“We’re excited to welcome another native North Carolinian to our team.” Says President of the Chatham EDC, Michael Smith. “He brings valuable private-sector experience and has already demonstrated his commitment to economic development by joining the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) as he makes the transition into the profession. We’re pleased to have him on board and look forward to the perspective and energy he’ll bring to our work.”

In his role, Fasnacht will lead business retention and expansion (BRE) outreach by meeting directly with employers to identify opportunities and challenges related to workforce, infrastructure, permitting and other factors that impact business operations. He will also coordinate with local, regional and state partners to help connect businesses with resources and solutions.

Fasnacht is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a degree in Economics with minors in History and Entrepreneurship

Fasnacht brings experience in project management, business outreach, research and relationship development. Most recently, he served as a Client Development Lead at proSapient, where he managed complex research projects and cultivated relationships with more than 1,600 C-level executives. During his time with the company, he was also recognized as a top performer on his team.

His previous experience includes marketing, request for proposal (RFP) pursuit management and customer relationship management (CRM) analytics with Ramey Kemp and Associates, as well as community engagement support with Raleigh Founded. His skills in relationship-building, project management, research, and sales make him an incredible asset to the Chatham EDC team.

“I’m very excited to join the Chatham County EDC team.” Says Fasnacht. “I look forward to working closely with our local business community, building strong partnerships, and supporting the retention and expansion of the industries that drive our economy and communities forward.”

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About Chatham Economic Development Corporation

Chatham County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency for Chatham County. The EDC is a 501(c)3 economic development non-profit that provides support to businesses throughout the county and markets Chatham County as the preferred location for emerging growth companies.

About Chatham County
Chatham County takes center stage in North Carolina, strategically located between the Research Triangle and Piedmont Triad. The third-fastest growing county in the state is home to the towns of Pittsboro, Siler City and Goldston as well as several unique rural communities. Residents and visitors alike enjoy 30+ miles of trails and abundant greenspace, 5 golf courses, and an additional 85 miles of greenways are in the works. Chatham also features Jordan Lake, the second-most visited state park in North Carolina. Chatham Park, one of the largest mixed-use developments in the nation is currently underway in Pittsboro.

Contact
Monica Alvarado, Marketing and Communications Specialist

Office: 919-545-8380

Cell: 919-548-7311

monica.alvarado@chathamcountync.gov

The post Chatham EDC Welcomes Josh Fasnacht as Business Retention and Expansion Manager appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

SANFORD, N.C. — As North Carolina’s biotech industry growth accelerates, Central Carolina Community College is celebrating the opening of a facility that will prepare students for highly-skilled biotechnology manufacturing jobs.

The newly renovated Biotechnology Building is part of the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center on CCCC’s Lee Main Campus in Sanford.

“We’re going to show you something that has been a dream for a very long time,” said CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman, addressing guests at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Biotechnology Building on Aug.14.

She praised Sanford Contractors for their renovation of the building and gave thanks for the many partners and CCCC employees who worked for years to help make it possible.

“I think we can all see the excellence in this facility,” she said.

In the Biotechnology Building, students will develop the knowledge and abilities needed to manufacture complex Life Science products, including pharmaceuticals. They will learn hands-on skills that are valuable to area biotech companies, helping ensure the safety and efficacy of the lifesaving products these companies create.

North Carolina’s life sciences industry has grown to include 860 companies statewide that employ 76,000 North Carolinians, according to Dr. Laura Rowley, Vice President for Life Science Economics Development at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, who spoke at the event.

Just over a week prior to the ribbon cutting, leading healthcare company STERIS announced plans to create a new manufacturing and distribution center in Sanford, joining other key biotech players like Pfizer, Kyowa Kirin, and Astellas in making major investments in the region.

Meanwhile, CCCC’s Bioprocess Technology program has gone from sharing a single lab with the science department, to having its own lab, and now to having its own building, said Dr. Lisa Smelser, CCCC’s Executive Director of Workforce Strategic Initiatives.

Close to fifty students are currently enrolled in CCCC’s Bioprocess Technology Associate Degree program, including both adults and high school students. Across its three-county service area, the college has been training about 150 students per year in its BioWork short course.

