Marketing Firm, Eckel & Vaughan, Publishes Review on EDR

EDR

Eckel and Vaughan Provide Results of Study on NCGTPEDR

 

Eckel & Vaughan is a full-service strategic communications agency based in Raleigh, NC, and specializes in public affairs, public relations, and marketing.  The agency recently performed a “deep dive” review into news coverage about the Global TransPark Economic Development Region to determine if rebranding of the organization is needed at the current time.   “Out of 64 articles, we found a big change in how the brand is seen:  in 2025, 85.7% of coverage is positive, compared to 100% negative coverage in 2017.”

 

The Agency observed that media coverage between 2017 and 2019 was largely negative, focusing on financial problems and calling the Global TransPark a “boondoggle.” From 2020 to 2022, there was a shift; positive news about aerospace growth and new jobs helped NCGTPEDR gain recognition. More coverage of the region appeared from 2023 to 2025, with a significantly higher rating of 68.8%.

 

Fast forward to July 2025—NCGTP Economic Development Region is on the “map.” What a difference a strong team and vision can make! The favorable coverage now stands at 85.7%. According to Eckel & Vaughan, the good news includes Spirit AeroSystems expanding, partnerships with the Navy, new jobs, and a positive economic impact—stories that really boost the region’s image. 

 

Eckels & Vaughan’s main takeaway—“Don’t Rebrand.” The Global TransPark Economic Development Region has worked hard to rebuild its brand. Rebranding now would mean losing all the progress made over the past three years and starting from scratch to regain recognition. Eckels and Vaughan’s recommendations include:

  • Sharing the transformation story, showing how it has turned vision into reality.
  • Positioning itself as a leader in economic growth and workforce development.
  • Seeking national recognition as a model for economic success, especially in the aerospace industry.
  • Continuing a proactive media strategy to keep the positive coverage.

The recognition and continuation of the Brand strengthen the region's economy. The shift from complete negativity to success shows that Eastern North Carolina has a strong workforce. It is an attractive place for business and can draw more investors. As the GTP’s reputation grows, more companies, including those in aerospace, defense, and logistics, will consider the whole area for opportunities, suppliers, and services. 

 

Concern about building a workforce is being replaced with positive stories about training and career advancement, giving the region a reputation for skilled workers and making it more attractive for industries to recruit. The worry about available infrastructure is also outdated. Positive news and social media show firsthand that Eastern NC has the infrastructure to support large industries.

 

Eckel & Vaughan view the transformation of the GTP into an Economic Development Region as one of the most successful brand rehabilitations they have documented in economic development. A large part of the change in perception is backed by economic development achievements. Nonetheless, strategic promotion of this success will benefit the entire Eastern NC region’s investment attraction efforts.

 

Learn more about Eckel & Vaughan at:

https://eandvgroup.com

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