Local Economic Development will continue to be a topic of conversation and action into the new year.
From news of a new Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission director, to Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington saying on TownTalk recently that economic development was key, to Mako Medical Laboratories and their continued growth, to incentive programs, it all adds up.
Last week, the Vance County commissioners approved the second half of a grant from Duke Energy for Select Products/Select Tissue, which is coming to Vance County soon across Poplar Creek Road from Vance-Granville Community College. The money helps Vance County match a state grant, essentially making the deal possible.
An August 5, 2020 press release from the NC Department of Commerce starts off saying, “Select Products Holdings, LLC, a manufacturer of tissue products, will invest $4 million and create 73 jobs in Vance County, North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today. The decision marks a major expansion for the company as it increases operations to meet growing demand.”
Vance County Manager Jordan McMillen told WIZS News, “Duke Energy previously provided the county with $50,000 from their Carolinas Investment Fund which was essential as a part of the overall package to land Select Products/Select Tissue in Vance County. The county previously allocated the first $25,000 of that to serve as match funding to a $500,000 building reuse grant from the NC Department of Commerce for the same project. On Monday evening (12-7-20) our board allocated the second half of those funds and approved an amendment to our local incentive agreement with Select Tissue that will allow us to disburse the additional funds to the company.”
McMillen said in the coming year the County has a lot to look forward to and be excited for.
He said, “I had a chance to visit Mako Medical here in Henderson. They are bursting at the seams with employees. That’s become a location where the single most number of lab tests are completed daily across the United States,” as it pertains to Covid.
McMillen said the primary concern for Select Products in coming here was whether the workforce would meet their needs. He said the CEO of Select products indicated there had been a tremendous response for workers, with over 700 resumes submitted. “All these interactions and hearing this input is what excites me. It gives me validation that the County’s positive momentum is continuing forward, and that we do have a bright future here in Vance County. This is my home. This is where I live, and it’s an honor to serve as the County Manager,” McMillen said.