Jim RasmussenHCPED Board Chair 2018-2019Morrow Insurance Agency

• One of the most aggressive marketing calendars to date with a strategic target market campaign (pg 12);

• A well-developed existing industry program that brought enhanced value to over 130 manufacturers in Henderson County (pg 8);

• An advanced manufacturing apprenticeship program that was created and executed in under 12 months, exceeding expectations. (pg 7);

• An annual event that brought nearly every single type of product manufactured in Henderson County together under one roof for the Mountain Made Showcase (pg 10)

The work is complex; however, we strive to make it feel simple for the businesses and industries that we serve. The 2018-2019 year demonstrated that through our continued, consistent, and collaborative problem-solving, Henderson County remains a key destination for new and current businesses.

Our legacy of economic innovation continues to make life in Henderson County what it should be…simply perfect.

simply

perfectAs we look back over the past 25 years of economic development in Henderson County, we have much to celebrate. We have upheld our mission to attract and retain quality jobs, solicit new business compatible with the assets and values of Henderson County, promote Henderson County’s business image, assist in the expansion and retention of existing companies, and enhance Henderson County’s overall quality of life.

Accomplishing our mission requires creative problem-solving and deploying unique ideas. This past year gave rise to many milestones achieved by the Partnership, which included:

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Smartrac Technology Group - Fletcher produces RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. In the fast-moving, forward thinking, technology-driven world we live in, it is no surprise that a company like Smartrac would be facing rapid upward growth. As the RFID market expands, the company had the opportunity to become one of the largest

manufacturers of RFIDs in the world. While the Fletcher location has a proven track record of success, the company was up against lower cost manufacturing options around the globe. In order to remain competitive, Smartrac worked with Henderson County and the Town of Fletcher to build their business case and request incentives based on their expansion.

Human capital investments were another piece of the puzzle when showing why the Henderson County location would be a success. While labor costs may be cheaper in other locations in the world, Smartrac has become heavily invested in their local workforce over the past ten years. With a competitive wage and unique training offerings, Smartrac is able to attract and retain key talent.

Through local support and workforce solutions, the company was strategically positioned to show decision makers that their North Carolina home was open for business and at a competitive rate. Smartrac continues to situate themselves for long-term success.

Technology Group

growth & investment

$26.9 millionInvestment:

68Jobs created:

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Smartrac

Gaia Herbs, the leading herbal company in the United States, has been a part of our community for more than thirty years with facilities located in both Transylvania and Henderson County, employing over 260 people. In 2018, the company decided to streamline operations and was looking for a

new site to consolidate multiple leased facilities and increase operating efficiencies that was strategically located near their headquarters in Brevard, NC.

The Partnership searched for available sites that would meet their logistical and production needs, while allowing them to stay true to their mission of connecting plants and people. The solution? A new site in the Broadpointe Industrial Park in Mills River, N.C, which provides an ideal location due to its close proximity to the Asheville Regional Airport, the I-26 Interstate, shipping hubs, as well as Gaia’s existing operations. This new facility provides an additional 140,000 square feet of space for state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution capabilities, as well as increased office space, enabling Gaia Herbs to meet the demands of a rapidly growing industry.

Gaia Herbs

$12.2 millionInvestment:

30Jobs created:

growth & investment

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growth & investment

HiViz LED Lighting, manufacturers of lighting systems for emergency vehicles, officially opened the doors of their new facility in the northern part of Henderson County in May. While the business has locations in Seattle, WA and Asia, HiViz needed a new space to expand its footprint. They worked with the Partnership during their search to identify and conduct due diligence on their soon-to-be location for management, marketing, and research and development functions. As the company continues to grow its local operations, they rely on the Partnership to help connect them to resources that will support their growth and expansion.

HiViz LED Lighting

$1.5 millionInvestment:

5Jobs created:

growth & investment

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The Made in Henderson County (MIHC) program made significant strides this year. What started as a way to educate students about what is manufactured in Henderson County has since blossomed into continued workforce development opportunities.

