Henderson Manufacturer StayOnline Earns Governor’s Export Award

Vance County company recognized for growing global sales of specialty power products

Pictured are StayOnline's CEO Daniel Gilbert (left) and CFO Sarah Filippini (right). Raleigh, N.C., February 27, 2026.

HENDERSON, N.C. — The Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission (HVCEDC) congratulates StayOnline on receiving the 2025 Rural Business Export Award at this year’s Governor’s Export Awards, presented by Governor Josh Stein and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).

StayOnline, located in Henderson, is a global supplier and manufacturer of specialty power cords and connectivity solutions for data centers and industrial markets. Founded in 1987, the company 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.

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.

“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.”

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.

View EDPNC’s Press Release: North Carolina companies recognized for trade excellence by Governor Stein, EDPNC

About StayOnline: StayOnline is a Henderson, North Carolina-based manufacturer and global distributor of specialty power cords and connectivity solutions for data centers and industrial markets. Founded in 1987 and ISO 9001:2015 certified, the company offers custom-assembled and molded products with same-day shipping and worldwide reach. Learn more at stayonline.com.

About HVCEDC: The Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission (HVCEDC) is the primary economic development agency serving Vance County and the City of Henderson, NC. The Commission works to attract new investment, support existing businesses, and position Vance County as a competitive location for business and quality of life. Learn more at vancecountyedc.com.

About EDPNC: The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is a public-private partnership that assists businesses looking to start, grow, or relocate in North Carolina. The organization provides support across international trade, small business development, and business recruitment. Learn more at edpnc.com.

Contact: Ferdinand Rouse, CEcD  Phone: (252) 492-2094 Email: frouse@vancecounty.org

For more information, you can reach us at 888-346-4688 or by email at sales@stayonline.com.