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WilmingtonBiz Talk

Author: Greater Wilmington Business Journal

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WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
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The cover story for the June 17 Greater Wilmington Business Journal issue focuses on training and the workforce pipeline for the area’s manufacturing sector.North Carolina, like many other states, faces a severe shortage of manufacturing workers as companies bring their operations back to the United States. The N.C. Department of Commerce estimates that the state will need nearly 500,000 more manufacturing workers by 2028 – almost 7,500 in the Wilmington area alone.Officials working on that topic join us for today’s BizTalk. We’ll speak with Cape Fear Community College officials on training initiatives as well as local manufacturers about what they’re seeing in the market and how they’re planning for future needs.Jon Barber, General Manager, JCC Outdoor Products Inc.-Wilmington Grill Wilmington-based JCC Outdoor Products makes products for outdoor use out of heavy-duty stainless steel, including fire pits and tables. The company manufactures the Wilmington Grill line, which distributes nationally. Jon Barber’s family purchased the Wilmington Grill brand in 2011.Erin Easton, Workforce Training Coordinator, CFCC In her role at CFCC, Erin Easton implements, markets and coordinates workforce training. She partners with the local community organizations, K-12 schools and businesses to determine needs and viable training. Before this role, Easton spent 12 years in career college administration and worked as the business engagement manager at the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board and formed the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership, a group of area manufacturing executives that started meeting in 2020.James Flock, General Manager, Blair-HSM Jim Flock has lived and worked in the Wilmington area for seven years. He is the general manager of HSM Machine Works, a growing aerospace manufacturer, a member of the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board and the member of the Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
Memorial Day weekend has historically marked the unofficial start of summer tourism season for Southeastern North Carolina.But like many things, the pandemic has changed business as usual.On today’s BizTalk, the head of the area’s tourism efforts talks about what’s changed for the “on-season” and previews what to expect for this summer. Challenges remain from available labor to higher gas prices. What will that mean for the businesses that are prepping for a new wave of travelers?Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the Wilmington and Beaches CVB, joins BizTalk to go over some of those topics as well as other hospitality trends heading into the summer.Kim HufhamPresident & CEO, Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau Kim Hufham heads up the Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she has worked for 30 years. She led the bureau through the pandemic that initially devastated the tourism industry and advocated for the reopening of venues to attract visitors, overseeing three distinct marketing campaigns.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
The developers of a long-discussed mixed-use project in Southport joined BizTalk on May 19 to give an update on their plans.In 2020, Bald Head Island Limited and East West Partners proposed a nearly 400-acre, $565-million development dubbed Project Indigo. Plans call for single-family homes, apartments, townhomes, duplexes and commercial space.It would add onto the existing Indigo Plantation neighborhood and marina in Southport.Earlier this year, the developers submitted a master plan and rezoning request to the city’s planning board, which is slated to meet June 16 to make its recommendation about the project. The board’s recommendation then goes to the city’s board of aldermen to weigh in on the plans, which also call for the city to annex the property that’s currently outside city lines.Meet our Guests:Chad Paul, CEO, Bald Head Island Limited LLC-Mitchell Family Corp Chad Paul leads the entity that is the principal developer and resort operator of Bald Head Island, an island resort that’s 3 miles off the southern coast of Southport. Paul also currently serves as managing partner of Harbor Island Partners LLC, a private equity firm headquartered in Wilmington since 2000.Roger Perry, Founder & President, East West Partners Roger Perry heads up Chapel Hill-based East West Partners, which describes itself as having developed more residential real estate than anyone in North Carolina since its founding in 1983. East West developed River Place in downtown Wilmington.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
The Wilmington region is seeing a growing number of companies significantly expand or move into our area. On June 2, we will talk with local business leaders about how our region is becoming a more fertile place to cultivate companies, future opportunities and their business growth stories.Meet the panel:Carolyn Aubitz, National Talent Acquisition Manager at MegaCorp LogisticsBen Currin, CEO at VantacaNatalie English, President & CEO of Wilmington Chamber of CommerceDanielle Mahon, Founder & President of Topsail SteamerThe Power Breakfast series is a quarterly gathering of the business community and other community leaders to talk about issues of interest to our region. Each breakfast features a panel discussion or individual speaker focusing on topics of interest to local companies.
