Celebrating Chester County’s Achievement: Robert Long Makes the Power 100 List!
Good news is buzzing around Chester County as Robert Long, the director of Chester County Economic Development (CCED), has been honored with a spot on the coveted 2024 Charlotte Business Journal’s Power 100 list. This annual list recognizes influential leaders and innovators who play a significant role in shaping the **Charlottesville economy**. This year, the focus has been on local innovators who are driving the growth of the Charlotte region, and Robert is certainly one of them!
A Humble Honor
Robert expressed his gratitude with heartfelt words: “I am honored and humbled to be named to this year’s CBJ Power 100 list. What a great list of innovators that are impacting the growth and success of the Charlotte region!” It’s clear that he values the recognition, but also the progress that Chester County has made.
Strong Economic Growth
Chester County has experienced remarkable success over the past few years, with major players like Gallo, IKO Industries, and Albemarle Corporation making headlines. Robert said, “I am delighted to have played a role in this.” This success is not just about big names; it also reflects a community working hand-in-hand to create opportunities.
According to Brian Hester, the county administrator of Chester County, the numbers speak for themselves: “Since 2021, Chester County has announced around $2.5 billion in new capital investment and 1,500 jobs.” These statistics are astounding, especially for a community of Chester County’s size! Hester acknowledged the efforts of Robert and his team, stating, “Those kinds of numbers would be impressive in any community, but it is almost unheard of in a community of our size.”
Creating a Hotspot
As the chair of the Chester Development Association, Carla French had high praise for Robert Long, saying, “Robert has done a fantastic job putting Chester County on the map. We are seeing more project opportunities than ever thanks to the hard work of Robert and his department.” The energy in Chester County is electric, and this recognition is more than deserved.
A Clear Mission
To truly understand the influence of CCED, it’s helpful to know its mission. Founded by Chester County in 2004, CCED aims to create an environment that supports existing industry expansion, encourages new industry investments, fosters entrepreneurialism, and welcomes visitors. All of these efforts contribute to better public services and improve the overall quality of life for every citizen.
Since 2020, CCED has been responsible for a staggering 33 announcements that led to an impressive $2.56 billion in new capital investment and the creation of 1,548 jobs. These milestones are essential to the economic landscape of Chester County and reflect a thriving community.
Looking Forward
The future looks bright for Chester County, thanks to the diligent work of Robert Long and his team. The innovations and efforts have transformed the area into a hotspot for opportunity, which is a win-win for local residents and businesses alike.
As Robert himself noted, the Power 100 list is not just a list of names, but a celebration of progress and potential in the Charlotte region. For Chester County, this is just the beginning, and everyone is eager to see what comes next. The community cheers for its leaders and is excited to be part of an incredible journey ahead!
