RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGION Nash County is the latest member of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership (RTRP), a regional economic development organization in central North Carolina.

It now joins 11 other counties that make up the RTRP, whose primary mission is to market and promote the triangle region of North Carolina nationally and internationally.

“We could not be more excited to have Nash County join the Research Triangle Regional Partnership,” said Ryan Combs, executive director of the RTRP, in a statement. “Nash’s vibrant economy, strong workforce, and strategic location make it an ideal place for businesses, and we look forward to leveraging the resources of the entire Partnership to support the county’s economic development efforts.”

Located just east of Raleigh, Nash County is comprised of 11 municipalities, including Nashville, the county seat, and Rocky Mount, its largest city.

Its business community spans several industries such as food processing, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, distribution and logistics. Several major companies already call the county home, including Pfizer, Honeywell Aerospace and Cummins.

RTRP said it will work closely with Nash’s economic development team and county commissioners to help expand the county’s new and existing industries.

“Nash County is excited to be a member of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership. The county has evolved over the years into an advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical powerhouse which makes it an ideal fit for the Triangle region,” said Andy Hagy, director of economic development for Nash County, in a statement. “Now, the Coronavirus has ignited new industrial market opportunities, and Nash County is beginning to catch the eye of developers and e-commerce businesses. The county’s proximity between the Research Triangle and I-95 corridor, which offers access to major markets from New York to Miami, now stands out as an increasingly important link to the supply chain for food and pharmaceuticals.”