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Southeast Region

The Southeast region of the state boasts stunning shorelines on the Atlantic Ocean, pine-covered sand hills, and an outdoorsy lifestyle built around a comfortable climate and widely available recreational opportunities.

Although it’s the smallest region in the state, it doesn’t lack for economic potential with a multi-modal transportation system, pioneering universities and community colleges, a diligent and trainable workforce, and convenient proximity to buyers on the east coast. Key industry sectors include advanced and nonwoven textiles, boat manufacturing and marine trades, logistics and distribution, building products, agri-industry and consumer foods, and metalworking.

However, there are economic development challenges due to poverty, obstacles to educational advancement, weakened physical infrastructure, and agricultural jobs leaving the area.

Golden LEAF has awarded grants to the region for job creation and retention, business development and recruitment, job training, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, scientific research, and education.

"The Golden LEAF Foundation has provided extremely valuable support to rural counties in Southeastern North Carolina. They provided Robeson Community College strategic funds to train heavy equipment operators for local contractors when the need arose.” - Charles Chrestman, President, Robeson Community College