Each year, the Executive Committee of the Partnership selects a Partner of the Year to be honored at the Annual Event. This award recognizes a partner who has demonstrated outstanding collaboration with the Partnership in driving economic growth, job creation, and investment in the region. With the cancellation of this year’s event, the Executive Committee gathered on November 8th to ensure that this year’s deserving recipient would still be celebrated.

This year’s honoree, Clark Capital, has shown exceptional commitment to advancing economic development in Henderson County. Their mission is to invest in opportunities that create sustainable, high-quality jobs for the local community. Clark Capital’s roots in Western North Carolina run deep, dating back to their involvement with the former Steelcase building. In 2020, instead of pursuing an investment in an existing company, they took a bold step and purchased AC Park, paving the way for future growth.

In the aftermath of Continental’s closure, which left a significant gap in the local economy, Clark Capital partnered with the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development (HCPED) to transform a 365,659-square-foot facility into the thriving Quality Point Industrial Park. This revitalized space is now home to leading companies such as Tageos, d&b audiotechnik, Cummins, TVS, and several office tenants—and it still has room for more growth and opportunity.

A heartfelt thank you to Scott Clark, Chuck Auster, and Matt Auster for their steadfast commitment to the future of Henderson County.