Pitt County Economic Development

Strategic Focus: Collaboration, Support, and Visibility

Pitt County Economic Development’s strategic priorities are built around one core belief: progress happens through strong connections. From supporting local industries to building regional alliances, our efforts are rooted in meaningful engagement, tailored outreach, and shared success.

By collaborating with key economic partners, we develop customized solutions that strengthen business growth, enhance workforce development, and improve infrastructure. These alliances help solidify Pitt County’s position as a regional leader in economic opportunity and investment across Eastern North Carolina.

Our focus on collaboration, visibility, and support reflects a commitment to inclusive growth, open communication, and coordinated action. We work with businesses, partners, and communities across Pitt County and the surrounding region to ensure that each initiative contributes to a more resilient, connected, and prosperous future.

• Empowering Communities and Supporting Local Industry: Learn how we help local businesses grow, strengthen the workforce, and reduce barriers to opportunity.
• Promoting Growth, Success, and Visibility: See how we share Pitt County’s story through marketing, reporting, and community engagement.
• Working Together to Build a Stronger Future: Discover how partnerships drive innovation, align resources, and create greater impact throughout the region.

Pitt County will BECOME more prosperous if we focus on the following: 
Built Environment + Collaborative Opportunities + Meaningful Engagement

Powering Progress Through Sites and Infrastructure

Pitt County Economic Development is preparing for long-term growth by building a strong foundation where people can live, work, and grow businesses. Through targeted site development and infrastructure investment, we help reduce risk for businesses and increase the county’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining industries.

Our efforts are focused on high-priority locations, including Farmville Corporate Park, the Ayden Rail Site, and the Pitt County–North Megasite. These sites are being prepared with essential features such as utility access, broadband connectivity, and transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of fast-moving development projects.

Key Focus Areas

• Strategic Site Identification and Readiness:
  We evaluate, prioritize, and prepare industrial properties to support medium- and large-scale development. This includes conducting due diligence and environmental assessments to achieve shovel-ready certification.
• Growing Business-Ready Sites:
  We invest in priority locations and provide upgrades such as roads, utilities, and broadband to ensure sites are ready for new business opportunities.
• Grant Acquisition and Project Financing:
  We secure funding from local, state, and federal programs, including the Select Site Program, Megasite Fund, and Brownfields Grants, to support long-term site and infrastructure development.
• Property Database Management:
  We maintain a real-time online inventory of available buildings and sites to support Requests for Information (RFIs), consultants, and prospective businesses.
• Public-Private Collaboration:
  We partner with developers, engineers, utility providers, and construction teams to move projects from planning through completion.
• Infrastructure Investment:
  We support upgrades in industrial zones, including water, sewer, electric, and roadway improvements.
• Supporting Active Projects:
  We provide hands-on support for development projects through permitting, planning, and grant compliance to ensure successful delivery.
• Encouraging Innovation and Regional Collaboration:
  We build regional partnerships—such as exploring shared opportunities with neighboring counties—and support entrepreneurship through resources like the Technology Enterprise Center.

Working Together to Build a Stronger Future

At Pitt County Economic Development, we believe that strong partnerships fuel lasting progress. By collaborating with organizations at the local, regional, and state levels, we strengthen our economy, support resilient communities, and create more opportunity for all residents and businesses.

This focus area emphasizes alignment and shared action. We work to reduce barriers, share resources, and combine expertise to support recruitment, workforce development, and industry growth. With a trusted network of partners, we amplify impact and connect Pitt County to broader regional success.

Key Strategies and Actions

• Collaboration With Regional and State Partners: We work alongside partners such as the Greenville ENC Alliance, EDPNC, NC Biotech Center, and Grow ENC to align priorities and support shared goals.
• Custom Business Recruitment: We create outreach materials, coordinate site visits, and work closely with recruitment teams and site selectors to promote Pitt County.
• Leadership and Community Engagement: Our staff represent local priorities by serving on boards and committees including the PCC Board of Trustees and the EDPNC Advisory Council.
• Events and Career Connections: We support and participate in events like the Better Skills, Better Jobs Career Fair and BioVenture Challenge to strengthen links between jobseekers, educators, and employers.
• Linking Education and Industry: We partner with workforce agencies and training providers to develop a skilled talent pipeline and support career pathways in high-demand sectors.
• Joint Marketing and Branding: Through efforts like Grow ENC and BioPharma Crescent, we co-create marketing campaigns that elevate the visibility of Pitt County and highlight regional assets.

Empowering Communities and Supporting Local Industry

Pitt County Economic Development is committed to inclusive growth through active engagement with local businesses, civic leaders, and communities. We focus on supporting existing industries, expanding outreach, and removing barriers to help every part of the county grow and thrive.

Our outreach emphasizes long-term relationship building, especially in rural and historically underserved areas. By listening, responding, and delivering tailored support, we help foster local pride, strengthen the workforce, and drive economic opportunity.

Key Strategies and Services

• Industry Support and Retention: We partner with the Greenville ENC Alliance and others to meet with local companies, address challenges, and connect them with workforce training, grant programs, and additional resources.
• Insight-Driven Outreach: We analyze trends and business feedback to guide services, create new programs, and ensure local businesses stay informed and competitive.
• Workforce and Community Engagement: Our staff serve on advisory boards and host events such as the Manufacturing Week Industry Appreciation Celebration to promote business contributions and advocate for local priorities.

Business Recruitment and Project Development

• Collaborative Project Management: We lead and support attraction and expansion projects with partners like GENCA, EDPNC, and others to deliver measurable results.
• Incentives and Marketing Tools: We create tailored incentive packages and promotional materials to support recruitment efforts and showcase Pitt County’s competitive advantages.
• Site Tours and Information Requests: We manage Requests for Information (RFIs), organize property tours, and provide prompt, professional responses to assist businesses with site selection decisions.

Raising Visibility and Sharing Success

We work to keep Pitt County top of mind for investors, partners, and residents by promoting our strengths, highlighting progress, and maintaining transparency through regular outreach and reporting.

• Marketing and Communications: We continuously update our website, social media, and marketing materials with current data, industry rankings, and success stories.
• Public Engagement: Our team participates in events, forums, and conferences to represent Pitt County and connect with business and community leaders.
• Performance and Impact: We track progress through quarterly and annual reports, using data and results to improve messaging and guide future strategies.

Through meaningful engagement and clear communication, Pitt County Economic Development helps ensure that all communities and industries have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.