Looking ahead at 2026 goals
By Temp2, posted Jan 14, 2026 on wilmingtonbiz.com
Each year, the Greater Wilmington Business Journal publishes its Book on Business, an annual reference guide to the local market.
For the publication, the Business Journal asks several of the region’s economic development groups and organizations that are economic drivers to check in with a recap of what happened in the past year and what they expect for 2026. Here are excerpts of some of their reports, in their own words. A release party for this year’s Book on Business takes place Feb. 4 at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, and Business Journal subscribers automatically receive the publication.
WILMINGTON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
TOP OFFICIAL: Scott Satterfield, CEO2026 GOALS
- Promote: “WBD will actively engage in ally, investor and partnership development, outreach and education that effectively promote and improve the region, its economic assets, business interests and quality of life.”
- Retain: “WBD will endeavor to support the existing businesses of greater Wilmington and the jobs they represent.”
- Recruit: “WBD will aggressively deploy outreach tools to showcase greater Wilmington as a destination for high-quality economic investors.”
WILMINGTON DOWNTOWN INC.
TOP OFFICIAL: Christina Haley, president and CEO2026 GOALS
- Support feasibility studies for the Wilmington Convention Center expansion and citywide wayfinding initiatives
- Support New Hanover County’s progress on Project Grace
- Assist with the city’s Quince, Henderson and Wilkinson alleyway improvement initiative, including property owner and business outreach
- Sustain the WDI Microloan Program to provide lending to small businesses in the CBD and emerging commercial districts
- Promote corporate employment downtown through business relocations, expansions and new commercial opportunities
- Explore potential expansion of the Municipal Services District
- Support the Social District Advisory Committee in evaluating future proposals
- Further enhance downtown beautification through the Facade Improvement Grant Program
- Collaborate with the arts council and the city of Wilmington to advance public art initiatives
- Work with historic property owners and stakeholders to promote sustainable growth and thoughtful redevelopment
- Assist the city with future opportunities for growth in downtown’s north end
- Address downtown challenges through effective MSD services management
- Provide ongoing support to existing downtown businesses through targeted, strategic initiatives
- Continue development of an outdoor dining program in the CBD
- Assist the city in identifying solutions for downtown parking and commercial logistics
- Strengthen community partnerships to support long-term downtown vitality
- Lead organizational strategic planning with the WDI Board of Directors, including development of a three- to five-year strategic plan
BRUNSWICK BUSINESS & INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
TOP OFFICIAL: Bill Early, Executive Director2026 GOALS
- Attract continued investment in additional spec buildings
- Strengthen product offerings by identifying and developing additional industrial sites in Brunswick County, with a focus along the U.S. 17 corridor in the southern portion of Brunswick County
- Continue aggressive digital marketing campaign targeted to site selection consultants
- Increase opportunities for private sector investment in marketing Brunswick County
NORTH CAROLINA’S SOUTHEAST
TOP OFFICIAL: Steve Yost, President2026 GOALS
- Continue implementation of 2024-27 Strategic Plan
- Support the creation of 2,000 new jobs through marketing strategies and engagement
- Encourage 23 company locations to the region through marketing strategies and engagement
NOVANT HEALTH
TOP OFFICIAL: Ernie Bovio, President of Novant Health Coastal Region2026 GOALS
“To create a healthier future for the communities we serve. Specific goals include advancing our Vision 2030 strategic plan, which includes five key areas: empowering our care teams, advancing safety and quality, driving positive patient experience, ensuring operational excellence and advancing access to care. In 2026, we will celebrate the opening of Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center, which will expand access to inpatient care for New Hanover County. We will also open the surgery center in Leland and a new medical office building in midtown Wilmington.”
