Page 16 - Montcross Area Chamber NCG 2023

something in

the water by: Lydia Cobb

Gaston County is gaining widespread recognition as a flourishing economy. A similar scene can be
region. According to the latest U.S. census data, our county’s described today in the renewed focus
estimated population in 2023 has reached 234,000, marking an of the Chronicle Mill project: top-notch
live/work apartments and studios with
impressive growth rate of nearly 3% since 2020.
ground floor shops and retail. Exposed
This remarkable development can new apartments, medical offices, and brick walls and the original timber beams
be attributed to the allure of the river commercial spaces. and maple hardwood ceilings have been
life and the county’s advantageous Another exciting development, preserved. This past spring’s ribbon
proximity to Charlotte, the state’s largest Downtown Gastonia’s Franklin Urban cutting ceremony acknowledged the
city. Undoubtedly, Gaston County has Sports and Entertainment (FUSE) project’s more than 230 apartments and
become a preferred destination, and its district is a revitalized core of energy 9,000-square feet of commercial space
appeal is further enhanced by the latest that plays host to concerts, festivals, serving as an important catalyst to the
exciting advancements: and sports tournaments in the Belmont community.
A new hospital is being built adjacent CaroMont Health Park. This is where Gaston College has the state’s top
to Belmont Abbey College. CaroMont the Honey Hunters go to bat – one of workforce training program, meaning
Health’s investment in the new the Atlantic League of Professional they have the most open workforce
CaroMont Regional Medical Center Baseball’s newest clubs, now in its third training programs with companies. The
in Belmont is driving development in season in Gastonia. college’s Career and Technical Education
the region. As the hospital moves More than 120 years ago, people division trains students for skilled
closer to a summer 2024 opening, in the Chronicle Mill textile factory
trades and fields related to science,
so too follows the construction of were participating in a booming textile
technology, education, and math. This is
achieved through job-specific courses,
The new medical campus will feature a 66-bed inpatient hospital mentorships, and tuition-free education
and 16-room emergency department with a helipad. Belmont paired with paid positions at dozens
Abbey College offers bachelor’s degree programs for nursing
of local companies. It is a big plus for
and health informatics, and a master’s degree program in health
companies relocating here, knowing
administration, and serves as a pipeline of talent who will train
the people of Gaston County will readily
and learn in the hospital next door.
support an industry.
n
12 Something In the Water 2024 Welcome Guide & Business Directory • MontcrossAreaChamber.com