Final two public forums slated on Chatham's economic development

Posted Friday, June 29, 2007

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Chatham County, NC - With three public forums already completed, the Chatham County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has slated two final community forums around the county to receive input from residents on economic development:

· Tuesday, July 17, 6:30-8 pm, Moncure School, in the cafeteria. The school is located at 600 Moncure School Road. Directions: From Pittsboro, take US 15-501 South toward Sanford. Go about one mile and turn left on Moncure-Pittsboro Road and go about 8 miles. Turn left on Jordan Dam Road and go about one mile. Turn right on Moncure School Road.

· Wednesday, July 18, 6:30-8 pm, Pittsboro, Central Carolina Community College, Building #2, Multi-Purpose Room. Directions: From downtown Pittsboro, head out of town on US 64 Business (West Street) and through the stoplight at NC 87 (Al’s Diner). As you head out of town, the entrance to the community college will be on your right. Go all the way up the entrance until it ends and turn left. Building #2 will be the last building on the right.

The forums will be led by staff from the University of North Carolina’s Center for Competitive Economies, an economic development research center at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise. Chatham County has contracted with the Center to develop an economic development strategic plan.

The forums offer a summary of Chatham County’s current local economy, including its strengths and weaknesses, as well an overview of the steps involved in developing a long-term strategic plan.

“The public forums are a great opportunity for Chatham County citizens to let us know they types of businesses they would like to see developed in the county. Turnout has been good at the two previous forums, with a variety of perspectives represented. We need to hear from as many people as possible; please come and share your views,” said Dianne Reid, president of the Chatham County EDC.

Commissioner Mike Cross, who will greet attendees of the Moncure forum on July 17th, agreed, “I urge residents in the in the southeastern and central areas to also show up to be heard. We do need to hear from businesses and industries in these areas, but we also need to hear from entrepreneurs, the arts community, farmers, and residents who care about jobs for themselves, their children, and their grand-children.”

George Lucier, vice-chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, will bring greetings to the Pittsboro forum on July 18th.

Updates on the strategic planning process and scheduled activities will be publicized and posted on the Chatham County EDC website.