RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGION, North Carolina — The Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP), a business-driven, public-private partnership dedicated to keeping the Research Triangle Region economically competitive through business, government and educational collaboration, announced Campbell University and Delta Air Lines as this year’s presenting sponsors for the 2016 State of the Research Triangle Region, which will take place Thursday, May 19.
Campbell University is a major driver of regional economic growth in the Research Triangle region, preparing students to meet the state’s workforce needs of today and tomorrow. In the past five years alone, Campbell University has started five new health degree programs, including opening a medical school and a nursing school.
The university will launch an engineering school in August 2016 that will further entrench Campbell University in the Research Triangle region. The region will provide Campbell engineering students with resources and educational opportunities that will prepare them to make an immediate impact in solving engineering problems even before they graduate.
“We welcomed the opportunity to sponsor the 2016 State of the Research Triangle Region event with open arms,” said Dr. J Bradley Creed, president of Campbell University. “It’s an exciting time to be living, working and learning in the Research Triangle region, where innovation is alive and the economy is only getting stronger. We are honored to be part of this collective experience.”
Delta Air Lines has 60 daily departures at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, making it the largest carrier serving RDU. On May 12, the carrier will add daily, nonstop international service between RDU and Charles De Gaulle (CDG) Airport in Paris. The impact of one international flight on the region has $25 million in net economic spending in the region in just its first year of operation, according to research by Dr. Michael Walden of N.C. State released in October, 2014.
The annual State of the Region updates the public on the economic impact of the region. This year’s theme is “The Region of &,” which showcases the region’s extraordinary symmetry. “The Region of &” theme demonstrates the region’s diverse offerings to area businesses, and its experience in supporting more than just research. The Research Triangle region is an ecosystem that is supportive of all industries and contributes to the growth of diverse companies in both urban and rural settings.
“We couldn’t be more excited about our theme for this year’s State of the Research Triangle Region event,” said Gary Joyner, Chairman of the Board of Directors for RTRP. “‘The Region of &’ perfectly encompasses RTRP’s unwavering support of all industries represented in the region. Campbell University and Delta Air Lines are shining examples of two organizations that have shown an impressive economic impact on our region, contributing to continued growth for years to come.”
The 2016 State of the Research Triangle Region will take place on May 19 from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Conference Center in Durham, North Carolina. Registration opens at 7 a.m. To learn more and to register for the event, visit www.researchtriangle.org/2016SOR.