News & Events

Sampson 360 - Driving Growth. Building Opportunity!

Sampson County, NC - Sampson County Economic Development (SCED) today announced the launch of Sampson 360, a new program, forum, and platform designed to inform, connect, and unite leaders from across Sampson County in support of long-term economic growth and community vitality.

Sampson 360 – with the tagline “Driving Growth. Building Opportunity!” will present events convened and presented by Sampson County Economic Development that will feature curated speaker events, seminars, and educational programs focused on the trends and forces shaping Sampson County’s economic growth, community vitality, and long-term competitiveness.

This initiative is designed to bring together leaders from business, government, agribusiness, education, healthcare, nonprofits, and the broader community to encourage collaboration, shared understanding, and strategic action.

“Sampson 360 reflects our belief that strong connections and informed leadership are essential to economic success,” said Chuck Spell, Chair, of the Sampson County Economic Development Advisory Board. “By bringing diverse voices to the table and providing a 360-degree perspective on opportunities and challenges, we can better align our efforts as we work together to move Sampson County forward.”

Through Sampson 360 events, participants will learn, connect, and collaborate to examine current challenges, anticipate future trends, and develop strategies that drive economic growth, competitiveness, and community vitality. This program is designed to foster cross-sector dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action that supports the long-term prosperity and resilience of Sampson County and its residents.

“Sampson 360 is an important step in strengthening communication and collaboration across Sampson County,” said Allen McLamb, Chair of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners. “By bringing together leaders from business, education, agribusiness, healthcare, nonprofits, and local government, this initiative can help ensure our community is working to enhance economic growth and long-term prosperity for our county's residents.”

Why Sampson 360 Matters

Strong relationships and shared knowledge are critical to building a vibrant, resilient local economy.

Sampson 360 will:

• Bring together leaders across all sectors of the county
• Provide insight into emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Encourage collaboration on strategies to grow businesses, attract investment, and prepare a workforce for the future,
• Strengthen regional leadership and community engagement

The Inaugural Sampson 360 Event - February 10, 2026

The inaugural Sampson 360 event, “Trends to Watch: Preparing Sampson County for Tomorrow’s Economy,” will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Heritage Hall, Sampson County Exposition Center, 414 Warsaw Road, Clinton, NC 28328. Doors open for at 11:30 a.m., and the program begins at 12:00 p.m. The event will feature Ted Abernathy, a nationally recognized expert in workforce and economic development, as the keynote speaker.

Attendees will gain actionable insights on key trends shaping Sampson County’s economic landscape over the next 5–10 years, including workforce development, emerging technologies, entrepreneurial growth, industrial and commercial infrastructure, energy and power considerations, societal shifts affecting quality of life, and economic competitiveness in a changing national and global context. Topics will also include the implications of artificial intelligence and automation, U.S. industrial policy, and using data analytics to guide economic development strategies.

“This session is a must-attend for anyone invested in Sampson County’s economic future,” said Ray Jordan, SCED Director. “Participants will leave equipped with strategies to develop and retain a competitive workforce, attract and grow businesses, prepare sites and infrastructure for future investment, leverage data-driven insights, and strengthen regional collaboration.”

Business leaders, community stakeholders, elected officials, and workforce development partners are encouraged to attend and participate in this forward-looking discussion designed to strengthen Sampson County’s economic leadership and long-term prosperity.

This event is open to the public. Registration is $25 per person and includes lunch. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

Tickets may be purchased by CLICKING HERE. Tickets are available through February 3, 2026, or until sold out.

Download Flyer by Clicking Here

For more information about Sampson 360, or Sampson County Economic Development, please contact:

Ray Jordan, Executive Director

Sampson County Economic Development

910-592-8921

rjordan@sampsonedc.com