Development Plans
In 2007 the Matthews Strategic Economic Development Plan was completed. This plan includes long-term economic growth visions, including targeted economic development areas as well as potential development and funding strategies.
In 2010 the Town surveyed business owners in Matthews. Results of the survey were reported to the Town Board. As a result of this survey, the Town is completing a small business incubator market assessment to determine if an incubator would make sense in Matthews. If you are interested in participating in an incubator, please call Assistant Town Manager Jamie Justice at 704-847-4411 extension 233 or email.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
A twelve member Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) has been formed by the Town Board. This committee is working with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Charlotte Regional Partnership, and others to market Matthews as the place where you need to have your business.
The role of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is to act in an advisory capacity to the Town’s Economic Development staff regarding the direction of the Economic Development Program. The committee may make recommendations to the Town Board regarding the Economic Development Program. The EDAC may, at the request of staff, participate in the recruitment and retention of companies or work with the development community to identify and formulate product in Matthews.
EDAC members are appointed by the Town Board of Commissioners and serve two year terms. Meetings are held in the Jordan Room in the Town Hall at 7:00 am on the third Thursday of every other month. The public is welcome to attend.
2012 EDAC Meeting Schedule:
January 19, March 15, May 17, July 19, September 20 and November 15
Current Members:
Paul Babinski, Rachel Garcia, Paul Jamison (Chair), Tim Jones (Vice Chair), Greg Klein, Bev Martin, Roger Martin, Jerry McGuire, Mike Simons, Steve Thomson, John Urban and Tina Whitley
Staff Liaison: Assistant Town Manager Jamie Justice
Business Summit
The Town holds seasonal Business Summits. These Summits focus on various issues related to improving and operating businesses in the community and are held in the Town Hall.
The most recent Summit was held from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on November 18, 2011. This Healthy Business, Healthy Community Summit included discussions lead by Dr. Mike Smith, a naturopathic physician and expert in natural medicine and Dianne Thomas, Market Support Manager for Novant Health, who discussed healthy easting during the work day and the impact of healthcare costs on businesses.
Dr. Smith and Ms. Thomas were joined by Jim Dunn, owner of Dunn Enterprises, and David Feldman of AdviCoach who lead discussions on goal setting and the importance of small businesses to the recovering economy.
Please check back to see when the next Business Summit will be held.
Breakfast With The Mayor
The Mayor holds occasional breakfast meetings with community business leaders for informal discussions of the Town and business issues. Please check back to see when the next Breakfast will be held.