NCEDA Foundation

At the NCEDA Foundation, we’re dedicated to empowering the next generation of economic developers. As NCEDA member Rachel Brumfield put it: “I strongly believe in the Foundation's mission to support emerging economic developers through scholarships for professional growth and future developers through student fellowships. These initiatives are crucial for nurturing a thriving talent pipeline in economic development.” By providing scholarships and fellowships, we're building a stronger, more connected future for economic development in North Carolina and beyond. Want to be part of this mission? Learn how you can support or benefit from our programs here: https://lnkd.in/e-DGipDb #NCEDAFoundation #EconomicDevelopment

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, bid, and supported the NCEDA Foundation’s Silent Auction! Because of your generosity, we raised over $12,000! These proceeds will benefit professional development scholarships for economic developers, awareness & training programs, and research programs - investing in the future of our state’s economic development. Your support makes a lasting impact, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you! #NCEDAFoundation

The NCEDA Foundation is proud to support the next generation of economic developers through our scholarship programs. This spring, we are awarding multiple scholarships that help professionals and students across North Carolina grow in their careers. Congratulations to our recipients! ?????? ?????????????? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????? ???????????? ?????????????????????? This scholarship covers tuition and all expenses for the one-week Basic Economic Development Course at UNC Chapel Hill. Our six recipients: Catrina Alexander – Surry County Economic Development Partnership Trey Blackwood, MPA – Greater Winston-Salem Inc. Tyler Garner – Town of Holly Springs Economic Development Patrick Lucitt – UNC Charlotte Ryan Shaffer – Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission Stephanie Velazquez – County of Granville ?????????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????????????????? Covers tuition and expenses for a course in the North Carolina Certified Economic Developer program at ECU. Our five recipients: Alyssa Blair Zimmerman – Franklin County Economic Development Tiffany Henry – Jackson County Economic Development Francisco Martinez – Wilkes Economic Development Corporation Jack Nelms – EDPNC Brittany Tschida – Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation ???????? ?????????????????????????? ?????????????????????? Pays for exam registration fees for the Certified Economic Developer designation. Congratulations to: James Carter – City of Charlotte ???????? ?????????? ???????? ?????????????????????? Provides funding for EDI at Oklahoma University or an IEDC course. Our three recipients: Jason Cannon – Wake Forest Business & Industry Partnership Emily Crowley Martin, MPA – Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development Ashley Nowell – Town of Waxhaw ?????? ???????? ????????! ?????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? This year, we introduced new scholarships to support student members! ?????????????? ???????????? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????????????????????? ???????????? ?????????????????????? Hunter Clark – Appalachian State University Victor Ihuka – East Carolina University Jazmyn Joyner – NC Central University Betsy Norwood, MPP – UNC Chapel Hill ?????????????? ???????????? ?????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ?????????????????????? Kathleen Sullivan – UNC Chapel Hill These scholarships reflect NCEDA Foundation’s commitment to fostering talent and supporting economic developers at every stage of their careers. Please join us in congratulating all of our recipients! #NCEDA #EconomicDevelopment

The North Carolina Economic Development Association Foundation Silent Auction is live! Now in its third year, the silent auction runs through Tuesday, March 4, at 11:30 AM and is being held in conjunction with the 2025 NCEDA Spring Conference in Pinehurst (March 2-4). However, you do not have to attend the conference, or even be an NCEDA member, to participate! This auction is a great way to support the NCEDA Foundation, which funds professional development scholarships, awareness & training programs, and economic development research initiatives. Every bid helps strengthen the future of economic development in North Carolina! How to Get Involved: Register & Bid – Browse the auction website, sign up, and start bidding. You can also use the Handbid App to track and place bids. Download the app on Apple or Google Play. Spread the Word – Help expand the bidding pool by sharing the auction link with your family, friends, and colleagues. Anyone can participate! Donate – If bidding isn’t for you, consider making a direct contribution to the NCEDA Foundation. Auction Highlights: Hotel Stays: Grandover Resort, Hotel Ballast, O. Henry Hotel, Proximity Hotel, and more. Sports Packages: Carolina Hurricanes, NASCAR, Charlotte FC, and premium event tickets. Golf Getaways: Mimosa Hills, Tobacco Road, and other top golf destinations. Exclusive Items: Blanton’s Bourbon, luxury gift baskets, a Yeti Cooler, and more. This is a great opportunity to win high-value experiences and items while supporting a meaningful cause. Scan the QR code or visit the site here: https://lnkd.in/eUvhS92H

