Charlotte, NC, February 13, 2026
TowneBank has appointed Mark Doughton to its Triad Board of Directors, reinforcing its commitment to North Carolina’s economic growth. The bank’s strong presence in Charlotte showcases a wide range of banking services aimed at local entrepreneurs and small businesses. As North Carolina continues fostering a pro-business environment, initiatives are underway to support small businesses and drive regional prosperity.
Charlotte, NC – The vitality of North Carolina’s economic landscape continues to be shaped by strategic leadership and a commitment to fostering growth. This spirit of enterprise and community involvement is underscored by recent developments in the state’s financial sector, reflecting a broader trend of private investment and seasoned expertise contributing to regional prosperity.
The appointment of experienced professionals to key financial boards across the state is a testament to the robust network of leadership dedicated to propelling economic expansion. Such appointments reinforce the importance of local knowledge and a steady hand in guiding institutions that play a pivotal role in the lives of North Carolina entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Driving Economic Momentum: TowneBank’s Strategic Presence in North Carolina
TowneBank, a prominent financial institution with a significant footprint across North Carolina and Virginia, continues to bolster its leadership with key appointments. The bank has made a strategic move by appointing Mark Doughton to its Triad Board of Directors. This development reflects TowneBank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its regional governance and leveraging local expertise to serve its diverse member base in the fast-growing North Carolina markets.
TowneBank maintains a notable presence in Charlotte, NC, with established branches in Ballantyne, Myers Park, and SouthPark. These locations offer a comprehensive suite of services, including commercial, small business, and personal banking solutions, underscoring the bank’s dedication to supporting the local Charlotte economy. The institution has also been recognized, earning the “Gold” distinction in Charlotte’s Best for two consecutive years.
Mark Doughton: A Record of Community and Corporate Engagement
Mark Doughton brings a wealth of experience and a history of dedicated community involvement to his new role on the TowneBank Triad Board. Previously, Doughton served as a retired corporate executive with Inmar, a data-driven marketing services company based in Winston-Salem. His commitment to community engagement is further evidenced by his service as Assistant Treasurer on the Board of Directors for IFB Solutions, a nonprofit dedicated to providing employment and services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This background exemplifies the kind of seasoned leadership and civic responsibility that is vital for nurturing North Carolina entrepreneurs and ensuring sustainable economic growth across the state.
Charlotte’s Thriving Business Climate and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Charlotte, NC, stands as a dynamic hub for business, innovation, and opportunity, consistently attracting migration and supporting robust job creation. The city’s economic strength is fueled by strategic investments and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, supported by a proactive and business-friendly environment. This environment allows businesses, from established corporations to emerging Charlotte small business ventures, to thrive and significantly contribute to the local economy.
Over the past decade, Charlotte has diversified beyond its traditional financial services stronghold, emerging as a prominent center for technology, energy, healthcare, and logistics. Initiatives like the Charlotte Innovation District foster collaboration among startups, corporations, and research institutions, contributing to the city’s growth as a tech destination. Venture capital investment in local tech firms surged by 19% in 2024, focusing on fintech, cybersecurity, and AI-driven solutions.
North Carolina: A Model for Pro-Business Policies
The broader state of North Carolina consistently ranks among the top states for business, a testament to its commitment to policies that support business expansion and entrepreneurial success. The state’s pro-business environment is characterized by stable regulatory policies and competitive tax rates, including a corporate income tax rate that is among the lowest in the nation and is projected to reach 0% by 2030. Such fiscal policies are instrumental in encouraging both new ventures and established companies to invest and expand within the state.
This supportive ecosystem has led to significant job creation and investment. In the first half of 2025, companies across various industries announced over 23,000 new jobs and $18.9 billion in investment in North Carolina. The state’s ability to attract a skilled workforce and foster a collaborative community spirit are key factors in this continued success, making it a formidable player in the national economy.
Supporting Small Business Resilience and Innovation
Small businesses are the backbone of communities, driving job creation and fostering innovation. In Charlotte, programs such as the Charlotte Small Business Growth Fund offer loans up to $250,000 to underserved businesses, along with connections to free support resources. The Charlotte Center City Small Business Innovation Fund also provides grants to help businesses invest in technology, operations, and training to adapt and remain competitive. However, a recent assessment highlighted that access to capital remains a significant challenge for many Charlotte businesses, with 54% struggling to find suitable funding options.
Despite these challenges, the city and Mecklenburg County actively work to retain thriving companies by connecting them to resources for workforce investment, site identification, and public-private partnerships. This collaborative approach helps ensure that Charlotte small business owners and aspiring North Carolina entrepreneurs have the tools they need to navigate growth and contribute to the region’s overall economic health.
A Future of Continued Growth and Opportunity
The strategic appointment of leaders like Mark Doughton to influential boards, combined with North Carolina’s consistently strong pro-business policies and Charlotte’s vibrant entrepreneurial scene, positions the region for sustained economic growth. The ongoing focus on private investment, innovation, and community support creates an environment where businesses can flourish and individuals can achieve personal and professional success.
As Charlotte continues to evolve as a major economic center, the collective efforts of experienced leaders, supportive policies, and a resilient small business community will be paramount. We encourage all HEREcharlotte.com readers to continue supporting local businesses and engaging with initiatives that drive our city’s economic vitality, helping to ensure Charlotte remains a hub of opportunity for everyone.
Key Features of North Carolina’s Economic Environment and TowneBank’s Role
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| TowneBank Presence | Operates branches in Charlotte (Ballantyne, Myers Park, SouthPark), and expanding across North Carolina. | State-level, Local |
| Mark Doughton’s Experience | Retired corporate executive with Inmar; board service with IFB Solutions as Assistant Treasurer. | Local (Triad/Winston-Salem region) |
| NC Business Climate | Consistently ranked as a top state for business with low corporate tax rates (projected 0% by 2030) and stable regulatory environment. | State-level |
| Charlotte Economic Diversification | Evolved beyond finance to include technology, energy, healthcare, and logistics sectors. | Local |
| Small Business Support | Various programs and funds in Charlotte (e.g., Small Business Growth Fund, Center City Small Business Innovation Fund) to aid entrepreneurs. | Local |
| Investment & Job Creation | North Carolina saw over 23,000 new jobs and $18.9 billion in investment in the first half of 2025. | State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
