• The Chamber Buzz

    Keeping up with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce!
    Tuesday, December 2, 2025
    Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce hires Chief Revenue Officer and new Executive Assistant & Office Manager

    The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce two new staff members: Chris Hardy, Chief Revenue Officer, and Karen Cosentino, Executive Assistant & Office Manager.

    Mara McJilton

    Tuesday, December 2, 2025
    President's Report for December 1, 2025

    Strong ports and modern schools are essential to Wilmington’s future. Strategic investments today protect our competitiveness and long-term economic health.

    Natalie English

    Monday, November 24, 2025
    Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce endorses $320M bond request from New Hanover County Schools

    The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted today to formally endorse the New Hanover County Schools (NHCS) Board of Education request for a $320 million school bond to be placed on the November 2026 ballot. “Modern, safe, and well-equipped schools are fundamental to economic growth, workforce development, and quality of life,” said Jim Hundley, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board Chair. “Education and healthcare are two of the most important economic drivers in our

    Mara McJilton

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

    Small businesses in southeastern North Carolina now have access to affordable health insurance through Carolina HealthWorks, a new program from the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, NC Chamber, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Recently approved by the NC Department of Insurance, this MEWA allows businesses with 2–50 employees to access large-employer health plan rates. Administered by Blue Cross NC and supported by Consoliplex, the initiative helps employers offer quality coverage while reducing

    Megan Mullins

    Wednesday, October 8, 2025
    Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Minority Business Owners with Business Excellence Awards during Cape Fear MED Week

    Each year during Cape Fear Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce recognizes three outstanding businesses: African American, Latin American, and Women Business Owners, for their remarkable contributions to our community.

    Mara McJilton

    Thursday, June 12, 2025
    Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 40 Under 40 Honorees

    The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under 40 Awards recognize outstanding young professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and community service within Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties. Now in its seventh year, the program highlights individuals who are making significant contributions to their organizations and the broader community.

    Mara McJilton

    Monday, May 19, 2025
    Wilmington Chamber Advocates for Clean Energy and Advanced Manufacturing on Capitol Hill

    ​The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce was proud to participate in the inaugural D.C. fly-in event hosted by Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy last week. Through our partnership with Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy—representing over 1,300 chambers nationwide—we engaged with nearly a dozen members of Congress to highlight key policy priorities.

    Mara McJilton

    Monday, November 18, 2024
    NC Health Talent Alliance Data Release

    The NC Health Talent Alliance released new analysis of health workforce supply and demand data for key health care jobs in North Carolina. The findings measure shortages and identify strategies to better meet statewide and regional needs for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and CMAs. The NC Health Talent Alliance was launched in 2023 by the NC Center on the Workforce for Health and NC Chamber Foundation to drive a regionally-relevant partnership with NC AHEC regions. The regional data reports are being used by

    Mara McJilton

    Thursday, September 19, 2024
    Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Foundation Secures $200,000 Grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation to Boost Healthcare Workforce

    The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly announces a $200,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation to advance the Regional Healthcare Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) initiative. This critical funding will enable a robust expansion of the regional healthcare employer collaborative, with the aim of strengthening the local healthcare talent pipeline. Over the next two years, the initiative will leverage data-driven insights to focus workforce investments and

    Mara McJilton

    Thursday, September 5, 2024
    "Keeping North Carolina Mobile: Providing a Modern, Reliable and Sustainable Transportation System in the Tar Heel State" - A TRIP Report

    Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Natalie English, took part in a virtual press conference to discuss the September 2024 TRIP Report "Keeping North Carolina Mobile: Providing a Modern, Reliable and Sustainable Transportation System in the Tar Heel State." The report details road and bridge conditions throughout the state, how inflation is impacting highway construction costs, as well as funding secured to help with improvements. "Ensuring that infrastructure is sustainable and resilient

    Mara McJilton