The Carolina Core has emerged as the state’s next economic engine, with more than $15.5 billion in capital investments and thousands of jobs announced in just the eighteen months. As the Carolina Core marks five years in the making, the region is celebrating a record-breaking year for economic development and can boast ample prime real estate available to welcome new companies to join the region.
The Carolina Core is a 150+ mile stretch of central North Carolina, a regional economic development organization focused on opening doors for new residency and job opportunities throughout the central Triad “core” of the state.
Under the umbrella of the Piedmont Triad Partnership (PTP), the Carolina Core strategy was developed in 2018 as a way to engage individuals from around the state and connect regional leaders and assets to leverage economic growth and job creation.
“The Carolina Core is North Carolina’s new economic powerhouse propelled by billions of dollars of recent investments and thousands of new jobs from some of the most innovative companies in the world,” said PTP president and CEO, Mike Fox.
“No one was really telling the larger story of why central North Carolina is an excellent place to locate given our combined competitive assets,” said Melanie Jennings, PTP public affairs director. “Things like access to 30 colleges and universities, the wonderful megasites and other property here, the great workforce, and the quality of life.”
North Carolina’s triad region has diversified from a legacy of textiles, tobacco, and furniture, to a more future-forward economy.
“None of it would have been possible without the cross-section of visionary leaders here today, including our region’s business, civic, economic development, education and elected leaders. Together, we have helped secure a bright economic future for generations to come, and we’re not slowing down,” Fox said.
Business leaders, developers, economic developers, and foundations all came together to position the center of the state as a place for business and prosperity.
“With all the recent success, it’s important for people to know that the Carolina Core is still open for business,” Fox said. “Bulldozers and cranes are everywhere, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t scores of prime properties still available at outstanding values, from megasites to industrial and modern business parks, as well as new and existing office space. We’re ready to welcome companies to our region.”
