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The Economic Development Quarterly is a communication produced by the Harnett County Department of Economic Development and highlights the latest news and updates on economic growth and opportunity in Harnett County.

July 2024

News and Updates

The Harnett Economic Development Corporation Secures $547,885 Golden LEAF Grant for Site Development at Edgerton Industrial Park

The Harnett Economic Development Corporation has been awarded $547,885 by the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors through their SITE Program - Development.

This funding is a significant step towards developing market-ready sites to attract industry and investment. The award will support various site preparation activities, including clearing, grubbing, grading, and erosion control. It will also cover the completion of a title opinion and utility capacity analysis for a 25-acre site in Edgerton Industrial Park.

Harnett County anticipates that attracting industry to this site will create approximately 80 new full-time jobs and bring in $10 million in private capital investment.

Explore the Fresh Look of Our Newly Redesigned Website!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of Harnett County Economic Development's newly redesigned site. Our goal is to make exploring business opportunities in Harnett County, North Carolina, as seamless as possible.

Learn about the purpose behind the redesign and get an overview of what's new in this blog post.

Visit us at harnettedc.org to see the fresh look and user-friendly design.

Explore our website

Does Your Company Utilize the HRJ? Participate in this Survey!

The N.C. Department of Transportation Division of Aviation is conducting its biennial economic impact study of North Carolina’s 72 public airports. This survey targets companies both on and off of the Harnett Regional Jetport (HRJ) that use the jetport to support their business operations.

By taking the time to participate, you will help the HRJ attract funding for critical infrastructure improvements. The survey is open through July 31.

Complete the survey here.

Economic Development Highlight

An Economic Development Update from Stephen Barrington

On the blog, Harnett County Economic Development Director, Stephen Barrington, explains that while neighboring counties have experienced significant nonresidential growth, Harnett County has lagged behind. However, change is on the horizon.

Historically, the County has lacked the ready infrastructure needed to compete, but strategic steps are now being taken to address this. In Fiscal Year 2025, plans include acquiring land for a Class A industrial park, constructing the first of six Class A industrial buildings, and launching a new program to transition available land into environmentally vetted, market-ready sites.

These initiatives aim to position Harnett County as a key player in attracting business investments and driving economic growth.

Cold Chain Summit 2024: Unlock Cold Value

Stephen Barrington attended the North Carolina Ports' Cold Chain Summit 202 4 in Wilmington on April 18. This event convened industry leaders for a comprehensive exploration of current market trends, consumer behavior, investments in cold storage, the agricultural trade landscape, and other critical topics shaping the industry's future.

RTRP's State of the Region

On May 2, 2024, the Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) held their annual State of the Region in Raleigh. The event brought together business and community leaders to hear and share insights on the economic vitality of our region.

RTRP is an economic development organization sustained by and committed to 14 core counties located in Central North Carolina. The organization serves as a connector between businesses looking to expand or relocate, and the economic development offices, government agencies, and business organizations that support private sector growth.

CCCC's Industry Skills Training Lab Open House

Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) recently hosted industry partners for a tour of the new Industry Skills Training Lab at the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center. This state-of-the-art facility, located on CCCC's Lee Main Campus, is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the modern manufacturing and biotechnology industries.

The lab enables CCCC to provide training solutions that upskill existing employees and attract new talent from the region. Read more about the event here.

Discussing Economic Growth on WPTF Radio with Regional Partners

In June, Stephen Barrington joined Chris Johnson, Director of Johnston County Economic Development, and Reid Williams, President of the I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance, on Michele Woodhouse’s radio show on WPTF Radio.

During the interview, they discussed essential topics such as workforce development, regionalism, collaboration, and the triple helix interactions between academia, industry, and government - all crucial for fostering economic growth.

I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Alliance Partnership Board Meeting

The June 2024 I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance Board Meeting convened regional leaders to hear from Chris Chung, CEO of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC). Chung discussed current trends in state-level business recruitment, expansion, tourism, export support, and small business assistance.

NCEDA's Annual Conference: June 25 - 27 in Wilmington

The North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) held its Annual Meeting, June 25 to 27, in Wilmington. The three-day conference brought together economic development professionals from across the state and featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions that addressed key topics such as workforce development, regional collaboration, and innovative strategies for economic growth. Learn more about the 2024 Conference here.

NCEDA's events and networking opportunities provide the Harnett County Economic Development Team with a chance to learn, collaborate, and foster relationships that will drive North Carolina’s economy forward.

NC Carolina Core Reception at NCEDA's Annual Conference

At NCEDA's 2024 Annual Conference, economic development professionals from the NC Carolina Core, along with team members from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, gathered for an evening reception. This event provided our team with the chance to network and learn from our colleagues. A special thanks to Loren Hill, Carolina Core Regional Economic Development Director, for hosting this excellent opportunity to connect!