Critical Conversations with Scott T. Hamilton featuring NC State University Director of the Economic Development Partnership Tom White

Recently, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton sat down with NC State University Director of the Economic Development Partnership Tom White via Zoom and filmed an episode of Critical Conversations. In this series, Scott talks with professionals about economic development issues affecting the state.

NC State University’s Economic Development Partnership works across the state to attract new businesses and industries to North Carolina. Working closely with the N.C. Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), and local and regional economic development organizations, the Partnership is instrumental in helping recruit companies to the state while providing real-world opportunities for students and faculty. NC State actively participates in outreach and engagement projects with local communities across the state to support economic development.

Tom White became the Director of the NC State University Economic Development Partnership in April 2008.

White shared that the priorities of the NC State University’s Economic Development Partnership align with the EDPNC, NC Department of Commerce, local and regional economic development organizations, and chambers of commerce. White shared that the College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are two of the main colleges in demand by the economic development professionals in North Carolina. He added that the Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center and the Plant Sciences Initiative at NC State both funded by the Golden LEAF Board of Directors are helping to build clusters of industry growth in the state. 

An influx of automotive and aerospace manufacturers came to the state several years ago, said White. He added that some of the big announcements in rural areas included Toyota battery manufacturing plant in Greensboro, Boom Supersonic in Greensboro, VinFast in Moncure, and Wolfspeed in Siler City. As far as the workforce ecosystem, White said that there are 20 workforce boards who work with the 58 community colleges and the Department of Commerce and EDPNC on workforce issues. 

Click here for more information about the NC State University Economic Development Partnership.