Local Roots, Global Reach: Driving Economic Growth Through International Partnerships

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on April 15th for a timely and important conversation with North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who will explore how global relationships are strengthening local communities and driving record-setting economic growth across the state.

North Carolina continues to rank among the top destinations in the United States for economic expansion and international business (through Q3 in 2025):

• 25 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects | $1.7 billion in foreign capital investment | 2,727 new jobs created through international companies
• More than 60 foreign-owned firms are operating in the southeastern region of North Carolina

When including both domestic and foreign investment:

• 81 new economic development projects | $21.3 billion in total capital investment | 24,000+ projected new jobs

North Carolina’s economic performance reflects this momentum:

• 5.6% GDP growth (inflation-adjusted) in Q3 2025, surpassing both national (4.4%) and regional (4.5%) averages
• Only five states experienced faster growth
• 84,000+ net new residents between mid-2024 and mid-2025; the highest domestic in-migration of any state

Key international investment partners include Germany, Canada, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom, with strong sector growth in banking, manufacturing, technology, aerospace, and life sciences.

Secretary Marshall will share her perspective on how North Carolina successfully attracts, builds, and retains investment from international companies while addressing the strategic importance of foreign direct investment in driving job creation across the state. At a time when global supply chains, capital flows, workforce mobility, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies are reshaping regional economies, she will also highlight why sustained global engagement is essential to maintaining long-term economic growth and delivering meaningful benefits to communities throughout North Carolina.

Join us for a forward-looking discussion on how local leadership and global connections are positioning North Carolina for continued economic success.

 

 

• WACC Private Reception Sponsorship and Underwriting – DOWNLOAD LINK 
• WACC Global Business Series Sponsorship and Underwriting – DOWNLOAD LINK

Program Information: 

Date: Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Check-In and Pre-Lunch Networking: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Lunch & Presentation: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Hilton Charlotte Uptown (222 E. Third St., Charlotte, NC 28202)
Cost: $75 (WACC Member Rate) | $95 (Non-Member Rate) | $55  (Young Professionals of the WACC Member Rate) | $40 (WACC Student Member / Teacher Member Rate)

 

 

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