Chatham County Economic Development Corporation welcomes new president

Posted Thursday, June 28, 2007

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The Chatham County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Board of Directors held a reception welcoming the new president of the EDC, Dianne Reid, to Chatham County on Tuesday, June 26th 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Central Carolina Community College multipurpose room in Pittsboro.

Dianne Reid began her position in June 11. Most recently, Reid supervised the Orange County Economic Development Department and spearheaded a wide range of development initiatives, including business assistance, tourism, arts promotion, employment education and training, and economic research and data collection.

"We are very excited to have Dianne join our EDC staff. With the rapid residential growth projected for the future of Chatham County, it is vitally important that her qualifications and extensive background in strategic planning provide the formidable balance of commercial and industrial expansion needed to ensure the quality of life we all enjoy in Chatham County. We are pleased that she has accepted this challenge and we look forward to assisting her with implementing a solid plan for our future,” stated Chairman Hal Milholen.

County Manager Charlie Horne added, “We really look forward to having Dianne in Chatham County. Her background and talents are an excellent fit for Chatham County’s emerging needs. Economic Development is multi-dimensional and Dianne’s experience, talent and work ethic can meld those pieces into a very solid program for our county.” Chatham County Commissioner George Lucier says, "Improved economic development is essential for the both the long and short term success of Chatham County. The hiring of Dianne Reid as Director of the EDC is a very positive step in the right direction.”

Reid is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with emphasis in sociology/urban and regional studies and also received her Master's Degree in Regional Planning from the University. In May 2001, she earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer, the highest professional designation in the economic development field. Reid is active on the Boards of numerous civic and business organizations, including the North Carolina Economic Developers Association, the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, Leadership Triangle, and both Orange County Chambers of Commerce.