Surry County Economic Development Partnership

09/04/2026

A great start to Leadership Surry!

We had an incredible first day with the 2026–2027 Leadership Surry class, filled with learning, connection, and plenty of opportunities to get to know one another!

We were grateful to spend part of the day at Surry Community College, touring the campus and learning more about the incredible programs, resources, and opportunities that are preparing students for the future of our region. We also had the privilege of learning more about the rich history of Surry County from Marion Venable with the Surry County Historical Society, a wonderful reminder of the people, stories, and places that have shaped our community!

The day also gave our class time to connect and build relationships before beginning a fantastic Strengths-Based Leadership course led by Deveri Albiston. We’re excited to see how these leaders discover their strengths, grow together, and put them to work in our community throughout the year.

A special thank you to our Leadership Surry Committee for helping make this program possible and for investing in the next generation of leaders in Surry County. We’re so excited for the year ahead!

09/02/2026

Cleared for Takeoff: Celebrating Surry County’s Momentum

What a fantastic 2026 Annual Meeting! We’re grateful to everyone who joined us as we reflected on an exciting year of growth, progress, and opportunity across Surry County.

A special thank you to our incredible speakers, Graham Bennett, PTI Board Chair and Former President of Quality Oil, and Kevin Baker, Executive Director of Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO), for sharing their insight and helping us look toward the future of our region. Your perspectives on connectivity, economic development, and the opportunities ahead were truly valuable.

We also had the honor of celebrating Surry County Manager Chris Knopf, who was presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, one of North Carolina’s highest honors. Chris’s dedication and service to Surry County have made a lasting impact, and we were thrilled to see him recognized for his years of leadership and commitment to our community.

From recognizing incredible leaders to celebrating the momentum building throughout Surry County, this year’s Annual Meeting was a wonderful reminder that Surry County is cleared for takeoff.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Novant Health for sponsoring this year’s Annual Meeting and for their continued investment in the health, growth, and future of our community. We’re grateful for partners who believe in Surry County and help make events like this possible.

A special thank you to Cross Creek Country Club for hosting us and providing such a beautiful setting for this year’s gathering.

Thank you to our members, partners, investors, board members, and community leaders for helping us continue to move Surry County forward.

Want to see the full story of our year? Read our 2026 Annual Report, “Cleared for Takeoff,” to explore the projects, partnerships, accomplishments, and momentum shaping Surry County’s future.

Read the full report here: https://www.surryedp.com/post/cleared-for-takeoff-our-2026-annual-report

08/28/2026

We putt-putt-putted our way through a great evening with the Foothills Young Professionals! ⛳

From friendly competition to plenty of laughs, it was a great night to get outside, connect with other young professionals, and enjoy all that Surry County has to offer.

A big thank you to everyone who came out and joined us!

Good company. Great views. A little friendly competition. That’s FYP!


Cross Creek Country Club

08/26/2026

A Year of Elevation. A Future Full of Possibility.

Our 2026 Annual Report is here!

This year has been filled with progress, partnerships, new opportunities, and big steps forward for Surry County, and we’re proud to share the story.

From business growth and talent development to workforce initiatives, small business support, strategic partnerships, and the people helping shape our community, this report reflects what happens when we work together to elevate Surry County.

Thank you to our investors, partners, businesses, community leaders, educators, and residents who continue to believe in what’s possible here. Your support makes this work possible.

We’re proud of where we’ve been, excited about where we’re going, and ready for what’s next.

Take a look at our 2026 Annual Report and see how Surry County continues to rise! View the full report on our website at: https://www.surryedp.com/post/cleared-for-takeoff-our-2026-annual-report

08/25/2026

Surry is made of possibilities.

A place where the life you imagine can become the life you live, where a morning on the trail can lead to an afternoon on the water, where local flavors become favorite traditions, and where opportunity, community, and adventure are all part of the everyday.

Consider this your window into the life you want.

It’s all here in Surry.

08/21/2026

If you haven’t seen this yet, check it out!

Applications are OPEN for this year’s Pitch It & Grow It Surry Summit Grant Programs!

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been building your business for years, there’s an opportunity to help take your business to the next level, with up to $2,500 available through Pitch It and up to $5,000 through Grow It.

Both programs also include educational classes to help you strengthen your business and prepare for the competition.

📅 Applications are due September 18, 2026!

Know a Surry County entrepreneur who should see this? Tag them or share this post!

👉 Pitch It: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_yUs6NPS3UuH5GSPA0my2EMMbBObonhGjwpSysPSigdUNVowSE5NMTg3Mk5XRDJOTVpMMFlQMkw3Ui4u

👉 Grow It: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_yUs6NPS3UuH5GSPA0my2EMMbBObonhGjwpSysPSigdUMFQ4REQ3VVdRM1NRUExLQ1lUWjFTUjRYSy4u

08/19/2026

What makes Surry County such a great place to live, work, and grow? The numbers tell the story.

Our latest feature from Livability highlights the statistics behind our thriving community, from affordable housing and strong educational opportunities to a high rate of homeownership and a growing population. These numbers reflect more than data, they represent the people, businesses, and quality of life that make Surry County a place we're proud to call home.

Whether you're considering relocating, expanding your business, or simply want to learn more about our community, this snapshot offers a closer look at what makes Surry County stand out.

Read the latest Community Profile and discover why opportunity is thriving in Surry County.

Find the Full Magazine at https://www.surryedp.com/surry-county-livability-partnership

08/14/2026

READY TO PITCH IT OR GROW IT? APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!

We’re proud to continue the Pitch It & Grow It Surry Summit Grant Programs for another year!

In partnership with the Small Business Center at Surry Community College and powered by the Duke Energy Energy Foundation, these programs are designed to support Surry County entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey!

PITCH IT:
For startups and early-stage entrepreneurs with bold ideas.
Compete for up to $2,500 in grant funding.

GROW IT:
For established businesses operating for at least two years and ready to take the next step.
Compete for up to $5,000 in grant funding.

Both programs include four educational classes designed to provide practical guidance, resources, and preparation for the competition. Participants may miss one class.

Applications are due September 18, 2026!

Whether you’re launching a new business or growing the one you’ve already built, there’s an opportunity for you.

👉 Pitch It: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_yUs6NPS3UuH5GSPA0my2EMMbBObonhGjwpSysPSigdUNVowSE5NMTg3Mk5XRDJOTVpMMFlQMkw3Ui4u

👉 Grow It: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=_yUs6NPS3UuH5GSPA0my2EMMbBObonhGjwpSysPSigdUMFQ4REQ3VVdRM1NRUExLQ1lUWjFTUjRYSy4u

Have questions? Reach out to Catrina Alexander at [email protected]!

Your business. Your idea. Your next step.

08/11/2026

08/06/2026

A few days can leave a lasting impression.

We were grateful to welcome Caden Ratliff, a Surry County native and UNC student, for a few days as he explored the work of the Surry County Economic Development Partnership and gained a firsthand look at the many facets of economic development.

Here's what Caden had to say about his experience:

"One of the things that I learned during my time with the EDP is that Surry County faces unique opportunities with its natural topography. Those opportunities require a creative, yet highly detailed, approach to developing land.

I was most surprised by the role the EDP plays in fostering an environment where young professionals can thrive. There is something incredibly reassuring about knowing your hometown wants you to come back and build your career here.

After my experience, I'll take away the value of having a connected community. Surry County's strong relationships and collaboration are what continue to drive so much of the exciting growth happening across the county."

At the Surry County EDP, we're proud to invest in the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities for students and young professionals to experience the work of economic development firsthand. It's especially meaningful to connect with students like Caden who call Surry County home and are exploring how they can make an impact in the communities they know and love!