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Research Triangle Region

From the first biotechnology center in the nation (Research Triangle Park) to the top golf mecca in the eastern United States (Pinehurst), the Research Triangle region showcases innovation, excellence, and hospitality. The area features three interstate highways and is within two days’ drive of 60% of the country’s industrial base. With three of the top research universities in the country, the area ranks in the top five for the most educated adult population in the U.S.

Because of its wealth of resources and cutting-edge advancements, the Research Triangle region competes with much larger areas in the country for the same job markets and industry sectors. Challenges hindering economic growth include larger competitors generally having better air service, which puts the Research Triangle area at a disadvantage.

Another problem is the large dichotomy between the three urban and 10 rural counties of this region. While the Research Triangle has one of the most educated populations as a whole, rural counties face the same challenges, educational and other, as most of rural North Carolina.

As a result, Golden LEAF has focused its grantsmaking on the rural areas of the Research Triangle region, giving funds to projects that spur economic development and create new jobs. For example, the Triangle North project provides a network of special parks that offer shovel-ready sites and tax exemptions for businesses wishing to locate to the area.

“Consolidation in the grocery industry has made it very difficult for producers to gain the needed outlets for their products. With the financial assistance of Golden LEAF, the 'Got to be NC' agriculture campaign has opened markets for these producers." - Joe Sanderson, Assistant Director of Marketing, Department of Agriculture