Triangle East Prospers Surpasses $800,000

The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce announced that its Triangle East Prospers campaign has surpassed the $800,000 mark with $853,261 invested—representing 65% of the $1.3 million goal to fund a five-year, public-private initiative focused on regional economic prosperity.

A total of 28 investors have stepped forward to support the campaign, including top-tier contributors such as the State of North Carolina, AdVenture Development, Barbetta, First Citizens Bank of Smithfield, Local70, Duke Energy, Gateway Engineers, Home Masters Termite and Pest Solutions, KS Bank, Partners Commercial Realty (Teresa Daughtry), Armstrong Law Firm, P.A., and The Fleming Family among many others.  It includes a capital grant from the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.

The campaign, which was publicly launched on March 12 at the Selma Civic Center, is scheduled to conclude on May 31, 2025. Campaign leaders expressed confidence that the remaining goal will be achieved in the coming weeks.

“This milestone is a testament to the generosity and foresight of our community,” said Maureen McGuinness, President & CEO of the Triangle East Chamber. “We are incredibly grateful for the 28 investors who have already joined us. Their support not only fuels this initiative but sends a strong signal to others about the importance of this work. I encourage any business or community leader interested in learning how they can help to reach out to me or our Campaign Director, Sean Carroll.”

Designed to address critical regional challenges—including workforce shortages, barriers to talent attraction and retention, and limited resources for business expansion—the Triangle East Prospers initiative aims to develop talent, break down systemic barriers, and grow jobs and investment throughout Johnston County and the broader Triangle East region.

An independent economic impact analysis conducted by Dr. Michael L. Walden projects that the initiative will help fill hundreds of open jobs and drive substantial gains in labor income, personal income, and annual tax revenues. “The ROI identified in this plan is something that should make every business leader sit up and take notice,” said Barbetta owner Ron Hester in response to the findings.

The Chamber and campaign volunteers remain committed to securing the final round of investments and launching the full implementation phase by summer 2025.

To learn more about the campaign or to make an investment, visit the Triangle East Prospers page or contact Campaign Director Sean Carroll at scarroll@gopower10.com.