North Carolina Community College System Named Top 'Export Partner' in 2025 Governor's Awards

Award recognizes the System's contributions to help North Carolina companies export goods and services internationally

RALEIGH, N.C., March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), a statewide network of 58 public community colleges, has been named a 2025 Governor's Export Award winner. The annual program recognizes businesses and partners for their contributions to expanding North Carolina's products and services into international markets, reaching a record $42.8 billion export total in 2024.

Now in its eighth year, the Export Awards program is a joint effort between with the Governor's Office and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), whose International Trade Division helps businesses navigate trade agreements and language barriers.

NCCCS has won the Sharyn Koenig Export Partner Award, thanks to its ongoing economic development work and its support and facilitation of the EDPNC's "Go Global Road Show" meetings across its expansive college network. As part of these events, NCCCS hosts trade officials and representatives from the state's Department of Agriculture, Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), and the U.S. Commercial Service, an arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration.

"In 2024, North Carolina companies exported goods and services to 215 countries and territories, fueling job creation and business expansion across our state," said Governor Josh Stein. "[This year's award winners] represent the best of North Carolina's innovation and economic resilience."

During the road show events – tailored toward companies that are currently exporting, are export-ready, or are looking to expand international marketing – state officials provide information on opportunities in global markets, including Canada, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East. The EDPNC also conducts one-on-one consultations with export-ready companies and delivers country-specific presentations on targeted markets. To help make these events accessible to business owners throughout the state, the NCCCS team provides meeting space and event logistics at many of its 58 community colleges.

"We are honored to receive this award, which reaffirms our commitment to strengthening North Carolina's workforce and industry connections, ensuring that businesses have the talent they need to compete and grow," said John Loyack, vice president of economic development for NCCCS, which also provides customized training programs for North Carolina employers. "For companies engaged in international trade, having a skilled workforce is essential to maintaining momentum and long-term success. We are also immensely grateful to honor Sharyn's legacy, which has left a lasting impact on businesses across the state."

As part of its economic development initiatives, NCCCS administers NCEdge, a customized training program for businesses located in the state. By partnering with North Carolina's community colleges at more than 215 sites, NCEdge offers tailored training to meet unique industry needs. It is one of several workforce development programs run by the College System's economic development division, and is utilized alongside the following programs:

• Small Business Center Network – Which provides free, confidential one-on-one business counseling, access to valuable resources and customized training to help keep companies competitive (including those engaging in, or considering, international trade).
• ApprenticeshipNC – Offering customizable apprenticeship programs that help businesses build a pipeline of skilled workers capable of handling the demands of international trade.
• BioNetwork – Which offers education, training and laboratory resources tailored to the biotechnology and life sciences sectors. This includes critical training resources that ensure compliance with international regulations, improve product quality and enhance workforce skills for global operations.

NCCCS will also host an "Export Coffee Talk" webinar on June 4, exploring how these economic development programs support companies' unique export journeys. Attendees will learn how each program arms businesses – from manufacturers and life sciences companies to technology firms – with the resources, expertise and support needed to thrive in international markets.

Additional 2025 Governor's Export Award winners include:

• Governor's Award for Excellence – Arosa Systems in Mecklenburg County
• Small Business – Blue Fusion Technologies in Cumberland County
• Large Business – TCOM in Pasquotank County
• Rural – Pioneer Motor Bearing Company in Cleveland County
• Global Reach – SynergyLabs in Burke County
• New to Export – Haand in Alamance County

For more information about the Governor's Awards program, including an overview of each category, read further details in the EDPNC's announcement here.

About the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)
The North Carolina Community College System is a network of 58 community colleges created to improve the quality of life across North Carolina by opening the door to opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success, and develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce. The Economic Development Division provides education, training, and support services for new, expanding, and existing business and industry in all 100 North Carolina counties through the network of 58 community colleges. Learn more at www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/businesses.

Media contact: Dan Gunderman, Violet PR, [email protected]

SOURCE North Carolina Community College System