Alsharpresized
Follow Al Twitter Facebook
Email Al Email

Al Sharp

Project Director, FOCUS
BIO

Al Sharp is Project Director for FOCUS, a community-based planning consortium. FOCUS empowers local planning groups, businesses, and civic organizations through data gathering and public input, helping them to zero in on new oppor  

...Read Entire BIO
Economic Development
Sep 24, 2014

Our Region Is Like A Puzzle

Our region is like a puzzle. We need to connect many different pieces to ultimately realize the bigger, better picture for the future. Have you ever tried to put together a 1,000-piece big box puzz ...

Economic Development
Aug 21, 2014

Get To Know The Real Transformers – Some Of The Cape Fear’s Regional Planning Trailblazers

Good things are happening all around our region. It’s true. Some initiatives are more familiar than others, but in addition to the City of Wilmington’s comprehensive plan and New Hanover C ...

Financial
Jul 15, 2014

Three Teachable Moments Are Revealed. The Public Has Spoken About Regional Growth.

In previous Insights, I’ve talked about the importance of regional planning as a critical element for the next 25 years. To ground this policy orientation, FOCUS has been actively seeking public ...

Economic Development
May 21, 2014

Is A More United Regional Approach To Growth And Development Possible? Signs Point To “Yes”

Remember the Magic 8-Ball toy? Ask it a question, give it a shake, and wait for the reply to appear from the murky depths. It seems like we’ve all been asking the Magic 8-Ball a common question ...

Economic Development
Apr 21, 2014

The Case For A Strong Regional Plan

Our Cape Fear Region is in an enviable position. We’re not only experiencing a steady recovery from the 2008 recession, but according to recent trends and predictions, we should anticipate yet a ...

Sss 1462 quest 300x25021
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Jordain 422430214

Turn Culture into Cash: The Secret to Higher Profits

Jordan Cain - APPROVE
Untitleddesign12 101824110415

Tips When Updating Your Business’s Burglar Alarm System

Luke Wheeler - Holmes Security
Untitleddesign13 162533932

Who You Hire to Sell Your Business Might Be the Most Important Decision You Make

Tully Ryan - Murphy Business Sales

Trending News

Tech Wilmington: Upcoming Events Calendar

Staff Reports - May 21, 2025

Next Glass Comes Back For Downtown Refill

Emma Dill - May 19, 2025

Army Corps Recommends Minimum Height For Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Replacement

Emma Dill - May 21, 2025

LS3P Announces Employee Recognitions

Staff Reports - May 20, 2025

Edwards Promoted To City's Corporate Affairs Director

Staff Reports - May 20, 2025

In The Current Issue

CEA Technology Winner: Fintech Firm Illuminates Loan Risks

The company's co-founder and CEO said, “We’re trying to expand the way banks assess credit and do it in a very quick, automated way."...


Catching A Wave Of New Business In Surf City

The largest addition is the 40,000-square-foot High Tides & Good Vibes restaurant and entertainment venue, set to open this fall. It will fe...


Greek Festival Spices Up Event

The first official Wilmington Greek Festival was established 32 years ago when church members Basile Katsikis and John Saris proposed creati...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season