Yadkin business leaders, Andy Anderson and Kevin Austin have become a part of a twelve-county “think tank” in order to develop marketing strategies for Yadkin by utilizing regional resources and attributes. The Piedmont Triad Leadership Group is managed by the Piedmont Triad Partnership, a North Carolina non-profit organization. According to their website and printed initiatives, the partnership, in conjunction with a Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development grant, is focused on strengthening the region’s global competitiveness through the creation of high-skill, high-wage jobs.

According to the NC Labor Department, as of June 2009, North Carolina had suffered 96,104 unemployed workers due to economic decline in the area. The PTLG is working to change these numbers.

Legislative Representative, Darrell McCormick stated, “We want the world to know that Yadkin County is open for business.”

The “think tank” formally known as the Piedmont Triad Leadership Group is made up of business and civic leaders from across a twelve-county region. The group is concentrating on four major initiatives with a broad focus on marketing and public relations, workforce development and training, cluster development, regional leadership engagement and regional advocacy.

Initiative number one is based on logistics and distribution. The general 12-county area is believed to be the global logistics center of the East Coast. Austin Company’s, Kevin Austin says that Yadkinville is in a excellent position logistically to draw new business and industry to the area. “We have a best-case scenario logistically, right here in Yadkin County,” said Austin. Three major highways converge here. We’re in close proximity to the Piedmont Triad Airport. We have the workforce. We simply have to let them know we’re here and that is what this group is all about.”

The second initiative seeks to build on the High Point Furniture Market. The group believes that this initiative will position the area as the global furnishings destination for all companies in the furnishings and accessories sectors.

The third initiative involves life sciences, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Yadkin is already home to NanoTech Labs and in close proximity to the biotech industry that is thriving at Wake Forest University Health Sciences.

The fourth regional cluster initiative involves the promotion of the Wyndham Championship PGA tour. The group believes this will raise the profile of the region as a great place to live as well as a great place for business and industry. Austin believes that the group should also support and promote the wine industry. “This industry is an avenue to distinguish Yadkin County as a destination among travelers as well as industry,” Austin said.

The end result of the efforts is intended to create job opportunities for the region. The collaboration with the region will offer the advantage to Yadkin of being connected through resources to the larger metropolitan areas. “This group will identify the strengths of each area and it will be up to us to promote and support them,” said McCormick. “Future generations are depending on us and we can’t let them down.”