Greensboro Business Leader Jim Melvin Isn't Retiring Anytime Soon

Having spent more than 40 years as Greensboro's top community leader, 80 year-old Jim Melvin is chasing the biggest project of his life with no plans to retire.

As one of the region's most powerful and oldest economic development players, Melvin is lobbying lawmakers in Raleigh to support a multi-million dollar megasite project in Randolph County, which could attract the state's first automobile manufacturer. Melvin is a former mayor of Greensboro (1971-1981) and was a leading banker in the community.

WFDD contributor Justin Catanoso, writes about Melvin's leadership in the region in this week's Triad Business Journal. He sat down with WFDD's Keri Brown to talk about his cover story in the newspaper.

He says Melvin doesn't plan on stepping down as the President of the $90-million Bryan Foundation any time soon. Catanoso says under Melvin's leadership, the Foundation has had a tremendous impact on the Greensboro community with the development of the New Bridge Bank Ball Park, Elon Law School and a new performing arts center that is in the works.

When Catanoso asked Melvin about his involvement in the megasite project, Melvin says, "There isn't anything more important. It's a game changer. Again, if not me, who?" 

Follow Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news