President's Report for December 8, 2025

The Wilmington Chamber’s 159th Annual Meeting is roughly two months away, and we are pleased to share a major announcement with our members, investors, and regional partners. This year, the Chamber will honor James “Chip” Mahan III, Chairman and CEO of Live Oak Bancshares with our Lifetime Achievement in Business Award.

Chip’s influence on Wilmington’s recent economic trajectory cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, Live Oak Bank has grown into one of the nation’s most innovative financial institutions, creating more than 1,000 high-quality jobs in our region and creating new career pathways for many promising UNCW students. His vision also catalyzed the founding and rapid expansion of nCino, which has generated another 1,000 local jobs and helped establish Wilmington as a nationally recognized fintech hub. Dozens of additional startups have emerged from this ecosystem, strengthening our entrepreneurial landscape and positioning our community for sustained growth.

This recognition comes at a time when Wilmington continues to earn national attention. Most recently, Wilmington ranked #1 among the Top 20 Emerging U.S. Cities with Growing Job Opportunities. While our city may maintain a coastal, small-town feel, the data tells a compelling story: household income has risen more than 50% in the past five years, and our region ranked third in the nation for employment growth. A nearly 25% expansion in commercial space is underway, and Wilmington leads the ranking in entertainment and cultural amenities per capita. Combined with a cost of living that remains below the national average, our region is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for young talent.

Against this backdrop of momentum, our Annual Meeting will celebrate outgoing Board Chair Jim Hundley Jr., welcome incoming Chair Nicolas Montoya, and feature a keynote presentation on customer excellence from Dee Ann Turner, a 33-year veteran of Chick-Fil-A. We hope you’ll join us as we honor Chip Mahan and look ahead to a bright 2026.