When a company considers bringing new jobs to a community, details matter. From the speed of moving from deal-signing to production, to site infrastructure and workforce availability, these are critical factors that determine where and how companies choose to grow.
What started as a vision to boost the economy in the rural town of Aurora has resulted in a new industrial park with jobs on the way.
On June 19, the Town of Aurora and Beaufort County Community College broke ground on the Aurora Industrial Park and the college’s only satellite campus, which will be located within the park.
Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Ted Lord, Golden LEAF Senior Vice President/General Counsel, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
Robust infrastructure is the backbone of thriving communities. Roads, water and sewer systems, and wastewater are essential to attract new businesses, support job growth, and improve the quality of life for residents. Aging or insufficient infrastructure creates major barriers to economic development.
North Carolina’s number one industry is agriculture and agribusiness. Golden LEAF focuses on agriculture as an economic development engine. One of the outcomes Golden LEAF measures in its agriculture priority is value-added agricultural enterprises.
Davidson County has three new employers that will create a total of more than 650 jobs at Lexington Industrial Park, thanks in part to infrastructure funding from Golden LEAF.
In April 2017, the Golden LEAF Board of Directors awarded $1 million in Community-Based Grants Initiative funding to Davidson County for the development of a new county-owned industrial park near Interstate 85. Golden LEAF funds were used for public wastewater infrastructure costs for the Lexington Industrial Park.
Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with the North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
In 2020, a partnership between several economic development entities helped bring quality jobs to a new industrial park in Henderson County.
“The Economic Investment Fund of Henderson County and the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development had the strategic vision to create an industrial park that would bring capital investment and quality jobs to the area,” said Brittany Brady, President and CEO of Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development.
Golden LEAF funds Job Creation and Economic Investment projects that focus on creating and retaining jobs, attracting new business to North Carolina, expanding industries and training new workers.
Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with Dr. Alfredo Romero, Interim Chair of Economics at North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.
