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RALEIGH – Ashley Cagle, Assistant Executive Director of Wake County Economic Development, and Ryan Combs, Executive Director or the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, have been named to the top 50 economic developers of 2021.

Cagle also Vice President of the Raleigh Chamber.

The economic development professionals selected for this list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site location consulting industry for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve.

This annual list recognizing North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers is designed to acknowledge the hard work of the top leaders in this field and elevate the conversation around economic development and job creation.

While Ashley has had direct involvement with projects wins creating approximately 13,000 jobs and over $920 million in investments for Wake County over the last five years, she hopes her impact goes beyond the numbers.

“I want our economic development team to be remembered as the team that truly leaned in to ‘prosperity for all,’ and made major strides for our community,” She said. “We are at such a defining moment in our community’s history. Our profile is growing, more companies want to locate here, more people are moving here and ensuring that none of our population is left behind is critically important.”

Ryan Combs, Executive Director or the Research Triangle Regional Partnership, was also named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers this year. Ashley and Ryan work closely to position the Triangle as a vibrant and growing economy.

“Our community was literally built on partnership and collaboration across county lines with the birth of the Research Triangle Park,” Ashley said. “That collaborative spirit has never let up and we see its uniqueness as we interact with other communities and work with businesses from all over the world. It’s a strategic advantage that can’t be duplicated.”

This recognition comes on the heels of North Carolina being named State of the Year by Business Facilities and Raleigh being recognized by Wallet Hub as one of the top state capitals in the country.