Where Business Meets Opportunity

Stepping into the spotlight driven by strategic planning, key investment and a community-first approach

 

Once seen as a quieter neighbor to North Carolina’s booming Research Triangle, Nash County is now stepping into the spotlight, driven by smart investment, bold planning, and a deep commitment to community. As growth accelerates across the region, Nash County is transforming itself into a destination for innovative industries, thriving neighborhoods, and long-term opportunity.

Since 2020, Nash County has made significant progress on multiple fronts, thanks to a coordinated and collaborative approach across departments, partners, and stakeholders. Among those helping to steer these efforts is Susan Phelps, Economic Development Manager for Nash County. “We consider ourselves a full-service economic development agency,” Phelps says. “We support everything from large industrial projects down to small Main Street mom-and-pop shops.”

Industrial Momentum

Situated just east of Raleigh and Wake County, Nash County is uniquely positioned to absorb the steady stream of growth radiating outward from the Research Triangle. In anticipation, the county has made substantial investments in site development and infrastructure, ensuring it is ready to accommodate both residential expansion and industrial growth.

One of the most notable projects is the Middlesex Corporate Centre, a 300+ acre industrial park located just 25 minutes from downtown Raleigh. “We’ve added acreage and made major investments in road, water, and sewer infrastructure,” Phelps says. “Now that the park is fully developed, companies just have to tap in.”

These efforts are already bearing fruit. The Crump Group, which selected a site in Nash County in 2021, announced an $85 million expansion less than a year later. Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant, a longstanding employer in the region, has invested $580 million in automation and advanced manufacturing upgrades. And LS Tractor, a South Korean company, recently expanded its operations by acquiring additional space across the street from its original location.

“These aren’t just job additions—they’re long-term investments that show staying power,” Phelps notes. “It’s exciting to see both new and existing companies doubling down on Nash County.”

Sector Strategy

Nash County has carefully refined its economic development strategy to focus on four key target sectors: advanced manufacturing, food processing, life sciences, and logistics.

“Our largest employer is Pfizer, and that anchors our life sciences cluster,” says Phelps. The county recently welcomed GXP Storage, a company that provides secure, long-term storage for FDA-regulated products and materials. “That’s the kind of industry we want to see more of here.”

Thanks to major highway access through I-95, U.S. 64 (future I-87), and U.S. 264, the county is also well-suited for logistics and distribution. Marketing efforts through commercial platforms like LoopNet and partnerships with the Research Triangle Regional Partnership have helped drive awareness and interest.

“We’ve been very intentional in marketing to site selectors and industry professionals,” Phelps explains. “Being close to Raleigh gives us a huge advantage, especially since we can offer affordable land and housing.”

Collaboration Fuels Progress

Growth on this scale doesn’t happen in isolation. Nash County has developed a strong network of local, regional, and state-level partners to support its initiatives.

“We work closely with state agency partners, especially for project recruitment and funding programs ,” says Phelps. “Organizations like the Golden LEAF Foundation have also been instrumental in helping us build the infrastructure needed to support growth.”

Nash County’s job-driven incentive programs are tailored to support meaningful employment. “We look at every project individually,” Phelps explains. “If it’s a company that’s going to bring good jobs with livable wages, we’ll work with them on things like reimbursing a percentage of property taxes.”

As a Tier 1 county, Nash County also qualifies for competitive state incentives, adding another layer of attractiveness for incoming businesses.

Retaining Talent Through Local Opportunities

While attracting new companies is a key goal, supporting the existing industry is equally vital. That’s where the Work in Nash initiative comes in.

“Workforce challenges are everywhere right now,” says Phelps. “Our idea was to launch a digital platform that acts as a marketing arm for our workforce partners.”

The Work in Nash platform highlights the county’s four target sectors, highlights local employers, and features high-quality videos that illustrate career progression for an employee. “We’re not just advertising job listings—we’re telling stories,” Phelps says. “We want a recent high school graduate to see themselves building a career here,  whether they plan to go to college or not.”

By driving traffic to employer hiring portals and emphasizing long-term opportunities, the platform helps industries fill workforce gaps while retaining talent in the community.

Housing Demand Spurs Creative Development

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a surge in residential demand, as many sought more space while remaining within reach of the Triangle. Nash County responded with a comprehensive update to its land-use plan, guiding innovative and strategic development.

