A Publication of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation
June 2025
RCEDC's Crystal Gettys Won 2025 Economic Developer of The Year
Crystal Gettys, business recruitment director of the Randolph County Economic Development Corp., received one of the top individual awards at the recent annual conference of the North Carolina Economic Development Association.
Gettys was named the 2025 Economic Developer of the Year at the group’s conference June 17-19 in Wilmington. The 900-member association cited Gettys for her work bringing the Ross Stores distribution center to Randleman, a project with a projected investment of $450 million and 852 jobs.
Randolph County Economic Development Celebrates 40 Years of Progress
The Randolph County Economic Development Corporation celebrated 40 years during its annual meeting on June 17. It was an occasion to look back but also to build for the future. EDC President Kevin Franklin called the progression of the county’s industry during the past 40 years as “textiles to Toyota.”
Although the legacy industries of textiles and furniture have diminished, the local economy has become more diversified, as exemplified by Toyota Battery of NC and the Ross Stores distribution center, both under development.
“The EDC started in 1985 as an offshoot of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce,” Franklin said. “The first project was Ultracraft in Liberty.”
Over the 40 years, he said, Randolph County has seen $16.5 billion in announced investment and 20,882 jobs. During the past year, investments totaled just under $10 million with the addition of 63 jobs with an average annual wage of $63,000.
“It is our people and industries that are the backbone of our economic success across Randolph County, and their impact is felt across our state, and around the world,” Franklin said.
You can read the full coverage from the Randolph Hub here.
Above: Baxter Hammer Won Industry Leader of the Year.
Below: Hannah Smith Accepted the Award for Timken as Industry of the Year.
Our own Kevin Franklin made the Business NC Power List again this year for his continued leadership in Randolph County and the region. For those interested in the other recipients they can be viewed here.
The N.C. Department of Labor recognized outstanding workplace safety achievements by area employers and employees at its Asheboro safety awards banquet on Tuesday, June 10, at AVS Catering and Banquet Centre.
Most of the organizations receiving awards at this banquet are in Randolph County.
The event, co-hosted with the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, celebrated companies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to preventing injuries and building a culture of safety in the workplace.
Local News and Announcements
JetZero Picks Greensboro and PTI For Manufacturing Hub:
The June 12 announcement, which Stein acknowledged was perhaps the least-well-kept secret in North Carolina history, was the culmination of months of explorations and negotiations at the state and local level. The result, though, is beyond promising: An investment projected at $4.7 billion when completed by the end of 2036, and with 14,560 jobs if successful and fully built and operating.
The struggling semiconductor supplier Wolfspeed announced Sunday it will file for bankruptcy under a restructuring agreement that would eliminate billions in debt and give its creditors control over the company.
The reorganization plan has enough support from creditors to proceed, the company said, including backing from the semiconductor manufacturer Renesas and the investment firm Apollo Global Management. Wolfspeed said it will continue to seek the approval of more debtholders until it files for bankruptcy under Chapter 11.
Triad colleges well-equipped to ramp up to meet JetZero's workforce needs:
To fill the workforce demand, the North Carolina Community College System has signed on to partner with the company to lead a customized workforce training program – valued at over $30 million. The program will enable JetZero to hit its hiring goals, increasing the site’s production over a 10-year period.
“This year’s theme, Focus forward, reflects both our commitment to innovation and our responsibility to the communities we serve,” said CEO Dennis Mabe. “As we gather for our annual meeting, we look ahead — driven by our mission to deliver reliable and affordable energy now and for generations to come.”
The annual meeting process provides an opportunity for members to exercise their right to vote for the board of directors.
In this important conversation, local leaders explore what economic mobility means and why it’s essential to building a thriving, equitable community. Panelists discuss the barriers that limit opportunity in Forsyth County and share real solutions for creating more pathways to success for all residents. If you are not familiar with Dr. Chetty take a moment to watch his keynote starting at 19mins on the video.
For the third time in less than a year, Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro has been namedone of America's best airports. But this time, it was being measured against all of the nation's airports, big and small.
The Washington Post on Thursday named PTI the nation's 21st best airport, one spot behind Raleigh Durham International and just in front of San Francisco International Airport.
To build its list, The Post collected data on more than 450 U.S. airports, analyzed feedback from more than 2,300 readers and also factored in more than 450,000 Yelp reviews for airport terminals, shops and restaurants.
The Customized Training Program provides education, training and support services for eligible new, expanding and existing business and industry in Randolph County. Thereby enhancing the growth potential of companies while simultaneously preparing North Carolina's workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries.The program is designed to react quickly to the needs of businesses and to respect the confidential nature of proprietary processes and information within those businesses.
David Hursey from our team published this in his personal capacity as a column nationally to call on Congress to protect Medicaid funding in The American Spectator.
Recent Renewals
Thank you to the companies below which recently renewed their support of the EDC and the Randolph Rises campaign. Your contribution continues to make our service, reach, and impact felt across the county.
If you are interested in becoming a Randolph Rises investor, please click the button below.
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