North Carolina Economic Development Association

This week we're highlighting NCEDA Board Member and Vice President, Brittany Jones Brady! Brittany is the President & CEO for Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development. We asked her some questions to help you get to know her better. Learn more about Brittany below! What aspects of serving on the NCEDA board do you find most fulfilling or meaningful? Beyond serving along some of the best economic development professionals and friends, the Board of Directors gets to make a difference for the entire State. While we individually might not be winning every project that comes to our community, we can work together to “win” for the State. In what ways do you think economic development directly influences our communities? Economic development makes communities vibrant. The investment and job creation, often done behind the scenes, keeps NC thriving by lowering the tax rate and providing financial support for services, all while creating solid jobs for our friends and neighbors. Reflecting on your career, what accomplishment or contribution has been particularly significant to you? The Historic Three-Party Agreement between the City of Hendersonville, Henderson County, and HCPED to purchase Garrison Industrial Park was an instrumental example of the beauty of working together. Is there a personal or professional experience that has shaped who you are today, which you'd like to share? October 1, 2017. I was 31 weeks pregnant and working towards a promotion at HCPED. My husband was traveling for work in Las Vegas at the Route 91 Harvest music festival during the Las Vegas shooting. It showed us how fragile life is and how to better balance life and work before the arrival of our son on Thanksgiving Day. What do you appreciate most about the NCEDA? Economic development is a challenging and sometimes isolating career. NCEDA is truly a family and provides the resources we need as practitioners and allies to be successful. Learn more about Brittany here: www.nceda.org/about/board/ #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

Join us for NCEDA's Economic Development Practitioner Workshop on Tuesday, August 6, from 9am to 4pm in High Point. This inaugural event, designed exclusively for economic development professionals, will feature interactive sessions and presentations on key topics to boost your expertise. It’s also a great chance to network with local, regional, and state practitioners. Engage in discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and build valuable connections throughout the day. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network within the economic development community! To register, visit: https://lnkd.in/gKyzUPP4 #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

The NCEDA Foundation is dedicated to advancing economic development in North Carolina by empowering economic developers, enhancing their skills, and fostering a stronger statewide community. Through funding professional development, research, and education programs, especially in underserved, distressed, and rural counties, we aim to create opportunities for all economic developers across the state. Your support will enable us to bridge gaps in resources and opportunities, ensuring every part of North Carolina thrives. Join us in shaping an equitable future for all. For more information about the NCEDA Foundation and how to give, visit: https://lnkd.in/eq3dxytE Special thanks to Sanford Area Growth Alliance's very own Jimmy Randolph, for sharing his testimony with us! #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

This week we're spotlighting NCEDA member James Larkin! Originally from Oswego, NY, is an alumnus of Appalachian State University. Presently, he calls Raleigh his home, where he serves as Business Development Community Engagement for The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. We asked James five questions to get to know him better: 1. What do you love the most about your job? The connection and engagement with new people, especially in the non-profit and community engagement space.   2. What has been your biggest professional achievement? I have been through many projects. My professional achievement is lasting relationships with our clients after projects are completed. 3. What is your go-to comfort food? Cinnamon Rolls, from a local chain. 4. What would be the theme song of your life right now? The Mortal Kombat Theme Song.   5. What is your favorite place that you have traveled? Spent a week hanging on the Amazon River down in Columbia in a small town of Puerto Nariño. Very unique experience in the jungle. #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

