Transylvania County Commission Chairman Mike Hawkins has been reappointed to a second term as Board Director of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, it was announced last week.
The EDPNC was formed in 2014 and is North Carolina’s lead organization on new business recruitment, existing industry support, international trade, small business and start-up counseling, and travel and tourism promotion. It is based in Cary and is governed by a 17-member board of business leaders from across the state. Hawkins was a charter appointee to the board, and his reappointment is for a term through October of 2020.
“We are remarkably fortunate that Mike is willing to keep representing WNC as a Director of EDPNC,” said Senator Chuck Edwards. “Owning a family business, being an admired leader in his community, and having a passion for seeing our state prosper make him an obvious choice.”
Christopher Chung, EDPNC chief executive officer, also expressed pleasure at Hawkins’ reappointment. “Mike’s experience as both a business owner and local elected official gives him valuable perspectives that really help guide EDPNC’s efforts,” Chung said.
Hawkins is one of five members of EDPNC’s business recruitment committee, which oversees North Carolina’s new business recruitment, international trade, and existing business development efforts. He is also one of just two EDPNC board members who reside west of Greensboro, a point noted by both Edwards and Chung. “Mike’s reappointment is crucial in that he is one of only two people on the board west of Greensboro, and the other board members tell me that Mike is one of the most engaged members on the board,” Edwards said. “Mike’s a tireless advocate for the economic development needs of communities in western North Carolina, as well as rural communities all over the state,” Chung said.
Hawkins cited EDPNC’s early successes and the quality of the EDPNC staff and board as reasons he agreed to remain on the board. “The staff and board have some really first-rate people who want the best economy possible for North Carolina,” Hawkins said. “Chris Chung is an excellent executive who's overcome numerous external obstacles to do great work. I’m sure EDPNC can build on the work it’s done the past two years, and I look forward to more progress ahead,” Hawkins added.