The NC East Alliance (NCEA) is signaling a significant period of organizational evolution, headlined by the promotion of Steve Bastian to chief operating officer. As the regional economic development organization intensifies its efforts across 29 counties in North Carolina, Bastian’s elevation is intended to bolster strategic priorities and strengthen the connectivity between regional businesses, educators, and community stakeholders.
Bastian, who has spent the last year managing industry relations and business services for the NCEA, brings over two decades of management expertise to the expanded role. His career, which spans both small entrepreneurial ventures and Fortune 500 companies, is characterized by a focus on delivering data-driven, tailored solutions to complex workforce challenges. According to NCEA President and CEO Vann Rogerson, Bastian’s deep regional ties and professional background make him uniquely suited to help the organization scale its impact in a rapidly shifting economic landscape.
## Driving Rural Economic Growth with Targeted Training
Beyond internal leadership changes, the NC East Alliance is actively deploying modern economic development strategies to revitalize rural areas. The organization has secured a USDA Rural Business Development Grant to launch the “ENC Retail Academy,” a 12-month program specifically designed to address the retail sector’s needs in the towns of Ahoskie, Plymouth, and Windsor.
The initiative moves beyond traditional development by leveraging a partnership with Retail Strategies, a firm specializing in market intelligence and economic recruitment. This collaboration provides participating communities with sophisticated tools—including comprehensive market analysis, commercial real estate assessments, and customized recruitment guides—that were previously inaccessible to smaller municipalities. By training local leaders to use this data, the NCEA aims to curb “retail leakage,” where local residents spend their capital outside of their home communities. The organization views this pilot program as a blueprint for long-term capacity building that could eventually be expanded across the entire eastern region.
## Community Revitalization and Infrastructure Investment
Economic development is also manifesting through localized infrastructure improvements, as seen in the Town of Farmville. Through a municipal grant program supported by the partnership between Invest Greenville and the Pitt County Government, Farmville recently unveiled a series of new wayfinding and historic district signs.
While the project may seem modest, it represents a data-informed approach to urban planning and tourism. By implementing strategic signage that highlights shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, the town is effectively “greasing the wheels” of its local economy. Such physical updates help create a cohesive brand identity for downtown areas, transforming them into more navigable and attractive destinations for both residents and visitors. This project serves as a practical example of how local governments can utilize targeted grants to boost foot traffic and encourage extended stays at local businesses.
## Organizational Transitions in Pitt County
As these economic development initiatives move forward, Pitt County Government is also experiencing a shift in its human resources landscape. The county recently acknowledged the career contributions of two long-standing public servants who have officially transitioned into retirement.
Johnnie Barnhill concluded a 24-year tenure with the county, where he served as an Animal Control Officer, while Steven Roman retired after nearly a decade of service as a Public Health Education Specialist. These departures highlight the constant flux of municipal workforces, where institutional knowledge is frequently passed from long-term employees to the next generation of public sector workers.
As the NC East Alliance continues to integrate these diverse programs—ranging from high-level executive appointments and retail recruitment data to localized infrastructure and public sector transitions—the region remains focused on building a resilient economic foundation that supports both long-term growth and immediate community needs.
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