During the annual industry appreciation event, Caldwell County Economic Development proudly celebrated the industries that are pivotal in driving economic growth. The event emphasized the importance of recognizing achievements, fostering collaboration, and planning for a future defined by sustainable economic growth. To continue reading the full article, click here.Continue Reading
It’s one of the most pressing challenges facing communities across the United States: infrastructure readiness. What’s really at stake in the world of pipelines, utilities and energy grids – and how is it impacting site selection?At the Site Selectors Guild 2025 Annual Conference, leading site selectors came together for the...Continue Reading
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...Continue Reading
Culture vs. BrandCulture refers to the shared values, beliefs, behaviors, practices, traditions, and norms that define a group of people or an organization. It encompasses how people interact, make decisions, and approach work or life. In an organizational context, culture is often described as the "way we do things around...Continue Reading
In every town across America, there's a corner store, a family-run diner, or a small tech startup tucked into a co-working space established by someone determined to pursue their passion, no matter how little support they had to start with.Take the story of a mother and daughter duo who started...Continue Reading
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,...Continue Reading
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 99 counties in January 2025 and remained unchanged in one. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.3 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 3.0 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas,...Continue Reading
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute held an event to encourage young women to consider careers in utility and infrastructure industries.The first-ever Girl Power Event involved a hands-on learning experience for women and offered insight into overhead and underground power distribution, fiber operations, substation processes, and drone operations, said Amy...Continue Reading
I spent 30 years at Lockheed Martin, 20 of which were in site selection, workforce development, and real estate disciplines, followed by the last 11 years consulting in the tech sector. Site selection has come a long way in the last four decades, driven by increased investment requirements, heightened investor...Continue Reading
Caldwell County Economic Development, in collaboration with the city of Lenoir and the Western Piedmont Council of Government, has published a comprehensive Housing Plan for Caldwell County, according to county officials.The plan synthesizes input from a wide range of stakeholders, including builders, developers, planners, businesses, homeowners, renters, and prospective residents.Read...Continue Reading
Help define current compensation and benefit trends in Caldwell County and take the Caldwell County 2025 Wage and Benefit Survey today!The survey will be available today through March 21, and we need your help!Caldwell County Economic Development is conducting a wage and benefit survey to capture the perspectives of a...Continue Reading
Data centers faced their toughest power challenges yet in 2024, but the industry didn’t just survive – it thrived, according to JLL’s new North America Data Center Year-End 2024 Report. The sector is charging full speed ahead, with colocation vacancy plummeting to a record low of 2.6% and absorption levels...Continue Reading
State Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green’s “Mo Wants to Know” tour is coming to all eight regions of North Carolina this March and April.The superintendent is hosting listening and learning sessions with community stakeholders statewide, including the eight public events listed below. All parents, students, educators, school and district staff, public...Continue Reading
The Workforce Crisis in Rural AmericaWorkforce shortages are one of the biggest obstacles rural communities face today. Businesses are struggling to fill open positions, young professionals are leaving for bigger cities, and many rural regions simply aren’t on the radar for job seekers. The issue isn’t always about the availability...Continue Reading
The latest annual report by the Raleigh-based NC TECH Association said that the industry has 323,199 workers or 6.7% of the state’s workforce. The state’s tech sector is building upon its momentum in recent years and edging higher in national rankings.Based upon 2023 statistics, the industry’s five-year growth of 18.8%...Continue Reading
The Detroit factory where Henry Ford first began mass-producing automobiles had a transformative impact not just on the auto industry but on manufacturing and business practices across all industries. However, that factory was singular in purpose—assembling a Model T as quickly and uniformly as possible.Today, while optimal efficiency in production...Continue Reading
