Charlotte Regional Partnership

International Trade & Foreign Direct Investment Helping Charlotte USA Diversify

jackhill — 2016-09-19T13:35:33+00:00

I was so proud to see longtime friend of mine and Partnership board member Wayne Cooper, receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Charlotte Business Journal’s Excellence in International Trade Awards, which recognize the achievements and economic impact from exporters and foreign-owned companies investing in the Charlotte region.

As Chairman of the N.C. District Expert Council as well as honorary consul to Mexico for the past 35 years, Wayne has spent 40 of his 50-year exporting and trading career based here in Charlotte. During that time, he has exported everything from grain to locomotives and collected other impressive awards including the Order of the Aztec Eagle in Mexico and Order of the Long Leaf Pine in North Carolina. (Read his full profile from Friday’s Charlotte Business Journal.)

At the same event, some Charlotte USA companies, representing a wide variety of industries, were recognized for excellence in international trade proving once again Charlotte has come a long way from its bank town reputation. I’ll bet many would be surprised to know that Monroe is home to international metal fabricator, Cyril Bath, 3D printer industry giant 3D Systems Corp resides in Rock Hill or that global waste container manufacturer, OTTO Environmental Systems, is right here in Charlotte. And, those were just a few examples of the night’s winners.

Just as important to Charlotte USA’s international growth is Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).I had the honor of presenting two FDI Awards to Areva and Cataler that night.

AREVA, based in France, opened its offices in the University area’s Innovation Park in 2002 and relocated their North American HQ to Charlotte from Maryland in 2013. It has grown into the largest engineering firm in the city providing planning, design and construction resources for the commercial nuclear power industry in the U.S. and internationally.

Automotive catalyst product manufacturer, Cataler, based in Japan, established their North American Corp. in Lincolnton in 2001 with 40 employees. They doubled their plant size in 2006, expanded again in 2010 and have plans to do it again. Today, they employ nearly 400 people in Charlotte.

International companies like these locating in the U.S. gain greater access to the world’s largest market, and when they locate in Charlotte USA, we benefit from investment and job creation.

At last count, more than 975 international companies have U.S. headquarters, distribution centers, sales offices and/or manufacturing operations in Charlotte USA. And, more than 45 foreign countries from all parts of the world have businesses in our region.

Foreign direct investment infuses new dollars into not only our regional, but our national economy. It creates new U.S. jobs and broadens America’s tax base. That’s why the Partnership continues to aggressively market our region’s assets to site consultants and foreign companies, at tradeshows, conferences and trips abroad. As a result, nearly half of our current active projects are international from a wide variety of industries. I’ve mentioned the two weeks I spent in Western Europe this summer meeting with more than 20 companies that have already netted site visits. In October, we’ll visit Canada to do the same and keep you posted on how that goes.

On a separate note, I’d like to congratulate Patrick Graham on his new position as President and CEO of Charlotte Works. Patrick was most recently the President and CEO of the Urban League of Central Carolinas. I hope you will join me in wishing Patrick the best of luck with this new endeavor. I know he will do a fantastic job for Charlotte Works.

I’d like to acknowledge Brenda Daniels and her team at ElectriCities of NC, Inc. Electricities has been named one of the top 10 utilities for economic development by Site Selection magazine. Congratulations!

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HQ Charlotte at Packard Place is one of the largest entrepreneurial hubs in the country, according to recent research.

After plant expansions, Cataler has become a cornerstone of regional manufacturing

Siemens Charlotte Energy Hub was built to be a force in international trade. And it has proven to be...

The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority wants to spend $100 million to expand and renovate the convention center as part of a campaign to better compete with similar-sized cities such as Nashville and Austin

N.C. ranks second nationwide for solar on the power grid

Coming soon at Charlotte’s airport: More construction, expanded concourse

Catawba College catapults ahead in 2017 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings

Save the date.

What: The 9th Annual Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational Golf Tournament
When: September 21, 2016
Where: The Golf Club at Ballantyne
Details: Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational

What: Carolinas Federal/State Energy Policy Briefing
When: August 26th, 2016; 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Piedmont Natural Gas Co - 4720 Piedmont Row Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210
Details: Visit Website

What: Energizing Africa Through Partnerships
When: October 4th - 6th
Where: Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Details: Visit Website

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight 5 Church. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

5 Church arrived in Charlotte in 2012 and hasn't looked back since. Winner of many local accolades, the restaurant has thrived since its inception in the heart of Charlotte. A modern and elegant atmosphere reflects the quality that their menu provides.

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

Tourism’s Positive Impact on Economic Development

jackhill — 2016-09-12T11:27:23+00:00

Last week I participated in the Partners in Tourism CEO Forum hosted by the Charlotte Regional Visitor’s Authority. My fellow panelists, CRVA CEO Tom Murray and Charlotte Chamber CEO, Bob Morgan and I were all in lockstep on the importance of tourism in all of our organization’s economic development efforts. That message was well received by the 175+ proud hospitality and tourism professionals in the audience.

Tourism encompasses many things from attractions and major events to even air travel.

We have no shortage of attractions throughout Charlotte USA’s 16-county footprint, though some are often more celebrated than others. We constantly hear about the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Carowinds, Charlotte Motor Speedway and BB&T Ball Park and, while all great economic drivers, others deserve some airtime for attracting people to the region as well including:

Gaston County’s Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont that has doubled attendance from nearly 60,000 guests in 2005 to more than 123,000 last year with guests from all 50 states.
Concord Mills in Cabarrus County, the second most visited NC destination after The Biltmore.
Lake Norman in Iredell County and Badin Lake in Stanly County.

Major events not only deliver millions of dollars in economic impact but also media exposure and free advertising for the Region we could otherwise never afford.

The single largest event in our city’s history, The 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC), produced an impressive economic impact of $163.6 million the attention of media around the world.
Last year’s Panthers Super Bowl appearance and playoff games at home delivered enormous media exposure to the Region, not to mention big business for area bars, restaurants and hotels.
The international Champions Cup matches at Bank of America Stadium over the past three years have proven the Charlotte region has a healthy appetite for soccer. Each time we host soccer, that’s nearly $15 million in economic impact infused into our community. This summer’s matchup featuring FC Bayern Munich and InterMilan, that attracted nearly 54,000 attendees, was particularly significant for economic development given the 200+ German-owned companies operating in the Region.
Evidently, there could even be a silver lining in the loss of the 2017 NBA Playoff Game due to HB2. During Wednesday’s panel discussion, CRVA CEO Tom Murray explained it could end up being a blessing in disguise if it does in fact return in 2019 when we need it more.

