Nate Groover, Town of Garner

In this episode of The New Economic Developers on the Block, we sit down with Nate Groover, Economic Development Director for the Town of Garner. Nate brings a unique perspective shaped by years of experience across every level of economic development—state, regional, local, and private-sector—plus a foundation built in the U.S. Air Force.

We explore how those roles shaped his approach to economic development, what it means to “work with what you have,” and how Garner is building momentum through strategic partnerships and community assets. Nate also shares lessons from earning his NC Certified Economic Developer credential, serving on the NCEDA Board of Directors, and making the leap from business recruitment to on-the-ground implementation.

We also cover lighter topics—like stadium hopping with his kids, the search for the best NC BBQ, and a deep love of Seinfeld.

It’s a grounded, funny, and honest conversation about what it takes to grow a local economy—one relationship at a time.

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