Raleigh organizations, entrepreneurs team up for South by Southwest showcase

RALEIGH – Similar size, demographics, technology roots, education and other factors mean that Raleigh – and with it the Triangle region – goes head to head quite often with the city of Austin when it comes to economic projects and recruiting people for jobs. So, as it has several times before, the North Carolina capital will have a major presence in Austin starting this weekend for the annual South by Southwest Interactive Trade Show and Festival.

In the most recent battles, Austin prevailed with Apple, landing a commitment for a new corporate campus and the jobs to go with it, plus a new Army headquarters. And there is a new report from The Wall Street Journal that ranks the Raleigh metro behind Austin for jobs.

But, not giving up all hope, leaders in the Triangle and the state continue to wait to hear if Apple might build a campus in RTP where a big recent land buy has links to Apple and the state saying Apple is still an “active” economic development prospect.

So the Raleigh delegation will be flying the North Carolina flag high in a number of different ways as it has in the past with delegations and speakers lobbying for the Tar Heel state as a place to live and work.

Execs and staff from from Wake County Economic Development, the City of Raleigh and the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau are making the trip with the branding message “Picture Yourself in Raleigh.”

THis mural was created by The Assembly (located in downtown Raleigh), 13 local designers from the team partnered to create the art. The Raleigh Murals Project helped develop the concept in the early stages.

Highlights include a 12-foot tall mural as well as a 10-foot tall “Raleigh” neon sign. The Raleigh display will also offer samples of Trophy Brewing beer and Slingshot Coffee, the organizers say.

“SXSW is an incredible platform for us to share the Raleigh story with a global audience. From an economic development perspective, SXSW offers us the chance to interact with top talent, executive-level professionals, and potential companies and startups looking for a new location,” said Michael Haley, executive director, Wake County Economic Development. “SXSW is a unique opportunity for a dedicated team of partners to share our story and increase awareness of this incredible city.”

Report: Raleigh metro area is No. 6 hottest job market across US

Also on the SXSW agenda are presentations from Tom Snyder, who heads up RIOT, the regional Internet of Things users group, and pharmaceutical exec Cindy Eckert.

The Raleigh team says it will offer live updates from SXSW.