Partnership Writes Children’s Book on Manufacturing
Henderson County, NC – This week, the Board and staff of the Henderson County
Partnership for Economic Development (HCPED) and the Economic Investment Fund
(EIF) of Henderson County unveiled a special project with the release of You Can Make
It!, the first-ever children's book created by the Partnership.
Designed specifically to introduce young students to the world of manufacturing and
career opportunities in Henderson County, You Can Make It! will be incorporated into
the curriculum for Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) during the 2026–2027
school year.
“Our team continues to come up with innovative ideas to share the story of
manufacturing in Henderson County,” said Beau Waddell, chair of the board for the
Partnership. “They are truly thought leaders in economic development. We are excited
to promote manufacturing careers among our youngest learners, hopefully impacting
our future workforce.”
The story follows Leo, a curious kid who wants to learn more about manufacturing.
Widget - a cheerful Cardinal - becomes his tour guide through the industry of
Henderson County. Widget shows Leo what a career in manufacturing looks like: high-
tech and clean, making things people use every day.
“Through the years, our Made in Henderson County program has adapted to support
the needs of our future workforce,” said Nathan Kennedy, chair of the board for the EIF.
“This was a team effort. The partnership with HCPS to get this in the classroom and
hands of our students is impressive, and we couldn’t have done this without the support
of the Community Foundation of Henderson County.”
The book is part of the Made in Henderson County (MIHC) program, which introduces
students from elementary through college age to manufacturing careers. You Can Make
It! serves as a touchpoint for the youngest audience members and their parents.
“As educators, we’re always looking for new ways to connect learning with real-world
opportunities,” said Henderson County Public Schools. “You Can Make It! will help our
students imagine their own futures right here in Henderson County.”
The book came together through the creative collaboration of Henderson County
Partnership for Economic Development, Henderson County Public Schools, and the
Economic Investment Fund of Henderson County, with special financial support from
the Community Foundation of Henderson County and Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.
“The Foundation’s contribution was made possible through the generosity and vision of
donors who wanted to ensure Henderson County remains a supportive community
where future generations can live, work, and thrive,” said Kris Merritt, Senior Program
Officer at the Community Foundation of Henderson County. “Efforts like this can spark
early awareness of local career paths while casting a vision for future workforce
leaders.”
The Partnership will host several other workforce development events this fall, including
the 2026 Manufacturing Day, which coordinates tours for CTE high school students at
local manufacturing facilities, and the Manufacturing Showcase, a week-long
celebration of all that is made in Henderson County, taking place from Oct. 13-17 at the
Blue Ridge Mall.
You Can Make It! Is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development, Inc. is a 501(c)6
organization that works to: retain and attract quality jobs; solicit new business
compatible with the assets and values of Henderson County; promote Henderson
County’s business image; assist expansion of existing companies; and enhance
Henderson County’s overall quality of life. Since 1993, it has assisted in the creation
and retention of over 3,500 jobs and in bringing almost $1 billion of taxable investment
to Henderson County.
