03-24-2026 Meeting Agenda Packet EDC Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
Regularly-Scheduled Meeting Agenda
Time Item Leader 4:00 Welcome Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Secretary 4:01 Invocation The Honorable Sherry Wilborn
4:02 Consent Agenda
•February 24, 2026 Meeting Minutes
•March 10, 2026 Meeting Minutes**Request a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Secretary
4:03 Resignation of Board Member **Request a motion to approve or deny resignation Mr. Bryan Eatmon, Existing Industry Specialist 4:05 Review of Previous Action Plan Mr. Bryan Eatmon, Existing Industry Specialist 4:20 Goals / Action Items for Fiscal Year 2027 Mr. Bryan Eatmon, Existing Industry Specialist 4:40 Member Comments Members and Ex Officios 4:50 Departmental Report Mr. Bryan Eatmon, Existing Industry Specialist
5:00 Next Meeting
Set for April 28, 2026, 4:00 pm, EDC Boardroom
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Secretary 5:00 **Adjourn Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Secretary **Action Requested
Person County, North Carolina
2024 Economic Development Action Plan
PERSON COUNlY
-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -
"To create opportunities for families & businesses to prosper &
compete in a global economy"
I.Retain Existing Economic Drivers
Goal: Engage existing economic powerhouses to
support their success and investment in the county
Strategies:
•Identify and support priority partners and industries
•Connect local industry and community institutions
•Ensure future viability of agriculture and agri-tourism
Ill. Foster Opportunity and Growth
Goal: Demonstrate the county potential as a place
for businesses and for working people to prosper
Strategies:
•Advance shared interests with regional ED orgs
•Foster new amenities to attract potential residents
•Cultivate agriculture and agro-tourism capacity
•Support funding for improvements at PCC
II.Strengthen the Local ED Ecosystem
Goal: Bolster local assets to enhance viability and
visibility to future investors and business growth
Strategies:
•Monitor housing and quality of life indicators
•Secure resources for future development
•Develop infrastructure to meet anticipated needs
•Prepare prime development sites for investment
IV.Improve Organizational Efficacy
Goal: Foster an ED Commission and Department that
can fulfill their duties to this community
Strategies: •Report consistent quality of life and economic metrics
•Collaborate on messaging and external materials
•Continue and enhance marketing efforts with WRAL
•Build shared understanding and consensus on goals
This document aims to stimulate goal ideas and strategies to implement in order to achieve these
goals. The goals listed have been pulled from Person County’s strategic plan. The goals and
strategies listed are not final; they are only suggestions to help spark ideas.
Goal 1: Recruit, grow, and retain business and industry
• Attract new businesses that create well-paying jobs, add to the tax base and provide
valued services and products
o Work with property owners of available sites to find a path forward to
maximizing the use of the property
o Identify potential sites for development with partner organizations (City of
Roxboro, Duke Energy, Enbridge, Norfolk Southern)
o Gain site control and develop a shovel ready site or speculative building
• Expand and support existing businesses
o Perform a minimum number of BRE visits to major employers with EDC
members/stakeholders
o Perform a minimum number of BRE visits
o Creation and distribution of a BRE survey
o Encourage nominations and/or nominate industries for NC Manufacturing
Extension Partnership awards
o Host or co-host a minimum number of programs/workshops to support existing
businesses (access to capital, technical support for industry, networking, etc.)
• Work with partners to create and support opportunities for the current and future
workforce to learn and develop new skills
o Continue collaboration with Person County Schools and Piedmont Community
College to ensure current and future workforce training is aligned with industry
needs
o Support and encourage local employers to utilize work-based learning,
internships, apprenticeships, and engage with educational partners.
• Promote the county’s assets locally, regionally, and nationally through online, social,
and print media platforms and in-person marketing and recruitment
o Attend a minimum number of conferences, trade shows, and site selector events
o Create and post weekly or biweekly content on LinkedIn highlighting Person
County’s assets (quality of life, industry, available property, partner
organizations, etc.)
o Create marketing materials (digital and print) to attract new business
o Develop a new marketing video
Goal 2: Develop and maintain infrastructure that enhances quality of life
• Evaluate water and sewer capacity and city/county needs for future growth, revisit
interlocal agreement
o Engage in regular communication (quarterly) with City of Roxboro to ensure
adequate capacity for immediate need and short-term growth
o Hold a stakeholder meeting to review water and sewer capacity, evaluate current
challenges and opportunities, and plan ahead for future growth
o Review interlocal agreement to determine if edits or revisions are necessary
• Evaluate transportation and rail capacity for current and future growth
o Continue supporting Raleigh Regional Airport improvements
Goal 3: Ensure the 6-14 Workforce Pipeline remains strong
o Facilitate interactions between students and industry through field trips to industries
and bringing industry into the classroom
o Take a partnership role in the planning and execution of Manufacturing Day
o Continue active participation and collaboration with Person County Schools CTE and
Piedmont Community College
Goal 4: Promote agribusiness and agritourism
o Offer a minimum number of programs/workshops to assist the development and
growth of agribusiness and agritourism
o Complete a minimum number of BRE visits to this industry sector
o Search for and connect agribusiness and agritourism businesses with resources in
areas to include workforce development, access to capital, and marketing
o Work with partners to preserve farmland and maintain rural character
o Highlight successes and promote agribusiness and agritourism industries
Person County Economic Development FY26 Action Plan Report
I. Retain Existing Economic Drivers
Goal: Engage existing economic powerhouses to support their success and investment in the
county.
