EDPNC + NCFIL: A Reciprocal Relationship

There’s a new face at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), and she’s quickly become a big fan of Dr. Bill Aimutis, executive director at the NC Food Innovation Lab (NCFIL). 

“Bill is on my speed dial,” says Mary Lesa Pegg, the new EDPNC Business Recruitment Manager for the Food Processing Industry. “Not only is NCFIL an important tool in my toolbox in this position, but Bill is also such a helpful resource. I can easily connect him with a client as well as call on him to help my understanding of the food and beverage industry.” 

EDPNC + NCFIL: Focused on Growth

Since starting with EDPNC in October 2020, Pegg has hit the ground running and frequently calls on Bill in her new role. That constant connection between the two makes sense as both the EDPNC and NCFIL focus on North Carolina’s economic growth. 

Part of the EDPNC’s mission is to focus on recruiting new business, supporting existing business and helping small businesses get their start, which easily compares to NCFIL’s purpose of assisting entrepreneurs as well as small and large businesses to efficiently move innovative products to market. 

EDPNC + NCFIL: A Reciprocal Relationship 

Pegg describes the EDPNC and NCFIL relationship as reciprocal: “I frequently pull Bill into conversations with prospects, and he has clients come through NCFIL’s doors who he can introduce to the EDPNC. Companies want to know about North Carolina’s talent piece and educational partnerships; I let them know NCFIL can be that partner.” 

Since joining EDPNC and working closely with NCFIL, Pegg has been most impressed with the innovation and accessibility the lab offers, claiming “their approach to getting innovative ideas launched is unmatched nationally.” The ultimate problem solvers, the NCFIL team willingly works with all entrepreneurs, offering access to machinery, programs and industrial know-how and knowledge. 

With this in mind, the EDPNC will continue to spread the word about NCFIL as a resource to new businesses looking at or coming to North Carolina. Pegg says, “North Carolina was very forward-thinking to put this resource into play.” 

New Team Player

Talking with Pegg, her enthusiasm for her new role and the food processing industry becomes quickly apparent. Her main role is to attract food and beverage companies to North Carolina and assist with site selection searches. Pegg’s professional higher education background complements these specific pursuits. 

“Having worked at UNC-Greensboro for many years, I understand the faculty, research and innovation side of things,” says Pegg. “Therefore, I really appreciate NCFIL’s partnership with NC State University and enjoy my work with Dr. Aimutis and Dean Richard Linton.” 

Pegg is currently working on completing her MBA at the UNC-Greensboro. 

EDPNC + NCFIL: The Future is Bright 

With a similar focus of intentional economic growth, the EDPNC and NCFIL partnership will continue to be a reciprocal one, with both entities working hard to attract companies and drive innovation in our state. 

And the feeling of camaraderie expressed by Pegg is mutual.

“Mary Lesa brings enthusiasm to every project. As she gains experience, she’ll be a valuable asset to the NCFIL team in advancing food manufacturing in North Carolina,” sars Dr. Aimutis. “She quickly understood where North Carolina could be in relation to food and nutrition technology and how North Carolina can be a dominant national entity in food manufacturing.”