“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.

“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.

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.

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

“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.

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.

“PITTSBORO, NC – Chatham County is dedicated to ensuring that all residents have equal and inclusive access to its resources. In November 2024, Chatham County proudly launched ReciteMe assistive technology on the County website, enhancing language access and promoting inclusivity for all residents while empowering individuals to personalize their browsing experience.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, more than 60% of adults in the United States live with a disability, which can pose challenges in navigating websites and limit their full engagement with the community. Additionally, more than 25 million individuals—over 8% of the U.S. population—are English learners, communicating in over 350 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic.”

For more, visit Chatham County’s website.

The post Chatham County Launches Digital Language Accessibility Tool: ReciteMe appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

”

FRONT AND CENTER

Chatham County is at North Carolina’s heart. Workforce, shovel-ready sites and a business-friendly approach, along with some geography, put it there.

[…]

MEETING IN THE MIDDLE

Chatham County  is at the center of many success stories such as CTI, literally and figuratively. The U.S. Geological Survey determined North Carolina’s geographic center is near Gulf, about 15 miles southwest of the county seat — Pittsboro. ‘We are grateful for our fantastic geography that puts us in the middle of the Triangle and Triad,’ says Chatham Economic Development President Michael Smith, who notes the proximity to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, where more than 350 flights head to destinations near and far daily, and Research Triangle Park, home to cutting-edge companies. ‘One of the things that’s fascinating is that if you’re standing in the northeast corner of Chatham County, you literally are in walking distance to RTP,’ he says.

Chatham Economic Development Business Development Manager Jack Pendergraph says it wasn’t long ago that driving to the state’s capital seemed like a journey. ‘Now, they’re right around the corner,’ he says. “Travel time from downtown Raleigh to Pittsboro is about 35 minutes. A 45-minute drive in any direction enables you to do all kinds of things, like see a show or go to a ballgame.'”

To read more, visit Business NC’s website.

The post Community close up: Chatham County appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Enjoy a night of delicious food from local food trucks Bulkogi and Royal Cheesecake, craft brews from Havoc Brewing, live music by Thousand Ways, games, a raffle, and a special presentation highlighting the Carolina Tiger Rescue’s journey and what lies ahead.

This event is perfect for friends, family, and animal lovers alike–so come celebrate with the Carolina Tiger Rescue and enjoy an evening honoring fifty years of impact and dedication.

INFO: 

• Date: November 2nd
• Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Havoc Brewing Company, Downtown Pittsboro

For more information, visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue’s website. 

The post Carolina Tiger Rescue Celebrating 50 Years in Pittsboro appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.