A WORD FROM LEADERSHIP
Welcome to High Point – an “All-America City!”
That’s right! For the first time since 1962, the City of High Point has earned this prestigious designation from the National Civic League – one of only 10 communities in the nation to be recognized. High Point earned this designation through strong collaboration with partners, initiatives focused on food security and minority business development and a City rebranding effort that engaged our residents and business community to establish a unique identity and message.
Why is this important? Being recognized as an All-America City is a validation of our civic pride. It tells a story of cooperation within our community to solve problems, celebrating big wins and honoring our legacy of manufacturing and innovation. It’s a calling card that resonates, showcasing what High Point is all about to new residents and businesses. High Point Economic Development is proud to be a City department and an integral part of the growth and strength of our diverse economy. Within this report, you will see many project wins, new developments and partnership features that underline what makes High Point an AllAmerica City.
Working together, we have accomplished so much in 2024 With almost $75 million in new investment and 889 new jobs created, High Point Economic Development remains an essential part of the growth trajectory that will build economic upward mobility for our residents and businesses. Each win, no matter how big, is an opportunity for building wealth in our community and creating impact.
We hope you enjoy this report and share in our excitement in reflecting on a successful 2024, building toward bigger and better things for years to come.
PETER BISHOP
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
CHRIS WHITESELL
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
HIGH POINT BY NUMBERS
2024 INVESTMENT
$74,470,000
TRADESHOW & SEMINARS ATTENDED 24
TRANSPORTATION
PTIAirport
1.96millionpassengersYTDasof Nov(up12%from2023)
14DailyNon-StopDestinations
AVERAGE COMMUTE 20.5 Minutes (2024)
More than 45,978 people commute to High Point for their primary job (2022)
High Point: 53,485 (11-2024) Guilford County: 260,358 (112024)
Triad Region: 824,443 (11-2024)
High Point has 64,051 people employed here and 671 jobs added in the past year.
57,436 (2023)
County: 553,275 (2024)
(20142024)
$58,843 (2024)
2024 LARGEST EMPLOYERS
1. Ralph Lauren - 3,008 Apparel, home furnishings & more
2. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
High Point Medical Center - 2,200 Healthcare
3. Aetna - 2,200 Insurance
4. High Point University - 2,195 Education
5. Guilford County Schools - 1,929 Education
6. Daimler’s Thomas Built Buses - 1,917
Manufacturing - Automotive
7. City of High Point - 1,402 Government
8. Volvo Group North America - 1,000 Manufacturing - Automotive
9. ZIM* - 844
Manufacturing - Aviation
10. Slane Hosiery Mills - 582
Manufacturing - Footwear
11. Mickey Truck Bodies - 500
Manufacturing - Automotive
12. Culp - 500
13. Guilford County - 489 Government
14. Marsh Furniture - 472 Manufacturing - Cabinetry
15. Fastenal - 465
Manufacturing - Industrial & construction supplies
16. Thermo Fischer Scientific - 380 Manufacturing - Pharmaceuticals
17. Quest Diagnostics - 320 Clinical laboratory
18. Pennybyrn - 316 Retirement Community
19. Vann York Auto Group - 304 Vehicle Dealership
20. Davis Furniture - 304 Manufacturing - Furniture
21. AkzoNobel - 293 Manufacturing - Wood coatings
22. Bethany Medical - 288 Healthcare
23. GXO* - 268 Logistics
24. Lumos - 237 Telecommunications
Manufacturing - Fabrics *ZIM - Formerly HAECO
-
EXISTING INDUSTRY
These companies and many more have made themselves at home in High Point, N.C.
NEW INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS
A private company based in Florida specializing in chemical blending, filling and packaging private-label personal care products and fragrances announced a new manufacturing and distribution operation at 2103 Brentwood St. The project will entail an investment of $8.4 million and the creation of 108 new full-time jobs.
A leading international personal protection equipment and glove manufacturer based in Canada, Superior Glove announced its first US manufacturing location in High Point. The company will lease 45,000 square feet at 782 Gallimore Dairy Road, investing over $5 million in machinery and equipment and creating over 100 new jobs
Longtime High Point creamery, Maola Local Dairies, will expand its operations at 1900 N. Main St., adding a new production line to fill and package single-serving milk for school students in North Carolina and Virginia. The project entails a $5 million investment and the creation of nine new jobs.
Representing three separate companies to be housed on one new site in High Point, Triad Expeditors announced the development of a new $775,000 headquarters operation and yard at 1806 Wade Place in southeast High Point. Triad Expeditors will create 66 new jobs through this relocation.
INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS
ALRO STEEL
Alro Steel announced in December that the steel and plastics distributor will expand through a $10-million tripling of space under roof, growing to a 150,000-square-foot operation. The facility will also be formally annexed into the City of High Point
MARSH FURNITURE
One of High Point’s oldest companies (founded in 1906), Marsh will add a new $5 million, 48,000-square-foot lumber processing facility to their manufacturing and corporate headquarters at 1001 S. Centennial Ave. The cabinet manufacturer plans to add over 20 jobs and invest an additional $5 million in machinery and equipment.
STUDIO ORANGE & THE HOME DEPOT
National home improvement store The Home Depot purchased the former Alderman photography studio at 325 Model Farm Road, rebranding the facility as Studio Orange, where photography, film and other creative media will be produced for The Home Depot and partner businesses. The investment retained 35 jobs and will add another 25 creative services employees over the next three years
THOMAS BUILT BUSES
Another venerable High Point manufacturer, Thomas Built Buses, announced an expansion of their plant at 1013 Callahan St to accommodate a new assembly line for the firm’s D2 cabover-style bus model. This $2 million expansion will substantially increase the company’s efficiency and throughput for the D2 model.
US DUCT
A leading manufacturer and innovator in large and small-scale industrial ductwork and ventilation systems, US Duct announced an expansion of its High Point-based footprint, acquiring 1121 Corporation Drive, a 250,000-square-foot industrial building. The private firm will invest millions in the new facility and add 95 new jobs.
SARIZZA
The newest addition to High Point’s internationally recognized furniture cluster, Sarizza designs and manufactures hardwood chairs and tables Originally founded in Poland, the operation opened its High Point facility at 1211 W. Ward Ave.
INFINITY GLOBAL
Specializing in custom-made, luxury packaging solutions for numerous high-end clients worldwide, Infinity Global opened a finance and human resources office with 25 positions at 4035 Premier Parkway.
PEPPER MOON CATERING
Corporate catering and event venue operator Pepper Moon purchased a new $2 5 million, 45,000-square-foot building at 4310 Regency Drive to serve as its new corporate headquarters and commercial kitchen. The expansion will bring 55 new jobs to High Point and additional investment as the company builds out the new, larger space.
NEW BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT:
When disaster struck the Island of Haiti in 2010, Andy Boutros and his family were devastated. On the morning of Jan. 12, Andy visited his family’s manufacturing plant to check on the shift. He would soon head out for lunch, not knowing that would be the last time he would see that business and the many people working there.
A massive 7 0 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean nation at 4:53 p m , destroying much of the island, including the Boutros family operation.
Seeing a long road to recovery ahead and no immediate path to continue the business in Haiti, Boutros and his family moved to Florida to start anew. Boutros opened C&C industries, providing private-label manufacturing for personal care products and pharmaceuticals. A true example of the American dream, C&C has steadily grown over the years, and in 2024, Boutros began looking for space for continued growth outside of Florida.
Working with High Point Economic Development, C&C was able to find the ideal space in High Point that will support its growth for years to come. Boutros stated of his move to High Point, “With the proper workforce, a wonderful place to be and live, the sky is the limit. This is our first endeavor here. The treatment we have received and how everyone in the city is here to help us, rooting for our success, it surely will not be our last."
WNTOWN PROJECTS
Carolina Core FC, the region's first professional soccer team and member of the MLS Next Pro league, competed in its first season in 2024, finishing with a commendable record of 12-12-4.
Across all home games, CCFC averaged a home attendance of 4,000 and sold out nine of their 14 home games. Ticket sales reflect a deep interest in the team across the Triad, as well as from other areas in our state, including Raleigh and Charlotte.
Carolina Core FC secured a win underneath the Truist Point lights, defeating the Cruz Azul U-23 side 1-0. In a historic matchup, the meeting represented the first international friendly against a United States professional team for Cruz Azul FC, a Mexico City-based club that plays in the Liga MX, the top league of Mexican Soccer.
CCFC YOUTH ACADEMY
The 11,000-square-foot CCFC Youth Academy will be a state-of-the-art youth soccer training facility that will set the standard for player development in our region. GROUND-BREAKING OF
UNVEILING OF A THIRD KIT
CCFC became the first MLS development league team to unveil an alternate kit. This third kit, dubbed the “golden hour kit,” features hues of yellow and orange like the golden hour of the evening just before sunset. The kit was designed by Matthew Wolff, who has previously worked with top-level teams, Los Angeles FC and New York City FC.
WNTOWN PROJECTS
After many years on North Main Street, Visit High Point unveiled their new home on West English Road this past summer. The new location is intentionally located in the downtown Catalyst District adjacent to Congdon Yards, Truist Stadium and the soon-to-be-completed Springhill Suites Hotel.
This location further cements the Catalyst District as High Point’s front porch, making it even easier for visitors to enjoy our city.
DOWNTOWN PROJECTS
SMITTY & PEARLS / ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Adjacent to Congdon Yards and Truist Stadium in Downtown High Point, a new 30,000square-foot mixed-use development was announced this year. This development will be anchored by a new seafood restaurant concept called Smitty & Pearls, which will feature an oyster bar and a rooftop bar.
The development will also feature entertainment options, potentially including things like duckpin bowling and E-Sports programming space.
To celebrate the start of this transformative project, HP Ventures and Business High Point hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 4, 2024.
The ceremony marked the official beginning of construction for the new development, which is set to be a cornerstone in the ongoing revitalization of High Point’s downtown district.
Last year, 313 Space completed its $10 million redevelopment of the former Slane Hosiery Mill and High Point Buggy Co. into a state-of-the-art furniture showroom. This space will house over 60 brands and designers in a beautifully curated downtown space.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
1. Decor-Rest Showroom
212 Jacobs Place
2. GTCC Skilled Trades Center
901 S. Main St.
3. 313 Space
313 S Centennial St
4. Proposed Mixed-Use
Showplace West - 101 S. Main St.
Echelon Resources Inc. & LBD Investments
5. Bernhardt Furniture
101 N. Hamilton St.
6. Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails
325 N Main St
7. Revival
146 Church Ave.
8. The Point Apartments
650 N. Main St.
9. Peters Quarters
100 W Westwood Ave Peters Development
10-11. Stock + Grain
CCFC Pro Shop Taco Street
275 N. Elm St.
12. Smitty & Pearls / Entertainment Complex
202 Lindsay St.
13. Visit High Point 515 W English Road
14. SpringHill Suites
401 W. English Road
Benchmade Ventures
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
DECOR-REST
212 Jacobs Place
In 2024, Canadian Furniture Manufacturer
Decor-Rest Furniture opened its new showroom at 212 Jacobs Place, which is adjacent to the company's former main showroom space. Decor-Rest will maintain its former space and repurpose it for special events. Company President Angelo Marzilli Jr. said that the new space allows Decor-Rest to showcase all of its collections in one location He added that the investment in the new showroom underscores the company’s commitment to the industry and High Point Market
GTCC SKILLED TRADES CENTER
901 S. Main St.
Utilizing $5 Million in funds from an EPA Award, GTCC will develop a new Skilled Trades Center on its High Point campus on South Main Street. This new facility will continue to enhance our area’s workforce and meet the needs of our growing industry and population.
BERNHARDT FURNITURE
101 N. Hamilton St.
Bernhardt Furniture, a fourthgeneration North Carolina furniture manufacturer, announced a new showroom in 2024 at 101 N. Hamilton St. This is the third showroom and second in High Point for the 135year-old high-end furniture manufacturer, which is headquartered in Lenoir, N.C. Bernhardt maintains eight manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, six offices overseas and sales representatives in 50 countries.
PRESS COFFEE, CREPES & COCKTAILS
325
N. Main St.
Continuing the momentum in Downtown High Point, PRESS Coffee, Crepes and Cocktails will open its fourth North Carolina location in High Point. PRESS ownership has purchased the former Broadhurst Theatre, which opened in 1925, and will renovate the building to support the restaurant and potentially other commercial uses. PRESS will bring a fun and exciting brunch concept to Downtown High Point, which is sure to be a hit
REVIVAL
146 Church Ave.
Revival is a new cocktail conce the Mason Jar Group, which al opened the popular fine dining establishment Earl’s Landing in Congdon Yards. Revival will be located on Church Avenue, ac from Truist Stadium, providing another fun gameday bar in Downtown High Point. The bar feature inventive cocktails, a ro bar and a refined atmosphere
THE POINT
650 N. Main St.
Downtown High Point’s first luxury apartments opened in the early summer last year, featuring high-end finishes, walk-in closets, private balconies and more. The 28-unit building was fully leased within three months of opening, showing the demand for residential development in our downtown and helping build a community where you can live, work and play in one area.
TACO STREET
275 N. Elm St.
Taco Street opened this past summer in Stock + Grain Food Hall, bringing exciting Mexican gastronomy to the popular downtown food hall. This is the second location for owner Ana Marie Arriaga, who opened her first restaurant in Concord over 20 years ago.
CAROLINA CORE FC PRO SHOP
275 N. Elm St.
Last Summer, Carolina Core FC, the region’s first professional soccer team, opened a brick-and-mortar retail store in downtown High Point. The store is located in Stock + Grain Food Hall, adjacent to Truist Stadium, home of CCFC Make sure you stop by next time you are there and grab some exciting CCFC merchandise.
SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT
The Congdon Yards campus is expanding with the addition of SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Construction is well underway and is slated to open by September 2025. The hotel site was initially purchased by the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation as part of their commitment to revitalizing downtown High Point. The developer, Benchmade Ventures, plans to unify High Point’s bright future and rich past by creating the new hotel.
WORKFORCE PARTNERS
GTCC supports business and industry by helping develop the most valuable asset - people - through the Customized Training Program (CTP), career services, apprenticeships and more.
A "learn and earn" program, GAP connects high school students to paid internships and classes at GTCC. Upon graduation, students receive a high school diploma, an associate degree and a full-time job in their trained field.
GuilfordWorks offers training services, career fairs, job postings, worker dislocation services and on-the-job training grants to help supply your ideal workforce.
100th Anniversary
In 2024, High Point University celebrated its 100th anniversary. Beginning on 93 acres in 1924, High Point College was a joint venture between the Methodist Church and the City of High Point to bring a higher education institution to High Point.
Now High Point University, the campus has blossomed to over 500 acres, which over 6,000 students call home. HPU’s 100th year was marked by growth with five new academic schools welcoming students: the Kahn School of Law and the Workman School of Dental Medicine, the Congdon School of Entrepreneurship, the Caine School of Nursing and the School of Optometry.
These new schools and their corresponding staffs and buildings are part of $400 Million in new investment at HPU. HPU has also been rated as the #1 Best Run University in the United States and has seen enrollment grow by 5 percent year-over-year.
HIGHLIGHTS
$400millionacademicexpansionexpectedtobe completedbytheendofthe2024-2025academic year
New School of Entrepreneurship, Dental Medicine, School of Law, School of Optometry, School of Nursing, Engineering Program (15 Academic Schools)
New$100MLibrary
Total enrollment 5,981
#1BestRegionalCollegeintheSouthinthelatestUS News&WorldReportrankingsforthe12th consecutiveyear
#1 Most Innovate Regional College in the South for ninth year in a row
#1forBestUndergraduateTeachinginBestRegional CollegesSouth
99 percent of students employed or furthering education within six months of graduation
CITY PARTNERS
CITY INITIATIVES
SHOP ON WASHINGTON
Shop on Washington is a revitalization initiative led by Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce (BHP) to restore the historic Washington Street business district once known as High Point’s ‘Black Wall Street ’ After successful completion of the property selection process, construction is set to begin in Spring 2025, with more than $2 million being raised from public and private sources, including support from the NC General Assembly,
Representative Cecil Brockman and High Point University to support new minority-owned brick-and-mortar ventures Guided by robust community input and currently seeking local entrepreneurs, this endeavor exemplifies how private sector leadership can help advance the City's strategic goals identified in the 2045 Comprehensive Plan.
CITY
In 2024, the City of High Point was awarded the prestigious All-America onor by the National Civic League. This award has been given ually since 1949 to 10 cities that best represent American civic ation. The award recognizes the work of communities in using clusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create r connections among residents, businesses and nonprofit and government leaders.
Council members and other community partners put together en proposal and live presentation to highlight the civic activity ening in High Point. This proposal focused on the Greater High Food Alliance, Thrive High Point and the City’s comprehensive nd. Winning this award brings positive attention to the City and taff and partners to promote the recognition to potential grant funders, potential new businesses, residents and more. ALL-AMERICA
SOUTHWEST REVITALIZATION
Southwest High Point continues its redevelopment spurred by investments from the City of High Point, the Southwest Renewal Foundation and entrepreneurial High Point residents Highlights include:
2045 Comprehensive Plan – High Point’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan has identified Southwest High Point as an ideal candidate for adaptive reuse, promoting a mix of uses to suppo commercial and industrial growth in the area.
Southwest Renewal Foundation wins EPA Grant –awarded a $18.5 million grant to support revitaliza Southwest High Point Money will be put towards improvements, beautification efforts and more.
Cohab Space Continues to Draw Major Artists – C outdoor music venue, furniture showroom and cre located in a redeveloped industrial space in South Last year, Cohab continued to draw major recordi out concerts Artists included Greensky Bluegrass and more. Cohab Space is an award recipient of t Points Green Drive Investment Grant Program HQ and the Gallery Opens – Another award recipient of the Green Drive Investment Grant program, HQ and the Gallery is a bespoke event space in a former industrial space in Southwest High Point This space offers indoor and outdoor space in an urban chic setting for all kinds of events
ED WELCOMES NEW STAFF
igh Point Economic Development welcomed two new staff members Peter Bishop was hired in January 2024 as the ment’s new Director. Bishop previously served as Economic ment Director for the City of Burlington, N.C. and Currituck C Bishop holds a bachelor's from the University of Toledo and an MPA from Cleveland State University.
ey Craft joined High Point Economic Development in June previously serving as the Existing Industry Director with the County Economic Development Corporation. Craft holds a from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MPA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
