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Intelligent Design
Research campus is innovation magnet
Food for ThoughtCounty cultivates number of locally grown initiatives
Green Meets GreenSustainability breeds business opportunities
Get a glimpse into each of the
county’s five municipalities.
What’s Online
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sponsoreD by The cabarrus reGIonal chaMber oF coMMerce | 2011
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WorkstyleGreen Meets Green 14Sustainability breeds business opportunities
Food for Thought 18Cabarrus County cultivates a number of comprehensive locally grown initiatives
Intelligent Design 22Research campus is innovation magnet
Insightoverview 7
business almanac 8
business climate 12
Transportation 26
health 31
education 34
livability 39
Gallery 42
economic profile 47
Through the lens 49
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Where Green Meets GreenCabarrus County launches sustainable strategies to breed new development opportunitiesStory by Betsy Williams • Photography by Todd Bennett
Sustainability isn’t just a buzz word in Cabarrus County; it’s becoming a way of life.
Sustainability efforts by business, civic, government and education entities throughout the county are reaping results. Taking a lead role is the Cabarrus Sustainability Council, formed in 2009 through the efforts of Cabarrus County, the cities of Concord and Kannapolis, the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and Cabarrus Economic Development. The council promotes public and private sustainability collaborations in everything from process waste reduction, to recycling, to sustainable building practices, to food.
ELMA C. LOMAX INCUBATOR FARMAt the heart of this unique community sustainability
model is a strong focus on local agriculture enhancements and small-business investment, says John Day, Cabarrus County Manager.
“For decades, much of the economic base of the Carolinas was in tobacco and textiles, as people traditionally made their living from the ground up,” Day says. “One way for people to return to their roots is by
focusing on the family farms that are still here, not only with land crops, but also animal production.”
Cabarrus County leaders strengthened a healthy partnership with North Carolina Extension Service to collaborate and develop a farm incubator, where beginning farmers are offered classroom training and hands-on experience on county-owned certified-organic farmland, located within the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm. Also in the works is a local meat-processing facility that will support expansion of local meat sales, thus reducing the cost of locally produced meat by minimizing time and travel costs for local farmers.
The second key element in creating a sustainable community, Day says, is fostering locally owned businesses, which are more likely to be rooted in the community, encouraging entrepreneurs and providing distinctive character. Toward that end, county leaders recently established the Cabarrus County Council for a Sustainable Local Economy, which is charged with creating strategies and recommendations to encourage the development of a resilient, robust local economy.
Produce grows at the Elma C. Lomax Incubator, where fledgling farmers receive hands-on training.
14 CABARRUS REGION
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Intelligent Design
Research campus is innovation magnet
Food for ThoughtCounty cultivates number of locally grown initiatives
Green Meets GreenSustainability breeds business opportunities
Get a glimpse into each of the
county’s five municipalities.
What’s Online
®
imagescabarruscounty.combusIness
sponsoreD by The cabarrus reGIonal chaMber oF coMMerce | 2011
cabarrus reGIon, norTh carolIna
®
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cabarrus reGIon, norTh carolIna2011 Edition, volumE 2
contEnt dirEctor liSa BattleSProofrEading managEr Raven pettycontEnt coordinator JeSSiCa walkeRStaff WritEr kevin litwincoPy Editor Jill wyattcontributing WritErS katie kuehneR-eBeRt, BetSy williamSmEdia tEchnology dirEctor ChRiStina CaRdenSEnior graPhic dESignErS lauRa gallagheR, JeSSiCa manneR, Janine maRyland, kRiS Sexton, vikki williamSgraPhic dESignEr RaChael geRRingeRmEdia tEchnology analyStS ChandRa BRadShaw, lanCe Conzett, miChele niCCoRe, maRCuS SnydeRPhotograPhy dirEctor JeFFRey S. ottoSEnior PhotograPhErS JeFF adkinS, BRian mcCoRdStaff PhotograPhErS todd Bennett, antony BoShieRWEb contEnt managEr John hoodWEb ProjEct managEr noy FongnalyWEb dESign dirEctor FRanCo SCaRamuzzaWEb dESignEr ii RiChaRd StevenSWEb dEvEloPEr i yamel hallWEb account managEr lauRen euBankad Production managEr katie middendoRFad traffic aSSiStantS kRyStin lemmon, patRiCia moiSani.t. dirEctor yanCey Bondi.t. SuPPort tEchnician BRyan FoRieStSEnior accountant liSa owenSaccountS PayablE coordinator maRia mcFaRlandaccountS rEcEivablE coordinator diana guzmanofficE managEr/accountS rEcEivablE coordinator Shelly milleRSEnior intEgratEd mEdia managEr Ruth maRtineauSalES SuPPort managEr Cindy hallcolor imaging tEchnician aliSon hunteR
chairman gReg thuRmanPrESidEnt/PubliShEr BoB SChwaRtzmanExEcutivE vicE PrESidEnt Ray langenSEnior v.P./SalES todd potteR, CaRla thuRmanSEnior v.P./oPErationS CaSey heSteRSEnior v.P./cliEnt dEvEloPmEnt JeFF heeFneRSEnior v.P./buSinESS dEvEloPmEnt SCott templetonv.P./ExtErnal communicationS teRee CaRutheRSv.P./cuStom PubliShing kim holmBeRgv.P./viSual contEnt maRk FoReSteRv.P./contEnt oPErationS nataSha loRenSv.P./SalES ChaRleS FitzgiBBon, heRB haRpeR, JaRek SwekoSkycontrollEr ChRiS dudleycontEnt dirEctor/travEl PublicationS SuSan ChappellcontEnt dirEctor/buSinESS PublicationS Bill mcmeekinmarkEting crEativE dirEctor keith haRRiSdiStribution dirEctor gaRy SmithExEcutivE SEcrEtary kRiSty dunCanhuman rESourcES managEr peggy BlakerEcEPtioniSt linda BiShop
Business Images Cabarrus Region is published annually by Journal Communications inc. and is distributed through the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at [email protected].
