Improving Business in the Wilmington Region
News and Announcements
HURRICANE FLORENCE RECOVERY
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | October 3, 2018In the wake of Hurricane Florence, Wilmington Business Development (WBD) is working vigorously to help facilitate the complete restoration of the economy of Greater Wilmington. Our staff and leadership are safe, and our operations suffered very little downtime in the storm’s immediate aftermath. Still, not everyone was so fortunate. Florence left behind death, destruction and dislocation for our residents, and the road to complete recovery will be long. Our hearts are with those who bore the storm’s worst impact. Supporting the ...
Results for 2017-2018 Include $25 Million Increase in Regional Payroll
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | August 31, 2018“I pass with relief from the tossing sea of Cause and Theory to the firm ground of Result and Fact.” --Winston Churchill While the best economic development strategies prepare communities for prosperity well into the next generation, their results get measured today. Sound planning and effective execution made 2017-2018 a banner year for WBD and Greater Wilmington’s economy. WBD’s project portfolio spurred the creation of 508 new jobs in New Hanover and Pender counties at annual wages averaging $49,560. These projects are generating ...
New Leadership Takes the Helm at WBD
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Bill Cherry has assumed the organization’s chairmanship, effective July 1. Cherry founded Air Wilmington, the fixed base operator (FBO) at the Wilmington International Airport. Air Wilmington provides fueling, MRO and hangar services to general aviation, military and commercial customers. Its facilities include an 8,400-square-foot terminal and over 100,000 square feet of hangar space. Earlier this year, Air Wilmington was acquired by Modern Aviation, a national network of FBO properties. “I’ve been a member of WBD for a long time,” says Cherry, ...
WBD Exec Named One of NC’s Top Business Leaders
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Scott Satterfield has long been recognized as an influential mover and shaker in Wilmington. Earlier this year, Business North Carolina magazine recognized Wilmington Business Development’s CEO for his impact as a statewide leader, listing him among its “Power 100.” The publication called Satterfield, who has led the organization since 1995, “the longstanding face of the region’s primary economic-development group.” It noted WBD’s uniqueness as a privately-driven organization. “Those of us in Greater Wilmington know how special WBD is and how special ...
MojoTone Celebrates Grand Opening
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Congressman David Rouzer was among the dignitaries joining the staff of Mojotone LLC in marking the April ribbon-cutting of their new Burgaw facility in Burgaw. The fast-growing company has operated in Pender County since 2005, but its previous space had become inadequate. “Being in this new building definitely opens up more opportunities for manufacturing and fulfillment services,” said Michael McWhorter, the company’s co-owner. With its high ceilings, the building also enables Mojotone, which employs over 60 workers, to focus on distribution ...
44 Teams Compete in WBD’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Regional executives recently showed their support for WBD while also doing something they love: playing golf. Members and guests gathered on May 17 at River Landing for the 16th Annual WBD Golf Tournament. This year’s event included competition on the links by 44 teams. The tournament has become a valuable opportunity for relationship-building and networking – all for a good cause. Funds raised go to WBD’s global marketing and job creation strategies across its service area. WBD Chairman Bill Cherry says the ...
NEW JERSEY-BASED LOGISTICS PROVIDER TO SET UP OPERATIONS IN ROCKY POINT
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | July 27, 2018July 26, 2018 (Elizabethtown, N.C. and Wilmington, N.C.). BlueArrow Warehousing & Logistics LLC will establish operations in Southeastern North Carolina in a move that will boost traffic at the Port of Wilmington. Based in Monroe Township, N.J., privately-held BlueArrow provides warehousing, distribution, transportation, pick-and-pack and logistics services for numerous "big box" retailers and e-commerce companies. The company signed a lease earlier this month for 100,000-sq.-ft. of space at the Cape Fear Industrial Complex in Rocky Point, where it will initially ...
NATIONAL GYPSUM WILL INVEST $25 MILLION IN RE-OPENING WILMINGTON LOCATION
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | May 8, 2018Global Construction Materials Maker Will Create at Least 51 Jobs May 8, 2018 (Wilmington, N.C.) – National Gypsum Company will re-open its Wilmington production facility, investing $25 million over the next five years in new infrastructure and equipment, and creating at least 51 jobs at salaries averaging $57,000 per year. “We expect to have the plant operational by the end of the year,” said Tom Nelson, chief executive officer of National Gypsum, which is headquartered in Charlotte. The plant will support the ...
