Union County, NC
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Plant Your Future with Union County
Union County - the second largest county in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region - offers families, visitors and businesses all the amenities of a large city, but with the charm of a small community. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, Union County has the space to breathe and innovate.
Our county’s 14 vibrant municipalities comprise a thriving community with a skilled and ready workforce. It’s the perfect place for your business to grow.
Get to know our community quickly by downloading our one-sheet: Union County At A Glance. Some of our key demographics and quick facts include:
- total population: 270,000
- unemployment rate: 3.1%
- high school graduation rate: 90.4%
- Union County property tax rate: 58.8 cents per $100 valuation
- $1.4 billion in aerospace investment since 2002
- largest geographic aerospace cluster in NC
Located adjacent to Charlotte-Mecklenburg with the suburban charm reflecting our community’s agricultural roots, Union County is at the crossroads of Charlotte’s I-485 beltway and US-74. These major roadways provide easy connectivity to East Coast ports and major metro areas. The Monroe Expressway - an alternative all-electronic bypass – provides an alternative connection along the U.S. 74 corridor to provide additional capacity between Mecklenburg and Union counties.
Union County’s Core Industries
Our region is home to a diverse range of industries, a testament to the broad range of talent that exists with our highly capable workforce. The five most prominent industries in Union County include:
- precision/aerospace manufacturing;
- food systems/agribusiness;
- healthcare;
- office headquarters; and
- retail development.
The Union County Economic Development team works closely with existing businesses who seek to expand their footprint in our community as well as those who seek to establish a presence here.
Meet Our Team
The Union County Economic Development Department serves the existing business community as well as new industries seeking to locate here by connecting them with incentives and funding opportunities from public and private entities who wish to invest in our community.
Ron Mahle, Director of Economic Development, helps existing industries across Union County identify their goals for expansion.
If you represent a local industry with a minimum of 10 full time employees and need assistance with expanding your operations in Union County, contact Ron by email or by calling 980-476-5279.
Rachael Holzman, Assistant Director of Economic Development, represents Union County’s economic development services to industries seeking to initiate a presence in our community.
Site selectors can reach Rachael by email or by calling 980-476-5278.
Union County Welcomes Business France and Economic Development Leaders
Union County Economic Development was pleased to host Business France and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) for a reception during their tour of North Carolina's aerospace clusters in early February. Held at South Piedmont Community College, the meeting with French manufacturing firms offered a valuable opportunity to foster new business relationships and showcase our region's strong network of community partners.
Melissa Merrell, Chair of the Union County Board of Commissioners, and Ron Mahle, Director of Economic Development for Union County, welcomed the French delegation to Union County, as they mingled with local civic and educational leaders and business executives from Union County's thriving aerospace industry.
During their visit, the Business France delegation learned about Union County's expansive network of aerospace suppliers, manufacturers and industry headquarters. In her remarks, Chairperson Merrell highlighted our region's commitment to public education and preparing students for career readiness.
"Union County Economic Development was pleased to host Business France during their tour of North Carolina," said Mahle. "We look forward to continued dialogue with these partners in service to Union County's aerospace industry."
North Carolina has been rated the third most attractive state in the country for aerospace manufacturing, with more than 18,000 aerospace and aircraft manufacturing jobs based in the Charlotte-Union County region.
About Business France
Business France, a public consulting firm, supports the international development of the French economy by supporting businesses in their international development and enhancing the country's attractiveness to foreign investors.
About the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)
Governed by an 18-member board of business and industry leaders representative of the entire state, the EDPNC serves as North Carolina’s economic development organization, committed to serving all those looking to invest in, visit, or do business with North Carolina.