A federal agency has provisionally awarded the rights to plan two wind farms off Southeastern North Carolina’s coast to two companies that offered $315 million.The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)’s auction happened Wednesday for two lease areas in the Wilmington East Wind Energy Area, totaling nearly 110,100 acres. One lease provisionally sold for $160 million to TotalEnergies Renewables USA, and the other lease went for $155 million to Duke Energy Renewables Wind.If developed, the areas could generate up to 1.3 gigawatts, enough to power half a million homes, according to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.In February, BOEM tentatively awarded six leases at New York Bight, luring the highest offshore lease bids on record, with the companies bidding a combined $4.37 billion for 488,000 acres, or roughly $8,900 an acre.Joining today’s BizTalk to discuss the leases and what happens next is Katharine Kollins, president of the Southeastern Wind Coalition, a nonprofit that advocates for renewable wind energy.Our Guest:Katharine Kollins, Southeastern Wind Coalition President In her current role, Katharine Kollins manages Southeastern Wind Coalition’s programming across 11 states to promote land-based, offshore and imported wind power. She previously worked in finance for Boston-based developer First Wind, consulting with Vestas R&D to formulate a federal grant funding strategy, and a role as business development manager for The Wind Alliance.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
Hurricane season officially starts June 1 (and runs through Nov. 30), and emergency officials are preparing in Southeastern North Carolina.Joining BizTalk today is Anna McRay, assistant emergency management director for New Hanover County. McRay will talk about looking ahead for this year’s season as well as issues area residents and businesses should be thinking about before a major storm arrives.Anna McRay, NHC Assistant Emergency Management Director Anna McRay is responsible for supporting New Hanover County’s emergency management team and is the primary point of contact for training and exercise resources as well as overall plan management for the county. She previously worked with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and served as emergency manager for Henrico County, Virginia, before joining the New Hanover County in 2019.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
New Hanover County recently released a review of the county’s economic development climate. The analysis by Greenfield Development Co. is the first formal look for the county since the Garner report in 2014.To talk about what the review focused on and what county officials took away from it for future goals, Jennifer Rigby, the county’s chief strategy officer, joins today’s BizTalk.Jennifer Rigby, New Hanover County Chief Strategy Officer Jennifer Rigby was promoted to New Hanover County’s chief strategy officer role in June 2020 after serving nearly four years as the county’s policy and strategy coordinator. She began working for New Hanover County in 2013 as senior planner and project manager for the county’s first comprehensive plan.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
Following up on last week’s BizTalk with developers of the proposed Battleship Point project across from downtown Wilmington, two groups weigh in about their thoughts on developing the waterfront property.Kemp Burdette, of Cape Fear River Watch, and Travis Gilbert, of Historic Wilmington Foundation, have raised concerns about the project ranging from questions of environmental impacts to potential damage to the area’s cultural, historical and archeological legacy.While planners and elected officials from both Leland and New Hanover County sort out who will take up the property – an attempt to ask Leland to annex the land is on pause, developers said on last week’s BizTalk – more discussions are expected about the future for the river’s west bank.Panel: Kemp Burdette, Riverkeeper, Cape Fear River Watch Travis Gilbert, Executive Director, Historic Wilmington Foundation WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
This year, residents and officials have been focusing on the future of former industrial land along the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers.On Point Peter, a jut of land across from downtown Wilmington, the partners in KJF Development Group hope to build tall towers with condos, apartments and commercial space, aiming to create an iconic project called Battleship Point. Their plans have met with opposition by some who fear environmental and cultural impacts.Meanwhile, KFJ is pursuing a possible annexation by the town of Leland.On Thursday’s BizTalk, KFJ partners James Lea III and Kirk Pugh discuss the status of the project and address some of the questions and concerns they’ve been hearing over the past several months.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
On today’s BizTalk, we’re talking about the latest issues around cybersecurity, particularly what businesses should be weighing.The Biden Administration warned of the potential for cyberattacks from Russia because of the escalation of attacks in Ukraine.Joining us today are two cybersecurity experts – Ulku Clark, professor and director of UNCW’s Center for Cyber Defense Education, and Geoff Stoker, assistant professor who teaches on cybersecurity.Jeremy Tomlin, owner of Enfuse Technology Solutions, also joins us to talk about what small-and mid-size businesses should be doing to protect themselves from cybersecurity threats.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
WilmingtonBiz Talk with Mayor Bill Saffo on Wilmington's growthWilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
On today’s BizTalk, we check on the latest buzz from Wilmington’s restaurant scene.Joining us are Terry Espy, president of MoMentum Companies who has worked with a number of restaurateurs to open locally, and Daniel Hlusak, corporate chef of Floriana.They’ll talk about the latest addition to the restaurant scene, the continued recovery with pandemic for chefs and owners, updates on supply chain and employees and other areas the industry is watching.Our guests:Terry Espy, MoMentum Companies PresidentDaniel Hlusak, Floriana Corporate ChefWilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.Never miss an episode by subscribing to WilmingtonBiz Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and more.