For More InForMaTIon, conTacT:Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce3003 dale earnhardt Blvd. kannapolis, nC 28083 phone: (704) 782-4000• Fax: (704) 782-4050 www.cabarrus.biz
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Overview
a perfect blend of business and pleasureCabarrus County is the right address for living, working and enjoying the good life
Cabarrus County has built a vibrant and diverse economy that spans technology and tourism, communications and education, manufacturing and distribution, and has attracted a range of enterprise with its low cost of living, lower taxes and superb quality of life. the population continues to grow – more than 37 percent in the last decade alone – and the county is home to a diversified and highly skilled workforce.
Cabarrus County is in the vanguard of sustainability efforts in everything from land use to waste management. it has launched a number of initiatives to promote the local economy, including an innovative and comprehensive local food initiative. the elma C. lomax incubator Farm, a partnership between the county government and nC Cooperative extension, gives individuals interested in starting a farming business classroom instruction, hands-on experience and guidance from experienced farmers.
Cabarrus County’s central location, transportation infrastructure, skilled workforce, hospitality options, retail and service industries offer businesses the resources, people and competitive advantages crucial to success. Both motorsports and life sciences industries have formed growing and innovative clusters in Cabarrus County. the region is home to some 200 motorsports-related enterprises employing 20,000
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people. a centerpiece of bioscience development is the north Carolina Research Campus, a 1-million-square-foot public-private venture created by visionary david h. murdock to foster collaboration and further knowledge in biotechnology, nutrition, agriculture and health.
top-notch health care, exceptional schools, access to outstanding higher education opportunities, and major entertainment and retail offerings, such as the 200-store Concord mills mall, give the region a
superior quality of life. with its rich cultural, arts, recreation and sports opportunities, Cabarrus County offers the perfect blend as a place to live, work and enjoy.
For more information, contact:
cabarrus regional chamber of commerce 3003 Dale earnhardt blvd. Kannapolis, nc 28083 (704) 782-4000 www.cabarrus.biz
imagescabarruscount y.com 9 8 cabarrus region
vrooM vrooMCabarrus County is at the center of the u.S. motorsports industry, a crucial contributor to the region’s economy and employment.
dozens of racing teams, a specialized labor pool, a well-developed supplier chain and some 200 businesses support the motorsports industry and employ more than 20,000 people in the region.
Cabarrus County is home to one of naSCaR’s crown jewels, the Charlotte motor Speedway, the zmax dragway racing complex, the mRn Radio network and windshear inc., which has a rolling-road wind tunnel that aids motorsports research.
the historic wood Brothers Racing team, with 600 naSCaR victories, maintains its operations in harrisburg. the 60-year-old racing family moved to Cabarrus County in 2005, and into its current 160,000-square-foot complex two years later. wood Brothers stunned the racing world in 2011 when 20-year-old driver trevor Bayne, in just his second naSCaR Sprint Cup series start, won the daytona 500. it was the fifth time a wood Brothers car has won the great american Race. For more, go to www.woodbrothersracing.com.
Wear coMForTable shoesyou can get your shop on at Concord mills, the no. 1 tourism destination in north Carolina.
more than 17 million people visit the retail and entertainment complex each year. Concord mills features more than 200 stores including manufacturer and retail outlets, off-price retailers and unique specialty stores. a food court, a naSCaR-themed fun park, an amC 24 imax theater and north Carolina’s only Bass pro Shop are also part of the draw of the complex, laid out like an oval racetrack and styled with architecture reflective of the Carolinas. go to www.simon.com for more.
FlexIble anD susTaInablein kannapolis, an innovative and sustainable office project is planned that will utilize reclaimed wood from old warehouses for at least 55 percent of its construction.
Fairview Flex is the brainchild of Brian Cone, the third generation in his family-owned kannapolis Construction Co., who has embarked on a sustainable building project that will use the old dutch lap siding and solid oak boards his grandfather used to build warehouses on the property back in the 1930s and 1940s.
the first phase of the project will include 4,200 square feet of flexible office-warehouse space intended for businesses that will support the nearby north Carolina Research Campus in kannapolis. other sustainable features include photovoltaic awnings on the south side of the building, which will generate part of the electricity needed for the facility, dedicated fuel-efficient parking and charging stations, roof monitors for natural lighting and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation and flushing toilets. go to fairviewflex.com for more information.
Almanac
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one sWeeT reDevelopMenTa landmark site that once housed the Cabarrus Creamery dairy products and Coca-Cola bottling operation has been redeveloped as a mixed-use project with space for office, retail and restaurants, as well as an open-air courtyard.
the old Creamery complex has a rich history in Concord. the site was the longtime home of the makers of Cabarrus ideal ice cream and other dairy products. a building next door housed operations for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. from 1936 until the early 1970s, when Coca-Cola relocated to another site. the dairy bought that building in 1974, expanded its operations and remained at the site until it closed in 2001.
Renovated by Concord-based real estate company harris morrison Co., the old Creamery site has been reborn into a 45,000-square-foot mixed-use development. the complex is located on Church Street, a major thoroughfare linking i-85 and downtown Concord. Cabarrus County has purchased a 10,250-square-foot building for its Board of elections, and two tenants have already taken 6,500 square feet in the remainder of the complex. go to www.thecreameryconcord.com for more information. GooD MusIc
lIves hereFeaturing the musical talents of many north Carolinians, the north Carolina music hall of Fame in kannapolis is rich with music history.
the museum in kannapolis represents all genres of music and recognizes hundreds of musicians – from Charlie daniels to donna Fargo to thelonius monk – producers, music executives and writers from north Carolina with memorabilia, art, artifacts and other items. the 2010 inductees into the hall included andy griffith, les Brown, don gibson and famed songwriter don Schlitz. For more information, go to northcarolinamusichalloffame.org.
FranKly, My Dear, IT’s a WonDerFul venueit could be called gone with the wind, with a Cabarrus County flavor. what started out as a “dream home” project on 22 acres in mt. pleasant has evolved into a signature wedding and event locale and a full-time family-owned business.
owners larry and tammy honeycutt’s the Saratoga Springs features a tara-like setting that allows bride and groom to “experience a storybook wedding in a plantation setting.” Since first serving as a wedding site in the late 1990s – for tammy honeycutt’s sister – the Saratoga Springs has hosted hundreds of weddings and receptions.
in 2011, weddingwire, a leading national wedding technology company, named the Saratoga Springs a recipient of its annual Bride’s Choice award in the wedding and reception sites category. weddingwire says the award is based on overall professional achievements throughout the previous year. For more, go to www.thesaratogasprings.com.
