Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How did Wilmington’s Investor Buzz In reshape the city’s startup momentum?

Be sure to catch Wilmington Coffee Fest on the Wilmington Patch calendar

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Hello Wilmington! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did Wilmington's Investor Buzz In reshape the city's startup momentum?
  • What Wilmington's police chief says is changing after his first year
  • How a $125K gift will upgrade Wilmington kidney care

Also on today's calendar: Wilmington Coffee Fest and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 86 and low of 65 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Variable cloudiness, temps: high: 86, low: 67.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and warm, with a high of 89 and low of 69 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. NEW's 2026 Investor Buzz In Shines Spotlight on Wilmington Ecosystem (grepbeat.com) — Wilmington's startup scene packed Cape Fear Community College for the 2026 Investor Buzz In, drawing more than 300 founders, investors, and support organizations from across North Carolina. Panels highlighted how the local ecosystem can attract capital, harness AI and life sciences, and grow UNCW-linked innovation, while several Wilmington startups pitched technologies from coastal erosion monitoring to workforce training and health intelligence.
   

2. Wilmington Police Chief Ryan Zuidema on his first year leading the department (whqr.org) — Wilmington's new police chief, Ryan Zuidema, reflects on his first year tackling officer shortages, youth violence, downtown late-night safety, and homelessness while praising the city's recent investment in public safety. He outlines efforts to recruit experienced officers, add social workers, work with downtown bars, and carefully explore surveillance technology, all while trying to rebuild morale and strengthen trust with residents.
   

3. Willie Stargell Foundation gives $125K to support kidney care at Wilmington dialysis center (wwaytv3.com) — Patients receiving dialysis in Wilmington are set to benefit from a new $125,000 gift from the Willie Stargell Foundation to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, funding five dedicated dialysis machines. Raised through a local celebrity invitational, the donation continues a long-running partnership that has now provided more than $1 million for kidney care in southeastern North Carolina.
   

4. Gov. Stein addresses Chemours settlement, Cape Fear Memorial Bridge funding during Wilmington visit (wect.com) — Gov. Josh Stein used a Wilmington stop to discuss a $590 million Chemours settlement that will send millions to local governments, including nearly $23 million for New Hanover County water projects. He also addressed the billion-dollar challenge of replacing the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, as residents push back on a tall fixed span and possible tolls while NCDOT gathers public comments through Oct. 15.
   

5. Popular tourist attractions in the Wilmington area (starnewsonline.com subscription) — From Wrightsville Beach surf sessions to Carolina Beach's boardwalk and Britt's Donuts, this roundup showcases some of the most popular spots locals and visitors enjoy around Wilmington. It also highlights mini-golf courses, Bald Head Island's Old Baldy, downtown riverboat tours, the Battleship North Carolina, and the Cape Fear Museum, offering plenty of nearby ideas for day trips and staycations.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Sr Administrative Assistant, Dean of CTE in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • Lowes Foods posted a job opening for Price Maintenance Clerk PT in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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