North Carolina
Southeast Region Trailblazers Shine on Business North Carolina's 2023 Power List –
A staff report
ELIZABETHTOWN, NC – North Carolina’s Southeast is basking in the limelight as several esteemed leaders, board members, and local developers receive well-deserved recognition on Business North Carolina’s 2023 Power List for their unwavering commitment to fostering economic development in the region.
Among those highlighted in the prestigious accolade is Steve Yost, the president of North Carolina’s Southeast (NCSE). With a tenure dating back to 2009, Yost’s leadership has been instrumental in championing the cause of economic progress across the sprawling 20-county region, stretching from the majestic Uwharrie Mountains to the serene Atlantic Coast.
In a statement by NCSE, the regional public-private partnership explained Yost’s pivotal role in steering the organization toward its mission. “Yost has led NCSE since 2009, working to promote our 20-country region stretching from the Uwharrie Mountains to the Atlantic Coast,” the press release proclaimed. Prior to his tenure at NCSE, Yost served in various capacities, including as a senior developer and regional manager for the esteemed N.C. Department of Commerce‘s southeast region.
Reflecting on his journey and offering sage advice to aspiring professionals, Yost emphasized the importance of strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail. “Think and act strategically and pay attention to detail,” Yost advised, encapsulating the essence of his decades-long experience in economic development.
A seasoned veteran in the economic development industry, Yost’s illustrious career spans over two decades, during which he has spearheaded transformative initiatives at the local, state, and regional levels. From his tenure as the Executive Director of the Columbus County Economic Development Commission to his role as the Marketing Manager for North Carolina’s Southeast, Yost’s imprint on the economic landscape of the region is indelible.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Appalachian State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina, Yost brings a wealth of academic prowess to his endeavors. His credentials include certification as an Economic and Community Developer, further solidifying his standing as a distinguished leader in the field.
In addition to his professional achievements, Yost’s commitment to community service is exemplified by his tenure as President of the North Carolina Economic Development Association in 2017 and his lifelong dedication to the Boy Scouts of America, where he attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
In response to his inclusion on the esteemed Power List, Yost humbly acknowledged the collective effort of the region’s dynamic professionals. “This list is only a fraction of the inspiring people that make southeastern North Carolina an incredible place to live and work,” Yost remarked, paying homage to the collaborative spirit that defines the region’s success.
As North Carolina’s Southeast continues its trajectory of growth and prosperity, leaders like Steve Yost serve as the region’s trailblazers. They are poised to write the next chapter in the story of economic development and progress in the Southeast.
Reference links:
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ncse.org/uploads/_regional-news-list_93_2887927568.pdf
https://www.ncse.org/
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North Carolina
NC to receive nearly $70M in FEMA funds, Madsion County manager says $14M hasn’t arrived
MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Senator Tedd Budd’s office announced nearly $70 million in public assistance FEMA funds for Helene recovery toward the North Carolina Department of Transportation, cities and counties.
Madison County Manager Rod Honeycutt created a color-coded spreadsheet of projects, both paid and unpaid. Honeycutt said he sends the spreadsheet to federal leaders’ offices, including Budd’s, regularly to ensure staff are aware of what’s not reimbursed.
Honeycutt estimates about $14 million in reimbursements from FEMA haven’t come through.
As for the $1.9 million just approved for Madison County’s emergency protective measures, including laborers, equipment reimbursement, Honeycutt said the county doesn’t have it yet.
NORTH CAROLINA TO RECEIVE $70M IN ADDITIONAL FEMA FUNDING AS NOEM FACES CRITICISM
“It’s coming back to our fund balance,” said Honeycutt. “And we know it will take six more weeks for it to get through the state and to the county.”
Honeycutt estimates that within six months, FEMA will resolve all reimbursements. He said debris removal jobs along the French Broad River have been delayed as FEMA continues to review the applications.
In Marshall, the town has leased store spaces on Main Street, along with signs advertising leasing available. But longtime resident, artist and business owner Josh Copus is optimistic that Marshall and its community will thrive once again. He acknowledged that FEMA funds and reimbursements to clean up have been an important part of the area’s recovery.
MORE THAN $3.5M HEADED TO BURKE COUNTY FOR CONTINUED HELENE RECOVERY
“I would say our town is 50% fixed and our town was 100% destroyed, so 50% is pretty good,” Copus said.
The awards include:
- Biltmore Forest: $2.5 million for debris removal reimbursement.
- Buncombe County Sewage District: $1.57 million reimbursement for line repairs, vacuuming, line replacements and riverbank restoration.
- Old Fort: $1.15 million Westerman Street Waterline for potable water reimbursement.
- Mitchell County: $11.9 million for debris contractors, tipping fees and debris monitoring reimbursement.
- Buncombe County: $3.5 million toward labor costs for 836 laborers during and after Helene reimbursement.
- Asheville: $5.6 million for North Fork Treatment Plant repairs reimbursement.
- Lake Lure: $1.48 million for lake safety repairs reimbursement.
- Madison County: $1.9 million for emergency protective measures, including laborers, equipment reimbursement.
North Carolina
2026 primary turnout report released for eastern NC counties; see your county’s numbers
Here are the voter turnout numbers for the 2026 primary election, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
Hyde County had the highest voter turnout, while Onslow County had the lowest turnout. Check out what the voter turnout in your county was below:
BERTIE COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
31.85% (3,911 out of 12,280)
CARTERET COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
29.06% (16,543 out of 56,931)
CRAVEN COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
18.63% (14,119 out of 75,778)
DUPLIN COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
21.93% (6,981 out of 31,832)
EDGECOMBE COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
18.16% (6,428 out of 35,396)
GREENE COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
19.70% (2,147 out of 10,900)
HYDE COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
37.27% (1,123 out of 3,013)
JONES COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
25.91% (1,805 out of 6,966)
LENOIR COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
16.73% (6,251 out of 37,371)
MARTIN COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
17.61% (2,858 out of 16,228)
ONSLOW COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
11.44% (14,816 out of 129,537)
PAMLICO COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
24.03% (2,446 out of 10,180)
PITT COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
15.71% (19,429 out of 123,705)
TYRRELL COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
30.49% (723 out of 2,371)
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
28.66% (2,312 out of 8,067)
WAYNE COUNTY
Ballots Cast:
21.49% (16,408 out of 76,358)
North Carolina
Statewide tornado drill has NC schools and workplaces practicing safety
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 6:41PM
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — North Carolina schools and businesses took part in a statewide tornado drill Wednesday morning as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The National Weather Service led the drill at 9:30 a.m., broadcasting it on NOAA Weather Radio and the Emergency Alert System. Schools, workplaces and households across the state were encouraged to join in.
The National Weather Service didn’t issue a follow up alert to mark the end of the drill. Instead, each school or business wrapped up once they felt they had practiced the procedures thoroughly.
Wednesday’s drill also replaced the regular weekly NOAA Weather Radio test.
SEE | New warning for parents amid new ‘fire-breathing’ social media trend
Make sure to download the ABC 11 Mobile App ABC11 North Carolina Apps for Connected TV, Mobile News, Echo
Copyright © 2026 WTVD-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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