NCEDA forum brings emerging economic development leaders to Kinston
Pictured left to right: Lauren Ellis, Lenoir County Existing Industry Director, Gracie Herring, Marketing and Communications Manager, Trey Cash, Chief Operating Officer
Emerging economic development professionals from across North Carolina gathered in Kinston this week for the 2026 Emerging Executives Forum, a two-day event hosted by the North Carolina Economic Development Association and presented by ECS Southeast and the Lenoir County Development Alliance.
The forum, held May 11-12, focused on the theme “From Collaboration to Leadership: Growing Your Impact in Economic Development.” Programming was designed to help newer economic developers expand their professional networks, strengthen partnerships and build skills needed for future leadership roles.
NCGTPEDR attendees
The event included optional tours of Simply Natural Creamery in Snow Hill and the N.C. Global TransPark in Kinston on Monday, followed by a welcoming reception at Mother Earth Brewing Tap Room. Tuesday’s schedule included breakfast, a general session at the Community Council for the Arts and a luncheon.
NCEDA said the forum was created for young professionals and members with fewer than five years of experience in economic development. The Emerging Executives Initiative is intended to deepen participants’ knowledge of the field, increase familiarity with other areas of economic development and policymaking in North Carolina, and help participants build peer connections.
Anna M. Walker, economic development manager for North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives, said the forum helps prepare the next generation of professionals working in the field.
“NCEDA’s Emerging Executives is thrilled to train the next generation of economic developers in North Carolina,” Walker said. “Hosting our event in Kinston showcases all the many ways Eastern NC is growing and building on existing manufacturing and industrial strengths while also maintaining the small town charm and spirit that makes Lenoir County special.”
Sessions included discussions on building stronger partnerships and collaborations, understanding the role economic developers play during site visits, international business etiquette and North Carolina incentive funding programs.
Trey Cash, chief operating officer at the N.C. Global TransPark Economic Development Region, said hosting the forum gave local leaders a chance to highlight the area’s economic development assets.
“We are honored to host the North Carolina Economic Development Association’s Emerging Executives Forum in our area this week,” Cash said. “It gave us a chance to showcase the strength of our community and our role as the manufacturing center of eastern North Carolina. The best thing we heard all week was, ‘I’ve never been here before. I can’t believe how great it is.’ Around here, we have known that for a long time.”
The forum’s Kinston locations included Mother Earth Motor Lodge as the base hotel, Mother Earth Brewing Tap Room for the welcoming reception and the Community Council for the Arts for the general session.
The event was sponsored by ECS Southeast and Lenoir County Development Alliance as presenting sponsors. Gold sponsors included 37 Gears, Duke Energy, N.C. Global TransPark Economic Development Region, Grow with Greene County Economic Development Partnership, Lenoir County, Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Kinston, N.C. Electric Cooperatives, Terracon, North Carolina Railroad Company, North Carolina’s Southeast and ElectriCities of North Carolina.
Program sponsors included Enbridge Energy of North Carolina, Lenoir Community College, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, North Carolina Ports and Smith Anderson.
