About CEC
Mission
The CEC is committed to helping entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into successful businesses and, in the process, to creating an entrepreneurially-friendly community in southeastern North Carolina.
History
Since 1995, the CEC has been delivering what Wilmington-area entrepreneurs need: knowledge, help, and great networking. CEC events have put southeastern North Carolina on the entrepreneurial map. They’ve also generated deals, new ideas, and some truly productive relationships. The CEC’s strategy focuses on building companies and a dynamic, prosperous entrepreneurial community. Involving over 200 entrepreneurs, investors, and others, the CEC is making a difference in the economic development of Coastal Carolina.
Strategy
The CEC exploits four major programs to achieve its important mission:
Opportunity Conference — This two-day conference will continue the successes of 2003 and 2004. Attracting some of the nation’s best entrepreneurial minds, the Opportunity conference series offers something for everyone. Planning is underway for a fall 2005 conference.
Entrepreneur-in-the-Building Series – Once a quarter, the CEC brings a world-class entrepreneur to provide insights, share experiences, and simply answer questions. Chip Mahan, Ernie Mario, Fred Eshelman, Kevin Melia, Peyton Anderson, and Rich West have all attracted great crowds and supplied superb content and entertainment to local entrepreneurs.
Watering Holes – Five times each year, the CEC sponsors a strictly networking evening for entrepreneurs and investors. In the 2003-2004 program year, Watering Holes resulted in at least three deals and established business connections that are making a difference.
Swift Advisory Team – Local entrepreneurs with specific problems can find answers using the CEC’s SWAT initiative. In 2003/2004, two area firms brought specific challenges to the CEC. It assembled teams of experts, listened, and suggested answers that both companies are now implementing. This hands-on effort is just getting started. Contact the CEC office at (910) 452-9910 to learn more about SWAT.
This multi-track strategy provides value, builds community, enhances entrepreneurial visibility, and generates the Council’s essential revenues.
Leadership
Under the oversight of the board of directors, the CEC’s Executive Committee plans and conducts the organization’s activities. The EXCOM is composed of the following individuals:
- Gene Haley, Wilmington Pharmaceuticals, President
- John Philips, DSL.net, Vice President for Programs
- Leslie Langer, SBTDC at UNCW, Vice President for Membership and Sponsorship
- Brian McMerty, eSearchLogistics, Vice President for Communications
- Michael G. Cain, Cape Fear Capital, Secretary
- Larry Clark, Cameron School of Business, UNCW, Vice President
- Robert Rippy, Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, Vice President
- Matt Peterson, Intellectual Capital,Treasurer
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