Wilkes EDC had the pleasure of attending the North Carolina Economic Development Association’s (NCEDA) 2024 Fall Conference, held in Greensboro, North Carolina, on October 21-22. Originally planned for Asheville, the conference location shifted due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, underscoring the resilience of our state’s economic development community and reinforcing the conference’s message of recovery and support.
Wilkes EDC’s President, LeeAnn Nixon, and Marketing Manager, Francisco Martinez, represented our organization, joining peers from across the state. The event kicked off Monday with a reception, which provided networking opportunities and welcomed participants with a sense of unity and shared purpose. Wilkes EDC joined the NC Carolina Core team for a lively trivia night, offering a casual setting for engaging discussions with our regional partners.
Tuesday’s agenda featured the main conference sessions, emphasizing resilience and community support. Attendees explored strategic insights into economic recovery, with the updated program including a donation drive and community service project to aid families affected by the storm in Western NC. This tangible act of solidarity highlighted the commitment of North Carolina’s economic development community to not only foster growth but also offer steadfast support during challenging times. Conference-goers also participated in organizing and preparing donations for transport, showing hands-on dedication to recovery efforts.
The NCEDA Fall Conference reinforced the values of collaboration, resilience, and compassion in economic development. Wilkes EDC is proud to be part of a network that stands together in both the brightest and most challenging moments. The lessons learned and connections made over these two days will continue to inspire our work in Wilkes County, as we strive to enhance our community’s growth and adaptability.
For more insights on the event, please visit the NC Carolina Core and NCEDA’s posts about the conference here.
