Partnership and Networking Strategies

• Engage with Local Industry Groups: Join and actively participate in the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and other regional business/manufacturing associations. These platforms offer direct access to decision-makers and provide insight into industry priorities.

• Collaborate with Economic Development Entities: Work closely with the Iredell County Economic Development Corporation and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) business services teams, which serve as central hubs for connecting employers with training resources and funding support.

• Host On-site Visits/Tours: Encourage manufacturers to open their facilities for tours involving students and job seekers, and conversely, invite manufacturers to see Link Lake Norman's training facilities or partner with educational institutions like community colleges.

• Leverage Existing Local Programs: Partner with existing initiatives like the NC Manufacturing Institute (NCMI), which has established models for recruiting and training local manufacturing talent across Iredell, Rowan, and Cabarrus counties.

• Showcase Success Stories with Data: When reporting progress, combine performance metrics (e.g., job placement rates, credential attainment) with compelling narratives about individuals who found success. This makes the value proposition relatable and compelling to potential partners.

• Co-locate Staff/Joint Events: Collaborate on job fairs or host joint business service teams with local NCWorks Career Centers to align resources and streamline services for both employers and job seekers.