Wayne County Development Alliance, Inc.

06/10/2026

WAYNE COUNTY, NC - A regional economic development initiative backed by $7.5 million in state funding is payin...

06/01/2026

Innovation and workforce development continue to move forward in Wayne County!

Congratulations to Wayne Community College and Lenoir Community College on their new partnership that will expand access to WCC's Artificial Intelligence Engineer program. Through this collaboration, LCC students can complete their first year locally and then continue with WCC's AI courses online to earn their degree.

As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, programs like this help prepare the skilled workforce our region needs while creating new opportunities for students across eastern North Carolina.

We applaud both institutions for working together to strengthen educational pathways and support the future of technology, innovation, and economic growth in our communities.

Learn more about the partnership: waynecc.edu/news/wcc-to-offer-ai-program-to-lcc-students/

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Mark Pope on being recognized as an outstanding leader in southeastern North Carolina. His dedication and impact make him one of the very best in economic development.

04/29/2026

Last week, Julie Graham represented our organization as a speaker at the NCEDA Foundation’s Economic Development Awareness Program in Eastern North Carolina, alongside Lauren Ellis, who joined her from our team.

This program focuses on increasing understanding of economic development by addressing common misconceptions and highlighting its role in strengthening communities - specifically in rural and underserved counties across North Carolina.

Julie joined fellow leaders to share insights and engage in thoughtful discussion on collaboration, engagement, and the importance of informed leadership in driving sustainable growth. We’re proud to have our team contributing to conversations that shape the future of our state.

04/24/2026