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Committed to serving Monroe and Union CountyWe work towards encouraging positive growth within our communityMUCEDC reports to its Advisory Board and the Board of Directors
MUCEDC is dedicated to serving Monroe and Union County through tailored support for existing industries, proactive industry recruitment, strategic planning for new job creation and growth, and workforce development initiatives. They are a driving force behind the continued success and prosperity of the area.
The Monroe-Union County Economic Development Commission (MUCEDC) team is committed to serving Monroe and Union County through individually curated existing industry support, premier industry recruitment, purposeful strategic planning, new job creation, and workforce development. We understand the importance of our work in encouraging positive growth within our community to meet the needs of our resident population. MUCEDC reports to its Advisory Board and the Board of Directors. MUCEDC Advisory Board guides recruitment efforts, existing industry programming, and votes to support incoming projects. MUCEDC Board of Directors serves as a management group for all in-house necessities, such as budgeting, staffing, and administrative decisions. These boards comprise industry leaders, elected officials, and City of Monroe and Union County managers.
Union County was formed by an 1842 Act of the NC General Assembly. It was determined that a county seat would be located within two miles of the center of the county, and would be named in honor of President James Monroe. The town of Monroe was incorporated on December 24, 1844.
The December 1874 completion of the Carolina Central Railway between Wilmington and Charlotte brought important changes in the town’s commercial standing. Monroe became a market town where the railroad brought manufactured goods that could be exchanged for regional agricultural products. Monroe’s status as a hub in the railroad line meant that it became home to a large transient population known as Railway Men.
Traveling salesmen, or “Knights of the Grip,” were also drawn to the city by its large wholesale commerce. Finally, travelers stopping in on their north-south journeys enjoyed Monroe hospitality.
As early as 1911, the Heath-Houston Realty Company had plans for a large, 100-guest-room, modern hotel at the corner of North Main and West Franklin Streets. The name Hotel Joffre was given to the new building in honor of the French WW-I general, Marshal Joffre.
The Great Depression in the early 1930s brought the development of the downtown nearly to a halt. The establishment of Camp Sutton, a military base, in Monroe during World War II brought large numbers of soldiers and their families to the city, but very little new construction was completed in downtown. Although a few significant buildings have been demolished, such as the Monroe Opera House and Hotel Joffre, Monroe’s Central Business District still reflects the period of Downtown Monroe’s greatest prosperity as an agricultural and commercial center.
The city of Monroe still remains a hub of industrial and retail activity within the region and remains the focus of culture and commerce within Union County. Millions of dollars in renovations and façade improvements, annual festivals, and new interest in professional housing have made Downtown Monroe again the place for commerce and travelers alike. Please enjoy your time in our historic district and thank you for visiting Downtown Monroe.
We aim for positive community growth through innovation, collaboration, and impactful solutions.
These boards comprise industry leaders, elected officials, and City of Monroe and Union County managers.
5:00pm – 6:00 pm
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday
5:00pm – 6:00 pm
Board of Directors Meeting
Monday
5:00pm – 6:00 pm
Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday
5:00pm – 6:00 pm
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday
A partnership between industry leaders, elected officials, and city/county managers can drive progress and prosperity in the region. They can work together to promote economic development, create job opportunities, collaborate on infrastructure projects, and ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making. This cooperation can help Monroe and Union County thrive and deliver long-term benefits for the community.
When relocating to or expanding your business in Union County, North Carolina, we are here to help guide you through the process.
© 2023 Monroe-Union County Economic Development Commission. All Rights Reserved.
