Improving Business in the Wilmington Region

New Chamber CEO Natalie English Brings Advocacy Expertise and Partnership Ethos

A 30-year career in legislative and regulatory affairs has laid the groundwork for Natalie English to be an effective advocate for Greater Wilmington’s business community. In March, English assumed her new duties as president and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.

“I’ve been in the chamber business a lot of years,” English says. “It works best when we all come together as partners.”

English comes to Wilmington from the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, where she served as senior vice president. While there she managed campaigns for voter referenda that helped drive the creation of over $5 billion in new infrastructure. At the Wilmington Chamber, English will manage a five-person staff and collaborate with partners such as WBD on strategic planning and economic policy issues. “I’m looking forward to working with WBD in ways that will support their mission,” she says. Her advocacy on behalf of the business sector will involve contact with local, state and federal governments. “We’ll work at all levels of government to ensure Wilmington remains a place that WBD can sell.”

In the first few months of her new position, English has become familiar with the region, its people and business landscape. She notes Greater Wilmington’s diverse population, with its influx of both active seniors and young professionals just starting out, makes for a fertile entrepreneurial environment. “There’s a unique mix of age groups here,” English says. “That creates a unique start-up community.”