Sampson County Economic Development

09/15/2026

It was a great day in Turkey, NC, as we joined Montauk Ag Renewables in celebrating the ribbon cutting of their new facility and their significant investment in Sampson County, an investment that represents innovation, growth, and opportunity for our community.

Montauk has invested approximately $200 million in this project, bringing innovative renewable energy technology to one of North Carolina’s strongest agricultural counties.

The facility takes swine waste and converts it into renewable energy, creating an opportunity to turn an agricultural byproduct into electricity while adding another important component to our local economy.

We appreciated hearing from Randy Barefoot, Director of Community and Farm Relations; Montauk President Sean McClain; and Senator Brent Jackson, who each shared perspectives on the importance of this investment and the opportunities it creates for agriculture, energy, and rural North Carolina.

Projects like this demonstrate what can happen when agriculture, technology, private investment, and economic development come together.

For Sampson County, this is more than a $200 million investment. It is a great example of how innovation and forward-thinking investments can create new opportunities, strengthen our economy, and position our community for continued growth.

Congratulations to the entire Montauk Ag Renewables team, and thank you for investing in Sampson County and North Carolina!

06/25/2026

Sampson County Economic Development is proud to announce that Ray Jordan, Director, Sampson County Economic Development has earned the prestigious North Carolina Certified Economic Developer (NCcED) designation.

Ray was recognized by the North Carolina Economic Development Association (NCEDA) during its 2026 Annual Conference held in Wilmington on June 18, 2026, as one of twelve economic development professionals across North Carolina to complete the certification program this year.

The NCcED Program, offered through a partnership between East Carolina University (ECU) and NCEDA, provides advanced training and practical knowledge in the field of economic development. To earn the certification, participants complete a rigorous 84 contact-hour curriculum culminating with a Capstone Project and Oral Presentation. Courses include business retention and expansion, industry recruitment, innovation and entrepreneurship, data and analytics, organizational management, legal frameworks, and other topics essential to modern economic development practice.

This certification reflects a commitment to professional excellence, continuous learning, and the advancement of economic prosperity throughout North Carolina.

This achievement further demonstrates his dedication to serving Sampson County and ensuring our community remains competitive for future growth.

Please join us in congratulating Ray on this significant professional accomplishment and thanking him for his continued leadership and service to the citizens, businesses, and communities of Sampson County.

Sampson County Government East Carolina University North Carolina's Southeast North Carolina Department of Commerce The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

05/11/2026

The Southeastern Economic Development Commission (SEDC) recently hosted its 58th Annual Meeting, bringing together leaders and partners from across Southeastern North Carolina to discuss regional economic growth, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and collaboration.

The meeting highlighted major regional investments and initiatives supporting economic opportunity across Southeastern NC, including infrastructure projects, EDA funding successes, and the continued impact of the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) SEID program.

Sampson County Economic Development is proud to continue working alongside regional, state, and local partners to support strategic growth and strengthen opportunities for our communities.

We also congratulate Executive Director Ray Jordan on being elected Chairman of SEDC for the coming year.

Learn more about the meeting by visiting: https://www.sampsonedc.com/news-events/southeastern-economic-development-commission-holds-58th-annual-meeting/

Pictured left to right: Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development, NC Department of Commerce; Stephen Barrington, SEDC Secretary/Treasurer, Harnett County Economic Development Director; Ray Jordan, SEDC Chairman, Sampson County Economic Development Director; Gary Lanier, SEDC Immediate Past Chairman; Pamela Bostic, SEDC Executive Director; and Chuck Heustess, SEDC Vice Chairman, BladenCounty Economic Development Director.

05/08/2026

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.

This week (May 4–8), we join the North Carolina Economic Development Association, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, NC’s Southeast Partnership, and our other partners in recognizing Economic Development Week and the ongoing work that helps communities grow, adapt, and succeed. At its core, economic development depends on leadership and involvement—when communities, businesses, and local leaders are actively engaged and aligned around common goals, meaningful progress follows.

In Sampson County, that shared vision is strengthened by those who step forward and stay involved. We collaborate with public and private partners to support existing industries, recruit new investment, prepare competitive sites, strengthen our workforce, and invest in infrastructure that creates opportunity and supports long-term success for our residents.

Economic development does not happen by chance, it requires committed leadership, active participation, and sustained collaboration over time. This week, we are proud to highlight the people, partnerships, and leadership that continue to shape the future of Sampson County.

To learn more about Sampson County Economic Development, visit: https://www.sampsonedc.com/

05/07/2026

Economic Development creates jobs, investment, and stronger communities.

This week (May 4–8), we join the North Carolina Economic Development Association, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, NC’s Southeast Partnership, and our other partners in recognizing Economic Development Week and the ongoing work that helps communities move forward. At its core, economic development is about partnerships, bringing together public and private leaders to create opportunity, attract investment, and support job growth.

In Sampson County, collaboration is what makes progress possible. We work alongside businesses, local governments, educators, and regional partners to support existing industries, recruit new investment, prepare competitive sites, strengthen our workforce, and invest in infrastructure that positions our community for long-term success.

Economic development is not a one-time effort, it is a sustained, coordinated approach that builds momentum over time. This week, we are proud to highlight the partnerships and people working every day to move Sampson County forward.

To learn more about Sampson County Economic Development, visit: https://www.sampsonedc.com/

05/06/2026

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀.

This week (May 4–8), we join the North Carolina Economic Development Association, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, NC’s Southeast Partnership, and our other partners in recognizing Economic Development Week and the ongoing work that helps communities grow, adapt, and thrive. Creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening communities are at the core of what economic development delivers every day.

In Sampson County, this work happens through strong partnerships. We collaborate with public and private stakeholders to support existing industries, recruit new investment, prepare competitive sites, strengthen our workforce, and invest in infrastructure that positions our county for long-term success, all with the goal of expanding economic mobility for our residents.

Economic development is not a one-time event; it is a continuous, long-term effort that can help shape the future of our community. This week, we are proud to highlight the ongoing impact of this work and the partnerships that drive growth and create opportunity across Sampson County.

To learn more about Sampson County Economic Development, visit: https://www.sampsonedc.com/

05/05/2026

𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀, 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀.

This week (May 4–8), we join the North Carolina Economic Development Association, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, NC’s Southeast Partnership, and our other partners in recognizing Economic Development Week and the ongoing work that helps communities grow, adapt, and thrive. Economic development is about creating opportunity, fostering job creation, and encouraging investments that strengthen the places we call home.

In Sampson County, this work is driven through collaboration. We partner with public and private stakeholders to support existing industries, recruit new investments, prepare competitive sites, strengthen our workforce, and invest in infrastructure that positions our county for long-term success, all with the goal of expanding economic mobility for our residents.

Economic development does not happen in isolation or in a single moment, it’s a continuous effort that helps shape the future of Sampson County. This week, we are proud to highlight the impact of our partners and the people behind this important work.

To learn more about Sampson County Economic Development, visit: https://www.sampsonedc.com/

01/23/2026

Now is the time to review your emergency plan. Charge devices, gather flashlights and batteries, and make sure you have the essentials to stay safe during potential outages from heavy snow, sleet or ice. If you lose power, report it via the Duke Energy app, website or by texting OUT to 57801. Duke Energy

01/21/2026

Sampson County Economic Development cordially invites you to attend the Inaugural Sampson 360 Event.

Sampson 360 was developed to address one of the major goals identified within the Sampson County Economic Development Strategic Plan, which is to Connect Sampson County, Municipalities, and Businesses to Advance Community and Economic Development.

Community connection is a key economic development strategy because strong local relationships foster collaboration, trust, and a shared vision for growth. Engaged and connected leaders and citizens are more likely to support local businesses, participate in initiatives, and contribute to a vibrant, resilient economy. Sampson County and its citizens can benefit from stronger governmental, civic, nonprofit organizations, and businesses working collaboratively to achieve a common vision.

Sampson 360 is a key strategy towards the implementation of this high priority goal. SCED is working to be a connector that fosters collaboration between organizations across all sectors. Sampson 360 was developed to offer events and activities to help build community awareness and support.

The Inaugural event, “Trends to Watch: Preparing Sampson County for Tomorrow’s Economy” and will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Sampson County Exposition Center. Your attendance, participation, and support are greatly appreciated.

This forward-looking event will feature Ted Abernathy, a nationally recognized expert in workforce and economic development, who will share practical, market-driven insights designed specifically for business and industry leaders navigating rapid change.

Topics will include:
• Economic competitiveness in a tightening labor market
• The transition of education and training to meet evolving skill demands
• The rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on workforce and productivity
• Accelerated automation in business and industrial operations
• Growing electrical power demand and energy considerations for expansion
• Using data analytics to drive smarter business and investment decisions
• U.S. industrial policy and its potential impacts on local business opportunities

Why attend?
• Gain timely insights to support strategic decision-making
• Understand the forces shaping workforce, technology, and infrastructure
• Learn how these trends will affect growth, site readiness, and competitiveness
• Connect with fellow business and industry leaders

📅 February 10, 2026
⏰ Doors open 11:30 a.m. | Program begins at 12:00 p.m.
📍 Heritage Hall | Sampson County Exposition Center
🍽 Lunch included
Tickets are $25 per person.

Register today, by visiting https://www.sampsonedc.com/sampson-360/

We encourage you to register today and be part of this important conversation about Sampson County’s future.

Sampson 360, is a new initiative launched in 2026 that was developed to inform, connect, and unite leaders from across Sampson County in support of long-term economic growth and community vitality.

01/13/2026

The Sampson County Convention and Visitors Bureau is seeking a forward-thinking, hands-on leader to serve as Director. This position oversees the county’s destination brand and leads the development of marketing initiatives, visitor experiences, and strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate is a creative connector with a strong sense of purpose and vision for community-driven tourism. Visit Sampson NC City of Clinton, NCSampson County Government