Blog Archives - Chatham County Economic Development Corporation

Board of Commissioners Approves C-PACE Resolution

Chatham EDC — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:10:00 +0000

We’re pleased to share that the Board of Commissioners has officially approved the resolution to join the North Carolina C-PACE Program. This means the program is now available to all commercial properties in the county, including those within town limits.

What is NC C-PACE?

The North Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program provides long-term private financing for commercial property improvements focused on:

Energy efficiency
Renewable energy
Water conservation
Resiliency upgrades
Improvements addressing safe drinking water

Eligible property owners can access financing for qualifying improvements of up to 35% of the property’s value, helping make efficiency and resiliency investments more achievable.

How It Works

Counties and municipalities voluntarily join the statewide program to provide local property owners access to this financing tool. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) serves as the statewide administrator and works directly with private capital providers to assist interested property owners.

Importantly, participation in the program does not expose local governments to financial or legal liability. After required documents are executed, there is no ongoing administrative burden for the county.

Next Steps

The statewide C-PACE program follows a simple three-step process for participation:

Adopt a Resolution of Intent
Hold a public hearing
Adopt a final Resolution

With approval complete, our county is now fully participating.

Interested in learning more?

For details on how to join, program benefits, and access to relevant documents, we encourage you to review the full program information at the link below.

Click here to explore the NC C-PACE Program.

The post Board of Commissioners Approves C-PACE Resolution appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Free Tuition Expanded in Chatham County

Chatham EDC — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:06:22 +0000

From Central Carolina Community College,

“Chatham County has expanded eligibility for assistance to help residents attend college tuition and fee-free.

Adults in Chatham County who graduated from high school two years ago or more are encouraged to apply for the new Central Carolina Promise Plus scholarship program. Application is required to receive the assistance.

This is an expansion on existing assistance available for eligible recent high-school graduates attending CCCC, funded by Chatham, Lee, and Harnett counties for their residents. Chatham is the first of three counties to broaden eligibility to include less-recent high school graduates.

“Everyone must follow their own path in life, and sometimes that means we are better positioned to pursue higher education later in our journey,” said Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chair Amanda Robertson.

Mark Hall, CCCC’s Chatham County Provost, said that local employers and economic development partners have also shared excitement about the expansion.

“Their future workforce is going to be trained without any financial obstacles in the way,” he said. ”

Read more at Central Carolina Community College’s website.

The post Free Tuition Expanded in Chatham County appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Why Chatham? The Strategic Advantage for Business

Chatham EDC — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:07:28 +0000

Chatham County, North Carolina, is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for business expansion. With its strategic location in the heart of the state, its skilled workforce, and growing business environment, Chatham offers a variety of opportunities for companies looking to expand operations. Regardless of the scale of your business, here is why Chatham County should be on your radar, especially in the coming years.

Prime Location and Unmatched Connectivity

One of Chatham County’s greatest advantages is its placement in NC. Nestled right in the center, between the Research Triangle and the Piedmont Triad, two of North Carolina’s most dynamic economic regions, Chatham provides easy access to major markets. Businesses benefit from proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and major highways like U.S. 64 and I-85. This infrastructure allows companies to efficiently access key markets and attract top talent from surrounding regions. Companies also have access to smaller but still rather populated towns and cities, such as Sanford, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro.

A Thriving & Skilled Workforce

Chatham County boasts a growing labor force that is both skilled and adaptable. With access to top-tier universities such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, Duke University, and many more, businesses have access to a well-educated and abundant talent pool. Additionally, Chatham County’s partnership with Central Carolina Community College ensures workforce training programs tailored to the needs of local industries, particularly in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and clean energy.

Business-Friendly Environment

Chatham County’s pro-business environment makes it an attractive location for companies of all sizes. The Chatham Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) works closely with companies to streamline the expansion process, providing site selection assistance, workforce development resources, and access to state and local incentives. Additionally, 79 West, an innovation hub in Chatham County, provides entrepreneurs and businesses with collaborative workspaces, networking opportunities, and access to a growing ecosystem of startups and industry leaders, further strengthening the county’s pro-business appeal.

Quality of Life That Attracts and Retains Talent

Beyond business advantages, Chatham County offers an exceptional quality of life that helps attract and retain top talent. With a blend of charming small towns like Pittsboro and Siler City, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a vibrant arts scene, employees enjoy a balanced lifestyle. The county’s affordability, strong school systems, and close-knit community make it an ideal place to live and work.

Conclusion

Chatham County offers businesses the perfect combination of strategic location, skilled workforce, and a supportive business environment. With ongoing industrial investments and a high quality of life for everyone, Chatham County may become one of North Carolina’s major economic hubs. If your company is looking to expand, there’s no better place than Chatham County to build a successful future.

Are you ready to explore business opportunities in Chatham? Contact the Chatham Economic Development Corporation today to learn how we can assist and support your expansion plans. Visit our website or contact us at 919-542-8274.

