A Publication of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation
July 2025
NC Zoo Director-Pat Simmons-Passes After 5-year Cancer Battle
Simmons had been at the helm of the NC Zoo since 2015. Before that, she was director of the Akron Zoo in Ohio from 1985-2014, giving her more than 41 years of experience leading zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). She was Chairwoman of the Board of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2012, and was appointed to the Board of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) from 2015 to 2021.
Simmons was nationally and internationally recognized in the zoo and aquarium industry, receiving numerous awards and appointments in support of wildlife conservation, sustainability and women in leadership roles.
Simmons spearheaded Vision (2016) and Master Planning (2018 and 2024-25) for the North Carolina Zoo, leading to an upcoming decade of growth for the Zoo, starting with Asia, a 12.5-acre region that will open in June 2026, the first major expansion at the North Carolina Zoo since 1994.
Notice of Request for Information; National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing
On behalf of the Subcommittee on Advanced Manufacturing of the National Science and Technology Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) requests input from all interested parties on the development of a National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing. Through this Request for Information (RFI), OSTP seeks input from the public regarding Federal
programs and activities to advance United States manufacturing competitiveness, including advanced manufacturing research and development that will create jobs, grow the economy across multiple industrial sectors, strengthen national security, and improve healthcare. The public input provided in response to this RFI will inform the development of the National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing.
Read about the information they want input on here.
After months of negotiation and debate, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) (H.R.1) was signed into law by President Trump on July 4. The resulting sweeping legislative package preserves Farm Bureau-supported provisions, strengthens the farm safety net and offers longer-term certainty for farmers and ranchers navigating rising input costs, volatile markets and weather uncertainty.
Building on our coverage of the original House-passed and Senate-passed versions, this Market Intel consolidates the agriculture-related provisions of the final bill into a single comprehensive reference for how the final package supports America’s farmers and ranchers.
Also, for the good, the bad, and the ugly read the tax foundation coverage here.
Local News and Announcements
Get Ready Election Season:
Filing for November’s off-year elections began on Monday, July 7, and dozens of candidates put their names in the hat during the first week of filing.
The filing period ended at noon on Friday, July 18.
So far, here’s a look at who has filed for races administered by the Randolph County Board of Elections after the first week of filing.
Navigating Uncertainty: The Geopolitical Impact on Manufacturing Trends 2025:
Manufacturing leaders are grappling with a range of geopolitical issues from market volatility, tariffs, regulations, cyber threats, and restrictive immigration. With challenges arising from every angle, what direction are manufacturers turning and how are they navigating a future-forward mindset?
NC A&T launching aerospace engineering degree to help fuel Triad's growing aviation workforce needs:
To expand academic opportunities in one of the most advanced and rapidly growing industries in the Triad, the N.C. A&T College of Engineering will launch a new bachelor's program in aeronautical and astronautical engineering this fall.
The program will prepare students to design, test and operate aircraft, spacecraft and related systems to prepare a highly skilled workforce to help meet the growing demands in aerospace and astronautics.
Agricultural Center Coordinator Taylor Wright shared the draft for the standard operating procedure with price ranges for booking the event center, the arena,and classrooms. Non-profit groups and school programs will get discounted rates.
Proposed rates are:
■ Event Center: $300 for half a weekday, $450 for full weekday, $675 for weekend day.
■ Arena: $350 for full weekday, $450 for weekend day.
■ Both: $675 for full weekday, $950 for weekend day.
■ Education and Resource Center: $25 to $135, depending on the room and number of rooms needed.
Mayors discuss ‘Triad envy’ and JetZero challenges:
For decades overshadowed by the growth of the Charlotte and Raleigh regions, the Triad has grabbed bragging rights with a string of economic recruiting successes that, according to mayors, intensify challenges for the Piedmont area.
“I love talking to my business colleagues from Charlotte and Raleigh now because there’s a new term, and it’s called Triad envy,” Greensboro businessman Doug Copeland said.
North Carolina Zoo named best in the country for second year in a row:
The North Carolina Zoo has received national attention recently; Newsweek named it the best in the country. So its safe to say our Zoo is better than your Zoo.
Apprenticeship Randolph is Randolph County’s premier opportunity for current juniors and seniors living and/or learning in Randolph County, North Carolina to get a jump start on a professional career in our booming local industries. Students have the opportunity to maximize earning potential, gain valuable skills and experience through on-the-job training, and earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from Randolph Community College at no cost to the student.
One Question Test: Is your company participating?
A. Yes (good choice)
B. No (wrong answer;) If you want to get involved fill out the form linked above
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.
Gold ($5000 & Up)
Ace/Avant Concrete & Construction
Jowat
Silver ($2000 & Up)
East Coast Lumber
Summey Engineering Associates, PLLC
Bronze ($500 & Up)
Cone Health
Trollinger Construction
Randolph County Tourism Authority/Heart of NC Visitors Bureau
