A local supplier and manufacturer of specialty power cords for data centers and industrial markets has received the 2025 Rural Business Export Award at this year’s Governor’s Export Awards, presented by Gov. Josh Stein and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

Henderson-based StayOnline, established in 1987, has grown from a regional retailer into an internationally recognized manufacturer, holding ISO 9001:2015 certification and serving customers worldwide from its Vance County facility, according to information from the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission.

“StayOnline is exactly the kind of company that makes Vance County special,” said Ferdinand Rouse, CEcD, Director of the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission. “They’ve built a world-class operation right here in Henderson — manufacturing a specialized product, serving a global market, and doing it with decades of expertise. This award is well-deserved, and it’s a reminder that companies that call Vance County home have everything they need to reach customers anywhere in the world.”

The Governor’s Export Awards, now in its ninth year, honors North Carolina companies that have expanded their presence in international markets. StayOnline was recognized in the Rural Business category, which highlights companies based outside major metro areas that have successfully competed on a global scale.

EDPNC’s International Trade team supported 418 businesses across the state in the past year, with nearly half located in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties like Vance County. The company offers custom-assembled and molded products with same-day shipping and worldwide reach. Learn more at stayonline.com.