Student Corner: Economic Development Initiative Retains Collaborative Model

Community and Economic Development – Blog by UNC School of Government

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Student Corner: Economic Development Initiative Retains Collaborative Model

By CED Program Interns & Students

Published February 1, 2011

Kendra Jensen is a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration. She is currently working with the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments through the Carolina Economic Revitalization Corps (CERC)

Triangle North, formerly known as the Kerr-Tar Hub, recently welcomed new board members and elected officers to represent the four counties participating in the rural economic development initiative. Additions to the board include both private and public sector representatives from Warren, Vance, Granville and Franklin Counties. To learn more about the new members, please click here.

Triangle North is a regional collaborative effort consisting of four separate business and industrial parks located in each of the four contributing counties. Participating counties include Franklin, Granville, Warren and Vance, four of the five counties comprising the Kerr-Tar Region.  A unique cost-sharing model allows any business locating in any of the four sites eligible for Tier 1 financial incentives.  Due to the project’s location and proximity to the Research Triangle Park, Triangle North is able to boast affordability, innovation and convenience.

Collaborative efforts extend beyond regional boundaries in the Triangle North project and include both private and public sector involvement. Expertise is enhanced with participation and contributions by both public and private representatives. Many of the local board members operate private businesses within the four counties and contribute to public organizations in the area. Although many counties face tough challenges in regards to the development of industrial parks given the economic climate, Triangle North is continuing to stand by the collaborative model, which initiated the Triangle North project.