GFBJ: You’ve held a variety of impressive positions throughout your career, including account executive with Emsi, director of Business Engagement for the Wake County/ Capital Area Workforce Development Board, director of economic development for the Wake Forest Chamber of Commerce – part of a public-private partnership, funded by the Town of Wake Forest and the business community – and executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. How did you come to work as the executive director of the Sampson County Economic Development Commission? 

BARRINGTON: I had been looking to return to local economic development. Sampson County excited me for multiple reasons, starting with “opportunity.” … An opportunity to be part of a wonderful, rural, community whereby I felt, and continue to believe, that I can use my talents in a meaningful way to further growth and prosperity in Sampson County. 

A second reason is that economic development was (and still is) a high priority for Sampson County Board of Commissioners. Moreover, they had been investing considerable funds each year into an economic development Reserve fund to be used for land acquisition and or new building construction. 

Lastly, I am a country boy at heart and love the great agricultural wealth that is abundant across the county. 

GFBJ: In the time you’ve been in your role, tell me about the economic development you’ve seen in the region. 

BARRINGTON: Regional communities that have realized the greatest economic development successes are those that have available buildings and sufficient infrastructure – municipal water and sewer, natural gas, electricity, and broadband. More and more communities, including Sampson County, have been planful and taking big steps to prepare land and buildings to be more competitive per new business inquiries and existing company expansions. 

Skilled talent (and workforce) is a top variable for companies that are considering the region. This is not new. It is, however, accentuated since COVID came on the scene nearly two years ago. 

GFBJ: What makes Sampson County a good place to do business? 

BARRINGTON: Sampson County, while a small community, has a strong consumer base. Our community also has an appetite for new small businesses, start-ups, restaurants, and family venues such as a bowling alley and skating rink. 

While our community has a population of over 63,000, our regional labor force is more than 430,000 (Source: Emsi 2022 Q1). Sampson Community College and our public school systems are working closely to strengthen our skilled labor force for area business and industry. Moreover, initiatives such as ncIMPACT are influencing and heightening collaboration across multiple organizations throughout the county in an effort to further our community’s skilled and credentialed talent. 

GFBJ: Sampson County’s 2022 State of the Economy event is scheduled for March 3. Can you tell us about that and why it is important to the business community? BARRINGTON: We are pleased to co-host a State of the Economy event with Clinton-Sampson County Chamber of Commerce. We believe this event will provide current, high-level, information pertaining to the economy from a global, national and North Carolina perspective. It is important to stay abreast of such information and emerging trends as a means to better understand our existing business and industry, and as part of business attraction. 

GFBJ: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever receive? 

BARRINGTON: Manage outcomes, not people. 

GFBJ: What advice would you give to a person just starting out in business? BARRINGTON: Be open to learning and growing, and then learning and growing more. Find a mentor. Be outcomes focused, not ego-driven. Be intentional. Don’t wing it. Don’t let the goal of perfection get in your way. 

Know yourself. It is okay for one person to choose to be great at what they do. It is also okay for another person to choose to be good at what they do. Not everyone has the same goals, aspirations, support networks, and environment. Be the best version of you.

Age: 51 

Family: Stacy (wife); Sailor (son); Sadie (daughter) 

Education: BA, Mars Hill College; BS, MPA Western Carolina University Background: Over 15 years of economic and workforce development experiences 

Hobbies: Watching our kids’ athletic events; attending sporting events; spending time with family 

Favorite song: No favorite, though I gravitate to old southern hymns