Forward Rowan: Prosperity Through Progress

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Alisa Stone, the dynamic leader of Macy’s new Customer Fulfillment Center in China Grove, North Carolina. With a rich career leading operations at Walmart, Gap Inc., and Target, Alisa shares what brought her full circle back to Macy’s and why this project is more than just a facility — it’s a homecoming. We dive into her leadership philosophy, the inclus...

In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Edds, a community champion and a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in business and community engagement. As a State Farm agent in Salisbury since 1995 and a longtime advocate for economic development, Greg has earned top industry accolades and brought a “Good Neighbor” spirit to every aspect of his work. He’s also a dedicated civic leader who se...

In this episode of Forward Rowan: Prosperity Through Progress, Rowan EDC President Rod Crider sits down with Chris Skibinski, Managing Director of Avison Young’s Charlotte office and a nationally recognized expert in industrial commercial real estate. With over $1 billion in transactions across manufacturing, R&D, and logistics facilities, Chris brings unmatched insight into what drives succes...

In the latest episode of Forward Rowan: Prosperity Through Progress, we sit down with Cindy Santiago, Senior HR Manager at Henkel, to talk about her relocation journey, Henkel’s continued growth in Rowan County, and what it takes to attract top-tier talent in today’s workforce. With over 17 years in HR and a recent move from Florida to North Carolina, Cindy offers a unique perspective on transitio...

In the next episode of Forward Rowan: Prosperity Through Progress, host Carlotta Ungaro, Forward Rowan 2 Campaign Director, sits down with Steve Fisher, President of F&M Bank, to discuss the vision and impact of the Forward Rowan 2 campaign. As a longtime investor and campaign cabinet co-chair, Fisher has played a key role in shaping Rowan County’s economic trajectory. In this episode, he shar...

The Forward Rowan podcast has officially launched, offering a new platform to explore the businesses, industries, and leaders shaping Rowan County’s economic future. Through engaging conversations, this series provides valuable insights into innovation, resilience, and opportunities driving local growth. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or community member, this podcast offers valuable p...