President'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.

Southeastern North Carolina continues to grow at a strong pace, and that growth is being recognized. The Wilmington metro area now ranks among the top 10 in the country for population growth. Major investments are following, including Amazon’s new facility, which is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs and will be the largest of its kind in North Carolina. Wilmington was also recently named one of the best cities in the South by Southern Living, reinforcing what we already know about the strength and appeal of our community and our quality of life.

That momentum is something to be proud of, but it also brings increased responsibility.

Workforce, housing, and infrastructure are not isolated issues. They are connected, and they are regional. Employers are feeling it. Communities are navigating it. Addressing these challenges will require leadership, coordination, and a willingness to make difficult decisions.

That is the role we are stepping into, and it is the standard we must all meet.

Over the past several years, we have made deliberate investments in our team to strengthen our capacity to lead. We have expanded our work and programming to better serve our members and represent the broader business community across southeastern North Carolina.

At the same time, our impact continues to grow through strong partnerships. With support from New Hanover County, the North Carolina General Assembly, and The Endowment, we have scaled workforce development efforts like the Career and Leadership Development Academy, strengthened small business support, and advanced advocacy on the issues that will shape our region’s future.

Returning to “Greater” reflects who we are today. It signals a broader reach, a regional mindset, and a higher standard for impact.

It is also a challenge.

To our business community, continue to lead with excellence. Invest in your people. Set a high standard.

And to those serving in public office, this moment calls for the same. The decisions ahead will not always be easy, but they are necessary. Lead with clarity. Lead with courage. Lead with a commitment to the long-term success of this region.

Because a greater region does not happen by accident. It is built over time by leaders who are willing to raise the bar.