Jobs, jobs, jobs.

It’s always been the mantra of economic developers.

And with the announcement last week that Ashley Furniture will create 454 new jobs at its Advance site in the next five years, Terry Bralley may be coming up with a new mantra.

Employees, employees, employees.

Davie’s economic developer said companies are already having trouble finding qualified employees to fill open jobs.

That, however, isn’t stopping companies from choosing Davie County for new businesses and expansions, he said.

In fact, Bralley said to expect more announcements as interest in business here is still high.

Gov. Pat McCrory was on hand for Ashley’s newest announcement, made in High Point just prior to the opening of the furniture market. The new jobs will include upholstery, casegoods and mattress manufacturing specialists, warehouse, driver and information technology professionals.

The company plans to invest $8.7 million in the site off Baltimore Road through the end of 2019. In total, Ashley will receive $4.6 million in tax reimbursements from the state.

“America’s leading furniture manufactuer is again investing in the South’s leading manufacturing state,” McCrory said. “Ashley continues to be an enormously successful company, and we’re proud that it has chosen North Carolina as the place to pursue its ambitious growth plans.”

Ashley has exceeded its initial promise here, investing more than $250 million and creating 1,100 jobs.

“Ashley Furniture put Davie County on the map,” Bralley said. “To create that many jobs in that short of time is nothing short of incredible. Ashley Furniture under-promised and over-delivered. We knew Ashley was going to be a big deal. They are a leader in the world at what they do. It’s a recognizable brand that has created a lot of jobs.”

Todd Wanek, Ashley’s president and CEO, said: “We are extremely pleased with the pro-business attitude of the State of North Carolina and the efforts of our entire team. It has been a challenging and fulfilling journey, and we look forward to a very bright future in North Carolina.”