The Battleship North Carolina helps define Wilmington’s brand and is an economic engine, according to the results of an economic-impact assessment. Today (Wednesday), the battleship released highlights of a University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill study on its economic impact. The findings included n the first decade of the 21st century, the battleship is credited with generating $83.5 million in local income; during the same period, the battleship grew the New Hanover County economy by $245 million; and in 2010, the battleship contributed 303 jobs to the county, including more than 250 jobs created through visitors. Read the full report here.