Civil Municipal - April 2024

have gone into promoting the region through the development of television commercials that were broadcast on local channels. “We shot some points of the towns, just kids playing, we got Brock’s Mill Pond just outside of Trenton, which is the county seat, kind of enhancing the environmental aspect of Jones County and how pleasing the aesthetics can be. The rural lands can be a nice place not only to live but to raise a family in a quiet community that is safe for your kids and your family and friends,” Smith describes. “We ran two different commercials, we did one that focused on showing the attractiveness of Jones County, and then another that was more geared towards economic development, showing our industrial park, explaining how close we are in proximity to major highways, ports, larger cities around us,military bases,whatnot,”Bender elaborates. At the end of that, I think the biggest thing for the whole deal was more of the quality of life. It was a morale boost for the county. So many folks around here complimented those commercials and loved seeing Jones County on the big screen.” Additionally, the county maintains a strong presence on social media, primarily through Facebook, with plans to expand to platforms like Twitter for real- time updates, particularly during storm events. Smith boasts, “We’re a relatively smaller county, we have under 10,000 population-wise, and our Facebook page is up well north of 4000 followers now.” He adds that as an older community, there is an understanding that not all residents will use social media platforms. “So, we enhanced the county website as well for those that may need the website online,” he remarks. “The updated version is more 21st century. And it’s advantageous and easy for citizens and residents and even tourists to navigate.” LOOKING AHEAD: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE In 2018, Jones County faced significant challenges due to Hurricane Florence, particularly affecting communities along the Trent River. However, Smith conveys, “We’re pleased that we’re starting to see a lot of residential homes come back to Jones County. Some small parcels are being divided up into 1,2,3, and even 5 or 6-acre lots. Some small subdivisions in place have developed over time and continue to grow. Not only does this drive the tax base up, which is a plus for the county, but it also just boosts the population so that we can grow and hopefully bring more businesses.” As it looks towards continued development, the county is focused on expanding water infrastructure, particularly to service the upcoming industrial park collaboration with Craven County. “We have a new water facility and tower just a mile south from where this County Industrial Park will be, and we will be serving that whole site with water on our end. So, we’re looking at adding two newwell sites to be able to bring water to this park,” says Bender. Moving forward, Jones County intends to maintain its tight-knit and welcoming community, while enthusiastically extending warm hospitality to all who visit. As Bender expresses, “We’re a very welcoming community. We would love for folks to come and visit Jones County.We welcome anyone to YOUR FLEET. OUR EXPERTISE. REDUCE FLEET COSTS AND OPERATING EXPENSES. Harnessing 65 years of expertise with a local presence, our proven fleet programs can help clients save significant capital. Trusted partner of Jones County. Get a free Fleet Cost Analysis: GARRET T GRAFF | (919) 454-0243 115 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 04 JONES COUNTY, NC