Secretary of State, Elaine F. Marshall, Visits Wilkes County
Last week, Secretary of State, Elaine F. Marshall presented at the Stone Center for the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, Women in Leadership event where she shared information related to business growth and resources in North Carolina. During her presentation she highlighted resources such as the Rural Rise NC initiative that provides resources and information to new and or existing businesses such as funding sources, resources, mentors, counselors, and more. She also reported that 2023 is on pace to be the second highest year on record for new business creations for NC.
Following the Women in Leadership event, Secretary of State Marshall visited the NCWorks Career Cetner of Wilkes where she met with center staff and the High Country 
Workforce Development Board Director about events and workforce development activities in the area. Marshall commended staff on the importance of their work as she learned about customer successes, local services, and community engagement activities by center staff.
Elaine F. Marshall became the first woman ever elected to the statewide North Carolina executive branch office in 1996. She also became the first woman ever elected to serve on North Carolina’s Council of State. Secretary Marshall worked as a school teacher, business owner, interior decorator, and private attorney prior to being elected North Carolina’s Secretary of State where she continues her work to serve the community.
