Choose Cape Fear: Region encourages business growth

WILMINGTON — The Cape Fear Region, down at the southern tip of North Carolina, is home to Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover and Pender counties. Touted to be the crossroads of infrastructure, resources and lifestyle with business startup, expansion and relocation, the counties have banned together for a new initiative driven at helping people choose Cape Fear as their next destination.The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and local partners established “Choose Cape Fear,” a campaign designed to generate long-term business interest, investment and impact in the Cape Fear Region.”In the Cape Fear region, we have a great location, access to phenomenal healthcare and educational systems, and a strong work force. We think the Cape Fear region is a great place to do business,” said Natalie English, CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.”This is an opportunity to position the region to work together to highlight and advocate the assets our areas have to offer.”The campaign aims to bring recognition to the areas’ attributes including the ability of North Carolina to meet business needs of companies, the region’s access to transpiration by sea, rail and air; the qualified workforce available, the opportunity to build along with Fortune 500 companies, and the aspect of community citizens create.”If you’ve seen our coast, you know we are known for it. Our downtown areas are robust, our riverfront is growing, a new hotel is breaking ground, and if you ride out the county lines you’ll see some of the best industrial parks in the state,” said English.The Cape Fear Region is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. The Port of Wilmington is located within 700 miles of 70 percent of the U.S. industrial base and Wilmington boasts its own international airport. The Cape Fear Region is home to 200,000 skilled workers, community colleges and universities, and numerous small, medium and large companies.”When you think of Southeast North Carolina, we want you to think of Cape Fear. Choose Cape Fear because we are robust, filled with Fortune 500 companies; you have access to capital and a strong quality of life, we are welcoming and laid back, and a great place to live, work and play,” said English.Information on the “Choose Cape Fear” initiative can be found at www.choosecapefear.com.