Improving Business in the Wilmington Region
Four County EMC Wins First-Ever WBD Ally of the Year Award
Four County Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) has been named 2016 Ally of the Year by Wilmington Business Development (WBD). The first-ever award from WBD is co-sponsored by Cameron Management Company.
“The Ally of the Year Award showcases the exceptional leadership behind our region’s economic development success,” said Scott Satterfield, WBD’s chief executive officer. Satterfield presented the award to Jimmy Smith, Director of Economic and Community Development, for Four County EMC at the WBD 60th anniversary celebration held at the Cameron Art Museum on October 11th. The award recognizes broad-minded and public-spirited companies whose technical assistance, financial generosity and leadership support form the basis of job creation in the 21st century global economy.
“As I’ve said many times before, economic development is a team sport, not an individual competition,” Satterfield said. “Everybody has a position to play, and that can change with every project.”
Four County EMC is a longtime ally and advocate for job creation in the Greater Wilmington area. They are an entrenched player in all aspects of economic development, such as client assistance, research and development of sites and marketing of the region.
As an example, the company’s forward-thinking leadership was evident through a financing instrument provided to Acme Smoked Fish which proved to be a crucial component in the company’s decision to locate its $30 million facility in the Pender Commerce Park. Four County EMC’s assistance to Acme came about even though Pender Commerce Park is not in its service area. “Four County got involved in that project knowing there was no direct benefit to them,” Satterfield said. “Instead, they took the long view: a rising tide lifts all boats.”
Today, Acme Smoked Fish is among Pender County’s largest private employers. What’s more, Acme’s state-of-the-art facility put Pender Commerce Park on the radar screen of location consultants and commercial real estate brokers. Earlier this year, Empire Distributors broke ground on its new facility at the Park and will be its second tenant. “That story sums up Four County EMC’s role as an ally in Greater Wilmington’s economic development,” said Satterfield.
Founded in 1937, Four County Electric Membership Corporation serves electricity to residents and businesses in Pender and neighboring counties through more than 5,000 miles of distribution & transmission lines. The non-profit entity pursues a mission of providing reliable electrical service, innovative energy solutions and outstanding service to its members and communities.
Four County EMC is a WBD Legacy Member. Its support for the organization also comes in the form of leadership, credibility and ideas. Four County CEO Mitchell Keel is a longtime member of the WBD board of directors, making both personal and professional contributions to the organization. “Four County EMC has always been there for us, and its commitment and devotion to the cause of job creation in Greater Wilmington was something we wanted to salute,” said Satterfield.
