North Carolina's Southeast

10/30/2026

We'd like to thank everyone who joined us for our annual Charlotte Brokers Event last night. It was a productive evening connecting industrial brokers, consultants, local economic developers, and allies in highlighting the competitive advantages and assets of the North Carolina's Southeast region. It is a pleasure to host our partners for great conversations about the Southeast region's momentum with industrial growth.

A special thank you to our sponsors, including presenting sponsor ECS Southeast and event sponsors ElectriCities and North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, who are key allies and partners with North Carolina's Southeast.

We can't wait to follow up on some meaningful conversations, and we look forward to hosting everyone again!

10/26/2026

The Port of Wilmington is making significant improvements to its infrastructure to provide increased capabilities!

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded over $6 million in federal funding to support parking, cargo, and technology improvements. The project will allow the port to proactively address growing freight traffic, improve logistics coordination for pickups and deliveries, and expand overall capacity both domestically and internationally.

North Carolina's Southeast congratulates North Carolina Ports and looks forward to continuing to partner for increased cargo and freight services that builds upon the assets throughout the Southeast region!

10/23/2026

Corning Incorporated announced it will expand its Wilmington facility, investing $585 million and adding 414 jobs to meet the needs of next-generation networks. The Wilmington facility is currently one of the world’s largest optical fiber manufacturing plants. Having been in New Hanover County for 60 years, this expansion reflects Wilmington’s excellent business climate and ability to recruit and maintain a highly skilled workforce.

NC's Southeast would like to congratulate Scott Satterfield, Cliff Pyron Jr. Pyron, the entire team at Wilmington Business Development, the City of Wilmington, NC Government and New Hanover County for their leadership in the Corning, Inc. expansion.

Corning Inc. will invest $585 million at its Wilmington campus and add 414 jobs over the next five years, expanding one of the world’s largest optical fiber manufacturing plants.

10/22/2026

We are proud to congratulate NCSE Board members and partners Raul Peralta, Senior Vice President at ECS Southeast, and Mark Pope, President of the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region on receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards from the North Carolina Economic Development Association.

This recognition marks long-lasting contributions to economic development for both North Carolina and NCEDA. We thank them for their service and leadership in the profession that has positively impacted and grown the communities in which they serve. This is an honor well deserved by both!

10/21/2026

We're thrilled to announce Funston Company as our newest leadership-level investor!

Funston Company is a locally owned construction company dedicated to delivering high-quality, cost-effective projects by utilizing advanced technology, modern equipment and a skilled team. The company's combined expertise will be a valuable asset in supporting the Southeast region as its industry footprint grows.

We're also excited to welcome Chad McEwen to our Board of Directors. His expertise and guidance will reinforce the board's strong leadership as North Carolina's Southeast continues its strategic initiatives to support job creation and local investment across our 20 counties.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the NC's Southeast Board," said McEwen. "I've seen firsthand the positive and lasting impact NC's Southeast has on economic development throughout the 20 counties it represents. The organization's commitment to regional collaboration and economic advancement is critical to the success of our communities. I am honored to contribute to those efforts and help support initiatives that create jobs, attract investment, and improve the quality of life across the region."

We look forward to collaborating with the entire team at Funston Company.

10/16/2026

North Carolina’s Southeast was honored to sponsor and participate in North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives’ Quarter 3 Meeting in Elizabethtown this week, led by Ryan Nance.

After the privilege of networking over dinner Thursday night, the Southeast team heard from speakers on Friday, discussing the agricultural industry across NCEMC’s footprint and emerging economic trends noted by Economic Leadership’s Ted Abernathy.

Our President, Steve Yost, spoke on the region’s partnership with NCEMCs and the many projects we’ve worked together on. Vice President Joe Melvin, CEcD participated in a panel on supporting economic development of food, beverage and agribusiness industries alongside Kimley Blanks and Adrian Percy.

We’re grateful to have such deep, valuable partnerships with everyone at NCEMC, and for the leadership that NCSE Board Member and Treasurer Jimmy Smith has provided us over the years.

10/16/2026

Check this out! 🔍📰

Moore County sits on the western side of the North Carolina's Southeast region. It's known for its golfing industry - but Moore County has plenty more to offer! From healthcare to manufacturing, the county's diverse economy offers a strong base to support its 109,000 citizens.

We're grateful to have such a thriving community within our region - and that it has great leaders like @/Natalie Hawkins to continue pushing it forward!

Moore County Economic Development Partnership

10/15/2026

A new rail spur is coming to Columbus County!

The North Carolina Railroad Company will invest up to $250,000 to support a new spur serving Atlantic Packaging in Tabor City. The new spur will receive and distribute at least 480 rail cars every year.

Congratulations to our friends in Columbus County - and thank you to NCRR, a longtime investor in the Southeast, for their continued support of our region!

https://www.ajot.com/news/north-carolina-railroad-company-invests-1m-to-advance-rail-served-industrial-sites

10/13/2026

North Carolina's Southeast investor Four County EMC has been selected to receive up to $23.2 million in federal funding to support transmission infrastructure in the region.

The funding from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Electricity will support Four County EMC's Project LIFT. The project aims to rebuild a 33.8-mile transmission corridor to withstand up to 130 MPH winds, readying the region to withstand severe weather for years to home. The funding will also support economic development in the region, allowing Four County EMC to expand its industrial and commercial load.

We offer our congratulations to Four County EMC and its Director of Economic & Community Development Jimmy Smith, who has long served as Treasurer on the NCSE board.

Four County EMC has been selected to receive up to $23.2 million in federal funding to rebuild and modernize transmission infrastructure serving rural southeastern North Carolina counties.

10/09/2026

Business thrives in North Carolina's Southeast!

Business North Carolina recently released its 2026 Private 125 list, detailing the most successful businesses across the state. Ranging from logistics and farming to food processing and healthcare, the Southeast region was well represented by 18 companies that made the list.

Congratulations to all of the businesses that made this year's list. Here's to another year of success!

$1 Billion+
- Atlantic Packaging - Wilmington
- House of Raeford Farms - Rose Hill

$500 Million - $999 Million
- MegaCorp Logistics - Wilmington
- Southco Distributing Company - Goldsboro
- Sampson-Bladen Oil Company, Inc. - Clinton
- Prestage Farms - Clinton
- Metcon, Inc. - Pembroke

$300 Million - $499 Million
- T.A. Loving - Goldsboro
- Liberty Health and Rehab - Wilmington
- Hog Slat - Newton Grove
- Tands, Inc. / Bojangles- Kinston
- Alcami Corporation - Wilmington
- Goldsboro Milling - Goldsboro

$150 Million - $299 Million
- REEDS Jewelers - Wilmington
- DuBose Strapping - Clinton
- Mt. Olive Pickle Company Inc. - Mt. Olive
- Oliver Oil Company Inc - Lumberton
- Murphy Family Ventures - Wallace