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Union County launches economic development department, plans municipal summit and food innovation center rollout
Summary
The Board heard a presentation about the new county Economic Development Department, staffing, sector targets and near‑term actions including a municipal summit, advisory board planning and a countywide retail strategy. Commissioners approved staff to proceed with the three requested action items.
Union County commissioners on Jan. 21 heard a presentation on the new county Economic Development Department and approved staff requests to proceed with municipal outreach, advisory‑board planning and a countywide retail strategy contract.
Patrick Nilan, deputy county manager, told the board the department began in November 2024 and that the county hired an economic development director and assistant director to lead the office. “In November of 2024, we started our own Union County Economic Development Department,” Nilan said, and introduced the team.
Ron Nyland, who is serving as director, described the office mission as a cohesive strategy “to increase tax base, create jobs that improve the quality of life for all of Union County’s residents,” and outlined key functions: existing‑industry retention, industrial recruitment, incentive administration and site readiness. Rachel Holzman, assistant director, said she conducts domestic and international recruitment, attends trade shows and coordinates site visits and marketing. Megan Gibson was introduced as business manager; Jessica King will serve as facility manager for the soon‑to‑open food facility.
The presenters described five sector targets: precision manufacturing, aerospace, office headquarters, health care and food systems, and proposed bringing Retail Strategies back on a countywide contract to pursue retail prospects across municipal boundaries. The county’s food project — previously referred to as “the barn” — is now being framed as the Union County Food Innovation Center (UCFIC). Patrick Nilan said the county secured a state appropriation of $5 million for the facility and that a comprehensive update will be provided at the board’s retreat.
The board asked for and approved three staff actions: return with a recommended advisory‑board structure and membership for county economic development; develop standard contract language to engage Retail Strategies on a countywide basis; and proceed with planning a municipal economic development summit. The board’s voice vote was recorded as in favor.
Commissioners congratulated the new staff and emphasized municipal coordination. Commissioner Jason Kaye (title not specified in the transcript) and others urged outreach to Monroe, Indian Trail and other towns to align local planning with county recruitment and to invite municipal participation in the summit.
Why this matters: Union County faces a residential/commercial tax‑base imbalance that county leaders say warrants dedicated economic development capacity. The new department will handle business retention and recruitment, coordinate workforce and training efforts, and operate the UCFIC to support food‑system businesses and value‑added agriculture.
Staff will return with specific advisory‑board recommendations and a Retail Strategies contract for the board to consider; the municipal summit date and agenda will be presented to the board for final approval.
