The North Carolina Economic Development Association’s 2025 Annual Conference offered a great chance for EDR staff—Mark Pope, Trey Cash, and Julie Graham—to connect and learn about the latest trends in economic development from leaders across the state. Key speakers at the event included Christopher Chung, executive director of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina; Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the North Carolina Department of Commerce; and Joe Melvin, Vice President of North Carolina’s Southeast, just to name a few.
EDR President Mark Pope, Norfolk Southern Corporation's Industrial Development Manager Mary Lesa Pegg, and Wayne County Manager Chip Crumpler took part in the ParkEast Business Park Master Planning Panel, moderated by Joe Melvin of North Carolina’s Southeast. The discussion focused on the importance of ongoing investment in products (sites and buildings), infrastructure, and the value of local and state partnerships.
EDR’s Trey Cash hosted the “Leadership Game: Play Bold. Lead Smart” wearing a green game show host coat and all!
Additionally, EDR was a Silver Sponsor for the event, once again showing its support and commitment to these learning and networking opportunities.
Learn more able the NCEDA at: https://www.nceda.org
