Gaston Together began operations in 1997 as a 501c3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization with seed funding provided by the county. The initial purpose of the group was to expand on the work of the Gaston Chamber Quality Council to promote the area’s economic prosperity. Initial board members and an appointed Executive Director, Pam Youngblood, were carefully selected to ensure county-wide representation.

In 1999, Sherry Shaw was selected as the second Executive Director. During this time, the organization reached out to numerous local companies for contributions. These funds were used to attract national speakers such as; Wally “Famous” Amos, Rudy Rudiger of Notre Dame fame, Anthony Compolla, and Art Linkletter and provide facilitation training to the community . The Gaston Clergy & Citizens Coalition Group , known as the “GC3”, was also formed in 1999. This Gaston Together Initiative was created to enhance race/community relations.

Gaston Together handed out the first Community Leadership Awards in 2000. This important initiative seeks to recognize local organizations that best promote and enhance Gaston County’s economic growth and community prosperity. By mid-2000, Gaston Together organized the “Promote Gaston” campaign to raise awareness of the wonderful people and businesses that call Gaston County home. In the fall of 2000 as a component of the “Promote Gaston” campaign, Gaston Together sponsored an Electronic Town Meeting event in which panelists discussed the county’s rich history and desires for future growth. In 2001, another component of the “Promote Gaston” campaign was developed, the “Pride in Gaston” Traveling Tour and “Proudest Kid in Gaston County” Essay Contest for third graders in partnership with Gaston County Schools.

In 2002, under the leadership of Wayne Shovelin, the Gaston Together’s 2001 Board Chair, the administration of the Gaston Community Healthcare Commission (GCHC) was transferred to Gaston Together. The GCHC’s mission is to develop a workable community-wide agenda to improve the health status of the citizens of Gaston County.

Donna Lockett was selected as Executive Director of Gaston Together in 2003 and led the organization in forming an alliance with the Gaston Regional Area Chamber that resulted in shared office space. Also during this timeframe, the organization was chosen to facilitate the Gaston 2012 Economic Development Process , the implementation phase of Gaston County’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS.)

Through the Gaston 2012 Education/Workforce Development Action Team, Gaston Together formed the collaborative that launched Gaston Career Climb, an initiative to create a nationally certified skilled workforce for Gaston County. In January 2010, Gaston Together approved the Gaston 2012 economic development strategy expansion to Gaston 2020.

In 2010, Gaston Together celebrates its 13th anniversary of successful operations and community leadership.