--- title: EDR Earns National Gold Award for Building Workforce Pipeline description: Eastern North Carolina receives a national Gold Award for its Regional Industries & Manufacturing Expo, highlighting collaboration to connect students with careers. image: https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hubfs/IMG_6797.jpeg --- [![EDR Logo 12-21](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EDR%20Logo%2012-21.jpg?width=2475&height=800&name=EDR%20Logo%2012-21.jpg "EDR Logo 12-21")](https://ncgtpedr.com) - [About Us](https://ncgtpedr.com/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Our Team](https://ncgtpedr.com/about-us#team) - [Our Board of Directors](https://ncgtpedr.com/about-us#board) - [Our Investors](https://ncgtpedr.com/invest#investors) - Data & Grants Show submenu for Data & Grants - [NC Global TransPark](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/?community=district-458da14f-8f13-4e3f-886e-766c7d35b318&community_level=district&community_state=37&community_loc=458da14f-8f13-4e3f-886e-766c7d35b318) - [Wayne County](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/?community=county-37-191&community_level=county&community_state=37&community_loc=191) - [Lenoir County](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/?community=county-37-107&community_level=county&community_state=37&community_loc=107) - [Greene County](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/?community=county-37-079&community_level=county&community_state=37&community_loc=079) - [Incentives & Grants](https://edpnc.com/incentives/) - [News](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news) - [Invest In Us](https://ncgtpedr.com/invest) - [Available Industrial Sites](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/) Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # EDR Earns National Gold Award for Building Workforce Pipeline ![EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hubfs/EDR%20Letters-WEB-3.jpg) [EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/author/edr) Oct 27, 2026, 9:49:15 AM - [Global TransPark](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/global-transpark) - [Wayne County](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/wayne-county) - [Greene County](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/greene-county) - [Lenoir County](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/lenoir-county) - [Economic Development](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/economic-development) The NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region has received a 2026 Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the Regional Industries & Manufacturing Expo (RIME). Presented in New Orleans at IEDC’s annual conference, the award recognizes RIME in the Regional or Cross-Border Partnership category. The honor puts a spotlight on a powerful example of regional collaboration: Eastern North Carolina’s counties, the North Carolina Global TransPark, schools, community colleges and employers working together to connect students with careers and companies with the talent they need. *“This award means a lot because it recognizes what we’re building together across Eastern North Carolina. Our counties, the North Carolina Global TransPark, our schools, community colleges and employers are working side by side to connect students with careers and companies with the people they need to grow. That’s the kind of partnership a company should look for when choosing where to invest. We’re proud to earn this national recognition, and we’re committed to building on it.” —* Trey Cash, Chief Operating Officer, NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region -  Remarks made upon accepting the 2026 IEDC Gold Award in New Orleans.   ![IMG\_6797](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_6797.jpeg?width=294&height=392&name=IMG_6797.jpeg) Connecting students with careers close to home RIME gives students firsthand opportunities to explore the industries shaping the region’s economy. In April 2026, more than 400 students from across Eastern North Carolina took part in a day of career exploration, employer engagement and workplace tours. At the Lenoir Community College Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Center, students met employers and learned about opportunities in fields including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, energy, construction, infrastructure, education, public service and the skilled trades. Outdoor demonstrations at the North Carolina Global TransPark introduced students to construction, infrastructure and skilled-trades careers. Industry tours across Wayne, Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties gave students a closer look at real workplaces and the paths that can lead to employment. These experiences help students see that meaningful careers are available close to home—and help employers introduce the next generation to their industries. A regional partnership that supports business growth A strong workforce is essential to the success of existing employers and companies considering a move to Eastern North Carolina. RIME is one part of the region’s broader effort to align career awareness, education, technical training and employer needs. By working across county lines, the region’s partners are building connections between students and employers while helping prepare talent for current and future opportunities. The IEDC Gold Award recognizes the strength of that collaboration and the shared commitment behind it. The NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region extends its appreciation to the partners supporting RIME: the 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; Wayne Community College; and participating employers. This national recognition belongs to the partners and communities working together to prepare students, support employers and build Eastern North Carolina’s future. ## Read On [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/CAMX-Post-Image-A.jpg?width=352&name=CAMX-Post-Image-A.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edrs-mark-pope-attends-the-2023-camx-expo) ##### [EDR’s Mark Pope Attends the 2023 CAMX Expo](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edrs-mark-pope-attends-the-2023-camx-expo) The CAMX was an excellent opportunity for Eastern North Carolina and its assets to be represented.... [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Group-Image-2-2.jpg?width=352&name=Group-Image-2-2.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/business-north-carolina-magazine-features-edr) ##### [Business North Carolina Magazine Features EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/business-north-carolina-magazine-features-edr) Business North Carolina Magazine’s August issue is out, and we can’t wait to read the Community... [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Group-Image-Dec-18-2024-07-24-59-0625-PM.jpg?width=352&name=Group-Image-Dec-18-2024-07-24-59-0625-PM.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/two-edr-sites-chosen-for-selectsite-readiness-program) ##### [Two EDR Sites Chosen for Selectsite Readiness Program](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/two-edr-sites-chosen-for-selectsite-readiness-program) Exciting news for the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region: two EDR sites... ![Heart of Eastern NC-EDR Logo-1](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heart%20of%20Eastern%20NC-EDR%20Logo-1.jpg?width=300&height=144&name=Heart%20of%20Eastern%20NC-EDR%20Logo-1.jpg "Heart of Eastern NC-EDR Logo-1") North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation serving as the pivotal hub for industrial development, business recruitment, and site selection throughout Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne Counties and the North Carolina Global TransPark. Address 2780 Jetport Road Suite D Kinston, NC 28504 Phone (252) 543-8550 --- [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=100069259629309) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nc-global-transpark-economic-development-region/?viewAsMember=true) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@NCGlobalTransParkEconomicDevel) [Email us](mailto:info@ncgtpedr.com) © 2026  North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, Inc. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 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