The Chamber Buzz

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

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

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

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

"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

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Receives Award for Career and Leadership Development Academy

The Wilmington NC Chamber of Commerce Career and Leadership Development Academy (CLDA) has been awarded the 2024 Association in Leadership Programs (ALP) Excellence in Innovation Award. This prestigious recognition was presented during the ALP National Conference, held August 5-8, 2024, in Providence, Rhode Island.

Mara McJilton

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Announces 2025 Leadership Wilmington Cohort and Award Recipients

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2025 Leadership Wilmington Cohort, featuring diverse professionals committed to community growth and innovation. The program, active for 40 years, immerses participants in community challenges and opportunities, fostering leadership and collaboration. Highlights include the Work on Wilmington service event and alumni awards. Kayla Byrd Richardi was named 2024 Class Member of the Year, and Jason Clamme received the Karl Davis Alumnus of the Year award. The

Megan Mullins

Laura Brogdon-Primavera Selected for U.S. Chamber Foundation Education and Workforce Fellowship Program

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Laura Brogdon-Primavera, VP of Leadership Development at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, as a participant in the tenth cohort of its Business Leads Fellowship Program. This program trains leaders from chambers of commerce, economic development agencies, and trade associations to tackle education and workforce challenges. Laura expressed excitement about collaborating nationally and bringing solutions back to her community. The eight-month program

Megan Mullins

2024 40 Under 40 Awards: Honoring Our Community's Rising Stars

Megan Mullins

FedUp Foods Embarks on New Chapter of Growth, Expanding to Wilmington, NC

FedUp Foods, the largest private label fermented beverage manufacturer in North America, is expanding into Wilmington, NC, marking their third facility on the east coast. This strategic move positions them for significant growth in the industry of fermented functional beverages. Founded in 2008, FedUp Foods has evolved from home-brewing kombucha to pioneering health-conscious beverages like Prebiotic and Probiotic Sodas, Tepache, and Cold Brew Coffee. As a Benefit Corporation, they prioritize environmental

Megan Mullins