Economic Development

The Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions have become a magnet for corporations seeking a combination of business-friendly incentives, a skilled, yet affordable workforce, access to markets, logistical support systems, affordable energy and an attractive living environment for its employees. The Womble Carlyle economic development team is ready to help businesses from across the country and around the world to identify and capitalize on the best opportunities in this region.

Spearheading the team's efforts is former Governor Jim Hunt (NC). Governor Hunt, a 2003 recipient of the Excellence in Public Policy Award, an honor presented by the Committee for Economic Development (CED), has extensive knowledge of North Carolina’s industries and business and regulatory environments which enables our business clients to navigate the location process efficiently and smoothly.

Raleigh member Don Donadio has been involved in economic development and corporate relocation activities in North Carolina since 1976. Don is a member of the Board of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership and the Wake County Economic Development Board and serves as counsel for the North Carolina Partnership for Economic Development. Don is knowledgeable about available incentives and has a record of negotiating advantageous financial arrangements with local and state governmental agencies. He has helped companies acquire industrial development grants and community development block grants for rural industrial sites. Don has assisted national and international companies in the biotech, textile, pharmaceutical, automotive, internet service and manufacturing industries in relocating to North Carolina and other states.

Another key member of the team is Keith Vaughan, Chair of Womble Carlyle's Firm Management Committee. As a member of the Piedmont Triad Partnership, the Winston-Salem Chamber Board and Executive Committee and numerous local and state organizations, Keith effectively mobilizes Womble Carlyle's resources to address specific corporate relocation needs.

Garrett Perdue, resident in our Raleigh office, offers firm clients a unique blend of transactional experience and political awareness. Garrett recently rejoined Womble Carlyle after working with the international real estate services firm, Jones Lang LaSalle, and more recently working for a year on the successful gubernatorial campaign of Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue. Garrett literally grew up in the North Carolina General Assembly building where Governor Perdue served for more than 20 years. Garrett counsels with companies on economic development and government affairs matters.

John Hunter in the Firm's Charlotte office, has served as Director of Economic Development for the two-state, sixteen-county Charlotte Regional Partnership. Fluent in Japanese, John works closely with domestic and international companies seeking to expand or relocate to the Carolinas and the Southeastern United States.

Our South Carolina economic development initiatives are led by Larry Estridge, a member in the Firm's Greenville office. In conjunction with his broad commercial real estate practice, Larry has been integrally involved in coordinating site selection and development and identifying governmental and tax incentives. For over thirty years, he has helped corporate newcomers to South Carolina with the preparation of loan documents in financial transactions secured by real and personal property, and with the negotiation and documentation of commercial leases. Working with Larry is Keith Munson, a recent member of the Governor's transition team, a board member of the South Carolina Public Service Authority and a board member of the Upstate Alliance, an organization dedicated to bringing new companies to the Route 85 corridor between Charlotte and Greenville. Keith brings extensive knowledge of Department of Commerce policies, large-scale electric generation, and state tax incentives to the economic development team.

Atlanta member Steve Dunlevie leads the Georgia arm of Womble Carlyle's economic development team. Steve is a member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce Board of Advisors Economic Development sub-committee and the Georgia Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism, as well as counsel to the Georgia Bankers Association. Under Steve's leadership, the team provides a gateway to the United States for firms looking to relocate from South America and Europe.