Highlights of Achievement
Chamber Action Enhances McDowell County's Competitiveness & Growth
McDowell Economic Development Association [Founded 1982 as "McDowell Committee of 100"] Private development corporation funded by county government, individuals and business members.
McDowell Clean County System [1984]: Community support for beautification, environmental education, recycling and conservation
Mountain Glory Festival [1984]: Annual event in October celebrating handicrafts, music, art and other attributes of the mountain region. (Operated by City of Marion/Marion Business Assoc. since 1998.)
McDowell Business & Industry Development Center [1986]: A successful business incubator located on the campus of McDowell Tech.
McDowell Tourism Development [1986]: Full-time advertising & promotions for McDowell County
The OUTLOOK Project [began 1987]: Five-year county strategic planning concentrating on:
- Growth Management
- Education
- Government Services
- Tourism
Lake James State Park [1989]: Joint effort of Burke and McDowell chambers of commerce and legislators began in 1986.
Marion Correctional Institution [1995]: Strong recruitment initiative by chamber and county commission began in 1990.
McDowell Visitor & Commerce Center [1995]: Four-year capital campaign to create new quarters on US 221 which now provides positive image, visibility and customer access for county.
Shop Local Campaign [2005-present]: Advertising, promotion, networking and consumer awareness for local business community
Inter-Basin Transfer [2007-08]: Leadership and initiative in coordinating local opposition to transfer of 36 million gallons of water per day from Lake James to Concord-Kannapolis.
Broadband Expansion Project [2007-present]: A focused effort to bring more high-speed internet service to McDowell County residents, students, and existing and prospective businesses.
McDowell House Preservation [2007-present]: Active leadership and involvement in saving and restoring the McDowell House.
McDowell LINC (Leadership, Involvement, Networking and Community) [2008-present]: A nine-month course to encourage civic leadership, learning and “give-back” to the community.
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