Southeastern Economic Development Commission

Southeastern Economic Development Commission Economic Development District (EDD) designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration

05/14/2026

The Southeastern Economic Development Commission was proud to host its 58th Annual Meeting on April 30th at Cape Fear Vineyard & Winery in Elizabethtown.
The meeting brought together local leaders, economic developers, and state and federal partners from across Southeastern North Carolina to celebrate regional accomplishments and discuss opportunities for continued growth and collaboration.
We were honored to welcome Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development with the NC Department of Commerce, as our keynote speaker. His message on perseverance, leadership, and pushing past the “CAVE” mindset — Citizens Against Virtually Everything — truly resonated with attendees.
During the meeting, SEDC highlighted major regional economic development projects, including:
▪️ A $6.75 million EDA investment supporting infrastructure improvements in Brunswick County tied to a $650 million private investment project expected to create 500 jobs.
▪️ A pending EDA application in Cumberland County tied to Project Aero that could leverage $867 million in private investment and create approximately 304 jobs.
▪️ More than $4 million in SCRC SEID funding directed to Southeastern North Carolina projects in 2025.
We also recognized Dr. Gary Lanier for more than 15 years of service and leadership on the SEDC Executive Committee.
Congratulations to the newly elected officers:
• Chairman – Ray Jordan, Sampson County EDC
• Vice Chairman – Chuck Heustess, Bladen County EDC
• Secretary-Treasurer – Stephen Barrington, Harnett County EDC
Thank you to everyone who attended and continues to support economic growth and opportunity across Southeastern North Carolina.

01/23/2026

SCRC Federal Co-Chair Dr. Jennifer Clyburn Reed testified before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

She shared the positive impact SCRC has had across the Southeast Crescent region and the progress made through locally-driven investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and community resilience. We are grateful to the Subcommittee for the opportunity to highlight SCRC’s work. We are also thankful for the local, state, and community partnerships that make this work possible and whose leadership and collaboration help drive constructive outcomes every day.

Thank you to all who support and advance this work across seven states and 428 counties for the 51 million people who call the Southeast Crescent region home.

Congratulations to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina!On behalf of the Southeastern Economic Development Commission, con...
12/17/2025

Congratulations to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina!

On behalf of the Southeastern Economic Development Commission, congratulations to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina on achieving full federal recognition. This historic milestone honors the Tribe’s rich history, enduring resilience, and generations of advocacy and leadership.

Federal recognition opens new opportunities for economic development and expanded access to resources, benefiting the Lumbee people and the broader region. We look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, create opportunity, and advance prosperity across southeastern North Carolina.

Congratulations on this long-awaited and well-deserved achievement.

Photo Credit: lumbeetribe.com

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707 West Broad Street
Elizabethtown, NC
28337

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