CFMP general meeting on February 12, 2026

We had an excellent meeting this month when members, associate members, and public partners gathered at the My Employees facility in Castle Hayne. Chris Lewandowski, UNCW Career Center, explained how we can create, develop, and optimize internship programs at our companies. Arthur Hughes, UNCW, solicited CFMP members to serve on the Congdon School Supply Chain Advisory Board. Didier Rabino presented an update on his committee's membership engagement work. Our next general meeting will be in three months. If your company is willing to host our next meeting, click here to volunteer.

NHCS CTE

Workforce Development Conference

Connect with 800 motivated high school students by conducting mock or real interviews, reviewing resumes and sharing industry insights to strengthen your future talent pipeline.

April 30 from 9:00 AM until 2:30 PM

Wilmington Convention Center.

Click here to sign up

NHCS CTE Partnership Opportunity Events

5th Grade Regional Career Fairs

Help 400+ students at each event explore careers by hosting an interactive booth that builds brand awareness and inspires future talent.

• March 5 Masonboro Elementary
• March 19 Anderson Elementary

Register here

Thrive Lab at UNCW

In this 3+ month program, you will develop a network, learn new skills, and receive the mentoring needed to think like a CEO, CFO, and CPO, while maintaining what’s best about your small business. Program Cost: The total fee for the program has been reduced to $750. Dates: 

• March 9 8:30-4:30
• April 13 8:30-4:30
• May 11 8:30-4:30

Register here

Application Open: SparkForce Fall 2026 Scholarships

Take the next step toward a career in manufacturing by applying for a SparkForce scholarship worth up to $2,000. SparkForce can impact your future and help offset your fall tuition costs while you pursue a degree or certification in a manufacturing-related field. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2026. Apply here

4th Annual Construction Industry and Apprenticeship Career Fair

The fair will be held on Thursday, March 12, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., on CFCC's North Campus. The event is open to students, job seekers, and community members interested in exploring careers in construction and skilled trades. Click for info.

Jumpstart Academy

Genesis Block has worked for 8 weeks with young entrepeneurs.

Join us:

Date: March 5, 2026, at 6:00 PM

Location: Jacksonville Station

Address: 1300 N Marine Blvd

Room: Wantlands Ferry Room

NC Chamber Economic Update

The Q1 meeting of the NC Manufacturing Council will be hosted virtually on Thursday, March 5, at 2pm and feature an economic update from Matt Martin, regional executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, who leads the bank’s outreach efforts across North and South Carolina. Register here

2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo

This expo is your chance to meet domestic corporate partners from companies of all sizes that are looking for suppliers. This unique opportunity will bring together buyers and suppliers looking to strengthen their U.S. supply chains. Register

Young Scientist Academy's 3rd Annual Breakfast Fundraiser

Join us Saturday, April 25 at Waterline Brewing Co! Check-in at 8:30am. Program will start at 9am. Each ticket includes: Entry for one, a delicious breakfast, a silent auction loaded with must-have items, and an opportunity to mingle with YSA students & STEM superstars. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Young Scientist Academy. Buy tickets

WYEW Workshop

Wilmington Young Enterprising Women, Leadership Skills Building Workshop 1

February 19, 2026

6:00 PM EST

MS Teams

Topic: Self Awareness Register here