The NCEDA Foundation Silent Auction is officially live! Now in its third year, the silent auction runs through Tuesday, March 4, at 11:30 AM and is being held in conjunction with the 2025 NCEDA Spring Conference in Pinehurst (March 2-4). However, you do not have to attend the conference, or even be an NCEDA member, to participate! This auction is a great way to support the NCEDA Foundation, which funds professional development scholarships, awareness & training programs, and economic development research initiatives. Every bid helps strengthen the future of economic development in North Carolina! How to Get Involved: Register & Bid – Browse the auction website, sign up, and start bidding. You can also use the Handbid App to track and place bids. Download the app on Apple or Google Play. Spread the Word – Help expand the bidding pool by sharing the auction link with your family, friends, and colleagues. Anyone can participate! Donate – If bidding isn’t for you, consider making a direct contribution to the NCEDA Foundation. Auction Highlights: Hotel Stays: Grandover Resort, Hotel Ballast, O. Henry Hotel, Proximity Hotel, and more. Sports Packages: Carolina Hurricanes, NASCAR, Charlotte FC, and premium event tickets. Golf Getaways: Mimosa Hills, Tobacco Road, and other top golf destinations. Exclusive Items: Blanton’s Bourbon, luxury gift baskets, a Yeti Cooler, and more. This is a great opportunity to win high-value experiences and items while supporting a meaningful cause. Visit the auction site today (link below) to place your bids!

We are deeply grateful for the generosity our NCEDA Foundation donors have shown in previous years! Your support has made a meaningful impact by providing scholarships and professional development opportunities that empower economic developers across North Carolina. ? A special thank you to: Dominion Energy, ElectriCities of NC, Truist, Dogwood Health Trust, North Carolina Economic Development Association, Duke Energy Corporation, Labcorp, North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives, TowneBank, United Federal Credit Union, First Citizens Bank, The Stump Corporation, Convergent Non-Profit Solutions, ECS, Patricia Mitchell, CEcD, Creative Economic Development Consulting, LLC, First National Bank, Greenville Utilities Commission, Joe Hines, PE, MBA / Timmons Group, The Overton Group, & Ernie Pearson. ? Because of your past generosity, we have been able to strengthen the future of economic development and our communities. Thank you for your support! #NCEDAFoundation #EconomicDevelopment

The NCEDA Foundation is committed to supporting the future of economic development in North Carolina. Through our scholarship program, we empower NCEDA members by providing financial assistance to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and strengthen our state’s economy. ? By investing in professional development, we help economic developers gain the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to drive growth in their communities. Whether it’s attending conferences, pursuing specialized training, or furthering education, our scholarships empower members to stay at the forefront of economic development! ? At NCEDA, we believe that when economic developers thrive, North Carolina thrives! That’s why we’re dedicated to providing opportunities that fuel success and create a lasting impact across the state. ? Learn more here:?https://lnkd.in/eq3dxytE

The NCEDA Foundation is gearing up for its 3rd Annual?Silent?Auction?at the 2025 NCEDA Spring Conference, March 2-4 in Pinehurst. We’re calling on you to help make this event a success by donating?auction?items! So far, contributions include hotel stays in Asheville, Greensboro, and Wilmington, Coca-Cola 600 tickets, a signed Carolina Panthers football, golf packages, gift baskets, and more! All proceeds support professional development scholarships for economic developers, along with awareness, training, and research programs. The deadline to submit items is THIS FRIDAY, February 21. Donate today by filling out the form here: https://lnkd.in/e6agkTiN For more details, contact Torsha Eubanks at [email protected].

The NCEDA Foundation?is proud to have supported?the?second annual Economic Development Career Trek, hosted?last month, provided college students from across North Carolina with an immersive, one-day experience exploring careers in economic development. Designed to connect students with industry leaders, the event featured engaging discussions, breakout sessions, and a site visit, offering valuable insights into the diverse career paths within the field! ? Students heard from top professionals, including economic development directors, state officials, and corporate leaders, who shared their expertise on how economic development shapes North Carolina’s communities and economy. The event also included career path breakout sessions spanning various sectors, from local government and workforce development to consulting and business recruitment. ? The Career Trek reflects NCEDA’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of economic development professionals. Through initiatives like this, the NCEDA Foundation continues to support workforce development, professional growth, and education in the field, ensuring a strong talent pipeline for North Carolina’s future. #NCEDAFoundation #EconomicDevelopment

The NCEDA Foundation is gearing up for its 3rd Annual?Silent?Auction?at the 2025 NCEDA Spring Conference, March 2-4 in Pinehurst. We’re calling on you to help make this event a success by donating?auction?items. So far, generous contributions include hotel stays in Asheville, Greensboro, and Wilmington, Coca-Cola 600 tickets, a signed Carolina Panthers football, golf packages, gift baskets, and more. All proceeds support professional development scholarships for economic developers, along with awareness, training, and research programs. The deadline to submit items is Friday, February 21. Donate today by filling out the form here:?https://lnkd.in/e6agkTiN For more details, contact Torsha Eubanks at [email protected]. Let’s make an impact together!