Iredell EDC Hosts Annual Meeting and Launches 4-Year Economic Development Strategy and Investor Campaign
Iredell County Economic Development Corporation (Iredell EDC) welcomed more than 250 business leaders, elected officials, and community partners to their 2024 Annual Meeting, presented by Lowe’s Companies, on September 26 at the Statesville Civic Center in Statesville, NC. The event marked the commencement of the launch of an investor campaign and four-year economic development strategy, intended to further elevate Iredell County and its municipalities as a competitive location in the Charlotte region and North Carolina.
“Six years ago we made the decision to come together as one county-wide organization to combine efforts and work together to create opportunities for Iredell County and our local municipalities,” stated Jeff Cernuto, President, Princeton Communities and Iredell EDC Vice Chair. “The results have been significant with strong interest and activity across the county, resulting in $2 billion in new investment, the creation of 5,500 jobs, and a pipeline of 14.8 million square feet of industrial development.”
Jenn Bosser, President & CEO, Iredell EDC shared highlights on the key pillars of focus for the EDC and growth in Iredell County. Some notable growth highlights over the past 4-years include:
• 7% growth in population across the county, growing from 186,000 to 199,000 people in 2024.
• 34% increase in the labor force, which grew from 84,460 to 113,788.
• 28% increase in wage growth, currently at $63,674, the sixth highest average wage in North Carolina.
• 25% growth in industrial square footage.
• 59% growth in property tax revenue, from $24 million to $36 million in the County.
• 56% growth in sales tax revenue, from $10 million to $16 million.
• Growth in all the County’s top industry sectors, with manufacturing leading our county with total employment of 12,000.
Iredell EDC’s four-year plan will focus on business development efforts to attract target industries, existing industry and retention, product development, workforce development through Iredell Ready, marketing and research, and community collaboration. Iredell EDC’s goals include the creation of 2,500 jobs, $500M in new investment, identify 1,000 acres for new commercial/industrial product, and an increase in credentials and post-secondary degrees among residents. As part of the campaign, the EDC is introducing a new investor level for companies interested in engaging with our workforce initiative, Iredell Ready, created to build pathways to better futures for students and residents with Iredell industries. Investors who participate at the Partner Level or Above ($3,500) can opt to support Iredell Ready and participate in the advisory council and other initiatives. The Iredell EDC’s overall campaign has a goal of raising $4.5 million over four years from both public and private sector investors.
Attendees had an opportunity to hear from two company executives. Ingo Rutenburg, CEO of DEHN, USA, a company based in Neumarkt, Germany, provided key factors that led to their decision in early 2024 to invest $38 million and create 238 jobs in Mooresville to build their U.S. Headquarters. Rick Stapleton, President of Cheney Brothers, a leading food distributor, shared insights on their experience in the market and the region as well as the growth that led to their decision to add over 240,000 SF to their Statesville facility within the last decade.
Vice Chair Jeff Cernuto, recognized outgoing board members James Mallory, Former Iredell County Commissioner Chair, Paul Cook, First Citizens Bank, Steve Daily, NGK Ceramics (Retired), and Marian Steele Clark, J.C. Steele and Sons and welcomed new board members Tracey Jerome, Town Manager, Town of Mooresville, Commissioner Lisa Qualls, Town of Mooresville, Zach Gordon, Vice President, L. Gordon Iron & Metal, LaQuisha Parks, Vice President, EnergyUnited, Mary Katherine Harbin, Vice President, Maymead, Tiffany Webber, Partner, Thomas & Webber, and Grant Miller, Executive Vice President, Colliers International.
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
2024 Iredell EDC Annual Report
About Iredell County Economic Development Corporation
Iredell County Economic Development Corporation (Iredell EDC) is a 501(c)6 private-public partnership dedicated to the growth and success of Iredell County. Iredell EDC promotes economic growth and stability in our community by supporting the creation of new jobs and encouraging investment. They accomplish this through new business attraction, support of existing industry, building a world-class workforce, and collaboration with our community to build economic prosperity for all. Additionally, they lead Iredell Ready, through a 501(c)3 Foundation focused on strengthening the workforce pipeline, promoting career awareness and exploration, and increasing engagement across partners to build pathways to better futures for the residents of Iredell County.
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