North Carolina Economic Development Association

This week we're highlighting NCEDA Board Member, Julie Pruett, CEcD! Julie is the Development Manager for the Marlboro Development Team. We asked her some questions to help you get to know her better. Learn more about Julie below!   What aspects of serving on the NCEDA Board do you find most fulfilling or meaningful? A: I love serving and giving back to an organization that has given me so much. Despite having only completed my first year on the Board, I have gained a deep appreciation for the contributions made by all board members to advance the profession of economic development. The critical involvement in transformative legislative initiatives, comprehensive educational and training programs, and informative conferences focused on networking and timely content for its members is remarkably motivating. Furthermore, the creation and support of the NCEDA Foundation has significantly expanded the availability of scholarships and Fellowships for our members and the next generation of economic development professionals. This is truly a working Board, and I am honored to serve alongside some of the brightest and most dedicated professionals in the field today.   Reflecting on your career, what accomplishment or contribution has been particularly significant to you? A: Showing an empty building or greenfield site to multiple clients and finally closing an economic development project, then watching the building fill with people and machinery or a site transform into a state-of-the-art facility filled with newly created jobs, is the most rewarding feeling. Each project is deeply meaningful and personal because you know you have impacted individuals and their families. Having watched the transformation of Catawba County over the past 20 years and knowing I have contributed to this remarkable change is immensely rewarding.   What do you appreciate most about the NCEDA? A: When I began my career in economic development 27 years ago, NCEDA was the first organization that I joined. Through this organization, I have forged some of my closest friendships and professional relationships. I didn't just join an organization; I joined a family. The lifelong connections I have made during my involvement with NCEDA are invaluable and have even helped me transition into a new role in industrial development a few years ago. The altruistic people within this organization lend their unwavering support and guidance to one another, making NCEDA truly unique.   Learn more about Julie here: www.nceda.org/about/board/

The NCEDA Foundation is dedicated to advancing economic development in North Carolina by empowering economic developers, enhancing their skills, and fostering a stronger statewide community. Through funding professional development, research, and education programs, especially in underserved, distressed, and rural counties, we aim to create opportunities for all economic developers across the state. Your support will enable us to bridge gaps in resources and opportunities, ensuring every part of North Carolina thrives. Join us in shaping an equitable future for all. For more information about the NCEDA Foundation and how to give, visit: https://lnkd.in/eq3dxytE Special thanks to Omega Construction, Inc.'s very own Laura Johnson Lee, for sharing her testimony with us!

Mark your calendars for the Charlotte Regional Networking Luncheon on Tuesday, September 17, as we gather with Charlotte Regional NCEDA colleagues, proudly presented by McGuireWoods Consulting. This year, we're excited to feature a dynamic panel of Charlotte area community college leaders who will share insights on workforce training trends and how they meet the diverse needs of industries and communities. Panelists: • John C. Loyack (Moderator) - Vice President of Economic Development, NC Community College System • Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer - President, Central Piedmont Community College • Dr. John Hauser - President, Gaston College • Chris Rivera - Vice President of Business & Workforce Solutions, South Piedmont Community College Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and explore how community colleges are driving workforce development in our region. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Liz at [email protected] to confirm your support. To register, visit: https://lnkd.in/eWbnxyzQ

This week we're highlighting NCEDA Board Member, Nate Groover, NCCED! Nate is the Economic Development Director for the Town of Garner, NC. We asked him some questions to help you get to know him better. Learn more about Nate below!   What aspects of serving on the NCEDA Board do you find most fulfilling or meaningful? A: Serving on conference planning committees is very fulfilling to me because we can be sure that we are delivering the best conference with meaningful content to our members.   In what ways do you think economic development directly influences our communities? A: Economic Development directly influences our communities by providing opportunities for jobs for residents to obtain. I personally had a neighbor whose daughter became good friends with my daughter who moved his family from Texas to North Carolina as a result from a project that I helped recruit to NC.   Reflecting on your career, what accomplishment or contribution has been particularly significant to you? A: I am proud to have earned my NCCED certification and to have served at the state, regional, and local levels of economic development in two different states.   Is there a personal or professional experience that has shaped who you are today that you'd like to share? A: Starting my career in economic development in my hometown of Orlando, Florida, where I was born and raised, was special. I am thankful to have had that opportunity because it provided the chance to move to North Carolina. My family loves living here and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I also love that my kids get to experience things in North Carolina that I was never able to growing up in Florida.    What do you appreciate most about the NCEDA? A: My favorite part of NCEDA is getting to see all of my friends from across the state and learning from them to help me improve as an economic developer.   Learn more about Nate here: www.nceda.org/about/board/

