October 2026 Luncheon: Biotech Means Business: The Growth Shaping North Carolina’s Future
Submitted by Davina Thorpe, LeChase Construction
Life Sciences is MORE than Lab Coats — and Charlotte is proving it!
CREW Charlotte’s October Luncheon, Biotech Means Business, was a powerful reminder that life sciences extends far beyond traditional laboratories. From research and development to advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical innovation, understanding the unique needs of this industry is essential for commercial real estate professionals. One of the biggest takeaways? Charlotte is no longer just an emerging market; it’s becoming a destination for global life sciences investment and talent. Eli Lilly’s Concord investment is a prime example, with approximately 65% of its hires not requiring relocation. Even more impressive, teams from five new Lilly sites are coming to North Carolina to learn from its success. And at The Pearl, professionals arriving from California, Boston, and Europe are discovering that Charlotte offers far more than they expected — both professionally and personally.
The biggest takeaway for our CREW community: Know your industry, know your site, and know your resources!Not every life sciences project is the same, and understanding which operations your properties can support is critical. If you’re working with a life sciences client, connect them with the North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech) — a tremendous resource and competitive advantage for our state. Between our workforce, global connectivity, international presence, and collaborative partnerships, Charlotte has a compelling story to tell. The opportunity isn’t just to watch this industry grow — it’s to help shape where it grows next!