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Hertford County is moving forward in all aspects of bettering the quality of life for its citizens and businesses, and building strong partnerships, locally and regionally, is the reason why.

That’s the impression left on a group of visitors from several states who were in Hertford County earlier this week as part of the Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM), a peer learning cohort designed to empower rural leaders in advancing equitable economic mobility.

A defining strength of this cohort, offered through the National Association of Counties (NACo), is the opportunity for leaders to learn directly from peers facing similar challenges, exchanging practical solutions, troubleshooting in a collaborative environment, and witness innovative approaches in action.

Andre Lassiter Sr., chairman of the Hertford County Board of Commissioners, and Hertford County Economic Development Director Kelly Bowers hosted the visitors. Bowers noted that the RLEM group was comprised of county-level and rural engagement leaders from Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Oregon. Jack Callahan, Madelaine Santana, and Patrick Spence of NACo were also part of the group in Hertford County this week.

“Having all these communities visit Hertford County made me realize how far we have come here since 2021 and that we have a strategic path to continue with economic development and economic mobility to keep strengthening the services we provide to the community,” said Bowers.

Lassiter said he had two main takeaways from the cohort.

“Being from a rural area isn’t as negative as some like to make it out to be. It’s up to the leaders of rural areas to make it better or remain stagnant,” Lassiter stressed. “We’re not as bad off as some think we are. Four of our guests live in counties without a hospital. We have a great hospital; plus a growing community health center, a four-year university, and a great community college. And that’s what you see at the tip of the iceberg. Business, industry and our people are the foundation on which we stand.”

Lassiter said that forging strong partnerships within the county, as well as regionally and at the state level have proved successful.

“Partnerships matter,” he noted. “I’ve learned to put politics aside and work with our state leaders, no matter if there’s a ‘D’ or ‘R’ next to their name. They want what I want, seeing Hertford County grow and prosper; seeing Hertford County becoming a destination for new business, big and small, and have a trained workforce to fill those jobs.”

Over the course of two days this week, the out-of-town guests examined how Hertford County used a community benefits agreement to attract industry and drive economic development that aligns with local community needs. They explored effective strategies for public-private partnerships and cross-county and state collaboration.

Along with tours of local industry, schools, and medical facilities, the guests visited Hertford County’s cultural and historical center to identify key opportunities for leveraging county assets in tourism, recreation and downtown revitalization. They also learned effective strategies for overcoming infrastructure challenges to connect residents with key industries, and discovered how Hertford County developed an inclusive and collaborative community engagement strategy to build trust and secure community support.

On the first day (Tuesday), the group visited Nucor Steel and Structural Coatings where representatives of both shared the success stories of their respective companies. Nucor and Structural Coatings have each sparked local and regional economic growth.

The tour visited Winton’s River Park where Bowers gave an update on Hertford County’s approach to economic development with nearby county governments and local industry.

During lunch at the Hertford County Courthouse, the participants listened as state legislative partners discussed support for RLEM and economic mobility in the region.

Tuesday afternoon the RLEM group visited the Berry Global Manufacturing plant near Ahoskie. There they heard Plant Manager Garry Baker on how this site fits into the larger picture of workforce and economic growth in the region.

Afterwards, the group enjoyed snacks and beverages at The Tablespoon in Ahoskie where Melissa Keys, owner of ENC Industrial Supplies, and Ahoskie Mayor Weyling White talked about revitalization efforts in the downtown business district.

Tuesday’s dinner at Beechwood Country Club, sponsored by North Carolina East Alliance and Nucor Steel, featured remarks from Eddie M. Buffaloe Jr., Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, and Reginald Speight, NC Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development. They brought a message on how rural communities can thrive.

Wednesday’s portion of the event began with a tour of Ahoskie Elementary School where the group heard from Dr. Jesse Pratt, Superintendent of Hertford County Public Schools, who talked about how the county’s Board of Education worked closely with the Hertford County Board of Commissioners to secure a $15 million state grant to build the new school.

The busy morning also included tours of Roanoke-Chowan Community Health Center and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital to learn the impact these two these medical facilities have locally and regionally. That impact isn’t solely confined to quality medical care, but also the roles they both play in economic mobility and how they can be tapped to help close infrastructure gaps. LaShun Huntley, CEO at R-C Community Health Center, and Kasey Pearce and Lisa Rushing of Patient Care Services at the hospital, led those respective tours.

The RLEM group were treated to lunch at Roanoke-Chowan Community College. There, R-CCC President Dr. Murray Williams, former State Senator Bob Steinburg, and Lassiter shared stories on how the college overcame several challenges to now serve as the “workhorse for the workforce” both locally and regionally. Washington County Commissioner Tracey Johnson also delivered remarks on economic development.

The group spent Wednesday afternoon in Murfreesboro where they were hosted by the Chamber of Commerce on tours of the town’s historic district and Chowan University. Dinner, sponsored by Structural Coatings and Nucor Steel at Tavern 125, featured remarks from Lassiter, Murfreesboro Mayor Hal Thomas, and Dr. Rosemary Thomas, President of Chowan University.

Stretched out over an 18-month period, the RLEM group will continue visiting other localities in several states.