THANK YOU LEADERSHIP

2 Sanford Area Growth Alliance | www.GrowSanfordNC.com | 919-775-7341

Dr. Andy Bryan

Beth McKee

Bill Murphy

Dr. Bill Stone

Bob Heuts

Cameron Sharpe*

Carter Keller*

Mayor Chet Mann*

Daniel Simmons*

David Foushee

David Marsh

Mayor Donald Andrews*

Donnie Oldham*

Eddie Thomas

Hal Hegwer

Jeanine Morton

Jeff Lamb

Jerry Pedley*

Dr. Jim Foster

Dr. John Crumpton

John Ramsperger

Joni Martin

Julian Philpott

Ken Britton

Kevin Dodson*

Kim Sutton*

Dr. Lisa Chapman

Mikeal Basinger

Nathan Cochrane

Otto Breitschwerdt

Patrick Kelly

Robin Perkins

Rosalind Cross

Sam Gaskins

Scott Hadley

Shiella Hargrove

Spencer Thomas

Tina Gross*

Todd Baker

*Executive Committee

SAGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THANK YOU LEADERSHIP

Kirk Bradley*• Past Chair •

April Montgomery*• Chair •

Jimmy Keen*• Vice Chair •

Bill Wilson, Jr.*• Secretary •

Charlie Welborn*• Treasurer •

3Sanford Area Growth Alliance | www.GrowSanfordNC.com | 919-775-7341

LETTER FROM THE CEO

The period from July, 2019 through June, 2020 will long be remembered and celebrated as a remarkably successful year in the life of the extraordinary community partnership known as the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, and each of you have a part in this unprecedented success.

Four of the top 25 job-creating economic development projects in the state landed in Lee County during this time span. Upon completion, projects by Pfizer, Bharat Forge Aluminum USA, Audentes Therapeutics (now Astellas) and Through6 are expected to create over 1000 new jobs, nearly $800 million in new capi-tal investment and generate an average annual payroll of more than $60 million.

As you all know, this success was not won overnight. Strategic planning efforts that began more than a decade ago with the Second Century project led to the realization that one public/private, non-profit en-terprise for Lee County’s economic development could drastically shift the area’s marketing and growth potentials. A merger of the Lee County Economic Development Corporation (LCEDC) and the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce, community leaders envisioned, would improve funding, coordination and leadership of economic development efforts and support long-term sustainable growth.

After years of concerted effort and strong leadership, as well as a few missteps and recalibrations, SAGA and its public and private partners have proven the validity of this approach. The team has leveraged Cen-tral Carolina Enterprise Park and its strategically deployed shell building program to engage with multiple significant projects for which speed to market is critical. And the community has closed deals with compet-itive performance-based investments and access to superior customized training and workforce develop-ment solutions like those offered by Central Carolina Community College.

A strong and diverse existing business community continues to invest in Chamber initiatives like Leadership Sanford and innovative new programs like RISE (Real Investment in Sanford Entrepreneurs), fostering the next generation of business leaders, and completing the new business attraction equation from a “Quality of Place” perspective.

Other communities might be tempted to pause and revel in their success, particularly in the face of a glob-al pandemic and its unprecedented economic impacts. Not this community.

The leaders of Sanford, Broadway and Lee County are actively preparing for the next opportunity, and the next, and the next, eyes solidly focused on the future, and the SAGA staff is fully engaged and ready to move their plans forward. To our public and private sector partners and volunteers, thank you for your financial investment in the Chamber and SAGA, and for being a part of a long tradition of strong business leadership in our community. If we continue to work together, our best days are surely still ahead…

Jimmy RandolphCEOSanford Area Growth Alliance

SAGA’s marketing efforts target internal customers and stakeholders through local media and printed materials to maintain communication on goals, strategies and accomplishments; while external marketing efforts, including contracted services through DCI, have been successful in extending the Sanford/Lee County brand through social media and search engine optimization activities. Outreach marketing partnerships such as Research Triangle Re-gional Partnership and co-op programs through Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina as well as direct mail have also proven to be a successful method of advertising/promotion, especially with site consultants.

Create common community vision for economic development

Maintain strong Investor, Member and Stakeholder Relations

Continue external marketing to promote area as a destination and business location


Total Users

eBlasts Published

Top Countries

Economic Development Guide

New User (87.1%)

Returning User (12.9%)

Web

site

Tra

ffic

Emai

l Mar

ketin

gPu

blic

Eng

agem

ent

21.2K 1. United States

2. India

3. Canada

After productive trips with both Carolina Core and Re-search Triangle Regional Partnership in the first half of the fiscal year, SAGA staff halted travel in March. However, the cancellation of the majority of all in-person events allowed SAGA the opportunity to innovate their outward marketing to include virtual events.

Marketing Events

Monday Digest

CEO Report

Site Selector (DCI)

Informational

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54

18

6

32

Actively market Lee County for business recruitment

Focus external marketing resources on the following Target Sectors: customers and future suppliers of Megasite tenants and existing businesses; advanced manufacturing; life sciences; defense technologies; energy; and agriculture and related business sectors.

Support retail recruitment

Ensure competitiveness of recruitment efforts

As the lead agency for new business recruitment, SAGA has utilized its increased resources to build stronger re-lationships with site consultants, state recruiters and industry decision-makers. These improved contacts have in-creased project activity by 25% in three years. Going forward, SAGA’s more robust recruitment budget will insure a competitive effort commensurate with rival communities.


2020

Visits WinsInquiries

Thou

sand

s $

Lee Co. Average Wage

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20

42.542

41.540

39.539

38.538

37.5

2018 16 14 12 10 8 6

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

2018 2019

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Tax Base Increase2019 - 2020

New Payroll

$782.7M

$47.5M


Typically, existing industry expansions account for 75-80% of new capital investment and job creation in commu-nities. In August, 2019, Pfizer announced an investment of a half billion dollars to expand its Lee County gene therapy manufacturing facility, creating 300 new well-paid jobs in the process. While this expansion was noteworthy for both the massive amount of tax base expansion and the number of jobs involved, more than two dozen smaller expansions over the past four years combined with Pfizer’s to create almost 950 total new jobs. SAGA will continue to advocate for a strong pro-business climate that supports existing business, provides timely and valuable informa-tion, fosters communication and connects local business with necessary resources. SAGA’s ongoing commitment to a dedicated staff member in support of existing industry will ensure these strategies are effectively deployed.

Actively support expansions and retention

Advocate for business climate and policy changes that will support existing industry

Foster industry synergy by building relationships and community engagement to continue effective communication channels

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Indu

stry

Expa

nsio

ns

Industry Visits

Employment

94‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘20

95 94 93 92 91 90 89

%

After hiring its first full-time Existing Industry Development Manager in mid-2018, SAGA has creat-ed a robust Business Retention and Expansion program focused on three key objectives: Workforce Development and Talent Attraction, Communications and Business Intelligence, and Supply Chain Opportunities.

As SAGA’s network of connections and relationships among site leaders and key local decision-mak-ers expands, we can respond to business challenges in a more timely and efficient manner, identify and pursue potential supply chain partner opportunities, and continue to work with our workforce development network to improve the local talent pipeline and build better pathways to career success for our children.

Capitalizing on Existing Assets


With the completion of a 117,000 square foot speculative industrial building at Central Carolina Enterprise Park, SAGA has achieved its major product development goal set out in 2014. Available for immediate development are 300+ acres of shovel-ready, certified industrial sites ranging in size from 5 acres to 50 acres; offered at a compet-itive price point to other sites in the southeast. These sites are the culmination of a public private effort to gain an advantage in speed to market – a critical hurdle in attracting major industrial projects – beginning with the Duke Energy Site Readiness Certification in 2015. SAGA will continue to support development of a quality inventory of competitive buildings and sites.

Maintain current site and building information and make available to partners, allies, and the public

Support the development and maintenance of a quality inventory of shovel-ready, certified sites and buildings

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Community InvestmentInfrastructure and Capital Improvement

Available Industrial BuildingsAvailable Industrial Sites

Water and Sewer

Roads

Broadband

Raleigh Executive Jetport

$1.3M

$1.2M

$13.8K

$308K

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Product Development

Based on current project activity, the inventory of available certified sites will sell at a faster rate than expected. The Product Development Committee recommended that the site certification process begin immediately.