Our latest video featuring Ryan Nance from North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives and Crystal Morphis, CEcD Morphis, with Creative Economic Development Consulting, LLC, highlights the incredible impact of the NCEDA Foundation. By donating, you’re helping to fuel the future of economic development in North Carolina. Your support empowers communities, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities across the state. Join us in our campaign and make a difference today! To learn more and donate, visit: https://lnkd.in/eq3dxytE

This week we're spotlighting NCEDA member Courtney Ashley! Originally from Denver, NC, she is an alumnus of University of North Carolina Wilmington. Presently, she calls Shelby her home, where she serves as the Executive Director for Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership. We asked Courtney five questions to get to know her better: 1. What do you love the most about your job? A: Cleveland County has been my home for the past seven years, and I couldn't be more honored to step into this role where I'll have the opportunity to contribute to the economic vibrancy of my own community. 2. What is your go-to comfort food? A: French fries and ice cream - the perfect combination of salty and sweet! 3. How did you get into the field of economic development? A: I have worked in local government for the majority of my career, and I love the feeling that I am actively contributing to the place where I live, work and play. It's exciting to be a part of the positive growth and vitality that economic development brings to your community. 4. What career advice do you live by? A: "If every moment in your life is a lesson, then every person you have met was a teacher." Whether it's a passing remark from a stranger or a profound insight shared by a friend, each interaction presents an opportunity for enlightenment. 5. What is your favorite place that you have traveled? A: I count it as a traveling destination even though I also lived there for five years, but Wilmington will always have the most special place in my life. #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

Join us on Wednesday, August 21 for NCEDA's first webinar of the 2024-25 program year: Healthy Environment, Healthy Economy: DEQ's Role in Economic Development & Environmental Protection featuring David Lambert from DEQ! David will dive into key environmental permitting topics that impact Economic Development, including: • Top Permitting Considerations + Tips & Tricks (Air, Erosion and Sedimentation, Wetlands, Brownfield, Hazardous Waste) • Water/Wastewater Planning • Results of the US 421 Infrastructure Concept Plan This webinar is a free resource for NCEDA members and $25 for non-members. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eTUGNJ_Y

Our latest video featuring Raul Peralta from ECS Southeast and Crystal Morphis, CEcD with Creative Economic Development Consulting, LLC, highlights the incredible impact of the NCEDA Foundation. By donating, you’re helping to fuel the future of economic development in North Carolina. Your support empowers communities, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities across the state. Join us in our campaign and make a difference today! To learn more and donate, visit: https://lnkd.in/eq3dxytE

Our latest video featuring John Nelms from Duke Energy Corporation and Crystal Morphis, CEcD with Creative Economic Development Consulting, LLC, highlights the incredible impact of the NCEDA Foundation. By donating, you’re helping to fuel the future of economic development in North Carolina. Your support empowers communities, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities across the state. Join us in our campaign and make a difference today! To learn more and donate, visit: https://lnkd.in/e-DGipDb #NCEDAFoundation #EconomicDevelopment

NCEDA President Gary Lanier, Ed.D. gave a warm welcome at this year's Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) at the UNC School of Government! Last year, our very own Torsha Eubanks attended the BEDC, a foundational program that equips participants with essential knowledge and skills in economic development. Reflecting on her experience, Torsha shared, "I think the BEDC is a very informative and valuable course. It was nice taking the course with my fellow NCEDA members. And I managed to make some new friends while taking the course!" We're proud that Torsha's participation in the course has deepened her expertise and reinforced NCEDA's commitment to fostering economic development across North Carolina. #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment