North Carolina Economic Development Association

This week we're spotlighting NCEDA member Matt Marflake! Matt is an alumnus of Clemson University and University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He presently calls the Charlotte area his home, where he serves as the Design Professional for McMillan Pazdan Smith. #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

This week we're highlighting NCEDA Board Member, Natalie Dean Hawkins, PMP! Natalie is the President of Moore County Economic Development Partnership. We asked her some questions to help you get to know her better. Learn more about Natalie below! Q: What aspects of serving on the NCEDA board do you find most fulfilling or meaningful?  A: As an NCEDA board member, I find it very fulfilling to help shape and advocate for the association’s legislative agenda and provide input on the valuable services our association provides economic development practitioners and allied partners across the state.   Q: In what ways do you think economic development directly influences our communities?  A: The role economic developers play in shaping communities is critical. We work directly with elected officials, developers, and the business community to bring jobs and capital investments that can improve economic prosperity and the quality of life for our residents. We can help shape the future of our communities in a way that positively affects future generations.   Q: Reflecting on your career, what accomplishment or contribution has been particularly significant to you?  A: This past year, I was able to facilitate my organization acquiring the first publicly controlled industrial park in Moore County. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment that will help us recruit good paying jobs and capital investment to our community.   Q: Is there a personal or professional experience that has shaped who you are today, which you'd like to share?  A: In 2007, I attended the Leadership Development Program at the Center for Creative Leadership, and it transformed me into the effective leader I am today. The week-long intensive program helped me realize how important it is to develop effective personal relationships to lead successfully.   Q: What do you appreciate most about the NCEDA?  A: There are many things I appreciate about the NCEDA, but what I appreciate most is the opportunity the association provides to meet, interact with, and learn from my colleagues across the State of North Carolina. Learn more about Natalie here: www.nceda.org/about/board

New podcast alert! This week we interviewed Kelly Andrews, CEcD of Pitt County Economic Development. Kelly is one of the 2024 North Carolina Economic Development Association Economic Developers of the year! In this episode we discuss the monumental success of Project Bluefin, one of the county's largest announcements to date and the unique personal and cultural touches that landed the project. Thanks for your expertise Kelly! #economicdevelopment #northcarolina #internationalbusiness The New Economic Developers on the Block; Trey Cash

In response to the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, NCEDA is committed to supporting recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. We’ve compiled a collection of resources to assist individuals, families, and businesses during this difficult time. We encourage you to explore the following resources and share them to help Western North Carolina recover and rebuild. Visit our Recovery Resources page for more information, here: https://lnkd.in/egsS9hwV

Attention NCEDA members! Join us in supporting our thriving student community's career journey. As our membership grows, so does our dedication to providing valuable professional growth opportunities. We're seeking internship opportunities! Whether for this fall or upcoming semesters, we want to connect students with enriching experiences in our field. YOUR help is key! Have an internship opening or know of one? Let us know! Send opportunities to Brandie Grubb, our Marketing and Communications Manager, at brandie@nceda.org. Your contributions will nurture the next generation of talent and strengthen our community. Thank you for being a vital part of our network! Together, let's empower individuals to thrive in their careers. #NCEDA #CareerDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment

The NCEDA Foundation is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Silent Auction fundraiser, and we need your support to make it a success! We invite you to donate items such as sporting event tickets, gift certificates, complimentary stays, or gift baskets from your business, community, or local tourism authority. To view the form, visit: Proceeds will fund professional development scholarships for economic developers, as well as awareness, training, and research programs. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the generous donations we've received so far: • Carolina Panthers NFL Tickets • Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Tickets • High Point University Swag & Basketball Tickets • US Open Gift Basket • Carolina Christmas Train Event Tickets • Complimentary Hotel Stays • Mimosa Hills Golf Course Golf Package • Tobacco Road Golf Package • Family Portrait Session • Bourbon Gift Basket • Yeti Cooler Please note that the deadline to submit items and donation forms is Friday, October 18. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Torsha at 888.246.2332 or torsha@nceda.org. Thank you for your support!

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming New Member Orientation! This session is primarily designed for those who joined within the last year, but all members are welcome to participate. Join us for this complimentary virtual meeting where you’ll have the opportunity to explore our association, learn about our programming, and discover how you can get involved. • Discover more about NCEDA and our various programs. • Meet our management team and understand their roles within the association. • Connect with NCEDA Board members. • Network with fellow new members and share your reasons for joining and how you wish to engage. As this is a new initiative, we’ll host three orientations. The sessions will cover the same content but are scheduled at different times to accommodate everyone interested in attending. The upcoming dates, times, and registration links are listed below: October 10 • 10 – 11 am Register here: https://lnkd.in/eVamB_fn   October 10 • 1 – 2 pm Register here: https://lnkd.in/eAtqMnNJ   October 11 • 10 – 11 am Register here: https://lnkd.in/einMp3gf

Our hearts go out to the communities in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. In light of these events, we encourage you to read the letter that NCEDA President Gary Lanier, Ed.D. sent to our members this morning for more information and updates: https://lnkd.in/ei5ykq6F. If you would like to help, please consider donating to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. Your support can make a significant difference in the recovery efforts. To donate, visit: https://lnkd.in/eeWj-4CM

This week we're spotlighting NCEDA member Kristen Proctor! Originally from Mocksville, she is an alumnus of University of North Carolina Asheville and presently calls the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area her home. She currently serves as the Project Development Coordinator for Samet Corporation. #EconomicDevelopment #NCEDA

By offering scholarships, the NCEDA Foundation plays a crucial role in fostering economic development within our communities. These scholarships empower professionals with the education and skills needed to thrive, thereby driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. Your support will directly contribute to this impactful mission, ensuring a brighter future for our economy and community as a whole. To learn more and donate, visit: https://lnkd.in/e-DGipDb. #NCEDAFoundation #EconomicDevelopment