Kelly Stuart’s Post

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Commercial Broker / REALTOR® NC & SC

Congratulations Gary Lanier, Ed.D. for being awarded North Carolina Economic Development Association Small Market Deal of the Year! Throughout 2023 I had the sincere privilege to work with Gary Lanier, Ed.D., Executive Director, Columbus County Economic Development, during the recruitment process of Provalus, an Alabama based company that will provide training and upskilling opportunities for up to 200 employees to pursue long-term careers in information technology in downtown Whiteville. I can honestly say that in my 20+ years working in economic development, and now commercial brokerage, this is one of the most gratifying announcements I’ve had the opportunity to play a part in. Gary trusted to bring me into the process from the beginning, which gave me the information I needed to assist my clients, owners of The News Reporter building, in making the decision to work with the City and County on the purchase of the property, despite other outside interest. Their commitment to the Whiteville community was unwavering which allowed me to work closely with Gary, the City and County Managers and City Attorney through the drafting of multiple agreements put in place to finalize the details of the sale and ultimately the lease back to Provalus. The project began with a recruiting trip in 2019 with North Carolina's Southeast and Bladen County to meet with Provalus leadership at their headquarters in Bruton, Alabama. Despite their efforts, the company choose Manning, SC for that project. When expansion plans resulted in a second visit to Whiteville in 2023, Gary was determined to win the project. Diplomatically and deftly, Gary brought together the City of Whiteville, Columbus County, the Columbus Jobs Foundation, Southeastern Community College, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), NC Department of Commerce, the property owners and more to present a comprehensive package that made Whiteville and Columbus County the ideal location for Provalus to conduct its operations. As quoted by Whiteville Mayor Terry Mann, “We need the kind of jobs with potential to keep young people from leaving our area. In the last few days we had one of the most exciting economic development announcements for Whiteville and Columbus County. “Not only is this a big win for the entire county, but economically it also shows what major collaboration between a municipality and the county can do to move a project forward.   Collaboration like this is an example of how our county can move forward. I personally hope that we all move forward with this mindset in the future. If it helps one, it helps us all.” https://lnkd.in/erRN3aeh

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Greg Taylor

Executive Director at Advancement Regional Business Lenders, Inc.

1w

Congratulations Gary!

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Ken Allen

NC Works Commission-Director, Business Engagement

2w

Gary, congratulations

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