Investors

The Wilkes Economic Development Corporation works closely with businesses and the community to find unique solutions to economic challenges. Simultaneously, we also focus on opportunities to retain and recruit businesses while ensuring the availability of a talented workforce. Since 2010, Private LEAP funds have been instrumental to ensure this mission is possible. During the upcoming 2024-25 budget year, LEAP funds will be exhausted, so it is time to request your help replenishing the funds to continue moving Wilkes forward.
Our Strategic Plan drives our yearly plan of work, outlining strategies to retain young professionals, attract new residents, retain quality employers, and attract companies providing future jobs. Additionally, Special Projects focus on Wilkes Commercial Business Center(s), Housing, Childcare, Outdoor Economy, and Boro’s River District, which are critical for ensuring a strong economy and building Wilkes County capacity.
The need for investment builds upon the traditional program of work of the EDC: existing business retention and expansion, marketing and new business recruitment, and real estate development. The goals and strategies align with the organization’s mission, strengthening the overall economic development effort for Wilkes County.
While LEAP funds are not co-mingled with local government funding, in 2022-23, the EDC began implementing a combined budget for efficiency purposes with a sharing of the cost at approximately 70% public and 30% private to accomplish a truly collaborative work effort. In the next section, private LEAP funds needed are divided into four categories focusing on programmatic services as defined in the Strategic Plan.
The 5-Year Campaign Goal for each area of funding is an estimate, subject to strategy revisions as needs and circumstances warrant. The EDC team will collaborate with its Board of Directors to determine yearly allocations.
The Wilkes EDC Board of Directors and Staff thank you for your dedication, vision, and financial support to ensure our current and future citizens have a vibrant community with opportunities. We strongly believe that together, we can grow Wilkes County.

In service and gratitude,
LeeAnn Nixon
President
Wilkes Economic Development Corporation