Recruit. Retain. Revitalize. Dear High Point Residents, Business Leaders, and Allies: 2021 was a year of vibrant development as well as record investment and job creation in High Point. The High Point Economic Development Corporation has been recruiting new businesses, retaining current ones, and helping spark revitalization as High Point continues along a path of transformational growth. As the High Point EDC Board and staff partnered with a skilled team including City and County local elected officials and managers through the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance, we were able to bring many successful projects to fruition for High Point, Guilford County, and the Carolina Core. When reviewing this annual report, you will learn about these exciting stories of new opportunities and possibilities, along with many more projects in the areas of manufacturing, office, retail, infrastructure, and residential development. With these solid gains occurring in a constantly changing environment, we look forward to continued success in 2022 and beyond. Sincerely,
Carlos Olvera High Point EDC Chair
Sandra V. Dunbeck High Point EDC Director
2021 High Point EDC Board of Directors Chairman Carlos Olvera, SERVPRO of High Point
Chris Whitesell, New Path Digital Royale Wiggin, Thayer Coggin
Government Officials Sandra V. Dunbeck, High Point EDC John Faircloth, NC State Representative Tasha Logan Ford, High Point City Manager Carlvena Foster, Guilford County Commissioner Michael Halford, Guilford County Manager Britt Moore, High Point Councilman Jay Wagner, High Point Mayor
Chamber Appointees Patrick Chapin, Business High Point, Inc. Maurice Hull, Marketplace Management Dr. Lenny Peters, Bethany Medical, Peters Development, & Lenny Peters Foundation Mark Prince, FirstPoint & GMA Cory Rayborn, Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler Scott Tilley, BB&T, Scott & Stringfellow
Council Appointees Dr. L’Tanya Bailey, Bailey Orthodontics Bruce Davis, Kid Appeal Learning Center Beth Earnst, AkzoNobel Jackie King, King Management Chris Patrick, Fastenal
Allies Lyndsey Ayers, High Point University Brian Biggs, Realtors Commercial Alliance Melody Burnett, Visit High Point Brent Christensen, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Dr. Tony Clarke, GTCC
Sandra V. Dunbeck Director
2
Staff Listing Sarah Stevenson Manager
Tom Conley, High Point Market Authority Ray Gibbs, Forward High Point Past Chairs Owen Bertschi, Crescent Ford Charles Cain, PL Developments Don Cameron, Don Cameron & Associates Darlene Leonard, Smith Leonard, Immediate Past Chair Bill McGuinn, First Citizens Bank [retired] Jeff Miller, High Point Regional Health [retired] Jim Morgan, Morgan, Herring, Morgan, Green, Rosenblutt LLP Leah Price, Triad Business Bank Ken Smith, Smith Leonard Dr. Nido Qubein, High Point University Coy Williard, Williard-Stewart, Inc.
Penny Westgard Administrative Specialist
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
COMMUNITY PROFILE Community Profile
COMMUNITY COMMUNITYPROFILE PROFILE COMMUNITY PROFILE HIGH POINT
GUILFORD COUNTY
HIGH POINT
CAROLINA CORE GUILFORD COUNTY GUILFORD CAROLINA GUILFORDCOUNTY COUNTY CAROLINACORE COR GUILFORD COUNTY CAROLINA CORE
114k+ 114k+ 114k+ 114k+ 9.3% 114k+
POPULATION
541k+
HIGH HIGHPOINT POINT HIGH POINT
541k+ Total 3rd 541k+
9.3%
3rd
Total Growth since 2010 Total
Total Largest County in NC Total
Total
Total
Growth since 2010
Growth state-wide since 9.5% 2010 9.5% 9.5%
257k+
Growth since 2010 Growth since 2010
2M+
Largest in in NC LargestCounty County NC
Growth since 2010
Growth State-wide since Growth State-wide sinc
Largest County in NC
61k+
Growth State-wide since
247k+ 257k+ 257k+ 66%
Total
2M+ 2M+ 42M+
Total
61k+ 61k+ 19% Total 61k+
Total
Total 257k+
19%
Total
66%
Total Total Work in Manufacturing Total
4
Total Total Are College Educated Total
Work in manufacturing 19% 19% Work in Manufacturing
$185M+ $185M+ $185M+ $140M $185M+
Invested Downtown since 2019
Target industries 44
50%
Work in in Manufacturing Work Manufacturing
4
4
Target Industries Target Industries
Are College Educated
Target Industries
50% 50% 50% 650 50%
47k 444
of U.S. Population is within
Invested downtown since 2019
2M+
Total Total Target Industries Total
Of total population 66% 66% 66% is Are college educated College Educated Are College Educated
19% $185M+
INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE
9.5%
Total Total 2010 Growth State-wide since Total
3rd 3rd 3rd
61k+
NFRASTRUCTURE
Total 8M+ 9.5% 8M+
Largest county in NC
9.3% 9.3% 9.3%
WORKFORCE WORKFORCE WORKFORCE WORKFORCE
8M+ 8M+ Total
Total
Total
WORKFORCE
8M+
541k+ 541k+
Total
POPULATION POPULATION POPULATION POPULATION
CAROLINA CORE
Megasites with over
of U.S. population is within
Megasites with over
Invested Downtown since 2019 U.S. Population is is within Invested Downtown since 2019 of U.S. Population within Megasites with over More Projected by 2032 Miles of of Guilford County Megasites with ove Acres Primed for Development Invested of U.S. Population is within Megasites with ove Source: Business Downtown High Point, Inc.since 2019 via 6 Interstates, 3 Airports,
$140M+ $140M $140M
650 650 650
5 Ports & 2 Rail Systems
Additional investment $140M projected by 2032 More Projected by 2032
More Projected byby 2032 More Projected 2032 Source: Business High Point, Inc. Source: Business High Point, Inc. Source: Business High Point, Inc.