“National homebuilders are coming in and looking for land to do higher-density developments,” Phelps explains. “We’ve worked with our municipalities and supported both urban and rural housing growth.”

Mixed-use developments, such as Rocky Mount Mills, which transformed an old cotton mill into a vibrant community featuring apartments, commercial space, and rental homes, demonstrate the potential for innovative residential solutions. “They have a waitlist,” Phelps notes. “That’s how strong the demand is.”

Multifamily housing interest is also on the rise, helping the county balance workforce housing needs with the influx of new residents.

Infrastructure and Broadband

As development accelerates, the county is focused on scaling its infrastructure and public services accordingly. This includes expanding sewer and wastewater systems, planning for regional utility needs, and ensuring capacity to serve both industrial and residential sectors.

“Speed to market is everything right now,” says Phelps. “Having shovel-ready sites with infrastructure in place has made a huge difference.”

Access to high-speed broadband has also been a priority. Over the past eight years, the county has pursued public-private partnerships and grant funding to expand coverage in rural areas. “It’s critical for work-from-home residents and education,” she adds. “COVID showed us just how urgent that need is.” In April 2025 Brightspeed was awarded over $11M to expand high-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas of Nash County.

Educating for Economic Impact

Strong economic development requires a strong local workforce, and that starts with education. Nash County benefits from proactive partnerships between Nash Community College, Nash County Public Schools, and regional employers.

“Our community college is phenomenal,” Phelps says. “They create training programs tailored to specific industry needs. And our school system is putting career pathways in place to show students what’s possible here.”

The nonprofit Strategic Twin Counties Education Partnership (STEP) plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. From elementary school career awareness to high school work-based learning opportunities, STEP connects students with industries early and often.

“They’re even putting companies in high school foyers before graduation,” says Phelps. “If a student doesn’t have a plan yet, this gives them one—and helps keep talent in the region.”

Recreation Rising

As the population grows, so does the need for recreation and community connection. Nash County is responding with new parks, upgraded amenities, and its first-ever indoor recreation facility.

“Our parks department has seen a dramatic increase in participation,” Phelps says. “We’ve made investments in ball fields, green spaces, and recreation centers—not just in cities, but in more rural areas, too.”

These recreational spaces are also paying off from a tourism standpoint. Youth sports tournaments now bring in significant weekend traffic, filling hotels, restaurants, and gas stations. “Our local businesses love it,” says Phelps. “These events generate significant tourism revenue, creating a positive economic impact for our county.”

Environmental Readiness

As Nash County charts its next chapter of growth, community leaders are closely monitoring long-term sustainability, encompassing both environmental impact and quality of life. While the county doesn’t yet have formalized green programs or sustainability policies, the seeds are being planted.

“We’re starting to see companies that want to incorporate renewable energy and green operations into their sites,” Phelps says. “It’s something we’ll have to keep thinking about as part of our long-term strategy.”

This shift is being driven by changing market expectations. New and expanding businesses—particularly those in advanced manufacturing and life sciences—are seeking locations that align with their sustainability goals. That means Nash County will need to anticipate future needs related to renewable energy access, carbon reduction, and eco-friendly infrastructure. Although these considerations are still emerging, Phelps believes they represent an essential evolution in site readiness.

“Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business imperative for many of the companies we want to attract,” she explains. “And we’re starting to see that reflected in how they evaluate communities like ours.”

Planning Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Another pressing long-term consideration is preserving the character and identity of the county. As residential and commercial development continues to expand east from the Triangle, Nash County must strike a delicate balance between embracing growth and protecting the rural charm that defines so much of its appeal.

To that end, the county is investing in thoughtful land-use planning, forward-looking infrastructure, and ongoing community engagement to ensure that expansion is measured, inclusive, and strategic. By doing so, Nash County aims to avoid the common pitfalls of rapid suburbanization, such as traffic congestion, overburdened services, and environmental strain, while still offering opportunities for businesses and families alike.

As Phelps concludes, “This isn’t just about what Nash County looks like today. It’s about what we want it to look like ten, twenty years from now—and making sure we’re laying the right foundation to get there.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Nash County, North Carolina

What: A growing, business-friendly community known for its diverse industries, rural charm, and strong commitment to economic development and quality of life.

Where: Eastern North Carolina, just east of Raleigh and the Research Triangle region.

Website: www.selectnashnc.com