The new facility will expand capacity for that course to more than 300 students per year and greatly increase scheduling flexibility and capacity for CCCC’s customized training programs for industry partners.

Students in CCCC’s biotech classes will benefit from cutting-edge labs, flexible learning spaces, and opportunities for hands-on training aligned with industry needs.

The new Biotechnology Building was designed with help from CCCC’s industry partners. It includes two labs to accommodate CCCC’s continuing education and industry training classes, as well as a large hybrid lab/classroom with flexibility to respond to current and changing technologies.

CCCC has named that hybrid space the Kyowa Kirin Innovation Hub in honor of the pharmaceutical group, a key partner and sponsor.

“When we chose Sanford for Kyowa Kirin’s first North American manufacturing facility, we knew we were making a long-term commitment not only to our business, but to this community,” said Paul Testa, the group’s Executive Vice President of Supply Chain Management.

“The Kyowa Kirin Innovation Hub is a realization of that commitment,” he said. “By investing in education and building the skills needed for careers in biomanufacturing, we are helping local talent become part of Sanford/Lee County’s growing life sciences industry. A strong manufacturing future depends on a skilled workforce and the capabilities we need to serve patients.”

Brad Mickey, Executive Director/Manufacturing and Operations Site Head for Astellas, said that his company contributed suggestions to tweak the design of the building to help students learn industry-standard quality control procedures to avoid contamination and for analytics and monitoring in support of quality control.

The facility, he said, provides great opportunities for students.

“It gives them the opportunity to learn the business, to learn the fundamental aspects of manufacturing, build the confidence they need to enter the workforce and do great things,” he said.

Dave Posehn, Site Lead for Pfizer in Sanford, also spoke of how CCCC’s new Biotechnology Building will help train Pfizer employees and change the dynamics of the region as local students come through CCCC’s biotechnology programs.

“To have a biotech center like this will be a pillar of future growth in the community,” he said. “It’s going to be amazing.”

For more information on CCCC’s Bioprocess Technology programs visit www.cccc.edu/bioprocess.

Ribbon Cutting

CCCC leaders and key partners hold the ceremonial ribbon at a ribbon cutting for CCCC’s newly renovated Biotechnology Building at the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center.

From left to right are Bill Welsh (Senior Director of Manufacturing for Kyowa Kirin), Lisa G. Minter (Lee County Manager), Eugene Moore (philanthropist), Julian Philpott (Chairman of CCCC’s Board of Trustees), Dr. Lisa M. Chapman (President of CCCC), Brad Mickey (Executive Director/Manufacturing and Operations Site Head for Astellas), and Dave Posehn (Site Lead for Pfizer in Sanford).

Dr. Lisa M. Chapman

At the Aug. 14 ribbon cutting ceremony for CCCC’s New Biotechnology Building, CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman praised Sanford Contractors for their renovation of the building and gave thanks for the many partners and CCCC employees who worked for years to help make it possible. “I think we can all see the excellence in this facility,” she said.

Sign

CCCC Board of Trustees Chairman Julian Philpott and Kyowa Kirin Senior Director of Manufacturing Bill Welsh applaud following the unveiling of a sign for the new Kyowa Kirin Innovation Hub, a large hybrid lab/classroom with flexibility to respond to current and changing technologies.

View

During CCCC’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the Biotechnology Building, guests had the opportunity to view renderings for anticipated future renovations at CCCC’s E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center, a multi-building facility that is part of CCCC’s Lee Main Campus in Sanford.

Cell Culture

The Cell Culture room in CCCC’s newly renovated Biotechnology Building.

BioWork

Lab space for CCCC’s BioWork program, which provides short-term training to prepare students for roles as process technicians. The lab is part of CCCC’s newly renovated Biotechnology Building.

The post New CCCC Biotechnology Building expands workforce training for growing industry appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The Board of Commissioners will consider appointments to several Town boards and committees at its September 2026 meeting. Residents interested in serving are encouraged to submit an application no later than Friday, September 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Planning Board (ETJ) / Board of Adjustment

The Planning Board advises the Board of Commissioners on matters related to land use planning, zoning, development regulations, and long-range planning initiatives. The Planning Board also serves as the Town’s Board of Adjustment and hears appeals, variances, and other quasi-judicial matters as provided by state law and local ordinance.

