Made in Henderson County (MIHC) celebrates the recent award of a $4,000 grant from the Work with Heart Giving Circle. MIHC is the workforce development arm of the Partnership that works to connect local industry with Henderson County Public Schools and job seekers to showcase careers in manufacturing.

“We are grateful to Work with Heart for this show of support!,” said Dr. John Bryant, current board chair for the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development (HCPED). “This grant will help us reach more school-aged students to teach them about the excellent career opportunities in manufacturing in Henderson County.”

The MIHC program is maintained by the Economic Investment Fund (EIF), a non-profit managed by HCPED.

HCPS 5th graders recently designed countertops with a visitor from Wilsonart through the MIHC program.

Since 2012, MIHC has facilitated industry tours through this program. Working closely with HCPS, tours are customized to students who have shown an interest in the field. Visiting facilities allows students to see first-hand what manufacturing jobs looks like today and how crucial manufacturing is to our local economy. Over 130 manufacturers call Henderson County home, employing nearly 6,000 people. The average manufacturing salary is $67,239, $14,000 higher than the county average.

“As more and more skilled and devoted employees reach retirement age, workforce development becomes more and more essential to our county’s continued economic success,” said Brittany Brady, HCPED President and CEO. “These jobs pay well and many use cutting-edge technology.”

Awards from the Work with Heart are disbursed quarterly; recipients are determined by six local businesses who have come together to provide charitable support for nonprofits in and around Henderson County. To qualify, organizations must be a tax-exempt nonprofit serving Henderson County. The award is given through the Community Foundation of Henderson County. 

Work with Heart is made possible by the following business partners:

Horizon Heat & Air 

Hannah Flanagan’s Irish Pub

Southern Alarm & Security

Boyd Chevrolet Buick

Triangle Stop Food Stores

A-American Electric