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Keeping up with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce!Monday, May 11, 2026
President'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
Friday, May 8, 2026Greater Wilmington Chamber Executive Committee Adopts Resolution Supporting Proposed UNCW Medical School
The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee adopted a resolution on May 8, 2026, formally supporting the proposed Doctor of Medicine program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The Chamber believes the medical school would strengthen southeastern North Carolina’s healthcare workforce pipeline, improve access to care, and support long-term economic growth and regional competitiveness. The resolution highlights growing healthcare demands, North Carolina’s physician shortage, and
Megan Mullins
Tuesday, May 5, 2026Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Announces Departure of Josh Hallingse
The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce announced that Josh Hallingse will depart on May 29, 2026, after serving as Vice President of Small Business Development and Business Retention since 2021. As the founding leader of the program, he helped strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, connecting hundreds of small businesses and expanding support for companies with fewer than 25 employees. Hallingse led key initiatives, chaired the Wilmington Small Business Coalition, and earned statewide
Megan Mullins
Monday, May 4, 2026President's Report from May 4, 2026
I want to applaud the Cape Fear Development team on their grand opening of Proximity Watermark last week. I sincerely wish I could have been there to see the sophisticated waterfront living they have created. This project added much-needed housing, activates a unique waterfront setting, and reinforces the kind of thoughtful, connected development our community needs. Among your chamber’s top priorities is advancing meaningful solutions around housing accessibility. As our region continues to grow, the
Natalie English
Monday, April 27, 2026President'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
