Charlotte Welcomes Recognition to Chester County’s Economic Development Director
The vibrant city of Charlotte is buzzing with excitement as Robert Long, the director of Chester County Economic Development, has made the highly regarded CBJ Power 100 list for 2024. This list shines a light on the local innovators who are playing a significant role in driving the growth of the Charlotte region, and it’s no surprise to see Robert’s name amongst them.
A Meaningful Recognition
Robert Long expressed his feelings about this honor, stating, “I am honored and humbled to be named to this year’s CBJ Power 100 list. What a great list of innovators that are impacting the growth and success of the Charlotte region!” It’s clear that he sees this not just as a personal achievement, but as a recognition of the ongoing work being carried out in Chester County.
Chester County’s Stellar Progress
According to Long, Chester County has seen a remarkable run of success over the past few years with significant investments from major companies like Gallo, IKO Industries, and Albemarle Corporation. “I am delighted to have played a role,” he added, recognizing the collective effort involved in these achievements.
To put things in perspective, Chester County has garnered around $2.5 billion in new capital investment and created approximately 1,500 jobs since 2021. Brian Hester, the county administrator, highlighted how impressive these numbers are for a community of Chester County’s size. “Those kinds of numbers would be impressive in any community, but it is almost unheard of in a community of our size,” Hester noted. He further praised Long and his team for their hard work, emphasizing the importance of this recognition.
Support and Growth in Chester County
Community leaders have also joined in celebrating Robert Long’s efforts. Carla French, chair of the Chester Development Association, remarked, “Robert Long has done a fantastic job putting Chester County on the map.” Under his leadership, the county is witnessing a surge in project opportunities, which have significantly contributed to its reputation as a hotspot in the Charlotte region. French believes that this recognition is well-deserved and reflects the hard work being put in by Long and his department.
Mission and Achievements of Chester County Economic Development
Established in 2004, Chester County Economic Development (CCED) has a mission to create an environment that nurtures existing industry expansion, encourages new investments, fosters entrepreneurship, and welcomes visitors. These efforts support public services and improve the quality of life for residents.
Since 2020, CCED has been responsible for 33 announcements that collectively involved $2.56 billion in new capital investment and the creation of 1,548 jobs. This track record positions them as a leader in not just attracting investment, but also contributing to sustainable growth in the area.
Looking Ahead
As Robert Long takes his place on the CBJ Power 100 list, the future looks promising for Chester County. Local businesses and residents can look forward to continued growth and opportunities thanks to the groundwork laid by Long and his team. Charlotte has a lot to celebrate, and Chester County’s recognition is just one of the many reasons to be optimistic about the region’s future.
With local leaders and innovators like Robert Long at the helm, there’s no doubt that the Charlotte region is on a trajectory of growth and success. Here’s to the exciting journey ahead!
