Wilkes EDC held its Annual Meeting at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, Turn Four Building, on August 10, 2023 with over 130 guests present. Our generous sponsors made this event possible: Frontier Natural Gas, Spectrum Hospitality Management LLC, Omega Construction, ECS South East (Engineering Consulting Services), and NC Carolina Core. We thank Bella’s Floral & Designs, LLC, and A&J Rental for helping make our space look beautiful, along with the food provided by The Scarlet Hen. Raffaldini’s Vineyards & Winery donated their fine wine for this event. Creative LaZer Designs made and assembled the plaques we awarded our Announced Business Projects and Entrepreneur Grant Winners at the event. Our event was captured by Brandon Brown of Appletown Media.
Our Chair, Dale Isom, opened our program, welcoming guests and recognizing Local Government, Board Members, and Sponsors. Nathan Bell of Frontier Natural Gas shared about their expansions and expressed their enthusiasm for Wilkes’ growth. Jessica Fickenscher with SMI, North Wilkesboro Speedway, conveyed her excitement for the Speedway and reflected on the success of the events that took place over the past year. Members of the room had the opportunity to hear a presentation from Loren Hill of NC Carolina Core, Piedmont Triad Partnership. Loren shared the benefits of being a part of the Carolina Core and unveiled signage soon to present at the Wilkes County lines of Highway 421.
LeeAnn Nixon, President of Wilkes EDC, and Dale recognized Java Master, PRISM Medical, Retail Solutions Group, Wilkes Woodworking, Contentment, and Catholic Charities for Project Business Growth in Wilkes.
Next, Marketing Manager Francisco Martinez and Vice President Robin Hamby recognized the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 Entrepreneurial Grant Program winners. Francisco also shared the success stories from the Entrepreneur Grant Program over the years and updates from past program winners.
LeeAnn talked about the Wilkes Commercial Business Center and recognized all involved in making this project possible. She shared an update on the Outdoor Economy Plan and mentioned our upcoming trip to the Outdoor Economy Conference. She provided insight on next steps on the Childcare Study and Housing Progress and the next steps. LeeAnn also gave a sneak preview of the upcoming website for the EDC, currently being constructed by Logan Provisions.
Dale closed the evening with thoughts for the future direction on carrying out the Wilkes EDC’s mission. After the program, the social continued, and guests were encouraged to take a copy of our Annual Report. The night was successful, and we’ve enjoyed hearing positive feedback on the event. Visit our website today to see a digital copy of the Annual Report – WilkesEDC.com/news/activity-report
