Why the Cabarrus EDC Matters to Cabarrus County Residents

If you've noticed new companies moving into Cabarrus County, local manufacturers expanding, or job opportunities growing across Concord, Kannapolis, and beyond, there's a good chance the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation (Cabarrus EDC) had a hand in it.

The Cabarrus EDC serves as the lead economic development agency for Cabarrus County and its municipalities. In practical terms, that means it's the organization responsible for recruiting new employers to the area, helping local businesses grow, and supporting entrepreneurs who are just getting started, all to build a stronger, more diverse local economy that benefits everyone who lives here.

To date, the Cabarrus EDC has helped facilitate over $2 billion in business investment in the county, spanning industries like automotive, biosciences, food production, and advanced manufacturing.

For the average resident, "economic development" can sound abstract. In reality, the Cabarrus EDC's work breaks down into three clear, tangible areas:

1. Recruiting New Industry to Cabarrus County
When a company is deciding where to build a new facility or relocate operations, the Cabarrus EDC is at the table representing our county. This includes:

• Site selection assistance — helping companies find the right property or building for their needs
• Workforce research — showing prospective employers that Cabarrus County has the skilled labor pool they need
• Government navigation — guiding companies through permitting, incentives, and local regulations so projects move forward efficiently.

This recruitment work is a major reason names like Eli Lilly, Corning, and Hendrick Motorsports have chosen to invest and expand right here in Cabarrus County, bringing new jobs, diversifying our tax base, and raising local wages in the process.

2. Helping Existing Local Businesses Thrive and Grow
New business recruitment gets a lot of attention. Still, a large part of the Cabarrus EDC's mission is supporting the businesses that are already here. The EDC works directly with existing employers to:

• Solve problems and remove barriers that might otherwise slow down growth or force a business to look elsewhere.
• Connect businesses to resources they need to expand operations and add jobs.
• Strengthen the local economy through continued community investment and employment from businesses already rooted in Cabarrus County.

This matters because retaining and growing the employers we already have is often just as valuable, and sometimes more sustainable, than recruiting a new company from scratch.

3. Supporting Local Startups and Entrepreneurs
The Cabarrus EDC also invests in the next generation of local business owners through programs like the Cabarrus Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Retail Lab, which provide mentorship and education for individuals pursuing their own business dreams. More residents are starting businesses today than at any point in recent history, and the EDC helps make sure they have the tools and guidance to succeed.

It's easy to think of economic development as something that only matters to business owners or elected officials. In reality, the Cabarrus EDC's work touches nearly every household in the county:

• More jobs, closer to home — successful recruitment and business growth mean more employment opportunities for local residents, without the need for long commutes.
• A stronger, more diverse tax base — as new industry and expanding businesses invest in the county, that shared tax burden translates into better-funded schools, parks, public safety, and infrastructure.
• Higher wages and career growth — by attracting industries like biosciences and advanced manufacturing, the EDC helps create higher-paying career paths for local workers, not just entry-level jobs.
• A more resilient local economy — a diversified base of employers (rather than reliance on a single industry) makes Cabarrus County more stable during economic downturns.

As one local partner put it, the Cabarrus EDC has been "instrumental in aligning community goals with those of the private sector," helping position Cabarrus County as a genuine leader in economic development across the region.

The Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation isn't just a behind-the-scenes government agency. It's one of the most important drivers of our community's long-term prosperity. Every new company it recruits, every existing business it helps retain, and every entrepreneur it mentors adds up to more jobs, a healthier tax base, and a better quality of life for Cabarrus County residents.

At Quality Cabarrus, we believe strong local leadership means supporting organizations like the Cabarrus EDC and electing officials who understand just how much this work matters to the future of our county.

Learn more about the Cabarrus EDC's work at cabarrusedc.com.

Curious how Cabarrus County's economic growth actually happens? These two organizations work hand-in-hand to recruit new industry, support existing businesses, and strengthen our local economy:

• Why the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation Is Important to Our Community — How the Cabarrus EDC recruits new industry, supports business expansion, and helps local entrepreneurs launch and grow.
• Why the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Matters to Our Community — How the Chamber advocates for local businesses, drives workforce development, and connects our community.

Together, these organizations form the backbone of Cabarrus County's economic growth, which is why Quality Cabarrus supports leaders who understand and champion their work.