Chatham Economic Development Corporation

06/18/2026

This past week, Chatham EDC President Michael Smith attended the NCEDA
Foundation 2026 Annual Conference, joining economic development professionals from across North Carolina to connect, collaborate, and share ideas that support growth and opportunity throughout the state.

While there, Michael also enjoyed the conference's opening celebration recognizing NCEDA's past presidents and Board of Directors. We appreciate the leadership and dedication of those who continue to advance economic development across North Carolina.

06/16/2026

Congratulations to Chatham EDC Marketing & Communications Specialist
Monica
Alvarado and Chatham EDC Board of Directors member
Claire
Coffey on graduating from the Leadership Chatham Class of 2026!

Leadership Chatham, presented by the The
Chatham Chamber of Commerce, provides participants with an in-depth look at the people, organizations, and issues shaping our community. Through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections, the program helps
develop informed, engaged leaders who are committed to the future of Chatham County.

We are fortunate to have such an outstanding leadership development program in our county, investing in the individuals who help make Chatham a great place to live, work, and do business.

Congratulations, Monica and Claire, on this well-deserved achievement!

06/08/2026

For nonprofits, government agencies, and economic development organizations, strong engagement drives stronger outcomes.

This analysis explores Chatham EDC’s newsletter performance, benchmark comparisons, and what the data shows about improving stakeholder communications.

Read more: https://www.chathamedc.org/news/measuring-engagement-a-look-at-chatham-edcs-email-marketing-results/

Chatham EDC’s email marketing efforts continue to generate strong engagement when compared to industry benchmarks for smaller economic development organizations (EDOs). Current performance data shows an average open rate of 34.1%, placing Chatham EDC within Read more…

06/03/2026

A strong workforce starts with strong educational pathways.

Congratulations to the graduates of the first Childcare Academies led by Central Carolina Community College and supported through the Chatham Talent Alliance. These programs are helping address the growing need for early childhood educators while creating new career opportunities for residents across our region.

From earning credentials to advancing in their current roles and even pursuing plans to open childcare centers of their own, these graduates are making an impact on the future of our communities.

Read the full press release to learn more about the program and its first graduating class.

https://www.cccc.edu/news/cccc-sees-success-childcare-academies

CCCC works to help North Carolina’s need for early childhood educators, celebrating graduates of first round of Childcare Academies in Chatham, Harnett, and Lee

05/21/2026

Last week, Phillip
Thompson, Chatham EDC's project manager, attended the Economic Development Summit in Washington, D.C., joining business and policy leaders from across North Carolina for discussions focused on workforce, infrastructure, trade, regulation, and economic
growth.

Events like this create valuable opportunities to engage with federal decision-makers, strengthen partnerships, and help ensure our region remains part of the conversations shaping North Carolina’s economic future.

05/20/2026

Last week, Michael participated in Leadership Chatham’s Economic Development session, joining a great group of community leaders for a day focused on the future of Chatham County.
The cohort visited 3M and Luckstone and heard presentations from Chatham EDC, Sanford Contractors, and Capital Area Workforce Development. The group asked thoughtful questions throughout, making for an engaging and productive discussion.
We also had the opportunity to host the session at the Raleigh Executive Jetport’s executive conference space, which was a great setting for the program.
Thank you to the Chatham Chamber of Commerce for continuing to lead this valuable annual program. It’s great to take part each year and continue our collaboration with the Chamber.

05/12/2026

The Chatham Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) is proud to announce that Michael Smith, President of the Chatham EDC, has once again been recognized in Business North Carolina’s 2026 Power List, marking his fourth consecutive year receiving this distinction since 2023.
Business North Carolina’s annual Power List highlights approximately 500 of the state’s most influential leaders who are shaping North Carolina’s business and civic landscape. Selection is determined by the magazine’s editorial team through extensive reporting, research, and public nominations, recognizing individuals who serve as key decision-makers and agenda-setters across the state.
Michael is featured on Page 29 of this year’s issue, reflecting both his leadership and the continued momentum of economic growth and opportunity in Chatham County.
Please join us in congratulating Michael on this well-deserved recognition and be sure to check out his feature in the 2026 Business North Carolina Power List, linked below.
https://issuu.com/businessnc/docs/business_north_carolina_power_list_2026
#2026

Business North Carolina’s Power List 2026 spotlights about 500 of the state’s most influential leaders, who wield significant influence in business and civic spheres. It’s our effort to identify key d

05/07/2026

Why Chatham County?
The advantages that set Chatham County apart, from location to workforce to quality of life, are the result of intentional, long-term economic development efforts.
It’s about creating the right environment for businesses to grow and for communities to thrive.
That’s what Economic Development Week is all about.

05/06/2026

Across the country, more than 11,000 Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) are working to support growth at the local level.

That local focus is what makes economic development effective. Tailored to the needs, strengths, and opportunities of each community. It is also recognition that the cost of community services is a key factor in why so many EDOs exist. Commercial and industrial development are major net contributors to every local economy. In some communities, for example, every $1 of revenue generated from commercial and industrial uses requires just $0.29 in services, while residential uses can require $1.18 in services for every $1 generated, reinforcing the importance of a balanced tax base.

During Economic Development Week, it is important to remember that it is very competitive for every project out there, so support of local EDOs is critical for the long-term health of a local economy. Studies from other regions have shown that public investment in economic development can generate strong returns, often ranging from $3 to $9 for every $1 invested, through job creation, private investment, and long-term tax base growth.

05/05/2026

What does economic development look like in action? In action, it's seeing real results, a return on investment. It means new jobs created for our community, new and expanding businesses, and increased investment in our local economy. Every project, partnership, and initiative is focused on delivering long-term value for residents and businesses. That's the return on investment that matters.