Courtesy of Visit Charlotte
A Work-Force Attraction
In 1996, Venezuela native Astrid Chirinos was lured to
Charlotte, N.C., from Raleigh because of a great job
opportunity at a public-relations firm. But it was the
city’s strong corporate infrastructure, its thriving Center
City and its inclusive, welcoming culture that convinced
her to permanently set her stakes in Charlotte eight
years ago. That’s when Chirinos launched her own
multicultural marketing/training firm, Diverso Global
Strategies, which has steadily grown in annual revenue
and helped stimulate Charlotte’s local economy.
“Charlotte is a ‘can-do’ city where there’s an
integration of skills and diverse talent,” says Chirinos.
“I saw it as a city of opportunity.”
Chirinos is not alone in her decision to settle in
Charlotte, a 240-square-mile business center within
Mecklenburg County. The area is home to nine
Fortune 500 corporations, attracting a steady stream
of top talent. Between 2000 and 2007, the region’s
population increased more than 24 percent—from
540,828 to 671,588—reports the U.S. Census Bureau.
Charlotte also boasts a well-educated labor pool,
thanks to the concentration of nearly 20 colleges and
universities. According to Census Bureau data, 34
percent of the area’s work force holds a bachelor’s
degree or higher (versus 27 percent nationally), a lure
to knowledge-based companies. As a result, 14,648
new jobs were created within the region two years
ago, reports the 3,660-member Charlotte Chamber
of Commerce.
What sets Charlotte apart? Besides its skilled work
force, this business-friendly city is centrally located
(it’s within a two-hour flight from 60 percent of the
nation’s population), ideal for retail, manufacturing
and logistics companies. Charlotte’s research facilities
also attract healthcare, bio-tech and other innovative
companies. What’s more, the state’s job-creation tax
credits are helping to lure companies to Charlotte.
“We have a very favorable economy,” says Keva
Walton, senior vice president for member value/
strategic partnership and diversity at the Charlotte
Chamber. “And all the Fortune 500s here understand
the business case for diversity.”
