ARTICLE
Date	ArticleType
7/18/2006	Economic Development
Chris Craft & Indian Motorcycles Quotes from Presidents & Dignitaries
"Cleveland County, North Carolina, provides a big opportunity for Chris-Craft," says Steve Heese, President. "There are a significant number of potential employees available from the furniture and textile industries that are skilled craftsmen. Their skills will be ideal for building our premium quality yachts. This is an exciting time for our company. Our sales growth has exceeded the capacity limits of our Sarasota plant, and the new facility will see the company through the next stage of its development." - Steve Heese, Chris Craft President "We believe that Cleveland County and the State of North Carolina are a perfect fit for Indian Motorcycle Company and we are proud to call this area home! We are in the heart of the nation’s power sports industry, with access to design, engineering, and mechanical talent, world class suppliers, motor sport education centers and year round motorcycle riding weather. This is an exciting new chapter in the rich history of Indian motorcycle company. We look forward to calling Cleveland County, North Carolina home for a long time to come!” - David P. Wright, Indian Motorcycle President "I think the news we have heard today is the most exciting news we have had in Cleveland County in some time. We all agree for the county to prosper we must have more jobs and this allows us to have, in the next 5 years, 800+ jobs. I would like to thank the 20/20 Focus Economic Development Executive Committee, Stuart Gilbert, the Chamber staff, all of our commissioners, councilmen, mayors, city managers, and David Dear, County Manager, who worked hard so that we could get these jobs for Cleveland County. We also appreciate the support of the governor of North Carolina, our local senator and house members, our State Department of Commerce, and the Charlotte Regional Partnership. I know this sounds like a lot of thanks, but it took much effort from so many people for these companies to select Cleveland County." - Adelaide Craver, Chairperson, Cleveland 20/20 Executive Committee "We welcome Chris-Craft and Indian Motorcycle Co. to our community. Kings Mountain is a historical city and we are excited to see two great American companies with so much prestige and history investing in our historical community creating quality jobs. We look forward to assist in the establishment of an Indian Motorcycle museum in our downtown. This museum would be the corner stone to our downtown revitalization. We have been working to position Kings Mountain for industrial growth and continue to work to develop quality of life programs. Wow...this announcements says it all. this has been a team effort: local, county and state working together." - Rick Murphrey, Mayor of Kings Mountain "This is great news for all of Cleveland County and will have a positive economic impact for all of our municipalities, including Shelby. I want to thank and congratulate all of those who worked so hard to bring these industries to Cleveland County.” - Ted Alexander, Mayor of Shelby “The decision by Chris Craft and Indian Motorcycles to locate in Cleveland County is greatly appreciated. The economic potential for our county is great with these two companies locating here. They bring quality jobs, and a quality product and those will help us to create growth for Cleveland County. We especially like to thank both companies for their confidence in our workforce and believing that Cleveland County is the right place for their companies to grow and succeed!" - Ronnie Hawkins, Chair, County Commissioners “I want to personally thank and welcome the corporate leaders of both Chris Craft and Indian Motorcycle for their decision to locate their combined five year investments of over $40 million dollars and 800 new jobs to our community. These new industries will create a positive economic multiplier and we will do everything thing we can to encourage additional suppliers of these quality companies to locate in Cleveland County and increase travel tourism for these yachts and motorcycles that have such a rich American history on quality US manufacturing.” - Willie McIntosh, Cleveland County Commissioner “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the other County Commissioners, the County Manager, the 20/20 Partnership ,the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce, and all the state elected Representatives and Committees, for their hard work and dedication put forth in helping obtain the Project Float to be located in Cleveland County. All of this has been accomplished during a time when unemployment is on the rise and several of our local businesses have chosen to close or relocate. This is even more of a reason to be proud of your relentless efforts. This endeavor will be a major boost for economic development for Cleveland County. Most of all, we need to thank this company for selecting our county for their relocation. Thank You again for your hard work and commitment to Cleveland County and its residents.” - Johnny Hutchins, Cleveland County Commissioner “It speaks well for the Cleveland County manufacturing workers and our quality of life that this quality high-end boat company has chosen to locate here." - Jerry Self, Cleveland County Commissioner “This is a zenith day for Cleveland County to have two historic companies announce openings with a future of having excellent employment opportunities for our citizens. It is a “giant team leap” in a positive direction for economic growth in our county.” - Mary Accor, Cleveland County Commissioner