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 successful site selection and development in today’s competitive market.

From major projects like New Belgium Brewery’s East Coast expansion to Pfizer’s R&D campus sale, Chris shares lessons learned from high-profile deals and what communities like Rowan County can do to stand out. We explore key trends shaping industrial development in the Charlotte region and beyond—including the growing importance of speed-to-market, speculative buildings, and workforce initiatives. Whether you’re an economic development professional, site consultant, business leader, or just curious about what’s driving growth in Rowan County, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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🎧 Listen on Spotify, Amazon Music, or your favorite platform. Learn more at www.RowanEDC.com