CAPE FEAR MANUFACTURING PARTNERSHIP MARCH 2026

"Improving and growing the manufacturing base in Southeastern North Carolina"

March 2026 Newsletter

"Project Meet and Listen" began on March 9th

Your CFMP Board of Directors approved "Project Meet and Listen", which kicked off last week. More than 30 UNCW students have volunteered to help the partnership during their Spring 2026 semester. The Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity will provide leadership and labor to:

Update and organize our membership list into a modern CRM system
Visit dozens of CFMP members to gather data and solicit suggestions on how we can improve our activities to increase engagement within the partnership
Compile their findings and recommendations into a report and present it to the general membership at our May meeting.

So, please be on the alert for emails and phone calls from our volunteers who are updating and correcting our membership contact information. And, by all means, welcome our "visit teams" to your facility during March and April so they can obtain feedback from you on your company and how CFMP can improve what we offer to our members. Thanks, in advance, for your kind cooperation!

Next General Meeting - Save the Date!

Our next general meeting will be on Thursday, May 14, 4:00pm-6:00pm. We plan to have a tour and useful presentations, including a report from UNCW students on "Project Meet and Listen". To volunteer to host the event, click here.

CFMP Member in the News

Michael McWhorter, CEO of Mojotone, was recently mentioned in the news. Kevin Hicks, Wilmington Market Manager for the Center for Private Business, met with Michael to discuss the blend between passion and profits, craftsmanship and strategy..

Read full article

CFMP Merch!

Check out our cool new CFMP merch. Proceeds off all sales go towards supporting our mission. This online store is sponsored by SeaSide SilkScreening.

To Order Click Here

CFMP in the News

Wilmington Biz covered our last general meeting. They wrote, "CFMP’s Flock has been working with students as a teacher at Brunswick Community College. 'I like to tell my students that I’m helping to create the next generation of manufacturing professionals. They’re the ones who, 10 years from now, are going to be standing up here, not me, not you,' Flock said. 'They’re the ones who can be up here promoting our activities, talking about what we do, and they’re going to be creating the next generation of manufacturing professionals.'" Read full Article

TAAD Team

The Cape Fear Manufacturing Partnership has launched our first best-practice, employer-led, peer group focused on Talent Acquisition & Development (TAAD Team).

For info click here

Our group is bringing together regional manufacturers to address shared workforce challenges. From career awareness campaigns to talent pipeline mapping, this group will drive coordinated initiatives that elevate manufacturing careers and strengthen regional workforce alignment. These efforts directly support CFMP members by improving recruitment outcomes, expanding visibility of readily available employer resources, and building a more resilient talent ecosystem across the Cape Fear region.

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 19 Anderson Elementary

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. The total fee for the program has been reduced. Dates:

April 13 8:30-4:30
May 11 8:30-4:30

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

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

MFGCON 2026,

hosted by NC State

This two-day conference brings together manufacturers, technology innovators, and industry leaders for an experience featuring compelling keynote sessions, practical breakouts, resources, and meaningful networking. Early bird pricing ends 3/27/26.

Hosts Needed

AME needs a few more manufacturers to host a tour to show their improvement efforts. Hosts receive one full Summit registration. If you or anyone you know is willing to host a tour, Contact Steve Ebbing

Safety School

Dynamic and motivating keynote speakers on relevant safety topics
> 30 exhibitors displaying the latest in safety and health workplace products and services
Network with over 100 other safety and health professionals

For Info Click Here