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Al Sharp

Project Director, FOCUS
BIO

Al Sharp is Project Director for FOCUS, a community-based planning consortium. FOCUS empowers local planning groups, businesses, and civic organizations through data gathering and public input, helping them to zero in on new oppor  

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Economic Development
Sep 24, 2014

Our Region Is Like A Puzzle

Our region is like a puzzle. We need to connect many different pieces to ultimately realize the bigger, better picture for the future. Have you ever tried to put together a 1,000-piece big box puzz ...

Economic Development
Aug 21, 2014

Get To Know The Real Transformers – Some Of The Cape Fear’s Regional Planning Trailblazers

Good things are happening all around our region. It’s true. Some initiatives are more familiar than others, but in addition to the City of Wilmington’s comprehensive plan and New Hanover C ...

Financial
Jul 15, 2014

Three Teachable Moments Are Revealed. The Public Has Spoken About Regional Growth.

In previous Insights, I’ve talked about the importance of regional planning as a critical element for the next 25 years. To ground this policy orientation, FOCUS has been actively seeking public ...

Economic Development
May 21, 2014

Is A More United Regional Approach To Growth And Development Possible? Signs Point To “Yes”

Remember the Magic 8-Ball toy? Ask it a question, give it a shake, and wait for the reply to appear from the murky depths. It seems like we’ve all been asking the Magic 8-Ball a common question ...

Economic Development
Apr 21, 2014

The Case For A Strong Regional Plan

Our Cape Fear Region is in an enviable position. We’re not only experiencing a steady recovery from the 2008 recession, but according to recent trends and predictions, we should anticipate yet a ...

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In The Current Issue

Major Projects Form In Mayfaire Area

"Mayfaire has evolved into one of the most important commercial submarkets in Southeastern North Carolina because it offers a combination th...


Ice Cream Shops Sweeten Beach Trips

Customers can add two to three items from a long list of fruits, candies and baked goods to be “Squiggled” for a custom flavor of ice cream...


Creating Pathways To Eagles Island

“People drive across the bridge, and they see it, but they have no idea what’s there,” said Larry Sackett, president and chair of the board...

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