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Wingate University’s Levine College of Health Sciences (pictured) will be the University’s first LEED Certified Facility and will house the School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies Program.
The 69,000-square-foot, three-story structure will reach completion in May of 2011 as pharmacy students prepare for the new fall semester to begin.
Institutional
Commercial
Industrial
“Building is a process
that transforms dreams
into reality. Great ideas
become a tangible place
of beauty and function.”
Organizations work diligently to clearly define their purpose and their mission. Ultimately they need something tangible – a physical structure – to help them accomplish what they set out to do. Fulfilling that need is something CM Black Construction does well. Whether it is a Commercial, Industrial or Institutional project, CM Black recognizes the special requirements of each organization.
CM Black works directly with members of the planning team to gain a thorough understanding of the specific goals and unique specifications of each project. Then they bring together highly reliable, well-qualified subcontractors and suppliers who have consistently demonstrated their ability to perform to high-quality and safety standards.
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no neeD To squInTone of naSCaR’s treasures is in Cabarrus County. the Charlotte motor Speedway, built in 1959 by motorsports legend Bruton Smith, seats 140,000 and hosts a variety of races, including the naSCaR Sprint all-Star Race, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of america 500. in recent years, the 1.5-mile track added a new garage area for the naSCaR nationwide Series and a state-of-the-art media center.
in 2008, the track complex added the zmax dragway, a world-class facility that attracts drag racing’s top talent and events. overall, the 2,000-acre speedway complex generates an estimated $400 million regional economic impact.
in 2011, the speedway built the world’s largest led screen, a 200-by-80-foot high-definition screen that rises 110 feet above the track along the backstretch between turns 2 and 3, across from the start/finish line. Fans seated throughout the front stretch from turn 4 to turn 1 will have clear viewing angles of instant replays, leader board updates and interactive entertainment displayed in 720p high-definition visuals. the screen will be illuminated by more than 9 million led lamps.
a peeK InTo MT. pleasanT’s pasTvisitors can glimpse life in Cabarrus County from the mid-1800s to early 1900s by touring the mt. pleasant Collegiate historic district. on the national Register of historic places, the district retains several buildings of what had been the mt. pleasant Collegiate institute built between 1852 and 1933. the three-story main building is home to the eastern Cabarrus historical Society museum, including 30 rooms that house a number of artifacts from mt. pleasant and the eastern Cabarrus area.
other significant buildings include the Society hall (an 1858 two-story brick greek Revival structure), the new dormitory (the largest building on campus), and the mathias Barrier house (built in conservative greek Revival style). go to www.echsm.net for more.
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Business Climate
plenty of Good Thingslow costs, innovation and quality lifestyle bring business to Cabarrus CountyStory by Katie Kuehner-Hebert • photography by Todd Bennett
With its varied industry, proximity to major centers, mild climate and family-
friendly atmosphere, Cabarrus County is an ideal place to conduct business.
Situated about 30 miles northeast of Charlotte, Cabarrus County has attracted a wide range of industry, including advanced manufacturing, distribution, life sciences, tourism and motorsports racing.
“There’s a lot of diversity within our county,” says Jay White, chairman of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners. “We’re striving to reach many different types of business and we have had very good success.”
One of Cabarrus County’s major assets for biotechnology, nutrition and health companies is the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. The facility has more than 1 million square feet of lab and office space, including the 311,000-square-foot David H. Murdock Research Institute.
a susTaInable leaDerCabarrus County is becoming a
leader in sustainability innovation in everything from land use to waste management to innovative and comprehensive local food initiatives.
At the research campus, for example, a number of entities are working on a new sustainability initiative for Cabarrus County that promotes local farming to bolster the economy, better land use, and management and enhancement of local air quality.
“The county has an incubator farm that’s helping people become farmers, and the research campus works in conjunction with that, making certain the products being grown are the highest quality product for the consumer,” White says. “Our food products can not only better serve Cabarrus County, but also the world.”
Anna Lu Wilson, vice president of business services for Cabarrus Economic Development, notes that the county’s highly skilled and productive
labor force is aided by customized training programs available to area businesses through Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
“Moreover, the cost of living is below the national average and we have lower tax rates in Cabarrus County,” she says. “All these things make the cost of doing business much lower here.”
celGarD, sbM MaKe Major InvesTMenTs
Cabarrus County’s business advantages are generating new jobs and investment. Celgard announced that it would build a 150,000-square-foot facility to manufacture lithium batteries in Concord, creating more than 200 jobs. The company says the new plant will allow it to expand capacity and support demand in the emerging electric car market. The project was aided by incentive grants from the city of Concord and from Cabarrus County. In March 2011, the company announced a second, $65 million investment in lithium-ion
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battery separator capacity for Electric Drive Vehicles at its Concord operation.
SBM Solar, a startup founded in Concord, is transitioning from a research and development firm to a manufacturer of solar panels. SBM has moved to a 9,000-square-foot space in the Juba Aluminum Products plant so that it can incorporate solar panels into some of Juba’s products.
Osbert Cheung, SBM’s owner and president, says he was attracted to Cabarrus County because of its low business costs, access to a breadth of professional services and outstanding quality of life.
“We’re not far from Charlotte, where you can get everything you want,” Cheung says. “At the same time, there is nice countryside around here and it’s good to raise your family here. It’s also good for traveling – two hours to the mountains, several hours to the ocean, six hours to D.C. and eight hours to Disney World – it’s a very livable place.”
sbm solar manufactures solar panels in cabarrus county due to low costs and access to a broad range of services.
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Where Green Meets GreenCabarrus County launches sustainable strategies to breed new development opportunitiesStory by Betsy Williams • photography by Todd Bennett
sustainability isn’t just a buzz word in Cabarrus County; it’s becoming a way of life.
