--- title: RIME Connects 400+ Students with Industries Across Our Region description: Graice and Lauren attend the 2026 WEDN Lead and Learn conference image: https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hubfs/IMG_0038-2.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. # RIME Connects 400+ Students with Industries Across Our Region ![EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hubfs/EDR%20Letters-WEB-3.jpg) [EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/author/edr) Apr 20, 2026, 9:41:02 AM The Regional Industry & Manufacturing Expo (RIME) successfully welcomed more than 400 students from across Eastern North Carolina for a day of hands-on career exploration and industry engagement. The event brought together students, educators, and employers to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available throughout the region.   Hosted at the North Carolina Global TransPark and the Lenoir Community College Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Center, students had the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of indoor exhibitors spanning manufacturing, healthcare, energy, education, and public service. Employers such as Airbus, Fleet Readiness Center East, Electrolux Group, Duke Energy, and UNC Health Lenoir engaged directly with students, offering insight into career pathways, required skills, and day-to-day operations.   Outdoor exhibits at the Global TransPark provided an interactive experience, with companies like Caterpillar, Barnhill Contracting Company, and NCDOT showcasing equipment and careers in construction, infrastructure, and the skilled trades. These hands-on demonstrations gave students a deeper understanding of the critical roles these industries play in supporting regional growth.   A highlight of the event was the series of industry tours held across Wayne, Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties. Students visited local employers, including Crown Equipment, Electrolux Group, flyExclusive, Wayne Sanderson Farms, and Lions Industries for the Blind, Inc., gaining firsthand exposure to real-world work environments and career opportunities.   RIME continues to serve as a powerful workforce development initiative by connecting students with local industries and helping them envision their future right here in Eastern North Carolina. The event not only highlights the strength of the region’s workforce pipeline but also reinforces the importance of collaboration between education and industry in building a sustainable economy. ![IMG_0245-1](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/IMG_0245-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_0245-1.jpg) ![IMG_0038-1](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/IMG_0038-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_0038-1.jpg) ![IMG_0159-2](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/IMG_0159-2.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_0159-2.jpg) ![IMG_0090-1](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/IMG_0090-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_0090-1.jpg) ![IMG_0136-1](https://39772556.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/39772556/hubfs/IMG_0136-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=IMG_0136-1.jpg) ## Read On [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/bees.jpg?width=352&name=bees.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/nc-rural-infrastructure-authority-grants-building-envelope-erection-services-75k-for-snow-hill-site-expansion) ##### [NC Rural Infrastructure Authority Grants Building Envelope Erection Services $75K for Snow Hill Site Expansion](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/nc-rural-infrastructure-authority-grants-building-envelope-erection-services-75k-for-snow-hill-site-expansion) The NC Rural Infrastructure Authority announced today that Building Envelope Erection Services,... [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Post%20Image-1-Mar-03-2025-04-28-47-2700-PM.jpg?width=352&name=Post%20Image-1-Mar-03-2025-04-28-47-2700-PM.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/ncgtp-secures-1.9m-rural-infrastructure-authority-ria-grant) ##### [$1.9M Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) Grant for Lenoir County and North Carolina Global TransPark](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/ncgtp-secures-1.9m-rural-infrastructure-authority-ria-grant) Congratulations to [**Lenoir County, North Carolina,**](https://www.facebook.com/LenoirCounty?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWrs0bzkpr9GmWh3ShiiTjNSZd39ElmE3NdzMu91fxm-KMVUpUsEFieyL8_grCh0aUtgRKsBma67T802xnGxfNOgWVGy5r9qpRXflZybD_FlvFFseKsUw7o0Ix7RL9Pn4ojp6bk1FWTBOu3SVa1E1rY&__tn__=-%5DK-R) and the [**North Carolina Global TransPark**](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069259629309&__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUsLapyvrhCEwp48T7o2VA-q9jlL1pO4gqxSXBa9hq7BWsPNZljPGlxh8DHi2DO5pnM09rd91F9Q3KY2Njb35z0jAzDO-nFL6rTgO8RbYSUtWF4F2uUj7AxGUTyYDTjUz0yNhQWPLLRtHxtIuJ2OvT5&__tn__=-%5DK-R) on... [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/15281063102270579863-1.jpeg?width=352&name=15281063102270579863-1.jpeg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/lenoir-county-public-service-business-advisory-council-meets) ##### [Lenoir County Public Service – Business Advisory Council Meets](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/lenoir-county-public-service-business-advisory-council-meets) **Students showcase career readiness at the Biannual Business Advisory Council meeting.** ![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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