Immigrant Advisory Committee

The Immigrant Advisory Committee serves as a liaison between the Town and Siler City’s diverse immigrant communities. The committee promotes communication and engagement, identifies community needs, and concerns, and provides recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on issues affecting immigrant residents.

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee advises the Board of Commissioners and Town staff on matters related to parks, recreational facilities, programs, special events, and opportunities to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.

Applicants must meet any residency or eligibility requirements associated with the board or committee for which they are applying.

How to Apply

Interested individuals may complete an application online at Applications for Boards & Committees or obtain a printed application from Siler City Town Hall, 311 North Second Avenue, Siler City, NC 27344.

The Town of Siler City encourages residents from all backgrounds and areas of the community to apply. Citizen volunteers play an important role in supporting thoughtful decision-making and strengthening our community.

Questions may be directed to Town Clerk Briana Martinez at (919) 742-4731 or bmartinez@silercity.gov.

Serve Your Community. Share Your Voice. Make a Difference.

The post Town of Siler City Seeks Applicants for Advisory Boards and Committees appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“RALEIGH/DURHAM, N.C. – MOSAIC, a 44-acre, $180 million entertainment and lifestyle destination in Pittsboro, N.C., announces six new tenants for the commercial gateway to Chatham Park, an 8,500-acre live-work-play-learn community currently under development in Chatham County. Neighboring grocery-anchored shopping center Northwood Landing also announces two new tenants.

“We are committed to curating the right tenant mix to serve our community,” says MOSAIC Developer Kirk Bradley. “We are providing a high-quality retail and amenity-rich environment to ensure the viability of local business owners and regional brands alike.”

MOSAIC is located at Highway 501 and Russet Run Road near U.S. Highway 64 in Pittsboro, N.C. The new tenants include:

• a Tavolo: The newest venture from the husband-and-wife team behind Pittsboro’s The Sycamore and 39 West Catering, this Italian restaurant will specialize in fresh pastas, pizzas, and entrees in an elevated-casual atmosphere with a full bar. Slated to open August 2026, the 2,960-square-foot restaurant will seat 100 – 120 diners in both indoor and patio seating that faces The Works Yard in the heart of MOSAIC.
• First Horizon Bank: This Memphis, Tennessee-based regional bank, with a strong presence in the Triangle, has acquired a 0.85-acre lot at 99 Russet Run for $2.65 million. The freestanding, 3,150-square-foot building is a second Pittsboro location for this full-service financial institution.
• Flying Biscuit: The iconic Atlanta-based breakfast and lunch destination will occupy nearly 3,000 square feet in a new building slated for a June 2026 construction start. The restaurant will open in Q3 2027. First established in 1993, Flying Biscuit now has 34 locations throughout the Southeast. Besides its eponymous biscuits, the restaurant is known for its grits, benedicts, and other all-day breakfast specialties.
• New View Eye Care: This vision and eye care specialist is relocating to a 2,500-square-foot storefront in the same building as Flying Biscuit, set to be complete March 2027. Led by Dr. Mark Wesoloski II, a North Carolina native who recently relocated to Pittsboro, the practice offers comprehensive eye exams, medical eye care, and optical services.
• Pecan Jacks: The first Pecan Jacks location in North Carolina, the 1,390-square-foot storefront will offer its famous homemade ice cream, Southern pralines and brittles, house-made candies, and alcohol-infused dessert and candy options. Located in the same building as Verizon, the beloved brand has seven locations mainly in the Southeast, and seven more in the pipeline. Pecan Jacks is scheduled to open late summer.
• Verizon: The national cellular service provider will occupy a 1,500-square-foot endcap space in a building off Highway 501, near Refuel convenience store and fueling stations. Expecting to open Q4 2026, the store will be inline with Jersey Mike’s, Pecan Jacks, Harris & Company Insurance, and People’s Coffee.