Strategies:
• Identify and support priority partners and industries
o Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce
- Ex officio seat on the Board
- Attended 16 Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours
- Attended nine Good Morning Coffee Hours
- Participated in Leadership Person County
- Participated in National Night Out
- Assisted in planning Personality Festival, Alive After 5 , Golf Tournament
o Uptown Roxboro Group
- Seat on the Board
- Assisted in planning and participated in Jingle in July, Touch a Truck, Fall
& Spring Planting, Food Truck Rodeos, Cruise Ins, and Jingle on Main.
- Assisting with URG website in absence of the Director
o Person County Tourism Development Authority
- Working with PCTDA to develop “welcome bags” for industries to give
out to out-of-town employees.
- Ongoing communication and collaboration to market Person County.
o Piedmont Community College and Piedmont Community College Small Business
Center
- Member of the Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Committee
- Routinely communicate and collaborate with PCC regarding workforce
development needs to assist existing industry.
- Collaborated to hold the Person County Career Expo at PCC South
Campus
- Small business visits with PCC SBC and sharing of information and
resources
- Planned and participated in PCC Marketing Summit
o Small Business and Technology Development Center
- Introduced SBTDC staff to area banks to assist in awareness of services
- Recommended SBTDC services to local businesses
- Ongoing collaboration through sharing of information and resources
o Kerr Tar Council of Governments
- Attended Housing Summit
- Attended Regional Summit
- Collaborated to hold Person County Career Expo
- Ongoing communication and collaboration with KTCOG staff
- Promote revolving loan fund and micro loan fund to area businesses
o Research Triangle Regional Partnership
- Attended site selector meeting
- Attended annual banquet
o NC Carolina Core
- Attended Networking Event in Raleigh with EDPNC staff and local
economic developers
- Information sharing to increase visibility of Person County
o Local Industry
- 61 BRE visits as of 3/19/26
- Regular correspondence with industry and business regarding workforce
needs, access to capital, and assistance with community connections.
• Connect local industry and community institutions
o Ongoing efforts to connect local industry with resources available locally for
workforce needs, access to capital, technical expertise, and procurement
o Work is done through BRE visits, email, and phone calls.
• Ensure future viability of agriculture and agritourism
o Maintaining a good working relationship with NC Cooperative Extension, Soil
and Water, and NCSU CALS
o Assisted agribusinesses with workforce development through relationships with
NCSU
II. Strengthen the Local ED Ecosystem
• Monitor housing and quality of life indicators
o Ongoing and regular monitoring of housing in Person County
o Ongoing and regular monitoring of demographic data
o Held Housing Summit
• Secure resources for future development
• Develop infrastructure to meet anticipated needs
o Ongoing support for City of Roxboro Western Sewer Expansion Project
o In progress evaluation of water and sewer extensions to serve Raleigh Regional
Airport
o Ongoing support for Raleigh Regional Airport improvements, including runway
extension project, terminal design, and development of old asphalt plant property
• Prepare prime development sites for investment
o In progress negotiations for site control to support Raleigh Regional Airport
improvements
III. Foster Opportunity and Growth
• Advance shared interests with regional ED orgs
o Ongoing collaboration with RTRP and KTCOG
• Foster new amenities to attract potential residents
o Ongoing support and information sharing with Parks and Rec, Chamber, URG,
PCS and PCC
• Cultivate agriculture and agritourism capacity
o Ongoing working relationship with NC Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water,
PCTDA, and NCSU CALS to support agriculture and agritourism
• Support funding for improvements at PCC
o Facilitated and provided support for Golden Leaf’s Community-Based Grants
Initiative (CBGI), resulting in $1M in funding for PCC’s South Campus
o Drafted letters of support to assist in applications for funding
o Vocal support for PCC to community members, stakeholders, regional and state
economic development officials
IV. Improve Organizational Efficacy
• Report consistent quality of life and economic metrics
o Monthly reports provided to the EDC for some metrics (work in progress to
enhance reporting)
• Collaborate on messaging and external materials
o Collaborate with partners and industry to provide clear, consistent messaging
• Continue and enhance marketing efforts with WRAL
o Some conversations have taken place regarding the creation of a new promotional
video, but not with WRAL
• Build shared understanding and consensus of goals
o Approved Action Plan in place
o Monthly reports shared and discussions held with EDC
o Action Plan update in progress
Departmental Report
February 2026 – March 2026
• Attended GMCH with Person County Human Services and Substance Use
Disorder Subcommittee
