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Keeping up with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce!Monday, September 21, 2026
President's Report from September 21, 2026
I am excited to welcome two new team members to the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce: Barbara Stapleton, SVP of Economic & Leadership Development, and David Lee, VP of Small Business Retention & Expansion. Barbara Stapleton brings a wealth of experience and will lead our efforts in economic and leadership development. Her work will focus on strengthening the Chamber’s role in small business growth and developing the leaders and talent businesses need. Through her leadership, we will be able to build
Natalie English
Monday, September 14, 2026President's Report from September 14, 2026
Last week, we hosted our annual Past Chairs luncheon. Once a year, we bring the people who have led this Chamber back to the table, tell them where we are and ask what they see. They bring perspective you cannot get anywhere else. As always, our conversation turned to some of the biggest issues and projects our community has faced over the years. We are facing another one of those decisions with the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement. NCDOT holds public hearings this week in Wilmington and Leland, and
Natalie English
Tuesday, September 8, 2026President's Report from September 8, 2026
The future of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge is entering an important phase, and we encourage you to stay engaged and participate in the public process. The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce continues to support Alternative B: a fixed-span replacement bridge with 135 feet of vertical clearance. We support this option because we believe the bridge we build today needs to serve our region for generations. The existing bridge, opened in 1969, is functionally obsolete and can no longer effectively meet
Natalie English
Wednesday, September 2, 2026Building A Bridge For The Wilmington Region's Future, Not Its History
This is not simply a Wilmington project. It is a regional project affecting New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties, our port, our businesses, our workforce, our residents and our ability to evacuate during hurricanes. NCDOT is accepting public comments through Oct. 15, and I encourage residents, businesses and community members to make their voices heard. Two public hearings will be held: Monday, Sept. 14: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. | Formal hearing at 6 p.m., Cape Fear Community College, Daniels Hall,
Natalie English
Wednesday, September 2, 2026President's Report from August 31, 2026
The Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement project has reached an important milestone. The Federal Highway Administration has approved NCDOT’s Environmental Assessment for public release, beginning the formal public comment period under the National Environmental Policy Act. The assessment evaluates two remaining alternatives: Alternative A, a movable-span bridge with 65 feet of clearance when closed and 135 feet when raised, and Alternative B, a fixed-span bridge providing 135 feet of clearance. The Greater
Natalie English
Monday, June 29, 2026President's Report from June 29, 2026
America at 250: Wilmington's Story, Our Shared Future. As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, we remember a simple truth: America's story is built one community at a time. As the first and longest continually operating chamber of commerce in North Carolina, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce has worked alongside our region's businesses and community leaders for generations to build a stronger economy and a better quality of life for all who call southeastern North Carolina home. Our
Natalie English
Monday, June 8, 2026President's Report from June 8, 2026
Last week we celebrated a significant milestone for our region; the opening of Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center. As southeastern North Carolina continues to experience rapid population growth, access to quality healthcare remains a critical factor in attracting new residents, supporting workforce development, and encouraging business investment. The new medical center helps meet those needs by providing expanded access to emergency, surgical, and specialty care closer to home for residents
Natalie English
Tuesday, May 26, 2026President's Report from May 26, 2026
As transportation funding conversations intensify across North Carolina, the Greater Wilmington Chamber believes our region’s leaders must remain focused, aligned, and prepared to advocate aggressively for the infrastructure investments our growing region needs. That is especially important right now as the Wilmington Urban Area MPO considers removing the Independence Boulevard Extension project from the local STIP at the same time the state may soon see one of the largest transportation funding reshuffles
Natalie English
Monday, May 18, 2026President'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
Monday, May 11, 2026President's Report from May 11, 2026
One theme that has emerged in conversations across our community, both online and in person: Wilmington is no longer the small coastal town it was 25 or 35 years ago. For some residents, that change has brought frustration and concern about growth and congestion. For others, it has created new investment, jobs, and momentum for the future of our region.
Natalie English
