In January, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors passed a resolution in support of efforts to explore offshore wind energy off the coast of southeastern North Carolina. Tune in to learn more about the opportunities this emerging industry presents (HINT: JOBS) and what challenges remain.

As VP of Small Business Development and Business Retention, Josh Hallingse will be overseeing the attraction, retention, and expansion of small businesses in our community alongside our economic development partners focused on entrepreneurial development and recruitment. 

Prior to joining the Wilmington Chamber, Hallingse served as the Executive Director for the Transylvania Economic Alliance, where he led the Alliance’s economic development program since 2015. Recent wins include a major expansion of Raybow USA, a $15.8M/74 job biotech project, development, and several small business expansions/relocations. Hallingse was also part of the team to develop the Sylvan Valley Industrial Center, the community’s first shell building, which is now home to outdoor gear builder SylvanSport and CanArchy Craft Brewing Collective.

Neal Andrew is a native Wilmingtonian and the current president of Andrew Consulting Engineers. Andrew Consulting Engineers has been a member of the Wilmington Chamber since 2004, and Neal has served on the board of directors since 2016.

Neal’s work as a board member has propelled our chamber to become more effective and efficient. He brings extensive knowledge of our community and coastal issues and has become a critical asset to our advocacy efforts. In 2021, he also contributed the most new member leads as a board member, earning himself the coveted New Member Award Trophy.

From the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge to off-shore wind, public transit to affordable housing. The girls dig deep into the Chamber plans for 2022.

Listen as the myths about our Wilmington Chamber of Commerce get busted and the girls get excited about all the new and exciting things planned!