“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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“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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“The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 22 grant requests to local governments totaling $8,401,717, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 557 jobs, 413 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $83.7M in public and private investment.

‘Investing in our rural communities throughout the North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority’s grants is not just about improving infrastructure; it’s about empowering our residents, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable economic growth,” Governor Cooper said. “Together, we can build a brighter future for all North Carolinians, including those recovering from the damage of Hurricane Helene.'”

[…]

“The RIA approved 10 grant requests under the state’s new Rural Downtown Economic Development program:”

[…]

• “Town of Pittsboro (Chatham County): An $850,000 grant will help the Pittsboro Downtown Streetscape Revitalization Project reconstruct brick sidewalks and make them ADA-compliant, while adding accessible ramps at all intersections. The project is expected to leverage an investment of $2,660,238.”

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

The post Governor Roy Cooper Announces 22 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 144 New Jobs and over $83 Million of Investment appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce and Wolfspeed, Inc. have signed a non-binding preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) to provide up to $750 million in proposed direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. The proposed funding would support the construction of a new silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in Siler City, North Carolina, helping to secure a reliable domestic supply of the semiconductors that will underpin the future energy economy and AI boom.

President Biden and Vice President Harris championed the CHIPS and Science Act, a key component of the Administration’s Investing in America agenda, to usher in a new era of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States, bringing with it a revitalized domestic supply chain, good-paying jobs, and investments in the industries of the future. In addition to Wolfspeed’s North Carolina project, the proposed CHIPS investment is expected to catalyze its planned expansion of its device manufacturing facility in Marcy, New York. The projects together are estimated to create over 2,000 manufacturing jobs and 3,000 construction jobs and are part of the company’s previously announced more than $6 billion capacity expansion plan. 

Read more at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s official website.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Siler City, North Carolina – A prime manufacturing facility located at 3031 Hamp Stone Road in Siler City, North Carolina is now available for sale or lease.

The site features a 72,500 sq. ft. building situated on approximately 13 acres. The property also provides easy access to major transportation routes, as it is strategically located in Chatham County, the geographic center of the state. This opens an excellent opportunity for industrial and manufacturing businesses looking to expand operations in central North Carolina.

The building includes an 8-inche concrete floor, optimal for supporting heavy equipment and machinery. It is zoned for light industrial use, making it suitable for a variety of manufacturing, warehousing, or production purposes. Additionally, it is within’ proximity to two major airports: Piedmont Triad International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

For more information about this available property, please contact:

Phillip Thompson, Chatham EDC

Project Manager

phillip.thompson@chathamcountync.gov

Office: +1 919 542 8277

Cell: +1 919 548 2301

The post Prime Manufacturing Facility in Siler City, NC Available for Sale or Lease appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pittsboro, North Carolina – The Chatham Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to announce that Monica Alvarado has joined the organization as the new Marketing and Communications Specialist. Alvarado will primarily be responsible for implementing strategic marketing initiatives that align with the CEDC’s mission and managing the organization’s communications efforts.

Alvarado earned a bachelor’s degree in media studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, focusing on digital marketing, public relations, and communications. Before joining the CEDC, she worked as a Digital Marketing Specialist at Sasser Restoration and held internships with various organizations, gaining practical experience in marketing and communications.

In her new position, Alvarado will be contributing to the ongoing efforts of the EDC to foster economic growth and opportunity in Chatham County, utilizing her expertise to strengthen the organization’s outreach and engagement with the entire community.

“We are very fortunate and excited to have Monica joining the Chatham EDC.  She’s an amazing young professional with a very high leadership and impact lid,” said Antonio McBroom, Board Chairman of the Chatham EDC and franchise owner of Ben & Jerry’s. “Seeing one of Chatham County’s own grow and now take on a role of service for the county’s future growth and development is really what the vision of ONE Chatham is all about.”

Committed to continuous learning and professional success, Alvarado is currently Google Analytics certified, and is currently working toward additional certifications, including SEO Copywriting, to expand her skillset and enhance her contributions to the EDC.

For more information about the Chatham EDC team, please visit https://www.chathamedc.org/about/our-team/.

