Cape Fear Rural Planning Organization unanimously adopts resolution requesting NCDOT conduct corridor study of I-74 / US-74 corridor in Brunswick, Columbus Counties

NORTHWEST, N.C. – The Cape Fear Rural Planning Organization (RPO) Transportation Advisory Committee (RTAC) unanimously adopted a resolution requesting that the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) conduct a corridor study of the I-74/US-74 corridor in Brunswick and Columbus Counties at its meeting on Friday, July 10. The RTAC has previously adopted resolutions encouraging the construction…

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Former Brunswick County Hospital Building SOLD!

BOLIVIA, N.C. — The sale of the former hospital building off U.S. 17 in Brunswick County is now complete, after the sale officially closed Tuesday, June 30, 2015 and the transfer of funds was completed the morning of Wednesday, July 1, 2015. Centre Development Company II, LLC, purchased the property for $750,000. County staff is…

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Thoughts on Economic Development in Brunswick County

Over the past few days there have been numerous media reports related to issues with changes in Brunswick County’s approach to economic development.  Forgive the length of the comments below, but this is a topic that cannot be effectively condensed into a soundbite or tweet.  Additionally, please note that these are my opinions and may…

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Statement on Economic Development Board Members’ Resignations

LELAND, N.C. — Earlier today, the members of the Brunswick County Economic Development board resigned their positions. Commissioner Frank Williams released the following statement after the EDC board’s announcement: “As I stated last week, I was in agreement that some things need to change regarding our county’s approach to economic development, but that it was…

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Brunswick County Economic Development Board resigns, recommends creation of county department

BOLIVIA, N.C. — The Economic Development Commission and Corporation Board members have resigned their positions and recommended the establishment of a county economic development department to more efficiently promote economic development in Brunswick County. The members of both boards submitted their resignations today, and recommended the creation of a county department to continue efforts to…

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Statement on Jim Bradshaw Retirement

June 25, 2015 Jim Bradshaw, Director of the Brunswick County Economic Development Commission (pictured), today announced his plans to retire effective October 1, 2015. Commissioner Frank Williams issued the following statement following Bradshaw’s announcement: “Jim Bradshaw has worked diligently to put Brunswick County on the map and in the minds of site selection consultants and…

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Comments Regarding Economic Development

Over the past few days there have been several media reports related to possible changes in Brunswick County’s approach to economic development: – Port City Daily – Wilmington Star-News. As outlined in the Star-News’ article, there are some who are ready to completely change our approach to economic development by moving away from our economic…

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Brunswick County fastest growing county in North Carolina, 47th in the nation

Brunswick County is the fastest-growing county in North Carolina, and is the 47th-fastest growing county in the nation, according to figures released from the U.S. Census Bureau Thursday. Brunswick County’s population grew from 112,197 in 2012 to 115,301 in 2013, an increase of 3,104 people and a rate of 2.8 percent. That rate of growth…

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Statement on Regional Branding & Economic Development Activities

Several media outlets have reported recently on joint economic development and branding activities being considered or conducted by the City of Wilmington and New Hanover County. A reporter from one of our local media outlets asked if Brunswick County had an opinion on these initiatives.  We have not discussed these as a board, but I…

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Brunswick County Small Business Advisory Commission hears from the business community at public forum, invites additional comments via email

BOLIVIA, N.C. – The recently-formed Brunswick County Small Business Advisory Commission held a public forum on Tuesday, June 4 for members of the business community to offer insight into ways the county can become a better place to do business.  Approximately 50 people attended the forum, which was held at 101 Stone Chimney Place in…

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