Harnett County benefits from a thriving economic landscape supported by a robust network of local, regional, and statewide economic development partners dedicated to fostering business growth and expansion.
Local Partner
At the local level, Harnett County's Economic Development team partners with the Harnett Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) to focus on the County’s unique needs and growth opportunities. The HEDC is a 501(c)(3) that works closely with Harnett County Economic Development to support product development and business attraction initiatives.
Board of Directors
Jeff Whittington, Chair*
CEO
First Federal Bank
Jerry Milton, Vice Chair*
Owner
Southeastern Interiors
Phyllis Godwin, Secretary/Treasurer*
Corporate Vice President
The Godwin Group
Jeffrey Dunn*
President
Carolina Fire Protection, Inc.
W. Brooks Matthews*
Commissioner
Harnett County
Scott Nelson*
President
Gould & Goodrich
Townsend Quinn*
Senior Vice President
UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Lewis W. Weatherspoon*
Commissioner
Harnett County
Eric White*
Plant Manager
Boon Edam
Dr. Lisa Chapman
President
Central Carolina Community College
Dr. J. Bradley Creed
President
Campbell University
Dr. Aaron Fleming
Superintendent
Harnett County Schools
Stephen Barrington
Director
Harnett County Economic Development
Brent Trout
County Manager
Harnett County
*Denotes voting members
Regional Marketing Partners:
Regional economic development partners extend their support to Harnett County by leveraging the collective strengths of the broader region. These organizations provide a wide range of services, including marketing initiatives, infrastructure development, and collaboration on economic development projects.
Carolina Core
The Carolina Core is a 120-mile stretch in central North Carolina, extending from west of Winston-Salem to Fayetteville and encompassing Greensboro and High Point. Launched in 2018 by the Piedmont Triad Partnership, this branding initiative spans the U.S. Highway 421 corridor, from Interstate 95 to west of Interstate 77.
Research Triangle Regional Partnership
The Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP) 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. RTRP’s primary goal is to market the region to external audiences on why the Research Triangle Region is the best place to live and do business.
I-95/I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance
The I-95 / I-40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance exists to promote economic growth in Southern Johnston County and Eastern Harnett County. The State of North Carolina, the City of Dunn, and Towns of Four Oaks and Benson have collaborated to pool resources, supporting a dedicated team focused on workforce development, site identification and preparedness, and marketing.
Statewide Partners:
Harnett County’s statewide economic development partners offer comprehensive support to our economic development team by providing access to state-level resources and programs. In addition, they assist with statewide marketing campaigns, large-scale infrastructure projects, and state-administered financial incentives and grants that benefit businesses in Harnett County.
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)
The EDPNC improves the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians by recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting existing employers, assisting companies with international trade, counseling small business and startups, and promoting North Carolina as a tourism destination.
North Carolina Department of Commerce
The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s mission is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for all North Carolinians. To do that, NC Commerce works closely with local, regional, national and international organizations to propel economic, community, and workforce development for the state.