Wilkes EDC participated in the 2025 NCEDA Site Selectors Summit & Spring Conference at Pinehurst Resort, where President LeeAnn Nixon and Vice President Robin Hamby engaged with site selection consultants, economic development professionals, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for business growth and investment across North Carolina.
The event provided valuable insights into site selection trends, economic development best practices, and the importance of regional collaboration. Through roundtable discussions with consultants, LeeAnn and Robin promoted Wilkes County and gained a clearer understanding of the factors influencing business location decisions and how Wilkes County can continue to position itself as a competitive destination.
A key highlight of the conference was the “Why We Won” case study on the Natron Energy project, which underscored the importance of site readiness, infrastructure investments, and strong public-private partnerships. Sessions on product development, policy updates from state economic leaders, and discussions on collaboration reinforced the strategies Wilkes EDC is already implementing to attract and retain businesses.
By attending the summit, Wilkes EDC strengthened relationships with key decision-makers and brought back actionable insights to further economic growth in Wilkes County. These connections and strategies will support ongoing efforts to attract new industries, enhance workforce development, and drive investment in the region.
Wilkes EDC appreciates NCEDA and its partners for hosting this event and looks forward to applying these takeaways to benefit the Wilkes County community.