2026 Cabarrus Economic Development Summit Highlights the People, Possibility and Progress Driving Cabarrus County

Business and community leaders from across Cabarrus County came together for the 2026 Cabarrus Economic Development Summit, presented by Eli Lilly and Company, for a conversation about what drives economic growth—and the people and partnerships behind it.

Held at the Laureate Center in Kannapolis, this year’s Summit explored economic development through three interconnected strategies: business creation and entrepreneurship, business retention and expansion, and targeted business recruitment.

Keynote speaker Jonathan Morgan of the UNC School of Government provided a framework for the discussion, outlining how communities can use all three strategies to build a strong, resilient economy.

The audience then heard what those strategies look like in practice from three local business leaders representing different parts of the Cabarrus County economic development story.

Tom Cook of Tutti’s Italian Market & Deli shared the perspective of an entrepreneur who, alongside his brother Johnny, turned an idea for an authentic Italian market and deli into a growing downtown Concord business. Their experience highlighted the role that entrepreneurship resources, mentorship, and community connections can play in helping local businesses get started and succeed.

Howard Bertram of Complete Design & Packaging offered the perspective of an established Cabarrus County company that grew from 2 people to over 200 employees is continuing to invest and grow in the community, demonstrating why supporting existing businesses remains an essential part of economic development.

Page Castrodale of Eli Lilly and Company shared the perspective of a global company making a significant investment in Cabarrus County and the factors that help communities compete for major business recruitment opportunities. She was also able to share a full circle perspective from her time at the Cabarrus EDC welcoming Lilly to Concord as the Executive Director at the time they made the decision to locate in Cabarrus County.

Together, their stories reinforced a central message of the Summit: economic development takes many forms, but each begins with people and relationships.

As Cabarrus EDC President & CEO Gretchen Carson shared during the event, economic development is about more than numbers, buildings, and announcements—it is about “the people, the possibility, and the progress.”

Made in Cabarrus. Made for Opportunity.

That message extended beyond the stage with a display that showcased products manufactured by companies across Cabarrus County. It gave attendees a closer look at the diversity of the county’s manufacturing base while highlighting something equally important: the people, skills, and career opportunities behind the products made here.

Participating companies included Safewaze, Corning Incorporated – Midland, Ketchie Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Complete Design & Packaging, Vulcan Materials Company, Legrand, Celgard, Perdue Farms and Hendrick USA Technical Solutions.

Powered by Partnership

Economic development is a collaborative effort, and the 2026 Summit was made possible by organizations and partners from across Cabarrus County and the region.

Cabarrus EDC is grateful to the City of Kannapolis for hosting this year’s Summit at the Laureate Center and to Eli Lilly and Company for serving as presenting sponsor.

Additional support came from our Table Sponsors: CESI Civil-Geotechnical-Surveying, Charlotte Motor Speedway, City of Kannapolis, Duke Energy, Explore Cabarrus, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, The Nichols Company, Town of Harrisburg and Vulcan Materials Company; and our Networking Sponsors, McMillan Pazdan Smith and WithersRavenel.

The Cabarrus EDC appreciates everyone who attended this year’s Summit and contributed to the conversations, connections, and ideas shared throughout the event. Bringing together leaders from business, education, government, and the community is an important part of building a strong economic future—and a reminder that progress in Cabarrus County is something we create together.