Hints of big economic development coming for Asheville are piling up

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Movers and shakers around Asheville are hinting that a big economic development announcement is nigh. Yesterday, Asheville City Councilman Gordon Smith tweeted the following from a meeting of local officials:

Gantt and Jackson both hinting abt big jobs announcement within the next 10 days. #mylipsaresealed

“Gantt” is David Gantt, chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. “Jackson” is Asheville city manager Gary Jackson. 

Last week, Asheville Citizen-Times reporter Mark Barrett noted a big move on the part of county commissioners. His story also hinted that there may be more action to come:

In a glimmer of good economic news, Buncombe County government is preparing to buy the former Volvo Construction Equipment plant for $7 million in hopes of luring another large employer to the property.

State and local officials have been talking to at least one unnamed company in hopes of convincing its officials to locate a facility in the area.

The Volvo plant closed in the first quarter of 2010, idling 228 workers, although employment had been much higher previously.

During a closed session June 7, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners discussed possible economic incentives for a company that “would bring up to 400 jobs and make a $125 million investment” in the area, according to draft minutes of the meeting.

I hate waiting for official announcements. Let’s break this. Anyone have any idea about what’s coming?

Gov. Bev Perdue said June 6 that she flew to Asheville that day to meet with the CEO of a company considering locating in the mountains.