Town Council Workshop - Jan 12 2026

Town Council Workshop Recap: Addressing Thermo Fisher Departure and Exploring Economic Development Opportunities

On January 12, 2026, the Town Council held a workshop meeting focused on addressing the recent announcement of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s departure from Weaverville and exploring strategies for future economic development. While not a formal decision-making meeting, the workshop generated significant discussion and outlined several key next steps for the town. The meeting was attended by all council members, town staff, and representatives from WEDAC (Weaverville Economic Development Advisory Committee).

The primary concern driving the discussion was Thermo Fisher's departure, triggered by a WARN notice provided to Esther Mannheimer. Council members acknowledged the significant impact this will have on Weaverville, particularly a projected loss of approximately $115,000 in property tax revenue. A key point raised was the need to proactively engage with Weaverville’s top taxpayers, identified through a Dun & Bradstreet report distributed during the meeting. Council members agreed that simply waiting for new businesses to arrive isn’t sufficient; a concerted effort is needed to understand the needs of existing businesses and explore opportunities for growth within Weaverville. The Mayor emphasized that council members should personally take ownership of this engagement, rather than relying solely on town staff. Council Member Andrew underscored the importance of understanding how many regional residents are employed by local businesses, highlighting a crucial aspect of Weaverville's economic health.

Beyond addressing the immediate impact of Thermo Fisher’s departure, the council also discussed broader economic development strategies. The possibility of utilizing WEDAC to research potential opportunities and coordinate engagement with key businesses was raised, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging existing resources. Council Member Tanya will also be reaching out to NC Works to explore the possibility of hosting a job fair, providing support for Thermo Fisher employees and potentially attracting new talent to Weaverville. Furthermore, the council considered a proposal from Mr. Davis, owner of the 115 factory (formerly Ballcrank), to relocate the annual Weaverville Tailgate event to his 40-acre property. This proposal, supported by the community center board due to increased wear and tear on their facility, could eliminate the need for Main Street closures and potentially create a more expansive “circus-like” event.

During the meeting, the council approved two procedural motions: an adjustment to the agenda allowing for open discussion prior to entering closed session, and a motion to enter closed session citing legal reasons related to attorney-client privilege, contract negotiations, and confidential personnel matters. There were no formal public comments during the workshop portion of the meeting.

What's Next?

The Town Council has outlined several key action items following this workshop:

• Thermo Fisher Outreach: The Mayor and Town Manager will connect with Thermo Fisher leadership, WEDAC, and Nathan Ramsey (from the county) to discuss their plans for the property.
• Top Taxpayer Engagement: Council members will divide responsibilities and begin contacting the top taxpayers identified in the Dun & Bradstreet report.
• Job Fair Exploration: Council Member Tanya will investigate options for a job fair at the town hall or another suitable location.
• WEDAC Collaboration: WEDAC will play a key role in researching economic development opportunities and supporting engagement with businesses.
• Tailgate Event Review: The council will continue to evaluate the proposal for relocating the Weaverville Tailgate event.
• Contacting County Officials: Council members will reach out to Clark Duncan (from the county) and Phil Barnett at WEDAC to discuss economic development initiatives.

This workshop marked an important first step in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Weaverville following Thermo Fisher’s departure. While formal decisions will be made at subsequent council meetings, the discussion highlighted a commitment to proactive engagement and strategic planning for the town’s economic future. Residents can expect further updates on these initiatives in upcoming council meetings and through the town's official communication channels.