Last week, we hosted our EDGE investor quarterly meeting, bringing together partners committed to advancing economic development in Wake County. The highlight of the event was a dynamic panel discussion featuring:

• Dr. Nicole Reaves, Executive Vice President & Chief Programs Officer, Wake Tech
• Anders Victor, Director of Business Development, EDPNC
• Albert Alwang, Director of Business Recruitment & Expansion, WCED

The conversation centered on project trends, economic development activity, and the critical role of talent and workforce development in sustaining growth.

Wake County’s Momentum—and What’s Next

Our region continues to experience incredible economic momentum. The panel explored what’s driving this success and what lies ahead. Anders and Albert shared insights on industry trends and foreign direct investment, while Nicole highlighted how Wake Tech translates partnerships into action, ensuring workforce readiness for evolving business needs.

Four Words That Define Our Future

We walked away with four key takeaways—four words that truly capture the essence of the discussion:

1. Diversity: Wake County’s economic strength lies in its diversity. We’re a global leader in Life Sciences, Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Clean Tech. This ecosystem includes robust supply chains, headquarters, small businesses, and large corporations working together to power our target sectors.
2. Partnerships: Collaboration is the hallmark of the Research Triangle region. The panel underscored this with examples of how organizations like Wake Tech support businesses, workers, and students, creating a thriving environment for growth.
3. Innovation: Innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of our economy. Beyond technology, we’re innovating in education, workforce development, and economic strategies every day to stay ahead.
4. Busy: Wake County’s economic development pipeline is booming:
   • 46 active projects
   • 10,000+ potential new jobs
   • $10 billion in capital investment

Plus, we’re engaging globally—meeting with delegations from Switzerland, Germany, and Taiwan this quarter alone. Busy and exciting indeed!

Thank You to Our EDGE Investors

We were thrilled to welcome 93 dedicated partners and investors to this meeting. Your support is vital to driving economic development in Wake County and the Research Triangle.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more innovative future. Thank you for being part of this journey!