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FY 2026 Year in Review Driving innovation. Building our future.

PittCounty Economic Development

LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP As we reflect on Fiscal Year 2025-26, we proudly present the Pitt County Economic Development Year in Review. The following pages will show the various initiatives, investments, and outcomes that comprise the work of the Economic Development Department. This work is not done alone; we accomplish everything in collaboration with our partners and with the support of our leadership. Various local, regional, and state entities, support organizations, and educational institutions navigate economic development alongside us and help us fulfill our strategic goals. We are most grateful for them and for the ongoing support of our Board of County Commissioners. Based on our Economic Development Strategic Plan, we have made successful strides in our focus areas: BUILT ENVIRONMENT • Continued development and growth of the SelectSite (Farmville Corporate Park and larger PittGreene Industrial Campus) and a $416,000 grant received to complete due diligence • Continued development of the Ayden Rail Site (ElectriCities Smart Site with a nearly completed 100,000 sf pad-ready site) • $2 million in due diligence funds awarded for proposed Pitt County-North Megasite and work awarded through RFQ process to Timmons Group • Led the Site and Building Committee to develop strategy, inventory properties, and advance industrial recruitment and expansion opportunities COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES • Hosted an HR Manager’s Summit and Plant Managers’ lunch with Pitt Community College • Developed and launched the Municipal Grant Program in collaboration with Invest Greenville • Sponsored and participated in Grow Local initiative, led by the Greater Greenville Chamber • Sponsored and participated in Better Skills, Better Jobs Career Fair, led by Pitt Community College MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT • Developed and launched new and improved Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Program • Visited over 50 industries to determine current and future needs • Worked with East Carolina University and Invest Greenville to launch www.encompasssmallbiz.com to support small businesses • Hosted the annual Existing Industries’ Appreciation Event during Manufacturing Week Focusing on these key areas, we continue to position Pitt County to BECOME a standout in our State for growth and success. As we look ahead to the 2026-27 fiscal year, our focus will remain on these areas with an eye towards continuous improvement, proactive engagement, and advancing initiatives and partnerships that further position Pitt County for growth opportunities to better serve our citizens, industries, and community. We embrace the newly adopted Pitt County Strategic Plan and will follow closely the areas in which we can effect positive change and facilitate meaningful outcomes. We are all in this together, and together we are creating a stronger, more resilient, more sustainable future for Pitt County.

kELLY aNDREWS

Kelly Andrews Pitt County Economic Development Director 1

SITE READINESS INITIATIVE Preparing Pitt County’s industrial sites for future investment

What Site Readiness Means Site readiness is the process of preparing properties so they can move quickly when business prospects are evaluating locations. This includes due diligence, infrastructure planning, utility coordination, transportation access, environmental review, and all site development work. Why It Matters Companies looking to expand or relocate often need sites that are ready for fast decision-making. By investing in site readiness, Pitt County can better compete for projects, reduce uncertainty for prospects, and strengthen its ability to attract jobs and private investment. Competitive Advantage Site readiness makes Pitt County more marketable as key questions have already been addressed. Due diligence, infrastructure planning, and strong site information help the county respond more quickly to RFIs, site visits, and project opportunities.

Long-Term Industrial Growth

Site readiness supports long-term growth by building a pipeline of properties that can serve different types of industries. These efforts help position Pitt County for advanced manufacturing, life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare technology, logistics, and other target industries.

Key Properties In The Pipeline

Farmville Corporate Park

Proposed Megasite Industrial Park

Ayden Rail Site

Due diligence investment, site planning, and integration with the broader Pitt-Greene Industrial Campus

Large-scale planning, due diligence funding, and infrastructure coordination for future industrial development

Pad-ready site work, rail access, and multimodal connections that support industrial recruitment

FEATURED SITES

Development Ready Opportunities in Pitt County, North Carolina

FARMVILLE CORPORATE PARK 436 Acres | Greenfield | Farmville, NC

A development ready industrial site now positioned within the broader Pitt-Greene Industrial Campus.

Key Highlights $416K EDPNC SelectSite grant Thomas and Hutton selected for due diligence Part of larger Pitt-Greene Industrial Campus 3.3 miles to I-587 15 miles to Pitt-Greenville airport Largest footprint: 1,000,000 SF buildable

PROPOSED MEGASITE INDUSTRIAL PARK Approx. 3,300 acres | Northern Pitt County

A large-scale industrial site designed to attract advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and logistics investment.

Key Highlights

$2M EDPNC due diligence funding Timmons Group selected for due diligence Working with GUC on infrastructure needs Selected as NC megasite finalist Long-term job creation potential

AYDEN RAIL SITE 374 Acres/ Industrial Zoning/ Ayden, NC

A prime industrial site with on-site rail access, highway connectivity, and shovel-ready potential.

