News Flash

Google announced a new, $1 billion investment within the next two years in North Carolina to grow its data center infrastructure in Lenoir, among other commitments to the state. Google has proudly called North Carolina home for more than 15 years with a data center in Lenoir and an office in Durham. 

“Google’s latest investment in the City of Lenoir and Caldwell County underscores a deep commitment to North Carolina’s continued growth and success,” said City of Lenoir Mayor Joseph Gibbons. “This funding will enhance our workforce, expand economic development opportunities, and ensure North Carolina remains a leader in innovation. I want to thank Google for investing in Lenoir and helping to build a stronger future for every resident of our great state.”

“Investments like this one from Google are critical for strengthening our community,” said Caldwell County Commission Chairman Randy Church. “This funding will bring new opportunities for local workers and help drive long-term economic success in our region. We appreciate Google’s commitment to North Carolina.” 

Data centers are the heart of the internet, powering a variety of technologies people use everyday - ranging from productivity apps, ecommerce platforms and video streaming services, to the systems that keep hospitals, businesses, and government programs running. The Lenoir Google data center supports Google services including Maps, Photos, Search, Workspace, YouTube and more.

Strengthening Energy Efficiency and Reliability

Google also announced a $2 million Energy Impact Fund in collaboration with Blue Ridge Community Action, Blue Ridge Energy, and Advanced Energy. The fund will be used to scale and accelerate energy initiatives in Caldwell County and will support community partners with a focus on energy affordability, weatherization upgrades, and energy efficiency for both low- to moderate-income households and K-12 schools. Google funding will also enable the expansion of existing community solar programs, reducing energy burden and promoting renewable energy access for Caldwell County residents.

“As a member-owned cooperative, our mission is to improve the lives of every person we serve,” said Jon Jacob, Director of Marketing, Blue Ridge Energy. “This generous support from Google allows us to expand the reach of our community solar gardens, ensuring access to renewable energy can include anyone—regardless of income. It’s a perfect reflection of our cooperative spirit: members helping members, supported by a partner who shares our commitment to making life better for our local community."

“We’re thrilled to partner with Google and Caldwell County Schools to boost energy efficiency, comfort and resiliency across the district,” said Brian Coble, President, Advanced Energy. “These upgrades will help schools save money and free up resources to strengthen student learning and long‑term success. We’re grateful for Google’s support and excited to get to work."

“Blue Ridge Community Action is excited to partner with Google on this critical pre-weatherization initiative in Caldwell County,” said Stephanie Ashley, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Community Action. “Google’s transformative investment will help remove barriers that prevent many families from receiving weatherization services, particularly when homes require structural, electrical, plumbing, or other health and safety repairs that fall outside North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program’s scope. This investment directly supports our mission and will allow us to reach families living in some of the most vulnerable housing conditions in our community. We are grateful for Google’s support and look forward to the lasting impact this partnership will have on Caldwell County families.”

Growing Community Impact

As a long-term partner dedicated to fostering local progress, Google is deepening its commitment to North Carolina through new investments in heritage and workforce development. This includes a $100,000 donation to the City of Lenoir for the historic high school renovation project and a three-year, $270,000 grant to Communities In Schools of Caldwell County (CISCC). This funding establishes the CISCC Workforce Development & Digital Equity Fund, which—in collaboration with Caldwell County Schools and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI)—will dismantle technological and financial barriers for students pursuing vocational training through 2027.

"The strength of Caldwell County lies in our ability to work together to support our neighbors,” said Dr. Mark Poarch, President, CCC&TI. “This collaboration between Caldwell County Schools, CCC&TI, and Google ensures that local students have the resources they need to transition seamlessly into the workforce. This fund is more than a grant; it is an investment in the long-term resilience and economic vitality of our entire community." 

The investments announced today in North Carolina build on Google’s commitment to strengthening the communities they call home and investing in the critical digital and energy infrastructure needed to power the future.

Learn more about Google in North Carolina at: g.co/economicimpact/nc.

The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners named Janet Fore as the new Library Director following the retirement of Leslie Griffin at the end of February.  Prior to being named Library Director, Fore served as Adult Services Librarian. 

“When people think about libraries, most think of books. However, libraries are more about helping people. Sometimes that means helping someone find a book, or it could be helping someone find resources in a crisis,” said Fore. “We have a great staff that is dedicated to helping our patrons. I am committed to continuing the hard work that has gone on before to ensure our services remain indispensable to the residents we serve. And because I love books as well, I will work to uphold our tradition of curating a book collection that has something for everyone in our community.” 

In her new role, Fore will oversee library operations, guide long‑term planning, and support the library’s mission to serve the residents of Caldwell County. 

Fore joined the Caldwell County Public Library in 2017 as a library assistant in Adult Services and was promoted to Adult Services Librarian in 2019. Before beginning her career in public libraries, she taught academically gifted middle school students in the Caldwell County School System for 30 years. After retiring from teaching, Fore earned a Master of Arts in Library Science from Appalachian State University. She also holds a North Carolina Public Library Certification, as well as a Master of Arts in Middle School Education and a Bachelor of Science in Middle School Education from Appalachian State University. 

Fore is married to BJ Fore, former Patrol Captain at the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. She is the mother of Emily Fore Earp, a Caldwell County 911 telecommunicator, and “Mimzy” to two grandsons, Parker and Cade. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and working jigsaw puzzles. 

Caldwell County is pleased to announce that Tasha Brown has been hired as the new Clerk to the Board, effective February 23, 2026. Brown was the unanimous choice from a highly competitive pool of more than 40 applicants. She brings 18 years of local government experience. 

Most recently, Brown served as the Finance Officer for the Town of Blowing Rock, where she worked for the past nine years. Before joining Blowing Rock, she spent nearly nine years with the Caldwell County Tax Department, first as a Collections Clerk and later as a Personal Property Assessor. Prior to her county service, she worked for three years with the Caldwell County School System. 

“I am honored to be selected to serve the community in this role, and I am glad to be back home,” Brown said. 

In her role as County Clerk, Brown will support the Board of Commissioners by preparing meeting agendas and minutes, coordinating board operations, maintaining official county records, and ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities related to public meetings and public records. The Clerk also serves as a key point of contact for citizens seeking information about county governance. 

Brown is a graduate of South Caldwell High School, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, and the UNC Chapel Hill School of Government. 

“Tasha’s strong ties to our community and extensive experience will allow her to hit the ground running in her new role,” said the County Manager Shane Fox. 

Brown and her husband, Peter, have one daughter, son in law and two grandchildren who reside in Caldwell County.