June 22, 2026
RALEIGH, NC, JUNE 22, 2026 – North Carolina's economic development professionals were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to both their profession and communities during the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) 2026 Annual Conference. These awards highlight the exceptional efforts of members who have gone above and beyond expectations in their field. The association honored these distinguished recipients at the Annual Conference Awards Ceremony held in Wilmington on June 18, 2026.
NCEDA honored eight members in their annual awards ceremony:
2026 Small Market Deal of the Year:
Josh Carpenter, Mountain West Partnership (Eco King Solutions)
Josh Carpenter received the 2026 Small Market Deal of the Year Award for his leadership in securing Eco King Solutions’ first U.S. manufacturing facility in Graham County. The project will bring more than $80 million in investment and create 515 jobs, transforming a long-vacant manufacturing facility and creating new opportunities for the region.
2026 Mid-Size Market Deal of the Year:
Julie Graham, NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region (Prolec GE Waukesha)
Julie Graham received the 2026 Mid-Sized Market Deal of the Year Award for her role in advancing Prolec GE Waukesha’s $140 million expansion in Wayne County. The project will create 330 jobs and strengthen the production of critical power transformers needed to support North America’s growing energy infrastructure.
2026 Large Market Deal of the Year:
Joanna Helms, Apex Economic Development (NC Children’s Hospital)
Joanna Helms received the 2026 Large Market Deal of the Year Award for her leadership in helping secure the future NC Children’s campus in Apex. The project represents a $3 billion investment and is expected to create thousands of construction and permanent jobs while expanding access to pediatric healthcare and research.
2026 NCEDA Innovator of the Year Award:
Tiffany Henry, Jackson County Economic Development
Tiffany Henry received the 2026 Innovator of the Year Award for her leadership in advancing the Webster Village and Main Street Childcare initiatives. Her work has helped connect childcare, workforce development, and housing solutions to support working families and strengthen Jackson County’s economy.
2026 Emerging Leader of the Year:
Baylee Fox, Hickey Global Economic Development Consulting
Baylee Fox received the 2026 Emerging Leader of the Year Award in recognition of her contributions to economic development efforts across North Carolina. Through her work with state, regional, and local partners, she has demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and a strong commitment to the profession.
2026 Economic Developer of the Year Award:
Martie Butler, Richmond County Economic Development
Martie Butler received the 2026 Economic Developer of the Year Award for her outstanding leadership and impact on economic development in North Carolina. Her efforts helped secure Amazon Web Services’ historic $10 billion investment in Richmond County and support the return of NASCAR to Rockingham Speedway.
2026 Career Achievement Award:
Brent Christensen, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce
Brent Christensen received the 2026 Career Achievement Award in recognition of his distinguished career and lasting impact on economic development in North Carolina. Throughout his tenure with the Greensboro Chamber, he has helped advance transformational projects and strengthen regional collaboration across the Carolina Core.
2026 President’s Award:
Andrew Tate, Duke Energy Corporation
Andrew Tate received the 2026 President’s Award in recognition of his exceptional service and support of North Carolina’s economic development community. Through his leadership and partnership, he has helped advance economic development efforts across the state.
“These awards recognize the people doing the work every day to help North Carolina’s communities grow and succeed,” said Brittany Brady, President of NCEDA. “We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the impact they’re making across our state.”
Look for a special feature on this year’s honorees in the July issue of Business North Carolina magazine, NCEDA’s media partner. The feature will spotlight the achievements of NCEDA’s 2026 award recipients and further amplify their recognition across the state.
