Union County residents and business leaders are invited to attend an event on Thursday, Sept. 24, for a special screening of a statewide documentary that features interviews with some Union County leaders. The documentary, A Moment of Change, was produced by 100 Strong Productions, a storytelling division of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, that explores challenges and solutions affecting North Carolina counties.
The documentary visits six counties across North Carolina to examine how communities of varying sizes, areas and demographics are responding to growth, rising costs and changing community needs while working to preserve unique characteristics and natural resources. The documentary features interviews with Board of Commissioners Chairman Brian Helms, N.C. Cooperative Extension – Union County Center Director Andrew Baucom, and Economic Development Assistant Director Rachel Holzman. Although Union County is part of the growing Charlotte metropolitan region, agriculture and rural communities continue to play a central role in its identity and economy. As the largest County featured in the documentary, Union County has a compelling story to share with communities across the state about the innovative solutions already underway to address growth-related challenges and strategies underway in Union County.
That work includes the Rural Land Use Plan, which the Board of Commissioners adopted in March 2026 after an extensive resident-led planning process. The plan establishes strategies intended to guide future decisions in rural Union County while balancing opportunities for property owners with farmland preservation, environmental protection and rural character. The County has also established a Land Preservation and Easement Program, providing landowners a voluntary option to permanently preserve qualifying farmland and open space while maintaining ownership of their property. Union County is also investing in agriculture as an economic opportunity. The Food Innovation Center, currently under construction in Wingate, is envisioned as a hub connecting agriculture, food production, entrepreneurship, and business development.
Following the approximately 35-minute documentary, County leaders will discuss these initiatives and the broader challenge of navigating growth across jurisdictional boundaries, as there are 14 municipalities within Union County.
The free community event will be on the Wingate University campus starting at 5 p.m. with networking and light refreshments. The documentary will begin at 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion with a few Union County leaders. Seating is limited to 175, and advance registration is required. Detailed event location and parking information will be provided to registered attendees.
The full documentary will be available on the 100 Strong Productions website at a later date for those who are unable to attend the screening event. #UnionCountyNC