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Special Projects
OUTDOOR ECONOMY
The Great State of Wilkes Outdoor Recreation Action Plan creates a roadmap to ensure strategic decision-making and grow the outdoor economy. The plan focuses on recreation infrastructure projects such as trails, greenways, destination-quality parks, attractive downtowns, and the creation of multiuse public spaces suitable for major events and festivals. The Boros River District evolved during the process and the possibility of its creation is underway. Many other recommendations across the county will contribute significantly to the quality of life for local residents, help attract visitors and grow businesses.
Learn more about the Action Plan at: www.WilkesOutdoorActionPlan.com
Help us spread the word by using #WhyWilkes and sharing our posts on social media!
While working on the Outdoor Action Plan, Wilkes EDC continues to encourage start-ups, entrepreneurship and recruitment of businesses that utilize and appreciate our local outdoor amenities through the
marketing campaign.
NC TECH PATHS LIVE. TRAIN. REMAIN.
Build a successful tech career, right here at home! We’re here to help.
We offer various educational pathways leading to in-demand tech jobs, including:
Degree-Seeking Programs Short-Term Accelerated Programs Self-Paced Part-Time Programs
NC Tech Paths will meet you where you are and support you each step of the way.
WILKES CHILDCARE STUDY
In June 2022, The Leonard G. Herring Family Foundation announced the funding of a comprehensive childcare study for Wilkes County and the organization of a taskforce to guide its progress. The study will document existing services and resources, then recommend steps to create an innovative childcare ecosystem in Wilkes County, NC to enhance the labor force participation and create a healthy environment for families. The study will also identify the roles that community stakeholders could play in order to expand access and affordability for quality care.
“Improving access, quality, and affordability of childcare in Wilkes County is both a social and economic imperative,” said Craig DeLucia, CEO of the Herring Family Foundation... By estimating projected growth, the study will be able to determine what needs will arise from the community in terms of population, childcare and workforce in addition to the gaps that already exist. It will also research innovative childcare systems that could provide widespread benefits to both citizens and local employers. ThisProgram is Fundedby
Learn more and get involved by scanning the QR code!
WILKES COMMERCIAL BUSINESS CENTER
Economic development efforts are hampered as sites and available buildings for expanding businesses are scarce. Many are unable to wait for construction. Immediate market demand compels them to consider leaving the area. The Wilkes EDC received a $1.5 million grant from Golden LEAF and a $1.9 million match contributed by Wilkes County to fund a solution to these issues in our area. This will solve current project demand based on reliable data collected locally, where companies are searching for new facilities that are not available. The Business Center will support retention and growth of jobs and companies. Funds received from lease income would be utilized for maintenance and expanding the program to create additional innovation centers in the future.
YEAR END REVIEW 2021-2022 NOTABLE ACTIVITIES
• Received Golden LEAF Foundation’s Site Identification Grant • Coordinated a Sewing Industry Cluster Meeting with Wilkes Community College • Became a Recovery Friendly Workplace with Wilkes Recovery Revolution • Engaged with Wilkes Chapter of Winston-Salem Realtors Association • Carolina Core Engagement to Encourage Hwy. 421 Becoming an Interstate • Chosen for NC Secretary of State’s Pilot Program RuralRISE Supporting New
Business Growth • Hosted 26 New Businesses, Site Selectors and Partners as Guests During MerleFest • Participated in the NWNC Vision 2022 Summit • Airport Video Released (view video by scanning QR code)
WORKFORCE SUMMIT
On March 17th, Wilkes EDC in partnership with the High Country Workforce Development Board held the first Wilkes Workforce Summit. Over 100 Business, Community, and Resource Leaders registered to attend the event. Keynote Speaker Dr. Harry Davis, PhD, Professor of Finance at Appalachian State University, gave an overview of the economic trends affecting workforce. After Dr. Davis’s presentation, Resource Partners representing various local and regional organizations, such as Vocational Rehab, Re-Entry, Apprenticeships and On-the-Job-Training all gave a 60-second overview of services they offer that people may not be aware of. Attendees were broken up into three groups, based on preferences they indicated during registration. Each group focused on certain factors as they relate to attracting or retaining workforce: Group #1 was Childcare, Housing & Transportation, #2 Poverty, Domestic Violence & Substance Abuse, and #3 Policies, Perks, Pay Scale & Culture. Work-Life Balance, Adequate Pay, Access to Childcare and Transportation, Development, Person-Centered Workplaces, Remote Working, and Second Chance Hiring were some of the many listed recommendations from participants in each group. Also announced was the Wilkes County Workforce Resource Guide, available on the EDC’s website, which combines resources for employers and those seeking employment. We encourage you to link to the guide, contact us to provide us with your information or scan the QR code to view the guide.
