Lenoir, Greene and Wayne drivers compete in forklift rodeo
GOLDSBORO, NC - The 2025 North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region Forklift Rodeo, held on Thursday, September 11th, at Wayne Community College, was a huge success. The event brought together forklift drivers from industries across the region, including Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne Counties, to compete for the title of the best forklift driver in the area.
The competition was intense, with drivers from each county competing in bracketed events representing local industries. The winners from each county then faced off in an exciting elimination match to crown the top forklift driver in the region.
The course offered a tough combination of speed, safety, and skill, with drivers competing for the best time while avoiding obstacles. Penalties were given for hitting cones and bouncing water balloons off the top of a transported trash can, adding excitement to the event. Points were also deducted for spilling water from two 5-gallon buckets while navigating a slalom course.
Winners were….
Regional Grand Champion - David Heffner, Uchiyama Mfg. America LLC
Regional Wayne County Winner – David Heffner, Uchiyama Mfg. America LLC
Regional Lenoir County Winner – Ray Blant, Crown Equipment Corporation
Regional Greene County Winner – Cole Sequira, Worth Products
Congratulations to the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region Forklift Rodeo winners! The drivers' skills were outstanding, and the cheering coworkers demonstrated the dedication of the EDR region's workforce. A huge thank you to all the industries that participated in this event!
Thanks to our event sponsors: Wayne Development Alliance, WestLift LLC, Wayne Community College, Wayne County Manufacturing Association, Lenoir County Manufacturing Association, and Greene County Manufacturing Association. This event could not have happened without your support! Also, a BIG thank you to everyone who coordinated, set up, and worked the event!
The 2025 North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region Forklift Rodeo highlighted the region's appreciation for its workforce and recognized the vital role of the individuals who operate and support local industries and manufacturing facilities.
Neuse News is an independent, locally-owned startup based in downtown Kinston. We’re committed to providing free, hyper-local news across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties—the kind of stories that matter most, delivered in a format built for today.
We don't charge subscriptions. Instead, we rely on readers like you—and the businesses that serve our community. When you shop local, dine local, and click on our sponsor ads, you help us keep real journalism free and accessible.
