What a giant dresser teaches us about N.C.'s economy

My stop in High Point helped me see more clearly about North Carolina’s economic development future

This past week I stopped in High Point on my way to talk N.C. politics with WGHP, and couldn’t resist pulling over to see the world’s largest chest of drawers.

It’s a quirky local landmark, sure, but it also got me thinking about the future of economic development in North Carolina.

We often describe High Point as once being the furniture capital of the world, like it’s a relic of a bygone era. But here’s the truth: In a world where companies can operate anywhere — or nowhere at all — the places that win are the ones that know who they are.

The future of economic development is about branding, and building an identity. It’s good to broaden High Point’s economic base, but you might get better returns if you double down on its strengths.

The message should be: If you want to work in furniture, you need to be in High Point. Not just twice a year for the High Point Market, but for good.

This type of approach is really starting to work in the Triad around aerospace, but you don’t need to be a…