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INVESTOR GUIDE2024

1Table of ContentsBreakfast SeriesBusiness After HoursLet’s Do LunchCandidate ForumsNC Dept of Labor’s Safety AwardsWomen Who RockLeadership GastonProfessional Women’s AssociationNewsletterOther Opportunities181920212223242526Connector InvestmentInnovator InvestmentCollaborator InvestmentInfluencer InvestmentVisionary Investment2023 Investors2024 Investment Opportunities67891011Salute to BusinessGolf ClassicEconomic ForecastAnnual CelebrationSignature Events14151617A Message From LeadershipConnect. Commit. Collaborate.Meet Our TeamGBA345

A MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIPEric Clay2023 Chairman of the BoardWe are encouraged by the progress the GBA has made since its inception in January 2021. Ourorganization continues its diligent work to drive business success and economic growththroughout Gaston County. We acknowledge our efforts are only made possible through strongpartnerships and business relationships and we appreciate your support in positioning GastonCounty to lead the region in economic prosperity and opportunity for all.Despite the impacts of the lingering pandemic, Gaston County experienced dramatic growth in2022 and further cemented itself as the location of choice for business relocations, expansions,and general investment. The GBA was active in supporting this activity by connecting businessesto critical resources, committing time and energy to advocate with elected officials on behalf ofbusinesses, and collaborating with businesses to find effective solutions.We look forward to building on the GBA’s success from last year as we work throughout 2023 togenerate bold advocacy, economic development, business, and talent outcomes. Our strategicemphasis in these areas allows us to guide thoughtful implementation efforts in a way thatbalances current realities with future aspirations while addressing identified business needs in arelevant, meaningful, and accountable manner. Thank you again for your continued investment and support of the Gaston Business Association. Patrick MumfordPresident & CEO2

CONNECT. COMMIT. COLLABORATE.We envision a Gaston County leading the region in prosperity andopportunity for all.VISIONWe exist to drive business success and transform the economythroughout Gaston County.PURPOSEWe generate bold advocacy, business, and talent outcomes.MISSIONA thriving Gaston County is representative of the positive energy and growth in thegreater Charlotte region. As the VOICE OF BUSINESS in Gaston County, the GastonBusiness Association is at the center of this activity, working diligently to drive businesssuccess and economic growth.The GBA is uniquely positioned within the business community to addressforward-looking, multi-year strategic priorities focused on: INFLUENCING THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT to enrich Gaston’seconomic diversification, overall reputation, and regional position DRIVING BUSINESS SUCCESS by addressing critical business needs withinnovative, impactful, and inclusive strategies ENHANCING WORKFORCE CAPACITY through the attraction,development, and retention of critical talent3

MEETOUR TEAMPatrick MumfordPresident & CEOSteve D'AvriaSenior Vice PresidentBrian HickmanVice PresidentTalentJamarkis MitchellDirector of Career Development & Job PlacementMadison BolesVice President Marketing & CommunicationsNancy RosemondDirector of Investor RelationsMegan ZelaskiMarketing & Events ManagerJenni RhodesOperations Manager4

2024ANNUALINVESTMENTOPPORTUNITIES5

CONNECTOR INVESTMENT Basic GBA Business Directory Listing GBA Investor Decal & Digital Badge New Member Recognition In 1 Newsletter & Social Media PostGrand Opening Kit: $150BRANDING & POSITIONINGAdvocacy InitiativesPublic Policy Updates GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SUPPORTAccess To All Networking EventsAccess To Educational And Professional DevelopmentPrograms & EventsDirect Access To GBA Team Knowledge & NetworkReceive Weekly GBA Newsletter Investor Pricing for Programs & EventsGBA OrientationRELATIONSHIP & BUSINESS BUILDINGYou are a startup or a small business owner, in early stages of growth and employingfewer than 10 individuals.Introductory First Year Investment: $350Future Investment: $5006

Up To 3 Business Locations in GBA DirectoryIncluding Investor Decals for Each LocationEnhanced GBA Business Directory ListingProgram & Events Sponsorship Opportunities Opportunity For 2 Newsletter Stories AnnuallyOpportunity For 5 Dedicated Social Media Posts AnnuallyBRANDING & POSITIONINGPublic Policy Updates Invitation To Participate with Advocacy Group(s) of ChoosingTransportation/InfrastructureTalent/WorkforceSmall BusinessGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SUPPORTAccess To All Networking EventsAccess To Educational and Professional Development Programs & EventsDirect Access to GBA Team Knowledge & NetworkReceive Weekly GBA Newsletter Investor Pricing for Programs & Events$150 Sponsorship Credit for One Event on Sponsorship Valued $500+RELATIONSHIP & BUSINESS BUILDINGINNOVATOR INVESTMENT Minimum Investment: $1,500 Needs Assessment & Consultation With StaffAccess to Database of Talent Partnership EmployeesAccess to Complimentary Networking EventsTALENT PARTNERSHIP7

Featured Placement on WebsiteFeatured Access to Sponsorship Opportunities6+ Business Locations in GBA Directory Including Investor Decals for Each LocationSponsorship Of 1 Newsletter Edition (To Include Note from Business andAdditional Advertisements)Opportunity for 8 Dedicated Social Media Posts AnnuallyBRANDING & POSITIONINGPublic Policy Updates Opportunity To Engage in GBA Chapter CouncilsInvitation To Participate with Advocacy Group(s) of ChoosingTransportation/InfrastructureTalent/WorkforceSmall BusinessGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SUPPORTSignature Event Early RegistrationLeadership Gaston Early Registration$200 Sponsorship Credit for One Event on Sponsorship Valued $600+Access To All Networking EventsAccess To Educational and Professional Development Programs & EventsDirect Access to GBA Team Knowledge & NetworkReceive Weekly GBA NewsletterRELATIONSHIP & BUSINESS BUILDINGCOLLABORATOR INVESTMENT Minimum Investment: $3,500 Needs Assessment & Consultation With StaffAccess to Database of Talent Partnership EmployeesAccess to Complimentary Networking EventsAccess to Collaborative Events & Job Fair Opportunities atAdditional Cost2 Placements Per Year Included in DuesAdditional Support & Placements Available for Additional FeeTALENT PARTNERSHIP8

Featured Placement on WebsiteFeatured Access to Sponsorship Opportunities6+ Business Locations in GBA Directory Including Investor Decals for Each LocationSponsorship Of 1 Newsletter Edition (To Include Note from Business andAdditional Advertisements)Opportunity for 10 Dedicated Social Media Posts AnnuallyBRANDING & POSITIONINGPublic Policy Updates Opportunity To Engage in GBA Chapter CouncilsInvitation To Participate with Advocacy Group(s) of ChoosingTransportation/InfrastructureTalent/WorkforceSmall BusinessMembership To Chairman’s Economic CouncilGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SUPPORTInvitation To Exclusive, Limited Attendee EventsSignature Event Early RegistrationLeadership Gaston Early Registration$300 Sponsorship Credit for One Event on Sponsorship Valued $700+4 Tickets to One Quarterly Professional Women’s Association Event ($100Value)Access To All Networking EventsAccess To Educational and Professional Development Programs & EventsDirect Access to GBA Team Knowledge & NetworkReceive Weekly GBA NewsletterRELATIONSHIP & BUSINESS BUILDINGINFLUENCER INVESTMENT Minimum Investment: $7,500 Needs Assessment & Consultation With StaffAccess to Database of Talent Partnership EmployeesAccess to Complimentary Networking EventsAccess to Collaborative Events & Job Fair Opportunities atAdditional Cost1 Placement Per Quarter Included in Dues1 Company Specific Training Based on Clients Needs Per YearAdditional Support & Placements Available for Additional FeeTALENT PARTNERSHIP9

