The Regional Industry and Manufacturing Expo (RIME) 2024 kicked off Wednesday at the North Carolina Global TransPark, drawing high school students from across Greene, Jones, Lenoir, and Wayne Counties. The event aims to bridge the gap between students and career opportunities in eastern North Carolina's industrial sector.

Global TransPark Property Manager Amanda Conner, a key organizer of RIME, outlined the event's significance, stating, "RIME came about as a workforce development initiative with multiple parts. The North Carolina Global TransPark and the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region spearhead the event, with numerous vendors and partners contributing to its success."

Conner highlighted the event's growth over the years, emphasizing its role in showcasing career opportunities within the region. "We have students that have come in from Greene County, Wayne County, Lenoir County, Jones County—anywhere between 500 to 600 attendees," she stated.

Conner stressed the importance of informing students about the diverse career pathways available in eastern North Carolina. "We just want to make sure that students know what their career opportunities are here in eastern North Carolina and that they're well-paying jobs right in their backyard," she said.

RIME 2024 provides students with a platform to interact with industry leaders, observe high-tech manufacturing processes, and gain insights into the region's industrial landscape. Supported by Greene County Schools NC, Jones County Public Schools, Lenoir County Public Schools CTE, and Wayne County Public Schools, the expo serves as a crucial link between education and employment in eastern North Carolina.