ROCKINGHAM — Manufacturing leaders from across Richmond County were treated to steamed oysters at the Richmond County Airport Thursday evening for the annual Industry Appreciation event.
The annual shindig is sponsored by the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development as a “thank you” to the largest local employers.
The event has taken several forms in the past quarter century, ranging from a golf tournament to a banquet, but organizers settled on the informal oyster roast several years ago.
In addition to the oysters and a seafood buffet, the event offered an opportunity for networking — and plane rides around the county.
Last year, Economic Developer Martie Butler said that local manufacturers account for 17-20% of the county’s total employment and represent the largest tax base.
Earlier in the week, American Woodmark announced that it would be doubling the size of its facility in the Richmond County Industrial Park. That is the fourth economic development announcement — and second expansion — so far this year.
See more photos below.
