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“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/“

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“Leading advantages in workforce and education, infrastructure, and incentives land the Tar Heel State the top spot in this annual economic development award from Business Facilities magazine.

RED BANK, NJ — Business Facilities is pleased to name North Carolina as its 2025 State of the Year. This annual award presented by Business Facilities for nearly two decades recognizes a state for its successful business climate and economic development growth in the previous year. The evaluation conducted by the editorial team focuses on significant factors impacting corporate relocation and expansion decisions. This marks the third time Business Facilities has recognized North Carolina, with the state selected as 2020 State of the Year and 2022 State of the Year.

In its evaluation for 2025 State of the Year, Business Facilities considered conditions related to education and workforce, business incentives, infrastructure, quality of life, and business attraction and retention investments. When it comes to workforce, North Carolina saw a record year — under Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) more than 33,000 job commitments were announced through November 2025.”

To read more, visit the Business Facilities: The Source for Site Selector’s website.

Chatham County’s Role in North Carolina’s Momentum

North Carolina’s recognition as Business Facilities’ 2025 State of the Year reflects a statewide commitment to strong workforce development, infrastructure investment, and a business-friendly environment,  priorities that align closely with the work happening in Chatham County.

Located at the geographic center of the state, Chatham County offers businesses strategic access to major markets, talent pipelines, and transportation networks while maintaining a high quality of life. As companies continue to invest across North Carolina, Chatham County is well positioned to support expansion, innovation, and long-term growth.

The Chatham County Economic Development Corporation remains focused on strengthening local partnerships, supporting existing businesses, and attracting new opportunities that contribute to the region’s economic vitality. This statewide recognition reinforces the importance of collaboration at every level and highlights the role local communities play in sustaining North Carolina’s success.

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Smith’s Hall of Fame recognition reflects his leadership on transformative projects such as Wolfspeed and VinFast, which have established Chatham County, North Carolina, as one of the most dynamic economic development destinations in the South.

With more than 20 years of experience in economic development, Smith has served in both local and state leadership roles, including with the North Carolina Department of Commerce in Raleigh. His work has consistently driven transformative investment and job creation across the region.

In 2022, Smith led the recruitment of the VinFast Electric Vehicle project in Moncure, marking North Carolina’s largest economic development announcement at the time.  Just six months later, the Chatham EDC broke the state record again with Wolfspeed’s $5 billion silicon carbide materials facility announcement in Siler City.

At his previous leadership position in Sanford-Lee County, his team achieved significant success in business recruitment and product development, including four of the top 25 announcements in North Carolina in FY 2019–2020.

Smith served as President of the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) and remains an influential voice in advancing economic growth statewide.

Born in Durham, Smith lived in Atlanta and Dallas before returning home to North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts Degree in Geography with a concentration in Urban and Regional Planning from East Carolina University.

You can read Southern Business & Development’s Hall of Fame Volume 2 and view Smith’s full feature here:

S B&D Hall of Fame Vol. 2

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 A Rapid Response Job Fair will be held at The Moore Center at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) to connect jobseekers with local employers and community resources, as many have been impacted by the closure of Southern Veneer.

Employer Registration Link
Rapid Response Job Fair Southern Veneer

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In this blog, we spoke with some Chatham County residents to learn more about what makes this community such a special place to call home.

A Welcoming Community in Pittsboro

Phillip Thompson, Chatham EDC’s Project Manager and a proud resident of Pittsboro, shares why this charming town—and Chatham County as a whole—has become the perfect place for his family to call home:

“My family truly enjoys living in Pittsboro. When my wife and I first moved here, we were looking for a central location that was convenient for both our jobs and family. We found so much more than that. Pittsboro offers a unique blend of small-town hospitality and modern conveniences that make everyday life feel easy and enjoyable. My kids especially love heading to Chatham Park for movie nights and other fun events hosted at Mosaic—there’s always something going on to bring the community together. Downtown Pittsboro has also become one of our favorite spots to gather with friends on the weekends, whether it’s grabbing a bite to eat, exploring the local shops, or just strolling through town. Overall, Pittsboro has been the perfect place for our family to grow, connect, and thrive. I can’t see us living anywhere else.”