• Attend Ribbon Cuttings/Business After Hours with American Legion,
Bakery Boxing Club, and Timberlake Community Center Food Pantry
• Attended UNC SOG webinar: Understanding Affordable Housing Pro
Formas: A Case Study from an NC Community
• Job Shadowing Day with PCS CTE was on February 27th
• Attended NCEDA Spring Conference on March 10th
• Uptown Roxboro Group update: April Spencer is no longer leading the
Uptown Roxboro Group; the position is posted
o Person County Economic Development is helping fill the gap until a
new Director is hired
• Attended a meeting with Enbridge on March 20th
• Attend the Installation Ceremony for Dr. Lee on March 20th
• Hosted a Lunch and Learn with Person County Public Library on March 23rd
• Attended Uptown Roxboro business meeting on March 23rd
Upcoming Events of Interest
• Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on April 24th, 2026
• Person County Spring 2026 Civics Academy registration is now open
• RTRP State of the Region on May 13th, 2026
• SBTDC Small Business Day on May 6th from 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Available Properties
1803 N. Main St.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Industrial
Square Footage: 45,000 sqft
Ceiling Height: 10-14 ft
601 N Madison Boulevard
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Commercial
Square Footage: 19,509 sqft
Ceiling Height: Unknown
4080 Durham Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27574
Type of Space: Commercial
Size: 40.10 Acres
2473 Durham Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Industrial
Square Footage: 88,000 sqft
Ceiling Height: 18 ft
415 Semora Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Office
Square Footage: 3,100 sqft
Ceiling Height: 9-10 ft
50 Providence Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Industrial
Square Footage: 260,000 sqft
Ceiling Height: 15 ft
385 Memorial Dr.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Commercial and Industrial
Size: 183.90 Acres
2300 Old Durham Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Industrial
Square Footage: 138,458 sqft
Ceiling Height: 18.90-28 ft
March 2026
Project Request: 12
Projects Submitted for the Year 2026: 2
Building/Site Size Ceiling
Height
Natural Gas Electric Water DNS Reasons
Existing
Building
35,000-
70,000sqft
33ft Not Needed 1 MW 1,000
gallons/day
Building Size and
Ceiling Height
Existing
Building
30,000sqft 16ft Not
Required
1-5 MW Minimal
Usage
Expandable to
100,000sqft, Ceiling
Height
Greenfield 250-600
acres
Not
Required
15-35
MW
500k-1M
gallons/day
Site size, rail required,
within 10 miles of
interstate/highway
Greenfield 75-100 acres 1500
MCF/minute
7.5-15
MW
500,000
gallons/day
Site size,
government/publicly
owned
Existing
Building or
Greenfield
430,000-
560,000sqft
or 35-50
acres
40ft TBD 2.5 MW TBD Building/site size,
ceiling height, rail
access, within 5 miles
of interstate/highway
Existing
Building or
Greenfield
300-400
acres
Unknown Unknown Unknown Site size, rail access,
within 15 miles of
interstate/highway
Existing
Building
250,000-
500,000sqft/
30-50 acres
30ft Not required Standard
amount
Modest
amount
Building size with
additional acreage,
ceiling height, rail spur
required
Existing
Building
50,000-
150,000sqft
20ft Heating
building
only
35-40
MW
Domestic
Use Only
Ceiling height, 10
truck/dock doors,
within 5 miles of
interstate/highway,
within 100 miles of
deep seaport
Building/Site Size Ceiling
Height
Natural Gas Electric Water DNS Reasons
Existing
Building
200,000sqft/
18-20 acres
28ft 5,200 MCF 10-12
MW
6,000 -
15,000
gallons/day
Building size along
with additional
acreage, expansion
capability, ceiling
height, and 10 miles
within interstate
Greenfield 150-
200acres
660 MCF 300 MW 1.4million
gallons/day
385 Memorial Drive
Roxboro, NC 27573
Existing
Building
40,000-
65,000sqft
18ft 12 MCF 550 MW 2,000
gallons/day
Building size, ceiling
height, and required 3
dock doors
Existing
Building or
Greenfield
200,000-
400,000sqft
12ft Not required 100 MW 5,000
gallons/day
Rail required
Person County
myFutureNC 2026 Attainment ProfilesThis profile reflects the county as a whole, not any single institution.
Raleigh-Durham
Prosperity Zone Sub-Region
Peer County Type: Rural - Metro
Click to view peer counties
Have Degree or Credential3,38939.6%
No Degree5,16460.4%
Residents Ages 25-448,553
Educational Attainment
Person County residents ages 25-44, 2024
Educational Attainment Trend
Note: 2020 data not shown due to inconsistency *ACS excludes non-degree certificates; a 7.5% estimate is used for all counties.
Educational Level Breakdown, 2024
2024 Person County Attainment Progress (ages 25-44)-2,482 more residents needed to meet 2030 goal 2030 Goal: 5,871
2.7%County
vs.5.8%State
Growth Rate
Population Spotlight
2020 Census: 39,085
2024 Estimate: 40,143
Change: 1,058
Race/Ethnicity
$60,520
MedianHouseholdIncome (2024)
State: $74,055
77.3%
Home Owners(2024)
State: 66.8%
69.1%
Householdswith Broadband(2024)
State: 77.8%
28.6%
Child Poverty Rate(2024)
State: 16.5%
19.6%
Single ParentHouseholds(2024)
State: 17.0%
3.1%
Foreign Born(2024)
State: 9.9%
Top Opportunities
for Growth
Opportunity Youth
19% of Person County youth ages 16-24 are not working and not in school, above the rural - metro county average of 15%.
