Economic Development Region Earns Gold Award for Innovative Workforce Development Partnership

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RIME demonstrates Eastern North Carolina’s ability to prepare talent for existing and future industries.

The NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region has received a 2026 Gold Award for the Regional Industries & Manufacturing Expo (RIME), a collaborative workforce development initiative that connects Eastern North Carolina students with employers, training opportunities and rewarding careers close to home.

The International Economic Development Council recognized RIME in the Regional or Cross-Border Partnership category for communities with populations between 200,000 and 500,000. The Gold Award recognizes the strength of Eastern North Carolina’s regional partnerships and its forward-looking approach to workforce development.

 “This award highlights the outstanding work of the NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region and our partners to support our industries and build a strong pipeline of future workers,” said Mark Pope. “Eastern North Carolina has the talent, the training programs and the commitment employers need to succeed. We will work every day to prepare our people for the opportunities available with our existing industries while building a workforce ready to support the new companies that choose to invest here. RIME is a great example of how our region works together to turn potential into opportunity and opportunity into long-term economic growth.” 

RIME is supported by the NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region; North Carolina Global TransPark; Lenoir, Wayne, Greene and Jones counties; STEM East; Greene County Schools; Lenoir County Public Schools; Jones County Public Schools; Wayne County Public Schools; Lenoir Community College; and Wayne Community College. 

Together, these partners have created a coordinated workforce development network that reaches across county lines. By aligning education, career awareness, technical training, and employer needs, the region can support established businesses and prepare for future investment and growth.

RIME welcomed more than 400 students from across Eastern North Carolina in April 2026 for a full day of hands-on career exploration, employer engagement and tours of regional workplaces. The expo introduced students to careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, energy, construction, infrastructure, education, public service and the skilled trades. 

At the Lenoir Community College Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Center, students interacted with employers representing a wide range of industries. Participating organizations included Airbus, Fleet Readiness Center East, Electrolux Group, Duke Energy and UNC Health Lenoir. Employers spoke directly with students about career pathways, workplace expectations and the skills needed to succeed. 

Outdoor exhibits at the North Carolina Global TransPark brought careers to life through interactive equipment demonstrations. Caterpillar, Barnhill Contracting Company and the North Carolina Department of Transportation introduced students to opportunities in construction, infrastructure and the skilled trades.

Industry tours across Wayne, Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties gave students firsthand exposure to real workplaces and career opportunities. Host employers included Crown Equipment, Electrolux Group, flyExclusive, Wayne-Sanderson Farms and Lions Industries for the Blind. 

RIME is one part of the NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region’s broader commitment to workforce development. Eastern North Carolina’s public schools, community colleges, economic development organizations and employers work together to help residents gain relevant skills and move into high-quality careers. This connected system gives current employers confidence that their workforce needs will remain a regional priority and demonstrates to prospective industries that the region is ready to help them recruit, train and retain the talent necessary for long-term success. 

The award also reinforces one of Eastern North Carolina’s strongest economic development advantages: a collaborative region prepared to invest in its people. Through career exposure, technical education, industry partnerships and employer-driven training, the region is building a dependable workforce pipeline that can grow alongside its industries. 

The NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region will be formally recognized during the International Economic Development Council’s 2026 Annual Conference.