Employment at the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis has been increasing recently and leaders expect it to as much as double in the next few years, meaning about 300 additional jobs locally.
“The good news is the campus is growing,” said Steve Leath, vice president of the David H. Murdock Research Institute. “We had a little less than 250 in March.”
Leath made a presentation to Kannapolis City Council members on Monday about progress at the North Carolina Research Campus, which has been slower than was originally anticipated due to the economy.
Campus officials expect growth to reach 300 by January as UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State University add to their research staffs locally. The institute also has added about 10 new positions in the last eight months.
“One of the reasons we’re moving forward is the science,” Leath said. “We weren’t sure where our home in science was going to be. We have developed quite reputation between agricultural, what you eat and longevity. When people mention research and health and nutrition, we want the next thing people think of to be Kannapolis.”
That’s starting to happen, Leath said, showing a large compilation of manuscripts from researchers at the campus.
“We’ve already received almost $30 million in grants in the last two years for our work,” he said. “It puts us on the map scientifically. People are starting to say, ‘If you want that kind of work done, you need to go to Kannapolis, North Carolina.’ ”
Leath said it’s reasonable to expect a doubling of the staff and activity at the campus in a short time.
Following the campus update, council members heard a report on joining the federal “Let’s Move!” initiative that First Lady Michelle Obama is traveling the country promoting.
Kannapolis City Council then approved a resolution supporting the city becoming part of the campaign.
City Communications Director Ann Gibson and business development director Irene Saks spoke about how the campaign fits with the city’s efforts to become known as a health and nutrition research hub.
The campaign addresses childhood obesity rates as well overall community health. Childhood obesity rates have tripled in the last 30 years. One in three children in the United States are obese or overweight, Gibson said. The campaign promotes community partnerships and efforts to develop healthier food options in a community.
“With all of these things, it develops a brand that is community wide,” City Manager Mike Legg said. “As I view it, it’s our response to the investment that’s been made. There’s never been a better time to do this.”
Contact reporter Karen Cimino Wilson: 704-789-9141.
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