Iredell EDC Announces New Director of Business Development
Iredell County, NC —January 19, 2021 — Iredell County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce, and welcome Chad Thomas, as Director, Business Development. In this role, Thomas will be responsible for new business development efforts, including business recruitment and expansion, and new product development across Iredell County.
Thomas has been in the economic development since 2014 with experience in local government, project management, federal grant administration, small business development, and tourism.
Thomas comes to Iredell EDC from his previous role as Economic Development and Tourism for the Town of Kilmarnock, where he worked closely with the business community during the COVID-19 pandemic by facilitating 67 emergency relief grants to small businesses. Thomas was also fundamental in the creation of Visit Kilmarnock, VA, a destination marketing organization promoting the greater Kilmarnock region.
Thomas began his career in Davidson, NC creating and developing parks and recreation programs. He then worked for Layton City, UT as the Community Development Block Grant Administrator (CDBG) & Economic Development Specialist, where he managed the city’s first-time home buyers’ program and assisted in redevelopment projects.
After working in Layton, UT, Thomas was an Economic Development Manager for Provo City, UT where he provided liaison services to businesses in downtown Provo, worked closely with the startup and entrepreneurial community, and administered the city’s EPA Brownfields Grant Program.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a Public Relations emphasis from Southern Utah University and a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University. Thomas grew up in Statesville, NC and currently has family residing in the area. In his free time, Thomas enjoys quality time with his wife and two daughters, hiking, trying out local restaurants, and serving in his church.
“I am excited to be moving back to Iredell County,” said Thomas. “Iredell is prime for growth with its strategic location, diverse economy, and availability of buildings and sites.”
“We are thrilled to have Chad on board to lead our business development strategy by recruiting new projects to our community and working with local landowners and municipalities to identify and market key building and sites,” said Jenn Bosser, President & CEO.