Wilmington Business Development has named Cape Fear Community College its Cameron Management Ally of the Year for 2018, according to a news release.

The announcement took place at Wilmington Business Development’s (WBD) annual meeting in October.

WBD began awarding the Cameron Management Ally of the Year Award in 2016. The award is named after Dan and Bruce Cameron, who were “principles in Cameron Management and considered to be the founders of what is now Wilmington Business Development,” officials said in the release.

CFCC President Jim Morton accepted the honor for the college.

"Cape Fear Community College is extremely excited to be the recipient of the Ally of the Year award from WBD," Morton said in the release. "Our partnership is vital to the economic development of New Hanover and Pender Counties, as well as providing increased employment opportunities for our students.”

WBD officials said in the release that CFCC supports the Wilmington area economy and job growth in many ways.

"Academic programs, adult education, small business support and vocational training are engrained in our region's workforce assets, entrepreneurial landscape and economic diversity," said WBD CEO Scott Satterfield, in the release.

Satterfield noted the college’s customized industrial training as an effective economic development incentive for arriving and expanding companies in the region.

"It has been pivotal to winning any number of projects over the years," Satterfield said.