2018 Annual Event: Mountain Made Product Showcase

As people found their way into the conference hall at Blue Ridge Community College, they found themselves entering a room filled with multiple scenes depicting a home, a campsite, a roadway, and a medical room. From cables used in heart monitors to automotive components, each scene was bursting with products manufactured  in Henderson County. The event was a celebration of more than just a successful year of Economic Development; it was also a celebration of everyone who works to protect and build Henderson County’s  local economy.

This year the theme was a Mountain Made Product Showcase of the 130+ manufacturers that make up over 15% of the workforce in Henderson County. Through the scenes, networking  and a scavenger hunt that sent participants searching for specific items, attendees were able to learn about many products  they may not have known were made right here at home. The event helped to celebrate  $42,257,000 in new taxable investment, 101 newly created jobs, and the $51,291 average manufacturing wage during the 2017-2018 year.

The Partnership also recognized the 2017-18  Partner of The Year, honoring both  Blue Ridge Community College and Henderson County Public Schools for their innovative collaboration to support workforce development.

The Partnership is able to present the annual event at no cost to members and manufacturers thanks to generous support of its Patron Members. In addition to supporting the annual event, these companies are all leaders in support of economic and employment growth in Henderson County. Patron sponsors for this year’s event include: Blue Ridge Community College, Carolina Specialties Construction, Continental Automotive Systems, Cooper Construction Co., Current, Powered by GE,  Duke Energy, Ferncliff Park, First Bank, First Citizens Bank, Friday Staffing, Lassonde Pappas, Morrow Insurance Agency, Morris Broadband, Pardee Hospital, PSNC Energy, SMARTRAC Technology Group Fletcher, UPM Raflatac & The Van Winkle Law Firm.