Key Highlights SmartSite Certified On-site CSX rail access Access to NC-11, US 264, and I-587 71 miles to Morehead City Port 15 miles to Pitt-Greenville airport PCC within 5 miles; ECU within 12 miles

EDPNC: Economic Partnership of North Carolina

TARGET

INDUSTRIES

DRIVING INNOVATION. BUILDING OUR FUTURE Pitt County continues to position itself as a leader in innovation, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and emerging technologies through strategic investment, workforce development, and industry partnerships.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING

OF THE REGION’S GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCT

PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING EMPLOYEES

KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS

WHY IT MATTERS

24%

2,400+

Chemicals & Plastics (Pharma)

For more than 50 years, partners throughout Pitt County have worked to build a strong biopharma ecosystem, supporting critical pharmaceutical production and a highly specialized workforce.

Machinery & Metals Marine Manufacturing Wood & paper products

INNOVATION & LONG-TERM GROWTH

MEDICAL DEVICES & SUPPLIES GROWING INDUSTRY CLUSTER

GREENVILLE’S TECH MOMENTUM Valicy, formerly Grover Gaming, is continuing to expand its footprint and investment in Ayden, with new construction totaling 40 million in capital investment and creating 200 jobs.

REGIONAL ADVANTAGES Nipro Medical is continuing construction on its first North American location in Greenville, bringing an investment of $397 million and creating 232 jobs over the next five years.

THE IMPACT

by the numbers 7,000+

$62,457

5.6%

$79,210

PEOPLE WORKING IN MANUFACTURING IN PITT COUNTY

AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE IN PITT COUNTY

AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE GROWTH IN PITT COUNTY

AVERAGE MANUFACTURING WAGE IN PITT COUNTY 4

EXISTING INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT Pitt County continues to benefit from strong partnerships with existing industries that invest in our communities, create quality jobs, and drive long-term economic vitality. $10 MILLION INVESTMENT 35,000 SQUARE-FOOT MANUFACTURING FACILITY 30-50 NEW JOBS PLANNED FARMVILLE INDUSTRIAL PARK

THE ROBERTS COMPANY

Expanding Operations in Farmville

For nearly 50 years, The Roberts Company has been a cornerstone of Pitt County’s manufacturing and construction industry. In 2026, the company broke ground on a new $10 million manufacturing facility in Farmville, marking a significant expansion of its operations and long-term commitment to the region. They are also continuing operations at their Winterville location.

IMPACT

Expansion of 50year company Increased manufacturing capacity New employment opportunities Investment in rural Pitt County

The new facility will support the production of cooling water vessels and provide additional capacity to meet growing customer demand. Company leaders cited the area’s skilled workforce, strategic location, and strong business climate as key factors in selecting Farmville for expansion.

NEW NORTH AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS EXPANDED MANUFACTURING CAPACITY $10.5 MILLION EXPANSION 21 NEW JOBS

CHRISTEYNS NORTH AMERICA

Innovation Through Investment

Christeyns North America celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility, bringing administrative, research, and production operations together under one roof for the first time in company history. The investment significantly expands manufacturing capacity, strengthens product development efforts, and introduces advanced quality-control systems designed to better serve customers across North America. The facility also reinforces Greenville’s position as a growing hub for innovative manufacturing and industrial technology.

IMPACT

Unified operational workflow Advanced quality assurance

Accelerated Market Speed Economic and Regional Growth

2025 PITT COUNTY

Industry of the Year Reception CELEBRATING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING

Pitt County Economic Development proudly hosted the 31st Annual Existing Industries Reception in October 2025, recognizing the exceptional contributions of manufacturers that drive economic growth, foster workforce development, and invest in the local community. Held during National Manufacturing Week, the event brought together business leaders, elected officials, and regional partners to spotlight the strength of Pitt County’s industrial base.

SMALL INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR

LARGE INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

NORTH STATE STEEL

BEAST INDUSTRIES

THE HAMMOCK SOURCE

Recognized for its highquality structural steel fabrication, advanced technology investments, employee-owned business model, and continued expansion in Greenville.

Recognized for its major economic impact, global reach, growing entertainment enterprise, and continued large-scale production expansion in Pitt County.

Honored for more than five decades of growth, craftsmanship, and leadership as a globally recognized manufacturer of hammocks and casual furniture.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES RECOGNIZED The reception also celebrated Pitt County industries reaching major anniversary milestones, ranging from 5-60 years of service, growth, and investment in the local community. 6

Existing Industry Events HR Summit HR Manager’s Summit STRONGER WORKFORCE, STRONGER COMMUNITY Pitt Community College’s Business and Workforce Solutions and Pitt County Economic Development partnered to host an HR Summit, bringing together local industry partners to collaborate on how our teams can best support workforce needs, employee development, and community connections.

