Cabarrus Economic Development

05/29/2026

We're Hiring: Business Retention & Entrepreneurship Manager

Cabarrus EDC is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven professional to join our team! In this role, you'll help strengthen Cabarrus County’s economic future by:

✅ Supporting local startups and entrepreneurs
✅ Leading business retention and expansion initiatives
✅ Building relationships with existing businesses
✅ Connecting companies with resources and support services

If you're passionate about economic development, entrepreneurship, and fostering business growth, we'd love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply today: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cabarruscounty/jobs/5357479/business-retention-entrepreneurship-manager

05/18/2026

We were honored to attend the recent CTE Career & Military Signing Ceremony for Kannapolis City Schools students as they take the next step toward their futures!

These students were recognized for their hard work, career readiness and commitments to apprenticeships, internships, careers and military service — showcasing the many pathways to success available after graduation.

Monica Gramling, Career Services Leader with Centralina Workforce Development Board, served as keynote speaker and encouraged students as they begin this exciting new chapter.

Local employers and organizations investing in the next generation of talent included Wayne Brothers Companies, Ketchie Inc., Kannapolis Police Department, The Paper Theater Studio, UNC Nutrition Research Institute, My Honest Mechanic, Ivy & Oak Events, G.W. Carver Elementary, and Kannapolis Middle School, along with the U.S. Army National Guard and United States Marine Corps.

These signing ceremonies are a powerful reminder that career and technical education creates real opportunities and bright futures right here in Cabarrus County. Cabarrus County Schools also hosts a Career & Military Signing Ceremony each year to recognize students pursuing workforce and service pathways after graduation.

05/15/2026

So proud to be a part of this amazing collaboration for Cabarrus County and for all of the partners who make resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses accessible and impactful!

05/07/2026

This week, the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation celebrates Economic Development Week—a time to recognize the impact of strategic growth, strong partnerships, and forward-thinking investment in our community.

At the Cabarrus EDC, our mission goes beyond attracting new business—it’s about building opportunity. Every local company we support, every project we advance, and every partnership we strengthen contributes to something bigger: quality jobs for our residents and meaningful capital investment that fuels our local economy.

Economic development drives the resources that support our schools, infrastructure, and public services. It helps create a thriving environment where businesses can succeed and families can build their futures right here in their own communities. We’re grateful to our partners, local leaders, and business community who help make this work possible.

Strong jobs. Bright futures. Thriving communities. Powered by balanced growth…right here in Cabarrus County.

05/04/2026

We had a fantastic time celebrating our partners at the Cabarrus EDC Partner Appreciation Event at Atrium Health Ballpark! ⚾

A big thank you to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers for being such incredible hosts and helping create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone who joined us.

This year, we’re especially excited about a new way we’re showing appreciation—by supporting our local communities. Each partner received a gift card representing all six municipalities in Cabarrus County (yes, even Locust which has some restaurants on the Cabarrus County side!). These cards highlight local restaurants and small businesses, encouraging folks to explore different corners of our county.

It’s all part of building a stronger circular economy—supporting local, discovering new favorite spots, and investing back into the communities that make Cabarrus County such a great place to live and work.

Thank you to all of our partners for the work you do every day. We appreciate you! And thank you to Duke Energy for sponsoring the event.

04/01/2026

Our first Investor Quarterly kicked off last week in the Town of Harrisburg, NC!

We were especially excited to gather at Hot Tuna, one of Harrisburg’s newest and most talked-about spots, while welcoming our new EDC President Gretchen Carson and connecting with our investors.

📍 Why Harrisburg?
It’s one of Cabarrus County’s fastest-growing communities—and for good reason:

✨ Highly Educated Workforce
• 97% of residents hold a high school diploma or higher
• 50% have a bachelor’s degree or above

🚀 Entrepreneurial Energy
• Strong support system with access to mentorship, incubators, and networking
• Growth across tech, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and more

🚗 Strategic Location
• Convenient access to I-485 and I-85
• Seamless connectivity to Charlotte and the broader region

🏗️ Opportunity Ahead: Morehead West
• 450+ acres positioned for industrial development
• Designed to drive economic growth and support regional assets like Charlotte Motor Speedway and UNC Charlotte

We’re excited to continue this journey—bringing our Investor Quarterly to communities across Cabarrus County and spotlighting the places driving our region forward.

Learn more about the Morehead West project: properties.zoomprospector.com/NORTHCAROLINA/property/Morehead-Road-Harrisburg-NC--Harrisburg-North-Carolina/92F4EBFE-51EF-4093-BDFE-18BAF94C6ABD

Visit Hot Tuna: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575816174955

03/06/2026

Thank you to The Cabarrus Compass for this great article about our new President and CEO, Gretchen Carson.

Gretchen Carson, the new president and CEO of the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation, brings nearly two decades of regional experience and a renewed focus on supporting existing industries.

01/27/2026

We’re excited to share Corning’s news for continued growth in North Carolina!

Today we announced a multi-year agreement with Meta to boost optical fiber manufacturing in North Carolina. This groundbreaking multi-year, up to $6 billion agreement will drive the expansion of data centers using Corning Optical Communications’ latest innovations in optical fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions.

Learn more from CNBC: http://ms.spr.ly/6187Q1tK3

01/13/2026

Carvana is hosting a local hiring event to fill multiple open roles supporting its growing operations. Meet the team, learn about benefits and career pathways, and interview on-site for select positions.

📍 Where: Carvana | 3035 New Town Way SW, Concord
📅 When: Wednesday, January 14 | 11 am–4 pm

Open roles include Automotive Detailer/Lot Attendant, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Paint/Body.

Learn more and explore open positions: carvana.com/careers

01/09/2026

Thank you to The Cabarrus Compass and Chris Miller for this article. It is a thoughtful look back at a pivotal year for the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation.

Brian Hiatt reflects on his time serving as interim executive director, offering insight into the EDC’s day-to-day work supporting manufacturers, entrepreneurs, workforce development, and long-term economic growth—often beyond the headlines.

Note: The Cabarrus Compass offers a very reasonable subscription rate and it’s a great opportunity to support strong local journalism and in-depth reporting on issues that matter to Cabarrus County.

Hiatt says serving as interim executive director gave him a deeper appreciation for the organization’s role as it navigates workforce needs, business recruitment and political scrutiny.