Greenville, North Carolina, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Kristen Hunter has been promoted to chief of staff for the Greenville Police Department, marking a significant milestone in her 15-year career in communications. With nearly 12 years as a public information officer, her leadership has positively impacted community relations. Meanwhile, Pitt County recognizes local manufacturing with a proclamation for National Manufacturing Day and Week, highlighting the economic contributions of over 100 manufacturing companies and new job opportunities. Bethel receives a $20,000 grant for murals, enhancing community development initiatives.
Greenville, North Carolina
Kristen Hunter has been promoted to chief of staff for the Greenville Police Department. The position serves as a key adviser to the chief of police, overseeing departmental operations crucial to the functionality and efficiency of the department.
With over 15 years of experience in communications, Hunter has been with the department as a public information officer for nearly 12 years. Chief Richard Tyndall praised Hunter for her leadership and unwavering commitment to the community, highlighting her significant contributions that have fostered positive relations between the police department and the public.
Before her tenure at the Greenville Police Department, Hunter worked in television news for stations in Baltimore and Greenville. She graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in communications (broadcast journalism) in 2010.
Pitt County Economic Development Recognized
In a move to support local manufacturers, the Pitt County commissioners signed a proclamation on September 15 recognizing October 3 as National Manufacturing Day and October 3-10 as National Manufacturing Week. This initiative comes as approximately 7,000 individuals are employed by local manufacturers, who earn an average wage of $78,781.
Pitt County boasts over 100 manufacturing companies, significantly contributing to a gross domestic product (GDP) of $2.1 billion projected for 2024. Recent announcements from Boviet Solar Technology and Nipro Medical Corporation will create over 1,500 new jobs in the region, marking a substantial boost to local employment opportunities.
These manufacturers frequently recruit graduates from training programs at Pitt Community College and East Carolina University, reinforcing the cooperation between educational institutions and industry. Furthermore, the Pitt County Economic Development hosted its 31st Annual Existing Industry reception to celebrate the contributions of local industry to the economy.
Community Development Initiatives
A $20,000 grant was awarded to the Town of Bethel to create murals on the renovated Pitt Stop building. The grant funds were provided by the joint Greenville ENC Alliance/Pitt County Municipal Grant Program. The murals will showcase Bethel’s heritage while connecting to local health care services.
Officials from the Greenville-ENC Alliance and Pitt County Economic Development presented the grant to Bethel Mayor Carl Wilson. Meanwhile, Greenville’s City Economic Development Corp. is concentrating on attracting high-value prospects for economic growth, focusing on opportunities that require less space but generate a significant impact.
The organization currently has 156 active opportunities for prospective projects. Their efforts to improve diversity and support existing businesses include grant programs targeting small, minority, and women-owned businesses. New initiatives include a Micro-Grant program offering up to $5,000 to entrepreneurs and the Rising Star Grant program with awards of $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000 for advanced startups.
Collaboration with organizations like NextGEN, along with educational institutions such as East Carolina University, strengthens Greenville’s startup ecosystem and economic strategy. Greenville’s focus on enhancing its urban environment and planning processes demonstrates a commitment to attracting high-value businesses while improving the overall quality of life.
The Greenville ENC Alliance has gained recognition, receiving three 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards, including the title of Economic Development Organization of the Year, underscoring their community impact and strategic initiatives.
FAQ Section
Who has been promoted to chief of staff for the Greenville Police Department?
Kristen Hunter has been promoted to chief of staff for the Greenville Police Department.
What is the average wage for local manufacturers in Pitt County?
Local manufacturers in Pitt County employ about 7,000 people with an average wage of $78,781.
How many manufacturing companies are located in Pitt County?
There are over 100 manufacturing companies located in Pitt County.
What grant was awarded to the Town of Bethel?
A $20,000 grant was awarded to the Town of Bethel to create murals on the renovated Pitt Stop building.
Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Chief of Staff | Kristen Hunter appointed as Chief of Staff for Greenville Police Department |
| Manufacturing Recognition | Oct 3 recognized as National Manufacturing Day, and Oct 3-10 as National Manufacturing Week |
| Employment | Around 7,000 people employed by local manufacturers |
| Average Wage | Average wage for local manufacturers is $78,781 |
| New Jobs | Over 1,500 new jobs from Boviet Solar and Nipro Medical Corporation |
| Grant for Bethel | $20,000 grant awarded for mural creation on Pitt Stop building |
| Active Opportunities | 156 active opportunities for economic development projects in Greenville |
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Additional Resources
- Upstate Business Journal: Greenville’s Economic Development Arm Aims to Sustain Dramatic Growth
- Reflector: Economic Development Organization of the Year
- WITN: Greenville ENC Alliance Named Development Organization of the Year
- Greenville Online: Economic Development Partners Investments
- Dayton 24/7 Now: Greenville’s Fram Plant Continues Operations
- Wikipedia: Economic Development
- Google Search: Greenville Economic Development
- Google Scholar: Greenville Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Google News: Greenville News
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
