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Keeping up with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce!Tuesday, April 28, 2026
President's Report from April 27, 2026
Last week, the Greater Wilmington Chamber led nearly 60 business and community leaders on its 2026 Intercity Visit to Asheville, gaining insights to strengthen Wilmington’s growth. The trip began with an update on Wilmington International Airport’s expansion, highlighting investments that will support long-term regional connectivity. In Asheville, leaders emphasized recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene and reinforced that the region is open for business. Key takeaways included the value of
Natalie English
Monday, April 20, 2026President's Report from April 20, 2026
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved moving forward with a $320.5 million school bond for the November ballot, following support from the Board of Education. If approved, the bond will fund key projects including a new Trask Middle School, improvements at New Hanover High School, and replacement of Pine Valley Elementary. The estimated tax impact is 1.75 cents per $100 of property value, pending final approval. While not a complete solution, this is an important step forward.
Natalie English
Monday, April 13, 2026President's Report from April 13, 2026
Each year, the Chamber ensures Wilmington’s business community is represented in key policy discussions. This May, two advocacy opportunities will amplify that voice. Registration is closing for the May 13–14 Washington, D.C. Fly-In, where business leaders will engage directly with members of Congress, federal agencies, and policy experts on priorities like infrastructure, workforce, and competitiveness. The week prior, on May 6, Advocacy Day in Raleigh will connect members with state legislators and
Natalie English
Monday, April 6, 2026President's Report from April 6, 2026
The Azalea Festival spotlights Wilmington’s vibrant business community, driving tourism, supporting small businesses, boosting visibility, and reinforcing our region’s reputation as a dynamic, welcoming destination.
Natalie English
Monday, March 30, 2026President's Report from March 30, 2026
This week, you will begin to see an update to our logo as we reintroduce the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce name more formally to our community. Legally, we have always been the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Somewhere along the way, we dropped the word “Greater.” I am not sure exactly when that happened, but I do know this. Over the past several years, I believe we have grown back into it. This is not a cosmetic change. It reflects the scope of our work and the direction of our region.
Natalie English
Monday, March 23, 2026President's Report from March 23, 2026
Last week, the Greater Wilmington Chamber partnered with New Hanover County Schools for a “Principal for a Day” experience, offering our business leaders a meaningful, firsthand look inside our public schools. Every school in the district participated, pairing a principal with a member of our business community. What stood out most was the level of leadership happening in real time. Principals are not behind desks. They are in classrooms, in hallways, supporting teachers, engaging with students, and
Natalie English
Tuesday, March 17, 2026President's Report from March 17, 2026
Transportation remains a top advocacy priority for the Greater Wilmington Chamber as we work to ensure our region’s needs are represented in critical infrastructure decisions. We are engaged in ILM’s noise study to support continued airport growth, participated in NCDOT’s freight planning process to advocate for our logistics economy, and are monitoring Wrightsville Beach bridge replacement efforts. We will continue championing investments that strengthen mobility, supply chains and economic growth, and
Natalie English
Monday, March 9, 2026President's Report from March 9, 2026
Wilmington’s newly seated City Council has begun its term by addressing one of the community’s most pressing challenges: housing supply and affordability. The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by early policy actions, including zoning changes that allow duplex housing on smaller lots and the creation of a Housing Affordability Advisory Committee with representation from housing professionals and residents. Council also unanimously adopted a 2026 legislative agenda supporting policies that
Natalie English
Monday, March 9, 2026President's Report from March 2, 2026
North Carolina’s Division of Coastal Management has objected to the Wilmington Harbor deepening project, which would expand the channel from 42 to 47 feet. The Chamber supports continued collaboration to address concerns, emphasizing that the Port of Wilmington is a critical statewide economic asset supporting jobs, supply chains, and long-term economic competitiveness.
Natalie English
Monday, February 23, 2026President's Report from February 23, 2026
Wilmington’s economy continues to gain momentum, with rapid tech sector growth and national recognition as one of the South’s Best Metros for Tech. As our region grows, thoughtful planning, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and housing solutions remain essential to maintaining quality of life and sustaining a strong, competitive business environment.
Natalie English
