By Gene Galin
Siler City, NC – On a Tuesday afternoon, a conversation between Robert Reives, the minority leader of the North Carolina House of Representatives, and three guys from Pittsboro having lunch sheds light on the values of family, education, and community in a rapidly evolving region. Over lunch with ERic Andrews, Greg Stafford and me at the Broken Spit in Siler City, Reives delves into some of his favorite memories, the significance of education, and the transformative impact of recent industrial developments in the area. As Chatham County undergoes unprecedented growth, Reives emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in the community’s roots while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.
A Grandfather’s Legacy: The Roots of Family and Education
Robert Reives, a figure somewhat well-known in North Carolina’s political landscape, traces his commitment to public service and education back to the deep roots of his family, particularly his grandfather. “When I was around my Grandad, I felt like a superhero, even though he was my superhero,” Reives reminisced.
His grandfather, a man of many trades, embodied resilience and the work ethic. Though his grandfather left school in the fourth grade to support his family, he placed immense value on education, ensuring that his children and grandchildren had opportunities he never did. Reives shared a cherished story about his grandfather taking him to Mitchell’s General Store, where a young Reives would read comic book covers to win the books, a testament to his grandfather’s encouragement of his early literacy.
“My grandfather was the kind of person who could make you feel good about whatever you were doing,” Robert said. “He passed the year my son was born, and my biggest sadness is that he never got to see him.”
This legacy of valuing education and family has influenced Reives’ career, particularly his advocacy for educational opportunities that are accessible to all, regardless of background or financial means.
Education as the Great Equalizer
As the conversation shifted to the topic of education, Reives underscored its role as a fundamental equalizer in society. “Education is something that can never be taken from you,” Reives stated. He highlighted the importance of learning not just for professional success, but for personal growth and the development of critical thinking skills.
Reives lauded the efforts of local institutions like Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) and their collaboration with industry leaders such as Wolfspeed. These partnerships aim to provide practical, accessible education that equips students with the skills needed to enter the workforce quickly and successfully. “We used to have countries coming to see North Carolina’s community college system because it was considered one of the best in the world,” Reives noted, emphasizing the state’s historical commitment to education.
The conversation touched on the growing emphasis on certification programs and vocational training, which Reives believes are just as valuable as traditional four-year degrees. “You can go right now, get a two-year certificate, and come out making $80,000 or $90,000,” he pointed out, stressing the importance of flexible education pathways that meet the needs of both students and employers.
The Impact of Wolfspeed: Transforming Chatham County
Chatham County, once a quiet rural area, is now at the forefront of North Carolina’s industrial growth, thanks in large part to the arrival of major companies like Wolfspeed and possibly VinFast. These developments have not only brought jobs but have also spurred significant changes in the community’s educational and economic landscape.
Robert spoke highly of Wolfspeed’s commitment to the local workforce, noting their initiative to fund educational programs for employees. “When you find out about opportunities like that, it’s a great place to work,” Robert said, expressing his appreciation for companies that invest in their employees’ growth.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of these industrial investments. With Wolfspeed and potentially other major companies moving in, Chatham County is poised for a transformation. However, Reives cautioned that this growth must be managed carefully to ensure that the benefits are felt by all residents, not just a select few.
“What good is having all this development if we don’t have a workforce that can take advantage of it?” Robert asked, underscoring the need for ongoing investment in education and training programs that will prepare the local workforce for the jobs of the future.
Navigating the Political Landscape: Bipartisan Efforts for the Common Good
Throughout our lunch conversation, Robert highlighted the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing the challenges facing North Carolina. He recounted a discussion with a Republican colleague who credited his success to the public education system. “He said the best thing that happened to him was going to public school,” Robert recalled, noting that such experiences foster understanding and collaboration across party lines.
Reives emphasized that education should not be a partisan issue, but rather a shared priority for all lawmakers. “It’s not about private and charter being better than public or vice versa,” he said. “It’s about where we’re going to get the most bang for our buck with state dollars.”
This approach extends to Reives’ views on economic development as well. He acknowledged the role of tax incentives and strategic investments in attracting companies like Wolfspeed and VinFast to the region, but stressed that the ultimate goal should be to create a sustainable, inclusive economy that benefits all residents.
