March 2022 Activity Report

March Activity Report

2022

Program Focus Areas Existing Business Activity ̴ Business Recruitment ̴ Real Estate Development Project

Averages Project Averages Active and Missed

Project Activity Stats Active Projects Projects Added

38 Missed Projects Over Last 12 Months

50 JOBS

6

29

JOBS 266

46

SQUARE FEET

Site Visits

2

1 Project Announced- Project Comfort; Carolina Comfort 2 Missed Opportunities due to lack of Available Buildings

New

Missed Project Opportunities Project Type and Main Reason for Missing

THOUSAND SQUARE FEET 207K

16 ACRES

ACRES 44.1

$2

Projects by Location

INVESTMENT MILLION INVESTMENT $111.6M

Projects by Source

Projects by Type

Retention & Expansion

March 2022

Existing Business Current and YTD Total

3

Activity Since July 1, 2021

UNIQUE VISITS

66

9

FOLLOW UP VISITS

49 Total Visits YTD: 115 Visit Goal: 100

Program Stats

10

PARTNER MEETINGS

102

6

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

Wilkes Workforce Summit On March 17th, Wilkes EDC in partnership with the High Country Workforce Development Board held the first Wilkes Workforce Summit. Over 100 Business, Community, and Resource Leaders registered to attend the event.

Keynote Speaker Dr. Harry Davis, PhD, Professor of Finance at Appalachian State University, gave an overview of the economic trends affecting workforce. After Dr. Davis’s presentation, Resource Partners representing various local and regional organizations- such as Vocational Rehab, Re-Entry, Apprenticeships and On-the-Job-Training all gave a 60-second overview of services they offer that people may not be aware of.

Attendees were broken up into three groups, based on preferences they indicated during registration. Each group focused on certain factors as they relate to attracting or retaining workforce: Group #1 was Childcare, Housing & Transportation, #2 Poverty, Domestic Violence & Substance Abuse, and #3 Policies, Perks, Pay Scale & Culture. Work-Life Balance, Adequate Pay, Access to Childcare and Transportation, Development, Person-Centered Workplaces, Remote Working, and Second Chance Hiring were some of the many listed recommendations from participants in each group.

Also announced was the Wilkes County Workforce Resource Guide, available on the EDC’s website, which combines resources for employers and those seeking employment. Each program, their website and help type is listed alphabetically for each category and can be downloaded here. Please contact Info@WilkesEDC.com if you would like to be added, or to provide updates.

February Unemployment Rate

3.7%

Up from 3.6 in Jan.

Regional Feb. Rate is 3.3%. State Feb. Rate is 3.7%.

45

26

SOLUTIONS PROVIDED

185

July Unemployment Rate

March 2022

Business Spotlight: Piccione Vineyards Each month we will share a small business or industry in our area. They will answer a few questions and give insight into their work or products. There are so many talented entrepreneurs and driven business owners in our county! Click on thumbnail image to view interview.

This month we sat down with Hailey Klepcyck, Tasting Room Manager at Piccione Vineyards in Ronda. Hailey talks about the history of Piccione and their future plans for the Vineyard and Winery expansion ‘La Collina, as well as their recent feature in Our State Magazine for the ‘Best of NC Awards’. We encourage you to visit Piccione in person, or engage with them on social media. Visit their website for more information and renderings of ‘La Collina’, completion planned in 2023.

Wilkes Commercial Business Center Breaking Ground Construction is officially set to begin on the Wilkes Commercial Business Center! The 31,703 SF space will offer Light Industrial users to lease as a single facility, but is also well-suited for multiple tenants. The LEAPForward initiative by Wilkes EDC is a partnership with GoldenLEAF and Wilkes County Government. The 4.79 acre site is off of Hwy 268 near Liberty Grove Rd and the Wilkes County Airport in North Wilkesboro. Marketing efforts are ramping up for this property and will continue throughout the construction process. For more information on discounted lease rates and regional business information, please contact LeeAnn Nixon by emailing LNixon@WilkesEDC.com.

Spring 2022 Entrepreneurial Grant Program Now Open It is time again for the Entrepreneurial Grant Program which provides funds to existing business for expansion and those who plan on starting a new business in Wilkes County. Applicants have until May 1st to submit their Business Plan and Financials, as well as their Video Pitch for judges. Laurie Brintle-Jarvis with the WCC Small Business Center is available to provide applicants with assistance. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Spring Sponsors; without them this program would not be possible. Consider becoming a sponsor today!