Harnett County Economic Development Partnership Holds Inaugural Planning Retreat
Thursday, March 2, 2023
The Harnett County Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors held its inaugural planning retreat in Raleigh on February 23, 2023. This meeting convened to review last year’s progress and unite behind new annual priorities, outlining a plan of action for the coming year.
Among progress made last year was the launch of the Harnett County Economic Development Partnership and Board of Directors that originated from the 2021 Rose and Associates plan, “Strong Roots, Smart Growth.” Other initiatives finalized were the creation of a new website, a feasibility analysis for Edgerton Industrial Park, hiring of a new Director of Economic Development and Marketing Director, and a workforce analysis that defined the Harnett “labor-shed.”
Facilitated by Sanford Holshouser, this retreat is intended to be held each year to foster collaboration and consensus building for Harnett County’s economic development initiatives. This session led to the identification of new annual priorities that support economic development goals within product and workforce development, existing industry support, marketing, quality of life, and organizational sustainability. Participants discussed strategies for promoting the community and adapting to challenges from new growth and demand.
“Thank you to the Harnett County Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors for coming together to create an action plan to move economic efforts forward,” said Chair of the Harnett County Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors, Phyllis Godwin Strickland. “We have fantastic leaders around the table working to attract business and industry to Harnett County, and I look forward to the progress that we will make in partnership with the Harnett County Economic Development team.”
Harnett County is located between Raleigh and Fayetteville, and is one of the fastest growing Counties in North Carolina. The community is home to Campbell University, Central Carolina Community College, and encompasses the communities and growth areas of Angier, Coats, Dunn, Erwin, Lillington, and Anderson Creek. Harnett County works in conjunction with the Harnett County Economic Development Partnership. The Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting the attraction and expansion of businesses creating living-wage jobs and investment.