Goldsboro among top 50
By Matt Shaw
Published in News on February 4, 2004 2:03 PM
The Wayne County Economic Development Commission announced Tuesday that Goldsboro has been ranked 36th in Expansion Magazine's sixth annual "America's Hottest Cities" for business expansion or relocation.
Expansion Magazine, a trade publication in economic development, asked 70 site selection consultants in a confidential survey to rank cities on how attractive they are for business expansion or relocation.
The consultants ranked the Goldsboro metropolitan statistical area, which includes all of Wayne County, 36th among the 370 MSAs in the country. No other city in eastern North Carolina made the top 50 list.
EDC President Joanna Thompson said she is not surprised that Goldsboro was recognized.
"We have spent a tremendous amount of time and resources in two distinct areas this past year," she said. "First, we have traveled and met face to face with numerous national site location consultants to tell the story about Wayne County, which of course includes Goldsboro.
"Second, we have really stepped up our existing business and industry program and have tried to create a more positive atmosphere for local companies to expand."
In 2003, Wayne County had six industries to expand that created 407 jobs and $14,460,000 in new capital investment, she noted.
"In the last 10 years, Wayne County has not experienced a net loss of manufacturing jobs. I don't know many other counties in the region, or in the state for that matter, that can make that claim. To those folks who say, 'where are the jobs?' I say right here in Wayne County. I'm pleased we are officially being recognized."
EDC member and Goldsboro City Councilman Chuck Allen reiterated Ms. Thompson's comments.
"People always talk about bringing in new jobs; that's what makes the headlines and gets the attention. But really we have been very successful at creating jobs from within our own community, and I think that's great," Allen said.
Other N.C. areas that made the top 50 were Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, 13th; Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, 24th; and Charlotte, Gastonia, Rock Hill, 30th.
The top ranked city for expansion and relocation was Atlanta.