82.3%
of postsecondary degrees and
certificates conferred by
regional institutions are
aligned with labor market
needs.
Top Misalignments
Job Openings vs. Degrees/Certificates
Management & Entrepreneurship Jobs >
Creds
Education Jobs < Creds
Healthcare & Human Services Jobs >
Creds
In Raleigh-Durham Prosperity Zone Sub-Region:
Person County Resident ApprenticeshipNC Program Enrollment
0
0
residents enrolled in registered pre-apprenticeships in 2024
residents enrolled in ApprenticeshipNC program in 2024
Raleigh-Durham PZ-Sub Region UNC and NCCC Outcomes
20,956 graduates in 2023
64.8%of 2019 graduates were employed in NC in 2024
$59,913 annual average earnings of graduates employed in NC
(includes both part-time and full-time jobs), 2024
53.9%of adults (ages 25-44) in Person County earned a family
sustaining wage. Peer: 48.0% | State: 57.8%, 2024
18.8%of youth (ages 16-24) in Person County were Opportunity
Youth. Peer: 14.8% | State: 10.3%, 2023
84.4%of adults (ages 25-44) in Person County participated in the labor
force. Peer: 81.0% | State: 84.4%, 2024
Top 3 5-Star Jobs in
Raleigh-Durham PZ Sub-Region
Job Title Annual Growth
Nurse Practitioners 4.59%
Data Scientists 3.70%
Medical and Health Services
Managers 3.52%
Click to view complete list for above table
Top 3 Employers in
Person County
Employer Employment Range
Person County Board of
Education 500-999
Poly Wood LLC 500-999
County of Person 500-999
Click to view complete list for above table
Top 3 Industries in
Person County
Industry Jobs | Percent
Retail Trade 1,566 | 16.8%
Health Care and Social
Assistance 1,108 | 12.9%
Manufacturing 996 | 12.7%
Click to view complete list for above table
Person County Residents Enrolled in
NC Colleges & Universities (2017-
2024)
Person County Residents Enrolled in
NCCCS, Fall 2024
Person County is served by:
Kerr-Tar Workforce Development
Board
Kerr-Tar Council of Governments
Updated: Feb 10 2026
Top Opportunities
for Growth
Postsecondary Completion
42% of Person County high school graduates who enroll in postsecondary education earn a degree or certificate within 6 years, below
the rural - metro county average of 57%.
Degree Certificates Awarded in PZ Sub-Region, 2024
5,899 Certificate 5,631 Associate 16,882 Bachelor’s
37 Basic Skills
589 Continuing Education
266 Curriculum
21.2% of residents (aged 25-44) have some college but no
degree. Peer: 15.5% | State: 11.1%, 2024
11.5% of Person County residents have student loan debt; 2.8% of
debt holders had student loans in default. 2024
Adult Learners
Person County Residents Aged 25+ enrolled in
NC Community Colleges, Fall 2024
69.4% of 2022 high school graduates who enrolled persisted to their
second year. Peer: 77.1% | State: 81.9%, 2024
42.1% of 2017 high school graduates who enrolled earned a degree or
certificate within 6 years. Peer: 57.5% | State: 60.2%, 2024
Success of Person County High School Graduates
Top College Destinations of Person County Residents
(Enrolled in Fall 2024)
• 1,318 of all college-goers attended Piedmont CC
• 157 of all college-goers attended Durham Tech
• 80 of all college-goers attended East Carolina University
Top Opportunities
for Growth
FAFSA Completion
52% of Person County high school seniors complete the FAFSA, below the rural - metro county average of 56%.
51.9% of 2025 high school class completed the FAFSA as of Sept. 26, 2025.
79 more needed to complete in 2025 to meet state goal of 80%.
Peer: 56.3% | State: 60.8%
Class of 2024 Traditional Public High
School Graduate Intentions
54.2% of children 0-17 have
parents with no college degree
(2- or 4-year). 2023
Peer: 55.2% | State: 45.1%
91.0% of 9th graders graduated within four years. 12 more needed to meet
state goal of 95%. Peer: 85.7% | State: 88.0% 2024
50.7% of 2023 graduates enrolled in a postsecondary institution within 12
months. Peer: 52.5% | State: 59.7% 2024
Person County Class of 2023 Traditional High-School Graduates Who Enrolled in
College Within 12 Months
Note: Outcomes for groups with less than 10 students, <5% or >95% are not displayed.
Top Opportunities
for Growth
NC Pre-K Enrollment
61% of Person County eligible 4-year-olds are enrolled in NC Pre-K, below the rural - metro county average of 65%.
