March 2023

Latest Announcements
March 2 - FCEDC lent space to Black Wall Street Forward for their Black Business Connect event. FCEDC's Board Chairman, Kelvin Farmer, spoke on the panel to offer his wisdom and experience to small black businesses.
This was a very successful event that provided small business owners present with much to take home and put into practice. Mark your calendars because this event will be held here again on April 13th! Register here.
In the News
While attending NCEDA's Spring conference in Pinehurst, NC, Merica Simpson received a scholarship for the Economic Development Academy. In an article in the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, she was quoted saying, "I'm very grateful to have been awarded this scholarship through the North Carolina Economic Development Association. 
As part of my NCCED certification, I'll utilize this at my alma mater, ECU,'s Economic Development Academy. I look forward to broadening my knowledge of economic development to further aid FCEDC in promoting the community.
Thank you to the NCEDA board for affording me this opportunity." Read more
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.)
On February 27th, Methodist University and Cape Fear Valley hospital announced a partnership with the goal of creating a state-of-the-art medical school. The new school will be located on Cape Fear Valley Medical Center's campus and has a mission of "providing better medical care for rural and underserved populations and diversifying the physician workforce" (Methodist University, 2023). The school aims to hold their first class in July 2026. Read more
FTCC has consistently been recognized in Viqtory's "Top 10 Military Friendly Schools," ranking #1 last year. Dr. Mark Sorrells, President of FTCC was quoted saying, "We’re honored to receive the designation as a Top Ten Military Friendly School again. FTCC has consistently performed at this high level over the years and we will continue to provide exceptional service to our military members, veterans and military families going forward.” This year's ranking will be published in the May edition of G.I. Jobs magazine. Read more
March 7th-8th, FCEDC President and CEO, Robert Van Geons, and Merica Simpson, Director of Marketing and Communications, attended NCEDA's Spring Conference in Pinehurst, NC. The event highlighted innovative practices in economic development, NC target industries, and workforce/economic outlooks. There was no shortage of networking opportunities and a plethora of information for them to bring back to Cumberland County.
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.
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?
Fort Bragg is the largest U.S. Army installation in the world in terms of population.
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