Julie Roper, Board Chair, Gaston County EDC
In an interview with Invest:, Julie Roper, Board Chair of Gaston County EDC, discussed the significant milestones and achievements for Gaston County, including the rapid development of the Apple Creek Corporate Center, substantial investments from international companies, and the collaborative efforts to promote economic growth and community integration.
Could you share some of the most significant milestones or achievements for Gaston County over the last year?
We were at Apple Creek Corporate Center yesterday for another groundbreaking. The pace at which the Industrial Park has filled up is incredible. There are only three sites left in the park, and to reach this point within just a couple of years is amazing. It’s a beautiful park, and we’ve ensured it remains that way. The sense of community among the organizations there is wonderful. Seeing them come together for the groundbreaking was great. Apple Creek has been such a blessing, and I’m very proud of it over the last couple of years.
Gaston County has seen significant investments from companies like HEYCO-Werk USA Inc. and Lynddahl Telecom America Inc. How do such investments impact the local economy and community?
Yesterday, we had a groundbreaking with a German company, and it’s impressive to see such international representation. The feedback from these companies about how well their families and employees have integrated into the community has been very positive. We’re lucky to have a great location with easy access to major thoroughfares, which is fantastic for both residents and businesses. There are many opportunities for families, whether they want to live in Charlotte, Gastonia, or one of the suburbs of Gaston County. This variety helps people feel at home, no matter where they come from.
How is Gaston County leveraging its strategic location to influence business growth and investment?
One of our biggest assets, located in Mecklenburg County, is the airport. Our proximity to the airport is a key factor. Residents of Gaston County can get to the airport faster than most people in Charlotte and the surrounding counties. Additionally, we have access to Interstate 85, the backup thoroughfare of 74, and other major routes like 485 and I-77. We also have excellent rail access. Few places can offer the multimodal opportunities that we have. This convenience is essential for businesses, as time is money. The quicker you can get from point A to point B, the more beneficial it is for your organization.
How has the current economic environment impacted the economic development strategies of the county?
Well, part of our job is not just about today, but planning for the future. With this being a big general election year, there’s always a certain amount of uncertainty, especially with anything associated with money. Despite this, we’ve been fortunate to maintain our pace. However, we recognize that this rapid pace might not always continue. That’s why we focus on existing companies, helping them expand and grow. We maintain close relationships with them and provide local resources for workforce development, healthcare, and other challenges. By keeping our ear to the ground and staying ahead of trends, we ensure our workforce and suppliers can support new opportunities and growth.
How do sustainability and environmental stewardship play into Gaston County’s economic development plan?
Sustainability and environmental stewardship are crucial to our development plans. Historically, we’ve focused on high school students, but now we’re starting as early as elementary school, educating both children and their parents about career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. These facilities are modern and pristine, offering good salaries without the need for significant college debt. We celebrate and support sustainability in our business parks and developments. Protecting our resources is a priority, ensuring no long-term damage. It’s encouraging that many organizations are already focused on sustainability, making collaboration much easier.
How does the EDC engage with leaders and stakeholders to foster this approach towards economic development?
It’s all about telling the story and ensuring everyone is on the same page. We start with basic education on how the process works, leveling the field for everyone. In our last board meeting, for instance, we had an update from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. This helps us plan accordingly and maintain great relationships. Our board includes diverse representation, and we communicate continuously with the community. We also emphasize the importance of roles across various sectors, including education and law enforcement, because site selectors care about these aspects. We ensure new leaders, like the new school superintendent, are quickly integrated into our efforts. Collaborative effort is key to our success, and we’ve found our sweet spot with this approach.
What is your vision for the county’s economic landscape and the strategies you have in place?
Like anything else, if you don’t have a plan, you’re leaving things up to chance. Right now, we’re at a stage where our business parks are filling up, and we need to be mindful and strategic about future developments. We’re at a crossroads, so we’re starting a development plan for the future. We’re excited to bring in many stakeholders to help with this. It’s important for people to understand where the opportunities are and how different decisions impact the community. People often focus on easy wins, but we need a comprehensive vision for the county’s future, incorporating industrial, commercial, and residential areas. We’re working on a strategic plan that outlines what we’ve accomplished and what we aim to achieve. This plan will guide us, helping maintain consistency even as political figures change, ensuring a long-term successful Gaston County.
How do the various communities within Gaston County impact your approach to economic development?
Gaston County has a unique challenge with its many municipalities. This diversity offers both opportunities and challenges. Moving things forward with so many perspectives and needs requires significant effort. Some municipalities are much smaller population-wise, which can make things even more complex. I know Wake County and Raleigh have a similar number of municipalities, but it’s a lot of heavy lifting that people might not always appreciate. The county’s leadership does an excellent job of bringing everyone together and moving forward as one. Working in different parts of the state has shown me what success and failure look like, and it makes me appreciate the collaborative effort in Gaston County even more.