Miles of Guilford County 650 ofof Guilford County Miles Guilford County via 6Miles Interstates, 3 Airports, Miles of Guilford County via 6 6 Interstates, 3 3 Airports, via Interstates, Airports, 5 Ports & 2& Rail Systems via 6 Interstates, Airports, 5 Ports 2 Rail 3 Systems
7k 7k 7k Acres primed7k
for development
Acres Primed for Develop Acres Primed for Develo
Acres Primed for Develop
Rave Reviews
5 Ports & 2 Rail Systems
5 Ports & 2 Rail Systems
Rave Reviews
We're able to attract
In High Point, you can have
experienced talent to High
a great home in a family-
Point because of the
friendly neighborhood and
We're able toto attract We're able attract lower-cost of living and We're to the attract low cost ofable living and quality experienced toto High experienced talent High high quality of life.talent experienced talent to High ofPoint life here.” because of the Point because of the Point because of the lower-cost ofof living and lower-cost living and lower-cost of living and high quality ofof life. high quality life. Vice President of Operations, high quality of life.
InIn High you can have As it it grows, High Point has High Point, you can have As grows, High Point ha be close to aPoint, manufacturing High Point, you can have As it grows, High Point has close toIn a manufacturing area of town, great home inis aa familythe unique ability toto mainta great home in familythe unique ability main area a ofa town, which home the unique ability to mainta which friendly isaa great fantasticneighborhood balance.”in a familyand its community feel. friendly neighborhood and its community feel. a fantastic balance. friendly neighborhood and its community feel. be close toto aa manufacturing be close manufacturing be close to a manufacturing area ofof town, which is is area town, which President, President, area of town, which is aa fantastic balance. fantastic balance. Distributing, Inc. Hot Shots RUD Fleet a fantastic balance.
“We’re able to attract experienced talent to High Point because of the
Swierenga BrianBrian Swierenga Vice President of Operations, Cambrex High Point
Rave Rave “In High Point, you can haveReviews a Reviews great home “As it grows, High Point has the unique Rave Reviews
in a family-friendly neighborhood and be
Lauren Heald Heald Lauren President,
Cambrex High Point Hot Shots Distributing, Inc. Lauren Heald Brian Swierenga Lauren Heald Brian Swierenga Lauren Heald Brian Swierenga President, Vice President ofof Operations, President, Vice President Operations, Vice President of Operations, Cambrex High Point Cambrex High Point Cambrex High Point
As it grows, High Point has the unique ability to maintain its community feel.
ability to maintain its community feel.”
Drew Haire Drew Haire President,
RUD Fleet Drew Haire Drew Haire Drew Haire President, President,
President, Distributing, Inc. Hot Shots Distributing, Inc. Hot Shots
President, RUD Fleet RUD Fleet
Hot Shots Distributing, Inc.
