News and Announcements
Jobs Up, Unemployment Rate Down in Greater Wilmington
December 15, 2016
Recent 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 ... Continue Reading
Chelsea Ash Receives Corning-WBD STEM Teaching Award
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 ... Continue Reading
Manufacturing’s Outsized Impact
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 ... Continue Reading
Annual Meeting Celebrates WBD at 60
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 ... Continue Reading
Port of Wilmington Cold Storage Offers Ag Industry Many Benefits as First In-Port Cold Storage Facility in North Carolina
December 13, 2016
Press 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 ... Continue Reading
PORT OF WILMINGTON TOUTS NEW ASIA CONTAINER SERVICE CONNECTION
November 1, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 31, 2016
INFORMATION: Cliff Pyron
Senior Manager, External Affairs
(910) 343-6492
[email protected]
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 ... Continue Reading
Four County EMC Wins First-Ever WBD Ally of the Year Award
October 28, 2016
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 ... Continue Reading
Wilmington region sees high job growth
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 ... Continue Reading
Local area included in expanded foreign trade zone
September 20, 2016
Tuesday, September 20th 2016, 10:00 am EDTTuesday, September 20th 2016, 10:00 am EDTBy: WECT StaffEmail
[email protected]
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 ... Continue Reading
NORTH CAROLINA PORTS COMPLETES TURNING BASIN PROJECT, WELCOMES 8,200 TEU VESSEL TO WILMINGTON
August 8, 2016
Wilmington, 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 ... Continue Reading