In October, on National Manufacturing Day, students and educators were given the opportunity to tour local manufacturers and learn about their products.

existing industry & workforce

The Third Annual Made in Henderson County Job Fair was held at the end of April. In order to better prepare students who attended, the first part of the morning focused on career-readiness education and activities. Students were able to interact with participating employers for several hours before the event was opened to the public. The students’ ambition to find a job was then celebrated with a “Cheers to Careers” gathering on the stage where lunch, cupcakes, and ice-cold glass bottle Cokes were provided to cheer them on their way to successful careers.

The afternoon was open to the general public. Interested job seekers could specifically seek out manufacturing careers, while NCWorks was on hand to assist. Upon completion, industries shared that the job fair is a great way to find interested candidates. The job fair was made possible through the support of Blue Ridge Community College, assistance from Henderson County Public Schools, and a grant from the Community Foundation of Henderson County.

61Attendance:

HCPS Students 108General

Public 26 7,000Impacted students to date:

5Participating High Schools: 170Participating

Students:

Employers

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existing industry & workforce

4Participating Manufacturers:

21Apprentices Accepted:

7

This year marked the inaugural year of the MIHC Apprenticeship Program. Through collaborative efforts with local partners – Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County Public Schools, Elkamet, WestRock, Meritor, and GF Linamar – a creative workforce solution was deployed to engage students right out of high school. The program offers students a tuition-free education from Blue Ridge Community College, while earning a Journeyman’s Certificate in Industrial Production over the course of three semesters, all while getting paid. Upon completion, apprentices are guaranteed a job with a competitive salary.

The Partnership’s tradition of facilitating “Neighborhood Meetings” for existing industries took on new life in 2018-2019. The Neighborhood Meetings continued to provide an opportunity for neighboring industries to network with each other and troubleshoot similar issues, but they also grew into a sustainable model where neighbors started connecting and problem solving outside the meeting structure.

Neighborhood & Sector Meetings

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existing industry & workforce

Tool & Mold: January 2019Input Session with Blue Ridge Community College’s Computer-Integrated Machining Program

Fletcher: January 2019Capital Improvements and Rate Changes to City of Hendersonville Water Service

Broadpointe: March 2019NCDOT I-26 Widening Update

Mountain Home: April 2019Capital Improvements and Rate Changes to City of Hendersonville Water Service

Industrial Sewers Group: November 2018 - July 2019Henderson County-Led Effort to Develop Regional Training Program for Industrial Sewers

Tucked away in the heart of Western North Carolina, the Rapid Center on the campus of Western Carolina University (WCU) is an asset to regional manufacturers offering support for product development, prototyping, field testing, and intellectual property rights. Employers don’t often have the time to seek out resources like the Rapid Center on their own, so the Partnership rented a bus and scheduled a field trip to tour the Rapid Center’s laboratories and WCU’s College of Engineering and Technology in September. Six manufacturers from Henderson County attended and enjoyed an in-depth look at the Center’s equipment and offerings while engaging faculty about partnering together and leveraging the University’s resources.

Western Carolina University Field Trip

6Industry Attendees:

Completed Existing Industry

Activities & Meetings

210

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Industrial Executives Forum –

An Economic OutlookThere are many questions about the future of our economy – both globally and locally.

In May, the Partnership brought in two speakers to address the burning questions on everyone’s minds during our 2019 Industrial Executives Forum. Tom Tveidt of SYNEVA Economics presented data on local economic conditions, and Dr. James Smith of Parsec Financial Management spoke on the economy from a global perspective.

The conclusion?

With consistent population growth and employment outpacing the nation and state, Henderson County area business owners and investors were able to leave with their minds at ease.

investors & local business

The economy of Henderson County is in great shape and growing.

Population growth remains strong & consistent -

Henderson County is outpacing the nation & state, in-migration is the sole source of net growth, and net

gains are from ages 20-64.

Employment growth has outpaced the nationand state over the last two years -most gains are from locally specialized industries and over half of the gains are from industries with above average wages.

New business registrations are

up +18% annually.

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Neighborhood & Sector Meetings

investors & local business

275Attendees:

80+Manufacturers Showcased:

The Partnership’s Annual Event –

For years, the Partnership had a vision of showcasing all 133 manufacturers in Henderson County at one event. The staff and board knew that getting all manufacturers under one roof would be a challenge, but they persevered and developed a stellar event plan that would demonstrate how the county has one foot in the mountains and one foot in manufacturing.