Therefore, in mid-2020, staff worked with partner Duke Energy to receive a Duke Site Readiness grant to investigate a 300-acre parcel currently zoned heavy Industry. The site proved to be acceptable and the full site certifica-tion process is underway.

‘20

Sanford Area Growth Alliance | www.GrowSanfordNC.com | 919-775-7341

GOAL: EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Activities in this goal area will continue to build on successful efforts such as Central Carolina Works, our model dual enrollment program created as a response to industry needs and privately funded by SAGA leaders in part-nership with CCCC. SAGA will continue leading a community-wide collaboration to grow and train a 21st Century workforce, advocating for superior public schools, promoting integration of “learn and earn” experiences and facilitating communication between the business community and all education stakeholders.

8

Support Central Carolina Works and other educational programs to develop a ready workforce through initiatives such as K-14, apprenticeships and STEAM programming

Proactively anticipate emerging workforce needs and facilitate a connection between relevant or critical partners for business and education partnerships

Identify workforce development needs and initiatives

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As exciting job opportunities continue to come to our community, the college, through it’s vision of “Exceptional learning for all”, is committed to providing equitable pathways that support these careers so that our employers’ needs can be met by our local talent.

Lee County Schools High SchoolGraduation Rate

(2020)

CCCCEarned Career/Technical Credits

2019 - 20

CCCC Summer, Fall, Spring Unduplicated Enrollment

87.4%

CCCC Training Programs

Dr. Lisa ChapmanPresident

Central Carolina Community College

1,26315,747

Leading performance. Innovation front and center.


CCCC BioWork

What is BioWork?

What is covered in BioWork?

9

The BioWork certificate program, offered at Central Carolina Community College teaches students the foundational skills they need to begin a career as a process technician for a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing company. Process technicians are responsible for the production of chemical and pharmaceutical products.

After completion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of quality systems such as International Standards Organization (ISO) and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

• Measure length, volume, mass, and pressure using the metric system.

• Identify workplace safety hazards.• Understand separation methods including evaporation, distilla-

tion, precipitation, crystallization, filtration, liquid extraction and chromatography.

• Operate process equipment including an autoclave, incubator, microscope, balance, refractometer, pH meter, conductivity meter, and bioreactor.

• Work aseptically to minimize product contamination.• Provide the optimal conditions for growing cells.• Apply and interview with confidence for an entry-level process

technician job at a North Carolina pharmaceutical or biotechnology company.

Each required (core) Lab unit will also offer Supportive Labs that reinforce learning objectives, but may be applicable to most manu-facturing sectors.Topics also include biotechnology industry and job overview, job search, resumes, and interviews.

Home to more than 700 life science companies, North Carolina currently ranks third in the nation for biotechnol-ogy. BioWork is a certificate program which can lead to an entry-level posi-tion as a process technician. Students will learn the foundational skills needed for a career with a biotechnology, phar-maceutical, or chemical manufacturing company.

BioWork is ideal for recent high school graduates, transitioning military, or any-one seeking a new career opportunity.


Infrastructure

READY TO GET TO WORK? WELCOME TO SANFORD.

• Available sites: 10 - 30 acres, NC Certified, Shovel-Ready in CCEP with infrastructure

• NEW industrial shell building in development, 117,000 sq. ft., at CCEP

• Streamlined Permitting, Pro-Business Leadership

• Adjacent to US Hwy 1 Freeway, 15 mins to I-540 with direct access to RDU International Airport

• Over 496K workers and 1.43M population within 40-mile radius, including Research Triangle Park, Fort Bragg and Pinehurst

• Within 5 minutes of Raleigh Executive Jetport (6500 ft. runway)

• Within 45 minutes of three Tier 1 Research Universities

• Home to award-winning Central Carolina Community College

Electric: Duke Energy• Distribution Line - 24 kV• Transmission Line - 230 kV

Natural Gas: PSNC Energy• Size of line - 6”• Pressure of line - 150 psig

Water Service: City of Sanford• Nearest line size - 16” & 12”• Available capacity - 1 MDG

Wastewater Treatment: City of Sanford• Size of nearest line: 12”• Available capacity - 1.2

MGD

Telecommunications: Randolph Telephone Telecommunications, Inc.• Service available: Up to 10

Gbps via Fiber Optic

•

Sanford Area Growth Alliance | www.GrowSanfordNC.com | 919-775-7341 11

Central Carolina Enterprise Park Advanced Manufacturing Facility II

• 117,000 +/- SF warehouse

(shell condition)

• 100,000 +/- SF Expansion Pad

• First Bay Engineered to accommodate

Mezzanine, Office & Storage

• Column Spacing: 50’ x 54’

• Center Ceiling Height - 29’

• Eave Ceiling Height - 26’

• Dock Area Doors:

• 13 - Dock High - 10’ x 9’ (Expandable to 22)

• 1 - Drive-In - 14’ x 12’

• Floor Thickness: 6 inches

• Designed for Sprinkler System: ESFR

• Exterior Material: Tilt Up Concrete

• Interior Material: Steel Frame

• 17 Paved Parking Spaces (Expandable to 150)

Audentes Therapeutics, an Astellas company based in San Francisco, California, will open a new facility in Lee County, Governor Roy Cooper announced Tuesday, February 18, 2020. The life-sciences company pur-chased the completed shell building located in Central Carolina Enterprise Park and will create 209 jobs at an average salary of $83,900. The company will be investing $109.4M in Sanford over a five year period.

“With our powerhouse research centers and high-ly-skilled workforce, biotech pioneers recognize North Carolina’s role as a leader in the life sciences,” said Governor Cooper. “Lee County is a perfect fit for Audentes as they seek to become a global leader in genetic medicines.”

SOLD: Shell Building I


Achieving more.

Educating the future

12

You have probably heard by now what great things our stu-dents are accomplishing. More than 87 percent graduate from high school, a figure that mirrors the state average, and they’re not merely graduating.

More than half leave high school with credit for college cours-es, and that doesn’t even include Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate course that will earn them addi-tional academic credit at universities throughout the world.

More than 60 percent graduate with career and technical cre-dentials that include work readiness certificates and technical certifications awarded by companies like Adobe and Micro-soft.

It takes a lot of outstanding people working together over many years for our students to achieve so much success. Ded-icated education professionals at every grade level. Consci-entious business leaders investing in students and academic initiatives. Civic leaders, volunteers, and faith-based organi-zations who unite to provide what their young neighbors need to excel.

What our students have accomplished already is impressive, but we’re still moving ahead. Because, working together, there’s no telling what we can achieve.

More Than A Diploma

Dr. Andy BryanSuperintendent

Lee County Schools

Lee County Schools is deeply committed to eco-nomic development in our community. To see that, you only have to look as far as our students’ accomplishments in our district-wide “More Than A Diploma” initiative — something we began sev-eral years ago to give our students a competitive advantage for college admissions and good-paying jobs. The idea, simply put, is to help all students graduate with something more than the basic high school diploma.

The numbers have been impressive. Over the last five years, nine out of 10 graduates did earn more than a diploma. In fact, 227 graduates left high school with a college associate degree as well, without having to pay anything out of pocket. Al-most half of Lee County Schools graduates, 1,589 in all, earned credit for at least one college class, some finishing with semesters worth of college credit. In total, the last five years of high school graduates completed 11,048 college courses.

A whopping 6,496 career and technical certifica-tions were earned — things like Microsoft certifi-cations, Adobe and Autodesk certifications, early childhood education credentials and career readi-ness certificates that not only give graduates a leg up in the job market, but saved them money, since those credentials also were earned free of charge.

And those are just a few of the numbers. Our stu-dents continue to have some impressive academic options that allow them to compete for college ad-mission or jump start their careers. The great news is that our students have embraced those opportu-nities with enthusiasm and success. That’s good for our graduates, and it’s good for our community.

Lee County Schools


GOAL: CHAMPION SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH AND EXPANSION

SAGA assists emerging and growing companies through the Chamber of Commerce by providing value-added benefits, such as networking and B2B efforts for members. SAGA continues support of the CCCC Small Business Center; partnering with other critical organizations to assist our community’s businesses in building connections to resources and advocating for business friendly public policy.

