Harnett Economic Development Corporation celebrates progress

By Staff Report, posted Jul 14, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Last month, the Harnett Economic Development Corporation (HEDC), the nonprofit partner of Harnett County Economic Development, hosted its Annual Board Meeting to reflect on a year of meaningful progress and set priorities for the year ahead.

The HEDC plays a vital role by serving as a development partner to Harnett County through real estate activities, including land acquisition, product development, construction of shell/speculative buildings, property management, marketing and business development. These efforts help ensure Harnett County remains competitive in attracting new jobs, investment and opportunities for residents. Two major initiatives launched this year include:

The Harnett County Jobs Campaign, which aims to create 1,000 new jobs by the end of 2030, offering wages at or above 125% of the County’s average, as set by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.
The Industrial Land Program, which includes collaborating with private landowners to complete due diligence on their property in an effort to transition their available land to a market-ready site for industrial users, advancing at least one site to market through the Jobs Campaign.

“HEDC is a vital partner in our mission to spur private sector investment that yields new jobs with better than average wages for Harnett County residents,” added Barrington in a press release. “Their leadership and support help us focus on the County’s unique needs and growth opportunities through product development and business attraction initiatives.”

Real Estate Activities

In 2024, HEDC secured $547,885 from the Golden LEAF Foundation’s SITE Program to clear and grade a site at Edgerton Industrial Park. Engineering design has been completed on Site 1, with clearing and grading to be completed in fall 2025. Located in Dunn, Edgerton Industrial Park is less than 1.5 miles from I-95 at Exit 71 and within 10 minutes of the I-95/I-40 interchange, making it an ideal location for industrial users.

Brightwater Business Park has been a focus of HEDC as well. Currently, HEDC is coordinating with property owners the creation of Brightwater Property Owners Association (POA), which will put in place a professional association management group to work with owners to maintain an attractive business park.

HEDC is working with the Town of Lillington to jointly advocate for the extension of Brightwater Drive to Highway 210.

“We’re working closely with the Town of Lillington to advocate for the Brightwater Drive extension to Highway 210 - a key infrastructure improvement that will support future growth and investment in the area,” said Director of Harnett County Economic Development Stephen Barrington in a press release. “We’re optimistic about the progress we can make together this year.”

Organizational

Earlier this year, HEDC introduced a refreshed brand and logo.

New or reappointed board members for the 2025 - 2028 term are:

Scott Nelson, President of Gould & Goodrich
Cathy O’Dell, Vice President of Member Services and Public Relations at South River Electric Membership Corporation

Officers elected for the 2025 - 2026 term are:

Chair: Jerry Milton, Owner of Southeastern Interiors
Vice Chair: Jeff Whittington, CEO of First Federal Bank NC
Secretary/Treasurer: Phyllis Godwin, Corporate Vice President of The Godwin Group

“I’m honored to serve as Chair and committed to advancing economic development that strengthens our community,” said Jerry Milton, owner of Southeastern Interiors and incoming Chair of the Harnett Economic Development Corporation Board. “By working closely with local leaders, businesses, investors, and private landowners, we’ll create opportunities that drive growth and enhance the quality of life in Harnett County.”

Learn more about the HEDC Board of Directors here, or visit harnettedc.org for more information on economic development in Harnett County.

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