Community and Growth in Siler City

Jerry Hudson, Chatham EDC Board Member, Vice President, and Business Banking Senior Relationship Manager at Bank of America, returned to his hometown of Siler City with purpose—and pride.

“I moved back to Chatham for the quality of life and to be closer to family. It’s an exciting time to be here, with so much opportunity for growth, new restaurants, and entertainment.”

For Jerry, coming back to Chatham County wasn’t just about reconnecting with his roots, it was about being part of a community that’s evolving while still holding on to what makes it special. From the growing number of dining and entertainment options to the strong sense of connection among neighbors, Chatham County is experiencing a wave of growth that blends opportunity with authenticity. It’s this balance of progress and community spirit that continues to make the county a truly welcoming and rewarding place to live.

Peaceful Living in Goldston

Justin King-Gaines, Chatham EDC Board Member and Vice President & Business Development Officer of  First Bank, calls Goldston home—and it’s clear why.

“Goldston is a great place to live because it is a safe small town with a tightknit community. The location provides easy access to large cities like Raleigh, Greensboro, and Southern Pines/Pinehurst. Pittsboro, Siler City, and Sanford are a short drive away.”

For Justin, Goldston strikes the perfect balance between peaceful rural living and convenient access to surrounding hubs.

“Chatham County is a great place to build a family and a future because it allows people the opportunity to live in a suburban environment in and around Pittsboro or the more rural areas in the western part of the county. All areas of the county provide easy access to a wide array of jobs.”

Chatham County offers something for everyone—whether you’re raising a family, starting a career, or simply looking for a place to call home. It’s that combination of lifestyle, location, and opportunity that makes this community truly special.

Why Chatham County? It’s About the Lifestyle

For those who live here, Chatham County offers more than just a place to work, it’s a place to grow, connect, raise a family, and enjoy life. The county provides a unique balance between scenic landscapes and modern leisure pastimes. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, supporting local businesses, or embracing the county’s expanding opportunities, residents take pride in the distinctive character of their hometown.

Along with its thriving economy, Chatham County fosters a welcoming community where connections flourish, and meaningful relationships are built. It’s a place where you can experience a small-town charm while still benefiting from big-city opportunities.

Learn More About Chatham County

Chatham County offers an exceptional quality of life, and its future is brighter than ever.

To learn more about living, working, and business development in Chatham County, visit our website at www.chathamedc.org or contact us at (919) 542-8274.

The post More Than Just Business: Why People Love Living in Chatham County 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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Bradley said, “Given the support we have seen so far, we have great expectations. We are confident that area businesses will continue to vote yes to our new initiative by making a financial investment in Accelerate 2026.”

The event marked the public announcement of the organization’s Accelerate 2026 campaign, a five-year $900,000 public/private economic development initiative that calls for the creation of 2,000 new jobs within Chatham County. In addition to the new jobs, Accelerate 2026 is projected to facilitate over $500 million in new capital investment. By the end of the plan, Accelerate 2026 is projected to have an overall economic impact of $67.9 million.

“In recent years, attracting quality jobs has become even more competitive,” said Smith. “To help bring new companies, investment and opportunity we need to enlist the help of not only the public sector for funding, but also we need Chatham County businesses to step up and support us.”

Additional goals of the economic development initiative include assisting 100 businesses with expansion goals, creating a spec building program, and increasing the industrial and commercial property tax base from 8% to 14%.

The Accelerate 2026 campaign launched in March and will continue to the end of 2026.

“We have been overwhelmed by the strong support we have received during the early stages of the campaign,” said Greg Lewis, Chairman of the Board of the CEDC. “Our investors have stepped up to the plate and showed their confidence in Accelerate 2026 and its potential for tremendous economic impact in Chatham County.”

Positioning Chatham County within the Research Triangle Region and Carolina Core as a preferred location for emerging growth companies is a major focus in targeting industry clusters for new job creation and recruitment of new companies, within the aggressive five-year economic development initiative. As the geographic center of North Carolina, Chatham County will be a natural location within the region for future economic growth.

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Check out our video to learn more about how this organization is adapting to the new normal and about some of their current initiatives. And, don’t forget to pick up your ClydeFEST-To-Go kit from The Oasis in Siler City or Chatham Marketplace in Pittsboro and share your creations using #ClydefestToGo. 

Chatham Arts Council ClydeFEST-To-Go on Vimeo.

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