From Capital Associated Industries to Catapult Employers Association: A Legacy of HR Excellence
Human resources has always been a cornerstone of sustainable business growth. Over the years, organisations have realised that managing people effectively is not simply about compliance or paperwork—it is about shaping culture, fostering engagement, and enabling teams to thrive. Among the most notable associations supporting businesses in these endeavours are Capital Associated Industries and its successor, the Catapult Employers Association. Their journey is a remarkable example of transformation, growth, and commitment to providing employers with the resources and expertise they need.
The Roots of Capital Associated Industries
Foundation and Early Purpose
Capital Associated Industries (CAI) was established in 1958 as a membership-based employers’ association in North Carolina. Its mission was straightforward yet ambitious: to help employers navigate the complexities of human resources, compliance, and workforce development. Over time, CAI built a reputation for being a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large organisations with complex HR needs.
Services Provided by CAI
CAI quickly became synonymous with reliability in HR support. It offered employers access to critical services such as compliance guidance, training, workforce relations, and practical HR advice. Its expertise extended to:
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Affirmative action planning and equal employment compliance
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Employee benefits strategies
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Leadership development and coaching
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Benchmark surveys and competitive data
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Outsourced HR support
The association grew its membership steadily and, before its eventual merger, represented well over 1,000 employers across North Carolina.
The Transition: From CAI to Catapult Employers Association
Why the Merger Happened
In 2021, Capital Associated Industries joined forces with The Employers Association (TEA) of Charlotte. Both organisations shared a long history, having been founded around the same period, and both had a strong footprint in North Carolina. The merger was not merely about combining resources—it was about creating a stronger, more innovative body that could better serve employers in a rapidly changing workplace landscape.
Birth of Catapult Employers Association
On 2 February 2021, the merged organisation rebranded as the Catapult Employers Association. The name “Catapult” was carefully chosen to reflect forward momentum, innovation, and the idea of launching businesses and their teams towards greater success. The unified association combined decades of expertise, offering a much broader suite of services and reaching more employers than ever before.
Catapult Employers Association Today
Overview
Catapult Employers Association is now widely recognised as more than just a provider of HR and legal advice. It defines itself as a community where HR professionals and business leaders can collaborate, learn, and access tools that drive organisational change. Its emphasis is on empowering businesses not only to survive the challenges of HR management but also to thrive by embracing modern strategies and best practices.
Key Facts at a Glance
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Website: letscatapult.org
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Phone: (866) 440-0302
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Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina
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Founded: 1958 (as Capital Associated Industries and The Employers Association, merged in 2021 as Catapult)
Specialties of Catapult Employers Association
Core HR and Compliance
Catapult continues CAI’s legacy of providing dependable HR advice, employment law guidance, and compliance support. It assists organisations with navigating complex regulations, ensuring policies are fair and effective, and addressing legal risks before they escalate.
Talent and Recruitment Solutions
Recruiting and retaining the right talent is a challenge for all businesses. Catapult offers services in:
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Talent acquisition strategies
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Pre-employment screening and background checks
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Fractional and interim HR support for growing companies
Employee Benefits and Total Rewards
Employee satisfaction often hinges on well-designed benefit packages. Catapult supports employers with:
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Benefits administration
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Employee benefits design and optimisation
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Total rewards strategies to attract and retain top talent
Professional and Leadership Development
Recognising the importance of continuous learning, Catapult provides:
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Leadership coaching and management training
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Learning and development programmes tailored to organisational goals
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HR coaching for professionals seeking to expand their skill sets
Networking and Community
What sets Catapult apart is its emphasis on community. By hosting HR events, virtual networking opportunities, and industry discussions, it creates spaces where HR professionals can exchange insights and strengthen their practice.
The Philosophy: More Than Just HR Advice
Building Stronger Teams
Catapult promotes the idea that HR is not a back-office function but a driver of organisational performance. By equipping employers with data, tools, and insights, it helps build resilient and high-performing teams.
Engaging Employees
Employee engagement remains central to Catapult’s mission. Through surveys, data analysis, and coaching, the association guides organisations on how to cultivate a culture where employees feel valued and motivated.
Driving Organisational Change
The association’s services go beyond solving immediate HR challenges. Catapult works with leaders to align HR strategies with broader organisational goals, ensuring that businesses can adapt to market changes and seize new opportunities.
Legacy of Capital Associated Industries
Influence on the Region
Capital Associated Industries left behind a legacy of service and reliability. Its role as a trusted employers’ association helped countless businesses remain compliant, competitive, and equipped to manage their people effectively.
Carrying the Torch Forward
By merging into Catapult, CAI ensured that its values and services would not only continue but expand. Today, Catapult embodies the spirit of both predecessor organisations, offering a stronger network and a more diverse range of HR solutions.
Why Catapult Matters for Modern Employers
A Partner for HR Challenges
The world of work is evolving quickly, with challenges such as remote work, diversity and inclusion, employee wellbeing, and legal complexities at the forefront. Catapult is positioned to help employers meet these challenges head-on.
A Community for Growth
Unlike many consultancy firms, Catapult is member-driven. This means its focus is on fostering a thriving community rather than transactional relationships. Employers who join gain access to a broad network of peers and resources.
A Source of Practical Advice
One of Catapult’s greatest strengths is its ability to provide advice that is not just theoretical but highly practical. Its experts offer real-world solutions that can be implemented immediately to solve HR problems.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Catapult Employers Association
The journey from Capital Associated Industries to Catapult Employers Association represents more than just a rebrand—it reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in HR services. As workplaces continue to transform, Catapult is expected to expand its offerings, embrace new technologies, and further solidify its position as a leader in employer support.
Businesses that partner with Catapult gain more than HR and legal advice. They gain a trusted ally, a community, and a launchpad for success. For employers across North Carolina and beyond, Catapult represents the future of human resources—one built on collaboration, knowledge, and empowerment.
Final Thoughts
The transformation of Capital Associated Industries into the Catapult Employers Association is a story of growth, resilience, and forward-thinking leadership. What began as a regional employers’ association has evolved into a dynamic community that empowers organisations to tackle HR challenges and embrace opportunities for change.
With its strong foundation, wide range of specialties, and emphasis on community, Catapult is more than an HR association—it is a catalyst for organisational success. Employers who engage with Catapult are not just receiving guidance; they are becoming part of a movement dedicated to building stronger, more engaged, and more successful workplaces.
