Economic Development & Tourism
2025 - 26
ANNUAL
REPORT
Driving Momentum. Building Impact. www.GoRockinghamCountyNC.com www.VisitRoCoNC.com 336-342-8138
A YEAR IN
NUMBERS $60.8M
NEW INVESTMENT
$60.8 million in new capital investment announced.
252
NEW JOBS
High-quality, competitive pay jobs created across key industries.
$93.35M
VISITOR SPENDING
Tourism continues to drive economic impact.
$168,600
MEDIAN HOME VALUE
A great place to live, work, and invest.
$46,154
AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Up from $44,120 in 2024-25.
TOP INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYERS Company Company
# of # of Employees Employees
Gildan Activewear Eden, Inc Sturm, Ruger & Co, Inc Nestle Purina Dorada Foods Henniges Mabe Trucking Gildan Yarns Unifi Ontex McMichael Mills
664 629 515 448 316 300 280 272 269 260
Country of Country of Origin Origin
Product Product
Warehouse Distribution Knitwear Gun Manufacturer Pet Food Processed Chicken Automotive Seals Trucking - Motor Freight Services Yarn for Knitting & Weaving Trades Nylon and Covered Yarn Diaper Manufacturer Covered Yarn
Canada USA USA USA China USA USA USA Belgium USA
Numbers as of July 28, 2026
INVESTMENTS THAT MATTER
Major Projects. Global Partners. Strong Impact.
$3.5M
investment
10
jobs
Strengthening Shiloh Airport's role as a regional aviation hub and economic driver for Rockingham County.
$25M
investment
160 jobs
Doubling global manufacturing capacity while expanding engineering, R&D, and service operations in Rockingham County.
SHILOH AIRPORT
$12M+ EXPANSION COMPLETION TO SUPPORT GENERAL AVIATION AND FUTURE BUSINESS GROWTH
44,694
TOTAL HOUSING UNITS
$5.3M
investment
30
jobs
Positioning for continued growth through expanded capacity and enhanced capabilities.
$27M
investment
52
jobs
Creating quality employment opportunities for local residents while further strengthening the county's manufacturing sector.
ECONOMIC ROUNDTABLE BRINGING NATIONAL ECONOMIC INSIGHT TO LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
GROUND BREAKING
WITH ROCKINGHAM COUNTY SCHOOLS FOR REIDSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
VISIT ROCO
TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS Outdoor Recreation. Stewardship. Partnerships.
JACOBS CREEK BATTEAU LANDING
Reopened following extensive flood recovery with safer river access, enhanced signage, and improved paddler amenities through a collaborative regional partnerships.
CYCLE NC 2026
Selected as an official host community, welcoming cyclists from across the country and showcasing Rockingham County's outdoor recreation, hospitality, and local businesses.
AMERICA 250
Launched a dedicated America 250 website and expanded Revolutionary War tourism through new interpretive experiences and statewide programming.
GRANT FUNDED ENHANCEMENTS
Secured more than $333,000 in grant funding to expand trails, improve river access, enhance visitor amenities, preserve historic sites, and strengthen outdoor recreation across Rockingham County. A huge thank you to Great Trails State, Athletic Brewing, America 250 NC, and Duke Energy for their generous support.
TRAIL TOWN STEWARDSHIP
Selected as one of only 15 North Carolina Trail Towns, recognizing Rockingham County's commitment to connecting communities through outdoor recreation and sustainable trail development.
INVESTING
IN PEOPLE
Building today’s workforce for tomorrow’s success
ENVISION YOUTH CAREER EXPO
Connected 1,550+ 7th and 10th grade students with 60+ local employers and real career opportunities available to them in Rockingham County post-graduation.
CTE INNOVATIVE HIGH SCHOOL
Opened with an inaugural class of 40 freshmen in advanced manufacturing, construction trades, and healthcare pathways. ETWI investments helped equip classrooms, expand hands-on learning, and strengthen Rockingham County's future workforce.
NCWORKS EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIP
In partnership with NCWorks and regional workforce organizations, 12 employers and more than 25 participants were connected with recruitment resources, labor market insights, and work-based learning opportunities to strengthen Rockingham County's workforce.
KERRY TAYLOR-PINNIX
LEIGH COCKRAM
CHAIRMAN STAR AWARD
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
EDEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SOUTHERN BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE
MORGAN MCKINNEY
DAN STEWART SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT NCEDA FOUNDATION
TARA MARTIN 2025 PAST PRESIDENT AWARD
WESTERN ROCKINGHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FROM OUR DIRECTOR
The 2025–2026 fiscal year was defined by momentum. From transformational business investments and the expansion of existing industries to innovative workforce initiatives and nationally recognized tourism accomplishments, Rockingham County continued to strengthen its position as a place where opportunity thrives. This year demonstrated the power of partnership. Together with our municipalities, educational institutions, industry leaders, state and regional organizations, and community stakeholders, we celebrated new investments, expanded career pathways, enhanced outdoor recreation, and created new opportunities that will benefit our residents for generations to come. While the accomplishments highlighted in this report reflect another successful year, they also represent the foundation for an even brighter future. We remain committed to attracting investment, developing talent, supporting our existing industries, and showcasing the exceptional quality of life that makes Rockingham County a premier place to live, work, and visit. Thank you to everyone who shares in this vision and helps make our success possible.
CITIZENS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Board of Directors Executive Board Bill Lester, Chairman LKC Engineering, PLLC
Don Powell, 1st Vice Chair Powell and Associates Amy Brown, 2nd Vice Chair First National Bank Pam Cundiff, Secretary/Treasurer Travel Consultants
Dr. Sylvia Cox, Executive Board Representative Rockingham Community College President Eden Area Jonathan Jobe Home Trust Bank Michelle Slaton City of Eden
Reidsville Area John Morrison New Atlantic
Melody Shuler Mayodan Town Manager
Montana Brown City of Reidsville Western Rockingham Micky Silvers Retired Bert Bennett Bennett Family Farm
Amy Roberts Madison Town Manager Regional Area Hank Henning Duke Energy
Sun Breza ECS Carolina, LLP Adam Carroll Timmons Group Josh Cleveland Energy United Steven Ziglar Aviator Paving
Ex-Officio Non-Voting Directors Yvonne Russell Wentworth Town Representative Michael Sands Stoneville Town Administrator Grayson Whitt Past Chair Retired
MEET OUR TEAM
Leigh Cockram Director
Kerry Taylor-Pinnix Deputy Director
Tara Martin Marketing Manager
Lindsay Pegg Tourism Manager
Dr. Charles Perkins Superintendent Rockingham County Schools Kevin Berger Rockingham County Board of Commissioners Leigh Cockram, Economic Development & Tourism Director
Morgan McKinney Assistant Project Manager