Success is in the blood of North Carolina, and there seems no limit to the famous people from Concord, NC. Investing in Concord goes beyond money to recognizing those leaders big and small who are making a huge difference. With more than 85,000 people living in the city, Cabarrus County boasts more than its share of standouts. Encouraged by Concord’s city council implemented policy for “Partnership for Stronger Neighborhoods” program, residents are increasing the quality of life by promoting values within city government as well as among its citizens.
Governor Pat McCrory visited Concord recently to surprise NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon by awarding him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest honor the governor can give to our society’s heroes. Investing in Concord includes recognizing those leaders who have provided inspiration for all of us. WYFF reported on the historic moment on January 14th:
“Jeff Gordon has been a tremendous ambassador of motorsports, NASCAR and North Carolina,” said Gov. McCrory. “We are not only recognizing Jeff tonight for his performance on the racetrack, but also for his philanthropic work in communities across our state and nation.”
Credit: Action Sports Photography / Shutterstock.com
While driving race cars and winning on the tracks is cool, there are greater heroes in Concord’s public service officials who put their lives on the line every day. But these brave men also show a capacity for investing in Concord that is unique to our part of the country. One recent example included Christian Coe, a police officer patrolling his vehicle around town, when he found an opportunity to bestow an act of kindness where others might’ve just kept driving. Instead of shooting basketball with a basketball, the local kids were shooting with a soccer ball. “He stopped and reversed, so we all thought we were in trouble,” said Xavier Howard according to WFMY News 2. In fact, from the back seat of his police car Coe produced a basketball for Howard and the others to play with. Talk about public service!
Photo Credit: WCNC.com
Investing in Concord Business
Concord has many businesses that also give back to the community in big ways. The city’s biggest employer, Carolina Medical Center-Northeast, part of Carolinas HealthCare System in Charlotte, is a national leader in specialized care for a broad range of medical conditions. In addition to employing 4,500 people, they’re largely responsible for maintaining a high quality of health for its patients. But the list of small businesses investing in Concord is even more impressive. Checkout Concord Downtown‘s business directory to see just how many are doing the work.
Investing in Concord is the same philosophy that many famous people from the area are taking to the national level.
Notable famous people prove out why investing in Concord is a good idea:
- The Avett Brothers (Scott and Seth Avett, bluegrass-rock musicians)
- Carol Barbee, television and movie actor, writer, and producer; now lives in Los Angeles
- Jay Graham, collegiate and NFL football running back, now assistant coach Florida State University
- Jody Hill, film director, screenwriter, producer, actor
- Nikita Koloff, retired WCW professional wrestler
- Jessica Moore, KSNV anchor and reporter
- Mike Morton, retired NFL linebacker
- Israel Pickens, third governor of the state of Alabama and North Carolina congressman, died 1827
- Robert D. Raiford, radio personality John Boy and Billy big show
- Rachel Reilly, reality television personality, contestant on Big Brother 12 (U.S.), champion of Big Brother 13 (U.S.); also competed in The Amazing Race alongside fiance Brendon Villegas
- Silda Wall Spitzer, First Lady of New York from January 2007 until March 2008
- Daniel Truhitte, actor, played Rolfe from The Sound of Music
- Skeet Ulrich, actor; born in Lynchburg, Virginia; raised in Concord; now lives in Los Angeles
- Ish Smith, NBA players for the Philadelphia 76ers
- Kyle Seager, Professional baseball player for the Seattle Mariners
- Corey Seager, Professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers
