At the North Carolina Economic Development Association’s annual meeting on June 15, three economic development professionals from Southeastern N.C. were awarded scholarships for professional development.
The local recipients were Brandie Mae Grubb, Megan Sellers, and Stephen Barrington.
“Along with great relationships, knowledge is the currency of successful economic developers today, and NCEDA works hard to provide a platform for both,” said Randall Johnson, chairman of the NCEDA Foundation, which funds the annual scholarships. “Scholarships address the growing list of education and training programs we encourage practitioners to pursue.”
Grubb serves as the economic development specialist at the Sampson County Economic Development Commission. She will receive the Dan Stewart Basic Economic Development Scholarship, which covers tuition and other expenses for the Basic Economic Development Class at UNC Chapel Hill.
Sellers, the director of marketing and project management for North Carolina’s Southeast, is the recipient of the 2022 Jack Ervin IEDC Scholarship. The scholarship is covers covers tuition and other expenses for one course offered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Barrington is the executive director of the Sampson County Economic Development Commission. He received the 2022 IEDC Certification Scholarship, which pays up to $825 for exam registration fees associated with the Certified Economic Developer designation.
“These scholarships are a great opportunity, and we encourage our members to apply for them as they consider the training and credentials necessary for longterm career success in economic development,” said Johnson.
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
