Natalie Hawkins, President of the Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP), was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA). Natalie will serve a three-year term on the board.
With over 900 members, NCEDA and its members lead efforts to promote North Carolina as an ideal destination for business investment, recruit new investments to the state and support the growth of existing businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.
NCEDA supports its members through a broad range of professional education and training, association networking opportunities and advocacy of their interests through collaboration with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Commerce and state legislators.
“I am honored the nominating committee of past NCEDA presidents selected me to represent my profession on the board,” said Hawkins in a press release. “I look forward to serving and giving back to an association that has benefited me and my organization in so many ways since I joined MCEDP in 2021.”
Members of NCEDA include professional economic developers at the local, regional, and state levels, as well as professionals in allied fields, such as architects, commercial real estate developers, utility company representatives and academics.
“NCEDA members play a vital role in ensuring a strong and healthy state economy. Supporting the association’s efforts to increase the knowledge of members across the state and advocate for legislation that supports local economic developers is critical to our future success. I am excited to take on this leadership role and am grateful for the confidence instilled in me by my peers,” Hawkins continued in a press release.
This is the first year of the Veteran Business Expo, and it grew out of Fayetteville PWC’s Economic Impact Program, which focuses on expanding access and opportunity in public-sector contracting while strengthening the local economy. It builds off th
Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle
Big T’s has been a local favorite of Hope Mills since 2000 when Timmy (Big T) and Donna Gray first opened right on Hope Mills Lake. It is a seasonal restaurant, so many of Big T’s loyal customers were happy to hear they would now be open year-round, seven days a week.