RUD Fleet
2021 ANNUALREPORT: REPORT: RECRUIT. RECRUIT. RETAIN. 2021 ANNUAL RETAIN.REVITALIZE. REVITALIZE.
3
3
Office & Industrial Projects Hot Shots Distributing, Inc., the world’s largest hot sauce distributor
with 1,400+ hot sauces and other fiery food products, relocated from Charlotte, N.C., to southwest High Point. The company purchased and up fitted the building at 827 W. Green Dr. for warehousing and future production. On choosing High Point, company vice-president Matt Heald shares, “The real estate market is perfectly suited for small-scale distribution and manufacturing.” Hot Shots has invested $565,000 and is in the process of creating 21 new jobs. Puroast Coffee Company, Inc. relocated from California and now
leases a 36,000-sf distribution center at 905 W. Market Center Dr. for its low-acid, high-antioxidant coffee products. Kerry Sachs, company president, chose the location based on proximity to two Amazon fulfillment centers. Puroast Coffee is investing over $1.5M and creating 44 new jobs. Puroast Coffee features 70% less acid than any other coffee on the market and seven times more antioxidants than green tea.
DC BLOX, a designer, developer, and operator of highly secure Tier III
data centers across the Southeast, announced a High Point location on the 14-acre tract at 4131 Sheraton Ct. The decision brings a $305M investment, the largest from a single project to the city in 15 years. This will be the first Tier III data center in the Piedmont Triad Region and all across the Carolina Core. DC BLOX has also pledged to work to reduce the digital divide in underprivileged areas. DC BLOX describes High Point as “an environment where we can be successful and impactful.” Fitesa, a Brazilian-based manufacturer of spunmelt nonwoven fabrics
supplying innovative solutions for the hygiene, medical, and industrial markets, announced expansion plans of its High Point facility at 200 S. West Point Ave. The 38,000-sf expansion will allow for the production of hard surface and personal care wipes. Fitesa will invest $18M in machinery, equipment, and building improvements and create as many as 22 new jobs. The building is in one of the city’s three Opportunity Zones and adjacent to the targeted area for Small-Scale Manufacturing. Stuart and Leyla Gans purchased the historic Picket Cotton Mill at 1200 Redding Dr., where they have set up shop for their three businesses: Classical Elements, M2C Studio, and Leyla Gans, LLC. Classical Elements and M2C Studio are leaders in the creation of decorative trim, drapery hardware, and lighting. Recently, Leyla has expanded her product assortment portfolio by creating a nature and art-inspired jewelry line that combines textiles and other materials. The Gans are consolidating their businesses under one roof in High Point from locations in Asheville, N.C., and Raleigh, N.C., and bringing 30 new jobs.
4
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Office & Industrial Projects Key Risk, a workers compensation insurance firm and a Berkley Company, announced the relocation of its headquarters from sister-city Greensboro, N.C., to High Point in August 2021. The company will bring 80 jobs downtown, anchoring 275 N. Elm St., adjacent to Truist Point. The 275 N. Elm building is the first of several planned buildings to create The Outfields, a master development plan to further revitalize the core city. Key Risk will occupy the entire third floor and about 40% of the second. RUD Fleet Corporation will relocate and expand its headquarters from Eastchester Dr. to 209 N Main St., the former Huffman Koos building. RUD – Ready Upon Delivery – Fleet provides licensing and titling services as well as transport and final-touch services to companies with vehicle fleets. RUD Fleet’s location choice will activate the building after five years of vacancy and bring 30 jobs downtown. To upfit the building from showroom to office use, investments to the property will exceed $250,000. Cambrex, a global biopharmaceutical manufacturer of small molecule Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and intermediates to support clinical trials from Phase I to Phase III, announced a $30M expansion of its manufacturing facility on Mendenhall Oaks Pkwy., and the creation of 78 full-time jobs paying an average salary of over $96,000. The expansion will add new chemistry laboratories, two new clinical manufacturing suites, and include a small-scale commercial manufacturing operation with three work centers.
More Growth
Davis Furniture opened a new $8.5M facility in June to serve as its corporate headquarters.
Mickey Truck Bodies is opening a new production facility at 1135 Foust Ave., investing $800k in upfits and creating 25 jobs.
Splashworks announced a $750k-1M expansion plan for its 515 W. English Rd. facility, where it designs and manufactures wall art and more.
Home Depot opened a delivery facility and Cranston Trucking Co. began operations, sharing space at 780 Pegg Rd.
GXO Logistics is adding 110 jobs at 4035 Piedmont Pkwy.
Carolina Cookie Company moved its headquarters into High Point at 819 Baker Rd., which also serves as a production facility.
Riverside Furniture renovated 401 S. Main St. into a showroom and year-round product development hub through a $10M investment.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT: RECRUIT. RETAIN. REVITALIZE.
5
Retail & Service Projects American Family Care relocated to 2305 N. Main St., where it neighbors a new Truliant Federal Credit Union facility – the second in the city. Atrium Health has combined with Wake Forest Baptist. As part of the partnership, Atrium has pledged to invest $3.4B across the medical system over the next 10 years. Bank of Oak Ridge enters the High Point community with a location at 2513 Eastchester Dr., Suite 111. Barberitos adds a location in Heron Village at 2754 NC-68 N.
Founding Fathers Distillery is the city’s first, offering whiskey and rum at 6116 Hickory Chapel Rd. Jimmy John’s has opened at 2010 N. Main St. and features a drive-thru. Paddled South Brewing Co. opened Summer 2021 at 602 N. Main St., offering craft brews and convenient proximity to Truist Point and other downtown activities. Panera Bread opened its second location in High Point at 1911 N. Main St.
Becky and Mary’s Restaurant returns, reopening at 731 Washington St.
Pen + Pillar, a producer of ethicallysourced notepads, art, and greeting cards, opened its first retail location at 1345 N. Main St.
Bethany Medical opened a new clinic location at 819 N. Main St. in the Peters Plaza II Shopping Center.
Signature Wealth Strategies relocated from Eastchester Dr. to 132 Church Ave. to be part of downtown High Point action.
Bojangles & Hibachi & Bubble are operating in North High Point at 4824 W. Wendover Ave.
Sweet Dough Bake Shop joins Heron Village at 2758 NC-68 N., offering delectable treats inspired by travel.
Boxwood Antiques opened at 520 N. Hamilton St., offering year-round public access to its antiques, home décor and collectibles.
Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine (TAPM), a nonprofit, federally qualified health center, opened a new High Point facility and reactivated the building at 606 N. Elm St.
Captivate Media, a film production company, relocated and expanded its office from 118 to 136 Church Ave. Company’s Coming, a grab-and-go market for homemade classics, has moved and expanded to 2515 N. Main St. Davis & Goldberg Orthodontics is relocating to the 1600 block of N. Main St. at the corner of W. State Ave. Deka Lash opened its first High Point location at 2513 Eastchester Dr., Unit 115.
Unwind on Main, a café and cocktail lounge, opened at 144 N. Main St., adding vibrancy in the core city. Vann York Honda opened a newly constructed facility at its existing location on 422 Eastchester Dr. Velocity 360 Fun Zone, the Triad’s first multi-attraction indoor family facility, has opened at 4435 Monument Trace, just off Piedmont Pkwy. Ziggy’s, a live music venue, will relocate to
High Point, opening at COHAB Space on W. English Rd. in Spring 2022.
6 4
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNUAL REPORT
Infrastructure & Residential Projects Infrastructure Projects Eastchester / I-74 Project: To improve traffic flow and create ease of access onto I-74 from Eastchester Dr., this project converted left turn lanes into right-turn loops. Having started in 2018, this project reported in December 2021 it is near completion.
Montlieu Project: To create a corridor that is both beautiful and functional from the campus of High Point University to the city’s developing downtown, this $9.7M project will renovate the stretch of Montlieu Ave. (now Qubein Ave.) from campus to N. Main St. Project plans include burying overhead electric lines and updating infrastructure. The University and the City will each contribute to cover the cost. Skeet Club Rd. Project: Dating back to 2016, the project to widen and improve Skeet Club Rd. between Eastchester Dr. and Johnson St., is marked to be completed in Spring 2022. The project widened the road from two to four lanes, including on the bridge, relocated utility lines, and installed sidewalks on both sides of Skeet Club Rd.
A conceptual view of the sidepath along the Montlieu Avenue Complete Streets Connector.
Triangle Lake Rd. Project: To improve safety on a 1.2-mile stretch of Triangle Lake Rd. from True Lane to E. Martin Luther King Dr., City Council awarded a design contract in 2021 to evaluate adding turn lanes, sidewalks, bicycle lanes and upgrading transit stops. This project is part of a city bond referendum, with the goal to begin construction during the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Residential Projects
“Homes are Where Jobs Sleep at Night” Apartments & Condos Peters Development has three residential projects in the works to bring more living options into the core city. Construction is underway at 650 N. Main St., adjacent to The Dog House, and future plans include developing apartments and/or condos at 208 N. Elm St. and 305 N. Lindsay St.
Single-Family Units The Landing at Sycamore Creek, a 36-lot subdivision at 3501 Corvair Dr., will feature 20 single-family homes and 16 twinhomes and is expected to be completed in April 2022. Windsor Homes adds 82 homes to 4355-4361 Barrow Rd., directly across from Southwest Guilford High School.
Wynnefield Properties will develop 216 affordable housing apartments on a 28-acre site at W. Wendover Ave. and Morris Farm Dr. Townhomes LeoTerra Development is adding over 1,000 townhomes through three projects across the city: an estimated 300 units on a 44acre tract at the intersection of Johnson St. and Skeet Club Rd., 534 units on a 72-acre tract at Skeet Club Rd. and Joyce Circle, and 420 homes on a 70-acre tract at Cox Ave. and Jackson Lake Rd. Rendering of 208 N. Elm St., a Peters Development project.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT: RECRUIT. RETAIN. REVITALIZE.
7 5
Downtown Transformation Congdon Yards Opens
The Congdon Yards campus opened in Spring 2021. Pictured above is the iconic water tower and entrance to The Factory.
second-floor restaurant, a distillery and pizza pub, fully furnished office suites, corporate meeting spaces, and a renovated entry for The Loft. Approximately 38 additional businesses and 300 jobs are projected to locate to Congdon Yards in the next two years, including Business High Point and TAG (Theatre Art Gallery). Across the rest of the campus, a flagship hotel with more than 130 rooms and a new Events Center are also in the works, continuing the expansion of Congdon Yards. Total investment to the campus is over $50M to date from David Congdon and The Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation.
Opening in March 2021, the Congdon Yards campus occupies two fully renovated historic buildings at the corner of W. English Rd. and N. Elm St., and features the award-winning event venue The Loft, public gathering The Commons, and the commercial-grade woodshop, production, and prototyping facility, The Generator. Since opening, 25 local and regional businesses set up headquarters at Congdon Yards, bringing 262 people to work downtown every day. The campus is also home to High Point’s innovative THRIVE Minority Entrepreneurship Initiative. Construction is underway on the next phase of Congdon Yards. The Factory will add specialty cocktail lounge Earls Landing, a
Set in Congdon Yards, THRIVE High Point opened to the community in October with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Stock + Grain Food Hall at The Outfields • Damn Good Dogs: Focusing on gourmet grilled hot dogs & smash burgers • Go Yaki: Combining African & Japanese to deliver bowls, rolls & wings
Scheduled to open in Spring 2022, the Stock + Grain Food Hall will host nine food vendors and two bars.
Located in 275 N. Elm St., a mixed-use development, the Food Hall will occupy the first floor of the three-story building and offer space for private events. This is the first building of The Outfields project – a multi-building campus around Truist Point designed by the City’s downtown master developer, Elliott Sidewalk Communities, to further revitalize downtown.
Set to open in Spring 2022, Stock + Grain Assembly Food Hall will soon be available for all to enjoy. The 12,000-sf food hall hosts nine independently owned food concepts and two bars. Current restaurant partners include: • Biscuits, Brisket & Beer: Serving Texas-style BBQ with five beers on tap • Pop’s Mini Doughnut Shop: Specializing in made-to- order doughnuts in artistic flavors • Yumi Sushi: Serving up sushi, customizable poke bowls, Japanese sakes & Boba tea
8
A plaza outside Stock + Grain will lead to the Truist Point center field entrance.
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Downtown Transformation Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum - A Destination for Discovery! Growing up in Guilford County will be even more exciting with the opening of The Nido & Mariana Qubein Children’s Museum this spring at 200 Qubein Ave. Families will enjoy 75,000-sf of hands-on activities on 4+ acres in downtown High Point, including two floors packed with exciting exhibits based in
The Qubein Children’s Museum is one of the city’s newest downtown attractions.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). Guests can explore Mars, scale the Courage Climber, solve mysteries, dig for fossils, ride the double-decker carousel, and more! The Museum is also available to host birthday parties, field trips, education programming, and community events.
The Museum’s double-decker carousel can carry 76 riders at a time.
Peters Development: “Taking High Point Higher” with Renovations & New Construction
Peters Development is revitalizing multiple properties, including 621 N. Main St.
Peters Development has several downtown projects underway and many more are planned across the core city. Newly constructed and now open is the Peters Development headquarters at 645 N. Main St. Set for completion in March of this year is a mixed-use retail and office building at 665 N. Main St. Construction is underway on the mixed-use project at 650 N. Main, which will be home to downtown’s first new apartment complex offering 1& 2 bedroom apartments with balconies. Architectural design is underway for a restaurant at 621 N. Main and for a bank at 100 Westwood Ave. Properties at 208 N. Elm St, 312 N. Elm St., and 210 Gatewood Ave. all are in the planning stage.
Truist Point: Truly Multi-Purpose In just three short years, Truist Point has become a destination venue for the Triad and surrounding regions. The 4,400-seat home of the High Point Rockers of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, Truist Point supports a multitude of additional entertainment activities that draw fans and citizens to downtown High Point. In 2021, Truist Point hosted its first large-scale concert with Fitz and The Tantrums during High Point Fall Furniture Market, served as the home site for multiple USL soccer matches, and held the first official lighting of a 44-foot Christmas tree in front of the stadium as part of a downtown holiday festival. In 2022, the multipurpose stadium will serve as host for the Big South Conference Baseball Championship and the Old
Dominion Athletic Conference Baseball Championship as it continues to serve the High Point community with a wide range of activities.
Truist Point welcomed fans back for a second High Point Rockers season.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT: RECRUIT. RETAIN. REVITALIZE.
9
Sites for Development Small-Scale Manufacturing Small-scale manufacturing refers to producers with 50 employees or less that occupy 5,000 – 30,000-sf of space. This phenomenon is reactivating many facilities in the city’s southwest:
• Hot Shots distributes thousands of hot sauces and other fiery food products around the world from Southwest High Point. • Ezine, Inc. has acquired multiple properties in the Southwest for renovations and revitalization. • Stabb Designs expanded to a facility on W. Green Dr. The company designs, fabricates and installs “uniquely beautiful” solutions for client spaces. • Ethnicraft USA tripled its distribution capability by adding an 80,000-sf warehouse to its properties and created 18 new jobs. • Fitesa, a Brazilian-based non-woven fabrics maker, located to the Southwest and has now announced an $18M expansion.
Industrial Sites 1. Brentwood & US 29 has 35 acres at 2001 Brentwood St. The site includes 34 acres and one acre with an existing 39,000-sf building. 2. Gallimore Industrial Center is a 70-acre, shovel-ready industrial site on Gallimore Dairy Rd., ready for Build-to- Suit development.
5. Piedmont Commerce Center consists of 150 acres at the intersection of Macy Grove Rd. at Salem Pkwy. 6. Piedmont Corporate Park has 99 remaining acres at 5210 Highgreen Ct. The industrial park welcomes office, light manufacturing, and distribution uses.
3. High Point North offers over 500 acres at 2519 Sandy Ridge Rd. This 2-phase Industrial Center can host a 1M-sf building in addition to others.
7. Ponderosa features 143 acres at 328 South Rd. Located in Guilford & Davidson Counties and minutes from downtown, this land is zoned Heavy Industrial and can accommodate up to a 700,000-sf building.
4. The Koury Spec Building will be constructed on 30 acres at 501 Gallimore Dairy Rd. and provide over 94,000-sf.
8. NC 66 at I-74 provides convenient access to High Point and Winston-Salem, and can accommodate a 360,000-sf building.
Brentwood & US 29
Piedmont Commerce Center
10
Gallimore Industrial Center
Piedmont Corporate Park
High Point North
Ponderosa
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Koury Spec Building
NC 66 at I-74
City News Welcome City Manager Tasha Logan Ford Tasha Logan Ford began her role as High Point City Manager in July 2021. Logan Ford joins the City from Winston-Salem, N.C., where she was an assistant city manager. Prior, Logan Ford has also had leadership roles in the cities of Goldsboro and Rocky Mount. City Lake Park Renovation Underway City Lake Park is undergoing a major renovation, with improvements planned for its pool, recreational facility, lawn, and stage. Expected to open prior to Summer 2022, visitors will be able to enjoy a new lazy river, slide, concessions area, locker rooms, and additional parking.
The new Police Headquarters was constructed in 2021 and opened at the start of 2022.
New Police HQ Opens The High Point Police Department has a new headquarters location at 1730 Westchester Dr. The 76,000-sf facility provides more than twice the amount of space than the previous building. Officers now have access to a larger crime lab, additional holding cells, more evidence storage, additional parking, and the 911 Call Center team on-site.
Library
A rendering of the Southwest Heritage Greenway expansion, to be completed with the RAISE grant funds.
City Receives $19.8M Federal RAISE Grant The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the City of High Point $19.8M for expanded greenways, bike lanes, and accessible streets to better connect the city’s residents with the downtown through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program.
The RAISE grant will allow the greenway to be expanded and improved, connecting the path from the city’s south to north and then into Greensboro.
A rendering on the streetscaping for N. Elm St., also part of the RAISE grant.
2021 ANNUAL REPORT: RECRUIT. RETAIN. REVITALIZE.
11
Education High Point University’s Transformational Growth Continues High Point University continues to attract thousands of new people to the Triad. HPU’s soaring enrollment, campus growth, and job creation provides $765 million in annual economic impact. Here’s how HPU continues to thrive under the leadership of President Nido Qubein.
