Comment
Print
Birgit Dilgert joined Rutherford County Economic Development (RCED) in November, 2012, and became executive director in 2019 upon the departure of Tom Johnson. She officially retires at the end of January, following an interesting and successful career.
Dilgert moved with her family to Rutherfordton, from Ontario, Canada, in 2001 for her husband's career. At that time, she chose to not work outside the home, while raising two children.
"Once they entered high school, I decided to re-enter the workforce," Dilgert said.
In her time at RCED, Dilgert was instrumental in bringing millions of investment dollars to Rutherford County, as well as hundreds of new jobs. She has experienced much success, and also knows first-hand how complex, and at times frustrating, the process of economic development can be.
One of the major successes of RCED is TMG & Haartz. This company announced in the summer of 2025 that it will establish a manufacturing plant in Golden Valley, at the former Milliken facility. This company is expected to invest $51 million and bring 125 new jobs in its first five years of operation. The company will manufacture automotive trim parts.
Landing this company was a lengthy, arduous process.
"It takes a long time, and a lot of work," Dilbert explained. "We put a lot into it. Sometimes we are able to secure the project, and sometimes we come very close, only to be passed by for another site...sometimes in another state. We work just as hard on each project and we are ecstatic that TMG & Haartz chose Rutherford County."
The company is in the process of outfitting the facility.
"The hope is for the plant to be operational by summer," Dilbert said.
It took about six months from RCED's initial contact with the company until the company ultimately chose Rutherford County.
Dilgert said, "In order to recruit a new industry, many things need to align or be in place. A community needs to have land and/or buildings available, infrastructure, a readily available trained workforce, a favorable business climate, good transportation and market access, a strong quality of life, coordinated leadership and solid data for decision making."
But also, according to Dilgert, the process is "relational."
"It's often based on the connections formed when a company visits your community," she continued. "The company needs to know you can be trusted to provide what you say you will provide in order to ensure the company can be successful in your community."
Dilgert says a big misconception is that there are plenty of former factories or buildings that could be used to house a new industry.
"While former factories can sometimes be reused, there are many situations where they can't, or where reuse is so costly and impractical that new industry will avoid the site," Dilbert said.
Rutherford County's central location along the east coast, from a logistics standpoint, is something industry finds appealing, Dilgert says. However, she insists that Rutherford County should continue to advocate for interstate designation, for U.S. Highway 74.
"An interstate quality U.S. 74. corridor will provide better connectivity, business planning, transportation safety, and resource efficiency from I-26 to I-85," Dilgert explained.
Being more than 15 miles away from an interstate highway, is viewed negatively by many companies.
A spirit of cooperation and collaboration, makes economic development efforts more successful. Dilgert says she is proud of the strong relationships RCED has formed with federal, state, and local agencies, representatives, and allies within the community.
"I firmly believe when we work together, we multiply our strengths. Collaboration turns individual effort into shared success and lifts everyone higher," Dilbert stated.
Rutherford County Manager Steve Garrison said Dilgert's leadership has been critical to the success of many economic development projects.
"Rutherford County owes an enormous debt of gratitude to Director Dilgert," Garrison stated. "Her relentless dedication has helped attract new industries and investments and has created new jobs and career opportunities for our citizens. Her work has made a measurable difference, and the benefits will be felt for decades to come."
Dilgert looks forward to retirement, and plans to travel more. She and her husband will continue to make their home in Rutherfordton. She remains optimistic, and believes Rutherford County has a bright future.
"I have met and worked with so many wonderful people," Dilgert added. "These are people who are truly passionate about Rutherford County, and are working for the prosperity for all its citizens."
