What are Clusters?
Clusters are commonly defined as geographic concentrations of competing, complementary or interdependent companies and industries that do business with each other and/or have common needs for a skilled workforce, technology and infrastructure. Industries within a cluster may compete directly with some members of the cluster, purchase inputs from other cluster members and rely on the services of other cluster firms in the successful operation of their business.
As a region, state, and nation we are being challenged to become more efficient, more intelligent, more ecological and more competitive. The Haywood EDC is the lead economic development organization in the county, providing support and services for Haywood County and its four distinctive towns. In addition, the county was the first Certified Entrepreneurship Community in the United States supporting a strong regional workforce and entrepreneurial spirit. With a strategic focus on our core target clusters, we have been successful in supporting and recruiting major industries, developing a regional competitive advantage, and foster economic vitality.
