Michael Worley, Executive Director, Alexander County Economic Development

In an interview with Invest:, Michael Worley, executive director of Alexander County Economic Development, discussed the county’s efforts to strengthen infrastructure, prepare sites for investment, develop workforce pipelines, and attract a diverse mix of employers. As Alexander County positions itself for long-term growth, Worley emphasized the importance of building on local strengths while remaining selective about future development. “One of our strongest assets is our workforce,” Worley said.

How are recent county investments strengthening Alexander County’s economic development efforts?

A great deal of credit belongs to our county commissioners because they have consistently supported investments that create long-term opportunities.

One example is the new EMS facility located near our industrial park. We also have strategically located fire departments that help support both residents and businesses. Those investments are important because public safety is one of the first things companies ask about when evaluating a community.

On the infrastructure side, we have water projects underway, including a new water tank in the Bethlehem area and additional water line extensions. We recently completed sewer improvements in the industrial park that increased available capacity and positioned the site for future growth.

We also work closely with our existing industries through public-private partnerships. One company recently completed a grant-funded rail spur, which will improve operations and strengthen its long-term presence in the county.

Economic development is about much more than land and utilities. Companies want to know what healthcare access looks like, how quickly emergency responders can arrive, where fire protection is located, and whether infrastructure systems are dependable. They want confidence that their employees will be safe and that operations can continue smoothly if an issue arises.

Those investments create the foundation necessary for future growth while also supporting the businesses that are already here.

What makes Alexander County attractive to employers looking to expand or relocate?

One of our strongest assets is our workforce.

I have worked in communities throughout North Carolina and South Carolina, and Alexander County stands out because of the loyalty of its workforce. It is common to find employees who have spent 30, 40, or even 50 years with the same employer. That level of commitment is not unusual here.

People work hard, value their families, and take pride in their jobs. When they find an employer that treats them well, they tend to stay.

We also have a significant number of residents who leave the county every day for work. That means there is an experienced and skilled labor pool already living here. Creating opportunities for those residents to work closer to home is a major advantage.

In addition, Alexander County offers a quality of life that appeals to both employers and employees. Residents enjoy a rural setting while remaining within driving distance of larger metropolitan markets. That combination creates opportunities for growth while maintaining the character people value.

What industries are generating interest in Alexander County today?

Furniture and textiles remain important parts of our economy, and they continue to represent some of our largest employers.

We are also seeing interest from a broader range of industries. We have companies in plastics, automotive-related manufacturing, and other advanced manufacturing sectors already operating in the county. Additionally, we are seeing activity from biomanufacturing companies, rail users, heavy industrial operations, and steel-related businesses.

One of our goals is diversification. Communities that rely too heavily on a single industry become vulnerable when market conditions change. Developing a broader mix of employers creates greater resilience and long-term stability.

That diversification process is already beginning to take shape. We are seeing interest from companies that offer quality jobs, strong benefits, and long-term career opportunities. Those are exactly the types of employers we want to attract.

Agriculture also remains extremely important to Alexander County. Cattle and poultry production continue to play a significant role in the local economy. Agriculture is part of our identity and an important component of long-term sustainability.

Our goal is not to replace one industry with another. It is to create a balanced economy that supports growth while preserving the strengths that already exist.

How is the county addressing workforce development challenges?

Workforce development is one of our highest priorities.

We work closely with Catawba Valley Community College in Taylorsville, our school system, and local Career and Technical Education programs. Together, we are creating pathways that help students connect directly with career opportunities.

A lot of leadership positions throughout the county have changed in recent years, and one of the positive outcomes is that there is strong collaboration among local leaders. Everyone understands the importance of developing a workforce pipeline that keeps young people engaged and connected to opportunities within the county.

The goal is to help students see a future here. We want them to build careers, raise families, and contribute to the community rather than feeling they need to leave to find opportunities.

Employers everywhere face workforce challenges, particularly for specialized positions. We work closely with the state, EDPNC, community colleges, and employers to identify workforce needs and develop training programs that address those gaps.

The county already has a strong workforce. The challenge is creating enough local opportunities so more residents can work where they live.

How do housing and population growth fit into economic development planning?

Residential growth and economic development must work together.

Housing preferences are changing. Many younger residents prefer lower-maintenance housing options, while older generations often prefer larger properties. Retirement-oriented communities are also becoming increasingly important.

Alexander County remains more affordable than many surrounding areas, and residents generally receive more value for their housing investment. That affordability creates opportunities for continued growth.

Communities also need a healthy balance between residential and industrial tax bases. Employers help support public services, while housing creates the workforce necessary to sustain businesses.

Growth inevitably creates concerns and adjustments, but it also creates opportunities. The key is making sure growth is planned carefully and benefits the community over the long term.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

Infrastructure remains the top priority. That includes water, sewer, and broadband expansion throughout the county. Those investments support residents while also creating opportunities for future employers.

Site readiness is another major focus. Companies today want speed to market. They want locations where infrastructure is already in place and development timelines can move quickly.

Our rail-served industrial site is pad-ready, and county commissioners recently optioned an additional 115 acres adjacent to the existing industrial property. Preparing those assets for future development is critical.

We want to be selective. Land is one of our most valuable resources, and we need to ensure it is used strategically. The goal is not simply to fill space. The goal is to attract employers that align with the county’s long-term vision.

Quality of life also remains central to our strategy. Healthcare access, emergency response capabilities, recreation opportunities, and outdoor amenities all contribute to a community’s competitiveness.

One of the most exciting developments has been recognition through North Carolina’s Selectsite Readiness Program. Being named one of the top five sites in the state has created significant momentum and visibility.

That designation has attracted support from organizations including EDPNC, NC Railroad, Golden LEAF, and state leaders. It has also generated increased interest from companies evaluating Alexander County for future projects.

We are already seeing more inquiries because of that visibility. Looking ahead, I believe those partnerships and investments will create meaningful opportunities for industrial growth and economic development in the near future.

Alexander County has strong fundamentals in place. By continuing to invest in infrastructure, workforce development, site readiness, and quality of life, we are positioning the county for sustainable growth while preserving the characteristics that make it a great place to live and work.