2025 - Economic Summit & Executive Leadership Outlook

Economic Summit & Executive Leadership Panel Discussion Date: December 9, 2025 Time: 7:30 – 10:00 AM Location: Wilmington Convention Center   Start your morning with timely economic insights and leadership perspectives to help your business plan for the year ahea......More

Economic Summit & Executive Leadership Panel Discussion Date: December 9, 2025 Time: 7:30 – 10:00 AM Location: Wilmington Convention Center   Start your morning with timely economic insights and leadership perspectives to help your business plan for the year ahead. The Wilmington Chamber’s Economic Summit & Executive Leadership Outlook will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and professionals to examine the key trends shaping our economy in 2025.   The program opens with an in-depth economic outlook from Dr. Mouhcine Guettabi, Associate Professor of Economics at UNCW, who will share analysis of Federal and state policy impacts on local governments.   Following the presentation, Natalie English, President and CEO of the Wilmington Chamber, will moderate an Executive Leadership Panel featuring two of our region’s most influential public-sector leaders.   Featured Panelists:   Chris Coudriet, M.PAdm County Manager, New Hanover County Chris Coudriet serves as New Hanover County's chief administrator, overseeing a ~$500 million annual budget and maintaining responsibility for all departments under the general control of the five-member Board of Commissioners. As county manager, Coudriet leads implementation of the county's strategic plan focused on three key areas: Workforce & Economic Development, Community Safety & Well-being, and Sustainable Land Use & Environmental Stewardship—all supported by principles of Good Governance. Appointed in 2012, Coudriet brings more than 25 years of public administration experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from East Carolina University and a Master's in Public Administration from UNC Pembroke. Coudriet serves in leadership positions with the National Association of Counties and received recognition from the NC Association of County Commissioners for his work on the opioid settlement committee. A native of eastern North Carolina, Chris and his wife Leigh split their time between downtown Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach. Becky Hawke City Manager, City of Wilmington   Becky Hawke was appointed as City Manager for the City of Wilmington by Wilmington City Council on May 20, 2025, and started in her role one month later.   Hawke comes to the city from Matthews, North Carolina, where she has served as Town Manager and previously Assistant Town Manager since 2016. She brings more than 18 years of local government experience to the role, with extensive executive experience in organizational leadership and community engagement. Prior to Matthews, Hawke spent over nine years in local government in Virginia, serving in executive roles for the Town of Christiansburg and City of Radford.   Hawke is a Credentialed Manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA-CM). She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from Hollins University, an M.S. in Corporate and Professional Communication from Radford University, and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She also holds a master’s Certificate in Human Resources Management from Cornell University and is a graduate of the Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA) through UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Government. Join business and community leaders from the banking, construction, healthcare, and technology sectors for this high-impact morning of insights and networking.   Register now to reserve your seat.  

Wilmington Convention Center 10 Convention Center Drive Wilmington, NC 28401

2025 - Leadership Wilmington Alumni Council and Current Class Holiday Mix and Mingle

This event is only open to current Leadership Wilmington Class of 2026 members, current Leadership Wilmington Alumni Council members, or graduates of the Leadership Wilmington program. Join the current class of Leadership Wilmington and fellow alumni at this holida......More

This event is only open to current Leadership Wilmington Class of 2026 members, current Leadership Wilmington Alumni Council members, or graduates of the Leadership Wilmington program. Join the current class of Leadership Wilmington and fellow alumni at this holiday networking event at Hi-Wire Brewing. Meet with old friends and make some new ones as we wrap up 2025! One free drink ticket and pizza will be provided to registered alumni and current class members. Plus ones are invited to register to attend at no charge.  In celebration of the holiday season we will be collecting unwrapped gifts for adults and unwrapped toys for the kids served at Good Shepherd Center.  For the toys - all ages/genders are great. In particular, stuffed animals, "brand" toys (ie. Roblox, Paw Patrol, Disney) always go over well for the little guys and things like art sets, nail kits, adult coloring books, basketballs, soccer balls, etc. are big hits with the middle/high schoolers.   For adults - the #1 thing Good Shepherd Center gets requests for and that they never have enough of are new hoodies or sweatshirts for men and women. All sizes are helpful, but M-XXL would be the most in demand.  

Hi-Wire Brewing 1020 Princess Street Wilmington, NC

1 Million Cups

1MC provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. Wilmington, NC is one of many chapters across the United States. Join us as startups, an......More

1MC provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. Wilmington, NC is one of many chapters across the United States. Join us as startups, and small businesses present for 6 minutes about their company, followed by 20 minutes of Q&A. 1MC Wilmington meets every Wednesday, 9AM, at the University for North Carolina Wilmington Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

UNCW CIE: 803 College Rd G, Wilmington, NC 28403

2025 - Chamber Connections Sponsored by ActionCOACH

Chamber Connections is a networking group of Chamber members designed to build relationships, support professional development, and help you develop leads for your business. At these events, you'll listen to a short presentation from the sponsor, receive Chamber updat......More

Chamber Connections is a networking group of Chamber members designed to build relationships, support professional development, and help you develop leads for your business. At these events, you'll listen to a short presentation from the sponsor, receive Chamber updates on events, and meet like-minded professionals who wish to grow their business and their networks. This is a member benefit and has no additional cost to attend.   PARKING & BUILDING ENTRANCE Our guests are welcome to park in our parking lot or at the Wilmington Convention Center parking deck. If you must park in the deck, please let a chamber staffer know so we can provide you with a complimentary parking voucher. Our building’s main entrance faces the Cape Fear River and is accessed by passing through the gate to our building's left.  Sponsor Information - More About ActionCOACH Grow your company quickly and sustainably with the proven methodology and coaching of ActionCOACH Business Coaching. Coach Reggie is a North Carolina based business owner who has been exactly where you are. He brings a lifetime of business experience and coaching experience, and his work has helped hundreds of local entrepreneurs scale their businesses and radically improve their lives. Join us at Chamber Connections and explore the power of Business Growers to transform your business today!   