60.8% of eligible 4-year-olds enrolled in NC Pre-K program in 2025. 32 more
needed to meet state goal of 75%. Peer: 64.6% | State: 58.5%
Note: Enrollment numbers only include students served by the NC Pre-K Program and may notrepresent all Pre-K offerings available.
24.4% of 3-8 graders earned college-and-career-ready scores in reading in
2025. 991 more needed to meet state goal of 73%.
Peer: 25.3% | State: 30.8%
36.6% of 3-8 graders earned college-and-career-ready scores in math in
2025. 1,009 more needed to meet state goal of 86%.
Peer: 32.3% | State: 37.3%
23.0% of students were chronically absent from school in 2024. 546 fewer
needed to meet state goal of 11%. Peer: 27.4% | State: 25.7%
Person County has a student-to-school counselor ratio of 350:1
compared to 365:1 in peer counties. 2025
2.5% of students drop out of high school (34 total students), compared
to 2.0% statewide. 2024
Person County Traditional Public Schools students:
School & Student Overview (2025 school year)
Traditional Public School District(s): 1
Traditional Public School(s): 12
Charter School(s): 3
Private School(s): 2
Home School(s): 275
6,327 total K-12 students enrolled in
schools.
Students in traditional public schools completed 1,470 Career & Technical Education
(CTE) certificates and 426 concentrations (industry-valued credential data to be
updated spring 2026). The top three CTE concentrations: Architecture and Construction;
Health Science; and Human Services, 2024
75 (5.8%) high school
students took at least one
AP, IB, or CIE exam. State:
18.4% (2024).
159 (52.1%) high school graduates
participated in Career & College
Promise programs. State: 36.0%
(2024).
Pathways to College and Career
Person County 2026 Attainment Profile (all data pertaining to K-12 represents traditional public school students)
For more information about each indicator, including data sources and methodology, visit:
dashboard.myfuturenc.org/county-data-and-resources/
NCEDA 2026 Spring Conference – Demystifying Data Centers Summary
March 10, 2026
Demystifying Data Centers
This discussion will examine the role of data centers in North Carolina communities,
including what they are, why they matter, and how to evaluate projects – covering
economic impacts, infrastructure and zoning considerations, community engagement, and
implications for taxes, jobs, and wages
Overview
Data centers fall into two main categories: cloud computing (large enterprise workloads
hosted near major network hubs) and inference/edge computing (ultra-low-latency
processing near end users). Cloud computing relies on proximity to carrier hotels—major
fiber interconnection hubs—which the Carolinas currently lack, pushing many cloud
deployments to regions like Northern Virginia, Chicago, and Columbus. Edge computing,
however, presents a growing regional opportunity as AI and real-time applications expand.
Network + Location Realities
Carrier hotels operate like “airports for fiber,” concentrating global connectivity. Without
cloud onramps in the Carolinas, some enterprise users must locate workloads where
connectivity is already dense. Future opportunity exists as demand increases for
low-latency nodes supporting autonomous vehicles, healthcare technology, and real-time
AI.
Power + Utility Requirements
Large-load customers (100+ MW) engage Duke Energy early. Duke follows a regulated
large-load process including:
• $100K system impact study
• Verification of site control and zoning
• Customer-funded, refundable capital for substation and transmission upgrades
• Minimum billing requirements and load-curtailment capability
These requirements ensure grid reliability and protect ratepayers. Timelines for new
substations often run 3+ years, and some high-load sites may require up to 8 years when
transmission upgrades are substantial.
Site Selection Factors
The two biggest hurdles: zoning and power readiness. Developers prioritize sites already
zoned for data centers or heavy industrial and those with confirmed transmission access.
Financially strong developers who can fund utility deposits signal serious, viable projects.
Water use is less prominent than in past generations as cooling technologies evolve and
recycling increases, though community perception must be addressed proactively.
NCEDA 2026 Spring Conference – Demystifying Data Centers Summary
March 10, 2026
Community Considerations
Rates are set at the state level, not by proximity to data centers. Long-term local benefits—
as seen in communities like Maiden—can include tax stability, new public facilities, and
infrastructure investment. Incent systems and ions are shifting: some major operators now
promote “community-first” models focusing on paying for water, minimizing strain on local
systems, and strengthening local supply chains rather than relying heavily on local
incentives.
On -Site Generation & Reliability
Growing interest exists in on-site gas or backup generation to bridge long utility timelines,
though feasibility depends on permitting, lead times, and interconnection studies.
Reliability remains a key value proposition, and data centers typically support grid stability
through load curtailment and backup generation.
Future Outlook
Demand will continue rising as AI usage expands and automation accelerates. Moore’s Law
and efficiency gains may help, but not enough to flatten overall need. The Carolinas will
likely see continued data center interest, especially as power availability for the next wave
of AI loads comes online around 2027–2028.
