Pitt County Economic Development

A Thriving Economy Rooted in Tradition and Innovation

A strong agricultural foundation supports expanding opportunities in healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, and small business. With a skilled workforce, strategic investments, and a central location, the area continues to attract growth, innovation, and new careers.

Key Industries Driving Growth

• Healthcare and Life Sciences: Anchored by ECU Health, the region is home to Eastern North Carolina’s only Level I Trauma Center and benefits from cutting-edge research at the Brody School of Medicine.
• Higher Education: East Carolina University and Pitt Community College prepare students for success in business, health, technology, and skilled trades. ECU is a nationally recognized R1 research university, and PCC serves more than 23,000 students each year.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Local industries produce food, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and precision-engineered products, supported by modern industrial parks and customized workforce training programs.
• Agribusiness: Family farms and agritech enterprises continue to evolve through innovation, processing, and rural development initiatives.

Efforts focus on strengthening a diverse economy, expanding the tax base, and improving quality of life through strategic programs and public-private partnerships that create jobs, attract investment, and encourage long-term growth.

• Impact: Since 1987, local initiatives have helped create nearly 16,000 jobs and generate more than $2.9 billion in private investment.
• Property Development: More than 140 acres of industrial property have been developed, including $7 million invested in shell buildings and industrial sites within the past two years.
• Business Incubation: The Technology Enterprise Center (TEC) offers 8,000 square feet of leasable space and houses the NC Pharmaceutical Services Network training center.

Working Together to Build a Stronger Future

Strong partnerships drive lasting progress. Through collaboration with organizations at the local, regional, and state levels, teams across the community work to strengthen the economy, support resilient neighborhoods, and expand opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

This cooperative approach reduces barriers, shares resources, and combines expertise to advance recruitment, workforce development, and industry growth. Together, these efforts amplify impact and connect local success to regional progress.

Key Strategies and Actions

• Regional and State Collaboration: Partner with organizations such as the Greenville ENC Alliance, NC East Alliance, EDPNC, NC Biotech Center, and Grow ENC to align goals and strengthen economic partnerships.
• Targeted Business Recruitment: Develop outreach materials, host site visits, and coordinate with recruitment teams to attract new employers and investment.
• Leadership and Engagement: Represent local priorities on key boards and committees, including the Pitt Community College Board of Trustees and the EDPNC Advisory Council.
• Career and Industry Events: Support initiatives like the Better Skills, Better Jobs Career Fair and BioVenture Challenge to connect jobseekers, educators, and employers.
• Education and Workforce Alignment: Collaborate with training providers to build a skilled talent pipeline for high-demand industries.
• Joint Marketing and Branding: Contribute to regional campaigns such as Grow ENC and the BioPharma Crescent to showcase local strengths and opportunities.

Powering Progress Through Sites and Infrastructure

Long-term growth starts with a strong foundation. Through targeted site development and infrastructure investment, local and regional partners are creating the conditions for businesses to succeed and communities to thrive. These efforts help reduce development risk, expand opportunities, and strengthen the region’s ability to attract and retain employers.

Current priorities include Farmville Corporate Park, the Ayden Rail Site, and the Pitt County–North Megasite. Each site is being equipped with essential utilities, broadband, and transportation access to meet the needs of modern industry and sustainable development.

Key Focus Areas

• Strategic Site Readiness: Evaluate, prioritize, and prepare industrial properties through due diligence and environmental review to reach shovel-ready status.
• Business-Ready Investments: Upgrade roads, utilities, and broadband infrastructure to ensure key sites are ready for new opportunities.
• Grant and Funding Support: Leverage state and federal resources such as the Select Site Program, Megasite Fund, and Brownfields Grants to accelerate development.
• Property Database Management: Maintain a current online inventory of available buildings and sites for consultants, developers, and prospective businesses.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Work with developers, engineers, and utility providers to move projects efficiently from planning to completion.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Support water, sewer, electric, and roadway upgrades in key industrial zones to enhance long-term competitiveness.
• Project Support and Compliance: Assist active projects with permitting, planning, and grant coordination to ensure smooth execution.
• Regional Collaboration and Innovation: Partner with neighboring communities and foster entrepreneurship through resources like the Technology Enterprise Center.

Empowering Communities and Supporting Local Industry

Inclusive growth happens through connection and collaboration. By engaging with local businesses, civic leaders, and community partners, these efforts focus on supporting existing industries, expanding outreach, and removing barriers so every area can grow and thrive.

Long-term relationships—especially in rural and historically underserved areas—remain central to this work. Listening, responding, and offering tailored support strengthen the workforce, build local pride, and expand economic opportunity for all.

Key Strategies and Services

• Industry Support and Retention: Work with partners such as the Greenville ENC Alliance to meet with businesses, address challenges, and connect them with workforce training, grants, and technical resources.
• Insight-Driven Outreach: Use data and business feedback to shape programs, improve services, and help companies stay competitive.
• Workforce and Community Engagement: Serve on advisory boards and host events like Manufacturing Week to celebrate local industry and foster collaboration.

Business Recruitment and Project Development

• Collaborative Project Management: Partner with organizations such as GENCA and EDPNC to coordinate attraction and expansion projects that deliver measurable results.
• Incentives and Marketing: Create customized incentive packages and promotional materials that highlight local advantages and opportunities.
• Site Tours and Business Support: Manage Requests for Information (RFIs), organize property tours, and provide responsive assistance during site selection and project development.

Raising Visibility and Sharing Success

Ongoing communication and collaboration keep the business community connected, informed, and recognized. Sharing success stories and measurable results helps demonstrate progress and inspire continued growth.

• Marketing and Communications: Maintain up-to-date web content, social media, and promotional materials featuring current data, success stories, and project updates.
• Public Engagement: Represent the region at events, conferences, and community forums to strengthen relationships and partnerships.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor outcomes through regular reporting to measure impact, ensure accountability, and guide future strategies.

Through collaboration and consistent communication, every community and industry gains the tools, visibility, and support needed to grow stronger together.