Josh Hallingse of the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce was one of North Carolina's economic development professionals celebrated recently for their contributions to their profession and communities during the N.C. Economic Development Association (NCEDA) 2025 Annual Conference.

According to a news release, the awards "highlight the exceptional efforts of members who have gone above and beyond expectations in their field."

The association held its awards ceremony June 12 in Wilmington.

Hallingse, who serves as the vice president of small business retention and expansion for the Wilmington chamber, won the 2025 Large Market Deal of the Year award for his work on a deal with FedUp Foods, a private fermented beverage manufacturer.

"FedUp Foods is investing $34 million to expand its operations in Wilmington, creating 104 quality jobs," the release stated. "This fast-growing, woman-owned company chose a strategically located urban infill site in one of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods."

NCEDA honored six other members in their annual awards ceremony: 

2025 Small Market Deal of the Year: Oppie Jordan, Carolinas Gateway Partnership (Natron Energy) 

"Natron Energy is investing $1.4 billion to build the first sodium-ion battery gigafactory in the United States at the Kingsboro Megasite in Edgecombe County," according to the release. "The project is expected to create over 1,000 new jobs in this Tier 1 county and generate more than $3.4 billion in economic impact over the next decade."

2025 Mid-Size Market Deal of the Year: Jennifer Lantz, Wilson Economic Development Council (Johnson & Johnson)

"Johnson & Johnson announced a $1 billion investment to build a 500,000-square-foot biologics manufacturing facility in Wilson County," the release stated. "The project will create 420 new jobs with average salaries more than double the county’s median wage and is expected to generate $3 billion in statewide economic impact over the next decade."

2025 NCEDA Innovator of the Year Award: Blake Moyer, Surry County Economic Development Partnership

"Blake led an 18-month effort to execute North Carolina’s first Equity Partnership Agreement in economic development. Collaborating with the Surry County Economic Development Foundation, legal experts and utility partners, he secured the trust of a private property owner and navigated a complex financial structure to finalize this innovative real estate deal," according to the release. "This milestone advances property development in rural North Carolina through a bold and creative approach."

2025 Emerging Leader of the Year: Trey Cash, North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region

"Trey has driven meaningful progress in site development, public-private partnerships, and community revitalization. A passionate advocate for rural North Carolina, he has secured critical funding, launched innovative initiatives, and championed emerging professionals through the New Economic Developers on the Block podcast and leadership roles with NCEDA. His deep commitment to his community embodies the spirit of this award," the release stated.

2025 Economic Developers of the Year Award: Crystal Gettys, Randolph County Economic Development

"Crystal has driven business recruitment and product development efforts that have secured over $529 million in announced investment and 1,300 new jobs," according to the release. "Her standout achievement is the $450 million Ross Stores distribution center in Randleman, a 1.7-million-square-foot facility creating 852 quality jobs. Known for her hard work, tenacity, and strategic partnerships, Crystal consistently delivers results that benefit both Randolph County and North Carolina."

2025 President’s Award: Steve Yost, North Carolina’s Southeast 

Steve leads transformative economic development efforts in Southeastern North Carolina. Anticipating the end of state funding for regional partnerships, he created a sustainable Public-Private Partnership Model that has kept North Carolina’s Southeast region thriving," the release stated. "Under his leadership since 2014, the region has created over 11,000 jobs, attracted $3.6 billion in investment, and welcomed 88 new company locations. Recently, four new projects announced a combined 1,246 jobs and over $10 billion in investment. Steve’s dedication, vision, and commitment have made a lasting impact on rural communities and the state’s economy, earning him well-deserved recognition."