Sustainability efforts by business, civic, government and education entities throughout the county are reaping results. Taking a lead role is the Cabarrus Sustainability Council, formed in 2009 through the efforts of Cabarrus County, the cities of Concord and Kannapolis, the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce and Cabarrus Economic Development. The council promotes public and private sustainability collaborations in everything from process waste reduction, to recycling, to sustainable building practices, to food.
elMa c. loMax IncubaTor FarMAt the heart of this unique community sustainability
model is a strong focus on local agriculture enhancements and small-business investment, says John Day, Cabarrus County Manager.
“For decades, much of the economic base of the Carolinas was in tobacco and textiles, as people traditionally made their living from the ground up,” Day says. “One way for people to return to their roots is by
focusing on the family farms that are still here, not only with land crops, but also animal production.”
Cabarrus County leaders strengthened a healthy partnership with North Carolina Extension Service to collaborate and develop a farm incubator, where beginning farmers are offered classroom training and hands-on experience on county-owned certified-organic farmland, located within the Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm. Also in the works is a local meat-processing facility that will support expansion of local meat sales, thus reducing the cost of locally produced meat by minimizing time and travel costs for local farmers.
The second key element in creating a sustainable community, Day says, is fostering locally owned businesses, which are more likely to be rooted in the community, encouraging entrepreneurs and providing distinctive character. Toward that end, county leaders recently established the Cabarrus County Council for a Sustainable Local Economy, which is charged with creating strategies and recommendations to encourage the development of a resilient, robust local economy.
Produce grows at the elma c. Lomax incubator, where fledgling farmers receive hands-on training.
16 cabarrus region imagescabarruscount y.com 17
roush Fenway racing and oiles america corp. (bottom) were among the companies and organizations recognized by the cabarrus regional chamber’s 2010 sustainability excellence awards.
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IMprovInG aIr qualITyRecycling was the 2010 initiative of the
sustainability council, and schools, cities and businesses are now involved in recycling pick-up programs. The focus in 2011 is on improved outdoor air quality, Day says, with indoor air quality to be addressed in 2012.
The council’s No Idling initiative encourages motorists to observe the “10 Second Rule” by turning off their car engines after 10 seconds of idling.
The campaign includes having at least 75 businesses, schools, day care centers and government offices place No Idling signs around their buildings. An educational component includes a presentation on the affects of idling given to at least 30 local business and civic groups during the year.
roush: a leaDer In susTaInabIlITyAmong the leading business proponents of
the county’s sustainability program is Roush Fenway Racing, one of NASCAR’s largest premier racing teams, headquartered in Concord. In 2009 and 2010, Roush met its overall goal of a 10 percent improvement in indoor air quality, reduction of water consumption and improved levels in waste reduction, recycling and energy usage.
“Our paper recycling actually went down in 2010, as we proactively reduced the incoming waste stream, and we doubled our plastics recycling,” says Ian Prince, the company’s chief sustainability officer and former chairman of the sustainability council.
Going forward, Roush is adopting a no-idling policy on its campus and for all corporate vehicles.
“We are also switching our paint operations to a water-based paint, so we will not be using solvents, and we will continue to focus on education and awareness,” Prince says.
2010 SuStainability award winnerSAt the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting, winners in the area of Sustainability Excellence were recognized with awards sponsored by Southgate Masonry and Lumber and Vulcan Materials. The 2010 award recipients include:
• Oiles America Corp.: Waste Reduction & Recycling
• City of Kannapolis Environmental Stewardship Commission Community Garden: Air Quality
• Concord Aviation Properties LLC: Energy Reduction
• Roush Fenway Racing: Environmental Excellence in Recycling
• Cabarrus County Elma C. Lomax Incubator Farm and Rowan-Cabarrus County Community College: Environmental Protection
scrap parts from race cars fill recycling bins at roush Fenway racing in concord. Waste reduction and recycling are components of the race team’s overall sustainability program.
imagescabarruscount y.com 19 18 cabarrus region
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hatching new IdeasCabarrus County cultivates a number of comprehensive locally grown initiativesStory by Kevin Litwin • photography by Todd Bennett
cabarrus County has a bumper crop of initiatives designed to connect local food growers with
local consumers.Steering those efforts is the
county’s Food Policy Council, which is identifying and strengthening connections between food, health, natural resource protection, economic development and the agricultural community in the county.
A year-long countywide food assessment details current food production, processing, distribution and marketing channels of the food system in the county.
One of the county’s signature initiatives is the Elma C. Lomax
Incubator Farm, which opened in 2009 on 30 acres in Concord. The incubator gives f ledgling farmers a chance to hone their skills under the eyes of trained professionals. The farm, operated by Cabarrus County and the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, allots individuals interested in eventually starting a part-time or full-time farming business a small patch of land. They then receive classroom instruction and hands-on experience. The future farmers learn about food quality, food safety, nutrition, water conservation and waste management.
“We also help future farmers learn about business plans and production models, so we can keep farming as a
growing concern in Cabarrus County,” says Debbie Bost, county extension director.
plenTy To rooT ForA total of 16 beginning farmers are
now learning to grow organic crops, while nearly 80 people are on a waiting list to train at the Lomax incubator. The prospective farmers are allowed to grow crops for three years at Lomax, then must move their operation off the property to allow others to cycle into the program.
“The Lomax program allows potential farmers to learn about farming without having to spend $250,000 of their own money to buy 10 acres and a tractor,” says
cabarrus county has launched a major initiative around locally grown food and the region’s agricultural community.
imagescabarruscount y.com 21 20 cabarrus region
Aaron Newton, Cabarrus County’s local food system program coordinator.
Keep IT localCabarrus County has a full menu
of locally grown food initiatives on the table, and the 23-member Food Policy Council is playing a lead role in steering them. The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners implemented the Food Policy Council in May 2010; one of its first efforts is a comprehensive year-long assessment of virtually every food aspect in the county.
“The study will show what the people of Cabarrus County are eating, how much of their food is grown in Cabarrus County, where our other grown food is being shipped, and so
forth,” Newton says. “A local food economy will ideally pay your neighbor to grow food for you – not pay someone around the world to grow food for you.”
no horMones or sTeroIDsThe county is already home
to a number of organic farming operations, such as Creekside Farms, owned by Chad and Faith VonCannon, both Concord natives. Today, Creekside Farms, located just north of Mt. Pleasant, raises and sells all-natural, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, chicken, turkeys and brown eggs without added hormones, steroids or antibiotics, and sells the products at farmers markets and at the farm by appointment.