MOJOTONE LLC TO CUT THE RIBBON ON NEW HOME AT PENDER PROGRESS INDUSTRIAL PARK
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | April 23, 2018Music Electronics Maker Eyes Continued Growth April 20, 2018 (Burgaw, N.C.) Local business, government and economic development officials will join executives and staff today at Mojotone LLC in marking the grand opening of the company’s 40,000-square-foot facility in Burgaw. The company, which has operated in Pender County since 2005, outgrew its previous space, which spread across three buildings. About 120 attendees are expected at the ribbon-cutting, including U.S. Representative David Rouzer. “On behalf of our board, staff, partners and allies, I am proud ...
Taking off! First Chicago, D.C. flights depart Wilmington
News | April 10, 2018By Hunter Ingram Star News Staff Posted Apr 9, 2018 United Airlines inaugurated its first nonstop flights from the Port City to Chicago and Washington-Dulles Monday morning WILMINGTON -- Visiting the Windy City and the nation’s capital is now just a flight away from the Cape Fear region. With a pair of oversized scissors and plenty of local officials, United Airlines was welcomed back to the Wilmington International Airport with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its twice-daily nonstop services to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Washington, D.C.’s ...
AT-PORT DISTRIBUTION MODEL ADVANCES
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | March 5, 2018Given the global nature of modern commerce, port facilities now play a key role in the movement of finished goods between producers and consumers. As North Carolina’s gateway to the world’s marketplace, Greater Wilmington is well-suited to prosper from this trend. An "at-port" distribution center model moves the port closer to achieving its full potential as a regional economic engine. "We believe Wilmington is Savannah 20 years ago," says Chance Raehn, vice president at Chesterfield LLC. The company, with offices ...
ANNUAL MEETING DRAWS MORE THAN 300
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Over 300 WBD members and guests gathered in Live Oak Bank’s corporate aviation hangar at Wilmington International Airport for networking, news and more on November 15th. "An airport hangar may at first seem unusual for a business event, but in reality, it says a lot about where Greater Wilmington’s business community stands in 2017," WBD Chairman Dickson McLean told the gathering. "It’s the ideal environment for celebrating Wilmington’s place in the global business world." WBD Chief Executive Officer Scott Satterfield ...
COASTAL BEVERAGE TO INVEST IN NEW OPERATIONS AT PENDER COMMERCE PARK
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events | February 6, 2018Eastern NC Beverage Company Will Build HQ and Distribution Center February 5, 2018 (Wilmington, N.C.) – Coastal Beverage Company, Inc., one of eastern North Carolina’s premiere distributors of beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, has selected a 27.7-acre parcel at Pender Commerce Park that will serve as regional distribution space as well as its corporate headquarters. Pender County Commissioners voted earlier today to approve the transaction pending satisfaction of the upset-bid requirement. “This announcement by Coastal Beverage is once again indicative of the ...
WILMINGTON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCES ADDITION TO PENDER COMMERCE PARK
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events |FedEx Freight Will Be Property’s Third Tenant February 2, 2018 (Wilmington, N.C.) – Wilmington Business Development has announced FedEx Freight, a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier, a unit of FedEx Corporation (NYSE: FDX) has selected a 12.5-acre parcel at Pender Commerce Park for a new service center. "The arrival of FedEx Freight highlights the rise of Pender Commerce Park as one of our region’s most appealing industrial properties, and demonstrates the county’s ongoing efforts t0 create jobs for its citizens," said George Brown, chairman ...
ILM sets new passenger record
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | January 9, 2018Officials say 2018 will be strong as well NEW HANOVER COUNTY -- For the second year in a row, Wilmington International Airport has set a passenger-count record. The airport, also known as ILM, saw 836,589 people fly out of and into the airport in 2017. That’s an increase over the former record of 817,896 set in 2016. “We are pleased to have another record setting year at ILM and look forward to continued growth in 2018,” Airport Director Julie Wilsey said in a ...
ILM lands more flights to Chicago, Washington
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | December 19, 2017American service to match new nonstops planned by United NEW HANOVER COUNTY -- American Airlines has announced it is expanding its service from Wilmington International Airport to offer year-round service to Washington, D.C., and seasonal flights to Chicago, the airport announced Monday. “We see it as additional capacity and additional options for our travelers,” Wilmington airport director Julie Wilsey said. “It’s great news for the community.” The airline’s decision comes shortly after United Airlines announced it would start daily nonstop flights to Chicago ...
ILM lands nonstop flights to Chicago, Washington-Dulles
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | November 21, 2017New United services, twice daily on each route, to start in early April WILMINGTON -- Wilmington International Airport is spreading its wings to the Windy City and the nation’s capital. The airport, commonly known as ILM, is getting new daily nonstop service this spring to Chicago and Washington, D.C., on United Airlines. “We’re ecstatic,” said Airport Deputy Director Gary Broughton. “For years we’ve been trying to get another airline in here and now to get nonstop service to two destinations is just fantastic.” Both ...