Maintain Chamber program to provide benefits to enhance and grow small business

Facilitate a support program for entrepreneurs

Advocate for funding resources and connect with new and existing businesses

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Small Businesses Growth

Chamber Membership (June 30, 2020)

In response to COVID-19, the Chamber of Commerce:535Adapt and Innovate

• Developed a Coronavirus toolkit on GrowSanfordNC.com which included information on topics such as:

• Funding and Loan Assistance• Community Resources• Small Business Assistance• Employee/HR References• Remote Working Tools

• Conducted a COVID-19 Business Survey to determine who had applied for and received Small Business Administration funding, and what could help them deal with the COVID-19 outbreak • Conducted virtual Small Business Interest Groups, to include:

• Focus group for hotels and restaurants• Focus group for nonprofits• Financial stability

• Virtual Information session on how to get the most forgiveness for your Paycheck Protection Program funds

• Shared grant and loan information with businesses, to include:• Golden Leaf funding, • SBA funds (Paycheck Protection Program and Economic

Injury Disaster Loan), • Lee County CARES Emergency Small Business Grant.

• In partnership with DSI and Visit Sanford, created the #SafeSanfordNC initiative to help businesses and patrons feel safe about shopping. This was promoted both locally, and on WRAL.com.

1. John Hiester Automotive2. La Bella Beauty Salon3. Cooper’s Restaurant and

Wine Room4. Your CBD Store5. Jersey Mike’s Subs6. State Employee’s Credit Union*7. Integrated Automotive8. Sandhills Family Care - Broadway9. Taste of India10. Wilkinson Automotive*11. Planet Fitness12. J.A. Hart Construction*13. Advanced Hearing Care14. MINA Charter School15. M. Zeke Kelly:

Principal Financial16. Behold Roofing17. Central Carolina Women’s

Health Center

*Expansion or Relocation


Inaugural RISE Program Report

The Sanford Area Growth Alliance Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have developed the RISE Program in partnership with the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center (SBC) and Downtown Sanford, Inc (DSI).

This eight-class program introduced entrepreneurs and existing business owners to the concepts and practices that gave inter-ested individuals the tools necessary for business success. At the end of the program, each participant produced a basic small business plan, and had the opportunity to present their plan and business concept to a team of business professionals – the RISE Review Committee. The committee consisted of a retail shop owner, a banker, a pastor who teaches businesses classes to his church members, a small business owner (medical industry), and a restaurant owner.

The goals of the RISE Program are to fill empty buildings with quality, well prepared businesses, to stop the revolving door of opening and closing businesses, to prepare entrepreneurs for “the business of their business”, and for the first three years of the program, to fill gaps and niches in downtown Sanford. Later years may expand to areas outside of Downtown Sanford, to include places like Jonesboro and Broadway.

For more information on the RISE Program, visit http://www.leesbc.com/rise/.

JAN BADGETT SMITH | GRANT WINNER

OTHER RISE NEWS:

Seva Yoga Studio provides a wide variety of yoga classes suitable for all fitness levels taught by knowledgeable, caring instructors. Conveniently located in downtown Sanford, our relaxing, spa-like setting will allow students to leave their stress behind. Seva Yoga serves as a place to develop strength and flexibility in both mind and body, setting you on the path to better health.

While the RISE program is not limited to individuals planning on opening their business in downtown Sanford, there is an opportunity for one class participant to receive a reimbursable grant of $5,000 for rent and utilities if they do locate in down-town.

Seva Yoga

“The RISE Program took the overwhelming task of starting your own busi-ness and provided us a step by step plan for how to successfully achieve our goals. Each aspect of business, including marketing, financials, and legal considerations was broken down into weekly classes that made starting a business seem less daunting and more attainable.”

Since the conclusion of the first class, we have seen the opening of three new businesses: With Love Boutique, High Cotton Couture, and Seva Yoga. In addition to these openings, Flooded Screenprints moved from a 500 sq foot building to a 3,000 square foot building. We look forward to continued success from RISE Graduates!


GOAL: PROVIDE EVENTS RESULTING IN BUSINESS GROWTH

Offering high quality business gatherings has been a long time goal for the Chamber and, with the resources now available, SAGA conducts events which provide significant value and potential opportunity for business develop-ment. As a regular part of the SAGA activities, a variety of events are held to meet different business needs. Atten-dance and profitability in these events have increased 50% in three years.

