As economic development leaders continue working on ways to bring more employers to the Wilmington area, an organization that assists manufacturers has opened an office in Wrightsville Beach.
The N.C. State Industrial Extension Service leased 835 square feet of space in Suite F-1 at The Landing at Wrightsville Beach, a multi-purpose building at 530 Causeway Drive that includes retail and office space, said Jeff Idol, broker with Maus Warwick Matthews & Co.
Idol represented the landlord, WUMC Holdings LLC, in the transaction for an undisclosed amount. Generally, space in the building leases for a gross, full-service rate of $20.50 per square foot.
“We’re thrilled to have them because they’re a high-profile tenant,” Idol said.
Alex Easley, regional manager for the Southeastern Office of the IES, said the IES works with economic development organizations, including Wilmington Business Development, community colleges and universities as it helps existing businesses grow and to recruit new companies.
“The organization really wanted to focus in this area, to have a footprint from New Hanover County” outward, Easley said Thursday. Brunswick and Pender are also among the southeastern North Carolina counties Easley serves.
Among the office's capabilities will be providing space for grant writers and hosting training sessions, Easley said.
Manufacturers aren't the only kinds of companies IES helps, Easley said. IES also serves health care, government and service sectors, an IES fact sheet explains.
“IES experts share industry experience in knowledge areas like process optimization; ISO systems and quality management; workplace health and safety; environmental sustainability; energy and water use; research and development; industrial engineering; leadership and culture transformations; and innovation and growth strategies,” the fact sheet explains.
Marpac, a Wilmington company that makes sound conditioners, has been served by IES, and one of Marpac's owners has said IES helped the firm increase productivity, according to an IES flier.
The IES office in Wrightsville Beach will host a grand opening celebration at the new location from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, inviting attendees to enjoy coffee and bagels while meeting the team.
The organization has 25 offices throughout the state. The 2012 IES budget totaled $11.8 million, according to an IES fact sheet for the fiscal year 2013-2014, which included $3.8 million in state-appropriated funds, $4.9 million in fees for service, $2.2 in federal funds and $700,000 from state and industry contracts.
