WPCOG appoints Burke, Caldwell leaders to economic development strategy committee
The Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) recently initiated the next update of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a federally recognized planning document that guides long-term economic growth and supports eligibility for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding and other grants for local governments and partners.
The WPCOG was designated as the region’s Economic Development District (EDD) by the EDA in 2004. As the designated EDD, the WPCOG is responsible for developing and maintaining a regional CEDS every five years. The current CEDS was adopted in 2022 and amended in 2023.
To support development of the 2026-2031 CEDS, the WPCOG Policy Board appointed members of the CEDS Committee during its July 28 policy board meeting. Committee members were selected to ensure broad regional representation across geographic areas, professional backgrounds, and community perspectives.
Baxter
Ruppe
Stephenson
Wetsig-Lynam
Transou
Gray
Among the 11 committee members are four from Burke County and two from Caldwell County, including Kevin Baxter, vice chancellor and chief campus officer at NCSSM-Morganton; Brandon Ruppe, president and CEO of Burke Development Incorporated; Tonia Stephenson, president and CEO of the Burke County Chamber of Commerce; Barbara Wetsig-Lynam, president and CEO of the Burke Community Foundation; Mark Transou, manager of commercial & business banking at First Citizens Bank in Lenoir, who is the vice chair of the CEDS Committee; and Adam Gray, owner of Precision Contracting NC, LLC in Granite Falls.
The CEDS Committee will convene six times throughout the planning process, with each meeting focusing on one of the region’s strategic topic areas: economic development, workforce, infrastructure, housing, marketing, and community life.
To inform the plan, the WPCOG will conduct one‑on‑one stakeholder interviews, administer a regional survey, and gather input from committee members and other partners. Each focus area will include an overview of its regional significance, supporting demographic and economic data, survey findings, and a set of goals and strategies. Strategies will identify specific implementation actions, performance measures, and responsible partners to ensure accountability and long‑term progress.
“This plan is an important tool and resource for our area leaders to use,” WPCOG Policy Board Chair and Burke County Commissioner Randy Burns said. “It helps us make smart investments and wise policies that benefit our citizens and businesses. I am excited we have a well-respected and accomplished group of regional leaders willing to guide the development of this plan.”
Working collaboratively, the CEDS Committee and WPCOG staff will develop a forward‑looking strategy that positions the Western Piedmont region for sustained economic prosperity by promoting business growth and investment, expanding housing opportunities, strengthening workforce development, enhancing regional marketing efforts, fostering inclusive and vibrant communities, and supporting resilient, efficient infrastructure.
“This committee will work to reflect what makes our region strong — collaboration, data‑driven decision-making, and a commitment to serving our communities,” CEDS Committee Chair and Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau CEO Mandy Pitts Hildebrand said. “The updated CEDS will give us a clear path forward and ensure we’re ready for future opportunities.”
Upon completion, the updated CEDS will serve as the region’s strategic roadmap for coordinated economic development and continued eligibility for EDA funding opportunities.
The WPCOG is a voluntary association of local governments serving Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, and Alexander counties, as well as the municipalities within those counties. Organized in 1968, the WPCOG is one of 16 regional councils in North Carolina formed under state law.
The mission of the WPCOG is to serve all member governments with professional, cost-effective support and to provide excellent administration of programs at the regional level.
— JM
