FCEDC hosted the North Carolina Chamber for a tour of Fort Bragg in December. Gary Salamido, the President and CEO of NC Chamber, and a delegation of Chamber staff received a warm welcome from the community. The tour was hosted by FCEDC's EVP Ret. Col. Rob Patton and Ret. Brig. Gen. Ferd Irizarry (now Principal at JMH Group). The group received an overview briefing from the Garrison Commander, a chance to experience simulated weapons in the Engagement Skills Theater, briefings by the Education Center and Transition Assistance Program, lunch at an 82nd Airborne Division dining facility, tour of the Airborne Innovation Center, and a hands-on opportunity to fly helicopter simulators. The tour provided a unique opportunity for FCEDC to showcase our community's strengths in technology, innovation and defense. Read more.

Livability recently published a delightful review of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Written by Cindy Sanders, the story highlights our community as a delightful getaway spot with laid-back charm, whether you're planning a romantic weekend, reunion with friends or family road trip. The article gives mention to some of the region's best assets, including (but not limited to) the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum, the Cape Fear River Trail, Dirtbag Ales, and ZipQuest Waterfall & Treetop Adventure. The article also provides links for the readers to check out many of these businesses themselves. Read more.

FCEDC has been a fervent supporter and corporate sponsor of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal's Power Breakfast events since inception. Now, for the first time, FCEDC is collaborating with GFBJ to bring you an insightful economic update, specifically addressing Fayetteville region's competitive strengths and weaknesses as well as how the changing landscape in global trade, technology and demographics will impact our community in 2023 and beyond. Join us on Tuesday, February 28, for the presentation titled "Our Economic Future" by Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner of Economic Leadership and nationally respected economic strategist based in North Carolina. Read more.

On Thursday, January 26, students, families, educators and other supporters of STEM education in the Cumberland County region will get together at Douglas Byrd High School for the 2023 STARward STEM Expo. We invite community and business leaders in Fayetteville and Cumberland County to participate in this extraordinary culminating event for the STARward STEM Design Challenge that will include student presentations of PBL work, demonstrations by STEM industry experts, and the announcement of the winning student design challenge experiments to be launched to the International Space Station later this year. Read more.

Fayetteville State University's Career Services department is looking forward to working with local employers who are interested in engaging with the diverse group of excellent, well-qualified, career-ready students at the school. Cumberland County and Fayetteville businesses that would like to collaborate with Fayetteville State University for internships, career fairs, and employer presentations are encouraged to fill out an Employer Engagement Form. Read more.

FCEDC is searching for the right candidate to fill our mission-critical Director of Existing Industry role. Charged with continuing and expanding our award-winning program, this individual will serve as a liaison between our organization and local businesses, helping to troubleshoot issues, and assisting with opportunities for growth and expansion. Successful candidates will possess excellent communication skills and either a relevant degree or substantial and related work experience.