Larry Yoder, Chairman, Alexander County Board of Commissioners

In an interview with Invest:, Larry Yoder, chairman of the Alexander County Board of Commissioners, discussed the county’s economic outlook, infrastructure investments, and opportunities to diversify its industrial base. Yoder also highlighted workforce development, agriculture, and the importance of supporting existing employers while attracting new businesses. “The message is simple: We are open for business. We have land, infrastructure, and a workforce,” Yoder said.

How would you describe Alexander County’s economy today?

Our industry is solid, and the economic outlook appears good. We are an agricultural community, so weather conditions, water levels, and the cost of fuel, groceries, and housing all affect our residents. We are under mandatory water restrictions due to the heat and lack of rain, but overall, I think the county is well-positioned.

Our businesses are stable, and the revitalization of downtown Taylorsville has made a tremendous difference. Nearly every storefront is occupied, which is a positive sign for the future. Our smaller communities, including Bethlehem and Stony Point, are also doing well. I believe we are on the verge of something significant. One large or medium-sized company could help open Alexander County up to even more growth.

We are also seeing considerable housing activity. Several developments are underway, and the total could reach roughly 625 new homes. That will be a major development for the county.

What infrastructure advantages support future growth?

When I joined the board 22 years ago, one of the first priorities emphasized to me was the need to expand water and sewer service. We have continued that work for more than two decades, largely without relying heavily on local tax dollars. Those investments have helped bring more industry into the county.

We have strong working relationships with the city of Hickory, EnergyUnited, and the town of Taylorsville for water and sewer service. We are also continuing to improve broadband and transportation. NC 127 is expected to be widened to four lanes, and improvements are taking place along NC 90, U.S. 64 West, and NC 16 South. Those projects happen in stages based on traffic counts and the number of residents in an area.

Another important asset is the Alexander Railroad, a privately-owned line connecting Taylorsville and Statesville. It serves the local industry and provides us with rail access, which is unusual for a rural county. Our industrial park has water, sewer, gas, and electricity available, along with a graded 16-acre site. We are also dual-served for electricity by EnergyUnited and Duke Energy. The railroad and our utility partners have been proactive in helping us pursue industrial development.

Which industries offer the greatest growth potential?

We already have a solid base in furniture, textiles, plastics, and automotive-related manufacturing, but I would like to see us become even more diversified. That could include manufacturing large utility vehicles or equipment, technology companies, or businesses producing automotive components. The goal is to attract jobs that encourage our young people to return home after completing their education.

Diversification is important because a community should not depend too heavily on one sector. We want to protect the industries that are already here while adding new types of employers. Existing companies are the bedrock of the local economy, and we must remain committed to helping them stay and succeed.

The best fit is an industry that matches the character of the community. Our residents know how to work, they want to work, and they value well-paying jobs. Companies that require technical skills, hands-on experience, and a strong work ethic would find a good workforce here.

How is the county preparing its workforce for changing industry needs?

We need to sustain the workforce we have while helping people continue improving their skills. Technology changes constantly, and employees in every field must be willing to keep learning. Everything becomes more advanced, and just when someone learns one system, another application or process is introduced.

Education is important regardless of whether someone is a farmer, brick mason, carpenter, or IT professional. Continued education allows people to advance, change roles, and remain productive as industries evolve. We can no longer assume that the way we’ve always done things will be enough to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Our Career and Technical Education programs are especially important. College degrees remain valuable, but we also need people who can work with their hands in fields such as plumbing, electrical work, welding, HVAC, and agriculture. These careers can provide strong incomes and help students remain in the county.

Catawba Valley Community College and the local school system are major assets. They support technical training, early college opportunities, and programs that respond to employer needs. We also need individuals to be open to that training and make a personal commitment to continued education. 

People do not have to be elected officials to make a difference in the community. They can become involved, help educate others, and support the programs that strengthen the workforce.

What role does agriculture play in Alexander County?

Agriculture is one of our greatest assets, particularly beef, poultry, and apples. Much of the northern part of the county remains farmland, while the southern portion is more residential and includes businesses and factories.

Our farmers make an important contribution to the county. I hope their children decide to continue that work and keep the farmland active. Farming remains important to the community and requires people who understand the land and know how to work with their hands.

Agriculture also reflects the broader character of Alexander County. People are committed to their communities, schools, and neighbors. That same commitment carries into the workplace and shapes the work ethic that local employers experience.

What does the county’s “Space to Grow” brand communicate to investors and businesses?

The message is simple: We are open for business. We have land, infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. We understand that individual companies may have specific needs, and the county must work to meet the requirements that will help those businesses succeed.

I believe many residents who currently commute outside the county would prefer to work closer to home if the right jobs were available. We have people with the skills and work ethic to support new industry, and our education partners are willing to help train employees.

Alexander County is absolutely beautiful. We have the mountains on one side and the lake on the other. We are about an hour from Charlotte and have access to Hickory, Statesville, and major transportation corridors.

We also have Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, the Wittenburg Access Area, and strong communities throughout the county. Rocky Face attracts visitors, first responders, and military personnel who come to train. These amenities contribute to the quality of life that residents value.

We have the land, the people, and the infrastructure needed to grow. Our community leaders are prepared to support efforts to recruit industry and make Alexander County the best it can be.

What gives you confidence in Alexander County’s future?

I have lived in Alexander County since 1973, and I’ve seen industries change, furniture manufacturing decline and adapt, and new opportunities emerge. Through every challenge, one thing has remained constant — the people. Our residents are hardworking, resilient, and deeply committed to this community. They support one another, they support local businesses, and they believe in Alexander County. That’s what gives me confidence in our future.