North Carolina's Southeast

05/28/2026

North Carolina’s Southeast was proud to join our partners in celebrating Provalus’s ribbon-cutting ceremony today in Columbus County.

This project — generated by the NCSE team — has been years in the making. Steve Yost, President of NCSE, remembers meeting with Provalus at the start of their location search and knowing the Southeast region was the perfect match for their location and workforce needs. Provalus was originally expected to bring 92 jobs to the region, but as of today, Provalus has created 300 jobs in Whiteville.

Success stories like this are our “why” and an incredible example of partnerships working together to make projects happen. We thank Columbus County, former and current Columbus County Economic Development Directors Gary Lanier and Dylan Bowen, Provalus President Mike Keogh and Provalus Vice President of Facilities & Operation Will Ruzic for their collaboration in bringing this project to life.

We look forward to helping more companies find their ideal location in the Southeast and bring more jobs and investment to the communities we serve.

05/20/2026

Infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth—and in North Carolina’s Southeast, that foundation is built for the future.

During National Infrastructure Week, we're highlighting the assets that position our 20-county region for long-term success. From major corridors like I-95 and I-40 to widespread rail access and global connectivity through the Port of Wilmington, our infrastructure supports the movement of goods, talent, and opportunity.

Ongoing investments in transportation, utilities, and site readiness continue to strengthen our competitive advantage—ensuring companies can operate efficiently and scale with confidence. In North Carolina’s Southeast, we’re committed to building what comes next.

05/18/2026

Behind every successful industry in North Carolina’s Southeast is a strong supply chain—and the professionals who keep it moving.

Today, we recognize the supply chain leaders who drive efficiency, resilience, and growth across our 20-county region. Their expertise ensures products move seamlessly from production to market—something every industry relies on. With strategic access to the Port of Wilmington, a network of rail providers like CSX and Norfolk Southern, and connectivity through both international and regional airports, our region is built to support supply chain success.

We thank the professionals who keep our region—and the global economy—moving forward. Learn more about how NC's Southeast moves >> https://www.ncse.org/distribution-logistics.php

05/18/2026

Congratulations to the outstanding leaders from across the North Carolina’s Southeast region and our valued partners who were recognized in the 2026 Power List by Business North Carolina.

We are proud to celebrate the impact these individuals continue to make in strengthening North Carolina’s business climate, advancing economic development, and creating opportunities across our region and state. Their leadership, collaboration, and commitment to economic growth continue to help move North Carolina forward. We are grateful for the partnerships that strengthen our 20-county region and help position southeastern North Carolina for long-term success!

Duke Energy
Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation
North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region
North Carolina Ports
Golden LEAF Foundation

05/15/2026

On National Defense Transportation Day, we recognize the critical role transportation infrastructure plays in supporting our nation’s military readiness.

North Carolina’s Southeast is uniquely positioned to serve the defense sector, with proximity to major installations including Fort Bragg, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Our robust transportation assets—air, rail, highway, and port—ensure the efficient movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies.

This strategic connectivity strengthens both national security and the region’s growing aerospace and defense industry.

05/12/2026

North Carolina’s Southeast is proud to participate in and sponsor the North Carolina Economic Development Association Emerging Executives Forum in Kinston, hosted right here in the Southeast region.

Joe Melvin, Vice President of North Carolina’s Southeast, shared insights on successful site visits as a panelist alongside a strong lineup of statewide economic development and site selection leaders.

Today’s discussions highlight the depth of collaboration that drives economic development success across the Southeast—from Martie Butler discussing Richmond County Economic Development’s landmark $10 billion Amazon announcement to Trey Cash from the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region moderating a panel on partnerships in economic development.

Events like this reinforce the power of partnership and shared expertise in advancing industrial growth and opportunity across North Carolina’s Southeast.

05/11/2026

Transportation is the backbone of economic growth—and in North Carolina’s Southeast, connectivity drives opportunity across all 20 counties.

With direct access to Port of Wilmington, multiple international and regional airports, Class I rail service, and major interstate corridors including I-95 and I-40, our region offers seamless connections to markets across the U.S. and around the world.

From moving goods efficiently to supporting workforce mobility, our transportation network powers the industries that call our region home. Learn more about the Southeast's transportation network >> https://www.ncse.org/transportation-networks.php

05/08/2026

Richmond County Economic Development's momentum is earning statewide attention.

Business North Carolina recently highlighted Richmond County’s Energy Way Industrial Park — one of the state’s original Selectsite properties and the future home of Amazon Web Services’ $10 billion data center campus.

The article underscores what Richmond County leaders have known for years: product development takes persistence, infrastructure investment and a long-term commitment to readiness. From utility capacity to workforce planning, Richmond County has worked strategically to make its sites competitive for transformational projects.

Congratulations to Richmond County Economic Developer Martie Butler and the Richmond County team for their continued leadership in positioning the county for growth, investment and new opportunities.

https://businessnc.com/economic-development-industrial-parks-nc-2/?fbclid=IwdGRjcARhnZFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEe1r9fN42MJXkcObAKEYOflpCW2gNQjdVsSG2Sw-OjWVaBfXo_O91Z3holbbg_aem__jpG8mN4JtAAdfZRUmbtdA

Megasites for industrial development have the power to transform local communities and entire regions across the state.

05/06/2026

National Skilled Trades Day is a chance to recognize the people whose expertise keeps industries moving—and whose work continues to drive growth across North Carolina’s Southeast.

From advanced textiles and metalworking to aerospace and defense, agri-business and food processing, and distribution and logistics, skilled trades professionals are at the core of our region’s success. These careers power production floors, strengthen supply chains, and ensure that companies here can compete—and win—on a global stage.

👕 Advanced textiles specialists are innovating next-generation materials
🌱 Agri-business and food processing workers are supporting one of the nation’s most productive agricultural regions
✈️ Aerospace and defense technicians are advancing precision manufacturing and maintenance
🚚 Distribution and logistics professionals are keeping goods moving efficiently through our ports, highways, and rail
⚙️ Metalworking experts are producing the components that keep critical industries running

Today, we celebrate the skill, dedication, and impact of our region’s trades professionals—building careers, supporting families, and shaping the future of our 20-county region.

05/05/2026

North Carolina’s Southeast is on the ground at the SelectUSA Investment Summit.

Our President, Steve Yost, is attending alongside our partners at Wilmington Business Development, North Carolina Ports, and the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, to connect with companies exploring U.S. expansion opportunities.
Throughout the event, our team is showcasing the assets that make southeastern North Carolina a strong choice for international investment—strategic East Coast location, global connectivity through the Port of Wilmington, and a business-ready environment across our 20 counties.

If you’re at SelectUSA this week, visit us at Booth #431 to learn how North Carolina’s Southeast can support your next investment.