UNCW gains in regional college rankings
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | September 13, 2017The school is 14th in the Best Regional Universities South Rankings, up from 16th last year. WILMINGTON -- The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) climbed in this year’s U.S. News & World Report college rankings, released Tuesday. UNCW is 14th out of 149 schools in the report’s Best Regional Universities South Rankings, up from 16th last year. The school was also ranked 6th among the region’s best public universities and ninth among the South’s best universities for veterans. Rankings claim it’s ...
NORTH CAROLINA PORTS, CSX TO COMMENCE QUEEN CITY EXPRESS
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | July 20, 2017JULY 20, 2017 Wilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports and CSX will commence a daily, intermodal rail service between Wilmington and Charlotte starting July 28, 2017. This double stacked train, dubbed the Queen City Express, marks the official return of intermodal rail to North Carolina Ports. "The Queen City Express provides premier rail service over competing ports for existing and future container customers in one of the most significant economic centers in the Southeastern United States," said Executive Director, Paul J. ...
Mojotone Closes on Pender Shell Building, Expands Product Line and Workforce
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Mojotone LLC has closed on its purchase of a 40,000-square-foot shell building in Burgaw that will accommodate an expanded product line. “We should be in the building by September,” says Michael McWhorter, the company’s co-owner. The Burgaw firm makes amplifiers, sound system cabinetry and components for electric guitars. It will vacate three buildings it has occupied since arriving in Pender County in 2005. Mojotone’s move facilitates a consolidation into a building that can accommodate future growth. “Our current three buildings are ...
2017 WBD Golf Tournament Draws 41 Teams
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |With its moss-draped trees and immaculate landscaping, River Landing provides an ideal backdrop for golf anytime. But add in friends, colleagues, a festive atmosphere and a worthwhile cause, and you have the ingredients of a top-notch annual business golf event. That was the case on May 17th at the annual WBD Golf Tournament, where 123 players gathered to compete across 41 teams. “WBD’s golf tournament has become an occasion that business leaders across our region look forward to year-round,” says Dickson ...
I-140 Completion Spells Opportunity for Professional Builders Supply
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Some employees of Professional Builders Supply weren’t happy when an NC DOT project prompted the company to vacate its longtime location on Military Cutoff Road. “It was convenient for some of our people,” says Troy Wilkerson, Wilmington Market President for the company, which supplies residential construction products across Brunswick, New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties. “But ultimately, we’ve ended up with a new, bigger facility and logistically it’s going to work out for the better,” says Wilkerson. The company’s new location ...
WBD Hosts Location Advisers During Wells Fargo Championship
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |David Schrock, a Dallas-based site selection consultant, is not much of a golfer. But when he received an invitation to travel to Wilmington and attend the Wells Fargo Championship, he couldn’t pass up the offer. “I had been to North Carolina before, but never Wilmington,” says Schrock, who is senior director of NAI Global’s site selection practice. Schrock spent three days at the Eagle Point event, where WBD had a hospitality tent that served as an oasis for invited guests, allies, ...
Wells Fargo Championship Showcases Greater Wilmington to the World
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |The Wells Fargo Championship, held in early May at Eagle Point Golf Club, offered pro golfers a look at one of Wilmington’s premiere courses. But the event, which was broadcast in 32 languages to 225 countries around the world, was also a unique showcase for Greater Wilmington as a destination for businesses and people. Some 20 million viewers watched the event on television. “The amount of national and international coverage is something you just can’t buy,” says Kym Hougham, executive director ...
New Chamber CEO Natalie English Brings Advocacy Expertise and Partnership Ethos
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |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 ...
NORTH CAROLINA PORTS, ZIM PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO SOUTHEAST ASIA
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | March 20, 2017MARCH 20, 2017 Wilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports is pleased to announce a new partnership with ZIM Integrated Shipping Ltd. The container carrier recently added the Port of Wilmington to its Z7S all-water Asia-U.S. East Coast service rotation. This weekly service will begin calling on the port in June and provides unprecedented access to major markets in South China, Southeast Asia and India Subcontinent. "This ZIM service will support legacy apparel, furniture and hardware industries throughout the Carolinas," said Executive ...