Regardless of what kind of tourism we’re talking about, it all boils down to visitor spending and, according to the CRVA, last year was a record year. Data released last month, that came from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina and conducted by the U.S. Travel Association, said visitor spending in the Charlotte region totaled more than $6.5 billion in 2015. That same study said the Charlotte region hosted approximately 26.8 million visitors in 2015, an increase of 1 million visitors from 2014. That’s a ton of people coming to Charlotte, many of them via our #1 economic development asset, our airport, that is currently undergoing a $1 billion renovation.

Of the 80 active projects The Partnership is currently involved in, often we are told we were shortlisted because of Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) and the number of daily departures (average of 650 to domestic and international destinations) and non-stop flights (135). Frankly, that kind of connectivity allows us to look like a much bigger metropolitan area than we are and we have American Airlines to thank for that. I suggest we all thank them every chance we get.

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Russ Rogerson is coming back to the Charlotte region to head a merged Iredell County economic development agency.

Yokohama has announced they will invest nearly $2.7 million to create a technical development center in Concord, generating 56 jobs for the region.

Site Selection magazine has named D uke Energy Corp. one of its 10 "Top Utilities in Economic Development" for the eighth year in a row.

Freightliner has a new model of its largest truck that will begin rolling off the production lines at its Rowan County plant in January.

Wayne Cooper has a saying about making profits in international trade that he says has guided his lifetime of work.

Population in the Lake Norman area increased by 831 percent from 1990 to 2010, and the growth continues.

The city of Newton is poised for tech advancement, and has announced that Temprano Techvestors will lead the charge.

Save the date.

What: The 9th Annual Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational Golf Tournament
When: September 21, 2016
Where: The Golf Club at Ballantyne
Details: Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational

What: Carolinas Federal/State Energy Policy Briefing
When: August 26th, 2016; 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Piedmont Natural Gas Co - 4720 Piedmont Row Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210
Details: Visit Website

What: Energizing Africa Through Partnerships
When: October 4th - 6th
Where: Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Details: Visit Website

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight Ally Financial. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

Nearly 100 years in the making, Ally Financial is an independent, market-driven company that’s focused on delivering the best products and services to their customers. Their distinct customer approach and commitment to being a better financial services company sets them apart.

Ally Financial is changing the online banking landscape with great rates and a unique, straightforward approach. As one of the largest auto financing companies in the country, their extensive experience and unmatched suite of products and services make them a preferred financing provider in the U.S.

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

The Power of Reinvention

jackhill — 2016-08-25T16:40:44+00:00

A recent blog post in The Federalist by Hickory, NC native Eric Cunningham, really got me thinking about cities and towns reinventing themselves, either out of necessity or because opportunity knocked.

This particular piece was in reaction to a recent front page Wall Street Journal story claiming free trade and Chinese imports had killed Hickory’s furniture manufacturing industry. The author took great exception to this swipe at his hometown and went on to detail how Hickory is “actually a great example of the American economy’s resilience, adaptation, and success—not despite trade, but in concert with it.”

I would agree and add there are many examples of reinvention happening throughout Charlotte USA.

In the case of Hickory in Catawba County, during the furniture boom of the 90s, the town saw an opportunity to diversify into technology and telecom and, thanks to that foresight, today two fiber optic giants, CommScope and Corning Optical, are based there. According to Catawba County Economic Development Director Scott Millar, that has led to interest from other tech companies, like Apple’s data center in Maiden which continues to expand. Other potential data centers feel that Apple’s recent commitment to Catawba County of over $2.5 billion dollars makes them feel more comfortable when they make a recommendation to spend money on their project.

Perhaps a higher profile example of reinvention is The City of Kannapolis in Cabarrus County. When the textile industry failed in the early 2000s and thousands of people lost their livelihood, the City of Kannapolis and Mr. David Murdock teamed up to produce a new economy. The structures of Cannon Mills, once the largest textile company in the world, were demolished and the 350 aces transformed into a beautiful North Carolina Research Campus creating over 1,000 jobs. Today, it is emerging as an internationally-recognized research hub where collaborative science is leading to ground-breaking discoveries in nutrition, disease prevention, and agriculture. The campus boasts nine universities and colleges including; Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State, NC A & T, NC Central, UNC Greensboro and Rowan Cabarrus Community College. The Cabarrus Health Alliance, General Mills, Sensory Spectrum, Ei Solutions and other nutrition, healthcare, and food technology organizations also have joined the Kannapolis business community. Future development includes 3.2 million square feet of office, lab, and civic space providing jobs for approximately 5,000 people, making Kannapolis home to one of the largest urban redevelopment projects on record in the United States. To get a better idea of the magnitude, check out this recent drone flyover of the campus

In South Carolina, similar transformations are taking place in York County’s Rock Hill and Fort Mill.

The business sector of Rock Hill, which has a population of 70,000 and is the fifth largest city in South Carolina, is a mix of traditional business and new ventures. Manufacturing, distribution and healthcare industries remain strong thanks to the area’s great location, infrastructure and workforce. Meanwhile, the city has set its sights on significantly growing its knowledge economic base by attracting design, IT, financial services and engineering businesses in part through investment in facilities and new infrastructure. Rock Hill's Knowledge Park initiative offers an attractive package for knowledge businesses to move there, including a skilled talent pool, gigabit broadband service and affordable office space. Earlier this month, a Rock Hill-Based software developer, Span Enterprises, who has tripled in size over the past three years scored #1,150 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing entrepreneurs. From the department, if you build it they will come, Riverwalk, a mixed-use development along the Catawba River has a huge cycling component including a road course, mountain bike trails, Velodrome and a BMX Supercross track that has attracted the BMX World Championship in 2017. Over 3,300 riders from more than 40 countries are expected at this event that is returning to the U.S. for the first time in more than 15 years and will add yet another jewel to Charlotte USA’s crown.

