https://www.caldwelledc.org Caldwell County Economic Development News Feed Wed, 20 May 2026 23:22:18 +0000 en-US https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/67455/caldwell-county-economic-development-celebrates-industry-at-banquet https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/67455/caldwell-county-economic-development-celebrates-industry-at-banquet Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000 LENOIR, NC — At this year’s Industry Appreciation Banquet, local leaders, businesses, and partners were recognized for their contributions to economic growth, community advancement, and workforce development.Herman Anderson AwardThe Herman Anderson Award was presented to Alan Merck for his long-standing impact on economic development and infrastructure improvement in the region... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/67376/caldwell-county-marks-economic-development-week-with-measurable-progress-and-clear-direction https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/67376/caldwell-county-marks-economic-development-week-with-measurable-progress-and-clear-direction Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Economic Development Week, held from May 4-8, 2026, arrives during a milestone year for the profession. The International Economic Development Council marks 100 years of work that has shaped local economies across the country. The theme, 100 Years of Impact, sets a direct expectation. Communities should assess results, report current... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/67647/the-future-of-north-carolinas-industries-regional-trends-to-watch https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/67647/the-future-of-north-carolinas-industries-regional-trends-to-watch Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 North Carolina’s economy is expected to grow, but that growth will not be evenly distributed across industries or regions. More than 260,000 jobs are projected to be added statewide between 2024 and 2034, but the industries driving that growth and where it occurs will vary significantly across the state.The projections... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66834/google-announces-new-twoyear-1-billion-investment-in-north-carolina https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66834/google-announces-new-twoyear-1-billion-investment-in-north-carolina Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Google announced a new, $1 billion investment within the next two years in North Carolina to grow its data center infrastructure in Lenoir, among other commitments to the state. Google has proudly called North Carolina home for more than 15 years with a data center in Lenoir and an office... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66695/your-input-matters-2026-caldwell-county-wage-&-benefits-survey https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66695/your-input-matters-2026-caldwell-county-wage-&-benefits-survey Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Help define current compensation and benefit trends in Caldwell County by participating in the 2026 Caldwell County Wage and Benefit Survey today!The survey is open and will be available through March 27, 2026.Caldwell County Economic Development is conducting this survey to reflect the current realities of a broad range of... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66694/iron-crest-investment-in-bakers-waste-equipment-supported-by-caldwell-county-board-of-commissioners-grant https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66694/iron-crest-investment-in-bakers-waste-equipment-supported-by-caldwell-county-board-of-commissioners-grant Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0000 “This grant is more than an investment in jobs — it’s an investment in our people,” said Commission Chairman Randy Church. “Retaining over 150 full-time positions means families can continue to thrive right here in our community. We’re proud to support Bakers Waste Equipment and the other businesses that keep... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66503/rise-and-shine-bright-futures-ahead https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66503/rise-and-shine-bright-futures-ahead Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 2026 Brings Student/Industry Connection in Caldwell and Watauga CountiesCaldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCC&TI) is proud to expand work-based learning opportunities in North Carolina’s Caldwell and Watauga Counties with the launch of RISE (Regional Initiative for Skilled Employment) this month. Designed to address critical skill gaps across the high-demand... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/67128/communities-awarded-more-than-136-million-in-2025-from-nc-commerce-rural-grant-programs https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/67128/communities-awarded-more-than-136-million-in-2025-from-nc-commerce-rural-grant-programs Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 In 2025, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, along with its Rural Economic Development Division and the state’s Rural Infrastructure Authority, awarded rural communities across North Carolina $136.3 million in grants to revitalize housing in local neighborhoods, install and upgrade industrial infrastructure, upfit older buildings to attract businesses, and advance... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66416/ccc&tis-small-business-center-strengthens-entrepreneurship-and-local-job-growth https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66416/ccc&tis-small-business-center-strengthens-entrepreneurship-and-local-job-growth Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Part Two of a two-part series on workforce development at CCC&TI. Part One explored the college’s BioWork program and its role in preparing residents for biomanufacturing and life sciences careers.Beyond preparing workers for high-tech and high-demand industries, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) also plays a vital role in... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66580/north-carolina-named-2025-state-of-the-year-for-economic-development https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66580/north-carolina-named-2025-state-of-the-year-for-economic-development Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 North Carolina has been named 2025 State of the Year by Business Facilities magazine, recognizing the state’s strong business climate and continued success in attracting investment and creating jobs in communities statewide.The designation reflects North Carolina’s performance across key economic development indicators, including workforce and education, infrastructure, business incentives, quality... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66375/north-carolina-named-number-one-in-workforce-development-by-site-selection-magazine https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66375/north-carolina-named-number-one-in-workforce-development-by-site-selection-magazine Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Site Selection magazine ranked North Carolina the Top State for Workforce Development for 2026. Governor Josh Stein celebrated this ranking during a visit to Machine Specialties Inc. (MSI) in Whitsett, where he highlighted the state’s workforce investments and the recent recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.“North Carolina’s... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/65989/the-workforce-bottleneck-in-americas-manufacturing-revival https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/65989/the-workforce-bottleneck-in-americas-manufacturing-revival Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 The warning signs are everywhere. Ford CEO Jim Farley, recently said the company can’t fill five thousand mechanic jobs even at $120,000 per year.“A bay with a lift and tools and no one to work in it — are you kidding me?” he said.The automotive giant’s struggle is a snapshot... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/65982/site-readiness-surge-states-bet-big-to-attract-industrial-investment-and-jobs https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/65982/site-readiness-surge-states-bet-big-to-attract-industrial-investment-and-jobs Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 A critical shortage of development-ready industrial sites is pushing states to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in product development. These proactive efforts aim to enhance the developability and speed-to-market of industrial property, ultimately attracting capital investment and job creation. Site Selection Group regularly monitors these investments, and this article... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66245/the-new-industrial-revolution-in-biotech https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66245/the-new-industrial-revolution-in-biotech Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000 Biology has become a technology, and technology is beginning to feel biological. We rarely stop to sense it, but we are living through an age of acceleration—where discovery builds on itself faster than we can comprehend. It took more than four centuries to get from the invention of the microscope... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66377/funding-now-available-for-technology-development-through-north-carolina-small-business-program-grants https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66377/funding-now-available-for-technology-development-through-north-carolina-small-business-program-grants Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Applications are now being accepted for a new round of grants from the One North Carolina Small Business Program, a key source of funding small businesses engaged in research, development, and innovation leading to commercial products.“Young companies are responsible for the majority of net new job creation,” said North Carolina... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66376/a-closer-look-at-manufacturing-activity-in-north-carolina https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66376/a-closer-look-at-manufacturing-activity-in-north-carolina Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Manufacturing continues to be critical to North Carolina’s economy: a previous LEAD Feed blog article reported that in 2024, this sector had an economic output of $108 billion1, accounting for 14.5% of North Carolina’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP)2. The same data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) can... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66378/governors-council-on-workforce-and-apprenticeships-continues-to-advance-workforce-opportunities-in-north-carolina https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/66378/governors-council-on-workforce-and-apprenticeships-continues-to-advance-workforce-opportunities-in-north-carolina Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Governor Josh Stein’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships released a report identifying 30 strategies designed to advance North Carolina’s workforce and expand access to good jobs with good wages. When implemented, these proposed strategies will help the state attain the 11 workforce goals that the Council recommended in June.“North Carolina... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/65724/ccc&tis-biowork-powers-caldwell-countys-life-sciences-workforce https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/65724/ccc&tis-biowork-powers-caldwell-countys-life-sciences-workforce Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:00 +0000 Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) is preparing Caldwell County’s workforce for the high-demand careers of tomorrow, offering training programs that directly support emerging industries across North Carolina. As one of Caldwell County Economic Development’s key partners, CCC&TI helps ensure that local talent is aligned with employer needs in... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/64940/honoring-the-makers-caldwell-county-celebrates-manufacturing-day-2025 https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/64940/honoring-the-makers-caldwell-county-celebrates-manufacturing-day-2025 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Each October, communities across America celebrate Manufacturing Day, a nationwide effort to highlight the importance of manufacturing and the incredible people who make it possible. On October 3, 2025, Caldwell County Economic Development joins this celebration with pride as we honor our community’s long and rich history of manufacturing and... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/64834/caldwell-tech-talk-building-the-future-of-tech-in-caldwell-county https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/64834/caldwell-tech-talk-building-the-future-of-tech-in-caldwell-county Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Caldwell County Economic Development invites you to the next Caldwell Tech Talk, a monthly meetup focused on growing our region's tech ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a new entrepreneur, or a student passionate about innovation, this event is an opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate.When is the next Tech... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/64396/caldwell-county-2025-wage-&-benefit-survey-results https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/64396/caldwell-county-2025-wage-&-benefit-survey-results Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000 A Showcase of Workforce Progress and Business SuccessResults of Caldwell County’s 2025 Wage & Benefit Survey are now available! Thank you to the 27 organizations that participated in this year’s survey! Your engagement makes this project possible. By sharing real-world data, you’re helping build a stronger, more informed business community... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/63543/a-uniquely-rich-quality-of-life-awaits-in-caldwell-county-nc https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/63543/a-uniquely-rich-quality-of-life-awaits-in-caldwell-county-nc Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000 When people visit Caldwell County, NC, or when residents pause to reflect, a common realization occurs: This place has it all!Few areas in the United States offer such a unique combination of natural beauty, welcoming communities, and an affordable cost of living.Caldwell County’s economy is impactful regionally and internationally, featuring over... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/63376/midweek-momentum-shaping-tomorrows-talent-for-caldwell-county-today https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/63376/midweek-momentum-shaping-tomorrows-talent-for-caldwell-county-today Wed, 25 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Wednesdays are the day for education and industry collaboration in Caldwell County, NC, with the continuation of Workforce Wednesdays!The dynamic partnership between Caldwell County Economic Development (CCED), Caldwell County Schools, and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) continued in 2025 as a way to  bring real-world career exposure directly... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/62928/caldwell-county-economic-development-&-caldwell-county-schools-receive-2025-partnership-award https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/62928/caldwell-county-economic-development-&-caldwell-county-schools-receive-2025-partnership-award Wed, 21 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Caldwell County Economic Development and Caldwell County Schools recently received the 2025 Partnership Award by the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center (SMT). This prestigious award recognizes outstanding collaborations that connect education with workforce and economic development across North Carolina. To read the full article, click the following... https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/62774/celebrating-edweek-growth-and-innovation-for-a-better-caldwell-county-nc https://www.caldwelledc.org/news/p/item/62774/celebrating-edweek-growth-and-innovation-for-a-better-caldwell-county-nc Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000 Economic development is always centered on business growth and innovation. In Caldwell County, NC, however, it’s about building a better future for the community. Supporting entrepreneurs, expanding local industries, and attracting new opportunities all focus on ensuring a prosperous future for residents and businesses. Every new job, every new storefront,...