Two new businesses have recently opened at Northwood Landing, a development across Highway 501 from MOSAIC, anchored by Lowes Foods and Medley, a 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartment community. Chase Bank opened in late December 2025 as part of the company’s nationwide expansion plan that included growing its Triangle presence to more than 20 branches. Northwood Landing also welcomed Wells Family Dental Group, a practice offering general dentistry, a variety of procedures, dentures, orthodontic care, and cosmetic dentistry in a state-of-the-art, 3,000-square-foot space. The practice opened its doors in May. These new businesses join Dunkin’, O.M.Tea, Zaxby’s, Haw River Animal Hospital, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Great Clips, Hubie’s Express Car Wash, NailShiny, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, and ABC Commission.

Construction and predevelopment work at MOSAIC continues with commercial and residential buildings. Currently, eight of the 17 buildings planned for MOSAIC are complete, one is currently under construction and nine are in pre-construction phase. The project is expected to be fully complete by 2030. In 2025, the Philip H. Kohl MOSAIC Family Commons welcomed over 24,000 guests to more than 55 events including live music, movies, fitness classes, and markets.

According to NC State University’s Center for Geospatial Analytics report, Chatham County is poised for significant growth, and the population could nearly double from 82,000 to 158,000, over the next 10 years. Pittsboro’s population grew 11.3% between 2020 and 2025. The trade area features an average household income of nearly $140,000. Located within the Raleigh-Durham metro area, MOSAIC is near Tier 1 research universities University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC State University and Duke University, as well as UNC Healthcare and Duke Health facilities; Research Triangle Park; and popular recreational areas such as B. Everett Jordan Lake and the Haw River.

Upon completion, Chatham Park is expected to comprise approximately 22,000 homes, with 22 million sq. ft. of office, research, retail, educational, and community space available to its 60,000+ residents.

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ABOUT MOSAIC
MOSAIC at Chatham Park is a 44-acre, mixed-used development serving as the commercial gateway to Chatham Park, an 8-500-acre live-work-play-learn community located in Pittsboro, NC near the Raleigh-Durham metro area. Once complete, this $180 million entertainment and lifestyle destination will offer 200,000+ sq. ft. of local and regional shops, restaurants and services; 125,000 sq. ft of office; a 121-key Hampton Inn & Suites; 405 apartment homes including the 165-unit The Guild; 45 luxury condominiums at Tessera at MOSAIC; 79°West Innovation Hub; and Philip H. Kohl MOSAIC Family Commons event lawn and stage. Learn more at https://www.mosaicatchathampark.com/.”

The post Mosaic at Chatham Park Announces 6 New Tenants appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The celebration will begin with an Opening Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. inside the Exhibit Hall and will feature a variety of activities throughout the day, including a Classic Car Cruise-In from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., local indoor and outdoor vendors, food trucks, a pop-up thrift store, historical and heritage films, and live performances from local entertainers beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore exhibits and activities celebrating Chatham County’s rich history and its contributions to America’s story. The event will conclude with a special performance by local bluegrass musicians from Bynum Front Porch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to participate in the event passport program. The first 250 attendees who present a completed passport will receive a commemorative gift. Those who do not yet have a passport—or who have not collected all six stamps—can obtain one at the event and complete their passport during the celebration.

Shuttle Information

To help accommodate guests, complimentary shuttle service will be available from 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from the following locations:

• County Annex Parking Lot (across from the Justice Center
• Central Carolina Community College, Building 1

Event Details

• What: Chatham Celebrates America 250 Community Celebration
• When: Saturday, June 27, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Where: Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center
• Who: Chatham Celebrates America 250 County Committee

Watch the Event Preview

Learn more about the celebration by watching the event preview video:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1393228275979525

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Chatham County’s history, heritage, and community spirit as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

The post Chatham Celebrates America 250 Community Celebration Set for June 27 appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Current performance data shows an average open rate of 34.1%, placing Chatham EDC within the expected range for organizations of similar size. More notably, the newsletter’s 7.4% click-through rate significantly exceeds the industry average of 2–4%, indicating that subscribers are not only opening emails but actively engaging with the content. In fact, Chatham EDC’s click-through rate falls above the 6% threshold often considered excellent for organizations of this size.

