Rowan County's Bright Future: Forged by Diverse Leadership and Shared Vision
- Emoti Labs
- May 12
- 2 min read
Rowan County, North Carolina – A community's strength and trajectory are often shaped by individuals working with distinct expertise yet aiming for a common horizon of growth and prosperity. While their daily endeavors might take different paths, leaders like James Catoe of Emoti Labs, Elaine Spalding of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce, and Joe Crapster of Duke Energy each play a vital role in cultivating a vibrant future for the region. A recent moment capturing these three together serves as a quiet testament to the collaborative spirit underpinning Rowan County's development.
James Catoe, founder of Salisbury-based Emoti Labs and the creative force behind the innovative children's program "Lurnsters," is at the forefront of educational technology. His work in developing "Emotional Digital Literacy" curricula showcases a commitment to equipping the next generation with crucial skills for navigating the modern world. By fostering innovation and focusing on future-ready education from right here in Rowan County, Catoe's Emoti Labs not only contributes a unique business to the local landscape but also invests in the intellectual and emotional capital of its youngest residents.
Driving the county's economic engine is Elaine Spalding, President of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce. Spalding is a central figure in advocating for local businesses, attracting new investments, and fostering a supportive environment where enterprises can thrive.1 Her work ensures that Rowan County remains a competitive and appealing place to do business, creating jobs, spurring development, and enhancing the overall quality of life for everyone in the community. The Chamber, under her leadership, is a cornerstone for economic strategy and community partnership.
Essential to any community's success is reliable infrastructure, and Joe Crapster, District Manager at Duke Energy (whose regional responsibilities include ensuring robust service to the area), represents this critical foundation. While his specific title points to Cabarrus County, Duke Energy's commitment to providing dependable power and innovative energy solutions is vital across the region, including Rowan. Crapster's role in managing this essential service ensures that businesses have the energy they need to operate, residents have power for their daily lives, and the county has the capacity to support future growth and technological advancements.
Though they operate in distinct spheres – Catoe in educational innovation, Spalding in economic and community development, and Crapster in essential energy infrastructure – their efforts are inextricably linked. Innovation thrives where there is economic stability and opportunity; businesses flourish when supported by strong community networks and reliable infrastructure; and a well-equipped future generation, as championed by Catoe, becomes the workforce and leadership that Spalding and Crapster's efforts help create a vibrant environment for.
Together, though often working separately, these leaders exemplify the multifaceted approach required to ensure the continued development and growth of Rowan County. Their collective impact, each in their respective way, helps build a more resilient, prosperous, and forward-thinking community for all.
