Washington County

• North Carolina STEP (Small Towns Economic Prosperity)
  This is a 3-year project involving ECU's RDI and Center for Survey Research in which personnel are working as "coaches" for Swan Quarter, Plymouth, Columbia and Grifton. This is a Small Towns Economic Prosperity (STEP) demonstration project funded by the NC Rural Economic Development Center. The mission of the STEP project is to help small towns find their economic "niches" and develop plans to capitalize on these areas.
  
  
• Windows on the World
  ECU is partnering with Elizabeth City State University and leading the effort to reinvigorate the Windows on the World Center in Roper, NC. This partnership, through a comprehensive approach to countywide issues, will use faculty, staff and student expertise to address social and economic problems in Washington County--including access to distance education and the internet.
  
  
• Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
  For the purpose of regional planning and administration, the Regional Development Institute has developed a comprehensive database of socioeconomic data in addition to designing and analyzing a survey of regional leaders for the Albemarle Commission.
  
  
• Entrepreneurship Development System
  Regional Development Services is assisting the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center in creating a comprehensive system which will help rural communities develop a range of services for their small businesses, including education and training opportunities, technical assistance, access to capital, and business-to-business networking.
  
  
• Laupus Library Project
  ECU's Center for Survey Research is evaluating medical library services based on the needs of eastern North Carolina medical service providers that utilize the services of the Laupus Library.
  
  
• Roanoke River Partners
  Regional Development Services is assisting the Roanoke River Partners in a study that will review the economic impact and development influence of the Roanoke River.
  
  
• Storm-Water Opinion and Awareness Study
  ECU's Center for Survey Research is working with the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources to evaluate public awareness of storm-water runoff and water quality in regions throughout North Carolina.
  
  
• United Way Partners with Regional Development Services
  Eastern North Carolina United Ways are collaborating with ECU to discuss and act on opportunities and projects that can benefit residents of eastern North Carolina.