Fort Mill, a stone's throw away from Charlotte in northeastern York County, has grown into a diversified community that is regularly recognized as one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the Charlotte region. The Fort Mill Township, which includes the town of Tega Cay and surrounding unincorporated communities, has about 50,000 residents. A textile manufacturing hub since the 1800s, after Springs Industries moved its headquarters overseas, it was no longer the town's primary industry. However, the Springs legacy is prevalent throughout Fort Mill, most noticeably in the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve in historic downtown that offers 40 miles of hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails. A wide range of businesses and industries now make their home in the Fort Mill Township, including major employers such as, Lash Group, LPL Financial, Shutterfly, Wells Fargo and One Main Financial. York County's largest manufacturing company, Schaeffler, is located in Fort Mill, along with several other distribution companies such as Ross Stores, Stanley Black and Decker, Ashley Furniture, U.S. Foods and Northern Tool & Equipment. The Kingsley Park development across from Baxter Village and adjacent to the Anne Springs Close Greenway has attracted corporate headquarter relocations from healthcare consulting firm Lash Group and LPL Financial, together bringing 5000+ employees with plans to expand.

York County Economic Development Director David Swenson feels fortunate to have such diverse industry within the county. He says passionate leaders and teams are moving the needle in many areas of York County, harnessing local assets to provide growth potential for the County as a whole.

These three counties, Catawba, Cabarrus and York, aren’t just examples of when the going gets tough but rather case studies in vision and risktaking that paid off. They are also great reminders of just how far we’ve come. The Partnership will continue to embrace and celebrate this positive theme of reinvention and encourage you to share your favorite story.

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State officials provided Thursday a county-by-county look at where visitors spent a record $21.9 billion last year in North Carolina.

A nationally recognized app design studio has moved into 3,500 square feet of space in a historic brick building in downtown Cornelius.

A Charlotte developer has purchased an industrial site near NoDa and is weighing its options for future development.

Corporate relocation experts told Sealed Air CEO Jerome Peribere to expect that about half of the company’s employees made relocation offers would agree to move to a new $58 million corporate campus in Charlotte.

CLT Logistics Center in Charlotte's airport submarket has been acquired for $46.3 million by a real estate investment and management firm new to the market.

One of the first things that came to Domtar CEO John Williams’ mind after the Brexit vote was
he’s going have to raise prices to United Kingdom customers.

Uptown Charlotte is in the midst of a transformation that’s taking center city from a 9-to-5 corporate environment to a 24-hour hub of activity.

Staffing agency Aerotek is moving into a larger space in uptown, a move that will take place next week and ultimately make room to double the company's staff.

Save the date.

What: The 9th Annual Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational Golf Tournament
When: September 21, 2016
Where: The Golf Club at Ballantyne
Details: Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational

What: International Trade Awards
When: September 8th, 2016; 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Ritz Carlton, Charlotte
Details: Visit Website

What: WACC CEO Series
When: October 5th, 2016; 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Where: The Westin Hotel 601 S. College St. Charlotte, NC
Details: Visit Website

What: Energizing Africa Through Partnerships
When: October 4th - 6th
Where: Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Details: Visit Website

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight Rodgers Builders. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

Registered professional engineer and entrepreneur B.D. Rodgers was 39 years old when he used experience gained at a healthcare architecture and engineering firm to strike out on his own. With $5,000 borrowed on his life insurance policy, he started a construction company in Charlotte, NC. Now, more than 50 years later, Rodgers is one of the nation’s most respected contractors, known not just for building, but for building enduring relationships.

Clients say we consistently bring superior value and quality to every project. They cite the foresight of leaders, our talented and experienced team, and our dedication to our communities as reasons to work with us. Our peers have honored us and our work with multiple awards, including recognition as ENR Southeast’s 2013 General Contractor of the Year. At Rodgers, it’s not about where we’ve been, but where we can help our clients go.

You can rely on Rodgers for traditional general contracting capabilities and construction management. But we also offer preconstruction services to evaluate project scope and costs, Building Information Modeling (BIM) to simulate construction of your project, leadership in your design-build process, and even turnkey concrete services. With every detail of your one-of-a-kind project, we prove our ability to understand your goals, as well as our commitment to quality construction.

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

Is It Time to Revive the Medical School Dialogue?

jackhill — 2016-08-15T11:10:47+00:00

The regional economic development recommendations for the Charlotte Regional Partnership and Charlotte Chamber, presented by Avalanche Consulting, identified healthcare as one of five key clusters and touched on a familiar topic: Charlotte’s need for a four-year medical school.

As the largest U.S. city without one, that means we have no homegrown medical talent. Every Charlotte doctor was educated elsewhere and recruited here. A separate feasibility study conducted by Tripp Umbach Consulting about a year ago on this topic, commissioned by a group of Charlotte healthcare and business leaders, identified a handful of different scenarios but no clear cut solution or funding model to move the ball forward. This means it won’t happen quickly. Why? In a Charlotte Observer story from May of last year, Umbach summed up the situation…“From my experience, medical schools expand and grow when communities support their growth and expansion,” said Umbach, whose firm has helped develop multiple medical schools in cities such as Phoenix, Miami and Scranton, Pa. “To say, ‘We’ve asked for state funding and we haven’t gotten it,’ is not enough. … Only communities that want medical schools get medical schools.”

On the bright side, opportunity abounds with supporting players in the healthcare category. While RTP has developed an R&D/pharma reputation, Charlotte has quietly become a medical device manufacturing hub with the largest concentration in the Carolinas. Notable companies in this category, several of which The Partnership helped recruit, include: Orthofix, Prest, LCC, Medical Murray, Sarstedt Group, Medline Inc., Linet Americas, Centurion Medical Products, Qure Medical, Pelton & Crane and Aplix Inc. These were great selling points on the Partnership’s recent recruitment trip to Europe that netted interest from other medical equipment and diagnostics companies wanting to enter the U.S. market.

As Charlotte’s population continues to grow by leaps and bounds, so does demand for healthcare services. Nursing is a great example, especially with so many baby boomers retiring. To help fill the pipeline and address the nationwide nursing shortage, several local colleges and universities are launching fast track nursing programs.

With more than 200 pharmaceutical/medical equipment manufacturing companies operating here, 10,000+ workers employed in the health and life sciences sector and Carolinas Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare systems in the country, Charlotte USA is ripe for more healthcare company recruitment but no question, a four-year medical school would certainly expedite those conversations.

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The 2017 PGA Championship tournament is staying in Charlotte, but the organization says it’s
evaluating whether it will hold more events in the state while House Bill 2 remains in effect.

AT&T keeps its North Carolina headquarters in the Queen City — one of the fastest-growing markets for the company

The Rock Hill Economic Development Corp.’s last shell building sold before construction was complete, so
the agency is building another.

Toshiba American Energy Systems will move its hydro-power division to its year-old Charlotte
headquarters, adding about 10 jobs here over the next few months.

CTI Power has recently added distribution capabilities to its existing Stanly County facility with an eye on continually expanding its fabrication operations.

Economic development consultant, Mac Holladay, says 'damage is cascading' in NC

How super-fast internet could speed up much needed economic mobility in Charlotte

A popular entertainment park with an established presence in the Carolinas appears to be heading for the Charlotte area.

Surging population will drive more multifamily projects in charlotte

Save the date.

What: The 9th Annual Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational Golf Tournament
When: September 21, 2016
Where: The Golf Club at Ballantyne
Details: Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational

What: International Trade Awards
When: September 8th, 2016; 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Ritz Carlton, Charlotte
Details: Visit Website

What: Carolinas Federal/State Energy Policy Briefing
When: August 26th, 2016; 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Piedmont Natural Gas Co - 4720 Piedmont Row Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210
Details: Visit Website

What: Energizing Africa Through Partnerships
When: October 4th - 6th
Where: Foundation for the Carolinas, 220 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Details: Visit Website

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight Technocom. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

Technocom’s innovative structure ensures that sales and service work together to achieve first class service before and after each sale. EXPERIENCE is a must for Technocom’s team members, and low employee turnover enables clients to build lasting relationships with their sales and service teams. Their business is based on their COMMITMENT to developing new ways to serve their customers. This requires experience, dedication and industry knowledge from every employee. INTEGRITY. They act with honesty, friendliness, professionalism and a can-do attitude. They say what they do and do what they say and they take ownership of problems. TEAMWORK. They will work together to achieve a win-win-win for their clients, their vendors and their business, always remembering the value of individual contributions and remaining grateful for the opportunity to achieve and to contribute to success. RESPECT. They maintain the highest level of respect for each other and their clients. They will strive to exceed expectations and always live up to their guarantees.

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

Eyes On The Sky: Research And Timely Relocation Support Charlotte USA’S Ongoing Focus On Aeros

jackhill — 2016-07-25T14:30:42+00:00

Consultant findings for a combined regional economic development strategy for the Charlotte Regional Partnership and Charlotte Chamber were recently shared with the boards of both organizations as well as the Partnership's Economic Development Advisory Committee. One of the key takeaways from this report was the identification of five regional target clusters:

• advanced manufacturing

• financial services

• health

• logistics and distribution

• information technology

As an economic developer, it's gratifying when third-party research validates your organization's existing focus and that's what happened here. Aerospace, which falls under advanced manufacturing, has long been a target for the Partnership. Days after these clusters were revealed, Dynamic Air Engineering (DAE Systems) announced the relocation of all its operations from Santa Ana, California to Claremont International Business Park. Deals of this magnitude and economic development in general, are always a long-term team effort. The Partnership was proud to work with the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation and EDPNC to attract this company to our region. No doubt DAE and companies just like it serving the aviation and defense communities, found the 15 military installations within the Carolinas another great reason to call Charlotte USA home.

Many don’t know that Charlotte USA boasts the highest concentration of aerospace companies in North Carolina including: ATI Specialty Materials, BAE Systems, Curtis-Wright Flight Systems, Cyril Bath, GM Nameplate, Michelin Aircraft Tire Company, Midway Aircraft Instrument and UTC Aerospace Systems. In fact, 12,000+ engineers are employed in our 16-county region. That number will continue to grow with the addition of DAE Systems that plans to create a minimum of 53 new jobs over five years with an average wage well above the county average.

Some might also be surprised to learn Monroe is a hotbed of aerospace activity. Chris Platé, Monroe-Union County Economic Development’s Executive Director and 2016 Economic Developer of the Year, established Monroe’s aerospace initiative in 2002, which has steadily grown and become internationally known as a prime location for the aerospace industry.

In the coming weeks, I’ll highlight our success in these other cluster areas to show you our work, past and present, continues to pay big dividends for Charlotte USA.

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Salisbury-based Cheerwine and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts have
teamed up to create a new soft drink.

North Carolina climbed back into one of the five top spots on
CNBC's Annual list of America's Top States for Business.

How N.C.'s top recruiter is broadening Union County's strategy...Four colorful paintings
by Monroe artist Bill Colt decorate the Monroe-Union County Economic Development
boardroom to denote exactly what’s on Chris Platé’s wish list.

The Carolina Panthers’ near-perfect record and Super Bowl appearance last season
look to have boosted more than just the team’s profile.

Audit firm KPMG noted Charlotte's tax-friendly business climate in a new report.

CSX Corp. CEO Michael Ward told analysts on earnings call this week that the
transportation giant continues to be “really excited” about the $272 million Carolina
Connector project — the name of the intermodal terminal originally tapped for Selma...

Save the date.

What: The 9th Annual Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational Golf Tournament
When: September 21, 2016
Where: The Golf Club at Ballantyne
Details: Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational

What: International Champions Cup: FC Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan
When: July 30th, 2016
Where: Bank of America Stadium
Details: Visit Website

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified
projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests.
This week we highlight BDO. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

With 63 offices across the U.S. or our 1,264 offices worldwide. BDO has comprehensive service offerings, experience across virtually every major industry, and has a wide range of clients they serve, from regional businesses to global leaders.

What truly sets BDO apart is their commitment to exceeding expectations on every engagement, big or small, for every client, local or multinational. It’s about more than their depth of experience or technical excellence, more than their open, communicative culture. It’s about a firm-wide dedication to delivering service to every single client that is, without exception, exceptional.

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

Making the Most of the Political Spotlight on Charlotte USA

jackhill — 2016-07-11T19:21:34+00:00

In economic development, politics matter.

That fact was made repeatedly clear in 20 meetings during my recent business development trip to several Western European countries. Why? Historically, foreign companies have viewed the U.S. as a politically stable and dependable environment for business investment. Now, however, the uniqueness of this federal election year and North Carolina’s HB2 are causing concern in the international business community, making a highly-competitive job even more challenging.

Let me be clear. The Charlotte Regional Partnership is apolitical. Our focus is not on U.S. or state politics, but on developing Charlotte USA’s economy. For more than 25 years, the Partnership has been recruiting businesses to our 16-county, two-state region. That said, as the leader of this organization, I feel obligated to pass along to our investors and partners what I am hearing from both prospective companies and the economic development community at large. Never before have American politics been such a distraction to our mission.

That a North Carolina law should cause foreign fallout tells me something else, though: Charlotte USA packs the political punch of a major market and is on the international radar to stay. Already, our region is a global community with more than 1,000 foreign-owned firms representing 50 countries making Charlotte USA the largest area of international investment in the Carolinas.

I believe we should make the most of the political spotlight, like we did in 2012 when Charlotte USA catapulted onto the world stage as host city for the Democratic National Convention. As is our custom, people throughout our region put aside politics and came together to roll out the welcome mat. The media, dignitaries and visiting business executives raved about our amenities, international airport, people, inclusivity and collaboration. The massive goodwill and positive buzz were boons to economic development.

National and international media returned en masse last week when President Obama and presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton made their first joint campaign appearance here in Charlotte while presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump visited Raleigh the same day. I predict all this political hubbub will lead to renewed business interest in our region. In fact, it has already begun. The phone is ringing and several connections from my recent Western European trip have already scheduled visits.

Although current political headwinds are creating challenges, history shows that Charlotte USA can overcome them. Our job at the Charlotte Regional Partnership — and my challenge to you, as our partners — is to demonstrate that we remain the welcoming, inclusive community the world heard about in 2012.

Remember, for every hesitant foreign business investor due to the uncertain political climate, there are two others enamored with Charlotte USA. Let’s focus on them and continue our momentum.

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Schleich USA Inc.,
the Americas headquarters for the German toy company, has started a hiring push as it works to get its collections of hand-painted figurines and playhouses into more tiny hands in North and South America.

Robby Carney,
34, and has been executive director at the Mooresville-South Iredell Economic Development Corp. for five of his six years at the agency. He will become president and CEO of the Cabarrus County Economic Development Corp. as of Aug. 1.

Aldo Products Co.
Inc. will move closer to Salisbury from the Kannapolis area and more than double its workforce as it relocates into a reconditioned facility.

Carolina Paper Co.
in Oakboro will add 12 jobs and spend more than $1.7 million as it upgrades equipment and expands its product offerings.

Save the date.

What: The 9th Annual Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational Golf Tournament
When: September 21, 2016
Where: The Golf Club at Ballantyne
Details: Charlotte Regional Partnership Invitational

What: International Champions Cup: FC Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan
When: July 30th, 2016
Where: Bank of America Stadium
Details: Visit Website

What: Triple-A Home Run Derby and All-Star Game
When: July 11-13th
Where: BB&T Ballpark
Details: Visit Website

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight JP Charlotte. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

JP Charlotte & SOCO Bar, opened September 29, 2015, it is the first of a string of restaurants by John Portman & Associates. JP Charlotte is a bold New American cuisine with a hint of local flair and a perfectly curated bar program. The heart of the Westin Charlotte, JP Charlotte is a new neighborhood gathering place, welcoming travelers and locals to a communal dining space offering delightful fare.

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

Rise of the 18-hour City

kathleen — 2016-05-31T12:30:46+00:00

Charlotte recently beat out such high-profile destinations as Atlanta, Nashville, Raleigh/Durham, Charleston and even San Francisco in a national survey of the country’s hottest real estate markets. Moving up four places from last year, Charlotte ranked third in the *2016 Emerging Trends in Real Estate report, which indicated that Charlotte’s strong job and population growth along with the development of urban centers continue to make the market highly attractive to residents and investors. Moreover, Charlotte is a national leader among “18-hour cities,” an emerging real estate trend that is pumping up the economy and spurring regional growth.

With a diverse and vibrant economy, the Charlotte region offers a desirable mix of exciting urban amenities along with quiet, suburban enclaves, all at a comparatively affordable price, according to the report. These qualities embody what’s been dubbed an 18-hour city—a mid-sized, second-tier city that falls between smaller cities that operate around standard 9-5 business hours and large metropolitan areas that run 24 hours a day. This middle-of-the-road approach that combines the best of both worlds has great appeal and is attracting new residents and businesses to Charlotte USA.

Downtown revitalization is at the crux of a successful 18-hour city, and there’s no question that Charlotte’s urban core is booming, with an astounding mix of new commercial and residential development, along with an expanding light rail commuter system. This renaissance has spurred economic development throughout the region. Surrounding communities such as Rock Hill, Hickory, Mooresville, Kannapolis and Belmont are investing in their downtowns as well, adding modern housing, improved walkability, and mixed-use developments that attract innovative companies and young, skilled workers. The end result is interconnected pockets of economic vibrancy that together strengthen the entire region.

With such a solid foundation, Charlotte USA is well positioned for even greater growth as it continues to outpace peer regions as a desirable destination for new and expanding businesses. Investors and companies see a great deal of potential and opportunity here, especially with the often prohibitive cost of entering larger 24-hour gateway cities. Through years of visionary planning and coordination, Charlotte USA has emerged as not just a dominant business market, but also one of the country’s most appealing places to live.

*PricewaterhouseCoopers and The Urban Land Institute jointly administered the annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate report, which bases its findings on a combination of an online survey and face-to-face interviews. The report takes an in-depth look at real estate investment and development trends, including finance and capital markets, property sectors, and metropolitan areas. For details click HERE.

