The Wilson Economic Development Council is charged with the recruitment and retention of positive and desirable industrial business to fill Wilson’s job market and generate new tax base. WEDC markets Wilson worldwide, creating relationships with site selectors and companies to make sure when the time comes to place an industrial site, Wilson is top of mind for all the wonderful benefits we have to offer. Finally, WEDC supports the development of new properties and buildings throughout the community that will make Wilson a more attractive location for potential business partners.
Wilson County Properties
Soon after the establishment of the WEDC in 1957, Wilco Industrial Park, one of the earliest industrialized areas in the county, was bustling with activity. The council identified other possible sites for expansion and in the 1970s, partnered with individuals and government leaders to develop Hackney Industrial Park in the eastern US 264 corridor. The Council saw the need for a non-profit development group to support the development of such properties. They created a group known as Wilson County Properties, Inc.
Wilson County Properties, Inc. is a private non-profit corporation charged with developing and maintaining shovel-ready properties for consideration by industries looking to call Wilson, North Carolina, home. Since its conception, Wilson County Properties, Inc. has been a close partner of WEDC and is responsible for the construction and sale of six shell or speculative buildings and the development of three industrial parks. One such park is Wilson Corporate Park, a 500-acre park along I-95 in western Wilson County with full infrastructure in place. In the eastern corridor of Wilson County, a new park, known as Woodard Parkway, is under construction. With over 800 developable acres and a prime location between Greenville and Raleigh along US 264, Woodard Parkway holds much promise for future industrial growth.
In conjunction with the Wilson Economic Development Council, it is the objective of Wilson County Properties, Inc. to help companies meet the competitive challenges they face by doing whatever possible to make site selection and construction run smoothly.
Please contact Jennifer Lantz for further information. Call Jennifer Lantz at 800-241-4920 or 252 237-1115 or email jlantz@wilsonedc.com.
Wilson on the Move
A final partner in what WEDC does is Wilson Economic Foundation, Inc, a 501 (c) 6 corporation more commonly known as Wilson on the Move. The foundation was organized 25 years ago to help recruit new industry to Wilson and help existing industry expand. Wilson on the Move grants are used only as deal-closers to assist new and expanding companies and these companies must meet rigid contractual agreements to provide jobs, salary goals and new investment. This conservatively managed fund, used on a highly selective basis, has proven to be an important edge in the very competitive arena of economic development.
Over 200 local businesses and individuals are members of Wilson on the Move.
Please contact Sherrie Bridgers for further information. Call Sherrie at 252 237-1115 or email ssbridgers@wilsonedc.com.