Partners in Progress just released its economic development report from December 2021 highlighting activities and initiatives in Moore County.

Since Natalie Hawkins took over as executive director of Moore County last May, the meetings, phone calls and emails have not slowed down. 

"There has been a significant increase in the number of companies interested in potentially relocating or expanding in Moore County. We've seen a 35 percent increase in project activity since the start of our fiscal year in July," explained Hawkins.

Some of the highlights in the Partners in Progress quarterly progress report include: 

• Assistance with 177,000 square feet of industry facility expansions, resulting in +/- 60 new jobs.
• Working with the Entrepreneurship Task Force assembled by Partners in Progress to complete the Certified Entrepreneurial Community® program that will designate and promote Moore County as an "entrepreneur-ready" community.
• Partnership with the Moore County Chamber of Commerce and other community partners to identify the workforce development needs of local employers.
• Assistance in obtaining $145,600 in state grant & incentive awards for two (2) Moore County businesses.
• Working with the Pinehurst Resort, Sandhills Community College, and other partners to explore creating an Apprenticeship Program to make another career pathway for golf course maintenance staff.

The full Partners in Progress quarterly progress report for the recent quarter can be accessed on the Partners in Progress website. 

"Partners in Progress is pleased with our accomplishments last quarter, and we want to thank all our government, business, and community partners who work hand in hand with us to make Moore County a great place to operate a business," said Hawkins.

Going forward, the company plans to release a quarterly progress report to the public, so everyone in the community can be informed about the ongoing work and accomplishments happening in the areas of economic, community and workforce development.

Moore County Partners in Progress is a nonprofit economic development organization and public-private partnership serving all of Moore County, with the mission to increase economic prosperity and improve the quality of life for citizens in Moore County through the creation of quality jobs and capital investment.