Charlotte Regional Partnership honors LEDA, McColl for major contributions to area economy
Charlotte Regional Partnership honors Lincoln Economic Development Association, McColl for major contributions to area economy
The Charlotte Regional Partnership is proud to announce that the Lincoln Economic Development Association and Hugh L. McColl Jr. are the 2008 recipients of its Jerry Awards. The awards recognize significant contributions to the partnership’s 16-county Charlotte USA region by individuals and organizations from the private and public sectors. The awards are named in honor of its first recipients in 2007 – Jerry Richardson, owner and founder of the Carolina Panthers, and Jerry Orr, aviation director of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.
Lincoln Economic Development Association, the public-sector recipient, is a model of public/private collaboration, according to the Charlotte Regional Partnership. It spearheaded the Lincoln County Industrial Park, a cooperative effort among LEDA, the city of Lincolnton and Lincoln County. Tenants include national companies such as GE Security and national distribution centers for RSI Home Products, Crate & Barrel and Big Dogs Holdings Inc. Brazilian automotive supplier Sabo USA is among the international park tenants. Sabo’s facility, its first in North America, celebrated its ribbon-cutting in September 2007 and announced last month that it will be tripling its space. LEDA’s 2007-2008 chairman, Pete Acker, thanked the Charlotte Regional Partnership for their assistance in marketing the county and region and added, “The partnership’s philosophy allows each member county to showcase its unique benefits and attributes while still respecting the overall strength that regionalism provides us in a competitive global market.”
Other board members also congratulated LEDA. Tom Anderson, Chair of the Lincoln Board of County Commissioners, stated, “Lincoln Economic Development Association’s receipt of this prestigious award is recognition of the success LEDA has enjoyed in attracting high quality business and industry to Lincoln County. It further speaks to the satisfaction of existing business as manifested by the significant expansions that have occurred. We are proud of the results LEDA has achieved.”
Added Lincolnton Mayor, David M. Black, “LEDA’s contribution to the City of Lincolnton and Lincoln County has been immeasurable. They have been instrumental in attracting high quality industry to our area.”
The Charlotte Regional Partnership will honor McColl and LEDA during its annual awards luncheon on June 5, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For information about sponsorships or to purchase a table, contact Leslie Kelson at lkelson@charlotteusa.com or 704.347.8026.