Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) was proud to be a Bronze Sponsor at the 19th Annual North Carolina Defense Trade Show & Cybersecurity Forum. The event, held on August 4, was hosted by U.S. Senator Richard Burr, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis, the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC), and Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC). North Carolina technology and defense companies exhibited their products and services as trade show attendees made their rounds. FCEDC promoted Fayetteville and Cumberland County as prime locations to live and work—encouraging out-of-town military contractor attendees to conduct business and move their operations to the community. Additionally, the Forum featured keynote speakers and panels focusing on multiple topics, including cybersecurity, small business contracting, and veteran workforce transition.

Fayetteville and Cumberland County remain key destinations for military contracting, cybersecurity, technology, and defense industries, because of their proximity and close ties to Fort Bragg, the world’s most populated military installation. With more than 52,000 active-duty soldiers, 50,000 veterans, 30,000 military spouses, and 7,000 skilled soldiers transitioning into the workforce each year, these industries have a large, specialized pool of candidates to employ. It is FCEDC’s mission to enhance job growth and prosperity across our community by attracting new industries and expanding existing industries. The FCEDC will continue to have a presence at events that focus on these niche sectors.