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Tom Johnson Named Developer of the Year 2011

NCEDA Picture - Tom and Mary
Tom Johnson with NCEDA co-chairs of Professional Development Jenny Mizelle and Dr. Pat Mitchell, along with nominator Mary Taylor.


Congratulations to Thomas Johnson, CEcD, HLM, Executive Director of the Rutherford County Economic Development Corporation who has been named Economic Developer of the Year by the NC Economic Developers Association. The honor was announced at 2011 NCEDA Annual Conference, held June 14-16 at the Grove Park Inn. Described as enthusiastic, motivated, optimist, visionary and persevering, Tom was cited most often for his work that ultimately resulted in Facebook selecting Forest City for its $450 million data center, creating some 400 construction jobs and 45 permanent jobs. 

Here are excerpts from NCEDA members who joined in nominating Tom for this honor:

“While many in the economic development community questioned his efforts to attract data centers to Rutherford County, Tom stayed true to his vision. One of Tom’s greatest attributes is his ability to recognize that it takes a Team to land a major project. His prowess at pulling together the proper economic development allies and leveraging their talents and expertise proved to be a great advantage in his attempts to lure Facebook..... I can assure you that Tom’s vision has permeated the data center industry and has served as a catalyst in putting the entire State of North Carolina on the minds of the Data Center Industry."  

“I am proud of Tom’s achievements, and perhaps most significantly, I am proud that Tom has always retained his spirit of teamwork and he always remains humble and shares the credit for his achievements with the community and his peers.”

“Tom excels in the area of collaboration, partnership, and team building – he has built a network of allies who have the utmost respect for his abilities and contributions and are willing to be a part of his team. Tom’s integrity is unquestioned and his tireless efforts on behalf of Rutherford County, Western North Carolina and the entire state have won him the admiration of his peers.” 

AdvantageWest joins in applauding Tom for this prestigious award and are indeed fortunate to have him as a partner in economic development in the AdvantageWest region. Congratulations Tom!

http://www.advantagewest.com/news-events/news-detail.cfm/news_id/596