The e-newsletter for Catawba County's Existing Industries
Vol. 14 Issue 1
STREAM 2022: Relinking the Supply Chain
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
8:30AM - 5:00PM
In-person Expo @ Bojangles Coliseum
STREAMline your supply chain and get a leg up on the competition at the STREAM 2022 trade show. STREAM is a supplier connection trade show exclusively for Charlotte regional manufacturers taking place on May 4, 2022, in Charlotte, NC at Bojangles Coliseum.
 
This innovative event is designed to foster business-to-business (B2B) partnerships with local solution providers and to enhance efficiencies by increasing local sourcing of critical components and raw materials.

STREAM enables participants to:
  • Discover and make introductions to buyers/suppliers in their own backyard 
  • Network with other STREAM 2022 exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees. Breakfast, lunch, and reception are included for exhibitors.
  • Have exclusive access to presentations by industry leaders on current issues and policies affecting manufacturers

Space in the Exhibitor Hall is limited to manufacturers within the 16-county Charlotte Region (NC/SC), with a wide array of exhibition options ($500-$1,500). Attendees are $50/person with access to all exhibitors, sponsor hall, information sessions and lunch. You can register to exhibit or as an attendee by clicking here.

However, for being a supporting partner, our organization has 4 complimentary exhibitor booths (valued at $500) to provide to interested Catawba County companies on a first come, first serve basis (email nhuret@catawbacountync.gov if interested).
Free Online Courses on Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
Of the many daily issues on your plate, we know cybersecurity is not top of the list.

However, we routinely hear reports of local companies and organizations being held "ransom" for significant amounts of money. Cybersecurity needs to be on your radar and a priority as you seek to protect your business.

NC State Industry Expansion Solutions offers free online e-learning modules and other resources to help small businesses understand and protect themselves from cyberattacks.

The first module, “Introduction to Cybersecurity for Small Businesses and Manufacturers,” covers common cybersecurity terms; cybercrimes, attacks, and threats; the three pillars of cybersecurity; and cybersecurity risk assessment.

The second module, “Cybersecurity Toolkit for Small Businesses and Manufacturers,” will help you learn about the cybersecurity concepts that can be incorporated into any plan to help secure your business.

NC State Industry Expansion Solutions, one of EDPNC’s partners in the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, offers these courses on its website, along with links to additional cybersecurity resources including the Small Business Cybersecurity Corner.
5 Minute CEDS Survey: Input Needed for Important Projects
Cities across the County and our region rely on federal grant dollars to often make large-scale improvements to the quality of life and infrastructure here in our community. For instance, grants that have helped grow the City Walk or Riverwalk in Hickory or revitalizing downtowns in Granite Falls, Morganton and elsewhere in the region.

Many of those long-term projects start initially as ideas on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a strategic blueprint for establishing and maintaining a strong regional economy and improving communities throughout our four county region (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties). Strategies contained in the CEDS are centered on economic development, workforce, infrastructure, and community life and are developed every 5 years.

The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) is responsible for developing the CEDS and will use this plan to coordinate efforts to improve our region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life. However, your input is greatly needed as we seek out federal funds for future efforts like increasing access to broadband, housing, education and more.

You can participate in the 5-minute survey by clicking here.