News and Announcements
Empire Distributors Breaks Ground at Pender Commerce Park
July 5, 2016
Empire 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 ... Continue Reading
AAI Becomes Alcami, Nears Groundbreaking on Expansion
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 ... Continue Reading
Momentum Builds for Infrastructure Initiative Along Highway 421
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 ... Continue Reading
14th Annual Membership Invitational Draws 48 Teams
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 ... Continue Reading
AT&T Expands Access to Gigabit Speeds to more Businesses in 20 North Carolina Markets
June 30, 2016
RALEIGH, 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, ... Continue Reading
Fiber Ready ILM Business Park
April 27, 2016
Click 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 ... Continue Reading
Pender Commerce Park Becomes North Carolina’s First “AT&T Fiber Ready” Property
December 7, 2015
Like 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 ... Continue Reading
WBD Joins Partners and Allies in Hosting Consultant Outreach Tour
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 ... Continue Reading
WBD Joins Corning in Honoring Educational Innovation
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 ... Continue Reading
Annual Meeting Highlights Private Equity Investing and More
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. ... Continue Reading