Qubein Center Grand Opening The highly anticipated grand opening for the Nido & Mariana Qubein Arena & Conference Center was held on Sept. 24, 2021. The 350,000-sf facility serves as a real-world learning lab for HPU students in various majors. The center is as much for the High Point community as it is for students. Students and families enjoy the 4,500-seat arena by attending HPU Men’s and Women’s Basketball games, major concerts, and more. The 2,500-seat conference center has already hosted several events including HPU’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration, Community Prayer Breakfast, the N.C. Economic Outlook luncheon, and Disney’s Symphony Pops concert.
The new facility accommodates University, community and special events.
Record Enrollment
A ribbon cutting opens the Qubein Arena & Conference Center and Kahn Hotel.
New health care programs set to enroll their first students this fall include: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Master of Biomedical Sciences, and Master of Health Care Administration.
HPU Fuels Local Economy University events attract 100,000 visitors to the City each year, bringing a business boost for local restaurants, hotels, and shops while adding stability and economic growth to the City of High Point. Melody Burnett, Visit High Point president, said that Spring and Fall Family Weekends alone bring $1.5M to the local economy. Since Qubein became president in 2005, he has transformed campus, growing academic schools from three to 10. The community benefits through the creation of construction jobs and on-campus positions, cultural enrichment opportunities for the community, and thousands of new students who now call the city home. The HPU family also contributes 110,000 volunteer hours each year.
HPU welcomed its largest class of 1,550 new students during August 2021, as well as the largest total enrollment in HPU history at 5,850 students.
A Legacy for Health Care Education The university’s Innovation Corridor houses numerous successful science and health care programs. Congdon Hall is home to the Congdon School of Health Sciences and the Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, which include programs such as the Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Athletic Training, and Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
12
The Qubein Center is now home to the University’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs, as well as numerous special events.
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Education & Largest Employers Guilford Technical Community College
High Point’s Largest Employers in 2021
GTCC is where students and businesses have the opportunity to “make amazing happen.”
1. Ralph Lauren 2671 apparel, accessories & home furnishings
Through more than 80 degree programs and 100 technical diplomas and industry certificates, the college served more than 25,000 students in the past year on campuses in High Point, Jamestown, and throughout Guilford County.
2. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist health care
2566
3. Guilford County Schools education
1853
4. High Point University secondary education
1568
Over the last two years, GTCC expanded curriculum and continuing education programs to meet the growing demands in a wide range of industries, from health care to advanced manufacturing to aviation to shipping to law enforcement. The college also provided more help for those most affected by the pandemic, investing more than $748,000 in resources to help students meet their non-academic needs. And with federal CARE grants, financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance, the cost of a GTCC education can now, in many cases, be reduced to almost zero.
GTCC is home to The Furniture Academy, which trains the local workforce for local employment opportunities in the Home Furnishings Capital of the World.TM
5. Aetna 1500 insurance 6. City of High Point government
1470
7. Daimler - Thomas Built Buses manufacturing - buses, corporate office
1460
8. Environmental Air Systems manufacturing - HVAC equipment
1114
9. Marsh Furniture manufacturing - cabinets
679
10. Volvo Group North America manufacturing - trucks, buses, engines, & construction equipment
600
11. HAECO Americas* manufacturing - aviation
550
12. GXO logistics
501
13. Thermo Fischer manufacturing - pharmaceutical
460
14. Guilford County government
397
15. Bethany Medical health care
396
16. Slane Hosiery Mills* manufacturing - footwear
371
17. Leggett & Platt* manufacturing - furniture components
360
18. Fastenal 314 manufacturing - industrial & construction supplies 19. Pennybyrn retirement community
297
20. Vann York Auto Group vehicle dealerships
295
21. Mickey Truck Bodies manufacturing - truck bodies
287
22. Harriss & Covington** manufacturing - hosiery
275
23. AkzoNobel 260 manufacturing - paints, primers & coatings A GTCC student learns about Innovative Manufacturing, one of the city’s and region’s largest industry sectors.
24. Davis Furniture manufacturing - commercial furniture
249
* 2019 employment number ** Triad Business Journal 2021 Book of Lists
2021 ANNUAL REPORT: RECRUIT. RETAIN. REVITALIZE.
13
Market & Tourism High Point Market
High Point Market Remains Consistent Economic Driver for Industry and Region person since October 2020, Market has increased its attendance at each biannual event since the canceled Spring 2020 Market. With unprecedented supply chain issues throughout 2021, High Point Market was an industry essential for buyers needing to stock and source. For local businesses, patronage from Market exhibitors and attendees was a vital added revenue source. High Point Market remains committed to both the industry and its community. Two full Markets are scheduled for 2022: April 2-6 and October 22-26. Market continues to deliver a high-quality experience for buyers and attendees.
