News & Media

The First Industry Leaders Council Of 2025 Focuses On The Future Of Our Local Economy

Since its inaugural event in October of 2021, Iredell EDC’s Industry Leaders Council has convened hundreds of business and industry leaders at manufacturing facilities, race shops, distilleries, distribution facilities, and schools throughout Iredell County for presentations on issues and topics that impact business and production along with real solutions. In February, more than 40 industry leaders converged on the campus of NASCAR Technical Institute for the first Industry Leaders Council of 2025 and a presentation from Jim Marshall, President & CEO of blueharbor bank, and Jenn Bosser, President & CEO of Iredell EDC, on the topic at the top of everyone’s mind, the future of our local economy.

At the helm of blueharbor bank, a Top-Performing Community Bank in North Carolina and the United States, and a member of the North Carolina Bankers Association, Mr. Marshall shared his considerable insights into the future of our local economy. Touching on the fact that inflation remains persistent and high with the increase in the Consumer Price Index rocketing to more than a 20% increase in the last four years, Mr. Marshall remains convinced the local outlook remains positive. The main reason? The extraordinary population growth that the state and region continue to experience. North Carolina remains a top destination for people moving within the United States with a net influx of 82,288 people from July 2023 to July 2024. Additionally, the Charlotte Region accounts for more than 25% of the state’s employment.

Ms. Bosser’s presentation supported Mr. Marshall’s conclusions highlighting the fact that Iredell County is the third fastest growing county in the Charlotte Region with a population soon projected to top 200,000 residents. Similarly, the county boasts a labor force of 99,000 and an average wage of $62,669, the sixth highest in the state. With a growing population and steady workforce, Iredell EDC’s project activity continues to trend up with the bulk of the activity centered on manufacturing.

Somewhat reassured as to the state of the economy, industry leaders shifted their focus to another pressing topic, maintaining a skilled workforce. Fortunately, Bob Kessler, Campus President for NASCAR Tech, was able to provide an equally positive outlook. As one of 16 campuses in 9 states for parent company Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Universal Technical Institute offers a wide range of transportation and skilled trades technical training programs. The Mooresville Campus offers programs such Automotive Technology, CNC Machining Technology, HVACR, Robotics & Automation, and Welding. Students who complete the Automotive program are eligible to enroll in the NASCAR Technology Advanced Training program which is the only program in the country endorsed by NASCAR.

Mr. Kessler then led a tour of the NASCAR Tech facility, including a peek inside their labs to see their students in action. Leaders were also invited to provide their available positions matching the skill sets and training provided by NASCAR Tech.

Industry Leaders Councils are a quarterly, invitation-only program of Iredell EDC. If you are an industry leader and would like to be included in the unique and informative program, contact Todd Black, Existing Industry Manager, [email protected]

 

You can review the full presentation here.

Industry Leaders Council Presentation