Plant Manager’s Luncheon Pitt County Economic Development partnered with Pitt Community College’s Business and Workforce Solutions team for the first Plant Managers Luncheon, an industry-focused event bringing together representatives from more than 15 Pitt County industries. The discussion centered on workforce challenges, emerging needs, and opportunities to strengthen the regional talent pipeline. Through this partnership, local industry leaders were able to connect with workforce resources and partners that support continued growth in Pitt County.

Key Outcomes 15 HR professionals representing local industries Collaborative discussion on workforce needs and talent development Shared strategies to support existing industries and future growth

Focus Areas

Manufacturing Collaboration

Workforce Recruitment and Retention Industry Best Practices Business Retention and Expansion

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Pitt County Economic Development sponsored and supported events that connected residents, employers, and students across the community.

Better Skills, Better Jobs Career Fair The fifth annual Better Skills, Better Jobs Career Fair attracted 1,500 jobseekers. Over 100 employers and educational resource vendors participated, offering on-site interviews and career resources such as professional headshots and mobile career labs. Notably, Boviet Solar utilized the event to initiate hiring for its new Greenville facility.

Small Business Resources Pitt County Economic Development supports ENCompass as a community engagement tool that connects entrepreneurs, small businesses, and aspiring business owners with resources, expertise, and support throughout Eastern North Carolina. By bringing partners and services together in one accessible platform, ENCompass helps strengthen connections, increase awareness of available resources, and support a more collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Grow Local Week Grow Local Week connected over 2,600 Pitt County middle and high school students with 93 local businesses. Students engaged in tours, hands-on activities, and interactions with professionals to explore various career paths. The initiative, a collaboration between the Greater Greenville Chamber, Invest Greenville, Pitt County Economic Development, and Pitt County Schools, aims to inspire and invest in the community's future workforce.

Pitt County Municipal Grant Program Why The Program Matters

Program Snapshot Total Program Funding:

Supports community revitalization and placemaking

$100,000 9 Pitt County municipalities eligible throughout the fiscal year

Improves visibility, infrastructure, and quality of place assets

Invest Greenville Contribution:

$50,000

Helps municipalities advance projects that strengthen local identity

Pitt County Economic Development Contribution:

$50,000

Encourages collaboration between local governments and economic development partners

6 awards made in FY 2026

FY 2026 Grant Awards Town of Bethel

Town of Winterville

Town of Farmville

$20,000

$10,000

Bethel Pitt Stop Mural Project

Marketing Initiative

Wayfinding Signage

Village of Simpson

Town of Ayden

Town of Grifton

$5,500

$5,000

$7,500

Signage

Phase II / mural project

Facade Improvement Program

Impact / Takeaways Grants support visible community improvement projects Funding reaches municipalities across Pitt County Program helps local communities prepare for growth and investment 9

TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE CENTER A Hub for Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Life Sciences

The Technology Enterprise Center (TEC) continues to serve as a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth in Pitt County. The facility brings together businesses, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and organizations in a collaborative environment designed to support new ideas and long-term growth. Housed within TEC, the North Carolina Pharmaceutical Services Network (NCPSN) adds a specialized connection to the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry. NCPSN helps connect companies with expertise, resources, and partnerships that support collaboration and growth across North Carolina’s life sciences ecosystem. Together, TEC and NCPSN represent the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry. From emerging businesses to established companies seeking specialized resources and connections, the facility provides an environment where ideas, partnerships, and opportunities can move forward. As Pitt County continues to build on its strengths in entrepreneurship, pharmaceutical manufacturing, life sciences, and advanced industry, the Technology Enterprise Center remains an important asset in supporting the businesses and innovations that will help shape the county’s future.

TEC SNAPSHOT

TENANTS

NC GRADS2WORK PARTICIPANTS

SQ FT LEASED

3.7K

Fellow Pitt County Economic Development is proud to serve as a host economic development organization for the NCEDA Fellowship Program, cultivating the next generation of economic development leaders across North Carolina.

About The Fellowship The NCEDA Foundation Economic Development Fellowship Program provides North Carolina economic development organizations with the opportunity to host college and university students for a summer fellowship focused on professional growth, hands-on learning, and meaningful project experience. The program strengthens the future of the economic development profession by connecting emerging leaders with organizations across the state. As a host organization, Pitt County Economic Development provided real-world experience through strategic initiatives, community engagement, and economic development projects that support our mission of fostering growth and opportunity throughout Pitt County.

JaKarrie was recognized at the 2026 NCEDA Economic Development Conference for her participation in the fellowship.

