“In all my years in industry and 24 years with Sea Ray Boats, I can say I have never come across a state that is as business friendly and cooperative to work with. The Chris Craft and Indian facilities are my 11th and 12th facility start up and I have done plants from Arizona to Ireland. When Steve Heese and I started the tour of prospective states, everyone was equally aggressive to attract our businesses, and I must say that North Carolina has supported us in a fashion that I have never experienced before. It is always easy on the front side of a project to gain support, but the proof is when you close on a facility and begin operations. Everyone from the local community to the state level have assisted us with every issue and worked alongside to get it resolved. Again, thank you for the support and we are very pleased to have our companies in North Carolina and to work with the fine people that we meet every day.”
 
Bob Greenberg ~ Vice President of Operations ~ Chris Craft Boats and Indian Motorcycle
 

 

"As our company decided to grow the business in the southeast there was a great deal of apprehension. We asked ourselves these questions: Would we be able to find a community that is similar in nature to our family style of business? Would we be able to attract desirable employees on a consistent basis? It seems as though many communities try to sell themselves the best they can, but when it comes down to making a decision it is hard to tell if early indications will reach fruition. I am very pleased to say that since we made the decision to make Cleveland County our new home, we have been pleasantly surprised. We have found that the people we have employed have a true desire to succeed both professionally and personally. The average employee possesses a more than adequate set of skills for or our applications. Everyone we have had had the pleasure of interviewing has shared similar morals that we require from everyone in our organization, which also seems to be reflected by everyone in the area. I am proud to say that at this we are now faced with a dilemma; which qualified candidates do we hire, because the number of qualified people supersedes the amount of openings? Here are a few other things that I have witnessed. The people of Cleveland County genuinely want us here! Everyone we have had the pleasure of meeting has explained to us how in the past this community was faced with hard times; hard times that would have been detrimental to an average community. I am proud to say that this community does not appear to be what I would call average. In fact, it is far better than average! To all of the area people I would like to say thank you. You have all made the transition an enjoyable and rewarding experience."

 

Kevin Frane ~ Operations Manager ~ Kitchen Ventilations Systems

 


 
“We are very impressed with the service orientation and work ethic of the people of North Carolina and the spirit of cooperation and community support within the State, Cleveland County, Gardner -Webb University and Cleveland Community College. I have been overwhelmed by the hospitality and interest in our business that the citizens of Cleveland County, and the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce have demonstrated.”
 
Norman Bresseman ~ Former Senior Vice-President ~ TeleRx(Subsidiary of Merck)
 

 

“When it came time for us to decide on our first US plant location, we investigated the nature of the available economic support, including government grants. The Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership was introduced to us early on and was instrumental for not only guiding us through the process, but for going ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ in assisting us in dealing with the various parties involved.

 

The Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership was personally involved and facilitated discussions at the State level, introduced us to Duke Energy, and other individuals. The attention given to our dossier has made a huge difference in making our operation in Kings Mountain a reality. Thank you for your on-going support.”

 
Denis Boulais ~ President & CEO ~ Solaris-Industries, A wholly owned division of Delhi-Solac Inc.