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In Depth with Ronnie Bryant
Time Warner Cable News anchor Rob Boisvert talks with the Charlotte Regional Partnership's Ronnie Bryant about the economic impact of HB2 and the economic development value of Charlotte USA's nationally recognized sporting events. Read more

New details on $230M Rock Hill bleachery project
The bleachery project in Rock Hill has a new name — University Center — and a new timeline for the $230 million mixed-use center that combines college, athletics, office, retail and other space. Read more

Logistics firm inks deal as first tenant at Concord industrial building
Trinity Partners has signed its first tenant at a Concord speculative industrial building that broke ground in 2014. Read more

CVCC Furniture Academy to expand to Newton
After months of negotiation, Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) will be expanding their acclaimed Furniture Academy to Newton to property located at 973 Locust Street. Read more

How North Carolina is faring in terms of wage gains since the recession
North Carolina workers saw their average hourly earnings in April rise among the most in the nation over the past year, according to a new report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee. Read more

Frito-Lay expands distribution footprint in southwest Charlotte
Frito-Lay Inc. has grown its local distribution space to include a new facility off Westinghouse Boulevard in southwest Charlotte. Read more

AvidXchange celebrates topping-out of new headquarters
Last September, AvidXchange celebrated the groundbreaking of its new headquarters within the AvidXchange Music Factory near uptown Charlotte. Read more

Commercial real estate sales near $1 billion in Charlotte so far this year
Institutional sales of commercial real estate are approaching $1 billion for the year in Charlotte, putting the region on track for another solid year as demand stays strong. Read more

Red Ventures CEO invests $5 million in skills-training program
Red Ventures CEO Ric Elias has invested $5 million in a program called Road2Hire, which focuses on helping equip unemployed and underemployed young adults in the Charlotte area with the skills they need to land a good job. Read more

Save the date.

What: The Afribiz Foundation presents Charlotte Africa Business Week 2016, which brings African business to the Carolinas. This year’s theme is Navigating Business Opportunities in Africa.
When: June 6-10, 2016.
Where: Crowne Plaza Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205
Details: www.charlotteafricabusinessweek.com

What: BrewFest, which showcases a plethora of breweries and micro brews from all around the Carolinas.
When: June 4 – 5
Where: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273
Details: Visit Website

What: Taste of Charlotte, a three-day festival featuring over 100 samples from area restaurants along with live music and family-friendly entertainment.
When: June 10 – 12
Where: Uptown Charlotte
Details: Visit Website

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight Discovery Place. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

Discovery Place is a not-for-profit education organization dedicated to inspiring exploration of the natural and social world through extraordinary exhibitions and educational programs that inform, challenge and engage audiences of all ages. As one of the leading hands-on science centers in the country, Discovery Place offers visitors the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a fun, interactive and informal setting. Discovery Place also operates Charlotte Nature Museum and Discovery Place KIDS in Huntersville. www.discoveryplace.org

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

Networking, NASCAR and New Deals

kathleen — 2016-05-23T15:05:46+00:00

The Partnership was very busy last week. We convened business leaders from across the region at two special meetings, and also hosted site selection consultants during the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend. This kind of outreach and networking are powerful ways to strengthen relationships, showcase Charlotte USA, and ultimately boost the local economy.

Last week’s events included a Regional Research Roundtable, organized and led by Steven Pearce, the Partnership’s director of research. Representatives from many of our partnering counties as well as officials from the City of Charlotte attended the meeting.

Participants discussed a variety of topics, including research issues and practices impacting the regional economy, along with current and upcoming economic development projects. The event also featured guest speaker Andrew Jenkins, executive vice president of product direction and business strategy at Xceligent. The company is an innovative provider of real estate information, offering products that can view inventory of commercial properties, analyze historical trends on lease rates and building occupancy, and evaluate market trends and demographics. Xceligent is a wonderful resource for real estate and economic development professionals, and Andrew was a valuable addition to the discussion.

Also last week, the Partnership hosted a Charlotte USA Existing Industry Committee meeting at Southwire in Huntersville. Southwire, North America’s leading manufacturer of wire and cable used in the distribution and transmission of electricity, was an ideal setting for the meeting. A wide variety of attendees discussed the retention and expansion of economic development programs around the region, along with best practices and trends within the manufacturing industry. Afterwards, guests had an opportunity to take a guided tour of Southwire’s 240,000-square-foot facility and get an up-close look at how the company makes power transmission cables, including a 430-foot tower that’s used during the production process.

Finally, we ended last week with some high-octane excitement as we hosted consultants from Ernst & Young, Jones Lang LaSalle and Delta Development Group for the NASCAR All-Star Race. The Partnership took the consultants on a multi-county tour of the region during their four-day visit. We also coordinated special meetings and events with area business leaders at area venues ranging from the NC Music Factory and UNC Charlotte to the new Capital Towers development in SouthPark. It was also a thrill to showcase the Charlotte Motor Speedway to our out-of-town guests, as the 94,000-seat facility hosts several prestigious NASCAR races each year, attracting people from all over the world and contributing millions to the local economy.

The Partnership takes advantage of many of Charlotte USA’s nationally recognized sporting events to market and promote the region, including the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this month and the upcoming NASCAR Coca Cola 600. These high-profile events, coupled with our international business recruitment trips and award-winning marketing initiatives enable us to keep the 16-county region in the spotlight and create lucrative opportunities for new jobs and capital investments.

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Sunbelt Rentals to spend $8M in major York County expansion
Fort Mill-based Sunbelt Rentals Inc. will spend $8 million to expand its headquarters near the former Charlotte Knights stadium. Read more

Cabarrus joint venture plans $8M industrial shell building
A joint venture that includes the owner of International Business Park in Concord is developing its second shell building in the park. Read more

Tenowo breaks ground on $12.5-million expansion
Tenowo is expanding its Lincolnton manufacturing facility with a $12.5 million investment. Read more

Tenants fill first building at Concord business park, second under construction
Beacon Partners of Charlotte has filled the first building at its new RiverOaks Corporate Center in Concord with three tenants. Read more

Report: Charlotte is N.C.’s No. 3 hottest housing market
Charlotte is the third hottest housing market in North Carolina, according to a new report, right behind Durham and Raleigh. Read more

Local CEO wins top industry award
John Ferriola, chairman, president and CEO of Charlotte-based Nucor Corp., has been named Steelmaker of the Year by the Association for Iron & Steel Technology. Read more

How Charlotte ranks as a meeting destination
Charlotte is the only city in North Carolina to land on Cvent Inc.'s list of top 50 meeting and event destinations in the U.S. for 2016. Read more

Save the date.

What: 5^th Annual Lake Norman Beerfest
When: May 23, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Galway Hooker Irish Pub and Waterford Hall, 17044 Kenton Drive, Cornelius NC 28078
Details: Click here

What: The Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting a state of the region summit with a focus on the role of transportation in regional and state economic development.
When: May 24, 7:45 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Embassy Suites, 5400 John Q. Hammons Dr., NW, Concord, NC 28027
Details: Click Here.