NCEDA Panelists:
Leigh Cockram, moderator - Director – Rockingham County Economic Development
NCEDA Board of Directors
Danielle Buckins - Director, North Carolina Economic Development – Duke Energy
Scott Millar - President – Catawba County Economic Development Corporation NCEDA
Past President
Ben Rojahn - Vice President, Data Center Solutions - CBRE
EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026
Minutes of the PCEDC Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Person County EDC Board Room
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
February 24, 2026
Voting Board Members Present:
Mr. Phillip Allen- Vice-Chairman Mr. Kenneth Perry
The Honorable Cynthia Petty Mr. Jody Blackwell
The Honorable Sherry Wilborn
Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Agricultural Representative
Voting Board Members Absent:
Dr. Scott McKinney- Chairman
Mr. Jay Poindexter
Ex Officios Present:
Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager
Dr. Rodney Peterson, PCS Superintendent
Mr. Brooks Lockhart, City Manager
Dr. Kevin Lee, PCC President
ED Staff Present: Others Present:
Ms. Briana Whitt, Specialist (Minutes) Ms. Julie Maybee
Mr. George Willoughby
Ms. Michie Brandon
EDC Welcome and Invocation:
At 4:00 p.m., Vice-Chairman Allen called the meeting to order.
The Honorable Sherry Wilborn gave the invocation.
Consent Agenda:
Chairman McKinney recognized Dr. Claudia Berryhill for the approval of the January 13, 2026,
Executive Board, January 27, 2026, regular scheduled, and January 29, 2026, Housing Summit
meeting minutes.
A motion was unanimously approved to approve the meeting minutes for January 13, 2026,
Executive Board, January 27, 2026, regular scheduled, and January 29, 2026, Housing Summit.
Motion: The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Second: Mr. Kenneth Perry
1 of 10
EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026
Update from the Commissioners’ Budget Retreat:
Mr. Perry provided an update from the County Commissioners’ budget retreat, noting
appreciation for the opportunity to participate and the Commissioners’ willingness to listen. He
observed that the Commissioners maintained neutral expressions but that the EDC’s
presentation was well-delivered. Perry emphasized that economic development is inherently a
team effort requiring communication among the Economic Development Director, the County
Manager, the Commissioners, and the EDC Board.
Vice-Chairman Allen followed with comments highlighting the essential role of “product” in
economic development. He stated that companies will not consider investing in a community
without available development-ready sites and buildings. He stressed the importance of
strategic investments to grow the tax base, which supports the community college, public
schools, and county capital needs. He acknowledged the challenges rural communities face
during budget season and encouraged continued focus on long-term development strategy.
Housing Summit Recap:
Commissioner Wilborn presented a summary of the Housing Summit. She explained that
developers emphasized that construction costs in Person County mirror costs throughout the
region, meaning the county must adopt development-friendly policies if it hopes to compete
successfully for new housing. She pointed out that developers from outside the county
demonstrated a strong awareness of regional economic trends and competition from nearby
counties such as Lee and Granville.
Wilborn encouraged more routine sharing of regional and statewide announcements with the
EDC, recommending that staff incorporate an information-sharing component into future
agendas. She proposed that the Commission organize a field trip to observe effective housing
and development strategies in comparable communities such as Johnston County. She also
highlighted discussions related to public-private partnerships, especially workforce housing
targeted for teachers and other essential professionals.
Planning and Zoning Impact on ED:
The Commission then discussed several planning and zoning proposals that may affect
economic development. Commissioner Wilborn reviewed three pending text amendments,
beginning with TA-17-25, which would expand certain watershed buffer requirements to the
entire county. She expressed concern that this would not be development-friendly.
She also discussed TA-20-25, a proposal to establish a Technical Development Review
Committee that would involve additional departments in the early review of development
applications. Some members questioned whether this would streamline or hinder the approval
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EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026
process, especially for by-right uses. Staff clarified that the intent was not to require every
department to attend meetings but to ensure they had the opportunity to review plans in
advance.
A third amendment, TA-21-25, involved lengthy proposed standards for special-needs housing.
This amendment remained under review by the Planning Department.
Discussion broadened to the frequent changes in state land-use laws that affect both the city
and county, with members noting that communication between Planning and EDC staff is
essential to avoid surprises or unintended impacts on development. Members agreed that EDC
staff should be regularly updated on planning-related items to prevent significant changes from
moving forward without economic development input.
Review of Previous Action Plan:
The Commission reviewed the existing EDC Action Plan alongside the County Commissioners’
Strategic Plan. Staff highlighted where economic development goals currently appear and
emphasized the importance of measurable, realistic, time-bound objectives.
Goals/ Action Items for 2026:
Commissioner Wilborn presented a detailed set of proposed updates to the Action Plan. Her
suggestions included expanding marketing and recruitment efforts, participating in at least two
site-selection or trade events each year, increasing engagement through press releases and
social media, improving the usability of the EDC website, and developing printable marketing
materials. She also recommended refreshing the county’s utility and site mapping, hosting a
developer/broker roundtable, conducting regular business retention visits, creating an annual
recognition calendar, and maintaining strong collaboration with regional partners.
She further suggested identifying opportunities in emerging sectors such as nuclear energy and
semiconductor manufacturing, supporting small businesses with workshops on programs like
Opportunity Zones and Foreign Trade Zones, and reestablishing an industry-focused forum
similar to the former Industrial Relations Committee. Staff agreed to consolidate all
recommendations into a revised Action Plan to be reviewed at the March meeting.