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 PITTSBORO, NC – July 3, 2024

The NCCED curriculum was created in 2019 through a partnership between East Carolina University and NCEDA. The program provides practical knowledge concerning the practice of economic development in North Carolina to economic development personnel, elected officials, and business leaders. Courses offer rigorous, practical instruction in solutions, strategies, and programs unique to North Carolina.

Participants in the program are required to complete seven courses and a capstone project for a total of 84 contact hours. Participants must complete the course of study and pass the capstone project review to earn the program certificate and become a North Carolina Certified Economic Developer recognized by NCEDA.

Thompson’s capstone project explored the need for childcare in economic development. As a father of two young children, he saw first-hand how important childcare is for working adults. His work focused on the need for accessible and affordable childcare in Chatham County and proposed strategies for engaging existing industries in enhancing the local early childcare infrastructure.

“Phillip is a key member of our team and this additional study he’s completed will greatly benefit his role of helping bring new jobs and investment to Chatham County,” said Michael Smith, President of the Chatham EDC.

As a newly certified North Carolina Economic Developer, Thompson looks forward to applying what he’s learned to his day-to-day in Chatham County. “I’m extremely thankful for Michael and the board’s investment in my career,” Thompson said. “I am eager to begin putting into practice what I learned in the program to help Chatham County continue its positive momentum.”

The post Chatham EDC’s Phillip Thompson attains North Carolina Economic Developer Certification appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.

The Florida-based company is in the final stages of evaluating a potential purchase of approximately 46 acres at the Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing Site, also home to Wolfspeed’s future silicon carbide plant. The Company estimates an annual payroll of $8.3 million at full build-out.

Chatham County has worked to build upon the growth in the Research Triangle and Triad regions and benefits from a robust existing workforce and excellent quality of life. Innovative Construction Group will join other recent advanced manufacturing announcements near the CAM Site, including the recent Wolfspeed silicon carbide manufacturing plant announced in 2022 and the Toyota battery manufacturing announcement at the nearby Greensboro-Randolph megasite in Liberty.

Mayor of Siler City, Donald Matthews stated, “We welcome another opportunity for the citizens of Siler City and look forward to working with this company as a new partner.”

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, ICG’s comprehensive framing solutions include design services, manufactured wall panels, roof trusses and floor systems, and on-site installation to provide a full frame shell construction process.

“We are very eager to welcome Innovative Construction Group to Chatham County,” said Chreatha Alston, Chair of the Chatham Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors. “I am looking forward to the new jobs and opportunities this project will create for Chatham County residents. This project will also support the region’s residential home market, an important driver for our current and future growth.”

The Chatham Economic Development Corporation (EDC) worked alongside multiple local, regional, and state partners to win the project. In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, Chatham County, the Town of Siler City, Duke Energy, Central Carolina Community College, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, The Samet Corporation, the Norfolk Southern Railroad Company, and the North Carolina Railroad Company.

The work of the EDC is supported by many partners and allies, as well as its Accelerate 2026 campaign investors. The ongoing marketing efforts of  the Carolina Core and the Research Triangle Regional Partnership are assisting the Chatham EDC.

Development of the Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) Site began over a decade ago and was possible with the help of many key individuals. Past EDC Presidents Dianne Reid, Kyle Touchstone, and Alyssa Byrd, along with site partners Tim Booras and D.H. Griffin companies laid the foundation for Siler City’s future success. The EDC is supported by its board of directors, and the strong work of recent past chairmen of the board including Greg Lewis, Jeff Wilson, Douglas Emmons, and Chris Ehrenfeld.

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About Chatham County
Chatham County takes center stage in North Carolina, strategically located between the Research Triangle and Piedmont Triad. One of the fastest growing counties 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, five golf courses, and an additional 85 miles of greenways 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
Ann Fitts, Marketing and Communications Manager
Office: 919-542-8274
Direct: 919-542-8275
ann.fitts@chathamcountync.gov

The post Project Ice selects Siler City, Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) Site for 157 new jobs, $39M investment, pending final real estate and local grant negotiations appeared first on Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.