Highest Priority Placement on WebsiteHighest Priority Access to Sponsorship OpportunitiesUnlimited Business Locations in GBA Directory Including Investor Decals for Each LocationSponsorship Of 1 Month of Newsletter Editions (To Include Unique Notes from Business and Additional Advertisements) ($1,000 Value)Opportunity for 15 Dedicated Social Media Posts AnnuallyBRANDING & POSITIONINGPublic Policy Updates Opportunity To Engage in GBA Chapter CouncilsInvitation To Participate with Advocacy Group of ChoosingTransportation/InfrastructureTalent/WorkforceSmall BusinessMembership To Chairman’s Economic CouncilGOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SUPPORTInvitation To Exclusive, Limited Attendee EventsSignature Event Early RegistrationLeadership Gaston Early Registration$500 Sponsorship Credit for One Event on Sponsorship Valued $1,000+1 Golf Tournament Team, 4 Participants ($700 Value)1 Table to One Quarterly Professional Women’s Association Event ($200Value)Access To All Networking EventsAccess To Educational and Professional Development Programs & EventsDirect Access to GBA Team Knowledge & NetworkReceive Weekly GBA NewsletterRELATIONSHIP & BUSINESS BUILDINGVISIONARY INVESTMENT Minimum Investment: $15,000 Needs Assessment & Consultation With StaffAccess to Database of Talent Partnership EmployeesAccess to Complimentary Networking Events & Job FairOpportunities 2 Placements Per Quarter Included in Dues2 Company Specific Trainings Based on Clients Needs Per YearAdditional Support & Placements Available for Additional FeeTALENT PARTNERSHIP10

2023VISIONARY INVESTORSPharr USACaroMont HealthDole Fresh Vegetables, Inc2023INFLUENCER INVESTORSAtrium HealthCity of GastoniaDominion EnergyDuke EnergyFirst Horizon BankGSM Services, Inc.MANN+HUMMELPiedmont LithiumStandard Distributors, Inc.Wilbert Plastic Services2023COLLABORATOR INVESTORSAB Carter, Inc.Alliance Bank & TrustAvidXchangeBelmont Abbey CollegeChoice USA Beverage City of BelmontCity of Mount HollyFirestone Fibers & Textiles Co.Gaston CollegeGaston County SchoolsGaston GazetteGastonia Plumbing & HeatingMcCannon, Rogers, Driscoll & AssociatesMECA Commercial Real EstateNoLo Logistics LLCNorthPoint Development, LLCNovant Health Huntersville Medical CenterPrecision Machine ProductsSeven Oaks Farm FoundationSouth State BankTindol Ford Subaru ROUSHTruistUnited Oil of the Carolinas, Inc.Watson Insurance Agency, Inc.11

2024SPONSORSHIPOPPORTUNITIES12

SIGNATURE EVENTSSalute to Business Gala (May)Golf Classic (October) Economic Forecast (November) Annual Meeting & Celebration (December) GBA Breakfast SeriesBusiness After Hours (Monthly)Let's Do Lunch (Monthly)Candidate Forums (primary/general) NC Dept of Labor's Safety Awards (June)Women Who Rock (October)Leadership GastonProfessional Women's AssociationNewsletter OTHER OPPORTUNITIES13

TABLE SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventRecognition in program INVESTMENT: $2,000SUPPORTING SPONSORFour tickets to eventRecognition on website and in program INVESTMENT: $1,500SIGNATURE SPONSOR1 Table of 8 in premier locationRecognition on website, social media, during event, and in programINVESTMENT: $3,500SALUTE TO BUSINESSStarted in 2003, GBA’s Salute to Business recognizes and celebrates Gaston’s businessleaders making significant economic and social impacts in Gaston County.Two prestigious business awards are presented during the event.May 2024The Spirit of the Carolinas: Honors an individual behind the success of acompany who has demonstrated leadership within their industry and citizenshipwithin their community on a local, state, or national level. The Spirit of the Economy: Presented to a company contributing to the overalleconomic development efforts in Gaston County and North Carolina.14PRESENTING SPONSOR1 Table of 8 in premier locationRecognition on website, social media, during event, and in programProvide welcomeINVESTMENT: $7,000

