Catawba County Economic Development Corp.

North Carolina: The #1 State for Manufacturing in 2024! We’re thrilled to share that North Carolina has been named the Best State for Manufacturing by Site Selection Group, LLC in their 2024 rankings! 🏆 This recognition highlights our state’s unmatched workforce, competitive costs, and strategic geographic positioning—the essential ingredients for manufacturing success. 🏭 Why North Carolina? Skilled Workforce: A growing, adaptable labor pool ready for the demands of modern manufacturing. Competitive Costs: Affordable wages, utility rates, and an overall business-friendly tax climate. Strategic Location: Access to major markets, ports, and intermodal transportation hubs. From cutting-edge facilities to a supportive business ecosystem, North Carolina continues to lead the charge in creating opportunities for manufacturers and their communities. This honor also underscores Catawba County’s critical role as a manufacturing powerhouse, contributing to this statewide achievement. 💼 Looking to expand or relocate ➡️ reach out: https://lnkd.in/gVyrkhVc. Join the growing number of companies thriving in the #1 state for manufacturing! #ManufacturingExcellence #NorthCarolina #EconomicDevelopment #CatawbaCountyEDC #TopStateforManufacturing #BusinessGrowth

The best state for business and living just keeps getting better! 💼🏠 Starting in January, individual income tax rates in North Carolina will drop from 4.5% in 2024 to 4.25% in 2025, with another reduction to 3.99% in 2026. North Carolina’s corporate income tax is also getting a boost (or should we say cut? ✂️). In 2025, the rate will fall from 2.5% to 2.25%, on its way to 0% by 2030. These reductions further strengthen the case for North Carolina as the best location for your business and your life in 2025. 🌱💰 #CatawbaCountyEDC #NorthCarolina #BusinessFriendly #LiveWorkThrive #AllInNC

Friday Fast Fact ⚡ Did you know? 60% of the U.S. population is reachable from Catawba County within a one-day drive! 🚗🛣️ Interstate-40 runs east to west through the county. Interstate-85 is just 30 minutes away via US Highway 321. Interstate-77 is also accessible in 30 minutes via Interstate-40. Catawba County’s strategic location and connectivity make it the perfect place for business and connected supply chains. Learn more about our connectivity here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eqVmMjpW #transportationnetworks #supplychain #manufacturers #connectivity

🌟 Listening to Local Industry: A Core of Our Mission 🌟 Over the last quarter of 2024, Kimberly Propst, MPA from our team has been busy meeting with and listening to existing companies across Catawba County. These visits are a vital part of the Catawba County Economic Development Corp. mission, helping us stay connected with the needs and challenges of local industries in real time. Kimberly has also been refining her approach to these visits recently to better serve and support our business community. A big thank you to all the companies that opened their doors or joined us for Zoom calls these past few months! Your insights are invaluable as we work together to strengthen Catawba County’s economic future. #BusinessEngagement #CatawbaCountyEDC #BusinessRetention #EconomicDevelopment

Over the past decade, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) has been a true partner, driving incredible growth and opportunity across our state. The team—past and present—embodies dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision for making North Carolina the #1 state for business. Here’s what 10 years of impact looks like: 📈 $67 billion in capital investment 🌍 $10 billion in exports 💼 178,000 jobs created through expansions and recruitment 💡 183,000 small businesses supported To all the amazing EDPNC teammates who have been part of this journey: Thank you for your hard work, friendship, and commitment to making a positive impact. Here’s to continued success in shaping North Carolina’s bright future! #EDPNC10Years #EconomicDevelopment #BestStateForBusiness #PartnershipsMatter

🚀 Catawba County Talent Strategy Kickoff! Last week, the The Chamber of Catawba County's Foundation held the first meeting of the Talent Strategy Steering Committee, bringing together leaders from business, government, education, and nonprofits to shape the future of talent development in Catawba County. With the facilitation of Matt DeVeau (from Broad Ripple Strategies), the kickoff included a high-level look at trends, challenges, and recent survey/focus group insights as we start building a strategic plan for growing, attracting, and retaining talent in the region. At least three more meetings of the Steering Committee are expected, culminating with a strategic roadmap being crafted by late Spring. #TalentStrategy #CatawbaCounty #FutureFocused #TalentDevelopment

At Catawba County Economic Development Corp., we’re always diving into the latest insights to stay ahead in the fast-evolving economic landscape. Here are 3 thought-provoking pieces we’ve been exploring: 1️⃣ The Rising Storm by Lightcast 🌪️ A deep dive into the nation’s demographic challenges—and they’re big ones. 📉 🔗 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gdwa-Rrj 2️⃣ 2024 US Life Sciences Outlook by CBRE 🧬 North Carolina’s life sciences sector is thriving. Could we position ourselves as a high-quality, low-cost biomanufacturing hub? We think so. 💡 🔗 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ef4YxPUn 3️⃣ Powering AI ⚡ AI’s demand for electricity is massive. How will utilities and companies keep up with this game-changing tech? ⚙️ 🔗 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/evZSYMB7 What’s on your radar? Share your favorite reads with us in the comments! 📚👇

🎓 Coming Fall 2026: App State’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program at the Hickory Campus! 🩺 Starting in Fall 2026, Appalachian State University will welcome its first cohort to the new Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, designed to address healthcare provider shortages, especially in rural areas. This hybrid program combines online coursework with intensive clinical training at the Hickory campus, featuring a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab. Students can specialize in: 1️⃣ Nursing Education 2️⃣ Public/Policy Health 3️⃣ Health Care Administration This exciting addition complements Lenoir-Rhyne University's Bachelor’s and DNP programs and Catawba Valley Community College's Associate-Level Nursing programs, strengthening Catawba County as a hub for healthcare education. 📅 By 2030, the program will enroll 77 students, preparing the next generation of family practice nurse practitioners to make a meaningful impact in our communities. 🌟 #AppState #HickoryCampus #NursingInnovation #HealthcareEducation #FutureNurses

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for our incredible community, local businesses, and partners who drive growth and innovation in Catawba County. Thank you for making this region such a remarkable place to live, work, and thrive. 🦃 Please note: Our offices will be closed this Thursday and Friday to celebrate the holiday. We’ll resume normal hours on Monday. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

The window for Catawba County manufacturers to apply to SmarterNC is officially open! Through this innovative program and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding, selected North Carolina manufacturers can access up to $25,000 in reimbursement for projects that enhance manufacturing processes—especially those focused on energy reduction and efficiency. Don't miss this opportunity to reduce costs, boost efficiency, and lead the way in sustainable manufacturing. 👉 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e5trQYXm #Manufacturing #EnergyEfficiency #SmarterNC #Sustainability #Innovation NC State University Industry Expansion Solutions | NCMEP | North Carolina Department of Commerce ....and yes that's a wolf checking overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Had to pull in the NC State connection somehow 🐺