--- title: EDR Staff Engage at NCEDA Eastern NC Regional Networking Luncheon description: EDR is proud to have participated in the NCEDA Eastern NC Regional Networking Luncheon, with Mark Pope and Trey Cash engaging in discussions. image: https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hubfs/Group%20Image%20copy-3.jpg --- [![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 Staff Engage at NCEDA Eastern NC Regional Networking Luncheon ![EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hubfs/EDR%20Letters-WEB-3.jpg) [EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/author/edr) Apr 30, 2025, 10:46:43 AM - [Economic Development](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/economic-development) It was a great day to be in Eastern NC! The NCEDA family came together for the Eastern NC Regional Networking Luncheon, presented by [Greenville Eastern North Carolina Alliance](https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenvilleencalliance/), and emceed by [Trey Cash](https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-cash-a3170754/), with [NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nc-global-transpark-economic-development-region-40282521b/). [Donna Phillips, MBA](https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-phillips-mba-a09ba05/), with [NCEast Alliance](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nceast-alliance/), moderated a panel that highlighted the powerful assets fueling economic growth in Eastern North Carolina. From agriculture and advanced manufacturing to the rise of renewable energy and biotech, Eastern NC is leveraging its strengths, supported by a robust infrastructure of air, rail, port, and electric networks, to build a more resilient and diverse economy. When asked, “What makes rural North Carolina different?” [Mark Pope](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-pope-22a83721b/) with [NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nc-global-transpark-economic-development-region-40282521b/) responded: “The people. We have a strong, capable workforce supported by our military bases, community colleges, and training programs. We’re committed to developing talent and preparing our people for the jobs of tomorrow. We also have the land – the space companies need to grow. Now, it’s about making sure our sites are certified and ready. We just need everyone else to recognize the assets we already have.” Thank you to our incredible panel of regional leaders who shared their insights and expertise: • [Aaron Ouellette](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-ouellette-0b418740/), Virginia Port Authority • [Mark Pope](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-pope-22a83721b/), NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region • [Bryan Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-smith-4a641495/), Dominion Energy • Norris Tolson, Carolinas Gateway Partnership (Retired) EDR is proud to have participated in the NCEDA Eastern NC Regional Networking Luncheon. Eastern NC is on the move, and we’re proud to be part of it!   ![1744912748732 copy](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/1744912748732%20copy.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=1744912748732%20copy.jpg) NCEDA Eastern NC Regional Networking Luncheon ![1744912748759 copy](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/1744912748759%20copy.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=1744912748759%20copy.jpg) NCEDA Eastern NC Regional Networking Luncheon ![1744912748929 copy](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/1744912748929%20copy.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=1744912748929%20copy.jpg) NCEDA Eastern NC Regional Networking Luncheon ![Stage Shot copy](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/Stage%20Shot%20copy.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Stage%20Shot%20copy.jpg) Mark Pope speaking.   [#NCEDA](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23nceda&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED) ## Read On [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Group-Shot-4.jpg?width=352&name=Group-Shot-4.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edr-staff-attend-nc-east-alliance-vision-2024) ##### [EDR Staff Attend NC East Alliance Vision 2024 ](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edr-staff-attend-nc-east-alliance-vision-2024) [North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nc-global-transpark-economic-development-region/)‘s Trey Cash and Craig Foucht attended... [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/TrailBlazer-Post-Image.jpg?width=352&name=TrailBlazer-Post-Image.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/trey-cash-named-nc-business-rural-trailblazer-for-2024) ##### [Trey Cash Named NC Business Rural Trailblazer for 2024](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/trey-cash-named-nc-business-rural-trailblazer-for-2024) 🎉 Congratulations to Trey Cash, our NC Business Rural Trailblazer for 2024! 🎉 [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/NCEDA-Image.jpg?width=352&name=NCEDA-Image.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edr-attends-nceda-fall-conference) ##### [EDR Attends NCEDA Fall Conference](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edr-attends-nceda-fall-conference) **North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) Fall Conference** Renaissance Asheville Hotel... ![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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