TEAM SPONSORRecognition in ProgramCompany Logo on Signage at Sponsored HolePromotional Display at Sponsored HoleINVESTMENT: $700SUPPORTING SPONSOR1 Team of 4 in TournamentCompany Listing in ProgramRecognition on website, social media, during event,and in program INVESTMENT: $1,500GOLF CLASSICThe Gaston Business Association hosts a highly anticipated Annual Golf Classic. Thisevent has a unique twist, as we combine traditional daytime golf with an unforgettableglow golf experience under the stars.October 20249 Holes Of Daytime Golf9 Holes Of Glow GolfDinner And BeveragesPrizes And AwardsNetworking Opportunities15PRESENTING SPONSOR2 Teams of 4 in Tournament2 Opportunties for Sponsored HolesCompany Listing in ProgramRecognition on website, social media, during event,and in program INVESTMENT: $3,500

TABLE SPONSOR1 table of eight at event INVESTMENT: $750PROGRAM SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventRecognition in onsite materials INVESTMENT: $1,000PRESENTING SPONSOR1 table of eight in premier locationCompany name on front of program and invitationRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteCompany name on appropriate signage at eventOpportunity for company representative to welcome guests INVESTMENT: $5,000ECONOMIC FORECASTThis annual event program features an accomplished senior economist to speakwith business leaders about the current and future state of the national andregional economy. NOVEMBER 202416ECONOMIST SPONSOR1 table of eight in premier locationCompany name on front of program and invitationRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteCompany name on appropriate signage at eventSenior Economist serves as representative during program INVESTMENT: $1,500 (+ expenses for Senior Economist)

TABLE SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventRecognition in programINVESTMENT: $1,000SUPPORTING SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventRecognition in onsite materials INVESTMENT: $2,000SIGNATURE SPONSOR1 table of eight to the eventRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteINVESTMENT: $5,000PRESENTING SPONSOR Two tables of eight in premier locationCompany name on front of program and invitationRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteCompany name on appropriate signage at eventOpportunity for company representative to welcome guests INVESTMENT: $12,000ANNUAL CELEBRATIONThe Annual Celebration is a time for the GBA to look back at the success of the past yearand ahead to the upcoming year. A spotlight is put on those individuals and companiesthat have made a significant impact on the community with the Athena Award and DukeEnergy Citizenship and Service Award.DECEMBER 202417

BREAKFAST SPONSOR1 table of eight at 1 breakfast eventRecognition in onsite materials INVESTMENT: $1,000PROGRAM SPONSOR1 table of eight at 1 breakfast eventIntroduce Speaker Recognition in onsite materials INVESTMENT: $2,000SERIES SPONSOR1 table of eight to 2 breakfast eventsIntroduce series topicRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteINVESTMENT: $7,000PRESENTING SPONSOR 1 table of 8 at each of the 4 breakfast eventsCompany name on invitationsRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteCompany name on appropriate signage at eventOpportunity for company representative to welcome guests INVESTMENT: $10,000BREAKFAST SERIESThe GBA hosts a Breakfast Series, with content focused on economic development andadvocacy in both GBA East and GBA West. These engaging quarterly breakfast eventsprovide a unique platform for our community to come together, share insights, andcultivate lasting connections.QUARTERLY 202418

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Host a Business After Hours, to connect with local visionaries, establishvaluable connections, and showcase your brand to an engaged audience ofprofessionals. This is an opportunity to elevate your business profile, gaininsights from industry leaders, and explore potential partnerships. MONTHLY OPPORTUNITIES19

