Bill Slagle has been awarded one of North Carolina’s highest honors, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Slagle, former Economic Development Director for Mitchell County is the Regional Industry Manager of Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. Under Slagle’s leadership there have been over 500 business expansions in North Carolina, with commitments of 26,000 jobs and almost $8.3 billion in investment for the state. In Mitchell County his innovative ideas have led to the repurposing and revitalization of dilapidated structures. He was instrumental in the establishment of the YMCA, the Three Peaks Event Center and the hotel initiated by Dr. John Boyd and Mayland Community College. When accepting the honor Slagle gave credit to Dr. Boyd and Mayland for much of the current economic development in Spruce Pine.
Since 1963, North Carolina’s governors have reserved their highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