This week we're highlighting one of our newest NCEDA Board Members, Trey Cash! Trey is the Economic Development Director for Greene and Lenoir County Economic Development. We asked him some questions to help you get to know him better. Learn more about Trey below!   What aspects of serving on the NCEDA board do you find most fulfilling or meaningful? Serving on the NCEDA board is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to actively contribute to the economic growth and prosperity across North Carolina. I am honored to represent over 900 members in our organization, ensuring that the NCEDA remains the leading economic development association statewide. The opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of professionals who share a common goal of enhancing economic development is particularly significant. Additionally, being able to see the tangible impact of our efforts in job creation, business expansion, and community improvement provides a deep sense of accomplishment and purpose.   Is there a personal or professional experience that has shaped who you are today?  One of the most influential personal experiences that has shaped who I am today occurred when I was a senior in high school. My guidance counselor advised me to move away, stating that there were no career opportunities in Greene County. This moment has driven me to wake up every day and work to prove that statement wrong. As part of my work on the board of the NCEDA, I am dedicated to ensuring that every community in North Carolina has well-paying career opportunities in their own backyard, regardless of where they live. This experience has deeply influenced my passion for economic development and my commitment to improving the local job market.   Reflecting on your career, what accomplishment or contribution has been particularly significant to you? One of my most significant accomplishments has been actively working to improve the communities where I was raised. Increasing job opportunities by attracting new companies, such as Precision Graphics in Greene County, and helping to grow the NC Global TransPark by creating over 400 new well-paying jobs with the new FRC East complex, has been particularly rewarding. Having a tangible impact on the community where I live and work is deeply meaningful to me. I hope that one day I can tell my daughter that I had a hand in growing our community to make it a place where people want to work and live. Learn more about Trey here: www.nceda.org/about/board/ #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

The NCEDA Foundation enriches communities by promoting awareness of economic development initiatives and offering essential training. Additionally, it empowers NCEDA students with fellowships at economic development organizations, prioritizing rural and underserved areas. Join us in advancing a brighter economic future for everyone through the NCEDA Foundation. To learn more and donate, visit: https://lnkd.in/eq3dxytE #NCEDAFoundation #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

Say hello to Shawn S., one of NCEDA Foundation's 2024 Fellows! Shawn, a graduate student at Western Carolina University, began his fellowship earlier this summer with the Mountain West Partnership. The NCEDA Foundation Economic Development Fellowship Program provides funding for student Fellows to work with economic development organizations in North Carolina. Through this program, Fellows gain valuable experience and networking opportunities while assisting EDOs in benefiting their communities. The initiative fosters mutual growth, with Fellows contributing insights and efforts to EDOs, ultimately benefiting the broader economic development landscape in North Carolina. To learn more and donate, visit: https://lnkd.in/eq3dxytE #NCEDA #NCEDAFoundation #EconomicDevelopment

The NCEDA Foundation is dedicated to advancing economic development in North Carolina by empowering economic developers, enhancing their skills, and fostering a stronger statewide community. Through funding professional development, research, and education programs, especially in underserved, distressed, and rural counties, we aim to create opportunities for all economic developers across the state. Your support will enable us to bridge gaps in resources and opportunities, ensuring every part of North Carolina thrives. Join us in shaping an equitable future for all. For more information about the NCEDA Foundation and how to give, visit: https://lnkd.in/eq3dxytE Special thanks to Appalachian State University's very own Patricia Mitchell, CEcD for sharing her testimony with us! #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

As the #NCEDA2024Annual Conference comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible and memorable. Special appreciation goes to our dedicated attendees, speakers, and volunteers who contributed to the success of each session and networking opportunity.   We also owe immense gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous support played a crucial role in bringing this conference to life, with a special thanks to ECS Limited, our presenting sponsor. Your commitment to economic development and community building is invaluable to us. Together, we have created a platform for learning, networking, and inspiration that will resonate long after the conference concludes. Stay connected with us for updates and future events. Thank you once again for being a part of #NCEDA2024Annual Conference!

This morning, those attending the #NCEDA2024Annual Conference heard creative solutions on how communities can obtain affordable housing. As economic developers, we must be advocates for affordable housing, and the advocacy starts with educating those in our communities – our elected officials and community members. Panelist moderator, and President and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Natalie Haskins English, CCE, IOM stated “Affordable housing means workforce housing, and if you can’t house the workforce within your community, it’s a challenge for employers to move to your community.” When businesses consider coming to the state, they’re asking “where are my employees going to live and how far will they have to commute?” said Brad Galbraith, Managing Director, Community Development of Jupiter Building Dynamics. We must advocate, consider public-private partnerships, and invest in creative solutions to solve these challenges within our community. Thank you to our panelists: · Robert Campbell, Pastor of New Beginnings Christian Church · Sam McCachern President and CEO of Thomas and Hutton · Sarah Odio, Associate Director of Housing and Revitalization · Brad Galbraith, Managing Director, Community Development of Jupiter Building Dynamics #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment