For most people, an 84-hour certification program sounds like continuing education.
For Sampson County Economic Development Director Ray Jordan, it became an opportunity to sharpen ideas, exchange perspectives with professionals from across North Carolina and further develop a roadmap for the county’s future.
Jordan was recently recognized by the North Carolina Economic Development Association as one of 12 professionals statewide to earn designation as a North Carolina Certified Economic Developer through a program offered in partnership with East Carolina University and NCEDA. The recipients were honored during the association’s annual conference in Wilmington June 18.
While the certification represents a personal accomplishment, Jordan views it through a different lens.
“It’s really about how we better serve the community,” Jordan reflected. “The program helped me gain additional insight into how we can create opportunities and support economic development across the county.”
The NCCED program is designed to provide practical knowledge for economic development professionals, elected officials, business leaders and others involved in economic growth initiatives. Participants complete approximately 84 hours of coursework covering topics ranging from traditional economic development and entrepreneurship to research, data analysis, marketing and site development before finishing with a capstone project.
Jordan’s capstone focused on what he believes are some of the most important pieces of Sampson County’s future.
Titled “Driving Growth, Building Opportunity,” the project examined certified sites, speculative industrial buildings, industrial readiness, infrastructure improvements and land-use planning. The recommendations were designed to provide county leaders with potential strategies for attracting investment while preserving the community’s identity.
“I felt like I graduated when it was over,” Jordan joked. “I hadn’t been in school in a long time.”
But beyond the classroom lessons, Jordan said one of the most valuable aspects of the experience came from learning alongside professionals representing communities of all sizes.
Some participants came from large metropolitan areas; others represented counties smaller than Sampson.
Those varying perspectives created discussions that often continued well beyond scheduled class time.
“One of the highlights was getting the opportunity to share with those people and learn what they’re actually doing,” Jordan explained. “It’s one thing for someone to teach you a concept. It’s another thing to hear from somebody who has already done it.”
One example that stood out came from the City of Shelby, where local officials established an ongoing speculative industrial building program.
Jordan noted that hearing firsthand how the initiative generated jobs and expanded the tax base helped reinforce ideas that could potentially work in Sampson County.
In many ways, he believes those concepts are already beginning to take shape.
The county’s recently adopted budget includes funding associated with a proposed shell building at the Clinton industrial park as well as continued engineering and planning efforts tied to the Joe Britt Warren Industrial Park in Newton Grove.
Jordan noted that both projects align closely with concepts explored throughout his coursework and capstone presentation.
“We can all learn from others,” he remarked. “That’s probably the best thing about the program. You hear from practitioners, developers, lawyers, marketing professionals and people who are actually doing the work every day.”
As economic development efforts continue throughout Sampson County, Jordan emphasized that success depends on more than available land and infrastructure.
Relationships matter, communication matters, and partnerships matter.
Jordan pointed to collaboration with municipal leaders across the county, including Newton Grove Mayor Craig Warren, as an example of how shared goals can create momentum.
“What benefits the county ultimately benefits the communities,” Jordan stated. “Creating understanding and maintaining dialogue is critically important.”
He believes building those relationships remains one of the most significant responsibilities facing local leaders.
Whether discussing industrial development, transportation improvements or future land-use planning, Jordan said transparency and trust must remain at the forefront.
“When you can work to create transparency and build trust, that’s one of the most critical things you can do,” he observed.
That philosophy extends to the county’s ongoing efforts surrounding future growth planning.
Jordan acknowledged that growth is coming, but believes residents should have a voice in shaping how it occurs.
A future land-use plan, included as part of current county initiatives, will allow citizens to help guide conversations about development, infrastructure and community priorities.
“If we can gather public input and take into consideration what people value, we can help craft what our community looks like instead of simply reacting to change,” Jordan said.
Perhaps the most powerful lesson Jordan carried away from the certification program is one he shared during his final presentation.
Economic development, he noted, requires patience. Results rarely happen overnight. Projects often take years to materialize.
The groundwork being laid today may not fully reveal itself for a decade or longer.
Jordan referenced a quote he included in his presentation: “Economic development is not a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. It’s a high-stakes race with no finish line.”
For him, that idea captures the reality of the profession.
The industrial parks, infrastructure projects and business investments residents see today often began years earlier through the efforts of leaders whose names may be forgotten by the time success arrives.
Likewise, some of the initiatives now underway in Sampson County may not reach full realization for many years.
Still, Jordan believes the work is worthwhile.
“We’re setting the table for the future,” he reflected. “Some of what we’re doing now, I may never see the final result of in my lifetime. But hopefully the people who come behind us can continue building on that foundation.”
For Jordan, earning certification was certainly an accomplishment.
More importantly, it represented another step in preparing for the long game of economic development — one built on planning, partnerships and the belief that today’s work can create opportunities for generations to come.