STANLY COUNTY, N.C. — The state auditor’s office is putting the spotlight on Stanly County and how it’s working to grow its economy without losing the agricultural roots that have long defined the community.
Farming continues to drive Stanly County’s economy, and North Carolina State Auditor Dave Boliek says the community has stayed true to itself by balancing growth and maintaining its unemployment rate.
During a visit to the county on Friday, Boliek recognized a member of Uwharrie Bank for his leadership in public-private partnerships in Stanly County. It was one of several successes Boliek highlighted at the Stanly Summit, where leaders discuss the area’s future.
“Stanly County right now has North Carolina’s lowest unemployment rate. It’s a place where folks come who understand the value of a hard day’s work,” Boliek said.
Boliek says Stanly County excels in supporting small business and large manufacturing facilities while maintaining its strength in farming and agriculture.
“Balancing economic development with the culture of the community, that’s a really hard thing to do and Stanly County does a really good job at that,” Boliek said.
Earlier this month, commissioners removed a bypass around Albemarle from a transportation plan after farmers argued it would hurt their way of life.
“Major industries that we actively recruit to Stanly County are metals, agribusiness, aerospace and defense aviation and automobile,” said Elizabeth Underwood Kazimir, director of economic development for Stanly County.
The county’s economic development director Elizabeth Kazimir says growth has allowed the county to move up from the lowest economic distressed category.
She says people are moving here for the low cost of living.
“I’m a testament to that. I have a 6-month-old daughter and this is a great place to raise a family,” Kazimir said.
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