Economic Development in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County NC

The key to Winston-Salem’s success?

August 3, 2011 at 12:30 pm Bob Leak, CEcD Leave a comment

Try these 3 on for size.

People often ask us what is the key to Winston-Salem’s success in attracting businesses to our area of the Piedmont Triad. We always respond that there isn’t one factor. Sure, there are times when one thing pushes us over the top. But in truth, it’s the overall combination of qualities and attributes that gets us into the game.

With that in mind, here are three key reasons why Winston-Salem, Forsyth County is where businesses want to be.

1. Workforce quantity plus quality

This is a big one. The combination of available workforce and advanced education programs has put Winston-Salem on many companies’ short lists for expansion and relocation. In fact, the training programs being developed by Forsyth Technical Community College have even attracted the attention of the last two Presidents of the Unites States, with both dropping by for visits during their respective terms.

2. More bang for your buck

A low cost of living is one of those attributes that many communities in the Southeast can claim. However, Winston-Salem can take it a step further. Not only is Winston-Salem’s cost of living at 92% of the national average; the community manages to offer outstanding infrastructure, schools, and amenities normally associated with more “high-dollar” cities.

3. Innovation is contagious

Winston-Salem calls itself the “City of the Arts and Innovation” for good reason. After nurturing a diverse arts scene since the city’s humble Moravian beginnings, Winston-Salem’s culture of creativity has now spawned innovations in life sciences, nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing. The real difference here is collaboration, a vital part of transforming great ideas into real world applications.

Now, to be honest, these are three important reasons. But, they are not the only reasons. Although, in our experience, workforce and worker training has made a big difference in tipping the final decision in our favor, it truly becomes a matter of how all of the factors come together. In the big picture, Winston-Salem just about has it all.

Entry filed under: Economic Development, Forsyth County, NC. Tags: bioscience, carolina, Economic Development, forsyth county, Life Science, north carolina, piedmont, PTRP, site consultants, Winston-Salem Business Inc., worforce training, WSBI.