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce 1 Estell Lee Place Wilmington, NC 28401

WM+M - WilmingtonBiz 100

https://wilmingtonmediamarketing.com/event/wilmingtonbiz-100/    

NEW: DEEEEEP Dive

2025 - Latin American Business Council Meeting - LABC Q4

The vision of the Latin American Business Council is to foster the economic growth and development of the Latin American business community in the Cape Fear Region. We are building a multicultural coalition that celebrates the diversity of the Latino community and b......More

The vision of the Latin American Business Council is to foster the economic growth and development of the Latin American business community in the Cape Fear Region. We are building a multicultural coalition that celebrates the diversity of the Latino community and builds professional leadership through increased access to business and education resources, the establishment of multilingual platforms, and advocacy through public policy.   Program: Grant Opportunities for Wilmington's Small Businesses In this session you will learn information about grants available for Wilmington's small business owners. Miguel Avila, owner of Daily View Pools, will share details about these opportunities and best practices from his experience securing grants for his business.   Schedule 5:30 - 6:00 pm - Networking 6:00 pm - Program Begins  

Bonita Latin Fusion 5 Brunswick Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

2025 - Chamber Connections Sponsored by United Community Bank

We’d love to have you join us at our upcoming free monthly networking event, Chamber Connections, hosted at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce located at 1 Estell Lee Place Wilmington, NC 28401.  Chamber Connections is a networking group of Chamber members designed t......More

We’d love to have you join us at our upcoming free monthly networking event, Chamber Connections, hosted at the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce located at 1 Estell Lee Place Wilmington, NC 28401.  Chamber Connections is a networking group of Chamber members designed to build relationships, support professional development, and help you develop leads for your business. At these events, you'll listen to a short presentation from the sponsor, receive Chamber updates on events, and meet like-minded professionals who wish to grow their business and their networks. This is a member benefit and has no additional cost to attend.   PARKING & BUILDING ENTRANCE Our guests are welcome to park in our parking lot or at the Wilmington Convention Center parking deck. If you must park in the deck, please let a chamber staffer know so we can provide you with a complimentary parking voucher. Our building’s main entrance faces the Cape Fear River and is accessed by passing through the gate to our building's left.  

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce 1 Estell Lee Place Wilmington, NC 28401

2025 - Young Professionals Council Meeting - YPC Q4

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Council is designed for professionals under the age of 40 who are looking to grow their careers, build meaningful connections, and deepen their understanding of the community. The group regularly convenes speaker......More

The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Council is designed for professionals under the age of 40 who are looking to grow their careers, build meaningful connections, and deepen their understanding of the community. The group regularly convenes speakers who offer insights into key issues shaping our region, while also creating opportunities for young professionals to build relationships with their peers. By bringing a fresh perspective and new ideas, the YPC can help shape the chamber's priorities and initiatives, particularly those related to workforce development and the next generation of business leaders. Flourish Leadership Consulting will lead a workshop on setting personal and professional goals for career growth.  As we look toward 2026, get a start on achieving your version of success!  Defining success, reflecting on your progress, and celebrating your wins leads us to paint a picture of your desired future. Getting from our current self to our future self is not a “thing that happens”, but an intentional unfolding process. Join us for this practical session on setting personal and professional goals and making them happen!    Introductions Success Snapshot (Defining Success) Planning Process Walk Through  Acknowledge and Celebrate Dream/Hope Prioritize Detail and Map Your Current Self / Future Self  Building Connection - While Building Contacts  Joining Boards Volunteering One Commitment (Commit to one action item for the future) Registration is limited to the first 50 people.  Before You Register: To help ensure a smooth experience for all attendees, please keep the following in mind: Parking: Free parking is available in the Wilmington Chamber lot. If this lot is full, you can park in the Convention Center parking garage and we will validate your parking.  Attire: Business casual or smart casual is recommended. Space is limited: Advance registration is required to attend. First-time attendees are encouraged to join us. Our team will be available to help you connect with others.

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce 1 Estell Lee Place, Wilmington, NC 28401

1 Million Cups

1MC provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. Wilmington, NC is one of many chapters across the United States. Join us as startups, an......More

1MC provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. Wilmington, NC is one of many chapters across the United States. Join us as startups, and small businesses present for 6 minutes about their company, followed by 20 minutes of Q&A. 1MC Wilmington meets every Wednesday, 9AM, at the University for North Carolina Wilmington Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

UNCW CIE: 803 College Rd G, Wilmington, NC 28403

Public Policy Meeting

All Chamber members are welcome to attend the meeting. 

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

1 Million Cups

1MC provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. Wilmington, NC is one of many chapters across the United States. Join us as startups, an......More

1MC provides a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities. Wilmington, NC is one of many chapters across the United States. Join us as startups, and small businesses present for 6 minutes about their company, followed by 20 minutes of Q&A. 1MC Wilmington meets every Wednesday, 9AM, at the University for North Carolina Wilmington Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

UNCW CIE: 803 College Rd G, Wilmington, NC 28403