The post Why Chatham? The Strategic Advantage for Business appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

How the Chatham EDC Supports Business Expansion

Chatham EDC — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:21:54 +0000

Chatham County is quickly becoming a thriving hub for businesses looking to expand, as we have seen with Wolfspeed and the recent announcement of MetOx moving to Chatham County. The Chatham Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is committed to ensuring that companies have the resources and support they need to expand operations in Chatham County. Whether it’s marketing Chatham County to companies across the U.S. and the world, recruiting targeted industries to the county, or assisting existing industries with issues related to growth and development, the Chatham EDC serves as a trusted partner in business expansion.

Proactive Business Retention and Expansion Support

Through its business retention and expansion program, the EDC helps companies overcome obstacles that may hinder growth, from workforce shortages to infrastructure needs. By connecting businesses with local and state resources, the EDC fosters an environment where companies scale efficiently.

Chatham County’s existing industries are the backbone of the local economy, with research indicating that approximately 75% of all job creation comes from businesses already established in the community. The county benefits from a diverse industry base that spans from semiconductor development to food processing and beyond.

The Chatham EDC supports existing industries in their growth by identifying public funding opportunities, connecting businesses to local workforce development resources, and facilitating customized training solutions to enhance their competitiveness.

Connecting Businesses to Essential Resources

Business growth often requires funding, land, skilled labor, or infrastructure, among other things. The Chatham EDC assists companies in identifying expansion opportunities within the county, whether through available properties or strategic partnerships.

Additionally, the EDC connects businesses with workforce development programs, such as those offered by Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) and NCWorks, to help train and retain skilled employees.

Success in Action

CTI Systems is one business in Chatham County that has benefited from the EDC’s support regarding their building.

When the company needed a new roof, the Chatham EDC helped identify funding assistance options that not only addressed their facility needs but also resulted in the creation of 20 new full-time jobs—each paying well above the county’s median income.

Looking Ahead

As Chatham continues to grow, the Chatham EDC remains committed to fostering the success of our existing industries while seeking new opportunities to ensure a prosperous future for both emerging and established businesses in Chatham County. By staying connected with local businesses and understanding their evolving needs, the EDC helps ensure that Chatham remains a top destination for business growth.

If your business is considering expanding to Chatham County, contact our office by phone at 919-542-8274.

The post How the Chatham EDC Supports Business Expansion appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

For the Third Time in Four Years, CNBC Names North Carolina as America’s “Top State for Business”

Chatham EDC — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:26:26 +0000

From the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina’s most recent article:

“Ranking in the top five for economy, workforce and business friendliness, the State garners the honor in a year of economic volatility thanks to outpacing the nation’s other states in job wins.

CNBC has named North Carolina as America’s Top State for Business in 2025, marking the third time the state has garnered the honor in the last four years. This morning, Governor Josh Stein joined CNBC’s Scott Cohn at Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington for a live broadcast where the winner was revealed.

“This confirms what we have known for a long time – that North Carolina is the best state in the country for business,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our people, state’s business climate, top research universities and excellent community college system, infrastructure, and high quality of life help both companies and workers thrive. I want to thank leaders like former Governor Roy Cooper and state legislators of both parties who have helped North Carolina create a welcoming climate. I am proud of the progress our state has made, and we are just getting started.”

“This recognition reflects our relentless commitment to building a competitive, welcoming, and dynamic economy that creates opportunity for everyone,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From our world-class workforce to our strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation, North Carolina continues to lead the way as a place where businesses thrive, and communities prosper. We share this success with all of our partners across the public and private sectors and look forward to building on this momentum.”

Now in its 19^thyear, the CNBC study looked at 135 metrics in ten categories of competitiveness, an increase in metrics studied in prior years given today’s economic complexity. These are the factors companies consider year after year when making site selection decisions, and that states pitch in their efforts to attract business. Next, the CNBC team analyzes each state’s economic development marketing pitches to determine the appropriate weight for each category. The more that states are talking about a particular aspect of competitiveness, the more weight it carries in the rankings.

North Carolina ranked in the top five for economy, workforce, and business friendliness, and placed in the top 10 for education and access to capital this year. And of note, the state announced 17,586 jobs in 2024, along with $16.1B in investment.”

Watch Governor Stein’s Interview Here

Read the Official CNBC Article Here

North Carolina has been ranked the #1 state for business in three of the past four years and has consistently placed in the top five in 2019, and from 2021 through 2025.

The post For the Third Time in Four Years, CNBC Names North Carolina as America’s “Top State for Business” appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Why Work in Chatham?

Chatham EDC — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:32:48 +0000

At the center of it all, Chatham County is gaining traction very quickly as a prime location for job seekers and businesses alike. With the county’s strategic location, growing economy, increasing population, and quality of life, Chatham is more than just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. Whether you’re a skilled professional, a recent graduate, or looking for a new career, here’s why you should consider working in Chatham County.

