Congratulations to Terry Bralley, president of the Davie County Economic Development Commission, who has been named a 2022 Power Player by the Triad Business Journal.
To build the 5th annual list, TBJ looked back through the headlines of the past 18 months at leaders championing efforts that can dynamically change the region’s trajectory. These key leaders are shepherding and executing game-changing initiatives or developments that are moving the Triad economy forward. Many of these initiatives were in the making. The list includes people who stepped up boldly during the Covid-19 pandemic, helping keep critical elements of the economy moving forward and leading the region’s business recovery. While primarily based on past year’s efforts, it is also intended to be forward-looking, as these catalytic efforts are often ongoing initiatives.
Among the 80 pedigreed players are CEOs, college presidents, influential developers, and the directors of the region’s largest airport, biggest entertainment venues and most cutting-edge medical company.
In Bralley’s summary, TBJ stated, “What makes him a Power Player: With a location at the convergence of major interstate highways between the Triad, Charlotte, and beyond, Davie County has played way above its weight in industrial, manufacturing, and logistics openings and expansions since the mid-2010s. In just a four-month period last year, Mocksville landed seven different economic development wins. Anchored by the Southpoint Business Park in Mocksville, a project of the Hollingsworth Cos., along with other sites, the county continues to reap expansion benefits, including Ashley Furniture, which has a growing assembly and distribution center there.”
Last year’s wins included the following companies.
- Carolina Shutters & Blinds – manufacturer of custom plantation blinds
- Dr. Feist Automotive- DFA USA – designer and manufacturer of sound deadening and insulation materials for the automotive industry
- Hayward Holdings – global designer and manufacturer of pool equipment and associated automation systems
- Liberty Storage – designer and manufacturer of custom storage buildings
- Palltronics – maker of the world’s first fully trackable shipping pallet
- Scott Bader – global manufacturer of market-leading structural adhesives and gelcoats
- Sportsfield Specialties – industry-leading manufacturer of athletic field equipment
Together they will create more than 550 new jobs and add $100 million to Davie County’s tax base.
Additional projects are in the works as new spec buildings become available.
Although honored by the award, Bralley credits Davie County’s economic development success to a collaboration between local and state government officials, business leaders, private sector investors, and a successful spec-building program.
While Terry Reneger, vice-chairman of the Davie County board of commissioners and a member of the Davie County Economic Commission, agrees, he identifies Bralley as the secret sauce. “Having worked closely with Terry since 2006, I continue to be impressed with his ability to win deals. He does not rest until all avenues have been thoroughly explored. His subtle competitiveness has benefited Davie County immensely, and this award is well deserved.”