Industry and investor support ensured that the event was a success. More than 80 manufacturers were featured during the event through different “sets” depicting a home, campsite, roadway, and medical room. The accompanying scavenger hunt and networking session encouraged participants to tour each set. By the end of the event, participants learned something new about the products made here in Henderson County and understood what Mountain Made was all about.

The evening would not be complete without celebrating those who make economic development a success in Henderson County. The Partner of the Year Award was presented to Blue Ridge Community College and Henderson County Public Schools for their collaboration in creating a successful MIHC calendar and workforce efforts.

A Mountain MadeShowcase

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Company culture is the most important element in a successful workforce retention and recruitment strategy, but changing a workforce culture can pose a significant challenge to any employer. In September, the Partnership facilitated an intensive seminar for its members and local industries, led by Drew Pollick of Craft HR Solutions. Drew provided numerous case studies and examples of how culture impacts hiring and employee retention, and he challenged attendees to analyze their workplaces to determine strengths and weaknesses. Participants had an opportunity to create a fictitious company and deploy strategies and best practices to create the ideal workplace environment and inspire ideas that could be implemented in the real world.

2019 Investors Update Event –

A Legislative Update

2019 Investors Update Event –

Company Culture

A popular question among the business community at the start of 2019: “Where are we headed with recent legislative changes?”

In January, the Partnership invited Senator Chuck Edwards and Representative Chuck McGrady to the Henderson County Historic Courthouse to address growing concerns from the community. They answered questions in a packed room and gave insight to the Partnership’s top investors as to what 2019 may look like for Henderson County and the state of North Carolina.

Senator Chuck Edwards

Representative Chuck McGrady

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marketing activities

Western NC:• 2018 EDPNC Team Visit• 2019 EDPNC Project Manager Visit• 2019 Site Selectors Summit - NCEDA• 2019 MO Summit

Charlotte, NC: • 2018 Global Connections Conference• 2018 Carolina West Trip• 2019 Consultants Forum

Charleston, SC:• 2018 SCAC/AIAG Supply Chain and

Quarterly Conference

Greenville, SC:• 2018 Site Selectors Fall Forum• 2018 Upstate Lunch

Campaigns2018-2019

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Atlanta, GA:• 2018 Southern Automotive

Conference• 2019 Carolina West Trip• 2019 HAI HELI Expo w/ EDPNC

Dallas, TX: • 2019 Carolina West Trip

Chicago, IL: • 2019 Carolina West Trip

Outreach: • 2018 Biz NC Magazine Ad

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board of directors

Executive CommitteeChair: Jim Rasmussen, Morrow Insurance AgencyPast Chair: Will Buie, WGLA EngineeringChair-Elect: Steve Gwaltney, First Citizens BankTreasurer: Stan Cooper, Retired from Sierra Nevada Brewing CompanyEconomic Investment Fund: Chip Gould, Cason CompaniesPresident & CEO: Brittany Brady, HCPED Elected & Appointed DirectorsZach Cooper, Cooper Construction CompanyCraig DeBrew, Duke EnergyCarsten Erkel, ElkametBrynn Francis, IMOCO Inc.Don Hallingse/Lee McElrath, Dominion EnergyKelly Hollifield, Dampp ChaserChris Hykin, SmartracNathan Kennedy, BB&TKelly Leonard, Entegra BankDeborah Pressley, Friday Staffing ServicesBrigid Rich, Logistic SpecialistAnderson Ellis, The Van Winkle Law FirmBeau Waddell, Reaben Oil Company

Ex-Officio DirectorsSuperintendent Bo Caldwell, Henderson County Public SchoolsCouncilman Hugh Clark, Town of FletcherMayor Chae Davis, Town of Mills RiverChairman Grady Hawkins, Henderson County Board of CommissionersDr. Laura Leatherwood, Blue Ridge Community CollegeMayor Carey O’Cain, Town of Laurel ParkMayor Bob Staton, Village of Flat RockMayor Barbara Volk, City of Hendersonville

2018-2019

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HCPED

Impact

16 Marketing Activities Completed

51Leads Generated

4 Active projects

3 Projects announced

$40.6million

Investment:

103Jobs created:

PresidentialAsheville Regional AirportAT&TBB&TBGW CPA, PLLCCason Companies, Inc.Congruent Concepts & Solutions, LLC.DHG, LLPElkamet Inc.Entegra BankGlobal Management Partners***Hedrick IndustriesHomeTrust BankIMOCO, Inc.Johnson Price Sprinkle PAKDS-WindsorKimberly-Clark, Berkeley MillsLenoir-Rhyne University AshevilleMcMillan Pazdan Smith ArchitecturePepsi-Cola Bottling Co.Reaben Oil CompanySELEE Corp.SunTrustSynTerra Corporation***TD BankTennoca Construction CompanyTHS Constructors, Inc.Wells FargoWestern Carolina University

ExecutiveAgracel, Inc.Allegra HendersonvilleBank of America / Merrill LynchBorgWarner Thermal SystemsBoyd AutomotiveBunnell-Lammons Engineering, Inc.ClearWater Environmental, Inc.

membership

Patron

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PublicCity of Hendersonville

Henderson CountyTown of Fletcher

Town of Laurel ParkTown of Mills RiverVillage of Flat Rock

Diamond Brand Gear CompanyECS CarolinasEvans General ContractorsFirst Restoration Services of Asheville, LLC***Fletcher Business ParkFormation PR + BrandHarper Corporation General ContractorsHaynes Wire CompanyHeadwater Environmental, Inc.***Henderson Oil CompanyHendersonville LightningHendoJobs.com***Horizon Heating & Air ConditioningInvestors Realty GroupM.B. Kahn ConstructionMarlboro Development Team, Inc.Mountain Showcase Group, Inc.PNC BankSierra Nevada Brewing CompanySouthern Alarm & SecuritySummey Plumbing and HeatingThe Bazzle Law Firm, P.A.The Waverly InnUNCA Family Business ForumUnited Community BankVannoy ConstructionWeaverCooke-KirklandWGLA Engineering, PLLC

GeneralAccurate Technology, Inc.Advanced Business EquipmentAdvanced Data & Network SolutionsAdvent HealthAtlas Bolt & Screw Co.

B&G Enterprises, LLC (Eagle Self Storage)Beverly-Hanks & AssociatesBlue Ridge Metals Corp.Brigid Rich, Realtor***Brown & BigelowByers Precision FabricatorsCarl E. Shaw, CPA, PLLCCarolina Alliance BankClark CommunicationsColdwell Banker KingColdwell Banker King - CommercialCommunity Foundation of Henderson CountyCoveStar Investment Realty AdvisorsCraft HR Solutions, LLC***Dampp-Chaser Corp.***Dave Steel Co., Inc.Demmel Inc.***Dunlap ConstructionEgolf MotorsERC BroadbandExcel Consulting Group, LLCFletcher Warehousing CompanyGilreath Shealy Law***Hajoca CorporationHampton Inn and Suites - AirportHenderson County Public SchoolsHenderson County Tourism Development AuthorityHighland Lake InnHTI***Industrial Chemical CompanyIPM CorporationKenmure Enterprises, Inc.Kenneth R. YoungbloodManual Woodworkers & Weavers, Inc.Mattern & Craig, Inc.

McDonald's - Edwards GroupMcGill AssociatesMeritor, Inc.Mill House Lodge***Miller BrothersMiller's Fine Dry CleaningMorosani & AssociatesMountain Credit UnionNAI Beverly-HanksNational Technical Honor SocietyNorm's Minit MartsPlatt Architecture, P.A.Prince ManufacturingPryor Insurance***RESPEC LLC***Riddle Development, LLCS&MESoutheastern Sureties Group, Inc.Southern Concrete MaterialsStandard Tytape Company, Inc.Stuller Power SolutionsThe Building GroupThe Tamara Peacock Co.Tri-HishtilTurf Mountain Sod, IncUnited Way of Henderson CountyVocational Solutions of Henderson Co.Ward and Smith, P.A.Warm Company, Inc.WestRock-MPS Whitney Commercial Real EstateWilsonart InternationalWithersRavenelYoung Office

***Denotes new members

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330 North King StreetHendersonville, NC 28792828.692.6373 • hcped.org