NORTH CAROLINA PORTS ATTRACTS ADDITIONAL TRANSPACIFIC CONTAINER SERVICE
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | March 15, 2017MARCH 14, 2017 Wilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports is pleased to announce a new partnership with THE Alliance with the addition of the EC2 all-water Asia-U.S. East Coast container service. This weekly service will begin calling on the Port of Wilmington in May and touts some of the largest vessels that will consistently come to and leave from the Carolinas. "Our comprehensive port coverage continues to improve at North Carolina Ports," said Executive Director, Paul J. Cozza. "This new ...
NORTH CAROLINA PORTS ADDS ANOTHER TRANSATLANTIC SERVICE
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | March 2, 2017FEBRUARY 23, 2017 Wilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports is pleased to announce another new partnership with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Maersk Line with the addition of the TA2/NEUATL2 Europe-U.S. East Coast container service. The enhanced TA2/NEUATL2 service will provide unprecedented access between Bremerhaven, Felixstowe, Le Harve and Wilmington, North Carolina. “An optimized transatlantic trade network allows us to align our services with North Carolina’s business needs,” said Executive Director, Paul J. Cozza. “As we continue to invest in our facilities ...
Container rail service to Port of Wilmington could start in March
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | February 3, 2017By Tim Buckland StarNews Staff SOUTHEASTERN N.C. -- The "Queen City Express," delivering freight directly from the Port of Wilmington to a transportation hub in Charlotte, could begin in early March, officials said. "That's what we're targeting for," said Paul Worley, director of the N.C. Rail Division. The weekly run of freight cars was announced in July by former Gov. Pat McCrory in a ceremony at the Port of Wilmington. Worley said the trains will carry 100 cargo containers "double-stacked." "It will be the ...
Wilmington International Airport Has Record Year
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | January 18, 2017Posted on January 10, 2017 by flyilm Passenger Count Highest Since 2010 The Wilmington International Airport (ILM) served 817,896 passengers in 2016; setting a new record. When compared to 2015, passenger enplanements were up 6.6% (25,365) and deplanements were up 5.9% (22,722) year over year. The prior record for total passengers served was back in 2010, when ILM served 799,710 passengers. Revenue Passengers Served*: Year Enplanements Deplanements Total 2016 411,399 406,497 817,896 2015 386,034 383,775 769,809 *Revenue Passengers include those that purchased a ticket. Additional non-revenue passengers, not included in these figures, may include ...
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS CONTINUE AT NORTH CAROLINA PORTS, ADDITIONAL CRANES
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | January 9, 2017JANUARY 9, 2017 Wilmington, N.C. – As part of its ongoing infrastructure investment plan, North Carolina Ports has ordered two New Panamax ship-to-shore cranes with an option to purchase two more from designer Shanghai Zhenjua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (ZPMC). Counting the new cranes and options, the Port of Wilmington will potentially feature a total of 10 container cranes that will operate over a 2,650 ft. New Panamax container berth complex. "This investment ensures that our best-in-class efficiencies will continue well into ...
ENVIVA BEGINS EXPORTS AT PORT OF WILMINGTON
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | December 22, 2016DECEMBER 22, 2016 Wilmington, N.C. – The Enviva wood pellet domes at the Port of Wilmington are operational and loading the first export shipment to Europe this week. The Enviva terminal, which includes two storage domes that can hold up to 45,000 metric tons of wood pellets each, is estimated to have a total impact on the local economy of more than $16 million per year and ship more than 1 million tons of pellets annually. "The Port of Wilmington is a ...
Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Down in Greater Wilmington
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | December 15, 2016Recent employment figures show a regional economy that is now surpassing its performance prior to the “Great Recession.” Figures released by the N.C. Department of Commerce for September 2016 put the Wilmington MSA’s unemployment rate at 4.5% -- below the 4.7% rate for North Carolina overall and the 5% weighted national average that month. But percentages alone do not tell the full story of the region’s job growth in the past eight years. Figures indicate that a total of 136,159 were employed ...
Chelsea Ash Receives Corning-WBD STEM Teaching Award
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Chelsea Ash, a science teacher at Heidi Trask High School in Pender County, is the winner of the Corning-WBD Award for Excellence in STEM Teaching for 2016. Bob Trapp, Engineering Standards Manager at Corning Incorporated, presented the award at WBD’s annual membership meeting on October 11th. “In the classroom, [Ash] uses history and literature to illustrate the impact that STEM has in the real world,” said Trapp. “Laboratories that teach half-life by demonstrating how short the half-life of M&Ms are help ...
Manufacturing’s Outsized Impact
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Since its founding in 1956, WBD has pursued diversification as a central theme in its economic development strategy. The vision has been a winner, with our region’s economy featuring a balanced blend of finance, logistics, headquarters, biotech, retail, healthcare and other industries. Like North Carolina as a whole, manufacturing has long been at the heart of our region’s economy. Companies that make things have always had a valued place here, and that’s not just because of the more than 13,300 good ...
Annual Meeting Celebrates WBD at 60
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |About 170 members, allies and special guests gathered on October 11th to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of Wilmington Business Development. The event, held in conjunction with the organization’s annual membership meeting, took place this year at the Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum. “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of this unique organization,” said Chairman Dickson McLean. “We decided to organize this year’s meeting in a slightly different format than what we’re used to.” The organization’s staying ...
Port of Wilmington Cold Storage Offers Ag Industry Many Benefits as First In-Port Cold Storage Facility in North Carolina
Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | December 13, 2016Press Release provided by Talk, Inc. Wilmington, N.C. – The temperatures inside Port of Wilmington Cold Storage (PWCS) may be below freezing, but the demand for cold storage in North Carolina is red hot. PWCS is a new, 101,000 square foot refrigerated warehouse used to maintain specific temperatures for the storage of perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables and proteins. The warehouse is located within the gates at the Port of Wilmington and is not only the first in-port cold storage facility ...
PORT OF WILMINGTON TOUTS NEW ASIA CONTAINER SERVICE CONNECTION
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | November 1, 2016FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OCTOBER 31, 2016 INFORMATION: Cliff Pyron Senior Manager, External Affairs (910) 343-6492 cliff.pyron@ncports.com PORT OF WILMINGTON TOUTS NEW ASIA CONTAINER SERVICE CONNECTION Wilmington, N.C. – North Carolina Ports is pleased to announce a new partnership with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and Maersk Line with the addition of the TP10/Amberjack all-water Asia-U.S. East Coast container service. The enhanced TP10/Amberjack service consists of ten Panamax 4,300-5,100 TEU ships and commenced in early October at the Port of Wilmington with the arrival of the SeaLand Lightning. "North Carolina ...
Four County EMC Wins First-Ever WBD Ally of the Year Award
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | October 28, 2016Four 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 ...
Wilmington region sees high job growth
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Southeastern North Carolina counties net high percentages of job creation. By Ashley Morris StarNews Staff SOUTHEASTERN, N.C. -- Terry Greenlaw relocated from Atlanta to Wilmington last year to serve as the chief technology officer at CastleBranch. He brought his family with him. And he brought four other colleagues with him to Wilmington. The gig at CastleBranch was a totally unexpected opportunity for Greenlaw, who initially came to Wilmington for a two-day consulting job. But then he fell in love with the company, the community, ...
Local area included in expanded foreign trade zone
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | September 20, 2016Tuesday, September 20th 2016, 10:00 am EDTTuesday, September 20th 2016, 10:00 am EDTBy: WECT StaffEmail Connectnewsroom@wect.com Southeastern North Carolina has received approval to expand Foreign-Trade Zone 214, Governor Pat McCrory announced Tuesday. (Source: WECT) SOUTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA (WECT) - Southeastern North Carolina has received approval to expand Foreign-Trade Zone 214, Governor Pat McCrory announced Tuesday New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Bladen and Columbus counties are among the 22 counties in the expanded area. According to officials, the expansion of the trade zone will make "the region ...
NORTH CAROLINA PORTS COMPLETES TURNING BASIN PROJECT, WELCOMES 8,200 TEU VESSEL TO WILMINGTON
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | August 8, 2016Wilmington, N.C. – As part of its ongoing infrastructure investment plan, North Carolina Ports has completed the expansion project of its turning basin at the Port of Wilmington. The expansion allows the port to accommodate post-Panamax vessels with a length of 1,150 feet (350.52 meters) and a breadth of 158 feet (48.16 meters). On August 7, 2016 the Yang-Ming Unity became the largest vessel to utilize the expanded turning basin and call the Port of Wilmington. "This is an incredible ...
North Carolina Ports Welcomes Largest-Ever Containership to the Port of Wilmington
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | July 21, 2016Wilmington, N.C. – Building upon Governor Pat McCrory’s efforts to increase trade and promote economic growth at our state ports, North Carolina officials welcomed the largest containership to visit the Port of Wilmington. The Hanjin Baltimore, measuring 984 feet in length and 140 feet in width, is the first of many post-Panamax vessels to be served at the recently updated container port in North Carolina. "Our state ports are an important asset for creating jobs and connecting North Carolinians ...
New Direct Intermodal Rail Service to Connect Port of Wilmington and Charlotte
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | July 20, 2016New Direct Intermodal Rail Service to Connect Port of Wilmington and Charlotte Wilmington, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory joined officials from the N.C. Transportation Department and CSX Corporation today at the Port of Wilmington to announce the debut of the new Queen City Express, an intermodal rail service between the Port of Wilmington and CSX’s intermodal terminal in Charlotte. The term “intermodal” refers to the combining of at least two modes of transportation, such as trains, trucks and ships, to deliver goods. “The ...
Empire Distributors Breaks Ground at Pender Commerce Park
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | July 5, 2016Empire Distributors of North Carolina broke ground on its approximately 175,000-sq.-ft. distribution facility in March, setting the stage for a state-of-the-art facility that will be operating later this year. “We want to be in the building by October and operational soon thereafter,” says Jay McGrady, plant manager for Empire Distributors, which distributes beer, wine and other beverages across the region. A unit of McLane Company, Inc., Empire closed on the acquisition of 18 acres at Pender Commerce Park in late 2015. ...
AAI Becomes Alcami, Nears Groundbreaking on Expansion
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |Just six months ago, AAI and its sister company Cambridge Major Labs (CML) announced a $20 million expansion to its lab and headquarters operations in Wilmington. Today, as that initiative moves forward, the global contract development and manufacturing organization has emerged with a new brand identity and name: Alcami. AAI, whose presence in Wilmington reached back three decades, joined with CML in late 2013. The combined company also has a location in Durham, as well as sites in South Carolina, New ...
Momentum Builds for Infrastructure Initiative Along Highway 421
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |The March 15th passage by North Carolina voters of a $2 billion bond package could help facilitate the construction of water and wastewater service along U.S. Highway 421, a key industrial corridor with lucrative job-creation potential. While New Hanover County is not directly eligible for “Connect NC” funds, the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) has made application with the state for grants and low-interest loans that can help with infrastructure for the corridor. Should the funds be approved, the CFPUA ...
14th Annual Membership Invitational Draws 48 Teams
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News |The 14th Annual Verizon Invitational drew 48 teams, a new record for the golf event. Some 144 players gathered at River Landing on May 18th to show their support for economic development in the region. In addition to raising funds to support WBD’s global marketing and promotional mission, the event provides valuable opportunities for informal networking, fellowship and fun. “The annual golf event has become one of the highlights of Greater Wilmington’s business calendar,” says Dickson McLean, chairman ...
AT&T Expands Access to Gigabit Speeds to more Businesses in 20 North Carolina Markets
Announcement, Member Events, Member News, Member News & Events, News | June 30, 2016RALEIGH, N.C., June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AT&T1 is bringing gigabit internet speeds to even more businesses in 20 North Carolina markets. With AT&T Business Fiber, businesses can download and upload up 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).2 It's now available in these markets: • Apex • Davidson • Knightdale • Asheville • Garner • Morrisville • Burlington • Greensboro • Pineville • Cary • High Point • Raleigh • Chapel Hill • Hendersonville • Wilmington • Charlotte • Huntersville • Winston-Salem • Clemmons • Jamestown "For years, we have offered business customers gigabit connections, but through AT&T Business Fiber, we are speeding deployment of ...
Fiber Ready ILM Business Park
Announcement, Member News, Member News & Events, News | April 27, 2016Click on links below to view Press Release and Video ILM Fiber Ready Video Press Release Fiber Ready ILM Business Park Press Release ILM Now Home to Nation’s First AT&T Fiber Ready International Airport Business Park With quick access to a deep-water port and top-notch aviation facility, ILM Business Park has unique advantages when it comes to connecting businesses to the global marketplace. But the park’s connectivity assets became even more impressive in April with a “Fiber Ready” designation by AT&T. The fiber is superior ...
Pender Commerce Park Becomes North Carolina’s First “AT&T Fiber Ready” Property
Member News & Events, News | December 7, 2015Like access to talent and supply chains, high-speed telecommunications is a basic ingredient for global business success. That’s why Pender County leaders were proud to have one of their county’s premiere industrial properties receive a first-of-its-kind designation for broadband readiness from one of the nation’s leading telecommunications providers. In October, AT&T Corporation designated Pender Commerce Park as “Fiber Ready,” which offers potential corporate residents assurance that modern telecommunications infrastructure is available. The park was the first in North Carolina to receive ...
WBD Joins Partners and Allies in Hosting Consultant Outreach Tour
Member News & Events, News |The global nature of today’s business world makes county limits irrelevant to most companies. That’s why WBD joined with economic development counterparts in Brunswick County, the NC Ports and The Southeastern Partnership in organizing a familiarization tour of the region for leading national site selection consultants. Such “Fam tours” were among the recommendations of the 2014 “Pathways to Prosperity” strategic plan by Garner Economics, LLC. Eleven consultants joined regional economic development and businesses leaders for event, held September 16-18, ...