What: Coca-Cola 600
When: May 29, 6 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy., South Concord, NC 28027
Details: Click here

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight Orbital Socket. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

Orbital Socket is a multi-dimensional team of creative strategists that leverage customer behavior and cultural context in developing a brand’s products and services. The company uses a customized approach that combines deep insight into the dynamics of companies and markets with close collaboration at all levels of the client organization. This ensures that clients achieve a sustainable competitive advantage, build more capable organizations, and secure lasting results. Some of the brands that the professionals at Orbital Socket have helped build include Tide, Nike, Reynolds Wrap and Johnson & Johnson. www.orbitalsocket.com

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

Power Players

kathleen — 2016-05-16T15:11:44+00:00

The Charlotte Business Journal’s recent Energy Inc. Summit and Leadership Awards highlighted one of the region’s most important and dynamic industry sectors. The Partnership was a proud sponsor of the event, which was held last week at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel and featured dozens of expert speakers, including representatives from ABB, General Microcircuits, E4 Carolinas and Charlotte-based Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States. One of the main themes discussed during the summit was how rapidly and dramatically energy production and delivery methods are changing—and how Charlotte USA is on the front edge of this revolution.

David Doctor, president of E4 Carolinas, a trade association for energy companies in the Carolinas, pointed out that the Charlotte region has one of the largest concentrations of energy companies in the country, with more than 260 firms, ranging from solar panel manufacturers to nuclear engineering services. Notable companies include Siemens, Toshiba, Doosan, AREVA, URS, Babcock & Wilcox and ReNu Energy Solutions. We also have unique resources such as UNC Charlotte’s Energy Production and Infrastructure Center (EPIC), a state-of-the-art research center that provides education and applied research opportunities to students with energy related interests. This diverse mix has enabled Charlotte USA to emerge as the country’s new energy capital.

Moreover, as the world continues to move away from coal and shift towards cleaner energy sources such as natural gas, solar and wind, Charlotte USA is revamping its power infrastructure. David Fountain, president of Duke Energy North Carolina, said that the company has closed half of its old coal-fired power plants since 2011, including about a dozen throughout the Carolinas. At the same time, the company has doubled its solar capacity in the state. This helped North Carolina recently move up a spot to the state with the third highest total solar capacity in the nation, according to a new report by the Solar Energy Industries Association. North Carolina is ranked ninth in the nation for solar jobs, with nearly 6,000 people working in the industry.

While South Carolina doesn’t have as robust a solar energy industry as North Carolina, Fountain said Duke Energy continues to introduce various solar power options in the state. In addition, South Carolina’s Energy Office is focusing on bolstering its renewable energy capabilities, including biomass, wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal and hydrogen resources. There are also groups like the South Carolina Solar Council that provides a platform for solar energy growth through education and public awareness.

Lee Mazzocchi, Duke Energy’s senior vice president of grid solutions, said that with all the discussion about the region’s dynamic new energy mix, it’s important to remember that jobs are behind the technology that is changing the way the region generates and delivers power. “We’re driving transformational change and meeting the evolving needs of the future,” he said.

With competitive energy costs being one of the region’s top economic development assets, the Partnership remains fully engaged with advancements in the energy sector. Moreover, as Charlotte USA’s population increases, the region must bolster its energy infrastructure in order to support the growing demand. For our part, the Partnership continues to help strengthen the industry by targeting innovative energy companies and supporting important events like the Energy Inc. Summit.

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The Partnership and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a delegation from the Embassy of the Czech Republic last week. During the event, Miloslav Stasek, Czech Republic Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave a presentation about the Czech Republic’s economy and its connections to Charlotte USA. We also shared information about the many business opportunities that exist in the Charlotte region. This event was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships between Charlotte USA the Czech Republic and lay the groundwork for making additional connections in the future.

The Partnership was honored to participate in the First Round Table on Italian Technology & Italian FDI, held last week at UNC Charlotte’s Epic Building. The Honorary Consul of Italy to North Carolina, Dr. Claudio Carpano, presented the event in collaboration with E4 Carolinas. The roundtable, which featured guest speakers from a variety of industries, including energy, manufacturing, and international consulting, provided an opportunity to promote Italian technology and discuss the impact Italian companies have on the North Carolina economy.

Huntersville health care company expanding, adding 120 jobs
Ensemble Health Partners says it is expanding into a bigger facility in Huntersville and adding 120 new jobs to accommodate growth of the company, which consults on health care revenue. Read more

Company to open Mooresville plant, invest $3 million
Nu-Tec Systems, an Illinois-based manufacturer of arc welding and plasma cutting equipment, plans to open a Mooresville plant and hire 15 full-time employees. Read more

Old Dominion opens new Kings Mountain facility
Old Dominion Freight Line officially opened its newest service center on Thursday in Kings Mountain. Read more

Steele Creek industrial park fully leased with new tenants
Steele West Business Center, an industrial park in west Charlotte, is fully leased after the recent addition of four new tenants. Read more

CEOs give North Carolina high marks for business climate
North Carolina landed near the top in Chief Executive magazine’s annual list of the best states for business. Read more

IT firm, AIG expand office space at BB&T Center
Spectrum Properties has recently leased more than 80,000 square feet of space in an uptown Charlotte office tower. Read more

Three Gaston County business parks now AT&T Fiber ready
Three Gaston County business parks now boast a high-tech incentive for attracting new economic investment. Read more

Duke Energy climbs ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list
Duke Energy made Business Insider’s 2016 list of the 50 Best Companies To Work For in America. Read more

DataFox, a business intelligence firm, recently ranked Charlotte as the 13^th best city for tech outside California and New York. The study indicates that while Charlotte is traditionally known for banking and energy, the city has also become a hub for venture capital and innovation. Charlotte also stands out for its low cost of living, the financial stability of its companies, and unique resources like Packard Place, which serves as a hub for entrepreneurs and their mentors. Read more

Save the date.

What: Catawba Valley Community College and Alexander Central High School are teaming up to offer the 2nd Annual Career Fair.
When: May 19, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Alexander Central High School, 223 School Dr., Taylorsville, NC 28681
Details: Read More

What: NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race
When: May 21, 7 p.m.
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy., South Concord, NC 28027
Details: Click here

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight Blythe Construction. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

Charlotte-based Blythe Construction has built hundreds of projects over the years, from large interstate highways to small commercial site developments. Blythe Construction approaches every project with a dedication to efficiency, technology and, most of all, safety. The company’s list of services includes complex highway projects, site development, paving, utility and drainage systems, surveying, RAP and hot mix sales, and state of the art bridge building. Operating as a private-sector company performing work in the public interest, Blythe designs and builds infrastructure for use by communities and individuals throughout the Carolinas. www.blytheconstruction.com

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO

Youth Movement

kathleen — 2016-05-09T12:34:55+00:00

As if on cue, the rain stopped and the sun came out following last week’s Board of Director’s meeting, and everyone made their way outside to BB&T Ballpark’s rooftop terrace to watch the Charlotte Knights take the field. While the home team fell short of a victory, the event was still a big success. I, along with Partnership Board Chair Judy Wishnek, would like to thank everyone who attended, including many of our new board members. And a special thanks to our host, Dan Rajkowski, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Charlotte Knights. This kind of public- and private-sector support is crucial to our ability to effectively market the 16-county region as the country’s best destination for new and expanding businesses.

Our special guest speaker, Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, talked about how important it is that Charlotte operate as part of the overall region, and emphasized that our combined assets are what truly give us a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. Mayor Roberts also discussed the region’s strong population and job growth, noting that more than 100,000 jobs have been added in Charlotte USA since 2010.

In looking at the Charlotte region’s population, the majority of newcomers are young (18-34) and college-educated. In fact the region’s millennial population grew by 32 percent between 2007 and 2013, making up 27 percent of the total area demographic, according to U.S. Census data. Moreover, Charlotte recently ranked as the nation’s fourth best city for young professionals—beating out Atlanta, San Francisco and Boston. CareerBliss, an online workforce hub, based the rankings on factors such as growth opportunities, compensation, benefits, work-life balance and career advancement.

While Charlotte’s vibrant urban core, affordable housing, abundant cultural amenities and commuter-friendly light rail help attract young professionals, many surrounding counties are developing mixed-use projects that appeal to millennials as well. In Catawba County, for example, several old mills and factories are being revitalized to include hip office and residential space, complete with amenities such as a soccer field and gymnasium. In York County’s Kingsley Park, which is already home to Lash Group and LPL Financial, developers are building an amphitheater, apartments, hotels, and a mix of small shops and restaurants. Nearby is the 1,000-acre Riverwalk, a growing development with an eclectic mix of apartments, offices, shopping, dining and outdoor amenities—including a BMX Supercross track—all of which are situated along the Catawba River.

This influx of millennials is helping drive entrepreneurship and innovative businesses, such as online marketing firm Red Ventures in Fort Mill, which has more than 3,000 workers. There’s also AvidXchange Inc., an on-demand accounts payables provider that recently built a $20 million headquarters at the Music Factory in uptown Charlotte. Moreover, young professionals have helped give rise to the local craft brewing industry, with about 20 new locations having opened across the region over the past few years.

Our ability to attract and retain young, talented people from all over the world has helped the Charlotte region grow into the 5th largest metropolitan region in the Southeast, and our population is expected to reach nearly three million by 2020. Charlotte USA is booming, and the Partnership is proud to be a part of this amazing growth and prosperity.

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Battle Tested
North Carolina and South Carolina both landed in the top 10 of Site Selection magazine’s 2016 Prosperity Cup ranking of states with the best corporate project activity and business climate attractiveness. For its annual Prosperity Cup ranking, Site Selection looked at criteria such as total new and expanded facilities in 2015, total capital investment in new and expanded facilities in 2015, and total new jobs created in 2015. Based on this criteria, North Carolina was ranked 1st (tied with Texas), and South Carolina was ranked 9th. Congratulations to both states, such a prestigious accomplishment is a testament to our region’s innovative and diverse economy. Read more

EY names five local finalists for Entrepreneur of the Year awards in the Southeast
Ernst & Young has named five local entrepreneurs finalists for its Entrepreneur of the Year program in the Southeast. Read more

Developer working to create 'Downtown Lake Norman' at LangTree in Mooresville
Just about everything except the address has changed at LangTree Lake Norman. Read more

Lincoln Harris closes on 2nd part of Observer site purchase
The second and final portion of the Charlotte Observer’s longtime uptown property has been sold to Charlotte development company Lincoln Harris for $23.1 million, according to a source with knowledge of the deal. Read more

Charlotte ranks high among places to start a small business
Local entrepreneurs can revel in this news; Charlotte's average growth in number of small businesses ranks second in the nation. Read more

FC Barcelona will open a soccer school in Charlotte
As part of a push to expand its U.S. presence, Spanish giant FC Barcelona is opening an official soccer school in Charlotte this fall, and tryouts are set to begin in a few weeks. Read more

N.C. climbs a notch higher among the nation's solar powers
The 1,034 megawatts worth of solar projects built in North Carolina in 2015 were enough to push the state past New Jersey into third place for total solar capacity in the nation. Read more

Save the date.

What: The ‘Your New Business Expo’ Charlotte will feature dozens of franchisors and business opportunities.
When: May 14-15
Where: Metrolina Tradeshow Expo, 7100 Statesville Rd., Charlotte, NC 28269
Details. Admission is Free. Visit Website

Meet an Investor.

Our investors’ commitment to regionalism allows us to continue and enhance our mission-critical efforts to generate qualified projects, create awareness of the many assets our region offers businesses, and assist communities in responding to projects requests. This week we highlight Bergmann Associates. When you see a member of the company, please thank them for their support of Charlotte USA.

Bergmann Associates is a progressive, forward-thinking architectural and engineering design firm providing multi-disciplinary services to clients throughout the United States and Canada since 1980. Their Charlotte office is one of eleven U.S. locations throughout six states. Their 400 professional and technical staff include talented architects, engineers, planners, interior designers, landscape architects, programmers, developers, surveyors and 3D design specialists. Their client list spans commercial, institutional, retail, educational, industrial and governmental sectors. www.bergmannpc.com

Have a great week!

Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM, HLM
President & CEO