Step up to the Plate with Rowan County
In the competitive game of business relocation and expansion, Rowan County, North Carolina, shines with an impressive variety of speculative building space totaling 19.5 million square feet along the I-85 corridor. With its strategic southeast location halfway between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Rowan County has been billed as one of the Charlotte region’s hottest industrial markets. This available space, combined with a 1.4-million-person labor pool, has served as a beacon for businesses seeking to relocate and thrive. The Rowan Economic Development Council (EDC) promotes this competitive inventory of space and assists businesses considering a move to this bustling corridor of economic activity.
Home Run Projects of 2023
2023 marked a landmark year for Rowan County, spotlighted by significant project announcements promising to deliver 342 new jobs and a $198 million in new capital investment to the region. Major household names like General RV, Chick-fil-A Supply, and DHL Supply Chain set roots here last year, solidifying Rowan County as a central hub in the Southeast for logistics and industrial activities. The area is increasingly known as a center for food processing and more recently, as a prime location for electric vehicle suppliers, due to its proximity to upcoming EV manufacturing plants in central North Carolina. Being located within sixty minutes of new Toyota and Vinfast facilities, Rowan County offers their suppliers increased speed to market and exceptional transportation accessibility.
Bases Loaded: Strategic Advantages
Rowan County is part of the thriving Charlotte metro area, which includes 15 surrounding counties. As many areas closer to Charlotte reach their development limits, Rowan stands out with an abundant inventory of speculative buildings and distinguishes itself as a leader in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and food processing sectors.
The All-Star Lineup: Unmatched Accessibility
A significant component of Rowan County’s strategic location is its superior highway access. With same-day access to all Eastern U.S. markets via three major interstates—I-85, I-77, and I-40—Rowan County is exceptionally positioned for rapid distribution and logistics. Additionally, the county is just 45 minutes from two major international airports and is home to the Mid-Carolina Regional Airport, which supports general aviation and has new corporate hangers under construction. Nearby Charlotte’s intermodal facility, along with other shipping and rail options, further enhances the logistical advantages of the area.
Winning Play: Cost Advantages and Infrastructure
Businesses benefit from several cost advantages in Rowan County, including low-cost electricity, competitive construction and labor costs, and an overall affordable cost of living. Supported by North Carolina’s recognition by Forbes magazine as the “Best State for Business” for three consecutive years, it’s clear why companies are increasingly choosing Rowan. Infrastructure quality is a significant asset to the county, with top-notch roads, high voltage electric lines, natural gas transmission lines, plentiful water, and robust wastewater treatment capabilities.
Grand Slam Opportunity: A Community Ready for Growth
Rod Crider, President of Rowan EDC, emphasizes the county’s readiness. “We’ve built a community that has readily available sites and buildings, an ample supply of quality workers, and a culture welcoming to new businesses and residents. Combined with our strategic location, superior transportation assets and competitive incentives, our communities offer an ideal environment for businesses to grow and prosper,” he said.
Seventh-Inning Stretch: Talent and Lifestyle
Rowan County also offers an enviable lifestyle. The cost of living is significantly below the national average—housing costs at 77% and overall living costs at 90.5% of the national figures. This affordability, combined with access to “big city “ amenities in nearby Charlotte, four colleges, an active arts scene, outstanding health care, and outdoor recreation opportunities with High Rock Lake, the second-largest lake in the state, makes Rowan an attractive destination for talent and businesses alike.
Extra Innings: Enhancing Talent Recruitment
In an innovative move to help recruit top talent for local businesses, the Rowan EDC launched a concierge-style Relocation Guide Service in 2023 which is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country. This service offers personalized support to potential hires, showcasing Rowan County not just as a place of employment but as a community to call home. Through this initiative, the Rowan EDC facilitates both individual and group tours of the county and provides detailed post-interview sessions to help candidates make informed decisions. By aligning candidate attraction to the community’s strengths, the service significantly aids companies in securing high-caliber talent they need for success.
Mollie Ruf oversees the concierge program for the EDC and emphasizes that, “We roll out the red carpet for talent prospects sent our way. From answering their initial inquiries to connecting them with the community based on their interests and needs, our concierge service is a game-changer for recruitment and, more importantly, retention. By helping newcomers feel like locals faster, we’re not only saving companies money by reducing turnover rates, but we’re also fostering a sense of investment in both the organization and our community as a whole.”
Game-Changing Move: Why Rowan County Is Your Next Winning Play
As companies consider expanding their operations, choosing the right location is crucial. Rowan County scores at the top of the list of target locations by offering a unique blend of strategic advantages, ready infrastructure, and a welcoming community. With its extensive inventory of speculative buildings and commitment to growth, Rowan County is not just ready for the future; it’s actively shaping it.
If your company is looking to expand or relocate, contact the Rowan EDC today to find out how we can help your business find its home field advantage in North Carolina’s strategic epicenter. We’ll help you make your move to Rowan County, where your business can grow and succeed in a welcoming, supportive, and cost-effective community.
