• Business Advocacy

    The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice for business in southeastern North Carolina, advocating for a strong, business-friendly environment at the local, state, and federal levels.
    Monday, May 18, 2026
    President's Report from May 18, 2026

    Last week, Megan Mullins and I had the opportunity to attend the Economic Development Summit in Washington, D.C., hosted by U.S. Senator Thom Tillis and Congressman Richard Hudson. The annual gathering brought together leaders from across North Carolina’s business, education, government, and economic development communities to discuss issues shaping our state’s future competitiveness.

    Natalie English

    Friday, May 8, 2026
    Greater Wilmington Chamber Executive Committee Adopts Resolution Supporting Proposed UNCW Medical School

    The Executive Committee of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously on May 8, 2026, to adopt a formal resolution supporting the proposed Doctor of Medicine program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

    Megan Mullins

    Sunday, March 15, 2026
    President's Report from March 17, 2026

    Transportation and infrastructure continue to be central to the Wilmington region’s growth and quality of life, and the Greater Wilmington Chamber remains actively engaged in several important conversations shaping our future.

    Natalie English

    Monday, March 2, 2026
    President's Report from March 2, 2026

    Last week, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, through its Division of Coastal Management, issued an objection to the Wilmington Harbor Section 403 Navigation Improvement Project. This project would deepen the federal navigation channel from 42 to 47 feet. Because this decision comes from a state regulatory agency and carries significant implications for our region, I want to provide context on why the Greater Wilmington Chamber has been engaged and why this matters to the broader

    Natalie English

    Monday, December 1, 2025
    President's Report for December 1, 2025

    Future-proofing our regional economy requires steady leadership, clear priorities, and a willingness to stay focused on long-term value. Two decisions now in front of our community, including the proposed deepening of the Cape Fear River and the New Hanover County Schools 2026 bond request will influence our competitiveness, workforce strength, and economic momentum for years to come.

    Natalie English

    Monday, November 3, 2025
    Affordable Health Coverage Now Available for Small Businesses Through Wilmington Chamber Membership

    Small businesses across southeastern North Carolina now have access to a new, more affordable health insurance option through the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s partnership with the NC Chamber and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). Carolina HealthWorks, recently approved by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, is a multiple employer welfare arrangement (MEWA) designed to help small businesses join together to purchase health coverage at rates typically reserved for larger

    Mara McJilton

    Thursday, July 25, 2024
    My Post

    Infrastructure investments are the cornerstone of a competitive community. CNBC recently ranked infrastructure as the number one consideration in the Best States for Business Rankings, surpassing even workforce. Our competitor communities, such as Charleston with its 575-foot Ravenel Bridge and Savannah with its plans to elevate the Talmadge Memorial Bridge, understand the importance of forward-thinking infrastructure. We must continue to attract people and jobs by ensuring our own infrastructure keeps

    Natalie English

    Thursday, December 14, 2023
    Bridging Futures: The Case for Toll Funding in Wilmington’s Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Revamp

    In late January, the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization will stand at a crossroads, tasked with taking the next step that will define a generation - the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Amidst heated debates, there’s a clear, uncomplicated solution that awaits our collective understanding. Recently, the NCDOT presented findings from a comprehensive revenue study on the bridge's replacement. This study meticulously analyzed funding avenues, primarily tolls, predicting revenue

    Natalie English