Member Comments:
Tourism staff reported strong attendance at the recent Tourism Summit and presented
economic data confirming that tourism in Person County generated approximately $58 million
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EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026
in 2024. The upward trend in visitation was noted, and members discussed the county’s need for
additional lodging to support tourism and incoming workforce.
The Commission also acknowledged the public update released by Microsoft confirming plans
for data center development in Person County. Members expressed interest in arranging a
confidential briefing with Microsoft, when appropriate, to ensure alignment among the EDC, the
County, and the city regarding potential infrastructure and planning needs.
Representatives from Piedmont Community College reported significant enrollment and FTE
growth and thanked the EDC for its collaboration. The Commission was informed that PCC had
received a $1 million Golden LEAF grant, which had been previously endorsed by the EDC. Staff
also coordinated with PCC on a letter of support for a Duke Energy grant to establish a
pipefitting program.
The Vice-Chair noted the increasing volume of EDC activity and emphasized the importance of
ensuring that staff workload remains manageable.
Departmental Report:
Economic Development Specialist Briana Whitt presented the departmental report, describing
recent events attended by staff, including the Housing Summit, Tourism Summit, Marketing
Summit, ribbon cuttings, and Chamber events. She reported the addition of a previously listed
property back onto the EDC website following a change in ownership. She shared that the
department received eleven project requests during the month and was able to submit both a
site and a building for one active project. She also supplied a summary documenting why
certain projects could not be submitted, noting that these insights would help guide product
development strategies.
Vice-Chairman Report:
The Commission extended its appreciation to journalist George Willoughby, attending his final
meeting before leaving Person County. Members thanked him for his thorough and fair
reporting. A commemorative brick honoring former Mayor Merilyn Newell as a “Champion of
Growth and Community Prosperity” was presented, with plans for the brick to be donated to the
Person County Museum.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting is announced for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Person County
EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573.
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EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026
Adjournment:
A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to adjourn the meeting at
approximately 5:39 p.m.
Motion: The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Second: Mr. Jody Blackwell
_____________________________________ ______________________________________
Date Approved Secretary
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Date: February 24, 2026
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
Regularly-Scheduled Meeting Agenda
Time Item Leader 4:00 Welcome Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 4:01 Invocation The Honorable Sherry Wilborn
4:02 Consent Agenda
• January 13, 2026 Meeting Minutes
• January 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes
• January 29, 2026 Meeting Minutes **Request a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman
4:05 Update from the Commissioners’ Budget Retreat Mr. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman Mr. Kenneth Perry 4:10 Housing Summit Recap The Honorable Sherry Wilborn 4:15 Planning and Zoning Impacts on ED The Honorable Sherry Wilborn 4:25 Review of Previous Action Plan Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Ms. Briana Whitt 4:35 Goals/Action Items for 2026 Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Ms. Briana Whitt 4:45 Vice-Chairman Report Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 4:50 Member Comments Members and Ex Officios 4:55 Departmental Report Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Ms. Briana Whitt 5:00 Next Meeting
Set for March 24, 2026, 4:00 pm, EDC Boardroom
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 5:00 **Adjourn Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman **Action Requested
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To facilitate goal creation for the upcoming year, I am providing an overview of the department's primary
functions along with tools used to complete these functions. Review these functions and the listed tools to
assist in our discussion at the next board meeting on February 24th.
Attract New Business and Development
• Marketing, Promotion, and Recruitment
o Social media
o Economic development website
o Digital and print advertising
o Engagement with site-selection consultants
o Engagement with prospects
o Engagement with local, regional, state, and national media
o Participation in trade shows, conferences, and networking events
o Financial incentives
• Product Development
o Identify existing sites and buildings
o Identify potential sites for future development
o Building Reuse for vacant or underutilized industrial and commercial properties
o Identify strengths and gaps in infrastructure
o Investment in infrastructure
o Property acquisition and development
o Public-private partnerships
Retain Existing Industry
• Business Retention and Expansion (BRE)
o site visits
o business surveys
o networking events
o workforce training assistance
o financial incentives
o recognition and appreciation
o keeping companies informed of developments within the community that impact business
Enhance the local economic development ecosystem
• Collaborate with partner organizations
• Capture and disseminate quality of life and economic data
• Provide programs for local businesses and citizens
• Support small business and entrepreneurship
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Departmental Report
January 2026 – February 2026
• EDC attended and participated in the Housing Summit on January 29th
• Kerr Tar Regional Tourism Plan was completed and will be submitted to the KTCOG
Board on January 29th.
