Ready workforce and close proximity to interstates, ports & rail

A number of four year universities are located within one hour of Columbus County, with attractive benefits to pursuing education, such as $500 per semester tuition at UNCP. This allows industries easy access to workforce training options for potential employees.

220px-Coastal_Carolina_University_seal.svg.png

Data USA - Bar Chart of Median Household Income in Columbus County.png

Columbus County Economic Development Commission

Partnering for Progress

Property Search

Columbus County is the right place for opportunity and industry in southeastern North Carolina.

Manufacturing & Distribution Directory

Attractions & Venues Directory

CCEDC Dashboard

INDUSTRY

Our trained workforce and close proximity to the state port at Wilmington and interstate highway systems conveniently position Columbus County for manufacturing and distribution.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Southeastern Community College and Columbus Career and College Academy offer opportunities in food processing certification and HACCP training. Onsite training is available for local industry to meet workforce development needs.

INCENTIVES & FINANCING

Columbus County economic development partners with both the state of North Carolina and the Columbus Jobs Foundation to provide attractive incentive packages to industrial firms looking to locate within the county.

Columbus County is the only “Work Ready” community in the region.

RFQ 2022-005 Engineering Services -- EDC

Shovel-Ready Designation - Southeast Regional Park Site

Southeast Regional Park is a triple certified park on 160 acres with an additional 85 acres available. The industrial park is located on Highway 130 (Chadbourn Hwy.) in Whiteville, N.C.

Take a look inside the new, state-of-the-art facility at Southeastern Community College. Home to programs like Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, and more.

The Tabor City Industrial park is conveniently located on the North Carolina and South Carolina Border. With access to rail, water, sewer and electricity this prime location has much to offer for prospective businesses.

Quality of Life

We think you'll like what we have to offer

Affordable country living with easy beach access. Situated in southeastern North Carolina, Columbus County offers businesses and residents an outstanding location in proximity to local lakes, beaches, golf courses, and the historic port city of Wilmington. Our rich agricultural heritage combined with a diligent workforce and excellent infrastructure have created the foundation for a strong agri-business and food processing cluster -- one that will only strengthen as the surrounding area continues to grow.

Recreational opportunities are abundant in Columbus County. Golf, youth athletics, hiking and fishing at Lake Waccamaw State Park and zipline fun at Cape Fearless Extreme are just a few of the many ways to get out and enjoy the mild climate and open land. Known for a rich legacy of players and coaches, baseball is strong in Columbus County. MacKenzie Gore, pitcher for Whiteville High School, was recognized as the 2016-2017 National Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year and was the MLB third draft pick in 2017. In 1986, Sports Illustrated declared Whiteville "Baseball Town U.S.A." In 2017 and 2018, Whiteville High School baseball teams won back-to-back state championships and have earned nine state championships in team history.