Partner Programs

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is a nonprofit public-private partnership between the N.C. Department of Commerce and private companies throughout the state. The EDPNC serves as the state's economic development organization, in pursuit of job-creation and investment through business recruitment, existing industry support, international trade assistance, small-business start-up counseling and tourism promotion. EDPNC also offers financial incentive programs to help local communities attract and support new, expanding, or relocating businesses. Contact Wendy Worley at 919-707-8136 for more information.

Environmental Stewardship Initiative

DEQ's Environmental Stewardship Initiative is designed to promote and encourage superior environmental performance by North Carolina's regulated community. The ESI promotes and encourages superior environmental performance by North Carolina organizations. This voluntary program was established in 2002 to stimulate the development and implementation of programs that use pollution prevention and innovative approaches to meet and exceed regulatory requirements.

N.C. Department of Commerce

The N.C. Department of Commerce (DOC) is North Carolina’s lead agency for economic, community and workforce development. In partnership with the DOC, RBAC employs an industrial recruiter dedicated to recruiting new recycling industries to North Carolina. Contact Wendy Worley at 919-707-8136 if you are interested in locating your business in North Carolina.

Waste Reduction Partners

Waste Reduction Partners (WRP) is a unique technical assistance program which engages the expertise of retired and volunteer engineers to serve businesses and industries in North Carolina. The WRP conducts onsite waste and energy reduction assessments and provides consulting services to improve efficiency and identify cost-saving strategies. Consulting services are confidential and are provided at no cost to the client, supported through government and utility-sponsored grants. Contact WRP Director Terry Albrecht at 828-251-7475 for more information.

Carolina Recycling Association

Founded in 1988, the mission of the Carolina Recycling Association (CRA) is to conserve resources by advancing waste reduction efforst and promoting the recycling of marketable/recyclable materials across North and South Carolina. CRA offers educational and networking opportunities and encourages public-private partnerships to advance recycling throughout the Carolinas. For more information contact CRA at 877-972-0007.

Polymers Center of Excellence

The Polymers Center of Excellence (Polymers Center) is a Charlotte-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the plastics industry and extending services to plastic recyclers around the state. The Polymers Center provides training, material testing, and technical support to the plastics industry through its state-of-the-art molding, extrusion and testing equipment. Contact the Polymers Center at 704-602-4100.

Small Business and Technology Development Center

The mission of the North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is to provide knowledge, education, and other supportive resources that enable entrepreneurs and small businesses to innovate and succeed. The SBTDC provides counseling services, trainings, and offers online resources to help business owners achieve their goals. SBTDC offices are hosted throughout the state on University of North Carolina system campuses. Visit the website to find a regional office or contact State Director Scott Daugherty at 919-715-7272 for more information.

N.C. Industry Expansion Solutions

Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) is an extension unit of North Carolina State's College of Engineering. Founded in 1955, IES serves industries ranging from manufacturing, healthcare, education and research, government, military, energy and nonprofits to make them more efficient, profitable, environmentally sustainable and globally competitive. IES connects industries from all across North Carolina to research, technology and expertise of NC State, and to one another to foster partnerships and collaboration. Contact IES Services or call 919-515-2358.

N.C. Department of Transportation Resource Conservation Program

The NCDOT Resource Conservation Program encourages the development of the state's recycling industry by promoting the successful development of markets for recycled goods. Part of the mission of the DOT Resource Conservation Program is to provide leadership and expertise in the selection and recommended use of recycled materials to reduce waste and preserve natural resources. Contact Alyson Tamer at 919-707-4806.