McDowell County, NC Economic Development Association

As the Executive Director of the McDowell Economic Development Association, Inc. (MEDA), I would like to take this opportunity to explain the function of the organization. MEDA is a non-profit corporation serving McDowell County and is a public/private effort, funded by the County and through memberships and donations from businesses, industries and individuals. The organization is guided by a twenty-member Board of Directors representing all sections of the County and is managed by the Executive Director and Administrative Assistant.

The goal of MEDA is to create jobs and increase the tax base in McDowell County, whether it is through recruiting a new industry or assisting an existing industry that is expanding. In an effort to conform to this goal, MEDA maintains a good working relationship with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, AdvantageWest, Industrial Realtors, Utility companies, etc. In an effort to promote McDowell County, MEDA compiles and produces current demographic data, site and building specifications, employee training program information and other information that may be requested by a prospective client.

In working with existing industries, MEDA has participated in an Industry Visitation Program that began in June 1999. This program consisted of a team of local officials including the Economic Development Director, the Community College President, the School Superintendent, the Chamber of Commerce Director, the ESC Director, the JobLink Director and the NC Department of Commerce E/I Developer and made visits to twenty-seven companies. This process included a survey instrument, a compiling of industry concerns and the writing of a report that summarized the findings and recommendations. The importance of this process is that it established a level of confidence with our existing companies and established a clear and direct line of communication with these companies. The importance of this confidence cannot be overstated when one understands the contribution made by these companies as well as the distinct possibility that new job creation and tax base expansion will often occur from existing companies in addition to new company locations. The results for the community thus far have been substantial. They include the formation of an Industry CEO Council. The Council and the Visitation Team have developed a set of goals and objectives that are in the process of being implemented. Items already implemented range from the formation of a Literacy County to the holding of an Industry Appreciation and Product Showcase event. It is our belief that this program is becoming a model for WNC Counties and is one example of a method to better serve our existing companies.

In closing, if you would like to become a member and support the McDowell Economic Development Association, you may click on our Membership button or you may call us at (828) 652-9391 or email us.

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Letter from the Executive Director