Five Reasons There Has Never Been A Better Time To Start A Business In Anson County

A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from a man who was interested in buying a local business. He said that he had gone to the bank to try to open a line of credit, but that the bank had asked for more information about the local economy before making a decision. He asked if there was any information I could provide to the bank to get them to support is venture. I told him there are five specific reasons why there has never been a better time to start a business in Anson County:

1. We are about to reverse our declining population figures. Since 1980, Anson County had lost about 5% of its population. This is not ideal, certainly, but compared to other counties in the state that have lost as much as 25% of their population over that time, it’s not all that bad. The better news, though, is that the declining population trend is almost certain to reverse over the next 5 years, when the Monroe Expressway opens up the western part of the county to residential and commercial development. It is not unrealistic to think the county's population will exceed 30,000 by 2025.
2. A core group of talented young professionals are coming to the forefront of the effort to move the county forward. Over the past few years, community leaders such as the Chamber's Shelby Emrich, the Partnership for Children's Caroline Goins and Wadesboro Town Manager Alex Sewell have brought a new attitude and way of thinking to the county. A recent meeting of the Anson Young Professionals brought out more than 40 leaders under the age of 40 who are committed to making the county a great place to live and work.   
3. The state is increasing its focus on the Port of Wilmington and the key transportation corridor connecting it to Charlotte. Anson County is an important part of that strategic corridor in terms of both highway and rail connectivity. 
4. Water, a resource which Anson County has plenty of, is becoming a key currency in economic development decisions. Sectors such as Advanced Textiles and Food & Beverage which require lots of water will find the Yadkin/Pee Dee basin increasingly attractive as other watersheds in the state are stressed by escalating residential development.
5. After years of uncertain direction, the county finally has a comprehensive economic development strategy in place, along with the experience and leadership to make it work.