WHO WE ARE
Brunswick Business Industry Development’s purpose is to encourage and promote the development of new business and industry, to assist in the retention of existing business and industry, and to promote the industrial development and general economic welfare of Brunswick County.
HOW WE DELIVER
We recognize that starting, relocating, expanding and running a business are complex processes that require a lot of time, effort and consideration. We’re here to provide insight and support as you navigate this process. Our team of experts will be by your side from initial interest to relocation and onward as you expand, providing hands-on, proactive support and direct and personal communication. We’re always here to help.
OUR TEAM
WILLIAM S. “BILL” EARLY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bill Early is a proven leader with 33 years of economic development experience in North Carolina. Before joining the Brunswick BID team, Bill served as the longtime executive director of the Hertford County Economic Development Commission. During his tenure there, he led 64 business recruitment or expansion projects resulting in $1,164,653,305 in investment and 1,993 jobs. He also served as the county’s planning and zoning administrator from November 1996 until December 2017.
An accomplished leader, Bill received the N.C. Economic Developers Association’s Jack Ervin/Area Development Magazine Scholarship in 1991 and was recognized as the association’s “Practitioner of the Year” in 1999. In 2001 he was named the “Economic Development Leader of the Year” by the Eastern Center for Regional Development.
JASON SEMPLE
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Jason Semple is a North Carolina economic development veteran, having served in various local, regional, and state roles since 2005. Most recently, he served as President & CEO of the Martin County Economic Development Corporation from 2015 until 2022, when he joined BBID as Director of Business Development. Collectively, his efforts have resulted in more than 4,000 jobs created or retained and $650 million in new tax base. Jason also has private sector experience in supply chain logistics and sales and marketing.
A graduate of Emory University, Jason has been involved with a diverse array of organizations and boards, including the Small Business Technology & Development Center Advisory Board, Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children and Rotary International.
AMANDA SMITH
OFFICE MANAGER
Amanda Smith joined Brunswick Business & Industry Development as its office manager in August 2024. With her extensive background in marketing and the service industry, Amanda thrives in fast-paced environments and is adept at needs anticipation while maintaining a high level of efficiency. She also brings strong management, multi-tasking, and customer service skills.
Amanda spent two years working with a promotional marketing company, where she managed day-to-day office operations, budgeting, and financial planning. She has also spent the last four years as a small business owner, overseeing all aspects of the enterprise. Amanda’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to juggle multiple responsibilities make her a dynamic asset to Brunswick BID and its mission to serve the community.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
Whatever your needs, we’re here to help make it happen. Our development team will be with you every step of the way, from selecting your next site, creating a talent pipeline, and working with local governance to move your project forward. Here’s a look at what our clients have to say about partnering with our team.
“EVERY TIME WE NEEDED HELP, THEY HELPED.”
“[BBID] helped us with site selection and getting the word out that we needed to find a new home. They made it easier for us to work with landlords by putting in a good word for us. They helped us when we needed a certificate of occupancy when our landlord delayed. Every time we needed help, they helped. They checked in on us from time to time as well when we were silent to make sure we were still on track.”
– Jim Seidel, CEO of Tri-Tech Forensics Inc. and Rescue Essentials
“We made the selection [to choose Brunswick County] strictly on the basis of space available and ability to expand for future needs. At that point we did not realize all the support that would be made available and how diligently [BBID] would offer support to our nascent organization. We have grown from less than thirty employees to over seventy presently.”
– Ray Ryan, CEO of Flow Sciences, Inc.
“I was expecting Brunswick County to be similar to many rural counties in the US where the level of sophistication and support in some areas may be lacking or inconsistent. To the contrary. Brunswick County has surprised me with the knowledge, experience and professionalism that really makes a difference for our business when we need their help.”
– Jared Isaac, PhD MBA, Senior Scientist, Cygnus Technologies, LLC
“BRUNSWICK COUNTY HAS SURPRISED ME.”
OUR PARTNERS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH CAROLINA
NC DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
NORTH CAROLINA’S SOUTHEAST
BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BRUNSWICK COUNTY CHAMBER
NORTH BRUNSWICK CHAMBER
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