Latest Announcements
April 20 - FCEDC, in partnership with East Carolina University, hosted an Honors Seminar in Economic Development for our municipal and community partners. The seminar is offered by ECU's Economic Development Academy and was presented by Charles Hayes of Hayes Group Consulting, ECU Senior Fellow in Residence. It is place-based and tailored to the community's unique needs. The seminar gave attendees a better understanding of economic development to implement into their different lines of work. The participants will also receive a certificate of completion from ECU.
March 20-23 - Robert Van Geons, our President & CEO, traveled to Orlando, FL to join the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina at the International Battery Seminar. FCEDC is very grateful to have had this opportunity to promote our state and community in front of leading OEMs and Battery Developers! Traveling to events like this, representing Fayetteville, is one of the many ways that FCEDC recruits industry to our community.
611 W Russell St. is a two story ~ 35,800 SF office building with a ~5,800 SF basement, positioned in the heart of downtown. This building is in close proximity to Hwy N.C. 87 and I-95, with
FAY Regional Airport 5.1 miles away and RDU International Airport 78 miles away. See a full description of 611 W Russell St. here.
"In the spotlight" is a monthly rotating feature. If you have any questions or would like to learn how to have your building or site "in the spotlight," reach out to us at (910)-500-6464.
In the News
FCEDC Discusses Search for a Megasite
Our team has spoken a lot recently about efforts to develop a Megasite (1,000+ developable acres). Recently, Executive Vice President Rob Patton briefed Cumberland County mayors at their Mayor's Coalition meeting and in an interview with CityView Magazine, he expressed how, “Having a mega site in place would make Cumberland County competitive for mega projects.” Patton also talked with the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal about our need for a megasite, using the announcements by Toyota and VinFast, as examples. This week our CEO spoke with The Fayetteville Observer about our ongoing site development work and our efforts to secure a Megasite. Robert shared what it takes to qualify, such as adequate utilities, transportation infrastructure, and suitable soils.
New Owners of AIT Building Announce Plans
Downtown Fayetteville's AIT Building was purchased last week by the boutique real estate companies World Class ROI and Smooth Ruckus LLC. Although the building, located at 421 Maiden Lane, has new owners, the group says that AIT will continue to operate out of the building. According to the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, the company has purchased 93,000 SF of downtown real estate space, which will soon be home to a "mix of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that cater to the diverse needs of the local community" (Meador, 2023). In another article this week, The Fayetteville Observer added the investors' plans to add a "grab and go" grocery store, roof top attractions, event spaces, and decorative murals in common areas of the building, in hopes of bringing it to life.
FCEDC By The Numbers
In the Community
Local businesses have the opportunity to play a hand in the formation of Cumberland County's future workforce. Cumberland County Schools ICON Summer Internship program gives students the opportunity to explore possible career paths, develop professional skills, apply academic proficiencies, and much more. The program is a great way for employers to scope and mold future talent, as well as benefit from extra summer help! Read more

(Interns are employees of IDI Staffing Services and do not have to be added to company payroll. IDI handles all payroll and distribution of pay as well as insurance/liabilities. They also provide weekly monitoring of interns. If you have any questions please reach out by email to icon@ccs.k12.nc.us.)
The National Civic League announced the 2023 Finalists of the "All American City Award," a prestigious award recognizing civic activists and community problem solvers. Fayetteville, NC has been named an All American City Award winner three times: '84-'85, 2001, and 2011. There are only 20 finalists named in the entire country, and the City staff will travel to Denver, CO in June to compete for the title of "All American City."
Check out the latest available, quality jobs in Fayetteville and Cumberland County, NC. We encourage you to share these opportunities with anyone who is looking for a new career.
#DidYouKnow?
Fayetteville, NC was considered in the bid to become North Carolina's state capital.
A Message from FCEDC President & CEO
Thank you for reading this issue of Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation’s newsletter.

We are excited to bring you the latest announcements and highlights from FCEDC and the community. Our team works daily to enhance job growth and prosperity across our region by attracting new businesses and expanding existing industry. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and community partners. 

Sincerely,
Robert M. Van Geons, CEcD