Booming Job Market

Chatham County is experiencing an incredible amount of economic growth, attracting major employers and industries. With projects like Wolfspeed, a manufacturing company specializing in wide-bandgap semiconductors, and MetOx International, which announced its expansion to Chatham County in December 2024, job opportunities are growing at an impressive rate. These developments are completely transforming Chatham County into a hub for innovation and sustainable business.

Diverse Career Opportunities

Whether it’s manufacturing, healthcare, or education, Chatham offers a variety of career paths. The county is home to both large corporations and small businesses, providing a vast number of options for different career choices. Additionally, with its close proximity to the Research Triangle, professionals in the area can also access an abundance of industries while enjoying the benefits of working in a less congested, community-focused environment.

Growing Population and Talent Pool

Chatham County’s population is set to grow around 19% in the next 10 years, almost 10% more than the estimated growth for the state of North Carolina. Evidently, the population in Chatham County is growing at a fast pace, meaning the workforce is set to expand even more, bringing in a diverse and skilled talent pool. As more people decide to relocate to Chatham County, businesses will benefit from this larger workforce. The influx of residents will also foster further economic growth, increasing demand for local services and strengthening workforce opportunities for new and current residents.

Work-Life Balance and Community Appeal

Beyond just career opportunities, Chatham offers a great work-life balance. The county is known for its dedication to preserving its green landscape, its outdoor recreational parks such as Jordan Lake, and its strong sense of community. Whether you are enjoying time with family at Havoc Brewery or taking a swim at Jordan Lake, families and professionals alike can enjoy a fun and adventurous lifestyle outside of work.

A Future of Growth and Innovation

As Chatham County continues to grow and prosper, both in community and workforce, the county is dedicated to “building a thriving community through services and solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and financially responsible” (“Learn About Chatham County”).

Working in Chatham County means being a part of a forward-thinking community that values economic sustainability, progress, innovation, and quality of life. Whether you are at the start of your career or looking for a new opportunity, Chatham County is an ideal place to work and grow.

The post Why Work in Chatham? appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Why Manufacturing is Booming

Chatham EDC — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:10:39 +0000

In recent years, the manufacturing industry has experienced a significant resurgence across the United States. Once considered a “dying” industry in the 1980s, manufacturing is now BOOMING. However, the big question remains: what is fueling this growth, and what does it mean for our local communities? Several factors contribute to this turnaround—let’s explore them.

Reshoring and Supply Chain Resilience

One explanation for the manufacturing boom is the shift towards reshoring, which is the process of bringing production or manufacturing back to the country of origin (Jacobs). Companies are prioritizing supply chain resilience, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, and investing in domestic production facilities. This became especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains. As a result, many businesses that once relied on foreign production sought more local solutions.

Advancements in Technology and Automation

In recent years, we have seen how advanced technology and automation—most notably Artificial Intelligence (AI)—have significantly impacted our everyday lives. Manufacturing is no exception and has benefited greatly from these advancements.

Forbes Magazine has highlighted several ways AI has improved the manufacturing industry, one of which is quality assurance. Many companies use AI to enhance quality control, resulting in more consistent and reliable products. AI also helps with machine monitoring, enabling companies to detect maintenance needs early, which helps prevent costly breakdowns and increases efficiency and productivity (ForbesExpertPanel).

Automation has also played a crucial role in cost reduction. Though initial investments may seem substantial, there are also substantial savings in the long term (“Automation in the Manufacturing Industry”).

The Impact of the Manufacturing Boom on Local Communities

The rise in manufacturing has a positive and substantial impact on local communities. Manufacturing growth promotes economic prosperity in smaller towns by creating job opportunities at various skill levels. The average manufacturing salary in the United States is around $43,000, with more experienced workers earning up to $100,000 per year. These stable incomes lead to increased consumer spending, which, in turn, strengthens local economies. As a result, rural and smaller communities see growth in local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, enhancing the overall quality of life.

This manufacturing boom also fosters interest in skill development. According to growthdimensions.org, “The presence of manufacturing facilities in a community encourages skill development and education. Local schools, colleges, and technical institutions may collaborate with these facilities to offer training programs that cater to the specific needs of the industry. This fosters a culture of continuous learning, enabling residents to acquire skills that are not only valuable within the manufacturing sector but also transferable to other industries.” (“The Crucial Role of Manufacturing Facilities in Building Strong Communities”)

Looking Ahead

As the manufacturing industry continues to expand, job opportunities for workers and business prospects for smaller communities, such as Chatham County, will continue to grow. With a strong emphasis on economic prosperity, reshoring, and increasing demand for domestic production, the future of manufacturing looks promising.

Stay connected with the Chatham EDC to learn more about the opportunities available in Chatham County and how we can support your growth.

For more information on the latest developments in Chatham County, visit our LinkedIn page at Chatham EDC on LinkedIn.

The post Why Manufacturing is Booming appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.