Our region has new leaders at several of our most important institutions, including the New Hanover Community Endowment, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Wilmington International Airport. At this Power Breakfast, we get to know each of these leaders and learn about their organization’s goals, timelines and roles in the future of our community.Panelists:Jeff Bourk, Director of Wilmington International AirportWilliam Buster, CEO & President of the New Hanover Community EndowmentShelbourn Stevens, President of Novant Health NHRMC and the Coastal MarketThe Power Breakfast series is a quarterly gathering of the business community and other community leaders to talk about issues of interest to our region. Each breakfast features a panel discussion or individual speaker focusing on topics of interest to local companies.
Sports tourism brings thousands of visitors to the Wilmington area each year for races and tournaments that require hotel stays and more spending.A big example: The 12th annual Novant Health Wilmington Marathon weekend, which takes place Feb. 24-26. The event will bring more than 3,500 runners and features a full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, downtown 5K and a kid’s 1-mile run.On today’s WilmingtonBiz Talk, two local voices who watch the sports tourism industry join us to discuss the marathon and the topic: Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Tom Clifford, event director for the marathon weekend.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
Last month, the city of Wilmington joined New Hanover County in creating a position to look at equity efforts within their government operations and services to the community.Joe Conway started Jan. 18 as the city’s first chief equity and inclusion officer, coming from NHRMC where he had served as the hospital’s director of health equity and human experience.In August 2020, Linda Thompson became the county’s chief diversity and equity officer.Both join today’s BizTalk to share updates on their programs and goals in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion for the local governments.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
Monday, January 31 marked one year since Novant Health’s purchase of New Hanover Regional Medical Center officially closed.The nearly $2 billion purchase – as well as additional commitments for future capital investments and an agreement with UNC’s medical program at NHRMC – set Novant, a Winston-Salem-based, not-for-profit health system, up to significantly expand its presence in Southeastern North Carolina.On the heels of the one-year mark, two of the top local officials will be on Thursday’s weekly BizTalk to go over what’s changed in the past year, what hasn’t and what’s coming next.The Panel:Shelbourn Stevens, President of Novant Health's coastal region and Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical CenterLaurie Whalin, President & COO of Novant Health Brunswick Medical CenterWilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
On today’s BizTalk we’re in good spirits. We’re talking with Shane Faulkner, co-owner of End of Days Distillery, about the growth of their operation and the industry in the state.End of Days, maker of gin, vodka and rum, is based in the Cargo District neighborhood and opened its Castle Street distillery in early 2020.Shane Faulkner, Co-Owner, End of Days DistilleryShane and Beth Faulkner founded End of Days Distillery in a 4,800-square-foot distillery with a cocktail bar, lounge, tasting room and event space is housed in a WWII-era Quonset hut on Castle Street. Its Port of Entry Series has been recognized in the SIP International Spirits Competition.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
On today’s BizTalk we’ll have a special double discussion about the latest spike in COVID cases.First up is an update from health officials. Infectious disease physician Paul Kamitsuka and county public health assistant director Carla Turner share the latest numbers locally, whether omicron is showing signs of peaking, testing supplies and other issues.With the variant impacting school classrooms and child-care settings, we also have a special guest from WILMA, the Business Journal’s sister publication, to discuss the continued concerns – and possible coping tips – for working parents. Audrey Goodson Kingo, former editor in chief of WorkingMother.com, spearheaded the brand’s book, The Working Mother Ultimate Guide to Working from Home.The Panel:Dr. Paul Kamitsuka, Wilmington Health Infectious Disease Physician Carla Turner, NHC Assistant Health Director Audrey Goodson Kingo, Former Editor, WorkingMother.com WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.Never miss an episode by subscribing to WilmingtonBiz Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and more.
