More News

Local economic development CEO honored

By Staff Report, posted 11 months ago

The president and CEO of the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, Robert Van Geons, is the winner of the inaugural Innovation of the Year Award from the North Carolina Economic Development Association. 

Van Geons received the award during the Association’s annual conference in Wrightsville Beach. 

“This recognition is a credit to the consistent support we receive from the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County,” Van Geons said. “Envisioned by State Senator Kirk deViere, championed by past FCEDC Chairman Jack Rostetter, and seeded with funds secured by State Representative John Szoka, this success is due to their efforts and the work of so many others.”

At the conference, Van Geons was recognized for his work of bridging the digital divide in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, and advancing the goal for affordable access to digital infrastructure for residents. 

“Cumberland County is unique among North Carolina communities, and Robert Van Geons’ creative leadership has made a measurable difference in embracing workforce and infrastructure development opportunities that emerge from that uniqueness,” said Ryan Nance, Co-Chairman of NCEDA’s Professional Development Committee. “His pioneering approach to problem-solving during the difficult period of the pandemic was an inspiration to economic development practitioners across the state.”

Van Geons and the FCEDC helped in the arrival of Segra and Metronent and have worked closely with several local organizations such as the Fayetteville Public Works Commission. 

Aside from the FCEDC, Van Geons is involved in multiple professional organizations for innovation and enhanced technology including IEEE and Consumer Technology Association.

Van Geons currently serves on the North Carolina Technology Association’s Board of Advisors. 

“Our team at FCEDC is committed to building a dynamic and business-friendly community, leveraging next-generation technologies and a uniquely skilled workforce,” Van Geons said. “We are fortunate to benefit from a strong and productive relationship with our city and county officials, who also believe that our community can be a leading center for applied innovation.”

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
tom-keith-associates-inc alex-keith headshott

Fayetteville Apartment Rental Data Reflects Need for More Multi-Family Developments

Alex Keith - Certified General Real Estate Appraiser and Property Manager, Tom Keith & Associates, Inc.
holmes-security-systems luke-wheeler headshott

Why you should have a Commercial Security System

Luke Wheeler - Vice President, Holmes Security Systems
systel-business-equipment madison-howard headshott

5 Ways Document Management Solutions Can Improve Your Business Operations

Madison Howard - Marketing Team Leader, Systel Business Equipment

In The Current Issue

Summer in the gardens: Taking a look at the current and future displays and events as the Cape Fear Botanical Garden kicks off the summer season

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDENCFBG is connecting local history and agriculture with NASCAR with their Horticulture, Hooch & Outlaws in Fast Cars exhibiton display until August 20.New activities, events and day trips are coming up fo


The Cozy Heron: Lillington "glamping" experience allows for a comfortable yet unforgettable time in the great outdoors

Each individual wagon is eight and a half feet tall, twenty-five feet long, and contains one hundred and eighty squarefeet of space to relax in - Photo provided by Cape Fear River AdventuresSummer is approaching rapidly in North Carolina, and we all


C&S Ice: Family owned mobile food stand brings a northern frozen treat to beat the southern heat

Carla (left) and Sean Stansberry, (right)are the team behind C&S Ice, workingtogether to make all of their food byhand and with care - Photos provided by GFBJC&S has loyal fans of all ages who travel to meet them at their location for the day