We have proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that when individuals act in concert, anything can be accomplished. The opportunity we have and the goal we should set is for the leaders in our region to reach a consensus vision for the region and then act in concert in executing it.

Hugh L. McColl, Jr.
Retired Chairman and CEO
Bank of America Corporation
Charlotte, N.C.

North Carolina's regional economic development strategy is validated by the state's consistently high performance in Site Selection magazine's annual Business Climate Ranking. For the third consecutive year and the sixth time in the last seven years, North Carolina placed first in this important ranking in 2007. This achievement would not be possible without solid support for economic development at both the regional and state levels. This support is strong in both the large metro areas as well as the smaller micropolitan communities, where North Carolina has been a national leader for well over a decade.

Ron Starner
General Manager
Conway Data Inc. (Site Selection magazine)
Atlanta, Ga.

If the Brothers Grimm had been micro-economists, they would have written the story of Goldilocks and the three site selectors, and explained how, for economic development strategies, states are too big, cities are too small, and regions are just right.

Randall Kempner
Vice President for Regional Innovation
Council on Competitiveness
Washington, D.C.

The regional economic development partnerships in North Carolina are able to deliver a number of benefits not derived by a single state, county or community. Those benefits include a broad expanse of sites, buildings and land; a stable of highly qualified professional economic developers; a wide array of financial resources; and multiple resources for information, marketing, knowledge, experience and expertise. Regional partnerships provide clients and consultants with what they need in the early stage of the site selection process, primarily transparency, as well as the factors they desire in the later stages of the process: multiple resources, options, consistency, and results.

Clark Sutton Gillespy
Director of Economic Development
Duke Energy Carolinas
Charlotte, N.C.

By creating awareness of industrial opportunities, vigorously recruiting businesses that bring quality jobs, and attracting new investment dollars to the state, North Carolina's regional economic development strategies have contributed to economic growth, development and diversification statewide.

Brenda Daniels
Manager of Economic Development
ElectriCities of NC, Inc.
Raleigh, N.C.

We regard the Northeast Commission as a vital regional resource that cuts across parochial lines to foster opportunities for growth. With their help we create innovative ways to market area property and businesses around the world and to inform outside investors of the area's many business opportunities.

Peter Thomson
Senior Director
GVA Advantis
Elizabeth City, N.C.

From a national perspective, North Carolina's legislatively mandated regional approach to economic development is very unique. As a result of the success of having a regional focus, other states have begun to take a closer look.

Jeff Finkle
President and CEO
International Economic Development Council
Washington, D.C.

Our firm has worked with several of the North Carolina regional economic development partnerships during recent years, and we have found that those organizations have provided very valuable services and collaboration on our Client Group's projects. Coupled with the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the regional partnerships are excellent professional resources for J.M. Mullis, Inc.

J. Michael Mullis
President and CEO
J.M. Mullis, Inc.
Memphis, Tenn.

As with many aspects of economic development, North Carolina was a leader in recognizing that a regional approach increases the competitiveness of the entire state. Among the many advantages of regionalism is greatly enhanced marketing, with a broader array of assets to market and a more effective use of marketing funds. Regional economic development also aligns with the client's perspective: site selectors focus primarily on regions and typically do not consider political boundaries when evaluating locations. North Carolina's regional organizations have been quite successful in realizing these advantages.

Jeannette Goldsmith
Principal
McCallum Sweeney Consulting
Greenville, S.C.

In today's fast-moving and highly competitive economy, businesses need quick, high-quality turnaround from economic development agencies that are tuned in to the changing needs of modern manufacturers. I've found my interactions with North Carolina's regional partnerships to be of the highest caliber. They cut through red tape, zero in on the ideal sites and communities, and handle all interactions professionally and confidentially. I consider them a vital link between our company and its continued success.

Jim Chesnutt
President and CEO
National Spinning Company
Washington, N.C.

In 2004, PCB Piezotronics, Inc. (PCB) chose North Carolina for an aggressive manufacturing expansion over our existing location in New York. Among the factors behind our decision was the exceptional coordination between state, county and city officials. The entity that served as the leader of those coordinated efforts was North Carolina's Northeast Commission. The Northeast Commission played a clear and critical role in our ultimate decision to locate in Halifax County, North Carolina.

David T. Hore
Co-President
PCB Group, Inc.
City, ST

North Carolina's network of regional partnerships is recognized nationally as a best practice in economic development. Complementing the work of the N.C. Department of Commerce, the partnerships provide globally oriented research, industry outreach and other programs tailored to fit the specific needs of each region. Our economic development team highly values the collaboration, leadership, expertise and professionalism that the partnerships contribute.

Katherine Thomas
Director of Economic Development
Progress Energy
Raleigh, N.C.

Regional economic collaboration is essential if we are to effectively leverage our resources and compete on a national and international level. The Charlotte Regional Partnership has demonstrated its effectiveness in encouraging such collaboration, and has been a key player in our regional economic growth.

Todd W. Mansfield
CEO
The Crosland Group, Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.

I have long been a major supporter of regional economic development, especially for business recruitment. In my view, there is no other option for ensuring success in generating jobs. We have worked with many regional groups throughout the U.S., and I can honestly say that the Charlotte Regional Partnership is best in class. It provides superb customer service, a deep knowledge of all communities in the region and total objectivity in allowing a project to gravitate toward the location that best meets our clients' requirements.

Dennis J. Donovan
Principal
WDG Consulting, LLC
Bridgewater, N.J.

The regional economic development partnerships were created during my third term as Governor, and I enthusiastically supported ongoing state funding of their activities. Together with our Department of Commerce and local developers, the regional partnerships play an essential role in continually reinventing the state's economy and ensuring that North Carolina is positioned to win the competition for 21st Century jobs.

Former Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.
Partner
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC
Raleigh, N.C.