The Disney Effect: Chatham County on the National Stage
One of the most surprising developments in Chatham County’s recent history was the announcement that Disney was considering a new project in the area. Eric Andrews, a local Chatham County real estate land broker described the moment he learned about Disney’s interest. “My phone rang off the hook,” he said with a laugh, recalling calls from friends across the country who couldn’t believe that Pittsboro was on Disney’s radar.
While the Disney project is still in its early stages, its potential impact on the region is enormous. Reives noted that the decision to consider Chatham County was driven by demographic trends, particularly the influx of families moving to the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. “They looked at the demographics and said the fit doesn’t get any more perfect than this,” Reives explained.
The prospect of Disney’s involvement has added another layer of excitement to an already dynamic period of growth for Chatham County. But as with any major development, Robert emphasized the need for careful planning to ensure that the community’s needs are met.
A Future Full of Promise: Balancing Growth with Community Values
Reives reflected on the changes he has witnessed in Chatham County over the years. From the arrival of major companies to the potential Disney project, the area is undergoing a transformation that few could have predicted a decade ago. Yet, for all the excitement about the future, Reives remains grounded in the values that have guided him throughout his life: family, education, and community.
“There’s nothing that compares to this,” Reives said, referring to the unique blend of growth and community spirit in Chatham County. “When you talk to people who’ve lived here all their lives and see this happening, there’s nothing in comparison.”
For Robert, the most important aspect of his work is ensuring that Chatham County remains a place where families can thrive and where young people have the opportunities they need to succeed. Whether it’s through supporting educational initiatives, advocating for responsible development, or simply being a voice for his constituents, Reives is committed to making sure that the community continues to prosper.
Embracing the Future While Honoring the Past
The conversation at Broken Spit with Robert Reives offered a rare glimpse into the personal experiences and values that shape the decisions of one of North Carolina’s key political figures. As Chatham County stands on the brink of significant change, the insights shared by Robert serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing progress with the preservation of community values.
Whether through education, economic development, or simply maintaining the strong bonds of community, the future of Chatham County looks bright. “We’ve got something special here,” Reives concluded. “And it’s up to all of us to make sure it stays that way.”
Watch on YouTube – 3 Guys from Pittsboro Having Lunch at Broken Spit with Robert Reives – Part 3
Lunch with Robert Reives: Heartfelt Memories of a Superhero Grandfather
00:15 Grandfather fostering love for reading through comic books
Grandfather instilled love for education by encouraging reading at a young age
Fond memory of grandfather challenging grandson’s reading skills with comic books
02:15 Importance of education and family support
Heartwarming story of a supportive grandfather who encouraged education and provided opportunities for his family, including seed money for a business.
Discussion on education being a great equalizer and the role of Dr. Lisa Chapman in flexible education initiatives at Wolfspeed.
04:30 Importance of education and trainable workforce
Discussion on the value of public school education for providing opportunities despite financial limitations
Emphasis on the importance of having a trainable workforce for the success of businesses and economic development
06:22 Benefits of a two-year certificate program
Opportunities to make $80,000-90,000 and up to $120,000 in a job you love.
Flexibility and support in education choices, including community college options.
08:26 Emphasis shifting to certifications over degrees in the workforce
Individuals may not be job-ready after college, require further learning on the job
Example of paralegals excelling without law degrees
10:19 Disney’s decision to come to Pittsburgh generating national interest
Disney’s decision to come to Pittsboro has generated national interest, with people from across the country reaching out to inquire about the move.
The demographic research and strong influx of people to the Raleigh-Durham Chapel Hill RTP area played a key role in Disney’s decision-making process.
12:17 Pittsboro is an exciting district with significant developments.
That are several major corporations like Toyota, Wolfspeed, and Disney having an impact on the district.
The strong relationships and collaboration between Chatham and Lee County have led to positive developments for Siler City.
14:17 Highlighting the importance of putting the best people in place for success
The deliberate effort to select the best individuals for political roles was crucial for success.
Personal anecdote emphasizing the importance of returning home for long-term success.