Transformational projects led by New Hanover County are expected to make progress this year, including Project Grace, The Healing Place and the redevelopment of the county government complex.Project Grace refers to the redevelopment of a county-owned downtown block to include a new main branch of the county’s public library and a new Cape Fear Museum. The mixed-use development, which is still in design phases, is a public-private partnership between the county and Wilmington-based Zimmer Development Co.Construction for The Healing Place, a peer-led residential drug and alcohol recovery facility on Medical Center Drive, began in early 2021.Another public-private partnership, the transformation of the county government complex to include new county facilities and private development, is also currently underway with GHK Cape Fear Development.Joining WilmingtonBiz Talk are County Manager Chris Coudriet and Sara Warmuth, the county’s chief facilities officer, to discuss the status of the planned structures and those under construction.The panel:Chris Coudriet, New Hanover County ManagerChris Coudriet serves as chief administrator of the county government and maintains responsibility for administering all departments under the general control of the five-member board of commissioners. He has been county manager since 2012.Sara Warmuth, New Hanover County Chief Facilities OfficerSara Warmuth is New Hanover County’s chief facilities officer and has served with the county since July 2018. She oversees the county’s fleet management, custodial work, maintenance of all county buildings and management of the county’s construction and renovation projects.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
In a special BizTalk hear from the New Hanover Community Endowment’s newly named president and CEO.Endowment officials named William Buster as head of the more than $1.2 billion fund created from the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health.Buster, who comes to Wilmington after serving as senior vice president of impact with Asheville-based Dogwood Health Trust, will help get New Hanover County's new endowment program and community grants process going. He starts in the new role March 1.Joining Buster is the endowment’s board chair Spence Broadhurst and vice chair Hannah Dawson Gage to talk about the next steps for the fund.William Buster, New Hanover Community Endowment President and CEOWilliam Buster starts as the New Hanover Community Endowment president and CEO on March 1. He is senior vice president of impact with Asheville’s Dogwood Health Trust, which was formed in 2018 after HCA Healthcare bought the nonprofit Mission Health System there. Buster earned a bachelor’s degree from N.C. Agricultural & Technical University and master’s degree in policy and practice of development from the University of New Hampshire as well as an executive education certificate in mastering negotiation from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.Spence Broadhurst, New Hanover Community Endowment Board ChairSpence Broadhurst, president of the Eastern North Carolina region for First National Bank, served as co-chair of the Partnership Advisory Group assembled to work through the process of evaluating NHRMC’s future and ultimately negotiating to sell the system to Novant. A former mayor of Wilmington (2003- 06), he also previously served as N.C. Banking Commission commissioner.Hannah Dawson Gage, New Hanover Community Endowment Board Vice ChairHannah Dawson Gage also served on the Partnership Advisory Group. Gage, a retired media executive and former owner of Cape Fear Broadcasting, served on the UNC Board of Governors for 16 years including as chair. She also has served as chair of the UNCW Board of Trustees.WilmingtonBiz Talk is a weekly interview program on Facebook Live, which is rebroadcast on YouTube and numerous podcasting platforms. The Business Journal newsroom selects guests based on current events so our community can hear directly from newsmakers.
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