SALISBURY — Rowan EDC launched its Forward Rowan 2 campaign with a celebratory event at City Tavern’s in Salisbury on Nov. 14.

The campaign supports the EDC’s public-private partnership and seeks to secure $1.5 million from the private sector to support growth initiatives. Industry leaders in Rowan County’s manufacturing and distribution sectors, municipal elected officials and town managers joined the EDC leadership to celebrate the community’s progress and hear the strategic plan for the future.

Rowan EDC President Rod Crider set the stage for the evening.

“In 2020, we defined our mission as ‘increase prosperity, reduce poverty and improve quality of life,'” Crider said. “Thanks to our community leaders and partners, we will continue to fulfill that mission with Forward Rowan 2.”

The campaign co-chairs, Rowan County Commission Chair Greg Edds and F&M Bank President Steve Fisher, shared the EDC’s achievements. According to the pair, in the last five years, the EDC has supported the addition of over 2,500 jobs paying more than $25 an hour, with half of those projects originating from existing industries. It has also attracted high-profile companies like Macy’s and Chick-fil-A Supply. Capital investment from existing and new industry is reportedly nearing $1 billion.

“The EDC’s work is making Rowan County a leader in economic development opportunities in the Charlotte region,” Fisher said. “The Forward Rowan 2 campaign aims to create 3,000 new jobs paying above the county’s current wages, which will generate over 2,000 indirect jobs and nearly $141 million in annual consumer expenditures. Together, we can ensure that Rowan County continues this positive trajectory.

“With the support of committed investors, the campaign has already surpassed the halfway mark to its $1.5 million goal. We are grateful to those who have pledged their support. For those who have not yet joined us, now is the time to invest in Rowan County’s prosperous future.”

The Forward Rowan 2 kickoff event featured the premiere of a campaign video highlighting Rowan County’s successes and goals for the next five years. Included in the video alongside Edds, Fisher and Crider were testimonials from local leaders.

Director of Development of Fortius Capital Partners Dave Davis emphasized Rowan County’s business-friendly environment: “Rowan County leads the region in available space, providing a powerful magnet for new jobs and investment.”

Praised the EDC’s support for talent development, Innospec Performance Chemicals Human Resources Manager Kim Bartleson added,  “They’ve been instrumental in helping our new hires feel welcome from day one.”

Mike Miller, president of Miller Davis, highlighted the transformative impact of marketing efforts.

“Rowan County’s vibrant, compelling story is known, and the EDC has brought the right kind of growth that’s been a game-changer for small businesses like mine,” Miller said.

The evening concluded with a call to action for community leaders to become investors in Forward Rowan to achieve the EDC’s mission to increase prosperity, decrease poverty and improve quality of life.