Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) recently released its Quarterly Progress Report, which highlights its activities and initiatives for the quarter ending June 30.
“June 30th marked the end of a very productive fiscal year for MCEDP,” said Natalie Hawkins, MCEDP president. “We saw an unprecedented triple-digit volume of business lead activity, made significant progress preparing our Iron Horse Industrial Park for future tenants, and identified several other potential business park sites in Moore County. This quarter we were also excited to announce our successful recruitment of a $100 million project that represents the largest capital investment MCEDP has ever recruited to Moore County.”
Notable activities and successes this quarter included:
*MCEDP announced Autoport’s plans to invest more than $100 million to build Uwharrie Motorsports Park and Resort in northwestern Moore County, which will create more than 130 new jobs.
*In fiscal year 2024, MCEDP responded to 123 business leads, which is the highest level of business interest received in a single year in the organization’s 22-year history. As of June 30, MCEDP had 33 active projects representing over 1,965 new jobs and more than $344 million in capital investment.
*MCEDP made substantial progress in bringing the Iron Horse Industrial Park in Aberdeen closer to the “shovel-ready” status required by many prospective clients. Fifteen acres of the site were grubbed and graded, and the NC Department of Transportation is close to finalizing the design for the access road to the site.
*MCEDP identified three priority sites in Vass, Robbins, and Carthage, collectively totaling almost 190 acres, which have the potential for development as business park sites. MCEDP staff began negotiations with the respective property owners to potentially acquire options on the parcels.
*MCEDP staff worked with NCEDA Fellow Cameron Brown on his assignment to produce a report that evaluates the potential to establish a shell-building program in Moore County. Cameron began a 12-week fellowship with MCEDP in May through the NC Economic Development Association (NCEDA) Foundation’s Fellows Program.
*Senator Tom McInnis and Rep. Neal Jackson participated in “Take Your Legislator to Work Day” hosted by MCEDP to learn more about MCEDP’s mission and program of work. The legislators toured Iron Horse and saw firsthand the extensive amount of predevelopment work completed at the site to date.
*As one of several partners working with the Moore County Airport on the potential to reestablish commercial air service in Moore County, MCEDP provided a letter in support of the airport’s application for a Small Community Air Service Development Grant.
*MCEDP hosted two successful events: Moore 100 Members meeting at the World Golf Hall of Fame and the 12th annual Progress Cup golf tournament.
The full Quarterly Progress Report for the quarter ended June 30 can be viewed on the MCEDP website at www.moorecountyedp.org.
Feature photo by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Melissa Schaub.
Contributed.
