“Partner with community and regional stakeholders to create a shared vision and plan for an environment that attracts and retains the talent, jobs, and economic development that both protect and benefit our unique community.”   Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Strategic Vision 2005

The knowledge sector economy initiative was developed from recommendations brought forward at the Chamber Board of Directors retreat in January 2005.  Soon after that retreat the board crafted the statement above as part of its strategic vision. 

The effort kicked off with the Wilmington Regional Knowledge Economy Roundtable (KER) on January 9, 2006, led by Catalytix.  The KER initiated a discussion among some of the area’s most influential leaders regarding how the region can most effectively address its economic development opportunities and challenges in the regional knowledge sector economy.

Catalytix consultants then attended the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in March 2006, where they introduced attendees to the knowledge sector.

At the Board of Directors Retreat on January 4, 2007, the consultants presented data specific to the Cape Fear region and built interest and momentum for the regional Knowledge Economy Blueprinting process among area leaders.  The name of the initiative—Cape Fear Future—was revealed at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on February 22, 2007.  Area businesses embraced the concept by quickly stepping forward to make donations to cover Catalytix consulting fees in the spring of 2007.

Since that time, Catalytix conducted dozens of focus groups in the region, surveyed more than 1,200 area residents, and met with key business and community leaders.  After months of research, they compiled a "cookbook" or recommendations for making the Cape Fear region more attractive to knowledge sector workers, as well as "champions" (those in the community who should be leaders in seeing that individual recommendations/projects are implemented.

On October 29, 2008, the Cape Fear Future Leadership team was formed, composed of area stakeholders from organizations such as New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, UNCW, NHRMC, GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy, PPD, Progress Energy and more.  Their first action was to review the cookbook recommendations in depth and determine priorities;

Image Enhancement- Focus Group conducted. Creative Brief and Suggested Budget for Marketing Materials developed. Preliminary grant application overview submitted to US Department of Commerce.
            
STEM- Research on what is available in New Hanover and Pender Schools gathered. Other "best practices" information gathered. Representatives of Greater Wilmington Chamber Foundation, school board and administration attended "best practices" presentation at AP Combs Elementary in Raleigh.

Entrepreneurship- Meetings with stakeholders ongoing. Also focus groups around website and related details ongoing. Next steps include continued support of UNCW's Cameron School Entrepreneurship Center, meetings with those in the community who "must know" about CFF and redevelopment of chamber website to focus information on CFF and successes in entrepreneur sector in the region.

Quality of Life- Identifying and implementing community improvement projects to further advance the Cape Fear region's great lifestyle.