JaKarrie Miller NCEDA FELLOW

Pitt County Economic Development Summer 2026

Making An Impact In Pitt County

Supporting Strategic Initiatives Assisting with projects that advance business expansion, workforce development, and site readiness

Engaging our Community Participating in events and outreach efforts that connect local businesses, leaders, and partners Telling Our Story Creating content and materials that highlight Pitt County successes, opportunities, and resources

Building Professional Capacity Developing skills in research, communication, and project management to better serve our community

“This fellowship has strengthened my passion for economic development and confirmed my commitment to creating opportunities that help our communities thrive” -JaKarrie Miller 11

OUR TEAM

Leadership Recognition

in Action

State Leadership & Advocacy Our Assistant Director, Shayla Douglas, MPA, CEcD, represented Pitt County in Washington D.C. She attended the Economic Development Summit, hosted by Senator Thom Tillis and Representative Richard Hudson. The summit brings together leaders from across North Carolina to discuss economic growth, workforce development, and opportunities for communities across the state.

Director Kelly Andrews was named to Business North Carolina’s Power List 2026, highlighting her leadership, influence, and continued impact in advancing economic development across Pitt County.

Celebrating Sustainable Growth

Industry Engagement In May, we were honored to welcome U.S Congressman Greg Murphy, along with representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, for a visit to the Nipro site.

We appreciate the continued engagement and support from our federal partners, and the opportunity to connect them directly with one of our key industry leaders.

Pitt County Economic Development has been honored with the Clean Energy Champion Award at the 11th annual North Carolina Clean Energy Champions event in Greensboro on December 8, 2025. The award, presented by the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE), recognizes excellence in clean energy policy and leadership in economic development.

Investing in Professional Growth The NCEDA Foundation awarded 22 scholarships to help economic development professionals and students across North Carolina grow in their careers. Kelly Andrews received the Presidential Leadership Scholarship and will attend the AEDL (Advanced Economic Development Leadership) program in Fort Worth, TX in November. Shayla Douglas received the IEDC Certification Scholarship. Shayla has since earned her IEDC Certified Economic Developer credential.

Strategic Position Pitt County stands as a strategic player in the BioPharma Crescent, a rapidly growing life sciences corridor in Eastern North Carolina spanning Johnston, Nash, Pitt, and Wilson Counties. The region has become a national center for biomanufacturing through a strategic marketing collaborative, supported by strong life sciences assets.

Industry Momentum

Workforce Pipeline

Infrastructure + Sites

Home to major life sciences and manufacturing leaders, including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, Grifols, and Catalent.

ECU and Pitt Community College help train workers in biomanufacturing, cleanroom operations, pharmaceutical sciences, and quality assurance.

Transportation access, business-ready industrial sites, and strong public-private partnerships position Pitt County for continued recruitment.

Why Pitt County Matters

Greenville houses one of Thermo Fisher’s largest global sterile injectable sites, while a growing cluster of suppliers, contract manufacturers, logistics partners, and workforce programs support the Crescent’s longterm competitiveness.

Outreach and Recruitment Highlights

BioPharma Crescent served as presenting sponsor for Premier NC in April 2026, welcoming key site consultants to Hendersonville to network with economic developers and experience North Carolina’s business climate.

BioPharma Crescent partners attend various events throughout the year, such as BIO 2026, to enhance recruitment efforts. 13

BRE PLAN

Supporting Business Rentention and Expansion in Pitt County

Existing industry engagement, outreach, and expansion activity at a glance

Industry Visits

Signature Events

Industry Visits By Quarter 20

16 14

Active Expansion Projects

BRE HIGHLIGHTS

Conducted 58 existing industry visits to strengthen local business relationships Hosted 3 signature events connecting employers, workforce partners. and community stakeholders Supported 11 active expansion projects in Pitt County

SIGNATURE EVENTS Existing Industry Reception Annual networking event celebrating local industry accomplishments and fostering partnerships among business leaders

Continued collaborative economic development efforts through the launch of our new BRE plan

HR Summit April 8, 2026

Plant Manager’s Luncheon June 16, 2026

Focused summit connecting HR professionals across Pitt County to discuss workforce challenges, talent retention strategies, and best practices

200+ attendees

Gathering of plant managers and operations leaders to share insights on manufacturing trends, expansion planning, and regional economic outlook

15 attendees

SECTOR DIVERSITY

Expansion Activity 11 Pitt County companies were actively expanding operations during FY 2026, reflecting continued confidence in the county’s business environment and workforce

Manufacturing Logistics & Distribution

Food & Beverage

Energy & Renewables

Other

PITT COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 111 S WASHINGTON ST. GREENVILLE, NC 27858 Kelly Andrews - Economic Development Director Shayla Douglas - Assistant Economic Development Director Crystal Melton- Project Manager

252.902.2079