GREATER WILMINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
TOP OFFICIAL: Natalie English, President and CEO2026 GOALS
- Champion transportation, water and wastewater, port and community facility investments that remove barriers to growth and ensure the region is prepared for continued economic expansion
- Align K-12, postsecondary institutions and employers to build clear, connected pathways that meet the workforce needs of high-growth industries
- Promote Southeastern North Carolina as a place where careers, leadership opportunities and quality of life intersect, helping employers compete for and keep top talent
- Elevate housing as a core economic competitiveness issue and collaborate with public and private partners to advance practical, workforce-focused housing solutions
- Expand leadership and culture-building programs that prepare emerging and mid-level professionals to lead strong organizations and contribute to a healthy regional economy
- Support small business growth, entrepreneurship and innovation while aligning workforce development, infrastructure and policy efforts with the needs of key industry sectors
CFCC
TOP OFFICIAL: Jim Morton, President2026 GOALS
- “Apprenticeship Program Growth: CFCC will continue expanding its apprenticeship offerings to create more direct pathways to rewarding careers. Through these programs, students will build valuable skills while receiving paid, hands-on training and opportunities to connect with industry professionals. The college will also strengthen partnerships with local employers to better understand their workforce needs and design apprenticeships that align with and support the region’s economic demands.
- Strengthen Articulation Agreements: CFCC will continue to create seamless pathways for students transferring to four-year universities, offering more opportunities to achieve long-term educational goals.
- Replacement of R/V Cape Hatteras: CFCC was allocated $7 million in the state budget to replace the aging Cape Hatteras. A new ship is under construction and is anticipated to be completed by late fall/early winter 2026.
- Permanent Drop-In Child Care Location: Design work is underway to transform the former dental clinic into the permanent home of CFCC’s free drop-in child care center. Anticipated to open in fall 2026, the renovated space will include dedicated quiet areas for napping children and an outdoor learning environment that encourages exploration and play.
- United College Approach: CFCC will continue to implement a United College model to improve department collaboration, streamline student resources and create a cohesive environment that enhances student success and institutional efficiency.”
UNCW
TOP OFFICIAL: Aswani Volety, Chancellor2026 GOALS
- Continue to develop degree programs in areas that support regional workforce needs. Recent options include software engineering and public policy and administration; and, at the graduate level, supply chain management, pharmaceutical chemistry, physician’s assistant studies and physical therapy
- Advance plans to enhance campus facilities, including academic, cultural and athletic spaces; student housing; a welcome center; and a hotel and conference center
- Further expand community-focused initiatives, such as the New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership; coastal and marine science collaborations with local, regional and international partners; and innovative programs in numerous academic disciplines
BCC
TOP OFFICIAL: Gene Smith, President2026 GOALS
- The opening of the Alan Holden Public Safety Center
- Launch the Industrial Maintenance Program in Leland
- Complete renovations and expansion of the Southport Center for Heritage Arts programs
- Continue developing the Associate of Arts in Engineering program
- Construct a fire tower and driving pad for Public Safety Training
- Continue designing the Myong and Paul Jensen Workforce Development and Technology Center
- Expand programming and increase the enrollment of high school students in the dual enrollment programs
WILMINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
TOP OFFICIAL: Jeffrey Bourk, Airport Director2026 GOALS
- Continue terminal expansion phase 6 design
- Continue terminal curb, roadway realignment and parking improvements
- Complete runway 6-24 overlay/resurfacing
- Design the expansion of the terminal ramp for commercial airlines
- Continue to pursue air service development initiatives and add an additional nonstop route
- Continue to support and grow general aviation
- Continue to add new airside and landside tenant developments
PORT OF WILMINGTON
TOP OFFICIAL: Brian Clark, Executive Director2026 GOALS
- Growth of cargo volumes
- Expand global coverage of vessel services
- Engage and support state-wide economic development projects
- Develop the talent pipeline
- Development of 2026 five-year strategic plan
Read more on Economic Trends:
Local Experts Share Real Estate Forecast
Looking Ahead to 2026 Goals
Opinion: A Closer Look at Labor Market Shifts
Chamber Chief Focuses on Connections
Officials Weigh Tourism Outlook
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