The organization’s unsubscribe rate remains at 0%, reflecting a healthy and highly relevant communication strategy that resonates with its audience. This suggests subscribers find value in the information being shared and are choosing to remain connected.

One area identified for improvement is the bounce rate, currently at 1.5%. While this metric does not impact overall engagement success, it indicates an opportunity to strengthen the quality of the mailing list through routine contact verification and database maintenance. Reducing bounced emails can help improve deliverability and ensure communications consistently reach intended recipients.

Overall, the data demonstrates that Chatham EDC’s newsletter program is performing well, with engagement levels that exceed many industry benchmarks and provide a strong foundation for continued audience growth and communication effectiveness.

The post Measuring Engagement: A Look at Chatham EDC’s Email Marketing Results appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The 61 graduates each completed an eight-week Intro to Early Education class. This class equips them to get their North Carolina Early Childhood Credential, making them eligible to serve as lead teachers in licensed childcare facilities in North Carolina. Students also earned a variety of additionally required health and safety certifications.

“They were all ready to go out and be employed after this,” said Ginger Harris, CCCC’s Education Programs Department Chair.

For some students in the program who were already employed in childcare, completing the Childcare Academy program meant being able to keep the job they had already landed. For others it meant being promoted to lead teachers in a classroom.

Harris said the graduates also included a family of four who were planning to open their own childcare center together. Several other students in the program said they planned to continue their education in CCCC’s Early Childhood Education Associate Degree program.

CCCC is currently running a Spanish-language Childcare Academy on its Lee Main Campus. Harris expects to offer additional sections of the eight-week Intro to Early Education class this fall in each of the counties through its continuing education program.

Community members who are interested in participating in the academies should email Harris at gharr082@cccc.edu. For more information visit CCCC’s education degree, diploma and certificate offerings.

The post CCCC sees success with Childcare Academies appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“Pittsboro, NC – Storyliving by Disney has revealed new details in a press release about the Second Star Club for residents of Asteria, a new home community inspired by the natural beauty and spirit of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Envisioned as the social heart of the community, the Second Star Club will bring neighbors together through shared spaces, hands‑on learning and everyday moments of discovery — an idea that guides Asteria’s vision as a place where curiosity, connection and exploration are part of daily life. Currently underway in Pittsboro with DMB Development, Asteria is anticipated to begin home sales in fall 2027 and is expected to welcome residents in fall 2028. “

To read more, visit Chatham Journal Newspaper.

The post Inside Asteria’s Second Star Club: Tennis, taste, and tales appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The post OTC Seminar Series: Startup Law 101 appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“Chatham County, N.C. — Aspiring entrepreneurs in Chatham County have a great opportunity to turn their business ideas into launch-ready plans through Chatham SPARK, a no-cost startup program designed to guide serious entrepreneurs from concept to completion.

Hosted at CCCC’s Chatham Main Campus in Pittsboro, SPARK will provide structured, hands-on instruction and free access to experts such as CPAs, attorneys, bookkeepers, marketers, lenders, commercial real estate professionals, and insurance specialists.

Spring 2026 sessions will begin March 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and continue weekly.

The application deadline is February 24, 2026. Space is limited to maintain a high quality, interactive experience. Registration is free.

Throughout the eight-week program, participants develop comprehensive business plans using LivePlan, an industry-leading business planning software provided at no cost. Each session will focus on a critical startup component including zoning and permitting, marketing, market research, bookkeeping, commercial real estate, financing, legal considerations, and business taxes.

The program will conclude with a business plan presentation and review session. Participants will present their plans to a review committee and receive feedback. One participant may be eligible to receive a $5,000 reimbursable startup grant provided by The Chatham Chamber of Commerce to assist with launch expenses.

SPARK is designed for committed future business owners who intend to start a business in Chatham County. Already having a business idea is preferred, but individuals who are serious about developing one also are encouraged to apply.

For more information or to register, contact Phillip Pappas at ppapp612@cccc.edu or visit: www.chathamsbc.com/spark/“

The post Chatham SPARK Program Now Accepting Applications for 2026 Spring Cohort appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.