ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT REGION.

• Author: Pope, Mark
• Position: SPONSORED SECTION: COMMUNITY CLOSE UP NC GLOBAL TRANSPARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGION

Fostering economic opportunity in rural North Carolina calls for a team effort. Gone are the days when communities could operate in isolation from their neighbors - or worse, compete against them. Amid the rapid changes in how the world does businesses, new ways of partnering are the key to attracting new jobs, companies, and investment dollars. Collaboration is a proven path to prosperity.

This is the rationale behind the creation of the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, a unique micro-region that brings together Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne counties, along with the N.C. Department of Transportation. Each of our counties has a unique array of assets and amenities. But common to all of us is a desire to lift our collective profile to capture the imagination of globally-minded leaders seeking the ideal backdrop for 21st century operations. Established in late 2020, this bold new partnership raises our flag even higher.

With close proximity to the Research Triangle Park, East Carolina University, and consumer markets across the mid-Atlantic U.S., our region is a lucrative destination for Knowledge Age companies across life sciences, advanced manufacturing, aviation services, and other sectors. Spirit AeroSystems, West Pharmaceutical Services, and flyExclusive top our long list of existing corporate residents. At the same time, we remain a haven for agribusiness and value-added food and beverage manufacturing with diverse names ranging from Smithfield Foods and Sanderson Farms to Mt. Olive Pickle...