Iredell EDC Shares North Carolina Economic Development Association’s Legislative Priorities
NC Representative MItchell Setzer & Jenn Bosser
Jenn Bosser, President & CEO, Iredell EDC participated March 25 & 26 in the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s legislative reception and the North Carolina Economic Development Association
Legislative Breakfast to discuss and share priorities that drive growth, investment, and opportunity across our state. While in Raleigh, Jenn had the opportunity to connect with our members of the NC General
Assembly including NC Representative Mitchell Setzer, NC Representative Jeff McNeely, and NC Representative Todd Carver.
NCEDA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities focus on initiatives that support workforce development, infrastructure investment, and job creation statewide.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Support funding in site readiness and product development to help communities and the state remain competitive for investment and job creation.
States across the nation are investing significantly in product development to provide for risk-free site selection experiences and enhanced speed-to-market. Dewey Evans of Site Selection Group, LLC shares the latest updates to these critical investments in his blog Site Readiness Surge: States Bet Big to Attract Industrial Investment and Jobs. Specific to Iredell County we support amending provisions of the Selectsite Readiness Program to allow for a broader use of funds, including on-site preparation and installation/upgrading of public infrastructure to increase speed to market of identified sites at varying stages of site readiness. Support increased funding for the Selectsite Readiness Program and allow a subsequent round(s) of state[1]wide applications to increase geographic diversity of sites
✔️ We support advancing workforce initiatives to align training programs with industry needs and support talent retention.
Support the North Carolina Community College System’s goal of reforming Propel NC, realigning program funding by prioritizing programs and courses in high demand, high-wage fields. Encourage state funding to enhance accessible, affordable childcare, which will enable parents to remain in the workforce, reduce turnover, and boost productivity, thereby addressing labor shortages and promoting a stable talent pipeline. The EDC recently co-hosted a Childcare Summit with the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce in February. You can learn more about Childcare Crisis across the State and Iredell County here. Enhance funding to eliminate the skills gap through mentorships and apprenticeships that will provide hands on experience, foster career development, and improve job retention. Support state appropriations for completion assistance grants that will provide financial support for students, facilitate program and credential completion, and result in a higher educated and more skilled workforce.
✔️ We support investment in critical infrastructure to enhance economic opportunities across all regions of North Carolina.
Support Western North Carolina recovery and resiliency efforts. Seek state appropriations to fund grants for investments in infrastructure to create additional capacity for siting new businesses and existing business expansions. This investment will ensure the state remains competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.
The North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) is a statewide organization that supports the economic development community, with membership from over 900 economic development professionals and allies (architects, commercial real estate developers, utility company representatives, and workforce partners). NCEDA supports their efforts through a broad range of professional education and training, association networking opportunities, and advocacy of their interests through collaboration with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Commerce and our state legislators.
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