The State of North Carolina announced 16,956 new jobs in the state in 2024, representing 218 business recruitment, expansion, or rural development projects that engaged with the North Carolina Department of Commerce or its team at the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. in 2024. These projects will bring $15.2 billion...Continue Reading
Charlotte-based Duke Energy is participating with other utilities and nuclear companies to apply for an $800 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to build the nation’s first small modular reactor in the eastern Tennessee town of Oak Ridge, about 25 miles west of Knoxville.The Tennessee Valley Authority is leading the...Continue Reading
Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG), in collaboration with Caldwell County, has been chosen to participate in the Our State, Our Homes program through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Carolina Across 100 initiative! This program will provide valuable insights and resources, which will be shared to benefit...Continue Reading
The Truist Foundation, which is affiliated with the Charlotte-based bank, is partnering with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to make more than $20 million in disaster recovery grants in western North Carolina.It’s part of the Truist Cares for Western North Carolina project, a three-year, $725 million commitment to support small...Continue Reading
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Caldwell County on Saturday, Oct. 12. The center will serve as a point of contact for individuals seeking to apply for FEMA disaster recovery aid, according to the organization’s media relations specialist Shirley Tracey. To read the...Continue Reading
Exciting news for Caldwell County! Google may invest $600 million to expand its data center, potentially adding 30 jobs. Local officials recently approved an incentives deal, and while the project isn’t confirmed yet, it looks promising.The expansion could further solidify our area as a major data center hub, alongside tech...Continue Reading
On Friday, August 30, Kevin Bean was sworn in as Caldwell County’s 33rd Sheriff. He was appointed to the position following the retirement of Sheriff Alan Jones. To read the full story, click here.Continue Reading
Caldwell County Sheriff Alan Jones retired August 30 and left a legacy of high training standards and making education a priority for his deputies and staff. To read the full story and legacy Sherrif Alan Jones left, click here. Continue Reading
CCED works closely with CCC&TI and local manufacturers to meet the workforce needs of employers.
Existing Manufacturing Space Available
Existing Manufacturing Space Available
Move right into one of our existing manufacturing buildings. The infrastructure is in place and a trained workforce is ready.
Our Mountains, Rivers and Lakes are Calling
Our Mountains, Rivers and Lakes are Calling
Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.
NC is the No.1 Southeast State for Sustainability
NC is the No.1 Southeast State for Sustainability (Site Selection)
NC has increased production of renewables by nearly 52%, double the average of all 50 states
NC is America’s Top State for Business
NC is America’s Top State for Business (CNBC, 2022)
Powered by an economy that has hit its stride and turbocharged by a track record of innovation, Caldwell County is the best of NC.
Our Festivals Bring Neighbors Together
Our Festivals Bring Neighbors Together
Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.
Eat and Play North Carolina
Eat and Play North Carolina
Explore the Caldwell County Itinerary for food, shopping, highlights, lodging and adventures! We invite locals and visitors to delight in the journey and the destination.
Meander the Blue Ridge Parkway and Historic Happy Valley
Meander the Blue Ridge Parkway and Historic Happy Valley
Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.
Record-Breaking Private Sector Wage Growth
Record-Breaking Private Sector Wage Growth
Caldwell County ranked 20th out of North Carolina’s 100 counties for wage growth in 2023. Since 2015, wages have grown an impressive 51.5%.
Renowned “Adventure Towns”
Renowned “Adventure Towns”
The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.
2025 Key Indicators Report
Caldwell County is building on its historic manufacturing legacy while embracing the industries of tomorrow. With affordability, a strategic location, and a skilled workforce, the county is a prime destination for business growth and investment.
Smithsonian Celebrated Sculpture Gardens
Smithsonian Celebrated Sculpture Gardens
Caldwell County has the most extensive collection of permanent public outdoor sculptures per capita in the U.S. Our annual Sculpture Celebration is the largest in the South.
Entrepreneurship is Thriving
Entrepreneurship is Thriving
Record numbers of new businesses and industries have registered in Caldwell: 250-500 each year since 2018. The CCC&TI Business Center is ready to assist.