LET'S DO LUNCHBe a host that inspires connections at our Let's Do Lunch event and help us tobring together local professionals. Showcase your venue, gain exposure, andfoster meaningful relationships over a delicious meal. Your hospitality will beat the heart of this experience, shaping Gaston's thriving business community.Seize this opportunity to shine while supporting local growth. MONTHLY OPPORTUNITIES20

PROGRAM SPONSORSignage and promotional materials at the forumRecognition on all event promotionOpportunity to submit questions to the candidates INVESTMENT: $1,000CANDIDATE FORUMSCandidate Forums are a great way to engage the business community aroundupcoming elections. The nonpartisan GBA is well positioned to host forums andincrease public understanding of the election process and the candidatesrunning for local, state, and federal office.Primary & General Elections21

TABLE SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventRecognition in programINVESTMENT: $750SUPPORTING SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventRecognition in onsite materials INVESTMENT: $1,000SIGNATURE SPONSOR1 table of eight to the eventRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteIntroduces speakerINVESTMENT: $1,500PRESENTING SPONSOR1 table of eight in premier locationCompany name on front of program and invitationRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteCompany name on appropriate signage at eventOpportunity for company representative to welcome guests INVESTMENT: $3,500NC DEPT OF LABOR'SSAFETY AWARDS Every year, the GBA teams up with the Department of Labor to host the Safety Awards.We gather to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of our local businesses, witha focus on accident prevention and promoting safety in the workplace.JUNE 202422

TABLE SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventRecognition in program INVESTMENT: $750SUPPORTING SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventRecognition in onsite materials INVESTMENT: $1,000SIGNATURE SPONSOR1 table of eight to the eventRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteIntroduces speakerINVESTMENT: $1,500PRESENTING SPONSOR1 table of eight in premier locationCompany name on front of program and invitationRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteCompany name on appropriate signage at eventOpportunity for company representative to welcome guests INVESTMENT: $3,500WOMEN WHO ROCKThe Gaston Business Association partners with the Gaston County EconomicDevelopment Commission to present the Women Who Rock luncheon, recognizingexceptional working women throughout Gaston County. OCTOBER 202423

LEADERSHIP GASTONLeadership Gaston is a leadership development program designed to identify andselect highly motivated leaders and potential leaders of our community. The programallows participants to identify their leadership traits, explore to the needs of thecommunity to better understand the dynamics of social and economic change.2 SESSIONS ANNUALLYSCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR INVESTMENT: $600 PROGRAM SPONSOR INVESTMENT: $2,000PRESENTING SPONSOR INVESTMENT: $4,00024LUNCH SPONSOR INVESTMENT: $350

PROGRAM SPONSOR1 table of eight at eventIntroduces speaker INVESTMENT: $1,500PRESENTING SPONSOR1 table of eight in premier location for all eventsRecognition in all relevant publications and websiteOpportunity for company representative to welcome guests INVESTMENT: $10,000PROFESSIONALWOMEN’S ASSOCIATIONThe PWA's mission is to support and encourage women to reach their fullestpotential by providing opportunities for networking, sharing, and educating. ThePWA holds quarterly luncheons and hosts W2W, a small group gatheringfeaturing a prominent woman leader sharing her career story. On average, 120ladies from all over the county attend each event.QUARTERLY 202425

NEWSLETTER SPONSORLogo displayed on four individual newsletter editionsOpportunity to display relevant information regarding yourCompany in each of the four editionsPersonalized note from you to all investor levelsAnalytics summary for all newsletter editions sponsoredINVESTMENT: $1,000NEWSLETTERReach thousands of GBA Investors and potential customers monthlysponsoring the GBA's weekly newsletter. Each week during your sponsoredmonth, you will be able to include relevant information pertaining to yourcompany, as well as a brief note to Investors.MONTHLY OPPORTUNITIES26

THANK YOU704-864-2621WWW.GASTONBUSINESS.COM601 W. FRANKLIN BLVDGASTONIA, NC 28052