On Tuesday, February 6th, Wilkes EDC held an Economic Overview forum at Wilkes Community College’s Walker Center. Wilkes EDC president LeeAnn Nixon welcomed guests and introduced Ted Abernathy, Economic Leadership’s Managing Partner, as the program guest speaker. Ted is the principal author of close to 100 reports on future trends, economic and workforce development, technology, and leadership, and he speaks on the economy almost weekly.
Ted gave an economic overview of the U.S., North Carolina, and Wilkes County’s Past, Present, and Future economic trends and forecast. The presentation addressed changes in population, consumer spending, income, industry clusters, jobs, and workforce.
LeeAnn shared a presentation of the accomplishments and impact of the past LEAP Campaign (Local Expansion & Attraction Program), which is the private funding source of our non-profit’s public/private partnership. She followed by announcing Wilkes EDC’s 5-year LEAP Forward campaign: Together We Can Grow!
LEAP was broken down to show its accomplishments during the last 13 years. The funding went toward Direct Company assistance, Real Estate Development, and Marketing of Wilkes. The metrics indicated that the LEAP funding exceeded the expectations of the last campaign projections.
The goals of the newly announced campaign are based on the organizations strategic plan which encompasses Retaining & Recruiting New Businesses, Marketing Wilkes for Businesses & Talent, Real Estate & Amenities Development, Community Capacity Building, and Organizational Needs.
Wilkes EDC has reached almost 60% of our 5-year goal of $1 million.
Will you join us in impacting the future of Wilkes County?
View our campaign booklet and Private Investor as of Today. Call LeeAnn Nixon to discuss your involvement at (336) 838-1501.