Robert Van Geons, Executive Director, RowanWORKS, Salisbury, NC
♦As a frequent reader of the RFP, it was quite a surprise to find that I was the subject of today’s “PowerLunch at the WaffleHouse” cartoon. After reading it, I wanted to reach out to you, as Editor, and share a few thoughts.
Even though the EDC was not involved in the project, I do hope to attend the grand opening of the new WH location. However, I probably won’t eat many lunches there, because over the last 15 years, I’ve gotten to know the folks at the Jake Alexander Waffle House really well. Breakfast without Sonya, Stacey, Brenda and the rest of the morning crew just wouldn’t be the same.
While I have to admit that I was disappointed that Mrs. Bare depicted me without incorporating the 20 or so pounds I’ve worked hard to lose over the last few months, my primary concern is the accusation that we, RowanWORKS, only serves Salisbury. Our team does its best to bring value to all of our funders. A few recent examples of projects around the County include:
· Gildan – announced 200 jobs – $50 million
· Tuscarora Yarns– announced Tuscarora – 124 jobs – $6.3 million
· EI Solutions – announced 119 jobs – $13.2 million
· Infiltrator –announced 40 jobs – $5 million
· Hitachi – announced 65 jobs – $60 million
Beyond these examples, we have (and continue to) work with companies such as Magna, Daimler, Boral Composites, Custom Golf Cart / Custom Plastic Forming, and Muller Systems. These projects are creating hundreds of jobs in our County and are improving the tax base, benefiting all Rowan residents.
We are currently finishing a new annual report that will expand on the above, highlight our marketing efforts and detail the financial impact our organization has on our County. We expect to have it wrapped up in the next few weeks.
If you have any questions regarding our operations, please don’t hesitate to call, and please keep your eyes out for an invitation to our Annual Report release. We look forward to presenting the Annual Report and answering any questions people may have.
Sincerely,
Robert
RowanWorks, Economic Development
Executive Director
