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In 2010, Rutherford County’s economy was in peril. The textile industry’s departure devastated workers and families, and the unemployment rate rose to 19%, one of the highest in the state.
That’s when a group of forward-thinking local leaders from the public and private sectors came together to change the trajectory of the county. They knew that in order for the county to thrive, it would be necessary to diversify the local economy. Rutherford County could no longer risk having all of the proverbial eggs in one basket, as had been the case for nearly a century. That group recognized that despite Rutherford County’s challenges, it was still an attractive location for several industry sectors, including high technology.
It was that realization that helped Rutherford County leaders to persuade Facebook to locate its data center in Forest City. Facebook’s needs were specific, and Rutherford County rose to the challenge. Facebook needed a skilled workforce, which is made possible in part by Isothermal Community College, one of the finest community colleges in the nation. Facebook needed access to fiber and power and a moderate climate, all of which Forest City offers. Finally, Facebook sought to build its data center in a community where it could form meaningful, lasting partnerships with local leaders and organizations.
Facebook broke ground on the data center in 2010, and it went online in 2011. Since then, Rutherford County is experiencing a rebirth in both the economy and outlook. Facebook has helped other companies from a range of industry sectors, including Horsehead Metal Products, Trelleborg Coated Systems, and Valley Fine Foods, to recognize the county’s assets. In the last three years, Rutherford County’s unemployment rate has fallen faster than the state and national averages, and now stands at 9.3%. In many ways, Facebook has helped to put Rutherford County back on the map.
But Facebook has meant so much more to Rutherford County than a big name to brag about. Facebook made some significant promises to the county in terms of jobs and investment when it decided to locate in Forest City and it has far exceeded those expectations. In addition to significant investment and job creation, Facebook has become a valued partner to the school system, local governments, and the nonprofit community. To date, the Forest City Data Center has awarded $450,000 in grants to local nonprofit and educational organizations, it has worked with Isothermal Community College to create a brand new Data Center Institute, and it recently launched a program to provide free Wi-Fi to the homes of some Rutherford County students. Further, Facebook has made good on its commitment to support local businesses by hiring local services whenever possible, including food service and landscaping.
RTI International recently studied the impact that Facebook’s Forest City data center has had on the region and state, and estimated that its net economic impact in its first three years has been more than $700 million. But the people of Rutherford County know that Facebook’s presence has not just been a game-changer for the local economy – it’s provided a huge psychological boost to the region and helped many to rediscover what makes this such a wonderful place to live and work.