Another local initiative involves plans to transform the current Cruse Meat Processing retail facility in Concord into a $1.2 million beef harvesting facility. Newton says having a slaughterhouse in Cabarrus County will save local cattle farmers from having to make long, multi-hour trips to regional slaughterhouses, as is the case now.
“Cabarrus County has 7,000 head of cattle, making it the largest farm commodity here,” Newton says. “To have a local harvest facility that will humanely slaughter and process beef would not only save farmers money, but meat prices would be lowered for local consumers. It would be another example of how it helps everyone to have a local food economy.”
Clockwise from left: seed planting at the elma c. Lomax incubator Farm; Locally grown products for sale at the Piedmont Farmers market in concord; young spinach grows in a greenhouse at the elma c. Lomax incubator Farm.
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sustainability by the bushelKannapolIs coMMunITy GarDen GroWs aWareness, FelloWshIp
Cabarrus County is going green in a number of ways. Sustainability efforts in the county focus on locally grown food, and initiatives are under way on a number of fronts to promote connections between food, health, natural resource protection, economic development and the agricultural community. those efforts have taken root in kannapolis, where a community garden sprouted up just in time for earth day in april 2010, yielding a harvest of healthy, locally grown produce and bringing neighbors closer together.
the community garden concept was nurtured by the kannapolis environmental Stewardship Commission, which partnered with First wesleyan Church on the project. the church donated a 180-by-80-foot piece of land for the garden. local organic farmer Brad hinckley helped prepare the garden for planting, provided plants he had grown from seed, and offered advice to the 30 families who rented plots in the garden on how to grow and protect their crops without using pesticides or chemicals.
Supporters note that community gardens contribute to cleaner air by cutting down on truck travel required to ship goods from distant places to grocery stores. kannapolis community garden participants also created a watering cooperative, so that each grower wouldn’t have to travel individually to the garden to water, thereby cutting down on fossil fuel
consumption. excess produce the garden yielded was donated to local food pantries.
Besides yielding locally grown healthy food, the garden created something else: a heightened sense of community. as this, from the First wesleyan Church, sums it up: “work side by side tilling the earth to make a better life for someone else.”
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Technology
north Carolina research Campus is destined for breakthroughs in technology
better-tasting vegetables, an even healthier blueberry, spices that lower inf lammation and stress
– such discoveries could positively impact nutrition and health.
Improving human health is center stage at the North Carolina Research Campus, a thriving scientific community in Kannapolis that brings academia and industry together in a collaborative environment to increase knowledge about biotechnology, nutrition, agriculture and health.
Founded by David H. Murdock, owner of Castle & Cooke Inc. and majority owner of Dole Foods Co. Inc., NCRC offers access to the latest technology on its 350-acre, $1.5 billion campus, located on the site of a former textile mill Murdock once owned. In addition to fostering discoveries in health, Murdock is dedicated to creating new opportunities for the families who once depended upon mill jobs.
ncrc’s acaDeMIc presenceA unique and important aspect of
the NCRC is the participation of the state’s institutions of higher learning. Eight North Carolina universities conduct scientific research on the campus, often working together to find the next major discovery in health, nutrition and agriculture. Researchers from the universities are studying the role of diet in cancer prevention, developing a new generation of fruits and vegetables with superior nutritional characteristics, and working to improve food safety.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has a special relationship with the NCRC. The college recently opened a $26 million biotechnology building, providing state-of-the-art laboratories where its 170 biotech majors and other interested students study for an associate degree in biotechnology science. The building
also provides continuing education programs for those who want to enter the growing biotech field. The program meets some key goals of the college – expanding the skills of existing workers, educating a new generation of students for jobs in the new economy, and attracting new investment by providing qualified employees and training programs.
“We want to raise our population’s educational aspirations so that they can see themselves in these new jobs,” says Dr. Carol Spalding, president of RCCC.“It’s futuristic, but it’s happening now – and it’s happening here.”
research caMpus aTTracTs Global coMpanIes
In terms of industry, the North Carolina Research Campus has achieved some notable successes. Monsanto, a global leader in agriculture, has signed a long- term agreement and established a
center of Discovery
Story by Betsy Williamsphotography by Todd Bennett
the 350-acre north carolina research campus is a magnet for academic and private-sector research.
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laboratory on the campus to develop better tasting and more nutritious fruits and vegetables. To date, more than a dozen companies, including Dole and General Mills, have a presence at the campus. And these are still early days for the NCRC, which opened in October 2008. Additional milestones for the campus include:
• A $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund 20 graduate student positions.
• A new U.S. Food and Drug Administration district office.
• Plans for a new medical building to house a branch of Carolinas HealthCare and other health- related tenants.
ncrc oFFers Top TechnoloGyThe campus offers more than
1 million square feet of lab and office space, including the David H. Murdock Core Laboratory, which houses more than $150 million of state-of-the-art scientific equipment for use by tenant universities and companies. One of the most impressive life sciences labs in the country, the Core Laboratory
houses the world’s most powerful superconducting magnet, a machine that enhances key areas of research, including drug development and nutrition.
DavID h. MurDocK research InsTITuTe
A $1 million USDA grant is funding the Kannapolis Scholars program at the N.C. Research Campus. Graduate students from the University of North Carolina system are studying the effect of omega-VI and omega-III fatty acids on the brain development of 7- to 9-year-olds.
David H. murdock Laboratory building is a signature component of the north carolina research campus.
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the ncrc has been a driver in Kannapolis’ revitalization efforts.
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Transportation
airports, highways, rail keep county on the move
location, location, location. That tried and true phrase plays to one of Cabarrus County’s major strengths – its access to
a superior transportation infrastructure.Close proximity to Charlotte gives
businesses in Cabarrus County direct access to the country’s 17th-busiest airport, Charlotte Douglas International, a major hub for US Airways. The airport is less than 20 minutes from Cabarrus County, and boasts more than 600 f lights per day, many to international destinations.
concorD reGIonal aIrporTCabarrus County’s own Concord Regional
Airport is the heart of corporate jet f light in the region. Owned and operated by the City of Concord, Concord Regional is the busiest non-commercial airport in the state and the fourth-busiest airport overall, averaging 200 f lights daily on a 7,400-foot runway with full instrument approach. The airport is used heavily by the major NASCAR race teams based in the region and their sponsors.
