Celebrating Halfway Mark of $6 Million Goal
On November 14, Rowan EDC launched its Forward Rowan 2 campaign with a celebratory event at City Tavern’s in Salisbury. The campaign supports the EDC’s public-private partnership and seeks to secure $1.5 million from the private sector to support growth initiatives. Industry leaders in Rowan County’s manufacturing and distribution sectors, municipal elected officials, and town managers joined the EDC leadership to celebrate the community’s progress and hear the strategic plan for the future.
Rod Crider, President of the Rowan EDC, set the stage for the evening. “In 2020, we defined our mission as ‘increase prosperity, reduce poverty, and improve quality of life,'” said Crider. “Thanks to our community leaders and partners, we will continue to fulfill that mission with Forward Rowan 2.”
The campaign co-chairs, Rowan County Commission Chair Greg Edds and F&M Bank President Steve Fisher, shared the EDC’s achievements. “In the last five years, the EDC has supported the addition of over 2,500 jobs paying more than $25 an hour, with half of those projects originating from existing industries. We have also attracted high-profile companies like Macy’s and Chick-fil-A Supply. Capital investment from our existing and new industry is almost $1 billion.
Fisher highlighted the future impact of the campaign, emphasizing, “The EDC’s work is making Rowan County a leader in economic development opportunities in the Charlotte region. The Forward Rowan 2 campaign aims to create 3,000 new jobs paying above the County’s current wages, which will generate over 2,000 indirect jobs and nearly $141 million in annual consumer expenditures. Together, we can ensure that Rowan County continues this positive trajectory.”
With the support of committed investors, the campaign has already surpassed the halfway mark to its $1.5 million goal. “We are grateful to those who have pledged their support,” Fisher said. “For those who have not yet joined us, now is the time to invest in Rowan County’s prosperous future.”
The Forward Rowan 2 kickoff event featured the premiere of a campaign video highlighting Rowan County’s successes and ambitious goals for the next five years. Alongside campaign co-chairs Greg Edds and Steve Fisher and Rowan EDC President Rod Crider, the video included testimonials from local leaders.
Dave Davis, Director of Development of Fortius Capital Partners, emphasized Rowan County’s business-friendly environment, stating, “Rowan County leads the region in available space, providing a powerful magnet for new jobs and investment.”
Kim Bartleson, Human Resources Manager of Innospec Performance Chemicals, praised the EDC’s support for talent development, adding, “They’ve been instrumental in helping our new hires feel welcome from day one.”
Mike Miller, President of Miller Davis, highlighted the transformative impact of marketing efforts, noting, “Rowan County’s vibrant, compelling story is known, and the EDC has brought the right kind of growth that’s been a game-changer for small businesses like mine.”
The evening concluded with a call to action for community leaders to become investors in Forward Rowan to achieve the EDC’s mission to increase prosperity, decrease poverty, and improve quality of life.
Go to https://youtu.be/ZCh_-lBCEUE to view the campaign video. For more information about the Forward Rowan 2 campaign, visit www.ForwardRowan.com or contact Carlotta Ungaro, Campaign Director, at carlotta@rowanedc.com.
About the Rowan EDC
Established in 1984, the Rowan EDC serves as the primary business assistance resource for Rowan County, benefiting its ten municipalities and businesses county-wide. For more information, please visit www.rowanedc.com or contact: Mollie Ruf, Marketing & Communications Manager, at mollie@rowanedc.com or 704-637-5526.
