Catawba County has successfully diversified and balanced its traditional manufacturing base of furniture, textile, and telecommunications.  Comprehensive efforts are being directed at identifying and recruiting new sectors in manufacturing such as biomedical, pharmaceutical, technology and building products, and identifying and recruiting non-manufacturing sectors such as retirement and retail development.  The once tight labor force has transitioned into a pool of skilled workers loyal to the area and its industries.  Catawba County has been recognized as being one of the top ten areas in America to raise a family.