Over the past 113 years, High Point Market has become a powerful economic force, recognized for its global reach and economic impact, benefiting not only its hometown, but the region and state as well. Annually, High Point Market creates more than $6.73 billion in economic impact, thus making it the largest economic event in North Carolina. Throughout the pandemic, High Point Market’s consistency has been a boon to both the furniture industry and the community. Back in
Fall 2021 Market hosted a concert open to market guests and community members, a first-ever event, at Truist Point featuring Fitz and The Tantrums.
Visit High Point
Make Yourself at Home Travel trends continue to rebound as High Point uniquely benefits from the home furnishings and design industries. As consumers continue to re-imagine their home spaces, they look to High Point for inspiration and as a valued resource. Furthermore, Visit High Point launched a complimentary Concierge Service, assisting over 100 shoppers with customized itineraries. High Point continues to generate relocation interest as smaller cities
All are welcome to Visit High Point’s state-of-the-art Visitors Center at 1634 N. Main St., Suite 102.
with connectivity are gaining popularity. Relocation mailings increased 4% over last year.
Melody Burnett (second from left), Visit High Point president, accepts the Certified Autism Center Designation with support from (L to R ) Guilford County Commissioner Carlvena Foster, High Point City Manager Tasha Logan Ford, and Councilwoman Monica Peters.
14
As a place making strategy for the visitor economy and destination development for livability, Visit High Point received its Certified Autism Center (CAC) Designation through International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), making them the first certified Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) on the East Coast. Visit High Point will lead High Point in 2022 to become the first Certified Autism Destination in N.C.
HIGH POINT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Regionalism Toyota Announces Electric Vehicle Battery Plant In December 2021, Toyota announced it would build an electric vehicle battery plant at the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite, investing $1.2B and creating over 1,750 jobs. This project represents the largest capital investment from a single project in the state’s history. The plant is expected to be operational in 2025. Leading Toyota to choose the NC Carolina Core were factors such as the area’s renewable energy availability, extensive and well-maintained highway system for overland logistics, four international airports and two seaports, onsite rail, diverse workforce, world-renowned education system, and strong government partnership at the state and local levels.
Governor Roy Cooper announces Toyota as the company to build an electric vehicle battery plant at the Greensboro - Randolph Megasite.
NC Carolina Core
Guilford County Economic Development Alliance
A division of Piedmont Triad Partnership (PTP), the Carolina Core is a 120+ mile stretch of central North Carolina from west of Winston-Salem to Fayetteville encompassing Greensboro and High Point and near Charlotte and the Research Triangle, all along future Interstate 685. In 2021, PTP welcomed Mike Fox as President and Loren Hill as the NC Carolina Core Economic Development Director.
Formed in 2015, the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance (GCEDA) consists of the local governments of Guilford County and the Cities of Greensboro and High Point, as well as the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. Under the Alliance, the organizations work together to manage projects, share leads, conduct research, and lead the county into its bright future.
Workforce: The Carolina Core is in North Carolina’s urban crescent, where the workforce population is 2 million and growing. More than 30 colleges and universities in and around the Carolina Core fuel the region’s workforce, contribute to an innovation mindset, and inject vibrancy into communities. Infrastructure: The Carolina Core is defined by the assets that make the region a globally competitive market – multiple airports, four megasites totaling 7,200 acres of certified land, urban research parks, and more. Quality of Life: Communities throughout the Carolina Core are investing in parks and public spaces, roads, downtown revitalization, and cultural centers that bring people together.
The GCEDA staff (from L to R): Brent Christensen, Taylor Hutchins, Meridith Berger, Sandy Dunbeck, Sarah Stevenson, Cyndi Dancy and Marvin Price.
GCEDA Leadership Group Skip Alston, Guilford County Board of Commissioners Chairman Anita Bachman, UnitedHealthcare, GCEDA Chair Brent Christensen, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Sandra V. Dunbeck, High Point EDC Tasha Logan Ford, City of High Point Carlvena Foster, Guilford County Board of Commissioners Michael Halford, Guilford County Carlos Olvera, SERVPRO of High Point, GCEDA Vice Chair Justin Outling, Greensboro City Council Jay Wagner, City of High Point Mayor Chris Williams, High Point City Council Chris Wilson, City of Greensboro Nancy Vaughan, City of Greensboro Mayor
2021 ANNUAL REPORT: RECRUIT. RETAIN. REVITALIZE.
15