Concord Regional is also becoming the
corporate airport of choice for Charlotte business executives, says Dick Lewis, airport aviation director.
“It is very easy to come from Charlotte to Concord,” Lewis says. “We have a lot of direct corporate charter flights to virtually anywhere in the country and Europe, and can negotiate competitive fuel prices. We also have a lot of ability to transport goods and services quickly.”
The City of Concord is committed to ensuring the airport will continue to stay ahead of the region’s growth.
“Our responsibility is to continue to expand and look out for our customers’ future needs,” Lewis says. “For example, the Democratic National Convention will be in Charlotte in 2012, and we’re doing what we need to make sure we are ready for them.”
hIGhWays, TraIns, bus anD porTsCabarrus County is served by Interstate
85, and within 30 minutes, Interstate 77 and Interstate 40, as well as several major U.S. and state highways. The region also offers rail service for large freight through short-line
a Force by Ground and air
Story by Katie Kuehner-Ebert photography by Todd Bennett
ConCord regional airport
7,400Length of runway in feet
60,534Number of flight operations in 2010
469Number of jobs supported by airport
$110 millionAirport’s annual economic impact
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concord regional airport is the busiest non-commercial airport in north carolina.
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carrier Aberdeen Carolina & Western and Class I carrier Norfolk Southern, as well as Amtrak passenger service. Bus service includes Greyhound Bus Line, the Express 80x by the Charlotte Area Transit System, and the CK Rider by Concord Kannapolis Area Transit.
Port facilities include the Inland Port Terminal in Charlotte, the Port of Wilmington, Del., 220 miles away, and the Port of Charleston in South Carolina, 225 miles away.
cabarrus Is a loGIsTIcs anD DIsTrIbuTIon hubBecause of its location, superior infrastructure and
easy access to major markets, a number of logistics and distribution operations are located in Cabarrus County.
Novant Health recently expanded its distribution center in the Kannapolis Gateway Business Park to serve an area that stretches from Virginia to South Carolina. The 100,000-square-foot facility ships and distributes clinical supplies to all Novant Health facilities, including hospitals, outpatient centers and physician practices. Additionally, Novant’s clinical equipment is repaired at the site.
Another recent success includes Distribution Technology, a logistics company based in Charlotte that is currently rehabilitating the former Jevic Transportation facility in Concord. The company is operating a contract consolidation center for retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc., a project expected to create 86 jobs.
a new $1.9 million transit center built between kannapolis and Concord will serve passengers of the popular Ck Rider from both cities. Ridership on the seven Ck routes has grown from 266,000 passengers in 2005 to more than 414,000 in 2010. the new center, which will cut travel times for many
riders, includes indoor and outdoor waiting areas, customer service agents, restrooms and a $700,000 automatic locating system, paid for with federal stimulus funds, which will locate a passenger’s bus in real time.
For more, visit www.ckrider.com.
Center of attention neW TransIT cenTer WIll beneFIT cK rIDers
cabarrus county is served by interstate 85 and is in close proximity to i-77 and i-40.
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Health
CMC-northeast adds services in Cabarrus County
a major driver of the Cabarrus County economy and a key component in its outstanding quality of life is Carolinas Medical Center-NorthEast. A 457-bed
medical complex and Level III trauma center, it treats more than 85,000 patients annually and includes an extensive inpatient and outpatient network of services, including 30 outpatient clinics.
The parent company of CMC-NorthEast, Carolinas HealthCare System, has broken ground on a $17 million, 26,000-square-foot emergency department in Kannapolis that will be equipped with 10 walk-in treatment bays and two observation rooms. The freestanding emergency department will be called Carolinas Medical Center-
Kannapolis and will operate as an extension of the existing emergency department at CMC-NorthEast in Concord.
The emergency department will also offer radiology services that include X-rays, ultrasound and computerized tomography, as well as an on-site laboratory. The one-story Kannapolis site will be located off Exit 63 of Interstate 85 and is expected to open in fall 2011.
Though CMC-Kannapolis will offer emergency services, it will not have operating rooms or a surgical staff. Emergency department patients who need surgery or other advanced treatment will be transported to CMC-NorthEast.
“A freestanding emergency department can be built at a fraction of the cost of a small community
picture of healthStory by Kevin Litwin photography by Todd Bennett
carolinas medical center-northeast is a 457-bed medical complex and Level iii trauma center.
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hospital,” says Joseph Piemont, president and CEO of Carolinas HealthCare System. “And by being located closer to the population being served, they offer great advantages in terms of access and convenience.”
CMC-NorthEast has 300 physicians on staff and employs more than 4,200 people. Its service area covers not only Cabarrus County’s 175,000 residents but also patients from five other counties.
“We are very committed to expanding the level of care available to people in surrounding communities,” says Phyllis Wingate-Jones, top administrative executive at CMC-NorthEast. “This is borne out by the many improvements currently under way at CMC-NorthEast, and by initiatives that facilitate top-quality medical attention that is both life-saving and convenient.”
CMC-NorthEast is home to Jeff Gordon Children’s Hospital, Batte Cancer Center,
Cannon Heart Center, Diagnostic Imaging Center, Emergency Care Center, Mariam Cannon Hayes Family Center and the Surgery Center.
Also serving the health-care needs of the region is Rowan Regional Medical Center, a 268-bed hospital in Salisbury that offers a suite of services including cardiovascular care, a maternity center with a special care nursery, award-winning orthopedics, radiology services such as CT scan and MRI, and cancer services including a linear accelerator.
Rowan Regional was recently recertified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. Additionally, the VHA presented Rowan Regional with its 2011 VHA Leadership Award for Clinical Excellence, honoring the hospital for exceeding national performance standards for clinical care and improving the patient experience.
Phyllis Wingate-Jones, top administrative executive at cmc-northeast
CmC-northeaSt
457Licensed beds
12Surgical operating rooms
85,000Patients treated annually
4,200employees
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Education
rowan-Cabarrus readies students for careers in emerging fields
yes, this will be on the test.Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has assumed
a key leadership role in the region by offering a range of academic programs aimed at developing a well-trained workforce.
