Wayne County Development Alliance, Inc.

10/20/2026

We are proud to announce that Julie Graham, our Wayne County Existing Industry Director, has been awarded the Governor James E. Holshouser Professional Development Scholarship at the 2026 North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) Fall Conference.

Established in honor of the late Governor Holshouser, this prestigious scholarship is awarded to just one economic development professional in North Carolina each year. Julie's selection is a testament to her dedication to professional excellence, leadership, and advancing economic development in our state.

Through this scholarship, Julie will have the opportunity to participate in specialized economic development training outside of North Carolina, learning from nationally renowned instructors. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, and related expenses, providing an invaluable opportunity for Julie to expand her expertise and bring new ideas and insights back to our region.

This recognition is not only a tremendous accomplishment for Julie but also a point of pride for our entire region as we continue working together to grow businesses, strengthen our economy, and create new opportunities.

Please join us in congratulating Julie on this well-deserved honor!

Wayne County Development Alliance, Inc.

10/20/2026

Please join us in congratulating NCEDA's 2026 Lifetime Service Award recipients: Joanna Helms, Raul Peralta, Mark Pope, and Melanie O'Connell Underwood!

Recognized today at our Fall Conference, these four individuals have made lasting contributions to economic development in North Carolina and to NCEDA throughout their careers.

We're grateful for their leadership, service, and the many ways they've helped strengthen our association and the economic development community across our state.

Congratulations to all four honorees!

10/20/2026

Congratulations to our very own Mark Pope on receiving the 2026 Lifetime NCEDA Service Award!

Mark Pope receives the 2026 NCEDA Lifetime Service Award for over two decades of leadership in economic development in eastern North Carolina.

10/19/2026

10/18/2026

Economic Development Region Announces 2026 to 2027 Board Officers

The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region (EDR) Board of Directors is pleased to announce its slate of officers for the 2026 to 2027 board year.

J. Mac Daughety will serve as Chairman. Chairman Daughety is a Lenoir County resident and currently serves on the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners.

Chris Gurley will serve as Vice Chairman. Vice Chairman Gurley is a Wayne County resident and currently serves on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners.

Additional officers include Chip Crumpler, Treasurer, and Jeremy Stroud, Secretary.

The Economic Development Region congratulates these officers and extends its appreciation for their continued leadership and dedication to public service. Their experience and commitment to regional cooperation will be instrumental as the EDR continues its mission of advancing economic development and strengthening opportunities throughout Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne Counties and the North Carolina Global TransPark.

We look forward to another productive year of collaboration, growth, and progress for our region.

About the Economic Development Region: The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region (EDR) in nonprofit organization serving Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne Counties and the North Carolina Global TransPark. Through regional collaboration, the EDR works to attract new businesses, support existing industries, encourage investment, and strengthen economic opportunities throughout Eastern North Carolina.

10/06/2026

This is a great day for Wayne County!

The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region is pleased to join our partners in announcing a significant new investment in Wayne County.

QT Corporation plans to establish a new manufacturing facility at the Park East Industrial Park in Goldsboro, representing approximately $49.2 million in capital investment and the creation of 188 new jobs.

QT Corporation has longstanding ties to Eastern North Carolina, and we are proud the company has chosen Wayne County for this next phase of growth.

This project reflects the strength of our regional workforce, infrastructure, and the partnerships that continue to support business investment across Eastern North Carolina.

We appreciate the collaboration of Wayne County, the Wayne County Development Alliance, the City of Goldsboro, Wayne Community College, the State of North Carolina, North Carolina’s Southeast, EDPNC, Duke Energy, and the many partners who helped make this announcement possible.

We congratulate QT Corporation and look forward to the opportunities this investment will create for Wayne County and the region.

Read more:
https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/qt-corporation-announces-major-manufacturing-expansion-in-wayne-county

10/02/2026

09/28/2026

We’re excited to celebrate a very special milestone at the Wayne County Development Alliance. Julie‘s 10 year anniversary!

For the past decade, Julie has been an important part of our team demonstrating dedication, dependability, and a commitment to the work we do each day. Her contribution over the years has helped support the mission of the WCDA and our efforts to create opportunity, strengthen our community and help Wayne County continue to grow.

Behind every successful organization are people who show up, work hard, support their teammates and take pride in what they do. Julie has done just that for the past 10 years, and we’re incredibly grateful for the experience and commitment she brings to our team.

Julie, congratulations on 10 years with Wayne County Development Alliance! Thank you for your dedication and hard work and all you do for our organization and community. We are fortunate to have you as part of the WCDA team and look forward to celebrating many more milestones with you! 💙👏

09/24/2026

As we recognize our outgoing chairman Bob Kornegay, the Wayne County Development Alliance extends our sincere appreciation for his dedicated leadership and steadfast commitment to Economic Development and Wayne County.

Bob has been a strong advocate for our community and for the continue growth and prosperity of Wayne County. His leadership insight and willingness to serve have helped advance our mission and strengthen our efforts to create opportunity for industry, families and future generations.

Thank you, Bob for your dedication, leadership and service to the Wayne County Development Alliance and to Wayne County. we are grateful for the impact you have made and what you have helped build for continue economic growth.