In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Alisa Stone, the dynamic leader of Macy’s new Customer Fulfillment Center in China Grove, North Carolina. With a rich career leading operations at Walmart, Gap Inc., and Target, Alisa shares what brought her full circle back to Macy’s and why this project is more than just a facility — it’s a homecoming.

We dive into her leadership philosophy, the inclusive workplace culture she’s building from the ground up, and what made Rowan County the perfect place for this game-changing investment. Alisa also opens up about her personal values (Nana, water enthusiast, perpetual learner), why she chose to live in the community she serves, and what she looks for in future Macy’s team members.

In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Edds, a community champion and a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in business and community engagement. As a State Farm agent in Salisbury since 1995 and a longtime advocate for economic development, Greg has earned top industry accolades and brought a “Good Neighbor” spirit to every aspect of his work. He’s also a dedicated civic leader who served as Chairman of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce Board in 2013 and has been instrumental in shaping Rowan County’s growth as a County Commissioner for over a decade.

Greg shares his insights on how the tide has turned for Rowan County’s economy over the past 10 years, how the county’s proactive approach to economic development has paid off, and the key role of partnerships in achieving these wins. We also dive into some of Greg’s favorite stories from Rowan’s growth journey and what he hopes business prospects take away when they visit the community. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about vision, collaboration, and what it takes to make a community thrive.

In this episode of Forward Rowan: Prosperity Through Progress, Rowan EDC President Rod Crider sits down with Chris Skibinski, Managing Director of Avison Young’s Charlotte office and a nationally recognized expert in industrial commercial real estate. With over $1 billion in transactions across manufacturing, R&D, and logistics facilities, Chris brings unmatched insight into what drives successful site selection and development in today’s competitive market.

From major projects like New Belgium Brewery’s East Coast expansion to Pfizer’s R&D campus sale, Chris shares lessons learned from high-profile deals and what communities like Rowan County can do to stand out. We explore key trends shaping industrial development in the Charlotte region and beyond—including the growing importance of speed-to-market, speculative buildings, and workforce initiatives. Whether you’re an economic development professional, site consultant, business leader, or just curious about what’s driving growth in Rowan County, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Watch now and subscribe for more episodes highlighting Rowan County’s momentum in business and industry.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favorite platform. Learn more at www.RowanEDC.com