1/12/2011 - EDC Takes a Look at 2010
NEWSLETTER
Rutherford County Economic Development Commission
www.rutherfordncedc.com
A Resource for Local Industry
Issue: 37, December 2010
RUTHERFORD COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
TAKES A LOOK BACK AT 2010
As we say farewell to 2010, this month's newsletter will highlight many of the accomplishments and activities of the Economic Development Commission and staff during the last 12 months.
The BIG news for 2010 was being "Liked" by Facebook! After nine months of work and involvement by over 100 community leaders, county employees and Rutherford County citizens, Facebook announced the location of a $450,000,000 Data Center in Rutherford County, NC! The company acquired the entire Corporate 74 Industrial Park, including the former Burlington/Mako Building, as well as an additional 15 acres that adjoins the park. Construction began immediately after the November announcement and is progressing nicely with an opening date planned for January 2012. The $450,000,000 investment represents the largest non-utility, non-residential project announced in the history of Rutherford County.
The EDC continues to work with Facebook and DPR/Fortis Mission Critical, the general contractor for this project. Hiring events have already been held for electricians and several local companies have been awarded contracts for their services.
The Rutherford County Economic Development Commission was also able to secure a $420,000 grant from the North Carolina Rural Center and a $100,000 grant from Duke Energy to assist with the Facebook project.
CMI, a company with operations in Miami, Florida and Elkhart, Indiana, located a manufacturing facility near US 74 and Hwy 120 in eastern Rutherford County during the summer. The company, which employs a flame lamination process, manufactures vinyl upholstery fabric. Operations began within weeks of the announcement with plans to create 50 new jobs during the next three years.
Keeping Rutherford County on everyone's radar involves marketing trips and attendance at numerous state and national events throughout the year. In addition to monthly visits to NC Department of Commerce in Raleigh, Rutherford County EDC was represented at events held by AdvantageWest, the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the North Carolina Economic Developers Association (NCEDA). Locally, presentations were given to members of various civic clubs and organizations.
Rutherford County EDC was proud to be a Gold Sponsor for the AdvantageWest Consultant Weekend in late April. An annual event held in the Asheville area, the representatives from the EDC had the opportunity to make private presentations about the county to 10-12 national site consultants in attendance.
EDC Director Tom Johnson continues serving as the only local economic developer on the North Carolina Site Certification Committee. This committee reviews properties throughout North Carolina that have asked for certification from the State. Tom is joined by representatives from State government, as well as the private sector.
Rutherford County Economic Development Commission works to assist in expansion and retention of existing companies, attract and retain quality jobs and to solicit new business that is compatible with the values, assets and needs of our county. For assistance, please contact us at
828.248.1716 (phone), 828.248.1771 (fax), www.rutherfordncedc.com
142 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Forest City, NC 28043
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