The two-year college provides several one-year, two-year and transfer programs that allow its 20,000 students to prepare for careers in emerging industries. RCCC also works with companies, workforce development agencies and economic development organizations to develop customized training initiatives for businesses.
“We currently offer 40 associate degree programs along with college transfer options,” says Jeanie Moore, vice president for corporate and continuing education at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. “The college also provides learning opportunities for adults in our continuing education program, with academic initiatives in areas such as health occupations, law enforcement, business entrepreneurship, career readiness and substitute teaching.”
class acTRCCC has a north campus in Rowan County and a south
campus in Cabarrus County, both equipped with modern classrooms and advanced laboratories.
“Each program we offer meets specific requirements set by employers in Rowan, Cabarrus and surrounding counties, and representatives of local businesses and industry make up our advisory committees,” Moore says. “We have a strong tie to the real world of work, to provide our students with well-rounded, interesting and practical education.”
TechnIcally speaKInGRCCC also operates the Cabarrus Business & Technology
Center, which helps individuals and groups start small businesses or grow existing companies. The college has opened a $26 million building at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis, where it offers several new degree programs in biotechnology and agricultural biotechnology.
In December 2010, RCCC signed an agreement with the North Carolina Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Workforce to be reckoned WithStory by Kevin Litwin • photography by Todd Bennett
rowan-cabarrus community college offers students 40 associate degree programs, as well as college transfer options.
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(STEM) program to develop and implement a local K-12 STEM program overseen by RCCC. The K-12 STEM program – supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Battelle Memorial Institute and North Carolina STEM – will ultimately help local school districts design programs to enhance student learning and develop the skills they will need to compete for advanced jobs in the 21st century.
“It’s no secret that across the United States, we aren’t producing enough graduates with skills and competency in science, technology, engineering and math,” Moore says.
RCCC President Carol Spalding is working with business and community leaders and the region’s three public school superintendents to build STEM-based education, Moore says.
Moore points out that STEM subjects often frighten students but are actually the skills people use every day without realizing it.
“If you operate a GPS, that’s utilizing technology, and if you are cooking or baking a meal for your family, that’s science,” she says. “Cosmetologists often use math to mix precise doses of chemicals for use on a customer’s hair or face, and there are thousands more examples used in everyday life. RCCC knows that not everyone can be a scientist or engineer, but we want all students to be able to use scientific theory and applications and do basic math. Performing STEM functions will help K-12 students advance in both their personal and professional lives.”
Dr. carol spalding is president of rowan-cabarrus community college in Kannapolis.
rCCC faCtS and figureS• RCCC has more than
2,000 course offerings.
• The college serves a yearly overall enrollment of more than 20,000 students.
• Day, evening and online classes are offered.
• RCCC oversees a north campus in Salisbury, a south campus in Concord, the Cabarrus Business & Technology Center in Concord, the Cloverleaf Center in Kannapolis and a biotechnology building at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis.
• RCCC is also involved with an R3 Center in Kannapolis, an adult career development learning facility whose three R’s stand for Refocus, Retrain and Re-employ.
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Livability
Cabarrus County offers rich and diverse lifestyle options
chocolatier Barrucand in downtown Concord is such an accomplished French pastry
and confection shop that it has even been featured in a Parisian magazine.
“Within a two-block radius in downtown Concord we have two art galleries, two live theaters, a historic ballroom, Chocolatier Barrucand, a botanical garden, public library, a 24-hour pottery studio, and fine restaurants and specialty shops,” says Diane Young, executive director of the Concord Downtown Development Corp. “It’s an amazing mix. I was recently driving downtown one
Saturday night and got to the corner of Union and Cabarrus, looked down Union Street and there wasn’t a parking space to be found.”
Cabarrus County offers a rich and diverse quality of life, with access to world-class arts, culture, sports and recreation, retail opportunities and lifestyle choices. There are numerous residential options, from traditional neighborhoods and small towns to open-space rural homes or family farms.
“Recently, I was driving downtown on a Saturday night and noticed all the parking spaces were filled on Union
Street,” says Ann Gibson, communications director for the City of Kannapolis. “And Kannapolis will always remain the home of the late NASCAR great, Dale Earnhardt.”
Cabarrus County is home to five municipalities:
concorDConcord is known for a thriving
downtown district and famous attractions such as Concord Mills Mall shopping center and Charlotte Motor Speedway. Also part of the community are scenic greenways, Lake Fisher, McGinnis Aquatics Center and several youth and adult sports leagues.
Where life is Good
Story by Kevin Litwinphotography by Todd Bennett
shops and restaurants line union street in downtown concord.
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harrIsburGThis town, in southwest Cabarrus
County bordering Mecklenburg County, was settled mostly by Scotch-Irish immigrants sometime between 1732 and 1765. Harrisburg is still home to several Scotch-Irish families whose ancestors arrived in the 1700s. Poised for economic growth, the town has abundant available land and an industrial park.
KannapolIsKannapolis, a thriving city of
43,000 residents, is the site of the North Carolina Research Campus, a $1.5 billion life sciences hub that is home to eight universities and such major corporations as General Mills and Monsanto. The Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department schedules an annual family-friendly Summer Events Series of free concerts, live
arts, library storytelling and G-rated movies each weekend.
MIDlanDMidland was incorporated in 2000,
and is situated in southern Cabarrus County. Most residents of this small municipality are dedicated to preserving their rural quality of life. A new 190-acre park filled with trees, a large pond and a creek is being planned for Midland as a destination for the entire region.
MounT pleasanTThis town of 1,600 residents is
planning for the future, thanks to continued growth in the nearby Charlotte region. Mount Pleasant, founded in 1848, is home to the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society Museum. The town is also located near Reed Gold Mine, where gold was first discovered in the United States.
