News and Announcements

CFCC Associate Degree Nursing Program Ranked #1 in North Carolina

March 5, 2019
The Cape Fear Community College Associate Degree Nursing program has been ranked number one in the 2019 Best RN Programs in North Carolina.  In a recent study conducted by RegisteredNursing.org, the CFCC ADN program ranked first among 30 other RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree. The scores and rankings for each school were determined based on a historical analysis of the National Council ... Continue Reading

NEW YORK’S FINE FIXTURES CHOOSES CAPE FEAR INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX FOR NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER

December 17, 2018
Port Connection Plus Access to Southeastern U.S. Markets Brings Bathroom Furnishings Company to Greater Wilmington December 13, 2018 (Elizabethtown, N.C. and Wilmington, N.C.). Fine Fixtures Inc., a New York based supplier of bathroom furnishings, will establish an 80,000-sq.ft. distribution center at the Cape Fear Industrial Complex in Rocky Point. The company plans to employ a 20-person workforce there. The move positions Fine Fixtures nearer southeastern U.S. markets and enables it to utilize the Port of Wilmington for ... Continue Reading

CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE WINS RECOGNITION AS CAMERON MANAGEMENT ALLY OF THE YEAR

October 24, 2018
WBD Award Cites College’s Partnership Role in Workforce Innovation and Economic Leadership October 24, 2018 (Wilmington, N.C.) – Wilmington Business Development (WBD) has named Cape Fear Community College its Cameron Management Ally of the Year for 2018. The honor was given at the organization’s annual meeting on October 17 at the Cape Fear Country Club. “Today’s economy is all about just-in-time skills, and that makes Cape Fear Community College a vital resource for WBD in every aspect ... Continue Reading

HURRICANE FLORENCE RECOVERY

October 3, 2018
In 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 ... Continue Reading

Results for 2017-2018 Include $25 Million Increase in Regional Payroll

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 ... Continue Reading

New Leadership Takes the Helm at WBD


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 ... Continue Reading

WBD Exec Named One of NC’s Top Business Leaders


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 ... Continue Reading

MojoTone Celebrates Grand Opening


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 ... Continue Reading

44 Teams Compete in WBD’s 16th Annual Golf Tournament


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 ... Continue Reading

NEW JERSEY-BASED LOGISTICS PROVIDER TO SET UP OPERATIONS IN ROCKY POINT

July 27, 2018
July 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 ... Continue Reading