April 13, 2025

R-CCC Hosts Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility Peer Exchange Luncheon

 

AHOSKIE, NC –Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) proudly served as the site of the Rural Leaders for Economic Mobility (RLEM) Peer Exchange luncheon on April 9, an event sponsored by ECU Health and hosted in partnership with Hertford County Commissioners and local leaders.
 
RLEM is a groundbreaking initiative of the National Association of Counties (NACo)—an 18-month, 10-county peer-learning cohort designed to empower rural leaders in driving equitable economic mobility. The program connects changemakers across rural America to develop and implement policies that address critical issues including housing and land use, broadband access, infrastructure, workforce development and childcare.
 
The Peer Exchange luncheon was a key moment in a multi-day visit to Hertford County, from April 7 to 10, allowing cohort participants to witness firsthand the region’s innovative approaches to economic development. The event was hosted by Hertford County Commission Chairman Andre’ Lassiter Sr. and Economic Development Director Kelly Bowers.
 
The April 9 luncheon, held on the R-CCC campus, featured a discussion on the theme "Regional Approach to Economic Mobility," with distinguished speakers including:
 

• Dr. Murray J. Williams, President of Roanoke-Chowan Community College
• Hon. Bob Steinburg, former North Carolina State Senator
• Hon. Andre’ Lassiter Sr., Chairman, Hertford County Board of Commissioners
• Hon. Tracey Johnson, Chair, Washington County Board of Commissioners (NC) and Immediate Past President of NC Association of County Commissioners

 
Williams highlighted the college’s role in building a local talent pipeline for high-demand industries.
 
“At Roanoke-Chowan Community College, we believe that education is the cornerstone of economic mobility,” said Williams. “Our programs in Commercial Driver’s License, emergency medical services, nursing and mechatronics are training high school students and under-skilled workers for high-tech, high-skill jobs.”
 
Williams also shared, “We have a partnership that puts Hertford County on the national stage with the U.S. Navy and Newport News Shipyard. Together, we’re building a pipeline for welding and maritime trades, and plan to expand into electrical maritime programs. Another exciting initiative in development is an EMT cadet program, a collaboration with the local high school and county government, to prepare students for careers in one of the fastest-growing, most needed fields in our region.”
 
“These partnerships are not just about programs,” she added. “They represent Hertford County’s shared vision of what’s possible in rural communities when you invest in people, skills and innovation. Our citizens shouldn’t have to leave home to find opportunity.”
 
Former Senator Bob Steinburg and Chairman Andre’ Lassiter Sr. reflected on the critical role of relationships in preserving R-CCC’s legacy.
 
“Years ago, Chairman Lassiter reached out to me because the state was on the verge of closing this college,” said Steinburg. “There were challenges, but he and the commissioners showed up, over and over again, making the case for why this institution had to stay. Their passion and persistence made the difference. We got it done.”
 
“We were 90 percent down the road to closure,” recalled Lassiter. “But I believed R-CCC was too important to lose. We fought for it. And we didn’t fight alone—it was relationships that saved this college. My relationship with Senator Steinburg opened doors. We took our message to Raleigh, met with key decision-makers, and eventually gained strong allies. Current state legislators Senator Bobby Hanig and Representative Bill Ward now champion this institution.”
 
Lassiter added, “To our RLEM cohort, if you take away nothing else from Hertford County, remember this: relationships matter. They’re what turn conversations into coalitions and vision into action.”
 
Hon. Tracey Johnson echoed the importance of trusted partnerships in rural development, noting her own experience in Washington County, also once represented by Steinburg.
 
“That friendship helped turn years of advocacy into real outcomes,” Johnson said. “We recently received a $50 million grant for a new K–12 school—thanks to the combined efforts of our county commissioners, the NC Education Lottery Commission, and support from people like Senator Steinburg. When the Lottery’s revenue spiked, those funds finally came through for rural schools like ours that often get left behind.”
 
Johnson added, “We don’t have a strong industrial base. Our largest employers are the school system and county government. That makes funding a constant challenge. I appreciate what’s happening in Hertford County and thank NACo for this initiative. RLEM gives us a vision—and a voice.”
 
Throughout the visit, participants explored how Hertford County is aligning its economic development efforts with long-term prosperity goals. The exchange emphasized:
 

• Use of community benefits agreements to attract industry in ways that meet local needs
• Effective public-private partnerships and interstate collaborations
• Leveraging cultural and historical assets for tourism and downtown revitalization
• Solutions for overcoming infrastructure barriers to connect residents with high-opportunity industries
• Development of an inclusive community engagement strategy to build trust and drive local support

 
Beyond R-CCC, the cohort visited a range of key community sites and businesses including Nucor Steel, Structural Coatings, Winton River Park, Berry Plastics, Murfreesboro Creamery, Chowan University, and many more – offering a real-world view of Hertford County’s approach to resilience and growth.

 

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243