Economic Development

Partnership of North Carolina

Profile

EDPNC Logo Profile Banner

Mission

The EDPNC improves the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians by recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting existing employers, assisting companies with international trade, counseling small business and startups, and promoting North Carolina as a tourism destination.

Values

Accountability: Performing at a high level and holding ourselves accountable for results.
Partnership: Building strong partnerships and collaborating both inside and outside the organization.
Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service through every interaction.
Dependable: Being an accessible, innovative, knowledgeable resource for all our stakeholders.
Advocate: Serving as ambassadors for North Carolina through our work.

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is a public-private organization that was established in 2014 by the North Carolina General Assembly to improve the economic well-being of the state’s residents. The EDPNC works under contract with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and receives additional funding from the private sector. The EDPNC’s mission is to help people invest in, visit and do business with North Carolina by: Recruiting new businesses, Supporting existing businesses, Assisting with international trade, Counseling small businesses and startups, and Promoting North Carolina as a tourism destination.
 
The EDPNC has an 18-member board of business and industry leaders who represent the entire state. In 2021, 58 companies, organizations and individuals invested in the EDPNC, raising $1,397,655 in non-state funds and in-kind donations. The EDPNC has been recognized as the top state economic development organization by DCI for two consecutive reports.

The State of North Carolina provides specialists who can help companies enter worldwide markets with value-added services. These specialists are housed at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), a public-private organization that can prepare and assist NC companies to export and advise foreign-based firms on how to begin operations in NC. EDPNC also offers a variety of personalized tools and services to help new companies locate in NC, expand current business operations or by growing or adding another location.

Company History

2014

Established in 2014 by the North Carolina General Assembly.

2021

58 companies, organizations and individuals invested in the EDPNC, raise $1,397,655 in non-state funds and in-kind donations.

Services

Business recruitment

International trade

Small business advisors

Existing industry and expansions

Travel and tourism

Site relocation and support

Helping to start new businesses

Creating international trade opportunities

Helping firms access research, technology and academic resources

The Team
Bill Slagle

Bill Slagle

Director of Statewide and Northwest Existing Industry Expansions

Email
828.592.1029

April Riddle

April Riddle

Existing Industry Expansion Manager, Western Region

Email
828.772.9128

Tracy Dellinger

Tracy Dellinger

Senior Existing Industry Expansion Manager, Piedmont Triad Region

Email
336.214.7283

Melanie O'Connell Underwood

Melanie O’Connell Underwood

Existing Industry Expansion Manager, Southwest Region

Email
980.256.0497

Harry Swendsen

Harry Swendsen

Existing Industry Expansion Manager, North Central Region

Email
919.703.5369

Jennifer Holcomb

Jennifer Holcomb

Existing Industry Expansion Manager, South Central Region

Email
910.640.8287

James Wolfe

James Wolfe

Existing Industry Expansion Manager, Southeast Region

Email
910.620.7981

Sarah Bernart

Sarah Bernart

Existing Industry Expansion Manager, Northeast Region

Email
252.343.2653

What Customers are Saying

“With its strong economy, exceptional reputation for innovation and rich talent pool, North Carolina supports Catalent’s growth, including its strategy to expand its biologics analytical services. Through our partnerships with the state and local communities, Catalent is excited to enhance its capabilities, implement new technologies, and add over 200 new jobs, further strengthening the life sciences hub.”

— Chris Hepler, Director, Biologics at Catalent

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