David Hursey (Courtesy photo)
ASHEBORO — David Hursey sees vast possibilities as he takes over as the new Existing Industry Director of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.
“There’s a lot going on here,” Hursey said. “By and large, the county has been well-led. One of the things I want to do is promote the good things that are happening.”
Hursey, who began in the role at the beginning of the year, will lead RCEDC’s Business Retention and Expansion program, addressing industry-specific challenges. He said that’s where most of his energy will be directed, seeking to assist businesses with growth.
“I’m committed to fostering a pro-business environment and ensuring that our industries have the resources and support needed to thrive,” Hursey said.
Hursey fills a vacancy created by Brantley Craft’s departure from the position.
RCEDC president Kevin Franklin said that Hursey’s diverse background and his experience with economic strategy make him a good fit for the position.
With the potential for industrial growth in Randolph County, Hursey said he sees this as a crucial and potentially rewarding time on the business front.
He said he’ll aim to assist in workforce training and be a resource for businesses who need additional employees or, in cases of expansion, more space.
“The goal is to work with businesses that are up and running,” Hursey said. “We want to be there for them.”
Hursey, 46, is from Seagrove, graduating high school from what was then East Montgomery. His background spans to the other side of the country, where he was a member of the Utah’s Economic Response Task Force for Covid-19 and served as a special assistant to the president of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. His roles there included securing state and federal funding for projects and developing programs for industry growth.
“I wanted to be here where I grew up,” Hursey said. “This is an attractive place that I wanted to be a part of.”
