Iredell EDC Annual Meeting Showcases Countywide Economic Growth and Strategic Vision
On August 26, the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation (Iredell EDC) hosted its Annual Meeting. Presented by Lowe’s, the meeting convened over 350 leaders from local government, education, and industry. The event marked seven years since the merger of Statesville Regional Development and Mooresville South Iredell Economic Development Corporation, forming a unified countywide organization focused on driving economic growth and prosperity.
Since its formation, Iredell EDC has helped position the county as a top destination for business and quality of life. Iredell County now ranks among North Carolina’s top 10 most prosperous counties. Over the past five years, the county has experienced a 10% population increase, a 26% expansion in the labor force, and a 26% rise in average wages—now at $62,669, the sixth highest in the state. Since its formation, Iredell EDC has announced 126 new and expanding projects, totaling $2.2 billion in investment, and creating 6,000 new jobs.
“Our mission is to promote economic stability and enhance quality of life through job creation and investment,” said Jenn Bosser, CEcD, President & CEO of Iredell EDC. “Our dynamic public-private partnerships that allows us to be both strategic and agile makes this possible.”
Last fall, Iredell EDC launched a four-year strategic plan supported by a new investor campaign, aiming to raise additional funds by the end of 2025. The plan is built on six key pillars: existing industry support, workforce and talent development, business development, product development, marketing and research, and community collaboration. As of August, the campaign is 70% toward its goal, with expectations to exceed it by year-end.
Leadership Transition and Board Updates
During the meeting, outgoing Chair David Alexander (FY2023–2025) officially passed the gavel to incoming Chair Jeff Cernuto, President of Princeton Communities, who will serve as Chair for FY2025–2026. Iredell EDC also recognized Mayor Costi Kutteh for his dedicated service on the Board of Directors. Mayor Kutteh has served the City of Statesville with distinction for an incredible 36 consecutive years—including 20 years as Mayor and 16 years as an at-large council member prior to that. Mayor Kutteh announced he will not seek another term in office. The mayor’s seat on the Board will be appointed when the new Mayor has been sworn in.
Additionally, Iredell EDC welcomed two new members to the Iredell EDC Board of Directors:
• Mark Hartslief, Executive Vice President, RJK Construction
• Steve McGlothlin, President, South Iredell Community Development Corporation
Supporting Local Industry
Over the past year, Iredell EDC conducted 128 industry visits, supported 25 small businesses, hosted four Industry Leaders Councils with 147 companies, and facilitated nearly 300 referrals. The newly launched Business Pulse Survey gathered insights from over 100 companies on the local and national business climate. Preliminary results show concerns around global economic uncertainty, tariffs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions. Iredell EDC will release a full report this fall.
Workforce Development
Workforce development remains central to Iredell EDC’s strategy. Through partnerships with public schools and Mitchell Community College, the organization is helping build career pathways for local students. The Iredell Ready initiative—now in its fourth year—was recently recognized by myFutureNC as one of only nine counties statewide to achieve “Attainment Ready” status. On October 28, Iredell EDC in partnership with Iredell Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded School District, Mitchell Community College, NCWorks, and Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce will host the 4th Annual Career on Wheels event at the Iredell County Fairgrounds, offering 2,000 sixth-grade students hands-on career exploration with more than 60 participating companies.
Business Development & Investment
In the past year, Iredell EDC managed 183 project inquiries, hosted 17 site visits, and announced 11 new and expanding companies. These efforts resulted in $136 million in new investment and 360 new jobs. Notably, 85% of project leads came from the Economic Development Partnership of NC, with 79% focused on key industrial sectors including energy, food and beverage, chemicals, plastics, and automotive.
Infrastructure & Product Development
Industrial space and infrastructure continue to be a priority. Over the last five years, Iredell County’s industrial inventory has grown by 29%. The county now features 17 Class A industrial parks and a pipeline of 15.2 million square feet of industrial space, with 3.4 million square feet completed or under construction. Vacancy rates remain below 7%, and four new Class A buildings totaling 400,000 square feet are scheduled for delivery in Q1 2026.
Marketing & Visibility
Iredell EDC has expanded its marketing efforts through strategic partnerships and targeted outreach. Website traffic has increased by 30%, the newsletter maintains a 40% open rate, and social media engagement continues to grow—enhancing the county’s visibility and appeal to investors and site selectors.
Community Collaboration
Economic development is a collaborative effort. Iredell EDC works closely with local governments, educational institutions, and industry partners to advance initiatives that matter to the community, including attainable housing, transportation, and childcare. “Iredell County’s success is built on collaboration,” said Bosser. “Together with our partners, investors, and community, we are shaping a future where opportunity thrives, and success is shared.”
“Iredell EDC plays a unique role in establishing Iredell County as a leader in the region and the State,” shares Jeff Cernuto, Incoming 2025 Chair. “Our shared commitment to elevating Iredell County as the premier location for business and life is a catalyst for growth that is evident in our increasing population, workforce, and wages. I am honored to take the gavel for the next year and further the success of Iredell County.”
To learn more about the work of the Iredell EDC or to become an investor, please contact Lisa Taylor, Iredell EDC at 704.663.1898 or [email protected].
Additional Resources:
Iredell EDC Case for Investment
Iredell Ready Case for Investment
Pledge Form
4-Year Strategic Plan
Iredell EDC Investor List
2025 Iredell EDC Annual Report
Previous