Conduct monthly events to create a sense of community with business and industry

Host special events to provide networking opportunities to build relationships and create new contacts

Conduct Chamber Annual Membership Banquet and SAGA Annual Meeting to provide business and industry recognitions and organizational updates

Organize and lead annual Leadership Sanford program

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Small Interest Groups

54

20

AM Buzz: 50

Business After Hours: 50

Public Policy Luncheon: 55

Ribbon Cutting: 30

AVERAGE EVENT ATTENDANCE

Monthly Events

Monthly Morning Networking

Chamber Banquet: 303Recognizing Small Business Leaders

Laid back networking -- Cheers!

Topics for your community and business

SAGA Annual Meeting: 220Recognizing local industry and accomplishments

Chamber Clays Championship: 80Ready, aim, fire! Who’s the best shot in Sanford?New business / New location =

BIG SCISSORS!

Special

Events

Marquee Events

Events Held

Years of Leadership

Sanford

The Chamber of Commerce quickly pivoted when the world was hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Our Board if Di-rectors knew that it was critical to keep cohesion amongst the Chamber members. They needed to connect with each other in order to lean on each other for support, advise and to find innovative ways to do business. We were able to keep folks connected through virtual networking events such as AM Buzz and Public Policy Lunches, but we also added virtual Small Interest Groups to our offerings.

We utilized this avenue to keep our members informed of COVID-related funding opportunities, and how to utilize them most effectively. Another Small Interest Group we held, for example, was specifically for hoteliers and restau-rant owners. In partnership with the North Carolina Restaurant and Hospitality Association, we were able to share information regarding the ever-changing environment they were facing. Small Interest Groups, though virtual, have played a large role in keeping our business members and community leaders connected.


GOAL: ADVOCACY FOR QUALITY OF LIFE INITIATIVES

SAGA’s recent activities in quality of life, through its predecessor entities, have existed as an organizational goal since the 2008 Lee County Second Century study. Directly related to economic development goals and requiring constant attention, these strategies are designed to attract higher quality development and the creation of a strong sense of place. The Residential Task Force is a tangible result of efforts in this area.

Create a Task Force for residential development

Advocate for amenity development

Support downtown development

Residential Growth

New Amenity Development

*Investment through public, private and/or bond dollars

Residential Permits

Commercial Permits

Downtown Taxable Property

Parks and Recreation

Greenways

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‘20: 540 issued, $50M‘19: 480 issued, $39M

‘20: 220 issued, $110M‘19: 110 issued, $47M

‘20: $74.08M‘19: $59.76M

$2M*

$4M*

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We are working to complete the first step in revising our Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to complement our comprehensive land use plan as was adopted in late 2018. The UDO is our comprehensive set of rules and regulations that sets forth the minimum standards for development.

We are actively working to on a complete overhaul of our current design guidelines for residential development with the goal to ensure that we create walkable neighborhoods with lasting character and amenities rather than disconnected and monot-onous subdivisions. The adopted land use plan serves to guide developers as where they should build.

The UDO is the tool to make sure that these projects are constructed to a standard as desired by our community. We anticipate completion and adoption of these new rules in the spring of 2021. We will then move on to considering changes to our current standards for commercial and industrial development. We will also continue to monitor and tweak the land use plan as required to reflect the needs of the community.

Marshall DowneyDirector

Planning and Development

Land Use Plan

Kiwanis Family Park Splash Pad

With the development of Galvin’s Ridge, Laurel

Oaks, South Park Village (Phase III) and others,

approved (or pending final approval) single family

lots total 3,044 and multi-family units total 1,184.


GOAL: AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT

SAGA will continue efforts to engage and integrate farming and all other agri-business interests into the overall economic development program of the community. Recognizing that agriculture is a major driver of the Lee County economy, SAGA will support the goals of Lee County Cooperative Extension and work to develop creative ap-proaches to improving the climate for agriculture related business.

