 billion in annual economic output

👍 Supports 5,300+ jobs

💵 Creates more than $474 million in personal income

🌎 Connects travelers to 12 destinations across the East Coast and Puerto Rico

🏁 Serves as home to multiple NASCAR teams, flight schools, and a growing aviation industry

Our airport helps companies move faster, attracts new investment, supports tourism, strengthens our motorsports ecosystem, and gives businesses and talent another reason to choose Cabarrus County.

"This airport is a gateway to opportunity—for businesses, for travelers, and for our entire community." — Eric Pratt, Aviation Director

The airport's impact extends beyond business aviation. Through Avelo Airlines and Allegiant, travelers have convenient access to a growing list of nonstop destinations from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport. These commercial flights not only provide residents with more travel options but also strengthen the region's appeal for businesses, visitors, and workforce recruitment by making Cabarrus County more connected than ever.

Economic development depends on strong infrastructure, and Concord-Padgett Regional Airport continues to position Cabarrus County for long-term growth, innovation, and global connectivity.

08/17/2026

We’re excited to welcome James Carter to the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation as our new Business Retention and Entrepreneurship Manager!

James brings extensive experience in economic development, workforce development and business recruitment, most recently serving as Economic Development Program Manager for Talent Development with the City of Charlotte.

In his new role, James will support existing industries by helping ensure they have the resources needed to continue creating quality jobs and career opportunities for Cabarrus residents. He will also collaborate with the Cabarrus Center to further strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Please join us in welcoming James to the Cabarrus EDC team!

Read the full announcement: cabarrusedc.com/cabarrus-edc-welcomes-james-carter-as-new-business-retention-and-entrepreneurship-manager

08/11/2026

🌟 : Unwrapping the Future of Healthcare Innovation

As students head back to school, they're not just preparing for another school year—they're preparing for careers that will shape the future.

This fall, Cabarrus County Schools is launching an exciting new Healthcare Innovation Microschool at Jay M. Robinson High School in partnership with Atrium Health and The Pearl CLT, beginning on Sept. 25, 2026.

This first-of-its-kind microschool will have an initial cohort of 30 freshmen and 30 sophomores and immerse students in the intersection of healthcare, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, combining classroom learning with hands-on experiences alongside industry leaders.

By connecting education with real-world workforce needs, Cabarrus County is creating opportunities for students to develop the skills employers are seeking today—and for the careers that will emerge tomorrow.

💡 Students will:
✅ Learn core academics through a healthcare lens
✅ Explore AI and data analytics
✅ Work alongside professionals at The Pearl
✅ Build skills through real-world projects and workplace experiences

"By connecting our students directly with industry experts and real-world problem solving, we're ensuring they graduate not only ready for college but for the careers shaping our community and our future." — Dr. John Kopicki, Superintendent, Cabarrus County Schools

As Cabarrus County continues to attract leading employers in life sciences and advanced manufacturing, programs like this help ensure our local talent is ready to grow alongside these opportunities.

When education, industry, and community partners work together, everyone benefits. That's how we build a workforce ready for what's next.

Want to learn more? View the Healthcare Innovation Academy presentation and frequently asked questions here: cabarrus.k12.nc.us/186093_3

08/04/2026

: Building Talent That Grows with Our Employers

A strong workforce doesn't just fill jobs—it helps companies grow from within.

Launched in 2015, the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute (NCMI) is a unique collaboration connecting Cabarrus, Rowan, and Iredell counties through community colleges, workforce organizations, economic development partners, chambers of commerce, and manufacturers to build a stronger regional talent pipeline.

Today, the program has:
✅ 454 graduates trained for manufacturing careers
✅ 40 employer partners across the region
✅ A proven track record of helping manufacturers recruit, develop, and retain skilled employees

That impact is evident at companies like Celgard, where NCMI graduates are building long-term careers.

“Celgard has been proud to support graduates of the NCMI program as they transition into manufacturing careers at our Concord facility. Over the past four years, NCMI has become an important part of our talent pipeline, consistently producing candidates with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a manufacturing environment. We value our partnership with NCMI and look forward to continuing to support workforce development efforts in Cabarrus County and across the region.” – Nicholas Cleggett, HR Generalist

Ready to start your manufacturing career? The next NCMI class begins soon!

📅 August 18 – October 29, 2026
⏰ Monday–Thursday | 5:30–9:30 p.m.
📍 Rowan-Cabarrus Community College – Kannapolis Campus

Learn more and apply:
ncmanufacturinginstitute.com

07/28/2026

: Unwrapping Site Readiness

Before a company chooses to invest in a community, one important question has to be answered:

Is the site ready?

That's why the Town of Harrisburg, NC recently completed the Duke Energy Site Readiness Program—an initiative that helps identify, evaluate, and strengthen industrial sites before opportunities arise.

Working alongside Duke Energy, Site Selection Group, The Nichols Company, Inc, the Cabarrus EDC, and local partners, the program analyzes infrastructure, utilities, transportation access, and development potential to make sites more competitive for future investment.

The Morehead West property is a major development opportunity on the western side of Harrisburg, encompassing 750+ acres near Morehead Road and Charlotte Motor Speedway. Its strategic location provides access to key transportation routes, employment centers, and regional attractions, making it well-suited for future commercial, industrial, hospitality, and mixed-use development. The property is viewed as an important catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and expansion of Harrisburg's tax base.

"The Town of Harrisburg within Cabarrus County is a compelling location along the I-85 corridor for advanced manufacturing and logistics users. Through the Duke Energy Site Readiness Program, public and private partners collaborated to advance a site on the interior of the market where development opportunities are scarce. These proactive efforts will be critical in attracting a high-impact user to expand the tax base and create new jobs." - Dewey Evans, Vice President, Site Selection Group

Across Duke Energy-served communities, the Site Readiness Program has helped attract 163+ companies, generate more than $57 billion in capital investment, and create over 52,000 jobs.

Economic development starts long before a groundbreaking. It begins with planning, partnership, and preparing our community for future opportunities.

Congratulations to the Town of Harrisburg on reaching this important milestone, and thank you to all of the partners working together to strengthen Cabarrus County's future.

Learn more: duke-energy.com/partner-with-us/economic-development/site-readiness-program