• Attended the 2026 Tourism Summit at Tunnel Creek Vineyards on February 19th
• Attended and participated in the 2026 Marketing Summit hosted by Piedmont
Community College Small Business Center on February 23rd
• Ongoing collaboration with Person County Schools CTE for Job Shadow Day on February
27th
• Participated in Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours with the Roxboro Area
Chamber of Commerce, Groundbreakings, and Meet and Greets:
o Voltage Meet and Greet on January 30th
o Public Safety Memorial Groundbreaking on February 11th
o The Carolina Estate on February 12th
o Duke Energy Groundbreaking on February 13th
o Busy Beaver Detailing on February 19th
o Business Relations Committee Lunch at Polywood on February 24th
Upcoming Events of Interest
• Person County Human Services – Good Morning Coffee Hour on February 25th at
Golden Corral at 8am
• Carolina Across 100: Our State, Our Home Webinar - Understanding Affordable Housing
Pro Formas: A Case Study from an NC Community on February 26th from 12:00 – 1:00pm
• Business After Hours at Person County Museum of History on March 5th from 5:30 to
7:00pm
• NCEDA 2026 Spring Conference on March 9 -10 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro,
NC
• Installation Ceremony for Dr. Kevin Lee on March 20th, 2026 at 1pm
• Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on April 24th, 2026
• Person County Spring 2026 Civics Academy registration is now open
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Available Properties
1803 N. Main St.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Industrial
Square Footage: 45,000 sqft
Ceiling Height: 10-14 ft
601 N Madison Boulevard
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Commercial
Square Footage: 19,509 sqft
Ceiling Height: Unknown
4080 Durham Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27574
Type of Space: Commercial
Size: 40.10 Acres
2473 Durham Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Industrial
Square Footage: 88,000 sqft
Ceiling Height: 18 ft
415 Semora Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Office
Square Footage: 3,100 sqft
Ceiling Height: 9-10 ft
50 Providence Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Industrial
Square Footage: 260,000 sqft
Ceiling Height: 15 ft
385 Memorial Dr.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Commercial and Industrial
Size: 183.90 Acres
2300 Old Durham Rd.
Roxboro, NC 27573
Type of Space: Industrial
Square Footage: 138,458 sqft
Ceiling Height: 18.90-28 ft
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February 2026
Project Request: 11
Projects Submitted for the Year 2026: 1
Building/site Size Ceiling
Height
Natural Gas Electric Water DNS Reasons
Greenfield 650 acres 420 MCF/hour 50 MW 3,000,000
gallons/day
Site Size
Greenfield 50-130 acres 972 MCF 20-54 MW 1,118,765
gallons/day
Expandable
Property
Existing
Building
250,000-
350,000sqft
30-60 1,000 MCF 1,000
MW/hour
13,000
gallons/day
Building Size and
Ceiling Height
Existing
Building or
Greenfield
100,000-
150,000sqft
or 10 acres
10 10 MCF/hour 6 MW 20-25,000
gallons/day
Submitted both a
building and a site
Existing
Building
200,000-
1,000,000sqft
30 25,394 MCF/
month
15 MW 1,400,000
gallons/day
Building Size,
Ceiling Height,
within 10 miles of
Interstate/Highway
Existing
Building or
Greenfield
200,000-
250,000sqft
32 Unknown 95 MW 180,000
gallons/month
Building size, Site
within 2 miles of a
4-lane highway
and 5 miles of an
interstate
Existing
Building
22,000-
37,000sqft
20 Not required 1 MW Domestic Use
Only
Building Size,
Ceiling Height
Greenfield 300-400
acres
Not required 15-19 MW 130,000
gallons/day
Site Size,
Interstate/Highway
access within 10
miles of site
Greenfield 40-60 acres 3,142 MCF/
month
700
MW/hour
5,000,000
gallons/month
Site Size,
Interstate/Highway
access within 10
miles of site, Rail
Access
Greenfield 40-60 acres TBD 1,242
MW/hour
Domestic Use
Only
Site Size
Existing
Building
45,000-
60,000sqft
24 20-50 psi 400-600
MW/hour
50-60,000
gallons/day
Building Size,
Ceiling Height,
Prefers building
with 2 cranes
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EDC Minutes for March 10, 2026
Minutes of the PCEDC Regularly Scheduled Executive Board Meeting
Person County EDC Board Room
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
March 10, 2026
Voting Board Members Present:
Mr. Phillip Allen- Vice-Chairman
Voting Board Members Absent:
Dr. Scott McKinney- Chairman
The Honorable Sherry Wilborn
Dr. Claudia Berryhill – Secretary
Others Present:
Ms. Kim Strickland
EDC Welcome
At 9:00 a.m., Vice-Chairman Allen announced that a quorum was not present. In the absence of
a quorum, the Executive Board was unable to convene an official meeting, and no business was
conducted.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting is announced for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Person County
EDC Board Room, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC.
Adjournment:
Vice-Chairman Allen adjourned the meeting at 9:00 a.m.
_____________________________________ ______________________________________
Date Approved Secretary
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Date: March 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 am
Location: EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
Executive Committee Meeting Agenda
Time Item Leader 9:00 am Welcome Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 9:01 am Invocation Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 9:03 am Agenda Prep for March EDC Meeting Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 10:00 am Next Meeting
Set for March 24, 2026, EDC Board Room, at 4:00 pm
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 10:00 pm **Adjourn Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman **Action Requested
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