Welcome to Gaston Business Association’s reimagined newsletter. We will continue to provide you the latest news and resources for your business but now in a Smart Brevity® format.

Work smarter, not harder. There is so much happening in Gaston. Business opportunities and challenges both large and small inundating your inbox, all day…everyday. Let this be one email you can easily scan, take what you need, and carry on with your day.

Why it matters: Your time is valuable and we want to keep things simple and impactful - look for short paragraphs, bolding, & bullets in our newsletters moving forward.

In a nutshell, Gaston’s Going Places and we are here for it. Have thoughts or feedback? Email me directly.

What’s Happening in Gaston County?

Gaston Business Association doesn't want you to miss these opportunities to learn and connect on behalf of your business.

Go deeper: For more information and registration details, please click here to view our full program and events calendar.

Regional Aquatics Center Dives into Dallas

After more than a decade of speculation and site selection research, Gaston Aquatics plans to build a regional aquatics center on property located on the opposite side of U.S. 321 from Gaston College in Dallas.

The $10 million project has a $4 million matching grant from the state, as well as $750,000 in private contributions..

Why it matters: A regional aquatic center will drive visitors to Gaston County and bring economic results, said Michael Applegate, director of Travel and Tourism for Gaston County.

• Gaston County Travel and Tourism announced it will provide $250,000 for the project.

What they are saying: A regional aquatic center will also be a draw for communities surrounding Gaston County, said Steve D'Avria, chief operating officer for the Gaston Business Association and the father of children who swim competitively.

By the numbers: North Carolina has offered a total of $4 million for the project, if Gaston Aquatics can raise matching funds. $750,000 has been raised in private contributions thus far, including $400,000 from the First Gaston Fund, part of Gaston Community Foundation.

What's next: Gaston Aquatics will be seeking additional private and public donations for the project.

Go deeper: For Ellis’ full article, click here.

Gaston Vision 2040 to Benefit Residents and Businesses

Fail to plan, plan to fail - Gaston Vision 2040 is a collaborative effort to engage county residents, businesses, and organizations in dialogue about their desires for the future.

Why it matters: Input collected will be coupled with additional data and trends to create a vision and roadmap for Gaston’s future.

What’s next: Citizens and businesses are encouraged to attend community engagement sessions to provide their desires and opinions regarding Gaston’s critical issues and greatest opportunities.

Bill Poteat of the Gaston Gazette recently wrote an article about this initiative which you can find here.

A New County Budget Request

Gaston County Schools want a $2.7 million bump in county funding next year.

The school board gave its $54.2 million budget request to commissioners Tuesday during a meeting with the county.

Why it matters: Schools play a crucial role in economic development - from prospective residents and business owners to providing the human capital necessary to grow our county.

What's next: Commissioners will make a decision on the request when they pass a new county budget by July 1, the start of its fiscal year.

• The 5.24% requested increase will help the school system cover higher costs related to inflation, new programs and projects.

By the numbers: Inflation will add 2.3% next year for the purchase of goods and services, and up to 4.7% for utility costs. according to the school system. The school system asked for $578,000 more to cover those costs. 

Gaston County Schools also requested  $1.6 million more to give non teaching employees — custodians, bus drivers and administrative support — and certified employees — teachers, guidance counselors and media specialists — pay increases. Another $500,000 will go toward teacher pay supplements.

Go deeper: For Guerrero’s full article, click here.