Local News

Square D Ribbon Cutting

The future of development in Rowan County was realized with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Square D IPACs plant at the Summit Corporate Center on Wednesday June 7, 2006.

"You are now standing in front of what I will refer to as the portal of the Summit Corporate Center — a state-of-the-art facility which is aesthetically pleasing and sends a positive message that we are open for business, come in and take a look," said Randy Harrell, executive director of the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission.

Representatives from Square D, the Keith Corp, the Salisbury-Rowan Economic Development Commission, the Rowan County Commission, the City of Salisbury and other were on hand for the ceremony, a barbeque luncheon and tours of the facility.

The new Square D facility is 89,000 square feet with 75 employees building integrated electrical panel boxes that power retail and commercial facilities. Mark Seifel, general manager for the Salisbury Square D plant, said the new building represents the next chapter in the local operation's growth.

Summit Corporate Center is being developed by the Keith Corp for Rowan County. "Hopefully, this is the first of many buildings right on down this road," said Graham Keith, owner of the Keith Corp.

Thanks to The Salisbury Post and Mark Wineka for reporting the event and contributing to this story.

Rowan Jobs Initiative

The Rowan Jobs Initiative, which commissioned the marketing plan, is a public and private group of community leaders with the goal of bringing quality jobs and a sound tax base to Rowan County.

By spreading the word about Rowan’s ideal location, its top-notch business resources, its pro-business climate and its wonderful quality of life, RJI hopes to attract start-up and relocating industry.

The beauty of this initiative is that everyone, including you, can help ensure a bright future for our great county. And it’s really easy to do.

Available for Work signs and fact cards are available for you to use. Place the signs in your window. Hand out fact cards. And tell everyone about Rowan County.

Visit www.RowanWorks.com or call 888.ROWANWORKS (888.769.2696) for more information or to request marketing materials.

Incentive Policy Approved

Rowan County and the City of Salisbury have adopted separate, but identical Investment Grant Program Policies. Through the Economic Development Commission, a new or expanding business can request a Grant. This standing policy will be a valuable tool in the recruiting of new businesses to the community and retaining expanding businesses.

The Rowan County Board of Commission and Salisbury City Council have supported economic development for more than twenty years with an emphasis on tax base development, employer diversification and job creation. The Commission and Council have recognized the need to provide programs and financial support to strengthen and diversify the County’s and City's economy. Tax base development is a key concern for the County’s and City's fiscal health. It is essential not only to attract new investment but also to encourage existing business to expand and reinvest in their Rowan County and Salisbury operations. The INVESTMENT GRANT PROGRAM is intended to provide an inducement for new business to locate in Rowan County and the City of Salisbury and encourage existing business to expand.

The program provides a five-year grant to companies investing in locally. The grant will be established by a contract with Rowan County and/ or the City of Salisbury. Businesses locating within the City of Salisbury may request two Grants, one from the County and one the City. The company must pay their taxes in full each year based on the actual tax value of the property or investment. If the company meets all of the criteria in the contract, including a minimum capital outlay of $5 million, a portion of the property tax will be returned as a grant. The amount of the grant is based on a designated percentage level for five consecutive years. 

Revised Website

The Salisbury- Rowan Economic Development Commission website (www.rowanedc.com) has been revised and updated. The site was designed by the EDC Staff and Miller Davis Studios and implemented by Miller Davis Studios.

The prominent feature of the revised site is an improved interface for accessing available industrial and commercial building and site information, including the two state certified sites. This interface incorporates an improved database allowing the staff of the EDC to keep the information current and accurate. Additionally, the 2006 Manufacturers Directory is available for download on the site. Other changes and additions are planned for the site. Keep an eye on it!