Rutherford County’s Talent Retention Initiative

MEET YOUR NEXT LOCAL HIRE

We’re connecting Rutherford County’s brightest recent graduates with the businesses ready to launch their careers — right here at home.

100+
Graduates Targeted
31
Businesses Engaged
Dec '25
Inaugural Event
Why Launch Local

RUTHERFORD COUNTY GROWS WHEN ITS TALENT STAYS

Every year, hundreds of Rutherford County students earn college degrees — and most of them leave to find work elsewhere. Launch Local exists to change that.

We partner with the county's leading businesses to put real career opportunities in front of recent graduates who are motivated to build their lives here, not somewhere else.

Our flagship event brings together 100+ vetted graduates and the employers ready to meet them — in a relaxed, community-first atmosphere that feels nothing like a job fair.

Get Your Business Involved
Retain Homegrown Talent

Connect with motivated graduates who specifically want to build their careers in Rutherford County — not just whoever walks through the door.

Showcase Career Opportunities

Present your open roles, internships, and growth paths directly to a curated audience of degree holders across every discipline.

Invest in the Local Economy

Every graduate who starts a career here pays taxes here, buys homes here, and raises families here. Your sponsorship ripples further than a hire.

Build a Long-Term Workforce Pipeline

Launch Local is building the county's first structured pipeline from Isothermal, RCSNC, and four-year programs directly to local employers.

Save the Date

THE NEXT LAUNCH LOCAL EVENT

Location
Mountain Haze Beer Garden
161 Charlotte Road, Rutherfordton NC 28139
Date
July 21, 2026
Stay connected for final date confirmation
Time & Format
5:30 – 7:30 PM
Casual networking · live music · food & drink provided
The Process

HOW LAUNCH LOCAL WORKS

Businesses Sign On

Local employers commit to participating — bringing open roles, internship opportunities, and representatives ready to connect.

Graduates Are Recruited

We actively recruit 100+ recent and soon-to-be college graduates from Rutherford County who want to build their careers here.

The Event Connects

A relaxed evening brings both sides together — no stiff booths, just real conversations over food and live music.

Careers Launch Locally

Graduates find paths forward right here in Rutherford County. Businesses find their next great hires. The county wins.

READY TO LAUNCH?

Whether you’re a local business looking to hire, a student ready to launch your career, or a community partner who wants to help — we want to hear from you.