Incorporate agriculture into all aspects of economic development

Collaborate with agri-businesses for tourism and visitor marketing

Support small farming strategies

Lee County Agriculture

Dr. Bill StoneDirector

Lee County Cooperative Extension

A typical year for agriculture poses many challenges ranging from heat and drought to hurricanes and flooding, along with just about everything else in between. This year of course, we could add a global pandemic to that list. Like every other vital industry making up our economy, farms and agribusinesses were forced to rethink their way of doing business. Covid-19 affected virtually every aspect of agri-culture including: farm worker safety and housing, the national food supply chain, farmers markets, agritourism activities and events and food safety and security protocol.

Not surprisingly, when faced with these daunting challenges, our farmers and producers rose to meet them with resilience and innovation. Many direct-to-consumer markets flourished this year with more farmers using digital marketing tools like the “Visit NC Farms” Mobile App to make connections with their clients virtually. As our population has become increasingly interested in where their food comes from, we’ve seen a significant uptick in con-sumers seeking out locally sourced food and visiting the farms where it was grown.

Throughout this time of transition, SAGA has been an outstanding advocate and promoter of these and many other agricultural initiatives. We are continually appreciative of the support SAGA has demonstrat-ed for local agriculture and agribusiness, and look forward to a continued partnership in the years to come.

NUMBER OF FARMS250 | Up 2% from 2012

AVERAGE SIZE OF FARM141 Acres | Down 11% from 2012

FARMS SELLING DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS44 | Up 110% from 2012

ACRES OF FARMLAND35,170 | Down 10% from 2012

ACRES IN VOLUNTARY AG. DISTRICT8,777.82

POUNDS OF TOBACCO PRODUCED ANNUALLY 6.2 Million

MARKET VALUE OF AG. PRODUCTS$54.4 Million | Up 57% from 2012

VALUE OF CROPS INCLUDING NURSERY & GREENHOUSE18.8 Million | Up 9% from 2012

VALUE OF ANIMAL PRODUCTS$35.6 Million | Up 103% from 2012


THANK YOUSAGA INVESTORS

Adcock & Associates

Arden Companies

BB&T now Truist

Black’s Tire & Auto Service

Cargo Control USA

Carolina Commercial Contractors, LLC.

Carter Bank & Trust

Caterpillar Inc.

Central Carolina Enterprise Park, LLC

Central Carolina Hospital

Chatlee Boat and Marine

CMG Financial, Inc.

Community Properties, Inc.

Covington Collaborative

DMJ & Co., PLLC

Dominion Energy

Dossenbach’s Finer Furniture and Mattress Center

Duke Energy

Edelbrock Holdings, Inc.

Enterprise Holdings

FirstHealth of the Carolinas

First Bank

First Citizens Bank

First National Bank

Frontier Spinning Mills, Inc.

Gross Farms

HCB Properties LLC

Heritage Concrete Co

Lee County Farm Bureau

Lee Iron & Metal Company, Inc.

Lee-Moore Capital Company

Mertek Solutions, Inc.

Nouveau Investments, Inc.

The Normann Financial Group

Pfizer

Pilgrim’s

Progressive Contracting Company, Inc.

REAP Holdings, LLC

Red Wolf Company, LLC

Rodeco Company

Samet Corporation

Sanford Council of the Longleaf Pine Realtors

Sanford Contractors Inc.

The Sanford Herald

Sanford Honda

Sanford Medical Society

Spanset, Inc.

Steel and Pipe Corporation

Static Control Components, Inc.

STI Polymer, Inc.

Tommy Fonville, Robert Swain & Jack Morisey

Tri Properties | NAI Carolantic Realty Inc.

Village of Cumnock, LLC

West Financial Strategies, Inc.

Wilkins Corporation

Wilkinson Cadillac Chevrolet Buick GMC

CHAIRMAN LEVEL MEMBERS


STAFF

Jimmy RandolphCEO

[email protected]

Darien ThomasMembership Services and Data Research

[email protected]

Roxane WhitfieldFinance Manager

[email protected]

Michael SmithEconomic Development Executive Director

[email protected]

Meg MossChamber of Commerce Executive Director

[email protected]

Bob JoyceSenior Director, Business Retention and Expansion

[email protected]

Morgan BarbourEvents Manager

[email protected]

Austin ThomasMarketing and Research Manager

[email protected]

115 Chatham StSanford, NC 27330919.775.7341GrowSanfordNC.com

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Economic Development Chamber of Commerce.

Documents

THANK YOU LEADERSHIP