IndustryFIRST Overview

Industry

Pitt County IndustryFIRST Program

Pitt County is home to a large group of diverse manufacturers and distributors representing industries in advanced manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The primary goal of the IndustryFIRST program is to help retain and grow nearly 100 existing manufacturing and distribution firms located within Pitt County. The IndustryFIRST program assists businesses in an effort to:

• Keep companies from relocating to other areas
• Help companies survive economic difficulties
• Assist companies with expansions that add new jobs
• Increase company’s competitiveness in the wider marketplace

We work hard to stay informed of the latest market-driven needs of our manufacturers and help them respond by communicating all available public resources. We are committed to helping your industry grow. If you are looking to grow your business, contact our office today for assistance that is competent, confidential, and free of charge.

Information & Advocacy

Industry Visitation and Surveying: PCDC annually visits existing industries and surveys companies on issues that affect their business and the economy.  The information aggregated in a visit allows PCDC to address any concerns that are noted in a visit with prompt follow-up.  The 2009 IndustryFIRST survey results can be found here.

Legislative Research and Advocacy: PCDC researches and disseminates information on legislation important to the industrial community and advocates on issues that are in the best interest of Pitt County citizens and industries.

Manufacturers & Distributors Directory: PCDC maintains a comprehensive directory of all Pitt County industries to use as a buyer/supplier reference guide. If you are a Pitt County manufacturer or distributor and would like to be added to the directory, please email: sjpoag@pittcountync.gov

Technical Assistance

Expansion Assistance: PCDC provides limited training and financial assistance for expansion projects that creates new investment in machinery and equipment and new jobs.

Management Employee Recruitment: PCDC provides printed materials to assist companies in the recruitment of management level employees.  We also provide tours of the county for possible recruits.

Referral Service: PCDC refers industries to proper business service providers and economic allies that can assist industries with business issues.

Retention Assistance: PCDC is committed to the helping your business succeed in Pitt County.  Examples of retention assistance to industries include: transportation assistance, site and building information, infrastructure improvements, and zoning and permitting assistance.

Appreciation

Existing Industries Appreciation Reception: PCDC sponsors an annual event honoring existing industries.

Industry of the Year: PCDC recognizes and awards an industry that has made a significant positive contribution to the community annually at the Existing Industries Appreciation Reception.

Anniversary Awards: PCDC recognizes and thanks local industries for their past, present, and future commitment to the county annually at the Existing Industries Appreciation Reception.

Existing Industry Training Sessions with Local Towns: PCDC initiates conversations with local towns to promote a healthy business environment.

For more information or assistance, contact:

Scott J. Poag, Existing Industries Coordinator

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