The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process is a locally based, regionally driven economic development planning process. Economic development planning, as implemented through the CEDS, serves to engage community leaders, leverage the involvement of the private sector, and establish a strategic blueprint for regional collaboration. Simply put, a CEDS is a strategy-driven plan for regional economic development. It can be a key component in establishing and maintaining a strong regional economy by helping to build economic capacity that contributes to individual, business and community success.

 

The CEDS provides a vehicle for individuals, organizations, local governments, institutes of learning and private industry to engage in a meaningful conversation and debate about what capacity building efforts would best serve economic development in the region.

 

The 2022 CEDS was developed through the efforts of a committee appointed in January 2022 by the WPCOG Policy Board. The WPCOG revisits the CEDS every five years as is required of all U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated Economic Development Districts (EDD). The CEDS Committee met several times in 2022 and used extensive public input and stakeholder guidance to develop the new CEDS. On September 27th, 2022, the WPCOG Policy Board unanimously adopted the 2022 CEDS as recommended by the CEDS Committee. Below you will find the adopted CEDS. Work to implement the CEDS is already underway and regular status updates are anticipated to maintain momentum around the 35 strategies endorsed by the plan.

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2027 CEDS Committee Announcement

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) has initiated the next update of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a federally recognized planning document that guides long‑term economic growth and supports eligibility for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding and other grants for local governments and partners.

 

WPCOG was designated as the region’s Economic Development District (EDD) by the U.S. Economic Development Administration in 2004. As the designated EDD, WPCOG is responsible for developing and maintaining a regional CEDS every five years. The current CEDS was adopted in 2022 and amended in 2023.

 

To support development of the 2026–2031 CEDS, the WPCOG Policy Board appointed members of the CEDS Committee during its July 28 Policy Board Meeting. Committee members were selected to ensure broad regional representation across geographic areas, professional backgrounds, and community perspectives.

 

CEDS Committee Members:

• Mandy Pitts Hildebrand, CEDS Committee Chair – CEO, Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau – Catawba County

• Mark Transou, CEDS Committee Vice Chair – Manager, Commercial & Business Banking, First Citizens Bank – Caldwell County

• Kevin Baxter, Vice Chancellor & Chief Campus Officer, NC School of Science & Math - Morganton – Burke County

• Wes Christopher, Retired Banking Executive and Chair of the Hickory Public Arts Commission – Catawba County

• Yaidee Fox, Hickory Assistant City Manager – Catawba County

• Adam Gray, Owner, Precision Contracting NC, LLC and WPCOG Workforce Development Board Chair – Caldwell County

• Brandon Ruppe, President & CEO, Burke Development, Inc. – Burke County

• Tonia Stephenson, President & CEO, Burke County Chamber of Commerce – Burke County

• Barbara Wetsig‑Lynam, President & CEO, Burke Community Foundation– Burke County

• Amy Wood, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, Lenoir Rhyne University – Catawba County

• Michael Worley, Director, Alexander County Economic Development – Alexander County

 

The CEDS Committee will convene six times throughout the planning process, with each meeting focused on one of the region’s strategic topic areas: Economic Development, Workforce, Infrastructure, Housing, Marketing, and Community Life.

 

To inform the plan, WPCOG will conduct one‑on‑one stakeholder interviews, administer a regional survey, and gather input from committee members and other partners. Each focus area will include an overview of its regional significance, supporting demographic and economic data, survey findings, and a set of goals and strategies. Strategies will identify specific implementation actions, performance measures, and responsible partners to ensure accountability and long‑term progress.

 

“This plan is an important tool and resource for our area leaders to use. It helps us make smart investments and wise policies that benefit our citizens and businesses. I am excited we have a well-respected and accomplished group of regional leaders willing to guide the development of this plan,” said WPCOG Policy Board Chair and Burke County Commissioner Randy Burns

 

Working collaboratively, the CEDS Committee and WPCOG staff will develop a forward‑looking strategy that positions the Western Piedmont region for sustained economic prosperity by promoting business growth and investment, expanding housing opportunities, strengthening workforce development, enhancing regional marketing efforts, fostering inclusive and vibrant communities, and supporting resilient, efficient infrastructure.

 

CEDS Committee Chair Mandy Pitts Hildebrand stated, “This committee will work to reflect what makes our region strong—collaboration, data‑driven decision-making and a commitment to serving our communities. The updated CEDS will give us a clear path forward and ensure we’re ready for future opportunities.”

 

Upon completion, the updated CEDS will serve as the region’s strategic roadmap for coordinated economic development and continued eligibility for EDA funding opportunities.

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