Shelby-Cleveland County has been named as the Top Micropolitan in North Carolina and the No. 9 Top Micropolitan in the United States by Site Selection Magazine. Site Selection Magazine is a well-known trade publication for site-selection consultants, corporate decision makers, and economic developers. The annual rankings are based on qualifying new or expanding projects that create a minimum capital investment of at $1 million, create at least 50 new jobs, or add at least 20,000 square feet of new floor area.
In compiling its list, Site Selection considered 543 micropolitan communities across the United States.
“Micropolitan is a fancy word for a small town,” Site Selection Magazine editors wrote. “The U.S. Census Bureau provides an exhaustive definition, but when it comes down to it, a micropolitan statistical area (MSA) is a geographic region of one or more counties with one city of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Micropolitans are sprinkled throughout the United States, and some are right out of a work by Norman Rockwell.”
Shelby-Cleveland County’s continued place at the top of this national ranking is indicative of the economic development success that the community has had over the years.
Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership (CCEDP) announced 11 projects in 2022 that resulted in a capital investment of more than $395 million and the creation of 367 new jobs.
Kristin Reese, CCEDP executive director, credits the prestigious ranking to the collaborative efforts between the economic development partnership, local government, and their staff.
“No single individual is responsible for the economic development success that Cleveland County has achieved,” Reese said. “These economic development wins have come to fruition because of the massive team effort that has been transpiring behind the scenes for many, many years now. I want to give kudos to the City of Shelby, who laid the initial foundation by investing heavily into infrastructure improvement projects that could support future manufacturing operations. Additionally, Cleveland County and the City of Shelby strategically partnered to develop business parks and construct shell buildings, which have served as important economic development catalysts for our community.”
Johnny Hutchins, economic development liaison for the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners agreed.
“This ranking is a true reflection of the strategic focus that we have on economic development within our community, as well as the unique spirit of collaboration and innovation that exists within our local leadership,” Hutchins said.
“It’s great to see that we’re getting this top recognition year after year,” Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony said. “As people are looking at Shelby and Cleveland County and what all we’re doing here, they’re taking note and saying that we’re doing it right.”
Photo Courtesy of UNC Charlotte Urban Institute
