Kannapolis Business Prospectus

The businesses in Kannapolis and Cabarrus County represent the diversity of our region. From homegrown enterprises making a mark on the national stage to motorsports to a vibrant small business environment, Kannapolis enjoys a dynamic economy.

Major industries in the area include manufacturing, construction, distribution and motorsports. Kannapolis-headquartered Shoe Show operates 938 locations in 34 states, and Novant Health operates its distribution operations out of Kannapolis. Cabarrus County's Hendrick Motorsports is one of the preeminent teams in NASCAR, and employs 450. Foreign firms are heavily invested in the region, including Pass & Seymour Legrand and Norandal USA.

Kannapolis aggressively works with local businesses and those interested in locating within the city to streamline processes, make infrastructure improvements, and provide economic incentives. For example, in January 2004, Stanley Works received a 75 percent property tax rebate totaling $233,384 from the City of Kannapolis to expand their 625,000 square foot distribution center, already Stanley's largest, by 300,000 square feet.

"Working with Kannapolis has been refreshing," says Kenneth Propst, developer of NorthLite, First Carolina Properties, Inc. "All the various departments have been very willing to work with us in any way, shape or form. From zoning to plat approval to vertical building, the relationship with Kannapolis has been a very helpful, professional relationship. It's been a pleasant experience."

Underway is a multimillion-dollar, multiyear infrastructure improvement plan to update water and sewer lines, add sidewalks, curbs and gutters and improve streets throughout the City. Kannapolis also offers industrial incentive grants and encourages public/private partnerships.

"Kannapolis jumped through hoops for us," says Cliff Sult, president, ECS Enterprises. "They cut the red tape and did everything imaginable to help us get into Biscayne Business Park."

It takes vision – and spirit – to shape an economy. It takes skilled workers, committed leadersand a strategic location to pull it off. For a 10,000-foot view of how Kannapolis is breaking new ground for business, please take a look at our business prospectus – and imagine what’s possible here.

Breaking New Ground for Business - Kannapolis Business Prospectus

Featured in the October 2004 issue of Business North Carolina and the NC Economic Development Guide.

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