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.

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“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.

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.

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.

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We are seeking thoughtful, forward-looking individuals who are committed to supporting the economic advancement of Chatham County.

Board service offers an opportunity to engage with local leaders, provide strategic insight, and contribute to initiatives that support business growth and community well-being. We welcome applications from individuals with diverse perspectives, professional expertise, and a strong interest in the county’s long-term success.

Applications will be accepted through May 15, 2025.

Chatham EDC Board Application 2025

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“Governor Roy Cooper announced today that MetOx International Inc., a pioneering manufacturer of high-temperature superconducting wire, will build a major production facility in Chatham County, creating 333 jobs. The company will invest $193.7 million in North Carolina.

“Many cutting-edge technologies power the clean energy economy, and it’s great to see MetOx and its superconducting technology join us here in Chatham County,” said Governor Cooper. “Reducing carbon emissions will keep us safer and healthier while putting more money in the pockets of North Carolina families, and we’re excited to bring more clean tech company jobs to our state.”

MetOx, with headquarters in Houston, Texas, is a leader in High Temperature Superconducting technology (HTS) and the company is dedicated to advancing new energy solutions and establishing a resilient HTS manufacturing base in the United States. Through partnerships with strategic investors, MetOx is driving innovation and strengthening supply chains for critical superconducting applications across multiple industries.

HTS is an advanced power delivery technology, capable of transmitting extremely high power at low voltage with zero heat generation or energy loss. This breakthrough technology is revolutionizing critical energy sectors, including power transmission, distribution, and grid expansion, while uniquely meeting the high-power demands of AI-driven applications and hyperscale data centers. HTS is also pivotal in enabling high-field magnet applications such as next-generation wind turbines, motors and generators for clean aviation and aerospace, advanced defense systems, and magnetic confinement fusion energy.”

To read more, visit the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s website.

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“S.T. Wooten Corp. of Wilson has announced its acquisition of Moncure’s Capital Ready Mix Concrete.

The post Large construction firm acquires Triangle business appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

“SANFORD, N.C. — Central Carolina Community College has been included in the Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges rankings.

Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges is the largest and most comprehensive annual ranking of schools for military service members and veterans. This year, 304 schools made the list.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman says, “While we are proud of this recognition, it simply reflects what we value at CCCC. Veterans are so important to our community. We want to ensure we do our best to take care of our veterans, who have so generously taken care of us in their service to our country.”

“It is truly an honor to work with veterans and their families. Making their educational journey smooth is something I work hard to do. They have served our country and it is a privilege to serve them,” said Angie Estes, CCCC Veterans Affairs Coordinator. “CCCC is a great stepping stone between military and civilian life. Veterans have many more responsibilities and commitments than the traditional college student. Offering many different programs and a variety of ways to attend class makes it easier for veterans to pursue their degrees. Receiving the placement on the Best for Vets list shows those seeking a place to attend school that we are a place they should look at.”

For more information, visit Central Carolina Community College’s website.

For more information about CCCC and its resources for service members, visit www.cccc.edu/military

For more information about the CCCC TRiO Veterans Upward Bound Program, visit www.cccc.edu/studentservices/upwardbound/veterans/.

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“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.

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PITTSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has designated Cackalacky’s Company Store and wholesale distribution center as an official highway “attraction” on US Route 64 in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Visitors are encouraged to sample and shop Cackalacky’s “Famously Original” sauces and snack nuts, meet the Cackalacky Brand creators and learn about the history of the brand. The location also offers cold Cackalacky® craft beer and Cheerwine® soft drink to go as well as a narrated tour and timeline video.

The Cackalacky Company Store & Distribution Center is located at 697 Hillsboro Street in Pittsboro, NC and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm (with extended shopping hours on Saturday and Sunday throughout the Holidays).

About Cackalacky®
Hailed as the “local brand with a national following,” (and celebrating more than two decades in business), North Carolina based Cackalacky is the iconic Southern lifestyle brand that specializes in sauces, snack nuts, coffee, craft beer, decals, apparel, grills, sponsored events, and more. The company also makes and distributes the Famously Original® Cackalacky® Cheerwine® Sweet Sauce as well as the Carolina Tar Heels® BBQ Sauce, an officially licensed collegiate product.

Cackalacky, Inc. is a family owned and operated company headquartered at 697 Hillsboro Street, Suite 600, Pittsboro, NC with a company store that is open to the public. To learn more, visit Cackalacky.com”

For more information, contact the author:

Harry Skelton
(919) 704-8087

Info@Cackalacky.com

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”

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.

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