Top: the bell from the tuscarora cotton mill at the eastern cabarrus Historical society museum in mount Pleasant Bottom left and right: the old cabarrus courthouse in concord is now home to the cabarrus arts council.
rocky river vineyard in Midland photo by Todd bennett
Gallery
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concord is home to hendrick Motorsports and other leading teams in nascar. photo by Todd bennett
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GalleryGalleryGallery
a custom car on display at charlotte Motor speedway in concord photo by Todd bennett
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historic cabarrus courthouse in concord photo by Todd bennett
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Whitley’sFUNERAL HOME
The Whitley Family Offers You Personalized Services:
• Traditional Funerals• Cremation Services• Hospitality Center with Full Kitchen• Two Chapels on Premises• Audio/Visual System• Pre-Financial Arrangements through Trust Funds or Insurance Plans• Coming Soon: Whitley’s Event Center – A Special Place to Hold Your Future Class Reunion, Anniversary or Special Function
1748 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28083 (704) 933-2222
www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
imagescabarruscount y.com 47
busIness snapshoTCabarrus County offers a diverse economic base, location to major markets, fully developed infrastructure, skilled workforce and strong business climate that position it firmly among the most competitive counties in the nation. located in the Charlotte, n.C. mSa, the county is home to some 200 motorsports-related businesses and a burgeoning life sciences sector.
econoMIc proFIle
visit ouradvertisersCabarrus Bank & Trustwww.cabarrusbankandtrust.com
Cabarrus Countywww.cabarruscounty.us
Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureauwww.visitcabarrus.com
Cabarrus County Schoolswww.cabarrus.k12.nc.us
Cabarrus Economic Developmentwww.cabarrusedc.com
Cabarrus Eye Centerwww.cabarruseye.com
Cannon Memorial YMCAwww.cannonymca.org
Carolinas Medical Center Northeastwww.carolinashealthcare.org
City of Concordwww.ci.concord.nc.us
CM Black Construction Company Inc.www.cmblack.com
Embassy Suiteswww.embassysuitesconcord.com
Great Wolf Lodgewww.greatwolf.com
Hilton Garden Innwww.charlotteconcord.hgi.com
Integra Springs at Kellswaterwww.integrasprings.com
Rowan Cabarrus Community Collegewww.rowancabarrus.edu
Rowan Regional Medical Centerwww.rowan.org
S&D Coffee Inc.www.sndcoffee.com
Southern Select Community Credit Unionwww.southernselectccu.com
Time Warner Cablewww.timewarnercable.com
Whitley’s Funeral Homewww.whitleysfuneralhome.com
populaTIon
Cabarrus County: 178,011mSa: 1.8 millionhouseholds: 67,937median age: 38(2010 Data)
populaTIon cenTers
Concord: 79,066kannapolis: 42,625harrisburg: 11,526midland: 3,121mount pleasant: 1,652
Major eMployers
Carolinas medical Center-northeast: 4,500Concord mills mall: 4,000Cabarrus County Schools: 3,800Cabarrus County government: 975City of Concord: 936Connextions: 900north Carolina government: 771kannapolis City Schools: 750Shoe Show: 700hendrick motorsports: 500aCn: 500
great wolf lodge & Resort: 500Roush Fenway Racing: 475perdue products: 460S&d Coffee: 425Sysco Foods: 420(2010 Data)
Key InDusTry secTors
Services: 42%Retail trade: 12%manufacturing: 12%Construction: 9%Finance, insurance & Real estate: 8%transportation & utilities: 6%wholesale trade: 5%public administration: 3%information: 3%
labor Force sTaTIsTIcs
labor force: 84,159unemployment rate: 10.3%(2010 Data)
IncoMe
median household income: $59,762per-Capita income: $26,453(2010 Data)
TransporTaTIon
hIGhWaysi-85 crosses through the county, which is within 30 minutes of i-77 and i-40. u.S. highways 3, 24/27, 29, 49, 52 and 601 also serve the region.
aIrporTsConcord Regional Airport www.concordnc.gov
Charlotte Douglas International Airport www.charlotteairport.com
raIl servIceCSX www.csxi.comNorfolk Southern www.nscorp.comAberdeen & Western Carolina Railway Co. www.acwr.comAmtrak Carolinian/Piedmont www.amtrak.comSource: www.cabarrusedc.com
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We will value, teach and empower each student in a culture of
educational excellence.
WWW.cabarrus.k12.nc.us
Vision:
• To produce globally competitive lifelong learners through rigorous and relevant curriculum taught by highly prepared visionary leaders who recognize the importance of engaging a diverse body of learners.
• To provide 21st-century resources through responsible and efficient use of funding.
• To ensure success for all students in safe, inviting and healthy learning communities by building upon a foundation of stakeholder support and caring/respectful relationships.
Ad Index 46 Cabarrusbank&TrusT
13 CabarrusCounTy
41 CabarrusCounTy ConvenTion& visiTorsbureau
48 CabarrusCounTysChools
2 Cabarrus eConomiCDevelopmenT
33 CabarruseyeCenTer
48 CannonmemorialymCa
C4 CarolinasmeDiCal CenTernorTheasT
28 CiTyofConCorD
10 CmblaCkConsTruCTion CompanyinC.
21 embassysuiTes
38 GreaTWolfloDGe
C2 hilTonGarDeninn
4 inTeGrasprinGs
aTkellsWaTer
36 roWanCabarrus
CommuniTyColleGe
30 roWanreGional
meDiCalCenTer
1 s&DCoffeeinC.
48 souThernseleCT
CommuniTyCreDiTunion
46 TimeWarnerCable
46 WhiTley’sfuneralhome
the man watches the action from behind a glass window, like an awestruck visitor at the zoo watching the playful antics of chimpanzees. but this isn’t the zoo, it’s nasCar country! and this is the window into the nasCar world. or at least one that allows visitors to check out one of the working garages at hendrick Motorsports in Concord, n.C.
with Charlotte Motor speedway down the street, nasCar is a major player in the area’s economy. teams like roush fenway, hendrick Motorsports and earnhardt ganassi racing call Cabarrus County home.
the teams are also extremely fan-friendly, offering visitors glimpses into the teams’ past, present and future by way of their museums. through their teams’ stores, they also give fans a chance to take home a special piece from their favorite driver, whether it be a team hat or a front bumper off one of the cars. there is something for everyone.
FroM our phoTo bloG: cabarrus reGIon
posTeD by ToDD benneTT
More online see more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at imagescabarruscounty.com.
now that you’ve experienced the cabarrus region through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. visit imagescabarruscounty.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.
Get the story behind the photo
Through the Lens
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