WBD Joins Corning in Honoring Educational Innovation
Member News & Events, News |Kelly Crowley, a 3rd grade teacher at Wilmington’s Pine Valley Elementary School, is the 2015 recipient of the Corning – WBD Award for Excellence in STEM Education. The award was given at the annual meeting of Wilmington Business Development on October 8th. “Mrs. Crowley builds interest and excitement about STEM by demonstrating that science and math are a part of almost everything we do,” said Bob Trapp, engineering standards manager at Corning, Inc., who presented the award. “From the chemistry of ...
Annual Meeting Highlights Private Equity Investing and More
Member News & Events, News |The 2015 Annual Membership Meeting of Wilmington Business Development drew some 200 participants to the Burney Center at UNC Wilmington. Held the evening of October 8th, members and guests listened to a series of speakers share insight on economic development and business topics. Allen Thorpe, New York City-based managing director at Hellman & Friedman, LLC, delivered this year’s keynote address. Thorpe outlined current outcomes and expectations large private equity firms look for when investing in companies. His firm, one of the ...
AAIPHARMA/CAMBRIDGE MAJOR LABORATORIES LAUNCHES MAJOR EXPANSION AT ITS WILMINGTON LABS AND CORPORATE HQ
News | December 1, 2015Growth of Life Sciences Adds Diversification to Region’s Economy November 20, 2015 (Wilmington, N.C.) – AAIPharma Services Corp./ Cambridge Major Laboratories, Inc. (AAIPharma/CML), the contract drug development and manufacturing provider, will invest $15.8 million in expanded lab operations and corporate headquarters space in Wilmington over the coming three years, Governor Pat McCrory announced today. The move will bring at least 37 new jobs to the Port City over the coming three years, with a total of 50 jobs and $20 ...
13TH ANNUAL VERIZON INVITATIONAL DRAWS RECORD PARTICIPATION
Member News & Events | June 30, 20151st Place: Bill Harrington, Courtney Faircloth & Steve Gunn 2nd Place: Steve Wilkinson, Bill Rhodes & Joel White 3rd Place: Bob Cherry, Ned Murchison & Josh Goldstein 4th Place: Tim Eldridge, Brian Rector & Tee Nunnelee (not pictured) Clear skies and comfortable breezes greeted participants of the thirteenth annual Verizon Invitational Golf Tournament, held May 13th at River Landing Country Club in Wallace. Forty-six teams competed in this year’s event, which featured golf on Clyde Johnston-designed courses, food, beverages and business camaraderie. Jerry Fountain, ...
EXISTING INDUSTRIES THE LIFEBLOOD OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
News |Nationally, some 42 percent of job creation in a given community comes via expansions and growth of companies already there, according to a 2011 report by the Brookings Institute. Since its founding in 1956, Wilmington Business Development has supported existing industry as a cornerstone for the region’s economic strategy. Along with our product and infrastructure development programs and corporate recruitment activities, WBD’s support for existing industry is systematic, ongoing and results-oriented. Regular site visits and dialogue with facility managers and business ...
TRI-COUNTY COLLABORATION SHARPENS GLOBAL MARKETING
News |In today’s free-flowing global economy, business leaders have little concern for city limits and county lines. Today’s executives care more about access to adequate transportation systems, reliable utilities and abundant talent in drawing conclusions about the quality of a business destination. That’s why earlier this year Wilmington Business Development (WBD) joined with the Brunswick County Economic Development Commission and The Southeastern Partnership in launching the Wilmington Regional Marketing Initiative. The collaboration seeks to effectively and efficiently showcase regionally-oriented economic assets in Brunswick, ...
Empire Distributors Proposes Purchase of 15 Acres at Pender Commerce Park
News | May 12, 2015EMPIRE DISTRIBUTORS PROPOSES PURCHASE OF 15 ACRES AT PENDER COMMERCE PARK Looks to Build Distribution Center May 12, 2015 (Wilmington, N.C.) – Just as Acme Smoked Fish Corporation ramps up production at its major new facility in Pender Commerce Park, a second tenant is now unveiling plans there for a 160,000-sq.ft. warehouse and distribution center. On Monday, the Pender County Board of Commissions approved the proposed sale of 15 acres at the park to Empire Distributors of North Carolina, Inc. The company ...
The 2nd-best U.S. city to start a business is in N.C.
News | April 29, 2015TRIANGLE BUSINESS JOURNAL Apr 29, 2015 Rebecca Troyer Managing Editor-Triangle ...
