Collaborative Efforts with State, Regional, and Private Sectors
Davie County is accelerating economic growth through strong partnerships with state and regional economic development agencies, as well as with commercial real estate firms, site consultants, and local industries. These relationships support a coordinated approach that brings new businesses to the area by promoting existing shell buildings and “shovel-ready” industrial sites and leveraging the county’s strategic position in the Piedmont Triad.
Supporting Complex Corporate Site Selection
A network of state and regional economic development allies, site consultants, and commercial real estate brokers play a central role in helping businesses select ideal sites in Davie County. These experts facilitate site-location processes for companies nationwide and internationally, providing them with essential information about available properties and ensuring they see Davie County’s advantages for growth and prosperity.
“Site consultants and commercial real estate companies are key partners we rely on, and over the years, they have become increasingly essential to economic development,” says Terry Bralley, president of the Davie County Economic Development Commission. “Effective economic development depends on networking with a diverse range of collaborators. Commercial real estate brokers and site consultants play a vital role in supporting companies that may lack the internal resources to manage projects requiring detailed data and site location decisions involving hundreds of millions in investment. That’s why maintaining strong relationships with these partners is crucial for economic developers.”
Private-Sector Collaboration on Development Projects
Davie County has taken a unique approach to attracting new businesses, focusing on partnerships with private developers rather than competing against them with public funds. This approach has led to long-term collaborations with the Hollingsworth Companies, Davie Industrial Development LLC, and Crown Industries, enabling the county to focus its resources on infrastructure essentials like water, sewer, and road systems while private developers lead in providing commercial facilities.
“Our partnerships with the Hollingsworth Companies, Davie Industrial Development LLC, and Crown Industries have allowed Davie County to leverage private money rather than risking the public’s money. We’ve been able to focus on what we do best—water, sewer, roads, and infrastructure,” Bralley explains.
This strategy has been highly successful, bringing dozens of new businesses to Davie County, creating thousands of jobs, and adding millions of dollars to the local tax base over the past 27 years.
Building Inventory of Development-Ready Sites
One of the county’s competitive advantages is its inventory of “shovel-ready” sites and shell buildings available to prospective businesses. Currently, Davie County offers three significant shell buildings: one with 298,465 square feet, a 100,000-square-foot facility expandable to 150,000 square feet, and a 150,000-square-foot building that can expand to 200,000 square feet. Additionally, the county has three graded sites between 23 and 77 acres, all located conveniently near I-40, with more industrial sites planned for future development.
Partnerships with EDPNC and the Carolina Core Regional Partnership
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) and the NC Carolina Core Regional Partnership are two additional critical allies in advancing Davie County’s growth. EDPNC, established a decade ago, supports the county by attracting new businesses, supporting existing companies, assisting with international trade, advising small businesses, and promoting North Carolina as a prime tourism destination.
“Earlier this year, Davie County EDC hosted a networking and relationship-building luncheon with state and federal economic development partners. Tracy Dellinger with EDPNC coordinated the regional gathering of local developers and state and federal agencies with a focus on assisting with economic development projects. The agencies included EDA, NCDOT, NCRAIL, AND RAILROADS OF NC. Davidson Davie Community College (DDCC) was also a partner and a great host of our event. These are critical relationships to build as we deal with many industrial projects that could bring jobs to our community and might make a difference in winning or losing a project,” explained Bralley.
The NC Carolina Core Regional Partnership, one of North Carolina’s seven regional economic development groups, promotes Davie County as part of a 150-mile corridor that connects Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, and Fayetteville. This positioning enhances the county’s appeal to both national and international businesses looking for a strong economic region within central North Carolina.
Local Industry as Key Economic Contributors
The county’s existing industries are essential partners, as many companies initially attracted to Davie County continue to grow. “We’re always grateful for our existing industries,” says Bralley. Global manufacturer Avgol is a prime example. The company’s recent $100 million expansion includes a new 63,000-square-foot facility, a state-of-the-art multibeam spunlaid production line, and a laminate finishing line. This fifth expansion of Avgol’s flagship site since 2001 exemplifies the sustained growth that local industries can achieve in Davie County.
Davie County’s Geographic and Economic Advantages
With a prime location along I-40, close to four major interstates, and within 30 miles of the Triad and Charlotte metro areas, Davie County offers companies excellent connectivity. The area’s affordability, availability of industrial sites, and business-friendly environment create a favorable setting for industry relocations.
“Our region is perfectly positioned between the Triad and Charlotte metros, offering proximity, affordability, and a growing number of industrial sites,” says Bralley. “Davie County is well-prepared to capture the attention of industries looking to relocate or expand in North Carolina.”
