Black Creek
Dallas
Enfield
Forest City
Lucama
Sharpsburg
Stantonsburg
Waynesville
Contact Us
Town of Forest City
History
The Town of Forest City was established in 1887, having first been incorporated as Burnt Chimney in 1877. By the turn of the century in 1900, the town tripled in size with the building of the Florence Mill textile plant and the location of the rail line through the community. The Town has prided itself on its beautiful landscaping. In 1927, it was named one of the most beautiful and well-planned towns in the United States by the US Department of Agriculture. That legacy of beauty continues with the town’s designation of the “most beautiful town in Western North Carolina” by the Western North Carolina Development Association in 1997. Community pride in our heritage and a small town atmosphere are still values that define Forest City. The Town Board of Commissioners have a legacy of financial stewardship and management that makes Forest City one of the most envied small town municipal governments in North Carolina.
A Leader in Utility Service
Always seen as a progressive community, the Town established its electric company and water company in 1910. For more than 90 years, the Town has continued to provide the residents of the town and the surrounding areas with utilities. When local businessman James Cowan decided to develop a 1,110-acre business park located fifteen miles south of the Town’s city limits, he called on Forest City government leaders to partner with him on providing water and sewer to the industries locating at the park and Forest City welcomed this opportunity. Other businesses and industries that have moved into the area will attest to the positive attitude and cooperative nature that are hallmarks of how the Forest City leadership does business.
Location
Forest City is located between 20 and 60 miles of four Interstates – I-40, I-85, I-26, and I-77. It has two major international airports within 60 miles as well as a local airport that can accommodate corporate jets. More than 2 million people live within an hour’s drive of Forest City. Below is a map of the location of Forest City.
Demographics
Forest City and Rutherford County has a workforce and work ethic ready to meet the challenges of today’s economy and industry. 32% of the county workforce is employed in manufacturing, one of the highest percentages among North Carolina counties. The local community college has a Customized Training and Develop Program, which specializes in Focused Industrial Training, New and Expanded Industry Training, and the NC Manufacturing Certification Program. In addition, through a current 2020 vision-setting process for the county, citizens have set the benchmark of creating net new jobs at the rate of 3.8% per year. Dozens of vision partners such as the College, Economic Development Commission, the county and municipal governments, and the Business Committee of 100, will be collaborating to develop the business-oriented environment and workers needed to make our goal a reality. The Town of Forest City and its partners in economic development stand ready to assist any industry in being a part of this growing anddynamic area of North Carolina.
(click on the numbers below to view locations currently avalible)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12