Economic Impact Data Affirms WBD Results
Member News & Events | December 18, 2014Greater Wilmington’s recent run of company expansions and relocations has real meaning in terms of job opportunities, business activity and funding streams for vital local government services. From March 2013 through September 2014, WBD’s project management efforts resulted in the announced creation of 835 new jobs and more than $200 million in annual payroll, according to an analysis by Dr. William “Woody” Hall, senior economist at UNC Wilmington’s Swain Center for Economic and Business Services. Hall assessed the aggregate impact ...
2014 Annual Meeting Highlights
Member News & Events |Over 200 WBD members and guests attended the organization’s annual meeting on October 9th at UNC Wilmington’s Burney Center. The gathering included valuable networking among attendees, as well as an engaging line-up of speakers addressing a variety of important subjects. After watching a video that featured key business leaders, participants were welcomed by Dickson McLean, chairman of WBD. “The past year has been a very successful one,” he said, reviewing economic impact data from recent announcements. “Both ...
Corning/WBD STEM Educator of the Year Award
Member News & Events |Michelle Hafey, who teaches 7th and 8th grade science at Penderlea School, has been named the Corning/WBD STEM Educator of the Year for 2014. Executives at Corning presented the award at last month’s annual membership meeting of Wilmington Business Development (WBD). “Michelle’s excellence in STEM teaching will ensure our students are ready to succeed in strengthening America’s role as the world’s engine of scientific discovery and innovation,” said Bob Trapp, a senior Corning engineer who spoke at the meeting. Hafey, who ...
Vertex Rail Technologies, LLC Will Employ Over 1300 at Tank Car Production Site in Wilmington
Announcement | November 14, 2014VERTEX RAIL WILL EMPLOY OVER 1,300 AT TANK CAR PRODUCTION SITE IN WILMINGTON U.S. Energy Boom Fuels Company’s Plans at Former Terex Crane Facility November 13, 2014 (Wilmington, N.C.) – Vertex Rail Technologies, LLC, a manufacturer of railroad tank cars, will occupy the former Terex Crane facility on Raleigh Street in Wilmington that was once home to Terex Cranes. Vertex will make specialty tank cars designed to serve the booming U.S. energy market. The Massachusetts Company plans to invest $60 million at ...
HIGH-END SEAFOOD PROCESSOR UNVEILS PLANS TO BRING 120 JOBS TO PENDER COUNTY New York-Based Company Will Invest as much as $30 million at Pender Commerce Park
Announcement | October 18, 2013October 18, 2013 – Wilmington, N.C. Global demand for nutrient-rich smoked fish is good news for the Pender County community of Currie, which will be the site of a new 100,000-square-foot seafood processing facility that will employ 120 workers. RC Creations, LLC, a unit of Brooklyn, New York-based Acme Smoked Fish Corporation, will invest nearly $30 million at Pender Commerce Park in an initiative announced today by the McCrory Administration, Pender County officials and leaders of Wilmington Business Development (WBD). "Our ...
Duke Energy to help prepare Pender County, N.C., location for potential industrial development
News | September 12, 2013CHARLOTTE — Duke Energy Progress has chosen a 700-acre site located in both Pender and New Hanover counties to participate in the utility's 2013 Site Readiness Program to prepare the location for potential industrial development. For the next four months, the site will undergo a comprehensive assessment for its strengths for specific target industries. Duke Energy has hired McCallum Sweeney, a nationally known consulting firm, to conduct a site study. Land-use planners will create conceptual plans detailing the areas of the ...
GE Aviation Expansion at Castle Hayne Brings $63 Million in Economic Investment, 35 New Jobs
Announcement | June 9, 2013Wilmington, N.C. - GE Aviation, a longtime industrial resident of Greater Wilmington, will launch a major expansion at its New Hanover County facility as part of a $195 million commitment the company is making at four of its sites in North Carolina. For Greater Wilmington, GE Aviation's move brings at least $63 million in new capital investment over the next five years and the creation of 35 high-paying jobs. Governor Pat McCrory joined GE executives and other state officials in making ...
Wilmington Firm to Base Global Headquarters Here in $10 Million Expansion
Announcement | March 1, 2013March 1, 2013 – Wilmington, N.C. Castle Branch, Inc., already a major employer in Wilmington, will triple its 200-person corporate headquarters here under a nearly $10 million expansion plan being announced today by founder and CEO Brett Martin and top officials of the N.C. Department of Commerce. Joining them at the announcement are state legislators, county and municipal leaders, and officials of Wilmington Business Development (WBD). Proximity to UNC Wilmington along with supportive government officials here were central factors in the ...
