The only publication dedicated to business in Onslow County onslowbusiness.com
July 3, 2026 Vol. 3 Issue 7
New JOED CEO Sees Tremendous Opportunity Jacksonville-Onslow Economic Development’s (JOED’s) Chief Executive Officer is ready to “hit the ground running” in her new position. Working remotely from her home in Fargo, North Dakota, for now, Melissa Brandt has begun laying the foundation for her role as JOED’s leader. Brandt says she saw the position with JOED as “a tremendous opportunity to grow.” She believes that the organization and the county as a whole are “ready for strong leadership.” She adds that her approach is aligned well with JOED’s recently adopted strategic plan and sees her work in economic development for the area as “far more than buildings and industrial parks.” Brandt will be relocating to Onslow County by the first week of August. Her son will be starting his freshman year at Appalachian State University in Boone at about the same time so the move will work out well for them both. Brandt says that she is preparing now for her first action steps as the JOED CEO. She explains that her focus will be on “building relationships and collaborations with those key partners and community members in the area.” She emphasizes that it’s critical for her role to “really understand and listen to what the county wants and needs.”
With a background in business and economic development, Brandt says she brings experience in strategic planning, leadership, and communication that will be critical to her position with JOED. Her own business, Ingenious Solutions LLC, has provided many other businesses with the tools they need to be successful.
Jacksonville Assistant City Manager Anthony Prinz, who served on the hiring committee , says that Brandt has “an awesome background and I think she's going to fit in real well.” Prinz says they received 100 applications for the position but that Brandt stood out for the work she has done in Fargo.
Making a difference for businesses in and around the Greater Onslow County area: Jacksonville, Swansboro, Richlands, Camp Lejeune, Holly Ridge, Hubert, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and beyond.
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As the new CEO, Brandt says, though, that her “focus is 100% on JOED and really pouring all my energy and efforts and leadership and expertise into the community there.” Prior to launching her own business, Brandt “spearheaded a comprehensive 4-year revitalization roadmap for downtown Fargo” as their Downtown Community Partnership President/CEO. That position was “all about retention and attraction, both businesses and people,” she explains. Her work involved “retaining the current businesses but also attracting new businesses for economic development to move into downtown.”
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JOED CEO Melissa Brandt Prinz explains that Brandt has “a lot of experience in working with various companies on recruitment and retention. She has experience working with community colleges on the workforce development programs. She actually worked with the hospital up there to help with recruiting talent.” Brandt says she is looking forward to meeting people and to building relationships as part of her new position. She adds that she wants everyone to “come and see me. Come and talk to me. Be a part of the solution. Be a part of the growth. I want to hear feedback.”
Unsung Heroes ..... 2 Networking for Introverts............ 3 County Business Environment ........ 4 Networking Opportunities ....... 5 Pet Care Innovation .......... 6 Walk Through Your Own Front Door .... 7 Stop Hoping, Start Planning ............. 8 Marking Milestones: Jeff’s Burgers....... 9 Business Movements ......... 10 Why Your Review Matters .............. 11 OMH Earns Top Marks ................. 12 State of the Community .......... 12 Consistency Wins .. 13 Filled Croissants ... 14 Training Opportunities ....... 15 Business Over Breakfast ............ 16